These days we hear a lot about the invasive Caulerpa taxifolia, often referred to as "Killer Algae." Turns out that it's lesser known congener from the Pacific Ocean, C. brachypus, is causing major problems off the coast of Florida. As reported at Science Daily, the algae, only recently discovered in U.S. waters, is now smothering coral reefs near Palm Beach County. Dr. Brian Lapointe of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution has received EPA funds to study the invasion, with the first surveys scheduled to start today. According to Dr. Lapointe, one of the main contributions to the ongoing problem of marine algal blooms is the discharge of sewage. Here's a link to an older article on the subject, from the Naples Daily News.
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