The "Killer Weed"

As a marine science major I decided to take a break from blogging about the Cane Toad as much as I love reading up on the species and their effects on the ecosystem they inhabit and instead provide an example of an invasive aquatic species.  More specifically, a species that has been introduced to both where I come from in California and her in Australia as well.

Caulerpa taxifolia is a native algae to Hawaii.  Being that this algae is a native species to Hawaii it has not grown out of control but rather has its place within the ecosystem providing balance.  Unfortunately the same cannot be said for areas of the Mediterranean and California where this species has now spread (University of Hawaii 2014). 

Above is a picture to provide an example of how abundant the presence of this species can be in areas in which it inhabits.

According to CEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency 2014) Caulerpa, also referred to as “Killer Algae” was imported for aquarium purposes for its particular fast growth rate of about an inch per day and appealing appearance.  It is believed that that the “Killer Algae” began its invasion of coastal waters following an illegal dumping of algae residue into the water ways (CEPA 2014).   Caulerpa, as most introduced species, competes for resources with the native species of the area lacking natural predators and because of the toxin the algae produces local herbivores are not interested (CEPA 2014).  Controlling the spread of this algae in California poses quite a challenge for multiple reasons one of them being that the trade of this algae remains legal under federal law although efforts are currently being made to impose legislation that will prevent future trading (CEPA 2014).

The introduction to Australia and more specifically to New South Whales is believed to be the same as it were for California, dumped from an aquarium into the waterways and spreads via boat transportation and fishing nets.  According to the NSW department of Primary Industries (2014), the presence of the algae and its rapid growth rate poses threat to “alter marine habitats and affect biodiversity” such as the native seagrass and native animals of which inhabit that seagrass.  Unlike California, the trade of this algae is illegal in Australia as it is a declared “Class 1 noxious species in all NSW waters” (NSW department of Primary Industries (2014).

“Killer Algae” is another small example of an invasive species and potential effects an introduced species can have within the area.  What I find more interesting about this particular subject is how the algae was introduced into areas which allowed for the rapid spread, by dumping aquarium waters or waste without realizing the potential effects of the action.  Unfortunately, large amounts of funding and the stress on native species of these areas are the result of what must have seemed at the time, an innocent action.  I believe this to be a perfect example of what educational awareness can sometimes prevent.

References:

Botany Department, 2014, Marine algae of Hawai’I, University of Hawai’I, viewed 29 March 2014, http://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/chloro/caulerpa_taxifolia.htm

Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2014, Killer algae found in southern California, California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, viewed 29 March 2014, http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/losangeles/water_issues/programs/water_quality_issues/killer_algae_article.shtml

NSW Department of Primary Industries, 2014, Fishing and aquaculture Caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia), NSW Government, Orange, viewed 29 March 2014, http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/pests-diseases/marine-pests/nsw/caulerpa-taxifolia

Picture Credit:

http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/caultaxi