
Taking to social media, local marine biologist Alan Deidun highlighted the problematic invasion of the harpoon red algal species on local waterbeds.
‘An alien landscape indeed’, wrote the marine biologist. ‘This underwater landscape might seem idyllic but upon closer scrutiny, one realises that the same landscape is dominated by an invasive alien species.”
The algal species, scientific name Asparagopsis taxiformis, is a species native to Western Australia and not the central Mediterranean.
Its presence in local waterbeds is therefore concerning. Deidun revealed that the species is currently being fed to cows in test trials on dairy farms to attempt to reduce their methane generation levels.
You know, one of the worst greenhouse gases around.
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Photo Source Alan Deidun via Leli Scerri