Researchers Id New Invasive Algae at Papahānaumokuākea (w/ video)

The new species of algae at Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Photo courtesy of NOAA/National Marine Sanctuaries

A newly identified, fast-growing species of algae poses a major threat to coral reefs and the ocean ecosystem. It was previously discovered in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi, Western Australian Herbarium, College of Charleston and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as reported by UH.

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 Mānoa 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.”

‘Before’ area near Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Photo courtesy of NOAA/National Marine Sanctuaries

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 Papahānaumokuākea 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 ONE article, “Taxonomic determination of the cryptogenic red alga, Chondria tumulosa sp. nov., (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaiʻi, USA: a new species displaying invasive characteristics.”