Biological invasion: Long term monitoring of the macroalgal flora of a major European harbor complex

Complete chloroplast genome of an invasive marine macroalga Ulva californica (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)

Species belonging to Ulva (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) are one of the major members of invasive seaweeds. Ulva californica Wille 1899 was originally believed to be native to the Pacific coast of North America, while in recent years it has been reported as exotic species, or new record, in Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Oceania. However, the paths of global dispersal of U. californica are unclear. In addition, the species boundary between U. californica and a related species is somewhat disputed. Here, we reported that the complete chloroplast genome of U. californica is 92,126 bp in size, harboring 96 genes (GenBank accession no. MZ561475). The overall base composition was A (37.9%), T (37.4%), C (12.3%), and G (12.4%), similar to those from other Ulva species. The phylogenomic analysis showed that although U. californica was genetically closer to Ulva aragoënsis (Bliding) Maggs 2018 in [Krupnik N et al., 2018], they were clearly distinguishable, supporting the recent opinion that they should be separated into different species. The chloroplast genome data of U. californica would provide plenty resources for phylogeography analysis and monitor on bioinvasion.

Tracking Marine Alien Macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea: The Contribution of Citizen Science and Remote Sensing

The accelerating rate of the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) and the magnitude of shipping traffic make the Mediterranean Sea a hotspot of biological invasions. For the effective management of NIS, early detection and intensive monitoring over time and space are essential. Here, we present an overview of possible applications of citizen science and remote sensing in monitoring alien seaweeds in the Mediterranean Sea. Citizen science activities, involving the public (e.g., tourists, fishermen, divers) in the collection of data, have great potential for monitoring NIS. The innovative methodologies, based on remote sensing techniques coupled with in situ/laboratory advanced sampling/analysis methods for tracking such species, may be useful and effective tools for easily assessing NIS distribution patterns and monitoring the space/time changes in habitats in order to support the sustainable management of the ecosystems. The reported case studies highlight how these cost-effective systems can be useful complementary tools for monitoring NIS, especially in marine protected areas, which, despite their fundamental role in the conservation of marine biodiversity, are not immune to the introduction of NIS. To ensure effective and long-lasting management strategies, collaborations between researchers, policy makers and citizens are essential.

Settlement and Spreading of the Introduced Seaweed Caulacanthus okamurae (Rhodophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea

In this study, we report the first finding of the non-indigenous seaweed Caulacanthus okamurae (Rhodophyta) in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas (Mediterranean). Specimens were identified through molecular analyses based on the plastid ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcL) marker. The sequences obtained during this study represent the first molecular evidence of the presence of this taxon in the Mediterranean Sea. Stable populations have been detected in some areas of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Italy) and in the whole lagoon of Venice, forming dense patches of low turf that reach high biomasses. Turf-forming algae are common in the intertidal zones of tropical regions, but are rare in temperate ones. The particular environmental conditions of transitional water systems, such as the Mar Piccolo of Taranto and the Venice Lagoon, together with the water temperature increase observed in the last years could have favored the settlement and spread of this introduced species.