Video requesting permit to remove invasive Sargassum horneri from Catalina Dive Park

[fisheater]

Thanks, Dr. Bill.

We're all hoping that you'll get the permit you need.

Heck, a bunch of us from NorCal may even make a special trip down to help out. We want to be the only "alien invasive species" in the dive park.

 

[drbill]

Ha, Oren... you guys are welcome invaders, especially since you stimulate our island economy!

 

[KRL1973]

Great video. A person would be crazy not to allow volunteers to remove that stuff.

Is there a plan for what to do with the removed material?

If used as fertilizer elsewhere is there a similar application for its' use there on the island?

 

[kelpmermaid]

Can I get on this bandwagon? Or is it a golf cart?!

 

[drbill]

Great video. A person would be crazy not to allow volunteers to remove that stuff.

Is there a plan for what to do with the removed material?

If used as fertilizer elsewhere is there a similar application for its' use there on the island?

This is from the voice over for the long version (not posted here):

The disposition of the Sargassum so removed is an issue of concern. In its native regions, it is harvested for fertilizer. The material removed from the dive park could be used to enrich the soil in local gardens, or perhaps in ecological restoration projects undertaken by the Catalina Conservancy. Sargassum horneri is known to possess chemicals with certain medical applications. It has anti-oxidant properties and is known to shrink tumors in some cancers. It can stimulate bone formation and thus be useful to patients with osteoporosis. Other medical uses include cases of heart disease, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and inflammatory diseases. Perhaps a pharmaceutical company would be interested in testing this using material removed from the dive park. If found commercially viable, the huge stands of this alga along the leeward coast of Catalina could be harvested and the infestation reduced over time.

 

[drbill]

Can I get on this bandwagon? Or is it a golf cart?!

Of course. And bring a few hundred of your closest friends!