CORONADO CAYS, Calif. — In September of last year, Caulerpa prolifera, an invasive algae that threatens native species like eelgrass, was detected in Coronado Cays.

Immediately following that detection, federal, state and local agencies sprang into action in an effort to control and eradicate the invasive species from the area.

Merkel & Associates, Inc. and Marine Taxonomic Services were brought in to implement the treatment work, which involves divers covering the infested area with underwater barriers.