Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias) is an invasive coastal weed that displaces native flora and threatens fauna including the endangered Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). It is prolific in the remote coastal areas of Northwest Tasmania. The North-West Environment Centre are working with concerned locals to remove Sea Spurge from the Hunter Group of islands. The removal of Sea Spurge in these islands is funded by the Australian Government through the Caring for our Country Community Coastcare grants.

Project Diary

2nd January 2009 - Matty, Niko, Jasmine, Huon and Rees reconnoitred Howie Island for Sea Spurge - none present.

4th January - Hendo and Matty reconnoitred, mapped and removed Sea Spurge from the Wallaby Islands.

7th January - Matty reconnoitred Montagu Island - no Sea Spurge.

9th January - Matty, Niko, Jasmine, Huon and Rees reconnoitred Short Island (see photo below) - no Sea Spurge.

10th January - Matty, Niko, Jasmine, Huon, Rees and Wayne reconnoitred two of the Petrel Islands, found Sea Spurge on the northern beaches of Big Sandy Island.

11th January - Coastal weather warnings cancelled attempts to continue mapping these fantastic islands and we hightailed it home to Montagu.

Observed Fur Seals, Sea Eagles (including two fledglings), Mutton Birds, Fairy Penguins, Sting-rays, heaps of Swans, Pacific Gulls and their young, Cormorants, etc.

Jasmine found a large whale's tooth. Birdwatchers seen throughout Robbins Passage and islands. Carol and Richard amongst them but not seen.

18th January - Matty reconnoitred Brick Island for Sea Spurge - none present. Discussed Sea Spurge issues with local shack users.

22nd - 24th January - Remote area first aid training with St Johns Ambulance Service in Wynyard.

30th January - 1st February - Matty, Niko, Jasmine and Huon travelled in the tinnie Billy Taylor, Rees, Wayne, Jo, Alan and Cathy kayaked, and Hendo with three WWOOFer's travelled by 4WD and then Billy Taylor to the Petrel Islands to remove the Sea Spurge on Big Sandy. Sea Spurge was removed and due to forecast bad weather most of the party headed over to Love Bay on Walker Island to camp until the weather improved. A picture-perfect Saturday resulted in plenty of swimming and abalone diving. Poor weather finally arrived on Sunday and 30 know winds and strong currents were fought on the way back to Montagu.

23rd February - The NWEC purchase a 5 1/2 metre second hand aluminium cuddy cabin boat capable of taking volunteers to remote islands for mapping and weed control activities.

24th February - The new boat is taken to Burnie for servicing and a full safety inspection.

27th February - The new boat is taken to Preston for some minor work and a test run in the safe waters of Lake Barrington.

16th March - Guy Robertson and Matty Campbell-Ellis met with various stakeholders around the islands to discuss ecosystem qualities and NRM issues in relation to the project and future activities.