Spanish project to mitigate invasive Asian algae effects

The Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities of Spain has supported a pilot project aimed at analyzing the presence and expansion of the Asian invasive algae, Rugulopteryx okamurae.

Since its detection in 2015 in the Strait of Gibraltar, this species has colonized vast areas of the southern peninsular coastline, the Canary Islands, and specific regions of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, with both ecological and socioeconomic repercussions.

Its main effects include the alteration of coastal habitats, reduced biodiversity, impacts on artisanal fishing, and the accumulation of beach stranding with high tourist interest.

This initiative is led by the University of Murcia and coordinated by IHCantabria, alongside researchers from various communities, including Andalusia, Cantabria, Galicia, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Murcia Region, and Valencia (communities that are part of ThinkInAzul), and Asturias, Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Madrid.

"This project addresses a common, high-impact issue, and with an action model that can be replicated in other areas or challenges," explains Francisco Royano, Director of Technology Transfer at IHCantabria.

Co-financed by the Autonomous Communities, it is part of the research and development initiative in Marine Sciences, known as ThinkInAzul, which aims to protect marine ecosystems from climate change and pollution, and to address challenges in aquaculture, fishing, and tourism.

Finally, there are plans to develop thematic working groups and proof-of-concept trials, as well as to incorporate new stakeholders, public entities, businesses, and associations related to the invasive algae.