Biosecurity alert - Frogbit
Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is a prohibited aquatic weed that has been found at a number of locations across the Camden Local Government area.
NSW Primary Industries have categorised this plant as prohibited matter within NSW. This means that persons are not legally allowed to deal with this plant (keep, sell, trade or move) in any manner. If seen, the location must be immediately reported to NSW Primary Industries and Camden Council’s Biosecurity Officer.
Frogbit can rapidly invade and smother waterways. Plants can form into large floating mats and Frogbit will grow rapidly across the spring, summer and autumn seasons.
It spreads by seeds and the movement of juvenile plants. This can happen from natural water movements, and general disturbance of the Frogbit mat, such as when equipment such as earthmoving machinery is moved from site to site. However, the most common cause of spread is from illegal dumping of aquarium or pond plants into waterways, and through the transfer to new waterways from boat trailers and irrigation equipment.
Frogbit is a serious biosecurity threat to Camden’s lakes, creeks, dams and the Nepean River, as well as the rest of New South Wales.
Frogbit and the closely related Spongeplant (Limnobium spongia) are both classified as Prohibited Matter under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and heavy penalties apply for dealing with this species.
To report a sighting of frogbit, contact Council's Natural Resource (Biosecurity) Officer on 13 Camden (13 226 336) or email sustainability@camden.nsw.gov.au.