Brown algae invasions and bloom events need routine monitoring for effective adaptation

TY - JOUR

T1 - Brown algae invasions and bloom events need routine monitoring for effective adaptation

AU - Almela, Victoria Dominguez

AU - Tompkins, Emma L.

AU - Dash, Jadu

AU - Tonon, Thierry

N1 - © 2023 The Author(s)

PY - 2023/12/13

Y1 - 2023/12/13

N2 - Brown algae blooms and invasions have affected 29% of the Earth’s coast, yet there is sparseevidence of the impacts and adaptations of these events. Through a systematic review of empiricalliterature on these blooms and invasions, we explore the prevalence of conventional analyses ofenvironmental, economic, and social impacts, as well as opportunities for adaptation andvalorisation. The study reveals crucial inconsistencies in the current evidence base on algaeimpacts: fragmented metrics for quantifying blooms and their effects; inconsistent application andtesting of prevention measures (e.g. forecasting, early warning systems); reliance on removal as amanagement approach with limited evidence of associated costs; and scant evidence of theeffectiveness of impact mitigation or adaptation strategies. With a focus on economic and societaldimensions of algae events, we introduce emerging opportunities within the blue economy forbloom utilization. The findings highlight the crucial need for harmonized monitoring protocols,robust cost-benefit analysis of management and adaptation options, and evidence of pathways tovalorisation of algae biomass.

AB - Brown algae blooms and invasions have affected 29% of the Earth’s coast, yet there is sparseevidence of the impacts and adaptations of these events. Through a systematic review of empiricalliterature on these blooms and invasions, we explore the prevalence of conventional analyses ofenvironmental, economic, and social impacts, as well as opportunities for adaptation andvalorisation. The study reveals crucial inconsistencies in the current evidence base on algaeimpacts: fragmented metrics for quantifying blooms and their effects; inconsistent application andtesting of prevention measures (e.g. forecasting, early warning systems); reliance on removal as amanagement approach with limited evidence of associated costs; and scant evidence of theeffectiveness of impact mitigation or adaptation strategies. With a focus on economic and societaldimensions of algae events, we introduce emerging opportunities within the blue economy forbloom utilization. The findings highlight the crucial need for harmonized monitoring protocols,robust cost-benefit analysis of management and adaptation options, and evidence of pathways tovalorisation of algae biomass.

U2 - 10.1088/1748-9326/ad114c

DO - 10.1088/1748-9326/ad114c

M3 - Article

SN - 1748-9318

VL - 19

JO - Environmental Research Letters

JF - Environmental Research Letters

M1 - 013003

ER -