Invasive algae threatens Canary Islands' marine ecosystems
The invasive Japanese alga Rugulopteryx okamurae is rapidly spreading through the waters of the Canary Islands, threatening marine biodiversity and affecting coastal tourism hotspots like Las Canteras.
Detected between 2020 and 2022, the species thrives in warm temperatures, reproduces easily from fragments, and has no natural predators in the region, making it nearly impossible to eradicate.
Marine biologist Beatriz Fernández Gómez warns that the algae takes over native species by blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen, harming ecosystems and fisheries. Large blooms frequently wash ashore, releasing unpleasant odours and creating unpleasant conditions for beachgoers.
Despite the growing urgency, completely eradicating the Rugulopteryx okamurae is considered nearly impossible. “To eliminate it, we would need to make the environment inhospitable to the species, but that’s extremely difficult in open marine ecosystems,” says Fernández.
Currently, the only measures available are manual or mechanical removal when the algae wash ashore. These efforts are costly, laborious, and ultimately temporary.
However, researchers and environmental groups are looking at ways to turn the problem into an opportunity. Initiatives like Natur-Ext and Revalgae are exploring the potential to transform the algae into bioplastics, biofertilisers, or biofuels. This could help reduce landfill waste, create economic value, and even contribute to carbon capture efforts.
Complete eradication is unlikely, but new projects like Natur-Ext and Revalgae are exploring ways to repurpose the algae into bioplastics, biofertilisers, or biofuels, offering a potential path to mitigate its impact.
The Canary Islands’ warm waters, especially within the 18–25°C range ideal for the algae’s growth, make the region an ideal home for this invader, and with no natural controls, experts say the Canary Islands may need to adapt to coexistence, managing the species rather than trying to eliminate it.
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