Water spangles (Salvinia minima) is a fast-growing, free-floating aquatic fern that can form dense mats and completely cover waterways. These mats can smother the water surface, outcompete native aquatic plants, reduce food and habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, and reduce water quality by lowering oxygen levels. In NSW it has been found in ponds and aquariums, and could spread quickly if released into waterways.
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority. Found in: still freshwater, slow-moving water, ponds, lakes, canals, swamps, marshes, wetlands, backyard ponds, aquariums.
Control is challenging because plants readily regrow from fragments, so incomplete removal can rapidly re-establish infestations. Preventing spread is critical, particularly by stopping movement of plant material between waterbodies. Ongoing follow-up to find and eliminate regrowth or new plants is important, and combining methods is often more successful than relying on a single approach.
Do not dump unwanted water plants from ponds or aquariums into creeks, dams, or drains. Keep removed plant material contained for disposal.
Skim, scoop, or collect floating plants and ensure all fragments are captured. Contain the material so it cannot wash back into the water.
Re-inspect treated areas and remove or treat any new floating plants. Repeat follow-up actions because fragments can rapidly re-establish.
Mats can smother the water surface, outcompete native aquatic plants, reduce food and habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, and lower oxygen levels, reducing water quality.
Plants spread by fragments and can be transported by boats, vehicles, animals, wind, and moving water, and by inappropriate disposal from ponds or aquariums.
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