Algae species discovered infesting NW Hawaiian waters has been
identified

Date:
July 7, 2020
Source:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Summary:
A newly-identified, fast-growing species of algae poses a major
threat to coral reefs and the ocean ecosystem in the northwestern
Hawaiian Islands.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
A newly-identified, fast-growing species of algae poses a major threat
to coral reefs and the ocean ecosystem. It was previously discovered
in Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument by a team of researchers
from the University of Hawai?i, Western Australian Herbarium, College
of Charleston and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).


========================================================================== Newly-named Chondria tumulosa by UH researchers, the alga has no known
origin and has been observed smothering entire reefs and the corals,
native algae and other organisms that live in one of the northern
atolls. It also has a "tumbleweed-like" growth and appears to easily
detach and spread.

"I think this is a warning of the kinds of changes that are to come for
the northwestern Hawaiian Islands," said UH Manoa College of Natural
Sciences Interim Associate Dean and Professor Alison Sherwood, the lead researcher on the project. "We have, not until now, seen a major issue
like this where we have a nuisance species that's come in and made such profound changes over a short period of time to the reefs." It was not widespread when first detected by NOAA divers in 2016 but a 2019 visit
to the same area revealed that it is now covering up to several thousand
square meters at the Pearl and Hermes Atoll.

"Until we understand whether it is native or introduced, and until
we better understand what is driving this outbreak, it is critically
important that research divers and research ships do not inadvertently transport this species to other islands," said Randall Kosaki, NOAA
research coordinator at Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument. "Thus,
all of our dive gear was soaked in bleach, and all of our dive boats were sprayed down with bleach prior to returning to Honolulu." The findings
were featured in a PLOS ONEarticle, "Taxonomic determination of the
cryptogenic red alga, Chondria tumulosa sp. nov., (Rhodomelaceae,
Rhodophyta) from Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument, Hawai?i,
USA: a new species displaying invasive characteristics." 'Nuisance' not 'invasive' Although Chondria tumulosa displays invasive characteristics, researchers are calling it a "nuisance alga" because they have not
identified it as being introduced from another region.

"The main Hawaiian Islands are impacted by several well-known invasive seaweeds, but reports of nuisance algae in Papah?naumoku?kea Marine
National Monument are far fewer, and none have been present at the level
of abundance seen in this new alga," Sherwood said.

Next steps Researchers will conduct mapping and molecular analyses,
and will develop mitigation strategies to assist in the development of appropriate management actions.

"This is a highly destructive seaweed with the potential to overgrow
entire reefs," College of Charleston Assistant Professor Heather Spalding
said. "We need to figure out where it's currently found, and what we
can do to manage it.

This type of research needs trained divers in the water as quickly
as possible.

The sooner we can get back to Papah?naumoku?kea Marine National Monument,
the better."

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Hawaii_at_Manoa. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Alison R. Sherwood, John M. Huisman, Monica O. Paiano, Taylor M.

Williams, Randall K. Kosaki, Celia M. Smith, Louise Giuseffi,
Heather L.

Spalding. Taxonomic determination of the cryptogenic red alga,
Chondria tumulosa sp. nov., (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawai`i,
USA: A new species displaying invasive characteristi. PLOS ONE,
2020; 15 (7): e0234358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234358 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200707183918.htm

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