SEA GRANT FUNDED STUDY LEADS TO OUTLAW OF AQUARIUM PLANT IN CALIFORNIA
As a result of a California-funded Sea Grant survey, the sale import and possession of Caulerpa taxifolia and several other Caulerpa species has been banned by the State of California as of September 2001. Caulerpa taxifolia, fast-growing tropical seaweed, was discovered in a San Diego lagoon nearly two years ago. Someone dumping a home saltwater aquarium into the water likely caused the invasion.
To track the prevalence of Caulerpa in retail stores, California Sea Grant researchers Steven Murray and Susan Frisch conducted a survey of aquarium shops in Southern California. Results showed that more than half -52%- of the aquarium shops visited in Southern California sold at least one of 16 different types of Caulerpa. Murray and Frisch collected and identified Caulerpa specimens in each store and are attempting to determine which species can survive in California waters if let loose. Murray and Frisch's surveys have complemented the state's aggressive efforts to reduce the likelihood of future Caulerpa invasions.
CONTACT: Steven Murray, Sea Grant Researcher, California State University, Fullerton, (O) 714-278-7291, (F) 714-278-7095, Email: < smurray@fullerton.edu>
DNA TECHNOLOGY IDENTIF
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Contact: Ben Sherman
sherman@nasw.org
202-662-7095
National Sea Grant College Program
29-Apr-2002