INVASIVE SEAWEED THRIVES IN THE NORTHEAST
A potentially disruptive red algal species has been recorded for the first time on the northeastern coast of North America by two marine biologists from Rhode Island.
Martine Villalard-Bohnsack, professor of biology at Roger Williams University, and Marilyn M. Harlin, a member of the University of Rhode Island biology faculty, have been tracking the invasive seaweed--Grateloupia doryphora.
According to Villalard-Bohnsack, G. doryphora is common in temperate and subtropical waters in the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, but to date had never been recorded in the northeastern coast of North America.
"It's covering other organisms and it loves polluted water. There is the potential for some very devastating effects," notes Villalard-Bohnsack, who also authored the book, Illustrated Key to the Seaweeds of New England. Villalard-Bohnsack and Harlin have written papers on their findings for several scientific journals.
This red-seaweed invaded and disrupted coastal areas in Europe and Africa, and it seems to be thriving--even in the cold weather-- in the northeastern coast of North America.
Large numbers of specimens have been observed in the lowermost portions of Narragansett Bay, at one station in the West Passage at Fort Getty and at eight stations in the East Passage at Beavertail State Park and the Newport Harbor.
The biggest fear triggered by the seaweed is that it will proliferate, push out native plant life and possibly trigger widespread ecological changes in the Bay. Invasive species are a growing concern to scientists and environmental regulators around the world. Species introduced from other continents often have no natural enemies and tend to proliferate and dramatically alter local environments.
The source of the Narrangansett Bay populations cannot be currently identified, but DNA analysis should help establish their origin.
"It seems likely that either hulls of ships or ballast water- dumping was involved," says Villalard-Bohnsack.
Specimens are pinkish to brownish red, and some measure up to three feet in length by 10 inches wide, with a gelatinous and distinctly slippery texture, growing singly or in clumps.
EDITORS: Dr. Villalard-Bohnsack can be reached at 401-254-3243 (office) or 508-379-0774 (home). If you need any assistance, contact Steve Infanti of Dick Jones Communications at 814-867-1963. DJC helps RWU with its public affairs work.
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