Bad Loch

The Scotsman is reporting that an invasive seaweed has been discovered in Loch Fyne, where it threatens to damage oyster and mussel fisheries. Known as Japanese wireweed (Sargassum muticum), this species is native to Japan, thought to have spread naturally from France to Scotland several years ago after it was accidentally introduced to France from Japan or British Columbia. Since its introduction, Japanese wireweed has gone on to impact Scotland's Firth of Clyde in several ways, including hull fouling, clogging of pipes, reduction of native seaweed diversity, and damaging equipment used to harvest shellfish. No effective long-term management techniques are yet available to control it.