The introduction of invasive aquatic species into new marine environments not only affects biological diversity and ecosystem health, but also has numerous economic repercussions in sectors such as fishing, aquaculture in the maritime sector, and shellfishing.
In that sense, addressing invasive aquatic species is not just a matter of ensuring the health and integrity of marine ecosystems, but ultimately of protecting ecosystem services that support the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide.
Global Threat: The spread of invasive species is currently considered one of the greatest threats to the ecology and economic well-being of the planet. These species are causing enormous damage to biodiversity and the valuable natural wealth of the earth on which we depend.
The direct and indirect effects on health are increasingly severe, and damage to the environment is often irreversible. Furthermore, they produce a major economic impact on sectors that depend on the coastal and marine environment, such as tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries, as well as costly damage to infrastructure.
Invasive Algae in the Rias Baixas
The Rias Baixas face a growing threat from the proliferation of invasive algae, highlighting the Asian Rugulopteryx okamurae (detected in Vigo and Arousa) and Sargassum muticum (wireweed) with broad presence and expansion in the Rias Baixas, displacing native species and affecting biodiversity. These algae and others such as Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame) and local species like Ulva lactuca, generate serious ecological problems, smothering the seabed and harming fishing and shellfishing.
Key Species
Impact & Response
Economic and Ecological Impact: Seaweeds, mainly R. okamurae, entangle fishing gear, cover shellfish, and generate beach cleaning costs. In addition, other threats such as the parasite Marteilia cochillia have devastated cockle beds.
Active Management: Monitoring, training, and management works are being carried out, even evaluating the use of waste for composting as part of a circular economy.
Census & Green Ship Project
The Census Project focuses on creating localization maps of different invasive species, with special emphasis on the detection and location of the species Rugulopteryx okamurae.
Early Warning Network: We seek to design and implement protocols for early detection in new distribution points, establishing tools for rapid intervention that minimizes impact.
Anticipating the species' advance allows for early preparation to manage its evolution and spread, increasing the guarantees of success and optimizing resources. This world-pioneering study (CENSUS-INVASORAS) offers unique opportunities to establish growth and expansion patterns, locate and discover new invasive species such as Asparagopsis Taxiformis, which pose a major risk due to their rate of expansion and capacity to alter native marine ecosystems.
Thanks to the Green Ship Project, we address the control of introduction through individuals attached to hulls and ballast water. It is essential to complement this with the observation of colonies already present to prevent their expansion.
The Census Project is initially developed in the Vigo and Arousa Estuaries, deploying more than 500 dive points where the incidence and repercussion of the advance of these species will be catalogedāessential work for determining effective action plans without production losses.
Mapa y Contenidos GrƔficos
Through the Interactive Map you can follow the research and access all the graphic records of each Dive Point. All data is in the public domain and can be accessed without restrictions.