Salvinia molesta Mitchell or Kariba Weed, has been a problem in the Eastern Caprivi wetlands since the early 1970's. Following studies on the extent of the problem, local growth rates of the plant and different control methods, a biological control programme was initiated by the Department of Water Affairs. Host-specific natural enemies were sought and in 1983, 500 snout weevils, Cyrtobaqous salviniae Calder and Sands, native to South America, were imported from Australia. These bred successfully in Katima Mulilo and by March 1985 over 10 000 had been released at 14 selected sites in the Eastern Caprivi. Within 14 months 97% of the weed at the Ngoma site on the Chobe River had disappeared. The present low weed intensities indicate that the Salvinia molesta infestation is being successfully controlled by Cyrtobaqous salviniae.