The search for new solutions to combat the proliferation of Rugulopteryx okamurae, known as Asian seaweed, continues to generate interest on the Costa del Sol. The proposal put forward by Nautilus Dragados to contain, concentrate, and collect this invasive species before it reaches the beaches has been covered by numerous media outlets, both provincial and national, in recent days.
The initiative was recently presented to the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol during a working meeting to analyze different alternatives for addressing a problem that represents a significant burden for coastal municipalities each year. The Association itself has indicated that the proliferation of Asian seaweed is forcing an increase in the costs associated with its collection and treatment.
A proposal that seeks to act before the algae reaches the beach
The approach developed by Nautilus Dragados is based on a simple idea: to try to intervene before the algae reach the shore, instead of concentrating all efforts once the biomass has already accumulated on the beaches.
The solution involves using a containment net capable of concentrating the algae in specific areas of the sea. Subsequently, using dredging equipment, the accumulated material could be extracted and transported to designated sites for storage and later management.
The proposal is still in the study phase and includes a pilot test on the Western Costa del Sol, which would allow the effectiveness of the system to be verified on the ground and its adaptation to the specific characteristics of the Malaga coastline to be analyzed.
The goal is not to replace current beach cleaning systems, but to study a new course of action that allows us to anticipate the arrival of large accumulations of algae.
The proposal reaches the media
The interest generated by this initiative has been reflected in extensive media coverage.
Among the media outlets that have covered the proposal is Europa Press, which disseminated the information nationwide and focused on the containment, concentration and collection system developed by Nautilus Dragados, as well as the possibility of carrying out a pilot test on the Western Costa del Sol.
Málaga Hoy has also reported on the project, highlighting the possibility of collecting the Asian seaweed before it reaches the beaches using a net and then extracting it with dredging equipment.
The proposal has also been covered by Diario SUR, which dedicated an article to the idea under the title “A net to catch Asian algae?”. The publication analyzes the possibility of using this system as a tool to address the arrival of this invasive species to the coastline.
The impact has also extended to other media outlets such as Área Costa del Sol, La Opinión de Málaga and La Noción, which have reported on the meeting between the Mancomunidad and Nautilus Dragados and on the pilot test project.
Furthermore, the news has gone beyond the realm of Spanish-language media. SUR in English has also reported on the initiative, bringing the project closer to the international community residing and visiting the Costa del Sol.
A repercussion that reflects the importance of the problem
Managing Rugulopteryx okamurae presents a challenge for coastal municipalities due to the large volumes of biomass that can reach the beaches and the resources required for its removal, transport, and treatment. The Commonwealth itself has noted the increase in collection and treatment costs since the appearance of this species on the Costa del Sol coastline.
Given this situation, it is necessary to continue investigating and evaluating alternatives that will improve the response of administrations and specialized companies.
From withdrawal to prevention
One of the main characteristics of Nautilus Dragados’ proposal is precisely the change of focus.
Removing algae once it reaches the sand will remain necessary as long as it continues to proliferate. However, acting beforehand could control the accumulation of biomass and facilitate subsequent extraction and management efforts.
The combination of containment systems and dredging equipment therefore presents an alternative that must be studied and technically evaluated before determining its possible application on a larger scale.
For this reason, the pilot test proposed by Nautilus Dragados is a particularly relevant step. Testing the technology in the field would allow us to understand its behavior under real-world conditions, identify potential improvements, and determine in what circumstances it might be most effective.
The proposal is currently under study, including the analysis of possible financing models, and is expected to be submitted to the Andalusian Regional Government through the Territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment, the competent administration for that stretch of coastline.
Innovation to protect the coastline
Our work on Asian algae is based on this philosophy: to seek new tools that allow us to improve the containment, concentration, extraction and subsequent management of this invasive species.
From Nautilus Dragados we thank all the media outlets that have shown interest in this initiative and have helped to raise awareness of it.
The project is now moving forward. The next objective will be to continue working with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess the feasibility of the proposal and to study how innovation and technology can contribute to protecting the beaches of the Costa del Sol from the spread of Asian seaweed.
The media coverage
These are some of the media outlets that have published information about Nautilus Dragados’ proposal:
- Área Costa del Sol — “Nets and dredges against Asian algae”
- Málaga Hoy — “The Costa del Sol is proposing a system to collect Asian seaweed before it reaches the beaches”
- La Opinión de Málaga — “A barrier in the sea to stop the arrival of the Asian seaweed”
- Europa Press — “The Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol seeks solutions to the Asian seaweed”
- La Noción — “The Costa del Sol is studying a marine barrier to stop the Asian seaweed”
- SUR in English — «Catch Asian algae before it reaches the beach»
- Diario SUR — «A net to catch Asian seaweed?»
The fight against Asian seaweed demands new ideas. At Nautilus Dragados, we will continue working to turn innovation into solutions that help protect our coasts.