Environmental Sectoral Conference approved management strategy Rugulopteryx okamurae, a kind of invasive algae Originating in Asia, spreading on rocky bottoms and causing displacement of native species, causing gradual loss of marine biodiversity off the Andalusian coast.
The danger posed by these algae is very great, because effects are not only biological and ecological.because its existence also cause strong socioeconomic impacts.highlighted the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, especially in the professional fishing sector.
The arrival of these algae on the beaches in large volumes, respectively, impact on tourist activitiesand its removal by the relevant administrations is becoming more and more costly. a) Yes, In 2019, five municipalities in the states of Malaga, Cádiz and Ceuta had to clean up up to 10,000 tons of algae.It cost 400,000 Euros.
The strategy describes the status of the species in Spain, including an updated analysis of its current and estimated distribution and ecological and economic impacts.
proposes to encourage action. sensitize the population Trying to find the most effective channels for this environmental problem and intergovernmental coordination. minimize conditions due to species.
this Rugulopteryx okamuraeKnown as “roña” among fishermen, it has spread along the Andalusian coast in recent years and Threat of spread across the Mediterraneanhere it can become hegemonic. Its only benefit is that it is used as a spicy condiment (not common).
“Destroy everything in your way”
Marine biodiversity experts warn that these algae “pose a danger.” threatens environmental, economic and social sustainability affected areas Destroy everything in your path“In fact, its cytotoxic capacity means it can kill other species in less than 24 hours.
this Rugulopteryx okamurae It came to Europe from Asia in 2002 with ballast water from ships. It was known to exist in the Strait of Gibraltar in 2016. It is included in the Invasive Alien Species Catalogue (IAS).
The opinion of the scientific committee, which approved its declaration as an invasive species in 2020, is that brown algae Rugulopteryx okamurae an experienced “explosive rise“By the Bosphorus and became the dominant species,” a series of Adverse effectsthe most urgent and tangible for the fisheries and tourism sectors, but also some drastic changes in marine communities“.
People who work in manipulating the arrival of algae, “chemical arsenal” what it offers is stronger than that of native species.
“Rugulopteryx okamurae It is a perennial algae in appearance, surviving thanks to a network of rhizomes, while its leaves grow very quickly, they break off and new leaves regrow, and in this way several times a year”, states the opinion.
This characterizes the “continuous accumulation of algae leaves on the bottom, which later drift ashore and form shoulders.”
Damage to the fishing industry
settled populations In the Strait of Gibraltar area, they settle on rocky bottoms to a depth of about 20 or 30 meters from the shoreline.sometimes reaching near 100% coverage, decreasing at higher bathymetric levels (found to depths greater than 40 meters).
They also settle on all kinds of objects, including ropes and nets. damage to the fishing industry. Because this algae tends to monopolize the substrate, it prevents native species from settling,”landscape homogenization“and coastal communities that change the entire ecosystem.
“Beside accumulation and decomposition of enormous amounts of biomass “It’s causing another set of impacts on coastal ecosystems that have not yet been evaluated but are undoubtedly important, both on the seabed and on the coastline.”
The scientific committee presented seven reasons for considering these algae as an invasive alien species:
-Creates a change and a threat to natural biodiversity. Due to its highly invasive behavior, it displaces native species and homogenizes benthic communities.
-Gifts very rapid growth produces new leaves continuously throughout the year.
-Have high asexual reproduction potential via spores and vegetative propagules. – Can settle on many different substrates, including ropes and nets.
-reasons accumulation and decomposition of enormous biomass produced both on the seafloor and in the tidal zone.
-produces damage to local fishermen, especially longlines, trammel lines and purse seines.
-To manage Assumes arrivals are at a high cost and hurt the tourism industry.
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