The Undaria algae, an invasive species that turns into a refuge for marine life in the South Atlantic – Noticias Ambientales

Report on the Ecological Impact of *Undaria pinnatifida* in Argentine Coastal Ecosystems

Introduction: Study Overview and Key Findings

A scientific study conducted by the Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos Almirante Storni (Cimas) has revealed the significant ecological contributions of the introduced Asian alga, *Undaria pinnatifida*, to marine ecosystems in the San Matías Gulf, Argentina. Research based on samples collected between 2021 and 2022 indicates that this species, contrary to its invasive status in other regions, positively influences local biodiversity and ecosystem stability. These findings have direct implications for the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water

Enhancement of Marine Biodiversity and Habitat

The study classifies *Undaria pinnatifida* as a habitat-forming species, whose physical structure fundamentally alters and improves the coastal environment for other organisms. This directly supports SDG Target 14.2, which aims to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

• Habitat Creation: The alga’s large, complex structure, including its root-like holdfast, establishes new microhabitats within the intertidal zone.
• Biodiversity Increase: The presence of Undaria significantly increases the abundance and variety of marine invertebrate communities, which find shelter and sustenance within its blades.
• Food Web Support: These invertebrate populations form a critical base of the food chain, supporting local fish and bird species, thereby strengthening the entire coastal food web within protected areas like the Bahía San Antonio Marine Protected Area.

Strengthening Ecosystem Resilience

The alga’s role in mitigating environmental stressors contributes to the overall health and resilience of the intertidal ecosystem, a key objective for conserving marine life under SDG 14.

1. Stress Reduction: During low tide, the alga’s canopy maintains moisture and provides shade, protecting smaller organisms from desiccation and extreme temperatures.
2. Predator Protection: It serves as a crucial refuge for small species, shielding them from predators.
3. Substrate Stabilization: By anchoring to rocks, Undaria helps reduce coastal erosion and stabilizes the substrate, creating a more robust environment.

Implications for SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The ecological functions of *Undaria pinnatifida* demonstrate a potential to contribute to local climate action strategies, aligning with the goals of SDG 13.

• Ecosystem Resilience: By fostering a more complex and stable ecosystem, the alga enhances the capacity of the coastal zone to adapt to climate variability and change.
• Carbon Sequestration: As a large, fast-growing alga, Undaria acts as a natural filter, with the potential to capture carbon and improve water quality, thereby mitigating local effects of climate change.

Interconnection with Terrestrial Ecosystems

The benefits of Undaria extend beyond the immediate marine environment, supporting terrestrial life and highlighting the interconnectedness addressed in SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Support for Avian Fauna: The robust invertebrate populations fostered by the alga are an essential food source for coastal bird populations, linking the health of the marine ecosystem directly to the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating the Role of an Introduced Species

From Invasive Species to Ecological Contributor

First detected near Puerto Madryn in 2014 and likely introduced via international shipping, *Undaria pinnatifida* has since established itself along the Patagonian coast. While considered a problematic invader in many parts of the world, its role in the San Matías Gulf is proving to be ecologically beneficial. This case demonstrates that a non-native species can integrate into a new environment and provide services that support ecosystem balance and advance global sustainability objectives. Further study is essential to understand and manage its role in the long-term conservation of the South Atlantic coast, ensuring its benefits contribute effectively to SDG 14 and related goals.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

Detailed Explanations

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most relevant SDG as the article focuses entirely on a marine alga and its impact on coastal and intertidal ecosystems. It discusses the enhancement of marine biodiversity, the creation of habitats for marine invertebrates, the support of the food chain for local fish, and the overall improvement of the marine habitat within the San Matías Gulf and the Bahía San Antonio Marine Protected Area.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article connects to this goal by discussing the intertidal ecosystem, which is the interface between land and sea. The alga’s role in reducing coastal erosion, stabilizing the substrate, and supporting bird populations (which are part of terrestrial and coastal life) directly relates to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This goal is addressed through the article’s mention of the alga’s role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is highlighted that the alga helps make the ecosystem more resilient to the effects of climate change, serves as a shelter against extreme temperatures, and acts as a natural filter by “capturing carbon,” which is a direct climate mitigation action.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Detailed Explanations

• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

  The article directly supports this target by describing how the alga Undaria enhances the resilience of the intertidal ecosystem, creates new habitats, reduces environmental stress, and contributes to a healthier and more productive coastal environment.

• Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.

  The research takes place within the San Matías Gulf and mentions the “Bahía San Antonio Marine Protected Area.” The scientific findings contribute to the body of knowledge needed for the effective conservation and management of this protected area.

• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

  The article explains that the alga’s presence “favors the development of marine invertebrate communities” and “enhance[s] biodiversity.” By creating shelter and a food source, it helps protect local species and halts the degradation of the intertidal habitat.

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

  The text explicitly states that the alga “favors the resilience of the intertidal ecosystem, especially in the face of climate change” and provides shelter from “extreme temperatures,” which are climate-related hazards.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Detailed Explanations

• Quantity and variety of species: The article states that the presence of Undaria “significantly increases the quantity and variety of small species.” This is a direct indicator of biodiversity (relevant to Targets 14.2 and 15.5) that can be measured through sampling.
• Health of the food chain: The text mentions that the invertebrates supported by the alga are “essential for the diet of local fish and birds.” Monitoring the populations and health of these fish and birds serves as an indirect indicator of the ecosystem’s health and productivity (Target 14.2).
• Rate of coastal erosion: The article claims the alga helps to “reduce coastal erosion.” Measuring changes in the coastline or substrate stability in areas with and without the alga would be a tangible indicator of its protective role (Target 15.5).
• Ecosystem resilience to stress: The alga’s function as a “shelter against extreme temperatures and predators” and its ability to “reduce environmental stress during low tide periods” can be measured. Indicators could include the survival rates of invertebrates during heatwaves or low tides, demonstrating the ecosystem’s resilience (Target 13.1).
• Carbon capture: The article mentions that large algae like Undaria “act as natural filters, capturing carbon.” Measuring the rate of carbon sequestration by these algae beds would be a direct indicator of their contribution to climate change mitigation (Target 13.1).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: noticiasambientales.com