Named Chondria tumulosa, the new algae was identified by researchers led by researcher Alison Sherwood, from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hawaii. It was found in Papahãnaumokuãkea National Marine Reserve (OSS) surveys, with samples taken in 2016 and 2019.
In the first survey, researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found a red carpet-like growth and growth algae spread over several square meters. Subsequent surveys revealed that it had spread throughout the north, east and west of the Pearl and Hermes reefs. The researchers said strange algae reached an alarming range in the interval between the two surveys, with extensive growth recorded.
OSS is located in the northwest of the Hawaiian Islands. This is a world heritage site covering an area of about 938,000 square kilometers. Pearl and Hermes reefs are part of open source software, and are also a group of islets and atolls, with around reefs around 724,000 square kilometers. It is home to many species of sponges and corals. In the latest survey, researchers found new algae species are "smudging" all parts of the reef.
"This is a highly destructive species with the ability to cross entire reefs. We need to find its origin and what we can do to manage it. This study needs divers to be dug," he said. create domestically as quickly as possible, ”said study co-author Heather Spalding, from College of Charleston.
Analysis of samples revealed that the new algae belongs to genus Chondria, but there is no conformance with a known species. This new species of algae is currently confusing scientists. Its abrupt appearance in the region and the rapid increase are of particular interest because open source software is a remote and pristine environment. Because it is unclear where this algae comes from, it cannot be classified as invasive. Instead, the team called it a nuisance species and it has an adverse effect on the environment.
Until the origin of Chondria tumulosa was clarified, this species exhibited invasive features, because of its sudden appearance, rapid growth and ecological harm to the coral reef ecosystem.
The researchers said changing the environmental conditions in the area related to climate change could enable the new algae to be established on the coral reefs of Pearl and Hermes Atoll.
