wow, just read this, kind of interesting

its claimed that Oceanographic Museum of Monaco started it buy simply having a bit of the algae run in to the sea. caluerpa can reproduce from just a sprig of the original plant.
however you will never get any important ocean people to admit that this plague started their. that museum was run by some the most important people in the field. do you recognize the name Jacques-Yves Cousteau
he was in charge of the museum when it happen. but to suggest he let this happen on his watch is heresy.

you will find that the infection was first notice right near that museum. and they held it in there tanks at the time. they claim the dna test on the plant were not good enough to be proof. to me everything proves its a 99% chance it came from the museum. but i guess blame isn't really that important

heres a link to the summation of the events of caluerpa taxifolia.
NOVA | Deep Sea Invasion | Chronology of an Invasion | PBS

 

The law went into affect after it was discovered and California has an action team dedicated to its eradication with funding from various sources.

In July 2006, 2 locations were eradicated of this plant.

The purpose of the law is to try and prevent further infestations.