Scientists from Florida International University (FIU) have discovered an invasive species of seagrass Halophila stipulacea in Biscayne Bay.
This species, previously common in the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, was first spotted off the coast of the continental United States. Halophila stipulacea is known for its aggressive ability to displace native seagrass species that play a key role in ecosystems.
Early studies in the Caribbean show that Halophila stipulacea can disrupt familiar ecosystems: native fish and turtle species avoid these algae, which disrupts their food chains.
The invasive species may have entered the waters of Biscayne Bay with ships traveling from areas where Halophila stipulacea has already taken root. This seagrass is able to consolidate and spread even at great depths, displacing native species.
James Furcurian, director of Ocean and Coast Research at FIU, noted the need to take urgent measures to prevent the spread of Halophila stipulacea in order to avoid the destruction of fragile ecosystems in South Florida, ecosphere.press reports.
Alex Shishlo, Editor in Chief of the European Bureau, Rough&Polished
