California's Costly Battle Against Invasive 'Killer Algae' in Coastal Waters
In 2000, the invasive species Caulerpa taxifolia, known as 'killer algae,' was discovered in Southern California waters, likely due to illegal dumping from an aquarium. This led to a six-year eradication effort costing over $7 million. The algae, originally from tropical regions, can thrive in cooler waters and reproduce rapidly, making it a formidable invasive species. It smothers native marine life by blocking sunlight and releasing toxins, disrupting ecosystems and affecting fisheries. The eradication involved covering affected areas with tarpaulins and using chlorine, which also harmed other marine life. 
