Hello, I am Spain, and I come from the future: advice to prevent Italy from being invaded by Asian algae

Friday, Aug 2, 2024

El Confidencial

Asian seaweed, Rugulopteryx okamurae, threatens Mediterranean coasts, causing ecological and economic damage across Spain and Italy.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

The invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae, identified by María Altamirano at the University of Málaga, first appeared on Spanish coasts in 2015 and now threatens the entire Mediterranean. It has caused significant damage to tourist beaches and local fishermen across Spain, including Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, France, Italy, Portugal, and Morocco. This fast-growing species, originating from East Asian coasts, outcompetes native flora. While the European Union listed it as an invasive alien species in 2020, concerns arose earlier due to its impact on tourism and fishing industries, leading to substantial financial losses for fishermen. Efforts are underway in Andalusia to study potential uses for the collected seaweed, such as fertilizer. Experts suggest prevention is key, with Spanish strategies focusing on monitoring ballast water discharge from ships passing through Gibraltar. Italy is also addressing the spread of this algae through national strategic plans, implementing navigation and fishing restrictions, and investing in research methods like underwater drones and public awareness campaigns to combat the invasion.

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