Killer Algae: The True Tale of a Biological Invasion

This book should wake up anyone who still believes that clear scientific truth will automatically change the way that governments make decisions. Consider it the ocean-side equivalent of Halberstam's classic "The Best and the Brightest." and an excellent complement to Barbara Tuchman's "The March of Folly". Dr. Meinesz was among the few and leading French scientific voices who saw and, what's more, cared about the epidemic spread of a tropical green algae along the world's most expensive coastline - the Riviera. He shows how the famous Oceanographic Museum at Monaco not only caused the problem with its careless handling of an exotic species but how the Director's disinformation cover-up campaign spread faster than the noxious seaweed itself. And it did not help that this environmental mayhem was started under the watch of famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (the preceding museum director). One of the most striking things one learns is how diverse and complex -- and ultimately useless -- the French bureaucracy is, that is supposed to be protecting their coastlines and marine environments. A scary story that might have done better with a more carefully chosen title!

The author does not try to convince the reader of the ecological threat that the algae imposes. That is now obviouse. He recounts the politics involved with this ecological crisis. There is a historical record of a failure in a system composed of government officials and agencies, and reputable scientific circles. First, the governmental agencies failed to recognize the problem. The "wait and see" attitude that is described shows a certain apathy or indolence of bureaucratic agencies. There is a failure in the practic of science to report ideas with the proper rigor. Both the author and his opponants make mistakes that exacerbate a pseudo-scientific debate, causing confusion in the news media. The unfortunate result is a crisis spiraling out of controll. In the last section "the lessons of Caulerpa" he explains his opinions on why the failure in the system occured. I don't necessarily agree with his views, but it is an interesting critique of the current politics of biological science.

Positive: This book provides a very detailed account of the history of the invasion of Caulerpa taxifolia. I recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about nature (environmentalists), any students of biology, or anyone who has an interest in biodiversity issues. As a student of biology, I can say that he is completely correct in his assessment of nonreductionist scientific pursuits (ecology, etc.). The reader feels involved in the action (as dry as it may be) and cheers Dr. Meinesz as he time and time again evidences the incompetency of the general public (and government) in dealing with scientific matters. It's an excellent book, overall.Negative: It is rather slow reading. It could have been told better. The story could float more easily if there were more anecdotes.