Caulerpa prolifera
Background
In March, 2021, an invasive algae species was discovered in Newport Bay, California. The algae, which is native to Florida and other subtropical and tropical locales, is scientifically known as Caulerpa prolifera. It can grow quickly, choking out native seaweeds and potentially harming marine life through lost habitat.
Federal, state, and local agencies immediately joined forces to identify the extent of the algae's infestation in Newport Bay. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientists and divers were deployed in April and May, 2021 to map and confirm the location of the infestation.
Why is Caulerpa Bad?
The invasive algae can grow quickly and rapidly out-compete native species, including native eelgrass, and may be inedible to native marine herbivorous fish and invertebrates. The species has invaded seagrass and soft‐bottom habitats in the Suez Canal, the Canary Islands, and Portugal, dramatically displacing native algae, plants, and animals.
Based on environmental impacts of other Caulerpa species, Caulerpa prolifera is potentially a serious invasive. Other species of Caulerpa are well‐documented as having aggressively displaced native habitats when introduced, both in California, Australia, and Mediterranean waters. Allowing any species of Caulerpa to become established and spread within California is likely to result in considerable economic, recreational, and biological impacts.
In 2000, a close relative, Caulerpa taxifolia was found in two southern California lagoons. The seriousness and acknowledged threat prompted an effective, highly successful eradication project. This eradication took six years at a cost of more than seven million dollars. The successful eradication, however, led to the recovery of critically important eelgrass habitat, and protected California’s coastal ecosystems. Risk modeling for Caulerpa conducted in 2006 placed China Cove in the highest risk category for an introduction.
Caulerpa Eradication Plan
Based on diver surveys, the infestation appears to be presently contained within a small area of Newport harbor at China Cove. The scientific consensus is that it is critical to take immediate action to eradicate the species. Due to the high level of recreational activities in the area, and Caulerpa’s ability to spread through fragmentation, initial removal efforts will begin as soon as possible.
CDFW,
along with partners on the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team from the
Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, State Water Resources Control
Board, California Coastal Commission, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the City of Newport Beach have created the
Newport Bay
Rapid Response Eradication Plan (PDF), to address the immediate need to
remove the invasive algae
Caulerpa prolifera from China Cove. This plan
includes the following components:
- Initial Containment –To help prevent disturbance by boat anchors, boat wakes, divers, or swimmers, the identified infestation area has been isolated by the City of Newport Beach through placement of floating buoys and lines surrounding the area.
- Localized Eradication Level Survey - Prior to removal, an intensive diver survey will be conducted within the China Cove infestation area. Divers will locate, identify, and mark any Caulerpa found.
- Localized Removal - Diver-assisted suction
removal will be used to completely remove
Caulerpa prolifera, including sub-surface portions. The removed material will be pumped to the beach for separation of algae and solids from the water. The discharge will be handled with great caution to prevent re‐introduction to the nearshore environment.
- Post Removal Surveys – Diver surveys will be conducted both immediately following removal and over a longer time frame to help ensure the species is completely removed and does not repopulate the area.
- Broad Area Surveys – Diver surveys will occur in surrounding areas, both inside and outside Newport Harbor, to ensure other areas have not been invaded.
Species Identification
Caulerpa prolifera is a species of green algae in the family Caulerpaceae. The algae is bright green and consists of a number of blades linked by underground runners (stolons), which attach to the substrate with small root-like structures (rhizoids). Below are photos of Caulerpa prolifera found in Newport Bay.
The following photos are all courtesy of Merkel & Associates:
The photo above of loose plants and algae consists mainly of eelgrass, which is a plant and has long, narrow, ribbon-like leaves with straight edges. A few Caulerpa prolifera blades can be seen toward the left-hand side of the photo.
In the photo above, Caulerpa prolifera can be seen in the foreground and toward the right-hand side of the photo. Eelgrass can be seen mainly in the background and toward the left-hand side of the photo.
In the photo above, Caulerpa prolifera can be seen in the foreground of the photo, partially buried under sand.
In the photo above, a single frond of Caulerpa prolifera can be seen at the end of a scientific diver's gloved, extended finger. Please remember that the public should avoid contact with suspected Caulerpa.
In the photo above, Caulerpa prolifera can be seen in the center of the photo.
In the photo above, Caulerpa prolifera can be seen in the center of the photo.
In the photo above, Caulerpa prolifera can be seen in the center of the photo.
The Caulerpa prolifera specimen pictured in the scientific diver's hand in the photo above was collected by a trained scientist. Please remember that the public should not collect any suspected Caulerpa specimens.
The Caulerpa prolifera specimens in the photo above, located on top of a mass of eelgrass and other algae, were collected by a trained scientist. Please remember that the public should not collect any suspected Caulerpa specimens.
The following photo is courtesy of Katie Nichols, Orange County Coastkeeper:
The Caulerpa prolifera specimen in the photo above was collected by a trained scientist. Please remember that the public should not collect any suspected Caulerpa specimens.
The following photo is courtesy of Robert Mooney, Marine Taxonomic Services:
The Caulerpa prolifera specimen in the photo above was collected by a trained scientist. Please remember that the public should not collect any suspected Caulerpa specimens.
What Should You Do?
Although there is significant concern this species could potentially be harmful to native species, there is no danger to humans. However, it is imperative that the public avoid contact with the algae due to its extreme ease of recolonizing from just tiny fragments. If you believe you have seen this invasive algae, please use the form on the right to submit a notification to CDFW.
Additional Information