Aquatic weed to be eradicated in a Papamoa stream

The Ministry for Primary Industries was working with the Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to help rid an infestation of Salvinia. Photo/ File

An aggressive aquatic weed found in a Papamoa stream is on its way to being contained and eradicated.

The Ministry for Primary Industries was working with the Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to help rid an infestation of Salvinia molesta (salvinia) in the Wairakei Stream.

Salvinia was known worldwide for its fast spread and significant impacts on lakes and waterways.

It formed dense mats on the water surface and had the potential to destroy the habitat of native plants and animals, including native aquatic bird life.

It attracts breeding mosquitoes, removes oxygen from the water, affects recreational activities and creates a drowning risk for people and animals.

MPI said Salvinia had been eradicated from other sites in New Zealand and it was confident the same could be done in Papamoa.

The ministry recognised the importance of talking to local iwi and the community about eradication options as some people may have concerns about this weed infestation, and the process of eradication.

People who believe they have seen Salvinia can contact:

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council on 0800 STOP PESTS (0800 78 67 73) or The Ministry of Primary Industry's pest hotline on 0800 80 99 66.