An environmentally friendly bio-based approach to control invasive sun corals (Tubastrea spp.)

The rapid spread of the invasive sun coral species (Tubastraea spp.) in the South Atlantic, Caribbean region, and Gulf of Mexico urges for an immediate control tool. This study presents an environmentally friendly method to control invasive sun coral species, based on a hydrogel composed of alginate and acetic acid, offering a promising alternative to mechanical removal by divers. The biodegradable hydrogel can be remotely applied using underwater drones, reducing diver exposure. Minimal ecotoxicological effects of the hydrogel were observed using Parhyale hawaiensis as a non-target species.