The Port of San Diego has renewed an emergency declaration in response to an invasive algae called Caulerpa prolifera, which was first spotted in the San Diego Bay in September. This algae grows rapidly and can overtake native seaweeds and seagrasses, causing a loss of habitat for marine life in the bay. In particular, eelgrass, an important habitat and food source for many species, is at risk. Eelgrass also plays a vital role in maintaining good air and water quality in the bay. About 2,600 acres of eelgrass currently grow in the bay, but Caulerpa has been found in several locations, including near the Coronado Cays and the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Possessing, selling, or transporting Caulerpa is illegal in California, and officials believe that the infestation in the San Diego Bay was most likely caused by someone emptying a saltwater aquarium into the bay. The algae is bright green and consists of blades connected by runners that attach to the substrate. Once Caulerpa enters a waterway, it can spread rapidly through contact with vessels, fishing activities, and tidal exchanges. Visitors to the bay have been advised to avoid infested areas to prevent spreading the plant further. Boaters, divers, and anglers should inspect their gear for Caulerpa and report any sightings to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Trained divers are currently responding to the Caulerpa infestation by covering known patches with a sealed barrier to block the algae from light, oxygen, and tidal circulation. Over $900,000 has already been committed to searching for and eradicating the plant from the bay, with additional funding pending from state and federal sources. The emergency declaration is intended to secure further grant funding for surveillance, control measures, and monitoring of the infestation. The chairman of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners emphasized the importance of containing the Caulerpa infestation to preserve the bay’s ecosystem and prevent potential economic losses.
While this is the first time Caulerpa has been discovered in the San Diego Bay, it’s not the first instance of the algae being seen in California. The state has been monitoring for the plant since the early 2000s, with previous infestations occurring in Huntington Harbour, Aqua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, and Newport Bay. In the 1980s, an outbreak of Caulerpa in the Mediterranean Sea caused significant economic losses to tourism and fishing industries. Therefore, it is crucial to quickly find and remove or cover all traces of Caulerpa in the San Diego Bay to protect the ecosystem and prevent potential damage to local industries.Officials hope that with continued monitoring and response efforts, they can effectively control and prevent the spread of Caulerpa in the bay and protect the local marine environment.
