Invasive species threaten marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods worldwide. In the Caribbean, the seagrass Halophila stipulacea—originally from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean—has rapidly spread since first being reported in Grenada in 2002. In just two decades, it has expanded to at least 19 islands, outcompeting native seagrasses like Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme.
Despite its fast spread, little is known about its ecological impact in Grenada. This project aims to fill that gap through field surveys and ecological assessments that will measure how H. stipulacea affects native seagrass species and associated marine life.
The ultimate goal is to develop management strategies to curb its spread, protect biodiversity, and support the conservation and restoration of native seagrass habitats in Grenada’s coastal waters.
