Invasive algae spreading fast along Sines coastline
An invasive algae species, Rugulopteryx okamurae, first detected near the Port of Sines about a decade ago, has expanded sharply over the past two to three years, researcher Joaquim Parrinha told Lusa. Warmer water triggered exponential growth down to 12 metres, and rough seas recently tore large amounts loose, covering beaches. The mats block light and oxygen, killing native species such as coralline algae, sargassum, kelp and codium, and creating gas pockets that cause eutrophication. The algae now stretches from Melides to Azenha do Mar, with São Torpes and Pessegueiro Island worst hit. Parrinha suggests removing and possibly reusing the biomass agriculturally.