12/10/2024
Our First Ladies of Lake - Salvinia haul. Around ten women and children from around 8-80 got in and made a start on clearing the gunk from the beautiful tea tree lakes. We were there for about 3 hours. Women w**ding in the water. It was beautiful.
I’m hoping people in this group can organise themselves into groups when they have time and find other likeminded women ready to help.
If you don’t know about salvinia, here’s a little info. Salvinia w**d, specifically Salvinia molesta, is an aquatic fern native to South America. It was introduced to Australia in the 19th century, primarily as an ornamental plant for gardens and aquariums. However, it quickly escaped into waterways, where its rapid growth and ability to reproduce vegetatively have turned it into a significant invasive species.
In northern New South Wales, Salvinia poses serious ecological threats. It forms dense mats on the water's surface, which can block sunlight, disrupt photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and deplete oxygen levels in the water. This creates inhospitable conditions for fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to reduced biodiversity. Furthermore, Salvinia can impede water flow in irrigation systems and negatively impact recreational activities like fishing and boating.
Non-chemical removal methods for Salvinia include mechanical harvesting, where specialized equipment removes the plant from the water surface, and biological control, utilizing natural predators such as the Salvinia weevil (Cyrtobagous salviniae) to help manage its population. Additionally, manual removal by hand can be effective in smaller infestations. These methods not only reduce the w**d's presence but also help protect the surrounding ecosystem without introducing harmful chemicals.
We used our hands, collanders, a layer from a worm farm and a pool scoop. It was great having the board so we could work on the other side of the lake for a while then swim it across.
If you missed out, don’t worry. There’s heaps more to do!
