In the UK, Sargassum muticum commonly known as Japansese wireweed, is the main invasive seaweed that effects Zostera meadows. It out competes seagrass for both light and space, with the ability to invade and colonise sheltered shallow habitats occupied by Zostera species. Recent studies have also revealed that by drifting fragments that become trapped within the seagrass, S. muticum has been able to colonise softer sediments making the threat of this invasive species even more severe.
