Surveillance programme on the introduction ofCaulerpa taxifolia in the Catalan coast. Years 1992- 1994

Abstract

The Junta de Sanejament, attached to the Department of Environment, Generalitat de Catalunya. has established and fmanced a project of prevention and active search of Caulerpa taxi/olia along the catalan coast during 1992, 1993 and 1994. The marinas, small-boat harbours, and the coastal areas most frequently visited by recreational boats and closer to the french border were surveyed by SCUBA diving and snorkeling. The number of surveyed stations increased from 67 in 1992, 92 in 1993, and 111 in 1994. Zones with the highest chance of introduction of Caulerpa taxi/olia were surveyed two or three times in 1992, but increasing the number of stations rather than repeating the visits in the same year was preferred in the 1993 and 1994. No occurrence of Caulerpa taxifolia was detected during the surveys. On the other hand, the Generalitat de Catalunya published an order prohibiting the commercialization, distribution and sale of Caulerpa taxifolia in order to reduce risks of introduction in the sea.