Noxious weed found in lagoon
Taranaki Regional Council says it has a window of opportunity to contain the spread of ‘‘one of the world’s worst weeds’’ after it was discovered in a Waitara lagoon.
Alligator Weed is a fast-grown pest plant that can grow in sea and fresh water, where it forms floating mats, it can block waterways, aggravate flooding and obstruct access.
A single fragment will re-grow and start an infestation where it falls, and on land, it can out-compete more favourable plants and be harmful to animals.
Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) environment services manager Steve Ellis yesterday said finding the weed in a lagoon near Waitara was disappointing but perhaps inevitable, given it is widespread in neighbouring regions.
‘‘Obviously we didn’t want it in Taranaki, but the fact it’s been found is good news.
‘‘We are hopeful we have identified it relatively early, allowing us a window of opportunity in which to contain its spread. Alligator weed is notoriously difficult and costly to control once it becomes widely established so we’re doing everything we can to prevent that happening.’’
The identification comes after TRC and the Ministry for Primary Industries launched a joint project focusing on pest pathways into the region and the identification of potential new pest species.
The weed was discovered by an eagleeyed local, a sample was taken and sent to Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research which confirmed it was alligator weed.
The council is working with experts to determine the extent of the infestation before making a plan for its control, and Ellis urged people to remain vigilant.
‘‘This example shows just how important community support is for biosecurity. The more eyes we have out and about, the less chance of new weeds being allowed to thrive.’’
Alligator Weed has already appeared in Manawatū, Northland and Waikato where it is threatening to destroy the Whangamarino Wetland near Meremere.