San Diego Bay may be famous for its stunning landscapes and beach fun, but lurking beneath the surface is an unwelcome visitor: the invasive Caulerpa algae. The Port of San Diego has officially declared war on this troublesome seaweed, having secured a $200,000 grant from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to bolster their efforts.

Earlier this year, divers uncovered the alarming presence of Caulerpa, which, while harmless to humans, can wreak havoc on the local ecosystem by choking out native eelgrass and disrupting habitats. The Port took immediate action, declaring an emergency and extending it through 2026 to keep the fight ongoing. With nearly 11,300 square feet of this invasive plant already discovered, trained divers are working hard, using annoying little barriers that block out light and oxygen to eradicate the algae.

In total, the budget for combating this unruly invader has surpassed $3.1 million. From various federal funds to local initiatives, it seems that a collective effort is in play to protect San Diego's waters. With all hands on deck, the hope is that by working with the Southern California Caulerpa Action Team, these divers will get to the root of the problem and save the bay. After all, who knew that the fight against invasive algae could generate such a hefty price tag?