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Research on biodiversity
Eradication of Caulerpa seaweed beds
Impact on corals in the Indian Ocean
Eradication of Caulerpa seaweed beds
Beauty can be a trap, and despite the appeal of the Caulerpa taxifolia with its lovely green flowers, this invasive species represents a great danger for neritic Mediterranean habitats. These algae preferentially invade posidonia prairies, impoverishing the already threatened marine flora and fauna.
- Caulerpa taxifolia -
As part of its partnership with the Port-Cros National Park, the Foundation is financing a research programme on eradication of caulerpa seaweed. The risk of this plant invading the waters of the Port-Cros National Park is increasing every year.
The programme is organised by the scientific staff of the Port-Cros National Park, and benefits from voluntary assistance on the part of local associations and diving clubs. It involves systematic monitoring of the main boat-mooring zones, where there is the greatest risks of the seaweed proliferating.
The eradication measures are carried out by Park divers. Two methods are used:
- application of copper-based treatment on the larger patches;
- eradication by hand, by removing the substrate.
- Caulerpa racemosa -
A new variety of green algae, Caulerpa racemosa was first spotted in the Mediterranean in 1990 on the coast of Libya. Since then the species has spread over 310 miles of coastline. In South of France, it can be found at twenty sites between Marseilles and Menton as well as in Corsica, off the coast of Bastia and in the Bouches de Bonifacio marine park.
Port-Cros National Park, with the support of the Total Foundation, is continuing its research and eradication efforts by conducting surveys and monitoring the location of the algae in the waters of Port-Cros as well as seeking suitable solutions for managing this new green algae.
Partner:
Port-Cros National Park