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Rugulopteryx okamurae algae invasion in Spain and Portugal

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2026-08-28 19:18 UTC → 2026-09-02 15:38 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The invasive Asian algae species, Rugulopteryx okamurae, is causing significant environmental and socioeconomic damage along the Spanish coastline. First detected near the Strait of Gibraltar around 2016, the species has since spread across thousands of kilometers, displacing native biodiversity and threatening Posidonia oceanica meadows, particularly in areas such as Granada. Experts, including biologist María Altamirano from the University of Málaga, indicate that the invasion is likely linked to human activities like maritime traffic and recreational boating. Due to the species’ high adaptability and the lack of sufficient resources, complete eradication is considered unlikely. Current management strategies focus on prevention, public education, and the preservation of reference ecosystems to mitigate the impact on the local fishing and tourism sectors. The invasion has expanded into Portugal, with researcher Joaquim Parrinha from the University of Coimbra reporting an “exponential boom” in the last two to three years near the coast of Sines. Having likely migrated from the Mediterranean through the Algarve, the algae is now occupying vast areas of the seabed up to 12 meters deep. This surge is attributed to rising water temperatures, which allow the species to create dense underwater forests that block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels. These conditions threaten native species such as coral algae, Sargassum, laminaria, and Codium. Additionally, maritime agitation has been noted to dislodge the algae from the seabed, carrying heavy accumulations onto local beaches.

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