Doubling down on Sea Spurge

Summer is here and while the planting season on Rottnest is over, our summer volunteering events have already had a huge impact. Over two weeks, the Foundation hosted two days and nearly 100 volunteers to remove sea spurge around Rocky Bay.  

On 15 November, our amazing volunteers donated their time and muscles to physically remove Sea Spurge from the dunes and were able to successfully clear over 80 bags of sea spurge – what a champion effort! 

On 28 November, we doubled down, taking two dedicated corporate volunteering groups to finish the huge job of sea spurge removal around Rocky Bay.  Volunteers from Emerson and Horizon Power enjoyed some fantastic weather and beautiful views as they meticulously combed the coast, uprooting large established sea spurge bushes and their smaller new growth counterparts. 
 
Sea Spurge originates from Europe and North Africa and arrives in Australia on ocean currents. Sea Spurge seeds can remain buoyant and viable in sea water for several years making it difficult to control the spread.  
 
Sea Spurge is regarded as a significant environmental weed throughout coastal districts. It can quickly establish large and dense infestations which can displace native flora and decrease the availability of nesting sites for native birds and wildlife. 

Volunteer days make a huge conservation impact on the Rottnest Island, clearing beaches and bays of this coastal weed and providing space for native flora to grow. We look forward to continuing our volunteering activities in 2026, dates coming soon!