War being raged on aquatic weeds

Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management

Board Animal and Plant Control compliance officer Phil Elso

is concerned about the environmental damage four aquatic

weeds can cause to local waterways.

THE Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board has declared war on four aquatic weeds. Water hyacinth, alligator weed, cabomba and salvina are declared pest plants, which by law, the public has a legal obligation to report.

The movement or sale of these plants can incur fines up to $50,000. These weeds can cause significant environmental harm by spreading to local watercourses and are a cause of concern for the board.

Alligator weed is one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness and economic and environmental impacts. It is especially problematic as it invades land and water, and is extremely difficult to control.

The Board's Animal & Plant Control compliance officer Phil Elson encourages owners of ponds, aquariums and outdoor water features to be aware of the implications of emptying water into local waterways.

He also recommends vigilance when buying pond or aquarium plants that have the potential to be environmental risks.

"Emptying aquariums or pond water into local waterways can have enormous implications for native plants and animals," Mr Elson said.

"As seen with these four weeds, they can choke native plants which provide food sources and habitat for local species.

"We recently confiscated and destroyed a number of water hyacinth plants from commercial premises and private homes in Adelaide's northern suburbs. In previous years, it has also been found in the Adelaide Hills."