Newport Harbor seeks to eradicate invasive algae

Native to Florida, agencies to tackle newly discovered algae

Newport Beach, CA – The City is working with multiple federal, state and local agencies to identify the extent of a newly discovered invasive algae species in Newport Harbor and to develop an eradication plan.

The algae, which is native to Florida and other subtropical and tropical locales, is scientifically known as Caulerpa prolifera. It can grow quickly, and choke out native seaweeds and potentially harm marine life through lost habitat. The unusual patch of algae was discovered by a diver in the Entrance Channel area of the Newport Harbor, and identified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which alerted other agencies.

Federal, state and local agencies have been meeting and working quickly to identify the extent of the algae’s infestation in Newport Bay. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientists and divers are currently being deployed to map and identify the location of the species.

No Danger to Humans

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 plant due to its extreme ease of recolonizing from just tiny fragments. If you believe you have seen this invasive algae, please contact CDFW at [email protected] with the location and description and a photograph if possible. Please do not collect a specimen, as this may lead to further spread.

A similar species of invasive algae, Caulerpa taxifolia, was identified in California in 2000 and was successfully eradicated through a comprehensive joint local, state and federal effort in 2006. Due to the similarity between these two species, scientists believe this algae species may pose a serious threat to our local coastal ecosystems. Caulerpa species can reproduce by fragmentation, which is when small pieces of this algae break off and can root and quickly reproduce, rapidly out-competing native algae and sea grasses.

Additional information will be released as CDFW gathers more information with their state, federal and local agency partners.