(单词翻译:单击)
听力文本
Fast-spreading Algae Found in Waters Near California Coast
Scientists in California report the first appearance of a species of bright green algae, caulerpa prolifera, growing in the ocean near California. And the researchers say they hope to never see it again.
The growth of caulerpa prolifera was found close to the coast off the Southern California town of Newport Beach. Divers recently began to remove the algae, as it could greatly harm the area's environment. Few fish or other animals eat caulerpa prolifera. So it spreads effectively. It can quickly take control of an ecosystem, forcing out other plants as well as the animals that eat them.
So far, the growth covers about 90-square-meters. However, tiny pieces of the algae can easily break off and continue to grow elsewhere.
Robert Mooney is a biologist with Marine Taxonomic Services. He led a team of three divers at the site.
He told the Associated Press that the team has a chance to fully remove the plant but no time can be wasted.
"We don't have the luxury of waiting to see what happens," he said.
The species was discovered late last year. Federal, state and local officials were urged to act earlier this year to prevent the algae from spreading. It was important to act quickly, they said, because the movement of swimmers and boaters in the sea help spread the algae.
California faced a similar problem two years ago. A related algae was found off the coast of Huntington Beach and Carlsbad. It cost $7 million to remove. California then banned the sale of that algae and others.
Caulerpa prolifera is used in some aquariums and is not banned in California. When people clean aquariums, the resulting wastewater can include extremely small pieces of the algae. These pieces will travel along waterways into the Pacific Ocean and begin to reproduce.
The source of Newport Beach's algae invasion is not confirmed. But Keith Merkel, a biological consultant on the project, has a suspicion.
"It's more than likely the source is an aquarium release," he said.
So far, divers have not discovered the algae anywhere else in the area. But, Merkel said testing will continue and if more algae is found, another removal operation will begin.
"There's a good chance that it has spread, we just don't know where — which is the biggest fear that we have," Merkel said.
I'm Jonathan Evans.
重点解析
重点讲解：
1. take control of 控制
She was thwarted in her attempt to take control of the party.
她控制这个政党的企图受阻了。
2. So far 目前
I'm not sure I can walk so far.
我没有把握能步行这么远。
3. have a chance to do sth 有机会做某事
Did you have a chance to do any sightseeing ?
你有没有出去游览的机会？
4. break off 折断；突然暂停
Britain threatened to break off diplomatic relations.
英国威胁说要断绝外交关系。
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参考译文
加州海岸附近水域发现入侵的藻类
加利福尼亚的科学家报告称，首次发现了一种亮绿色的藻类，这种藻类名为管状绿藻（caulerpa prolifera），生长在加利福尼亚附近的海洋中。研究人员表示，他们希望再也不要看到这种藻类了。
在南加州纽波特海滩的海岸附近发现了这种管状绿藻的生长。潜水员最近开始清除这些藻类，因为它们可能会极大地破坏该地区的环境。很少有鱼类或其他动物食用这种藻类。所以它可以肆无忌惮地生长。这种藻类可以迅速控制一个生态系统，导致其他植物和以它们为食的动物无法生存。
截至目前，这种藻类的覆盖面积约为90平方米。然而，微小的海藻碎片很容易破裂，并继续在其他地方繁殖。
罗伯特·穆尼(Robert Mooney)是海洋分类学服务中心的生物学家。他带领一支由三名潜水员组成的潜水队前往现场。
他对美联社表示，该小队还有机会彻底清除这种藻类，不过时间紧迫。
“我们没有时间等着看会发生什么后果了，”他说道。
这一藻类是去年年底发现的。今年早些时候，联邦、州和地方官员被敦促采取行动，防止藻类扩散。他们表示，重要的是要迅速采取行动，因为游泳者和划船者在海上的活动会进一步助推藻类传播。
加州两年前也遭遇过类似的问题。在亨廷顿海滩和卡尔斯巴德海岸发现了一种相关的藻类。清除过程耗费了700万美元。加州随后禁止销售这种藻类以及其他藻类。
一些水族馆经常会使用管状绿藻，但在加州并没有明令禁止。当人们清理水族箱时，产生的废水中可能含有极其微小的藻类。这些残渣将沿着下水道流入太平洋并开始繁殖。
纽波特海滩的藻类入侵来源尚未核实。但该项目的生物顾问基思·默克尔(Keith Merkel)对此表示怀疑。
他说：“（藻类）很有可能是水族馆泄露出来的。”
到目前为止，潜水员还没有在该地区的其他地方发现这种藻类。但是默克尔指出，测试将会继续进行，如果发现更多藻类，将开展其他的清除行动。
默克尔称：“很有可能这种藻类已经扩散，我们只是不知道具体地点，这才是最让人忧虑的事情。”
乔纳森·埃文斯为您播报。
译文为可可英语翻译，未经授权请勿转载！
