Fast-spreading Algae Found in Waters Near California Coast
2021-07-19
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1Scientists in California report the first appearance of a species of bright green algae, caulerpa prolifera, growing in the ocean near California.
2And the researchers say they hope to never see it again.
3The growth of caulerpa prolifera was found close to the coast off the Southern California town of Newport Beach.
4Divers recently began to remove the algae, as it could greatly harm the area's environment.
5Few fish or other animals eat caulerpa prolifera.
6So it spreads effectively.
7It can quickly take control of an ecosystem, forcing out other plants as well as the animals that eat them.
8So far, the growth covers about 90-square-meters.
9However, tiny pieces of the algae can easily break off and continue to grow elsewhere.
10Robert Mooney is a biologist with Marine Taxonomic Services.
11He led a team of three divers at the site.
12He told the Associated Press that the team has a chance to fully remove the plant but no time can be wasted.
13"We don't have the luxury of waiting to see what happens," he said.
14The species was discovered late last year.
15Federal, state and local officials were urged to act earlier this year to prevent the algae from spreading.
16It was important to act quickly, they said, because the movement of swimmers and boaters in the sea help spread the algae.
17California faced a similar problem two years ago.
18A related algae was found off the coast of Huntington Beach and Carlsbad.
19It cost $7 million to remove. California then banned the sale of that algae and others.
20Caulerpa prolifera is used in some aquariums and is not banned in California.
21When people clean aquariums, the resulting wastewater can include extremely small pieces of the algae.
22These pieces will travel along waterways into the Pacific Ocean and begin to reproduce.
23The source of Newport Beach's algae invasion is not confirmed.
24But Keith Merkel, a biological consultant on the project, has a suspicion.
25"It's more than likely the source is an aquarium release," he said.
26So far, divers have not discovered the algae anywhere else in the area.
27But, Merkel said testing will continue and if more algae is found, another removal operation will begin.
28"There's a good chance that it has spread, we just don't know where - which is the biggest fear that we have," Merkel said.
29I'm Jonathan Evans.
1Scientists in California report the first appearance of a species of bright green algae, caulerpa prolifera, growing in the ocean near California. And the researchers say they hope to never see it again. 2The growth of caulerpa prolifera was found close to the coast off the Southern California town of Newport Beach. Divers recently began to remove the algae, as it could greatly harm the area's environment. Few fish or other animals eat caulerpa prolifera. So it spreads effectively. It can quickly take control of an ecosystem, forcing out other plants as well as the animals that eat them. 3So far, the growth covers about 90-square-meters. However, tiny pieces of the algae can easily break off and continue to grow elsewhere. 4Robert Mooney is a biologist with Marine Taxonomic Services. He led a team of three divers at the site. 5He told the Associated Press that the team has a chance to fully remove the plant but no time can be wasted. 6"We don't have the luxury of waiting to see what happens," he said. 7The species was discovered late last year. Federal, state and local officials were urged to act earlier this year to prevent the algae from spreading. It was important to act quickly, they said, because the movement of swimmers and boaters in the sea help spread the algae. 8California faced a similar problem two years ago. A related algae was found off the coast of Huntington Beach and Carlsbad. It cost $7 million to remove. California then banned the sale of that algae and others. 9Caulerpa prolifera is used in some aquariums and is not banned in California. When people clean aquariums, the resulting wastewater can include extremely small pieces of the algae. These pieces will travel along waterways into the Pacific Ocean and begin to reproduce. 10The source of Newport Beach's algae invasion is not confirmed. But Keith Merkel, a biological consultant on the project, has a suspicion. 11"It's more than likely the source is an aquarium release," he said. 12So far, divers have not discovered the algae anywhere else in the area. But, Merkel said testing will continue and if more algae is found, another removal operation will begin. 13"There's a good chance that it has spread, we just don't know where - which is the biggest fear that we have," Merkel said. 14I'm Jonathan Evans. 15Amy Taxin reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. 16_________________________________________________ 17Words in This Story 18aquarium - n. a glass or plastic container in which fish and other water animals and plants can live 19luxury - n. something desirable but expensive or hard to get 20species - n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants; a group of related animals or plants that is smaller than a genus