Have you ever admired the seemingly pristine beauty of Tasmania’s coastlines? It’s easy to take these wild, untouched shores for granted. However, our iconic coastlines are under constant threat from invasive weeds. Over 100 invasive plant species currently threaten Tasmania's coastal zones, displacing native vegetation, degrading habitats, and endangering vulnerable species. The economic and environmental cost of controlling these invasive weeds is estimated to be over $10 million annually.

Thankfully, there are dedicated, highly skilled volunteers and conservationists working tirelessly to protect these fragile ecosystems. On November 6, 2024, Wildcare Tasmania proudly supported a Coastal Weed Management Workshop in Hobart. This event brought together experts and volunteers committed to preserving Tasmania’s coastlines, with 45 in-person attendees and around 30 online participants joining from three Australian states and even New Zealand.

This workshop was made possible by the leadership of Dr. Jon Marsden-Smedley, founder of Wildcare group, SPRATS (Sea Spurge Remote Area Teams). His vision and dedication have played a pivotal role in advancing coastal conservation efforts. Our deepest thanks go to Jon, and other attending SPRATS team members, President Anne Boothroyd and Geoff Luscombe, who did an outstanding job as the day's MC.

A Gathering of Conservation Stakeholders

The workshop saw a significant turnout from stakeholders across the conservation sector, including representatives from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Birdlife Tasmania, The Tasmanian Herbarium, Tamar NRM, Victoria Landcare, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service's Volunteer Program & Biosecurity teams, the Australian Defence Force, and the Derwent Estuary Program—and of course, Wildcare Tasmania and its affiliated Wildcare groups that defend Tasmania's coastal natural values. The event highlighted the collaborative spirit that drives efforts to tackle coastal weed challenges.

The day began with an enthusiastic welcome from Geoff Luscombe, setting the tone for a series of insightful and thought-provoking presentations.

Informative and Engaging Presentations

The workshop featured a lineup of expert speakers sharing the latest research, strategies, and innovations in coastal weed management:

• Matt Baker (Tas Herbarium): Introduced participants to new and emerging weeds threatening our coastlines, and the importance of positive I.D. of species before acting - a service Matt is happy to provide.
• Heidi Krajewsky (Birdlife Tasmania): Discussed the impact of invasive weeds on shorebird habitats and how to minimise impact when removing invasive weeds around native bird burrowing sites.
• Jason Bradbury (NRE): Explored the geomorphological values at risk due to invasive weed species.
• Kirstin Seaver (Tamar NRM): Highlighted their effective community education and involvement programs aimed at improving coastal amenity by promoting weed awareness and tackling weed encroachment.
• Ben Gooden (CSIRO): Presented promising trial-stage advancements in weed biocontrol techniques for eradicating sea spurge.
• Jon Marsden-Smedley (SPRATS): Shared updates on SPRATS ongoing optimistic trial sea spurge biocontrol work undertaken in partnership with the CSIRO.

The afternoon sessions spotlighted the inspiring efforts of volunteer groups actively managing coastal weeds:

• Chris Arthur from Seabird Island Restoration Group (SIRG): Highlighted work on protecting seabird islands from invasive threats, emphasising the importance of 'doing the data' before taking action.
• Jean Jackson Friends of the Bass Strait Islands (FoBSI): Discussed the ongoing weed control efforts on the Bass Strait islands.
• Stuart Dudgen and Dave Butler from Friends of Deal Island (FODI): Provided insights into their conservation projects on Deal Island.
• Polly Buckhorn from Friends of the larapuna Coast (FoLC): Gave updates on the growth of their ever-popular Larapuna/Bay of Fires Community Weekend run in partnership with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, which combats invasive sea spurge along 60kms the larapuna/Bay of Fires coastline.
• Sally Wayte and Jeff Dunn Friends of Maria Island (FoMI): Spoke about how vital weed vigilance is on Maria Island despite currently low populations of invasive coastal weeds.

Key Takeaways

The workshop underscored several critical themes:

1. Inspiring coastal conservation: The workshop showcased the tremendous dedication of Wildcare groups and partner organisations in controlling invasive species like sea spurge, boneseed, and African boxthorn. These efforts are essential for preserving Tasmania's coastal habitats.

2. Collaboration and knowledge exchange: Participants greatly valued the opportunity to share insights, innovations, and challenges, leading to new approaches and partnerships. Networking over morning tea and lunch was particularly fruitful for fostering collaboration.

3. Need for enhanced data collection: A recurring theme was the necessity of a robust data collection, reporting, and sharing framework among landholders, Wildcare Tasmania and Wildcare groups. By strengthening data management, conservation groups can better demonstrate impact, secure funding, and contribute to the Natural Values Atlas (NVA), informing strategic environmental decisions. Conversations are already underway to plan another workshop addressing this important need. 

The workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Sprats team, and our presenters. Thanks to NRE Tasmania for providing the workshop venue. 

Since 2020 Wildcare Tasmania's Nature Conservation Fund TNCF has granted $180,000 to Wildcare groups for projects combatting coastal weeds around Tasmania. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the TNCF.  With your support, we can ensure that our Wildcare groups can continue to ensure these unique coastlines remain resilient against invasive threats, safeguarding them for future generations to enjoy.

Article and image by Wildcare Member Services Manager, Phillip Laroche