Wakame (Japanese seaweed)
Marine species found in South Australia.
Wakame was detected in the south east of South Australia in winter 2023.
Wakame forms dense forests that exclude and shade out other native species. It has a range of impacts, including nuisance fouling of vessels, marine structures, shellfish and aquaculture structures. This seaweed is listed as an Australian Priority Marine Pest.
Declared noxious under the Fisheries Management Act 2007. Noxious species are a severe threat to the natural environment and industries. They cannot be held or traded in South Australia without specific authorisation and must not be returned to the water if caught.
What to look for:
- green to golden-brown colour
- blades are smooth and thin and stop well short of base
- claw-like attachment
- obvious strap-like midrib along length of blade
- ruffle near base (mature plant)
- up to 1 m long, but can be 3 m.
Biofouling on the hulls of vessels is the main introduction pathway for wakame. Good vessel cleaning practices minimise biofouling and reduce the risk of marine pests being attached to your vessel. In addition, remove all entangled seaweed and other organisms from ropes, anchors, buoys and other equipment.