The Meullín-Puye Nature Sanctuary is free of Didymo

Why is this important? Because it is an invasive exotic microalga that has serious negative impacts on the bodies of water where it is present, affecting aquatic flora and fauna.

Didymo has invaded a large portion of the rivers, streams, and lakes in central, southern, and southernmost Chile, especially in Patagonia. It spreads very easily and is impossible to eradicate, so preventing its introduction is the only way to keep ecosystems free of this biological invasion.
⁣
Thanks to a collaboration with the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP) @prensa_ifop, within the framework of its project “Monitoring of the pest species Didymosphenia geminata in water bodies of the central, southern and austral zone of Chile” (financed by @mineconomia through @Subpesca), we were able to verify, in a first survey, that the wetlands and the water network of the Sanctuary are free of this microalga.⁣

To assess the presence of this invasive alien species, researchers from IFOP and the Kreen team conducted sampling to identify potential locations in the Tabo River, the Cuervo River, and Yulton Lake.

We hope to continue collaborating to keep these areas free of the microalga, which requires implementing a program of constant monitoring and surveillance of Didymo.