The Green Invader: How a Seaweed is Changing Moroccan Coasts

A foreign seaweed called Rugulopteryx okamurae has been causing trouble along Morocco's northern coast since 2017. It's not just an ecological issue; it's also affecting the lives of people who depend on the sea for their livelihoods. Researchers have been keeping an eye on this invader from 2019 to 2022. They found huge piles of this seaweed washed up on shores, especially in places like M'diq and Asilah. In 2019, M'diq saw a massive 358 tons of this seaweed, and in 2021, Asilah had 242 tons. That's a lot of seaweed! Local fishers are feeling the pinch. In M'diq, a whopping 91% of them have noticed a drop in their income because of this seaweed. It's not just about the money, though. The seaweed is changing the coastal habitats, and no one knows what the long-term effects will be. The warm waters of the Mediterranean might be helping this seaweed thrive. Temperatures rarely drop below 15°C and can reach up to 26. 9°C. These conditions seem perfect for Rugulopteryx okamurae to spread. This situation is a wake-up call. It's high time for more studies, better monitoring, and effective management strategies. The seaweed is here, and it's not going away anytime soon. It's time to face the challenge head-on.