Invasive Algae
Invasive algae (seaweed) poses a significant threat to Hawaiian coral reefs. Invasive seaweed smothers coral and degrades the environment needed by native fish, invertebrates, and limu. One of the main projects under the AIS team is the control of Kappaphycus/Eucheuma, also known as Smothering seaweed, along with a variety of other species. See below for information about the five main species of alien invasive algae in Hawaiʻi.
Smothering seaweed killing coral in Kaneohe Bay
Invasive Algae of Hawaiʻi
Smothering Seaweed Gorilla Ogo Leather Mudweed Hook Weed Prickly Seaweed