More than 100 tonnes (approximately 110 U.S. tons, or about 220,000 pounds)of invasive Frogbit have been removed from properties around Anna Bay in New South Wales, Australia, following the discovery of the first known infestation in the Port Stephens region. Frogbit is a prohibited aquatic weed in New South Wales because of its ability to spread rapidly across the surface of waterways, crowding out native vegetation, smothering aquatic habitat and interfering with drainage.
Managing the infestation has required a coordinated response using multiple control methods. Large quantities of the invasive plant were physically removed, while herbicide treatments were also used as part of the effort to control remaining growth and reduce the potential for the weed to spread. The response demonstrates how an integrated management approach can be valuable when dealing with aggressive aquatic invasive species.
Early detection and continued monitoring will be important to preventing Frogbit from becoming established in the region. The project also highlights the importance of removing invasive plant biomass from waterways while combining appropriate management tools to address regrowth and protect surrounding aquatic ecosystems.