Regional Government and University present multidisciplinary study to combat invasive algae - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas

The Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies (DRPM), in partnership with the University of the Azores (UAc), will deliver a public presentation on the “Multidisciplinary study on the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Autonomous Region of the Azores” this Thursday, July 23.

The event will take place at the Auditorium of the João José da Graça Public Library and Regional Archive in the city of Horta, starting at 9:45 a.m. The opening session will feature speeches via video link by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel.

This pioneering project represents an urgent and coordinated scientific response to what is now widely recognised as the most aggressive marine bioinvasion on the islands since records began, having been first detected in the Region in 2019.

The rapid spread of Rugulopteryx okamurae severely impacts coastal ecosystems and beach cleanliness, directly affecting vital sectors of the Azorean economy, such as tourism, leisure and local fisheries.

With a view to curbing and managing this complex phenomenon, the Azorean academic community has developed an integrated research programme based on three main pillars, which will be presented and discussed throughout the morning by various experts.
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Following the introductory remarks by the Regional Director for Maritime Policies, Rui Martins, on the Portuguese Environment Agency’s perspective regarding the National Strategy, and an overview of the project presented by Filipe M. Porteiro, the proceedings will focus on the biology, ecology and dispersal of the species, with contributions from researchers at CIBIO, the OKEANOS Institute and the Air Centre.

The second main theme of the presentation will address the potentially valuable uses of the algae, seeking to transform an environmental issue into an economic opportunity through research into biotechnological applications for the health sciences, as well as its use in ruminant feed and agricultural composting. These topics will be led by experts from OKEANOS and IITAA.

The research component dedicated to mitigation will bring the series of presentations to a close, focusing on identifying techniques for removing and managing massive algae wash-ups on the Azorean coastline, as well as defining action protocols and awareness-raising campaigns.

The event will culminate in an open discussion session aimed at engaging civil society, maritime authorities, local authorities and public administration officials, creating a broader forum for debate on the challenges, operational options and future steps to mitigate this serious threat to the islands’ ecosystems.