Sea Spurge Biocontrol

Current

20 July

Program overview

Landcare Victoria is partnering with CSIRO on a new national project to help manage sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) — a highly invasive coastal weed that threatens dunes and sensitive coastal ecosystems across Victoria and Australia.

This collaboration forms part of a broader project led by CSIRO and funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The project focuses on the coordinated release and monitoring of a safe, rigorously tested biological control agent — the fungus Venturia paralias.

As part of this project, coastal community groups in Victoria are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to host a workshop or on-ground learning event in their community.

About the biocontrol agent

Venturia paralias is a naturally occurring fungus sourced from sea spurge’s native European range. It is highly host-specific, meaning it only affects sea spurge and does not harm native plants or other vegetation.

Over time, the fungus helps to:

Reduce sea spurge plant growth and density
Limit seed production
Support the recovery of native flora and fauna in coastal and dune environments

The biocontrol agent has been extensively tested by CSIRO in high-security quarantine facilities and has shown strong results at initial release sites in Tasmania and Victoria. The project is now moving into a national release phase.

The role of Landcare and community groups

Participating groups will have the opportunity to:

Host a local workshop or on-ground learning event (Victoria only)
Build local knowledge and skills in biocontrol and coastal weed management
Take part in the coordinated release and monitoring of the sea spurge biocontrol agent

Why is Sandy Point joining this project?

Sea Spurge infestations are impacting the shore line of Waratah Bay, Sandy Point and the Shallow Inlet Spit. These infestations are having a detrimental effect on the flora and fauna. Large areas are now covered with both established and young Sea Spurge plants.

The infestations are having a significant impact on the nesting habits of shore birds including the Hooded Plover, Red Capped Plover, and Australian Pied Oyster-catcher. Nesting sites used in previous years are no longer able to be used due to the spread of Sea Spurge.

Information will become available here soon about …