Details of this species in Hawaii Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Established
Source: Eldredge 2003 Arrival Date:
Introduction: Intentional, legally Species Notes for this Location:
In the Hawaiian Islands five species of alien algae are causing major problems. Three species Hypnea musciformis, Gracilaria salicornia and Kappaphycus spp. were intentionally introduced to investigate the feasibility of developing an aquaculture industry. Management Notes for this Location:
Impacts:
Economic/Livelihoods: Five species of algae are causing major problems on Hawaiin islands: the intentionally introduced Hypnea musciformis, Gracilaria salicornia, Kappaphycus spp.; the accidentally introduced Acanthophora spicifera; and the (origin unknown) Avrainvillea amadelphia. On Maui, 20,000 pounds (over 9000 kg) of algae wash up on Kihei beaches per week, costing more than US$100,000 per year to clean. In an economic study, algal biomass costs north Kihei more than US$20 million per year in lost of rental income, decrease in property value, and clean up (Eldredge, 2003).
Modification of natural benthic communities: Likely smothering and overgrowing the native biota. Last Modified: 17/11/2006 3:50:10 p.m.
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