This seaweed was introduced from Japan over 50 years ago. Because it grows taller than all but one native algal species and forms a dense canopy it has the potential to alter the physical habitat it invades by changing light availability, water flow, nutrient concentrations, and sedimentation rates.

With funds from the SeaDoc Society, the following people are conducting research on the impacts of this introduced species.

Wootton, J. Timothy
" Spread and impact of the introduced Japanese seaweed, Sargassum muticum, in native kelp forests of the San Juan Archipelago"

For more information on Sargassum muticum, see http://www.kevinbs.net/research/sargassum_info.html