Net Bans Will Stay

Newcastle Herald

Monday May 26, 2008

By DAMON CRONSHAW

THE Department of Primary Industries has failed to find any traces of the noxious weed caulerpa taxifolia in its latest inspection of Lake Macquarie.

But to guard against the weed's return, a ban on net fishing in Chain Valley Bay in south Lake Macquarie will remain.

The weed, discovered in the lake seven years ago, can smother seagrass beds and threaten fish that use the beds as nursery habitats.

A department spokesman said the latest monitoring of the lake for the weed was done on April 21.

"Nothing was found, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's nothing there," he said.

He urged people to remain vigilant about the weed and report sightings immediately.

Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald renewed a net fishing exclusion zone in Chain Valley Bay in February to prevent the weed spreading.

A patch of caulerpa was found in the bay, near Vales Point Power Station, several years ago.

"It was treated immediately, but to be cautious we've maintained a closure in that area so people don't anchor and use nets down there," a department officer said.

Lake Macquarie City Council aquatic services committee sought a presentation from the department "to clarify the status of the weed and the strategy to contain any infestations," committee minutes said. But the department deferred the invitation until 2009 "due to limited staff resources".

CAULERPA TAXIFOLIA

* Bright green seaweed

* Stem can measure more

than one metre long and is

fixed to the bottom by roots

* Feather-like fronds can

be five to 65 centimetres

long

* Can be individual plants

or dense mats

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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