California Issues Total Ban on Caulerpa: Warns Retailer of $10,000 Fine Per Violation

[anemonegirl]

https://reefbuilders.com/2024/01/14...a-warns-retailer-of-10000-fine-per-violation/

I just found out about this ban on Caulerpa in California. They're going after Etsy sellers too. smh

 

[anemonegirl]

"Under AB655, Californians are prohibited from selling, possessing, importing, transporting, transferring, releasing alive in the state, or giving away without consideration all saltwater algae of the genus Caulerpa, except that in possession for bona fide scientific research."

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

It's apparent a significant environmental problem in california

Caulerpa Species on the West Coast

The genus Caulerpa comprises a group of green algae that can be highly invasive and pose a substantial threat to local marine ecosystems.

www.fisheries.noaa.gov

 

[anemonegirl]

Yeah, apparently so. Mere possession is illegal.

 

[KrisReef]

"Under AB655, Californians are prohibited from selling, possessing, importing, transporting, transferring, releasing alive in the state, or giving away without consideration all saltwater algae of the genus Caulerpa, except that in possession for bona fide scientific research."

The reference to AB655 is not valid, a particular Code Section would be easier to comprehend.

 

[Tamberav]

I didn't realize the aquarium strain can survive in colder waters, thats super useful information for me. Will try some in a cool/cold water tank.

Also I thought it had been banned for awhile? Many places state they don't ship to cali.

 

[KrisReef]

I didn't realize the aquarium strain can survive in colder waters, thats super useful information for me. Will try some in a cool/cold water tank.

Also I thought it had been banned for awhile? Many places state they don't ship to cali.

Taxifolia has been on the bad list in California for many years but I have seen it scattered around LFS now and again. I suspect they get trade ins from refugium growouts or whatever?

 

[areefer01]

I didn't realize the aquarium strain can survive in colder waters, thats super useful information for me. Will try some in a cool/cold water tank.

Southern California is a bit warmer but still cooler than the tropics obviously. I dive mostly in Northern, Monterey, and it is cold. Southern is almost like bath water

Also I thought it had been banned for awhile? Many places state they don't ship to cali.

I don't know how long but I would guess it is up to the vendor being aware or not. I hope they are. I will say that I was just talking to Mr. Heslinga, owner of Indo Pacific Sea Farms, two weeks back about sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) and the first question out of his mouth was asking for my name and address. Came back real quick saying no, they are not allowed to ship that to California. In this case he was very aware of the rules, law, and is abiding by it which is good to hear.

Some may choose to play the dumb card but that seems like a hefty fine which is probably easy to catch.

 

[DonTavo27]

I see that stuff in displays quite often here in So Cal.

 

[BristleWormHater]

I see that stuff in displays quite often here in So Cal.

Probably because they can step outside and grab some lol. So cal waters have been invaded with the stuff.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Probably because they can step outside and grab some lol. So cal waters have been invaded with the stuff.

 

[GARRIGA]

Thought caulerpa was illegal in California for years.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Thought caulerpa was illegal in California for years.

I think it has

 

[Reef Puncher]

Southern California is a bit warmer but still cooler than the tropics obviously. I dive mostly in Northern, Monterey, and it is cold. Southern is almost like bath water



I don't know how long but I would guess it is up to the vendor being aware or not. I hope they are. I will say that I was just talking to Mr. Heslinga, owner of Indo Pacific Sea Farms, two weeks back about sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera) and the first question out of his mouth was asking for my name and address. Came back real quick saying no, they are not allowed to ship that to California. In this case he was very aware of the rules, law, and is abiding by it which is good to hear.

Some may choose to play the dumb card but that seems like a hefty fine which is probably easy to catch.

go in the atlantic, then go in san diego water, it will seem FREEZING. but then go in san diego, and go in Monterey and it will seem a little warmer.

 

[SeaDweller]

Probably because they can step outside and grab some lol. So cal waters have been invaded with the stuff.

Yeah it’s pretty bad. It made the local news in San Diego. It’s taken over certain beaches/bays.

 

[revhtree]

Political comments and those that quoted them have been removed let our TOS. Please keep it about aquariums. Thank you very much.