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Invasive algae threatens biodiversity on the coast of Sines
The invasive algae species Rugulopteryx okamurae is spreading rapidly along the coast of Sines, Portugal, posing a significant threat to local marine biodiversity. Researcher Joaquim Parrinha, from the University of Coimbra and the Marine and Environmental Science Centre (MARE), reports that while the species was first detected about 10 years ago near the Sines Port Marina, its presence has seen an exponential boom in the last two to three years.
This surge is attributed to rising water temperatures, with the algae occupying vast areas of the seabed up to 12 meters deep. The accumulation of these algae creates dense underwater forests that are not natural to the region, blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen levels on the seafloor. This environmental shift threatens native species such as coral algae, Sargassum, laminaria, and Codium.
The species is believed to have migrated from the Mediterranean, initially establishing itself in the Algarve before moving north. Recent heavy accumulations on local beaches have been exacerbated by maritime agitation, which dislodges the algae from the seabed and carries it to the shore.
Entities
Joaquim Parrinha · Rugulopteryx okamurae · Sines · University of Coimbra · mare
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The invasive species was first detected approximately 10 years ago near the Sines Port Marina. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rising water temperatures have contributed to the exponential growth of the algae in zones up to 12 meters deep. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The algae likely arrived on the Portuguese coast from the Mediterranean, spreading from the Algarve to the north. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] Algae accumulation blocks light and reduces oxygen levels on the seabed. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The invasive growth threatens native species including coral algae, Sargassum, laminaria, and Codium. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt
- [● 2 SOURCES] The invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae has seen an exponential boom in volumes over the last two to three years. odigital.sapo.pt · greensavers.sapo.pt