#killer algae

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Remote ocean vehicle technology being pioneered by Live Ocean…

Live Ocean responds to Caulerpa invasion threatening Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands

Live Ocean Foundation is getting behind an underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) pilot project for early detection and surveillance to ex

… to help monitor extent of culerpa (killer algae) invasion in Northern New Zealand.

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The rise of killer algae

Killer algae as we know it today was discovered in a German zoo in 1980.  Scientists believe that the chemicals and ultraviolet light in aquariums caused a genetic mutation in the tropical aquarium plant Caulerpa taxifolia that allowed the plant to develop an impressive hardiness and thrive in a wide range of environments.  Because it was so versatile as a result, a number of aquariums wanted to try this strain of Caulerpa taxifolia out in their exhibits.    But nobody ever intended for it to escape into the wild.  In 1989, the algae was discovered growing in the Mediterranean Sea by French biology professor Alexandre Meinesz.  It was shocking - Caulerpa taxifolia originated in tropical waters, and it shouldn’t have been able to withstand the colder temperatures of the Mediterranean.  As scientists discussed whether or not the plant could be invasive, the “killer algae” strain of Caulerpa taxifolia was on the move.  Growing at a rate of an inch per day and finding new homes wherever fragments took root, it invaded 68 sites around the world, including expanding its reach in the Mediterranean Sea to the coastlines of Croatia, France, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Tunisia.  

Sources: CAN WE STOP “KILLER ALGAE” FROM INVADING FLORIDA? by Charles Jacoby and Linda Walters The Rhode Island Marine & Estuarine Invasive Species Site Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart, 2009

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How to identify killer algae

Killer algae, like all Caulerpa, have upright fronds, or blades, that grow from a sturdy running vine-like rhizome.  Tiny branches of the rhizome, called rhizoids, grow from the rhizome.  The rhizome and the rhizoids either grow under sand or attach themselves to rocks or other hard, impenetrable surfaces.  

Killer algae itself has branches that are notably flat and fronds that are especially feathery. Fronds of the native strain of Caulerpa can reach 3-15 centimeters long.  Fronds of the invasive strain of Caulerpa can reach 85 centimeters in water as cold as 11 degrees Celcius.

Source: CAN WE STOP “KILLER ALGAE” FROM INVADING FLORIDA? by Charles Jacoby and Linda Walters

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A book recommendation!  Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart.  It’s good for reading all the way through like a novel, as well as for just reading the bits about the plants you want to know more about.  I did much of my research for this blog from this book, and while only a few pages are about killer algae, it’s a fascinating read about all sorts of harmful, deadly, weird, and wicked plants.  And the illustrations give it a very spooky touch.  

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The problem with killer algae

Killer algae is a problem because of how invasive it is and how hard it is for the ecosystems it subjugates to regulate it.  Once it enters a suitable environment (which could range from the Californian coast to a drain pipe), it can grow rapidly and take over the ecosystem with little competition, smothering anything in its range with its thick green fronds.  Killer algae, once it enters an environment, is almost unstoppable.  

Sources:  CAN WE STOP “KILLER ALGAE” FROM INVADING FLORIDA? by Charles Jacoby and Linda Walters The Rhode Island Marine & Estuarine Invasive Species Site Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart, 2009

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One thing the hydra from Greek mythology has in common with killer algae: the more you chop it up, the more it grows, and the harder it will be to wipe it out.