Details of this species in Waikiki Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Established
Source: Hunter et al. 2003 Arrival Date: 1970s
Introduction: Intentional, legally Species Notes for this Location:
At this reed site inside the Marine Life Conservation District summer swells are known to detach the alga and produce large amounts of propagative material, which has the potential to spread to new locations. Management Notes for this Location:
Removal of unattached and drifting G. salicornia biomass from Waikiki was a first step for large-scale removal activities (Smith et al. 2004). A large group of volunteers was assembled to remove the floating fragments as well as the beach wash and were successful in removing a large amount of biomass of red algae from the reef and the trench. However they have yet to clear all of the drifting fragments. Smith et al. (2004) are currently in the process of designing an underwater suction device that they hope will help to speed up the process of removing drift algae. Impacts:
Human nuisance: More than 1800 kg of wet-weight biomass was recorded on a Waikiki beach after a 1.5- swell in a 120m² area. Such extensive accumulations of algae washed ashore can prevent beachgoers from utilising this area (Smith et al. 2004). Because this is one of the most popular tourist beaches in the world, such occurrences have the potential to result in economic losses for Hawaii.
Reduction in native biodiversity: G. salicornia likely competes with native algae, corals and other sessile organisms. Last Modified: 17/11/2006 3:50:10 p.m.
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