As we become more acquainted with the underwater world, we have strived to bring the enchanting underwater environment into our homes and we made it it better, more beautiful, and more diverse with each passing day.
It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that aquarium enthusiasts seek to introduce aquariums into their living spaces because they offer an array of colors, such as green, yellow, blue, purple, and even red. Since we can't dive into the sea at any given time, our solution is to bring the sea above the water.
Saltwater aquariums initially found a place in the homes of those belonging to higher income brackets. Over time, they evolved into larger and more comprehensive public facilities, allowing the public to become more aware and witness the captivating world beneath the waves in person.
While saltwater aquariums became widespread in Europe, Monaco also adopted them. In 1910, an aquarium was established in Monte Carlo, the capital of Monaco. This aquarium stands as one of the oldest in Europe today, covering an area of approximately 11.000 m² and housing around 6000 species.
However, today our focus is not on this renowned visitor attraction, also known as the Monaco Oceanographic Museum, but on a leak that is believed to have originated here and spread to the Mediterranean, becoming a catastrophe.
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Caulerpa taxifolia, originally a species from the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Caribbean Sea. It is a algae belonging to the Cauleracea family, residing within its own natural habitat before its intrusion into the Mediterranean.
This algae, known for its striking fluorescent green color, must have captured the attention of the marine life curators at the Monaco aquarium, prompting them to include it in their collection.
In 1984, when scientists conducted research off the French coast, they likely had no inkling of the consequences this algae would have on the Mediterranean. Taxifolia is a type of algae that grows and spreads rapidly.
Natural factors such as temperature and salinity normally act as constraints on uncontrolled reproduction among underwater creatures. However, Taxifolia multiplied itself uncontrollably in the different conditions of the Mediterranean, rapidly becoming a major threat to marine life along the French coast.
Taxifolia is not the only species that extends its territory by traveling between different seas worldwide. Many species, including jellyfish, mussels, other types of algae, and fish, are transported via ballast water from ships or by adhering to ship hulls. They can also be carried by ocean currents, but the ballast water is a crucial factor in their distribution. This is because the physical and chemical properties of the water create effects that significantly reduce the survival of these creatures during transport. However, the discharge of ballast water is not always precise. Taxifolia could very well be one of the species clinging to ships or transported by ballast water; the only difference is that, in this case, the escape occurred from an aquarium.
Killer algae originally from another part of the world, poses a serious threat to local species in the Mediterranean. It inhibits the growth of species already inhabiting the Mediterranean, reduces the availability of food, and destroys underwater habitats. Taxifolia is referred to as "killer algae" in ecological circles due to its aggressive behavior, and it's an ongoing issue. This adds to the challenges faced by native Mediterranean species in the future.
Climate change, warming sea waters, increased acidity, and even Red Sea immigrants arriving through the Suez Canal have all contributed to these challenges.
Eliminating killer algae in the Mediterranean
Numerous methods have been attempted to eliminate the threat of killer algae in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the algae grows and spreads so rapidly that these measures have had limited success. Currently, the most effective and result-oriented approach to eradicating killer algae seems to be manual removal from the water. However, this method is challenging and costly due to the algae's various depths and widespread distribution. Furthermore, when removing the algae from the water, no part of it can be left behind, or it may spread again. To minimize further spread, marine vessels navigating the Mediterranean must discharge ballast water in a controlled manner, thoroughly clean their hulls each time, and, if necessary, remove the cleaning water from the sea. Achieving this seems almost insurmountable.
Monaco is an autonomous principality within France, and it is situated very close to Nice, Cannes, and Marseille. This region is also known as the Cote d'Azur, or the French Riviera.
The initial discovery of killer algae in 1984 occurred on the beaches of this region, which is also home to the Monaco National Oceanographic Museum, led by the renowned marine explorer Jack Cousteau.
Although authorities avoid taking responsibility for this issue, it is reasonable to assume that the killer algae entered the Mediterranean through the discharge from the Monaco Oceanographic Museum's aquarium. Such a significant aquarium is the logical starting point for such an occurrence.
Monaco has claimed that this algae is a mutant of Caulerpa mexicana, which entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. However, DNA research conducted by Swiss scientists has clearly demonstrated otherwise.
Killer algae or Taxifolia, has no place in the unique food chain of the Mediterranean. Presently, there are no predators in the Mediterranean capable of controlling it. Moreover, even if these creatures attempted to consume it, they would face another problem: Taxifolia is toxic to fish. When fish or other marine creatures ingest this algae, chemicals like Caulerpin are absorbed from the intestines, skin, and gills. These chemicals cause effects such as reduced cell membrane permeability, paralysis, and eventually the death of the organism consuming the algae.
What can be done to prevent the spread of killer algae?
Taxifolia is a spore-producing algae, so removing it from the water does not guarantee its elimination. To prevent the transportation of algae, one preventive measure is to avoid discharging ballast water into different regions by employing an effective filtration system. However, how to achieve this remains a mystery. Cleaning boat hulls and anchors is another precautionary step. Hand-collecting algae is also a significant solution, and introducing natural predators into the ecosystem is another option. Nevertheless, while addressing one invasive species, it is essential to be cautious not to create space for another.
Killer algae, also known as Taxifolia, is an unexpected guest that has settled in the Mediterranean. Originating from another part of the world, it has unfortunately become a permanent resident.
We must continue our research to learn to coexist with it and, despite the challenges, aim to completely rid the Mediterranean of this threat.
Thank you for reading me.
