Scientists in Mallorca are undertaking a 10-day study on invasive algae

SCIENTISTS in Mallorca are undertaking a 10-day study on invasive algae in the Cabrera Archipelago National Maritime-Terrestrial Park.
The team will be led by a specialist from the Advanced Mediterranean Studies (IMEDEA, CSIC – UIB) and the work of collecting samples and monitoring the impact of this tropical algae Halimeda incrassata on marine ecosystems started on Monday August 30.
Supporting this, the Systems, Robotics and Viewing (SRV) research team at the University of the Balearic Islands will complement the work by mapping this species using underwater robots.
In addition, TrueWorld, an organisation whose main objective is scientific review to encourage climate action at a global level, will support the campaign with its Stenella solar electric boat. This vessel is a traveling maritime station that has sensors and facilities to monitor the status of maritime biodiversity in real time in the Balearic Islands.
Halimeda incrassata is an invasive alga that has been detected in the waters of Mallorca. It colonizes the sandy bottoms and modifies the habitat of some important commercial species, as well as the seagrass beds that are highly valued for their contributions as breeding habitats and because they provide clear waters and coastal protection.
To solve this problem, solid data on the presence of this invasive species are needed that allow early detection and eradication, as well as monitoring over time.
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