The
"Killer" Algae
* September
24, 2001: California Bans Several Species of Caulerpa
** July 23, 2001: San Diego City Council Bans this "Killer Algae"
An alien or
"killer" green algae (Caulerpa taxifolia) has made its way to San
Diego and Orange County. A strain of this species has invaded the Mediterranean
and has spread uncontrollably since 1984. The algae has been referred to like "laying
astro-turf across the ocean floor"—displacing everything in its path. It
threatens coastal marine life, including native seagrass, invertebrates, fish, marine
mammals, and sea birds. 
• The
algae spreads by fragmentation, and even a small piece can form a new plant. It is
believed the algae is transported to different areas via boat anchors and fishing gear.
• It is
capable of extremely rapid growth—about an inch a day.
• The algae can
survive in various depths and temperatures, and grows on almost any substrate; it is not
free-floating.
Caulerpa taxifolia is used in saltwater aquariums, and was probably
released when someone dumped their tank; it is banned from being imported into the U.S.,
but its possession and sale is still legal.
The best chances for control and eradication is immediate action. The eradication
efforts for the algae found in Agua Hedionda Lagoon (in June 2000) is believed to
be a success. Merkel & Associates will continue to monitor the area for several years
and treat any re-growth.
It is important to know where the algae exists, as well as where it does not.
Take Action!
If you have Caulerpa
taxifolia in your aquarium, please dispose of it by using the following methods:
1) bake, microwave or freeze it, 2) place it in a ziploc or plastic baggie, and 3) throw
it away in a garbage can that goes to a landfill. DO NOT
DUMP THE CONTENTS OF YOUR AQUARIUM DOWN A STORM DRAIN.
Not only is it currently illegal, but you may be unwittingly introducing non-native
species (like the "evil algae") into the ocean.
If you have Caulerpa
taxifolia in your aquarium, please dispose of it by using the following methods:
1) bake, microwave or freeze it, 2) place it in a ziploc or plastic baggie, and 3) throw
it away in a garbage can that goes to a landfill. DO NOT
DUMP THE CONTENTS OF YOUR AQUARIUM DOWN A STORM DRAIN.
Not only is it currently illegal, but you may be unwittingly introducing non-native
species (like the "evil algae") into the ocean.
If You Find It
If you find
this seaweed anywhere (in the water, along the shoreline, or on your boat or fishing gear)
bag a sample of it and contact one of the following agencies:
National
Marine Fisheries Service—(562) 980-4043 or bobhoffman@noaa.gov
California
Department of Fish and Game—(858) 467-4218 or wpaznokas@dfg.ca.gov
San
Diego Regional Water Quality Board—(858) 467-2953 or peteg@rb9.swrb.ca.gov
ATTENTION
DIVERS: Please fill out a California Regional Water Quality Control Board's
Survey, whether you find Caulerpa taxifolia or not!
Click here for the survey form in Adobe Acrobat format.
Click here for the survey form in Word format.
Early
detection is key for successful eradication. If you are interested in volunteering
to help search for other Caulerpa taxifolia infestations, please send a message here. Be sure to include whether or
not you are a certified diver and your level of experience. Thank you!
For More
Information
Click on the
following links if you would like to learn more about this destructive seaweed:
"Noxious
Seaweed..." by Rachel Woodfield
Caulerpa taxifolia Fact Sheet (January, 2001)
CA Water Quality Control Board: Caulerpa
taxifolia
"The Challenge of Siphonous Green Algae"—American Scientist
"Mutant
Seaweed Attacks CA Coast"—CBS News
"Killer
Algae Found Off CA Coast"—Environmental News Service
"A Delicate Seaweed
is Now a Monster of the Deep"—by the New York Times Company
"Killer
Algae"—BBC Online
"Rogue
Algae"—Science News Online
"A Destructive
Seaweed Threatens California"—Anchofish
A Prevention Program
for the Mediterranean Strain of Caulerpa taxifolia
"Banned algae shows
up on U.S. west coast"— Science Today
Essay
about Caulerpa taxifolia
Caulerpa Invasions—
Dr. Susan Williams
Red Alert—
Southcoastdivers.com
The
Alert! Spotlight: Science and Technology—BBC Online
"Relentless Seaweed
Menace"—British Sub-Aqua Club
"Fifteen years ago it was a small patch of seaweed, now it
threatens to ruin the Mediterranean coast"—Guardian Unlimited
"Killer seaweed (Caulerpa alga)
threatens Florida's marine life"—Nature Explorer.com
Credit for photographs
(shot in Mediterranean): Alexandre Meinesz, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.
Credit for photographs (shot in San Diego): Rachel Woodfield, Merkel & Associates
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