By CLARKE CANFIELD PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A fast-growing, fast-
spreading Asian seaweed that's crowded out native species,
fouled beaches and made a mess of lobster traps in Massachusetts
has spread north to Maine and south to New York. First
discovered in the U.S. on a Rhode Island beach three years ago,
the seaweed doesn't pose a public health threat but can create a
stinky muddle as it did earlier this year when it washed onto
beaches in Massachusetts. The plant gives off a putrid odor when
it dries and decays. The red seaweed has been sighted in
Connecticut and New Hampshire, and also was seen this summer in
Cape Elizabeth along the Maine shore. Northeastern University
biologist Matt Bracken says he wouldn't be surprised if the
plant has already made its way to Canada. Copyright 2012 The
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