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INTRODUCED MACROALGAE IN THE AUSTRALIAN REGION: CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Author(s) -
Schaffelke B.,
Campbell M. L.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.00001-181.x
Subject(s) - biology , kelp , biological dispersal , invasive species , sargassum , range (aeronautics) , ecology , introduced species , fishery , algae , population , materials science , demography , sociology , composite material
s of non‐native macroalgae and the subsequent displacement of native species are globally becoming more frequent. The algal genera Undaria, Sargassum , Caulerpa and Codium have been identified as being particularly invasive. An overview on the present knowledge on macroalgal introductions in the Australian region is presented and options for management are discussed, mostly using examples from studies on the introduced Japanese kelp, Undaria pinnatifida. Undaria pinnatifida was first detected in Tasmania, Australia in the early 1980's. Since then, its range has expanded despite eradication efforts. Long distance jumps appear to be the major mode of spread of U. pinnatifida in Tasmania. Studies are underway to distinguish the relative importance of spore dispersal, drift of adult plants and anthropogenic factors in spreading this invasive kelp. Although information on the real impacts of U. pinnatifida and other introduced macroalgae is sparse, the development of management and control strategies is of vital importance to prevent further spread and translocation of these “pest” species.