Can the Invasive Seaweed Caulerpa cylidracea Represent a New Trophic Resource in the Mediterranean Sea?

Non-indigenous species (NIS) represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, altering invaded habitats, competing with native species, and eventually becoming pests. The Mediterranean Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot, with its coasts being densely populated and its living resources fished since ancient times. As a result of such a long history of exploitation, the whole basin is exposed to a wide array of human pressures, with their combined effects on marine ecosystems being amplified by ongoing climate change. Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder, 1845, is a non-indigenous invasive seaweed widely distributed in the coastal habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, which ultimately affects marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Here, a systematic literature analysis on the consumption of the NIS Caulerpa cylindracea by Mediterranean native and NIS species is provided, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks for the native biota and human health. The present review aims to synthetise knowledge and provide tools to manage the occurrence of the invasive seaweed C. cylindracea in the Mediterranean Sea, encouraging an ecosystem-based approach to the management of the ecological, economic, and social effects of the successful expansion of this NIS.

Automated summary

Non-indigenous species (NIS) pose a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, where the non-indigenous invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea affects marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This review provides a systematic analysis of the consumption of C. cylindracea by Mediterranean native and NIS species, exploring the benefits and drawbacks for native biota and human health. The goal is to synthesize knowledge and provide management tools for the occurrence of this NIS in the Mediterranean Sea, promoting an ecosystem-based approach to mitigate its ecological, economic, and social impacts.