Project Description

The ROKAMURAE AZ project aims to advance the scientific understanding of the biology, ecology and invasion dynamics of Rugulopteryx okamurae, a brown macroalgae native to the Pacific that arrived in the Azores in 2019 and has since become rapidly dominant in shallow coastal marine communities of several islands. Its sudden appearance and swift expansion make it one of the most ecologically significant marine invasions ever recorded in the archipelago, with wide-ranging ecological and socioeconomic consequences.

The project brings together three main research entities from the University of the Azores — CIBIO, IITAA and OKEANOS — and is funded by the Direção Regional do Ordenamento do Território e dos Recursos Hídricos (DROTH), with a total budget of €199,999 and a duration of 15 months.

Acronym: ROKAMURAE AZ
Title: Multidisciplinary Study of the Invasive Alga Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Azores
Start-End: March 2024 – September 2025

MAIN OBJECTIVES

The project is structured around three work packages:

WP1 – Knowledge, dispersal and identification of potential expansion zones of the species R. okamurae in the Azores Archipelago
Investigates the biology, life cycle and population structure of R. okamurae, maps its current distribution and abundance across all Azorean islands, and analyses the seasonality and spatial patterns of seaweed strandings. This work package also explores the use of remote sensing (satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms) to detect and predict stranding events.

WP2 – Assessment of the species’ potential for added value in multiple uses and biotechnological applications.
Evaluates multiple potential uses of the harvested algae, including its nutritional value and methane-inhibiting capacity in ruminant diets, composting and agricultural applications, biotechnological uses (extraction of lipids and bioactive compounds with cosmetic, antimicrobial and antifouling potential), and characterisation of plastic debris and associated fauna found in mass strandings.

WP3 – Identifying techniques for controlling and minimizing the effects of bioinvasion.
Reviews international removal and management methodologies applicable to R. okamurae strandings in the Azores, and develops early warning protocols, rapid assessment procedures and environmental awareness materials targeting maritime sector professionals and public authorities.

AIR Centre’s role

The AIR Centre contributes to Task 1.3.1 of WP1, focused on the use of satellite-based remote sensing to detect and characterise the distribution of R. okamurae strandings across the Azores through:

  • Definition of the most suitable satellites and sensors. Preference will be given to optical data with high spatial resolution, which will allow for more precise measurements and analyses. It is planned to use Sentinel-2 Level 1C products through Copernicus and ESA.
  • Development of an algorithm for detecting R. okamurae beachcasts taking advantage of spectral indices (e.g., NDVI, which separates vegetation from other materials) and machine learning techniques (e.g., to differentiate the spectral signature of R. okamurae from other materials).
  • Testing the algorithm on verified cases of strandings on the beaches of the Azores.
  • Applying the algorithm to specific beaches, over several years of data, to help understand the seasonality and distribution of strandings in the Azores.