Eradication of the Founding Population and Delineation of Caulerpa prolifera in the Coronado Cays and South San Diego Bay

The invasive algae species Caulerpa prolifera was discovered in the Coronado Cays, south San Diego Bay. Caulerpa prolifera is well-documented as having significant impacts to local fisheries and disrupting seagrass communities important to protected species. The first quarter project will eradicate Caulerpa in the Coronado Cays, which is essential to preventing an ecological emergency in the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

An additional funding award in the fourth quarter will focus response efforts throughout the Coronado Cays and San Diego Bay where Caulerpa prolifera has spread from the original infestations. Treatment in the original areas of detection have been successful and are now undergoing eradication verification surveys to ensure that any missed or resprouted Caulerpa prolifera have been located and treated. Left untreated, the invasion may have significant impacts to local fisheries and disrupting seagrass communities important to protected species.

Project Quick Facts:

The Rapid Response Fund

The U.S. Department of the Interior, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, invested $1 million in 2023 to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species with an additional $1 million envisioned each year 2024 through 2026 as part of advancing a National Early Detection Rapid Response Framework. The Rapid Response Fund is intended make financial resources available to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species , thus avoiding costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts. 

Visit our frequently asked questions page to learn more about the award structure and application process.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Program

The Service's Aquatic Invasive Species program safeguards waterways and communities from invasive species by working with partners and educating the public. Our regional coordinators work closely with the public and private sector partners and our network of conservation offices to conduct on-the-ground control projects and early detection surveillance and monitoring, and provide technical support. The Service also develops regulations to prohibit the importation and some transport of harmful species known as injurious wildlife and serves as a co-chair to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.