Development of strategies for the protection of marine species and habitats from the potential impacts arising from the spread of the Union-concern alga Rugulopteryx okamurae

Rugulopteryx okamurae is a brown algae belonging to the family Dictyotaceae, native to the Pacific Northwest. In Europe, it was first reported in 2002 in France, in the Thau lagoon, where it is believed to have been introduced accidentally, probably through the import of Pacific oysters. In view of the significant impact on marine-coastal ecosystems, R. okamurae has been included among the species of Union concern under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1203 (2 July 2022). Species whose adverse effects on the environment and biodiversity are such as to require coordinated action by Member States are defined as being of Union concern.