Invasive Algae Removal Planned For Newport Beach, Officials Say

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Its scientific name is Caulerpa prolifera and it spreads like wildfire, officials say. Now, the powers that Be in Newport Beach are seeking to eradicate the invasive non-native species from their shores.

A coordinated effort to remove and eradicate invasive algae from Newport Harbor will begin Wednesday, officials say.

Evidence of the algae was found in the China Cove beach area of Newport Harbor in March. Since then, the City has been working with multiple federal, state and local agencies to identify the extent of the algae growth and to develop a removal plan.

Using a careful and deliberate method over an anticipated 4-5 days, divers will extract the
invasive plant from the seafloor using vacuum pumps.

The material will then be pumped onshore into a container where the algae and other solids are separated from the harbor water.

The discharged water will be handled with great caution to prevent the reintroduction of the algae to the bay environment.

"Caulerpa prolifera is not dangerous to humans or wildlife, but is highly invasive and can spread
easily, choking out native plants and critical marine habitats," officials reported. "If not eliminated, the algae could spread within Newport Harbor and to critical marine habitats outside the bay."

Caulerpa prolifera and its close relatives in the genus Caulerpa have caused significant and expensive damage to coastal waters in California, Australia, and the Mediterranean.

"After the removal effort in Newport Harbor is complete, divers will conduct surveys immediately
following the removal and over time, to help ensure the species is completely eradicated and does
not repopulate the area," a spokesperson said. "Diver surveys will continue in surrounding areas, both inside and outside Newport Bay, to determine if other areas have been invaded."

The State Water Resources Control Board is funding the removal and pre- and immediate post-removal diver surveys.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service provide funding to support follow-up surveys.

Caulerpa prolifera is a popular and common saltwater aquarium plant.

The algae is bright green and consist of several blades linked by underground runners, which attach to the seafloor with small root-like structures.

Caulerpa and any other aquarium species should never be released into California waters, even by pouring down storm drains which often discharge to the ocean.

To dispose of aquarium plants or animals, freeze them and dispose of them in the garbage.

For more information, or if you believe you have seen this invasive algae, please visit the
Invasive Algae – Caulerpa prolifera web page to submit a notification to CDFW.