Japanese kelp/Wakame

Already found in Tasmania and Victoria, this pest seaweed could hitch a ride here on boats. The green/brown plant has a strap-like midrib with smooth thin ‘leaves’ that stop short of the base. Mature plants are brown with a frilly growth near the base and are most likely to be found washed up on the beach between August and February. This pest grows very fast and could out-compete native seaweeds as well as growing all over mussels in farms and over everything in marinas. It’s also edible but best tasted in your local Japanese restaurant!