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Native sea urchins, fish help biologists fight invasive seaweed

acanthophora seaweed invades reefs 9

To heighten the global warming-triggered devastation of the already threatened coral reefs across the word, the Hawaiian reefs are presently fighting invasive seaweeds. But, the control measures have to see that it does not take its toll on the other marine creatures.

So, as an answer to this spreading nuisance, biologists are using native sea urchins and fish to fight the aggressive plants. Previous tests have found that, to begin with, the urchins are able to stop alien algae infestations. They can also prevent the re-growth of existing alien algae.

Both environment-friendly and effective in killing the invasive weeds, the urchins and some fish are perhaps the best weapons to fight such reef-killing nuisances.

Some ‘grazing fish’ like the manini are fond of the acanthophora seaweed that invades West Maui. Since, they don’t seem to have a taste for Kaneohe Bay’s kappaphycus weeds, are found to be collector urchins’ favorite.

Thus, an invasive seaweed removal program can now take assistance of the urchins and ‘grazing fish’ in controlling seaweed invasions.

Photo: hawaii.edu

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