Rugulopterix okamurae is a harmful type of brown algae. It originates from the Pacific Ocean but has found its way to the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Now, it poses a serious threat to the Balearic Islands. This seaweed spreads quickly across the seabed, suffocating local habitats. Since fish don’t eat it, many marine species leave the area, which significantly reduces biodiversity. Its ability to reproduce is alarming, as it releases plant materials that float to shore, covering beaches and disrupting coastal ecosystems.
This invasive algae was first noticed in Ceuta in 2015 and has steadily spread along the Andalusian coast, greatly impacting that region of Spain. It’s also been spotted in Murcia and Valencia. The town of Tarifa has reported that they lack the funds to remove the algae from their beaches. Worrying news came last year when it was found in the port of Barcelona, raising concerns for Mallorca.
Fiona Tomàs, a researcher at the IMEDEA Mediterranean Institute, warns that shipping routes from Barcelona could bring the algae to the Balearics. With the local economy closely tied to the sea, she emphasizes the need to stop its arrival. “We must act quickly,” she says, noting that there are ways to manage the risk and lessen its potential damage.
María Altamirano, a botany professor from the University of Malaga, adds that while the algae hasn’t reached the Balearic Islands yet, the area is ideal for its growth. She urges local authorities to take steps to protect the region. In Catalonia, there has been a monitoring system for invasive algae for over 20 years, but the Balearics lack such thorough oversight.
She suggests implementing “quarantines” if that algae is found. It’s essential to educate sea goers on how to recognize it so they can alert officials. The algae can take over fast, and if it does, it becomes much harder to manage.
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