California spent $7M and six years removing escaped killer algae

California has concluded a six-year, $7 million effort to eradicate an invasive species of algae, known as Caulerpa taxifolia, from the state's coastal waters. The project, which spanned several years, was initiated to prevent the spread of the organism, often referred to as killer algae, due to its potential to disrupt local marine ecosystems and displace native species.

The eradication process involved intensive monitoring and removal operations in affected areas. The successful completion of this project marks a significant milestone in California's environmental management efforts to protect its marine biodiversity from the ecological threats posed by non-native aquatic vegetation.