This is an "alien species of Asian origin that has spread at a worrying rate along the Portuguese coast, with a particular incidence in the Algarve and the Cascais area," says the joint statement from the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea.

According to the statement, a joint ordinance from those ministries outlines an action plan with monitoring measures, operational response, biomass valorisation, scientific research, and institutional coordination, with the aim of mitigating ecological, social, and economic impacts.

The planned measures include the removal of the algae from critical areas, the study of its valorisation for industrial or agricultural purposes, the mobilization of regional rapid response teams, and the creation of a national database with georeferenced records of the species' evolution.

"The response to this phenomenon requires coordinated action across all levels of governance and sectors involved. We are acting based on the best available scientific evidence to protect our coastline and ensure that fishing communities, tourism, and ecosystems are not jeopardized," said the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, quoted in the statement.

The Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, said that "the Government has been closely monitoring the rapid proliferation of algae, which requires a rapid, determined, and technically sustained response."

"It is essential that we engage fishing communities, local economic agents, and the city councils of the most affected municipalities from the outset, promoting concrete solutions for the territory and ensuring the sustainable valorisation of this biomass," he added.

The strategy will be developed by an interinstitutional working group, to be coordinated by the Portuguese Environment Agency, with the participation of scientific, municipal, and maritime sector entities.