Concerns Rise Over Potential Spread of Invasive Smooth Cordgrass in Kinmen; Authorities to Address via Cleanup

Central News Agency (CNA), Kinmen, June 26. Residents have discovered dislodged smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in the intertidal zone of Lieyu's Guishan area. There are growing concerns that these plant fragments could be carried by tides to other regions, exacerbating the spread of this invasive species. The Kinmen National Park Headquarters (KNPH) stated that removal operations are ongoing and that recent rainfall may have caused the debris to wash away. Contractors will be mobilized to clear the area once weather conditions permit.

Smooth cordgrass is known for its high adaptability and rapid growth, which can alter intertidal environments and threaten native habitats, including those of the tri-spine horseshoe crab. Both the KNPH and the Kinmen County Government are conducting independent removal efforts within their respective jurisdictions.

Hung Ching-chang, Chairman of the Kinmen Intertidal Zone Association, noted on Facebook that while removal operations began at Guishan, he observed significant amounts of cordgrass with root systems floating in the water or scattered along the coastline. He cautioned that if these root-containing fragments retain their regenerative capacity, tidal currents could act as an efficient transport mechanism for further invasion, potentially expanding the infestation zone due to incomplete removal.

Hung emphasized that the primary challenge of managing this species lies in its resilience. He stressed that effective eradication requires not only uprooting the plants but also ensuring thorough collection and removal from the site to prevent regrowth.

Su Chien-hsia, Chief of the Conservation and Research Division at KNPH, explained that the agency had planned to clear four coastal areas this year: Andong, Qionglin, Tianmoshan, and Lieyu's Guishan. Work at Guishan was initiated ahead of schedule in response to local reports of small-scale outbreaks. Su confirmed that contractors typically bury the removed cordgrass. Due to recent rains before burial could be completed, some fragments were washed into the sea. The agency will monitor weather conditions to coordinate further cleanup efforts for the displaced vegetation.