This is Caulerpa Taxifolia it is causing major problems with native
Kelp and other marine plants in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been
found off San Diego & Huntington Harbor recently.
Report all sightings if seen while
diving or boating. Don't confuse this with Caulerpa Mexicana which is very
similar. Run a SEARCH on these plant names
to fully understand the differences, there are many web sites that have
pictures and more info. It appears that many people use this nasty stuff
in their aquariums and they could accidentally release it when they dump their
aquariums down storm drains (Which is illegal), then it ends up in our ocean,
this would be BAD.
Send ME (Rich) anything that
you find on the net, like WHO do we tell if we see it (Locally)???
According to the reports I've read, this stuff is illegal to sell or posses
according to Federal Law in the US. If you see someone who may unknowingly have
this stuff in their aquarium, have them dispose of it, NOT where it can get
in our ocean. Some reports says this stuff can last 10 days out of water. Even
one little piece can start a whole new formation.
According to the NOAA, this Algae can and will damage our Lobster populations,
we can't have this. Not to mention, Halibut, & Sea Basses.
If you see this, do NOT attempt to remove this yourself,
make notes on the location of where it is, what type of bottom it is on
(Sand, rock, etc), depth, date & time of the sighting.
Updates:
The LA-Times ran this article about Caulerpa on 10-10-2000.
Copy of LA-Times article.
So how do they get rid of it?? Here is what is going around:
Author: sanddiver
Date: 08-15-2000 15:37
I've read that they've covered existing patches with tarps and have infused the water with
chlorine bleach. I believe they may plan to leave the covers in place for an indefinite period.
Wish I had a link for you. Good luck out there!
Thanks for the input, now let's find out more info...
Contacts for sightings:
Rachel Woodfield
Merkel & Associates
858-560-5465
or
Bob Hoffman
National Marine Fisheries Service
562-980-4043
Since most sites related to this stuff, is in
languages other than
English, please
send me English only sites.
Check out these English language links:
(I cannot vouch for these links, check them out)
Official S CA Caulerpa Site.
Where Divers report outbreaks.
NOAA.
Discovery Channel (Canada).
San Francisco Chronicle.
Wired.com