The invasive plant, regarded as one of the most damaging aquatic weeds in Australia, had spread several metres across a semi-rural drain, when it was found and treated by the Water Corporation.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) regional biosecurity coordinator Tim Stevens said the fast-growing plant was a Weed of National Significance and proliferated during the warmer seasons.
鈥淪alvinia forms dense mats that smother the surface of the water,鈥 Mr Stevens said.
鈥淚t can devastate our waterways and cause great environmental damage. It can also damage our agricultural and tourism economies.
鈥淪alvinia chokes irrigation channels, blocks irrigation structures, pollutes drinking water and displaces native birds, plants and animals. Its growth can also prevent recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating.
鈥淚t is great to see a prompt response by the Water Corporation, which reported the weed to DPIRD.鈥
The weed has been sprayed and the remainder will be removed by hand. The area will be monitored to ensure there is no further spread.
鈥淚t is a timely reminder that if people see any unusual plants in a water way, particularly if it is spreading, causing a blockage or congestion, to make a report using the MyPestGuide Reporter app or contact the department,鈥 Mr Stevens said.
Salvinia is a free-floating aquatic fern with slender stems, floating leaves and a root-like structure. The leaves, which float on the water surface, are paired and round-to-oval in shape, with dense, waxy hairs on the upper surface.
鈥淲e also remind people not to empty any aquariums or fishponds into water systems, as they could affect our native aquatic life and fish can spread disease and impact native fish stocks,鈥 Mr Stevens said.
Water Corporation senior environment advisor Sue Stain said a drainage monitoring program had uncovered several invasive vegetation species in recent years.
鈥淲e work closely with DPIRD and other agencies to proactively identify and control weeds which, if left unaddressed, could have serious environmental impacts,鈥 Ms Stain said.
鈥淭his includes invasive species like Amazon frogbit, water hyacinth and the kidney leaf mud plantain, which in the past four years we鈥檝e been able to identify, contain and manage.
鈥淎 healthy drainage network supports healthy waterways generally, so it鈥檚 really pleasing to see this important work having a positive impact.鈥
Any suspected sightings of salvinia or other aquatic weeds can be made via the department鈥檚 MyPestGuide Reporter app庐 via the or or by contacting the Pest and Disease Information service on 9368 3080 or mailto:padis@dpird.wa.gov.au.
