Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum) is a floating water weed with small, round glossy leaves, which grows very quickly, forming dense mats over water bodies.
While frogbit is a prohibited matter in NSW under the Biosecurity Act 2015, it is allowed for sale in Victoria and was being given away at a shop in Echuca over the weekend.
With the close proximity to NSW and the Murray region, residents are being reminded by Murray Local Land Services that this species is a danger to our waterways.
This weed is highly invasive, can potentially clog waterways, killing native fish and plants.
Frogbit forms large dense mats across the water’s surface, blocking waterways and irrigation channels. It can limit recreational activities such as fishing, swimming or boating and has a high potential to be spread by flooding.
Murray Local Land Services regional weeds coordinator Michael Tweedie said if people had frogbit or know someone who did, please report it to the NSW DPI Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244 so it could be disposed of safely.
“Frogbit has the potential to damage agriculture and the environment within the Murray region,” Mr Tweedie said.
“While it is popular to use in fish tanks and ponds, it is a prohibited weed in New South Wales and must not be sold, traded or be in your possession.”
To find out more about frogbit, or to report a sighting, please visit weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au
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