EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network
A new tropical seaweed invader in the Mediterranean
The tropical green seaweed Halimeda incrassata (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) is reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Plants were observed at 2 sites off Mallorca island (NW Mediterranean), and species identification was confirmed molecularly.
The tropical green seaweed Halimeda incrassata (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) is reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Plants were observed at 2 sites off Mallorca island (NW Mediterranean), and species identification was confirmed molecularly.
The dynamics of the invasion suggest rapid colonization and establishment and spreading of the species through shallow sedimentary and rocky habitats. H. incrassata has the potential to strongly alter the ecosystem services and functioning of shallow Mediterranean habitats.
More info here: Alós J., Tomas F., Terrados J., Verbruggen H. & Ballesteros E., 2016. Fast-spreading green beds of recently introduced Halimeda incrassata invade Mallorca island (NW Mediterranean Sea). Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 558: 153–158. doi: 10.3354/meps11869
