Crime Stoppers SA cracks down on water weeds, water hyacinth and Salvinia species

Crime Stoppers SA is chasing people selling weed – but it’s not the kind of weed you think.

Crime Stoppers SA wants to tackle the illegal trade of aquatic weeds, water hyacinth and Salvinia species.

Police are used to chasing weed dealers, but this time it’s not the kind of weed you’re thinking.

A summer crackdown is being launched on the illicit trade in water weeds that threaten to choke waterways and suffocate wildlife.

For the first time, Crime Stoppers SA has joined forces with the Green Adelaide landscape board and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions to tackle plant pests.

The campaign will replicate a successful one in New South Wales.

Crime Stoppers SA chief executive Nigel Smart said it was an offence to sell water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Salvinia species (Salvinia molesta or Salvinia auriculata) in South Australia.

“These floating weed varieties are most commonly found in backyard ponds because they are hardy and grow quick, but when they are dumped or allowed to spread into our waterways they pose serious harm to our native fish, plants and animals,” Mr Smart said.

“Salvinia species and water hyacinth will block waterways and reduce water quality, which ultimately impacts on outdoor pleasures of South Australians who enjoy getting out into the great outdoors for boating, fishing and swimming.

“People may not know that these floating weeds for sale at their local market or online are actually illegal to sell or trade, so this campaign helps people to identify both varieties and encourages them to share what they know with Crime Stoppers.”

Mr Smart encouraged anyone with suspicions to “take a photo if possible and share that image and any additional information by going to crimestopperssa.com.au”.

Local markets are firmly in the sights of Crime Stoppers SA in this plan to tackle the illegal trade of aquatic weeds, Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Salvinia spp (Salvinia molesta or Salvinia auriculata). Campaign posters, summer 2021-22. Picture: Supplied.

Crime Stoppers NSW ran their campaign last summer with both Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

A spokesman said that while the campaign may not have generated many “contacts”, just a few hot tips could prevent water weeds escaping and causing havoc in the wild.

Both types of water weeds are declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.

Entry of water hyacinth into SA, movement or transport on a public road by itself or as a contaminant, or sale by itself or as a contaminant, are prohibited.

Notification of infestations is necessary to ensure these are destroyed. Landowners are required to destroy any water hyacinth plants growing on their properties.

It is illegal to move or sell Salvinia species in SA and a maximum fine of $50,000 can apply for those caught selling it.

When removed from a backyard pond, Salvinia can be destroyed by being placed in a plastic bag and left in the sun until completely broken down, then placed in the general waste bin (not with green garden waste).