Down Under.

Besides being common in the United States,  curly leaf pondweed is also invasive to New Zealand where it is better known as the "pupuke weed." Named after the beautiful lake on the northern shore of Auckland, New Zealand-- Lake Pupuke-- this submerged macrophyte competes with more native New Zealand species such as eelgrass and tapeweed.

Lake Pupuke was first formed as a result of volcanic activity nearly 150,000 years ago. Originally created by overlapping basalt from a nearby volcanic vent, this lake formed when the lava withdrew and the structure collapsed into a crater.

Although deep towards the center, this lake is highly eutrophic and is carefully monitored each year.

Lake Pupuke is also an important recreational site in Auckland. Sailing, kayaking, and fishing are extremely common activities that have drawn in outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Although motor boats are not allowed onto these waters, the Pupuke Boating Club hosts sailboat races every Sunday throughout the year. You can find more information about their weekly sailboat races by heading to the Pupuke Boating Club website HERE.

Lake Pupuke is also regularly stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout and is a host to a variety of other fish such as perch, tench, rudd, catfish, and goldfish. This volcanic lake (and the curly leaf pondweed that helps promote such ecological diversity), is an excellent fishing hole for any aspiring angler!

Continue to REFERENCES to see where I learned all of this super cool information!