One of the worst enemy species in the world, with international fame for its ability to spread, was detected in coastal areas of Portugal. Its presence may compromise the balance of marine ecosystems and bring consequences to economic activities associated with the sea.
Detected in bathing zones
The species in question is the pinnatifide Undaria, commonly known as Wakame, a brown seaweed from the Pacific region. Although appreciated in Asian cuisine, this seaweed has gained notoriety for less positive reasons: it is among the 100 most harmful exotic species in the world, according to the International Union for Nature Conservation (UICN).
His presence was confirmed on beaches such as Carreço and Canto Marinho, in the district of Viana do Castelo, after being identified in several Portuguese Marinas.
A path facilitated by the sea routes
The arrival of this algae to the national territory is due, according to investigators, to international maritime transport. Wakame can travel embedded in ships or be released through ballast water. Once introduced, it has a high adaptation capacity, fixing both on artificial and natural surfaces.
The constant movement of vessels facilitates its dispersion along the Atlantic coast, increasing the likelihood of colonization of new areas within a few days.
Ecological and economic impact on analysis
The expansion of the Pinnatifida Undaria raises serious environmental concerns. This algae can form dense cloaks, preventing light entry and occupying the necessary space for the growth of native species. The result is the degradation of marine habitats, with implications for mollusks, fish and other coastal life forms.
From an economic point of view, its presence can make it difficult to activity in ports, marinas and aquacic explorations, leading to additional cleaning and maintenance costs.
A difficult presence to control
Although some control methods are being equated, such as manual removal or the application of anti-inch coverings, complete Wakame eradication is considered unlikely. Its reproduction and resistance capacity makes constant monitoring essential to locking new occurrences.
Alert for the future of the Portuguese coast
The detection of this invasive species on the northern beaches represents a new environmental challenge, whose size is still being evaluated by the authorities and the scientific community and. The experience of other countries suggests that without control, Wakame can profoundly alter the ecosystems where it is installed.
Surveillance in coastal zones, coupled with effective mitigation strategies, will be crucial to contain the impacts of this species of algae that, despite its harmless appearance, already raises serious concerns among experts.
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