a newly identified invasive species, this time an algae from the Gulf of Mexico, is expanding its reach into the ecosystems of the Spanish Mediterranean, affecting both the seabed and the hulls of boats docked in the impacted zones. It belongs to the genus Batophora. The organism was first detected in Mar Menor in Murcia in 2018 and has since settled in s’Estany des Peix near Formentera in the Balearic Islands, where its occupy-at-basal-area pattern appears to be increasing.
s’Estany des Peix is a slender seawater lagoon connected to the open sea by a narrow channel, a configuration that recalls a smaller Mar Menor. According to Diario de Ibiza, a publication of the Prensa Ibérica group, many pleasure craft frequently moor within this lagoon, with the underwater portions of their hulls coated by this algae, necessitating costly maintenance work.
batophora algae spreads across the base as if it were a grassy layer, and if the hull has not received a sturdy non-stick coating, the algae can completely coat itself and even cling to mooring ropes, a person affected by the issue told Diario de Ibiza.
This species, native to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, may have reached Formentera through accidental transport by boats attached to hulls or propellers. It initially occupied a small area in this lagoon, but a rapid and widespread spread has been observed in recent months. The development raises concerns about potential serious impacts on the Ses Salines Natural Park ecosystem in Ibiza and Formentera.
Damage to biodiversity
Enric Ballesteros, a researcher with CSIC in the Marine Ecology Department, discussed the algae with Ràdio Illa of Formentera. Batophora could threaten native algae in s’Estany des Peix, including Caulerpa growth. It may likely cover the substrate entirely, causing die-off and transforming the lake environment. Ballesteros noted that, in general, all species living in shallow waters could be affected.
Guillem Xavier Pons, a professor in the Geography Department at the University of the Balearic Islands, commented that although this species remains rare in the Mediterranean, it cannot yet be described as invasive. It does not appear on the official invasive species list, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition plans to make an official proposal on the matter.
Regarding possible harmful effects from Batophora in areas where it has established itself, Pons explained that these effects are under study. At present, the algae seems to displace other organisms by growing close to them and feeding on nearby nutrients, while competing for light.
The gradual warming of Mediterranean waters, particularly in shallow lagoons and coastal zones, appears to be creating conditions similar to tropical waters from which Batophora originated. This trend could pave the way for a faster spread and broader ecological impact.
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Environmental authorities can be reached for information and updates from the regional department through official channels. The situation is monitored by researchers from regional and national science institutions, who emphasize ongoing studies to understand the dynamics of Batophora in these habitats and to assess potential conservation measures for the affected ecosystems.