DATE: November 14, 2023
SUBJECT:
Title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE DISCOVERY OF AN INVASIVE ALGAE CAULERPA PROLIFERA FOUND IN THE CORONADO CAYS, SOUTH SAN DIEGO BAY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On Thursday, September 21, 2023, an approximately 24 square meter patch of Caulerpa prolifera was discovered growing underneath and adjacent to boat docks along the eastern edge of Antigua Village within the Coronado Cays. While this algae is not harmful to humans, Caulerpa is highly invasive with the ability to rapidly expand reproducing even asexually, through vegetative fragmentation from contact with vessels, fishing, and even tidal exchanges. Since Caulerpa can aggressively expand, it has the potential to displace native habitats including the 1,900 acres of eelgrass habitat in South San Diego Bay. Any impacts to eelgrass could displace numerous other species including the 70 different fish species and the 60-80 threatened green sea turtles which utilized eelgrass as foraging and resting habitat.
Since the discovery, staff has been working diligently with the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team (SCCAT) consisting of state and federal agencies to develop and implement an immediate response plan to prevent further infestation of this algae.
District staff has been informed that to secure funding through the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Cleanup and Abatement Account, a proclamation must be made declaring a local emergency. Based on this information and the threat presented by Caulerpa to San Diego Bay, staff recommends that the Board proclaim a Local Emergency consistent with Board of Port Commissioner Policy 777.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution proclaiming a Local Emergency due to the discovery of an invasive algae Caulerpa prolifera found in the Coronado Cays, South San Diego Bay.
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FISCAL IMPACT:[h1]
There is no fiscal impact caused by approval of this action.
COMPASS STRATEGIC GO...
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