Imagine this: The Adriatic Sea, famous for its clear waters and rich marine life, is now under attack by the invasive brown alga Stypopodium schimperi! This alga, originally from the Indian Ocean, made its way through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean and now threatens to destroy local marine ecosystems. It was first spotted in Croatia in the fall of 2021 near Komiža on the island of Vis, where in just one year it grew from a few specimens to thousands.
The latest research from May 2023 shows that the alga covers up to 30% of the sea floor around Komiža, especially on rocky bottoms at depths between 5 and 15 meters, completely displacing native species.
Scientists are panicking because this species is currently the most invasive foreign alga in Croatian waters. While it’s still unclear whether its population will stabilize or spread further across the Adriatic, the fact that it took over such a large area in just two years is alarming. Researchers are calling on all divers and sea lovers to report any sightings of this alga outside the Komiža area, even encouraging underwater photos or collecting samples for easier identification.
For those wondering how to spot this underwater villain — Stypopodium schimperi resembles the native Padina pavonica but is bigger (up to 40 cm) and has an ochre color with a bluish sheen, while the native species rarely exceeds 20 cm and is white. This invasive alga is part of the benthic nis ip2019046702 project, but the big question remains: can science stop this marine invader before it’s too late?
So, dear divers and Adriatic lovers, next time you dive, keep your eyes wide open and don’t let our sea turn into a wasteland ruled by this invasive alga! And if you spot it, feel free to crack a joke in the comments — maybe it’s time to give it a nickname like “Alga-terrorist” or “Sea Invader 2023.” Who knows, your photo might just help fight this marine menace!
