Use of Sediment Bioassays to Verify Efficacy of Caulerpa taxifolia Eradication Treatments

Infestations of the marine alga Caulerpa taxifolia were discovered in Agua Hedionda Lagoon, California in 2000. Rapid response actions included containment under pvc tarps coupled with injection of liquid sodium hypochlorite. To assess the efficacy of these treatments, replicated sediment cores were...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aquatic plant management 2005, Vol.43 (1), p.1-9
Main Authors: Anderson, L.W.J, Tan, W, Woodfield, R, Mooney, R, Merkel, K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aquatic weeds
bioassays
Caulerpa taxifolia
invasive species
macroalgae
Marine
noxious weeds
rapid response
sampling
sediments
seeds
viability
weed control
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Summary:Infestations of the marine alga Caulerpa taxifolia were discovered in Agua Hedionda Lagoon, California in 2000. Rapid response actions included containment under pvc tarps coupled with injection of liquid sodium hypochlorite. To assess the efficacy of these treatments, replicated sediment cores were removed from representative treated sites and transferred to grow-out facilities. Similar cores from un-infested (control) sediments were removed, inoculated with viable explants of C. taxifolia and placed in grow-out facilities. Results from two sampling periods (1 year, 2 years posttreatment) showed that no viable C. taxifolia emerged in cores, and that inoculated 'control' sediments supported normal growth. Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) seedlings emerged from native seed-banks in 'treated' cores, which also supported growth of some invertebrates (annelid worms and hydroids). This study provided essential verification of C. taxifolia eradication efforts, and demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating quality control/ quality assurance components in rapid response actions. Results of this study also suggest that seeds of eelgrass are viable for at least two years.
ISSN:0146-6623