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Caulerpa taxifolia


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Info from Aussie web site. If you have any I would destroy it.

Caulerpa taxifolia Declared a Noxious Species in Victoria

by Dr_DBW

Caulerpa_taxifolia.sized.jpg

Caulerpa taxifolia has now been declared a noxious species in the state of Victoria, effective from the 11th of November, 2004. From this date, a person within Victoria must not be in the possesson of C. taxifolia.

Caulerpa taxifolia, a common macro algae for reef aquariums, is now a noxious species in Victoria.

C. taxifolia has been problematic around Australia and the world in recent years. Some strains can become extremely invasive when introduced into a non-native area, causing major problems to the local marine habitat.

Amnesty

According to the Victorian Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries and Aquaculture web site, an amnesty period has been established - "To allow people to dispose of this species, a 90 day amnesty period will apply from 11 November 2004 to 8 February 2005. During this period, people who possess this species should dispose of it in the recommended manner." Possession of C. taxifolia after this period can incur a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offence and $20,000 for a second offence.

Disposal

Therefore, if you are a reef keeper within Victoria then it is recommended that you destroy any C. taxifolia within your aquarium(s). The recommend disposal method is "putting it, including all roots and substrate media, in a plastic bag, placing the bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours, then disposing of the frozen material in a rubbish bin. Do not release the species by flushing down the toilet or sink or placing in a drain or waterway."

The Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, provides a number to report suspected illegal fishing activities, or noxious aquatic species offences on 133 374 (13FISH) to talk to a Fisheries Officer.

Rest of Australia

Within the state of New South Wales it is also classed as a noxious marine vegetation and has recently been upgraded to a prohibited species (previously it could be kept in a fully contained aquarium). Fines are of up to $11,000 for breaking these rules.

For South Australia, it has been class as a marine pest and it is an offence to import, sell or possess C. taxifolia. Fines of up to $4,000 apply.

Western Australia currently has C. taxifolia listed as a high risk invasive species. It has not to date been recorded within the state. The state of this macro algae within the states of Queensland and Tasmaia, plus Northern Territory, is not known at this time, as currently no mention of it on the government web site (please let me know if you have any information on this). For Tasmania it is not present there currently and isn't currently restricted by quarantine on the state level, but it would be irresponsible to import it.

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