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Disciplines: Botany, Marine Ecology, Plant Ecology
Region: Baja California, Pacífico Islands
Chapter: Ensenada
Undaria pinnatifida is a brown seaweed native to Asia, which has dramatically increased its distribution globally. In Mexico, its presence was documented in 2003 on rocky bottoms near the Todos Santos Island (A Natural Protected Area of the state of Baja California). The effects of its dispersion on the native underwater vegetal communities of Baja California are unknown. The effects on the iconic giant kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera) are of particular concern, since this species provides primary ecological and economic benefits, including key local and regional fisheries species. This project will evaluate the invasive capacity of U. pinnatifida on rocky bottoms occupied by the giant kelp M. pyrifera; for this purpose, we will study the photo-acclimation capacity and growth of the invasive macroalgae U. pinnatifida in the understory of M. pyrifera kelp forest located in the Todos Santos Island. Our main hypothesis is that the drastic reduction of light (up to 80%) caused by the canopy of these marine forests can be a limiting factor for the dispersion of U. pinnatifida. The dispersion of invasive/introduced macroalgae species is recognized as a primary potential threat on the local/regional biodiversity of underwater vegetation. This project responds to the urgent need to obtain scientific criteria to support the implementation of management strategies for these species by relevant authorities.
