Algae attack averted

Scientists in San Diego announced last week that they have yanked caulerpa taxifolia, also known as killer algae, from a saltwater lagoon because of its ability to invade and occupy marine environments. Two months ago, researchers discovered near San Diego a half-acre of the menacing marine plant, which has blanketed large swaths of the Mediterranean seafloor off the coast of France, Italy, and Spain [see story Jan. 27, 2000]. The invasion near San Diego was likely dumped from a home aquarium. Meanwhile, a second patch was discovered in Huntington Beach, Calif. Scientists are waiting for funding approval before treating this second infestation.

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