To Asian algae Rugulopterix Okamurae It continues to be massive on the southern beaches of the Iberian Peninsula by the ninth consecutive summer. Spatched by several coastal provinces since 2016, after arriving from the Pacific through the ballast waters of the ships, this species has been turning ecosystems and hindering artisanal fishing. In some zones, marine and sea funds have already lost up to 95% of their diversity of algae, according to the Catempita María Altamirano Jeschke of the University of Malaga.
The exception on the Andaluza coast
According to the newspaper El Correo de Andalucía, there is one, however, a point of the coast where the species finds it difficult to settle: Huelva. The explanation lies in the characteristics of the marine background, consisting essentially of sand, which does not offer favorable conditions for fixing the algae. While Cadiz, Malaga, Granada and Almería, as well as the entire Algarve coast, record large concentrations, this Andalusian province remains practically free from the invasion.
According to the same source, the local advantage may not be definitive, since the Rugulopterix Okamurae It is able to remain in suspension in water without the need to anchor to the ground. If you can adapt, you may also pose a risk for this coastal strip.
An example close to the Portuguese border
One of the beaches of this closest province in Portugal is Playa de Islastil, about 30 minutes from Castro Marim, in the Algarve. With 1.6 kilometers long and blue flag, the beach combines natural areas with pine forests and services for summer. It is a favorite of families and is integrated in an area where the beaches of Hoyo and UrbanuSuri are also found.
LOSS FOR FISHING
Note that algae expansion has caused significant losses for fishing, especially in the drag and traditional arts. It refers to the same source that nets get stuck, forcing fishermen to remove large volumes of algae before continuing the activity, which increases costs and working time.
Combat and reuse plans
The Andalusian Board recently published an intervention manual to guide the removal and destination of the collected specimens.
According to, in places, such as Melilla, these algae are used to generate energy, transforming an environmental problem into a circular economy resource. For this, it is necessary to “inactivate” biomass before reuse, avoiding its dispersion.
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