Portugal launches national plan against invasive Asian seaweed

Portugal's government has approved a national action programme for 2026-2030 to tackle Rugulopteryx okamurae, an invasive brown seaweed from the Pacific that has spread rapidly along the Algarve coast, Cascais and most of the Azores since first being detected in Portugal in 2019. Officials say full eradication is no longer realistic, so efforts will focus on early detection in new areas and reducing damage where the species is already established. Measures include satellite and drone monitoring, underwater sensors, manual and mechanical removal, containment barriers, and research into sustainable removal methods and possible uses for the collected biomass. The seaweed harms fisheries, reducing catches and damaging fishing gear.