Invasive Marine Species

Threats to the Marine Environment

Invasive Species


Gorilla Seaweed, Gracilaria salicornia, Waikiki
Kappaphycus, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu	Bubble Alga, Dictyosphaeria cavernosa, Kaneohe Bay
Cladophora, Oahu	Mudweed, Avrainvillea amadelpha, Oahu
Hypnea musciformis, Oahu	Acanthophora spicifera, Oahu
Taape, Lutjanus kasmira, Oahu	Roi, Cephalopholis argus, Kona, Hawaii

Invasive species are a serious problem around the world. Many are introduced to an area where natural population controls are absent. Environmental changes may also cause benign native species to reproduce rapidly and become invasive.

Invasive algae (seaweed) form extensive tangles or mats that smother & displace corals & diverse marine life. Alien fish compete with or prey upon natives, many of which are commercially important.