Occurrence of the invasive brown seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (E.Y.Dawson) I.K.Hwang, W.J.Lee & H.S.Kim (Dictyotales, Phaeophyta) in Morocco (Mediterranean Sea)

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 92 - 96, 30.05.2018

Fatima El Aamrı Mohamed Idhalla Mohamed Naoufal Tamsourı

Abstract

Rugulopteryx okamurae, a brown
alga native to the temperate western Pacific Ocean, was discovered for the
first time in the Mediterranean Sea in 2002, in the Thau Lagoon (France).
A new population of R. okamurae was discovered in
Belyounech Beach with the observation of some specimens fixed near the
harbour of Tanger (Strait of Gibraltar-Morocco). As well, the remarkable record
of this alga stranded in M’diq beach (Alboran Sea-Morocco). Since its introduction R. okamurae has
established in the Thau Lagoon (France), self-sustaining populations without
displaying an invasive behaviour. Contrary, the newly discovered
population in Morocco would classify as invasive. This new record gives the
range extension, of this invasive alga, from the southwest of Alboran Sea to
the southwestern limit of Gibraltar. The presence of this invasive seaweed in the area may
affect negatively the native alga, seagrass and native fauna including fish
community.

Keywords

Rugulopteryx okamurae, invasive species, brown alga, Strait of Gibraltar, Alboran Sea, Morocco

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