Aggressive invasive algae and phytoplankton are threatening European coastlines due to warming seas, impacting tourism and fishing.
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Aggressive brown algae, specifically Rugulopteryx okamurae, are impacting Spanish coastlines negatively for both fishing and tourism, with its spread now reaching Portugal, Italy, and Morocco. This invasive species, originating from the Mediterranean Sea, has no natural predators in Spanish waters and is highly vigorous, potentially displacing other algae. It likely arrived via ballast water from large cargo ships, and climate change-induced sea warming favors its growth. While not directly dangerous to humans, these algae cover large areas, harming tourism and complicating fishing efforts, leading to documented declines in species like mussels and crabs. Other regions are also reporting issues with this invasive alga. Furthermore, rising sea temperatures are contributing to other coastal problems across Europe, such as jellyfish blooms in the Baltic Sea causing swimming bans, and phytoplankton contamination on beaches in Croatia, which creates a slimy, smelly film.
