The Reef Research Team (RRT) of Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Thoothukudi, found that the destructive algae invasion in Valai island region.
This invasive species, named Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, will smother and kill coral reefs.
It has spread its wings to coral reef areas in Valai island in the Gulf of Mannar and set to invade new coral colonies in the marine national park.
The 2005’s Government Order had restricted cultivation of the exotic seaweed only to the seawaters north of the Palk Bay and South of Thoothukdi coast.
Invasive species
An invasive species is a species that is not native to a specific location (an introduced species naturally or intently).
It has a tendency to spread to a degree believed to cause damage to the eco system, human economy or human health.