Does APHIS regulate algae?
A. At the present time, APHIS regulates only one alga, the Mediterranean strain of Caulerpa taxifolia. No one may import or move interstate this strain without a Federal noxious weed permit (PPQ form 526). Currently, nonvascular plants fall outside of the scope of the nursery stock regulations. However, in an upcoming proposed rule, we are proposing to expand the scope of the nursery stock regulations to include nonvascular plants, which is defined to include mosses, liverworts, hornworts and green algae. If that proposal is finalized, green algae will require a phytosanitary certificate and an import permit.
