Recent occurrence and expansion of the non-indigenous alga Rugulopteryx okamurae in Morocco (Mediterranean and Atlantic shores)

Article Plant Sciences

Arrival and proliferation of the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae in NE Atlantic islands

Joao Faria et al.

Summary: The present study reports the recent occurrence and expansion of Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Azores archipelago, confirming its successful colonization and rapid expansion, posing a serious threat to the benthic ecosystems in the region.

BOTANICA MARINA (2022)

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Article Biodiversity Conservation

A worrying arrival: the first record of brown macroalga Rugulopteryx okamurae in Madeira Island and its invasive risk

Alejandro Bernal-Ibanez et al.

Summary: The brown macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae is identified as a severe and threatening invasive species in European waters. Its first record in the Madeira archipelago indicates a new southern distribution limit for this species. The study confirms the species' identity using morphological and molecular characteristics, and assesses its potential invasion risk in Madeiran waters. Results suggest a medium-high risk of invasion, with potential impacts on local species and habitats. Regular monitoring, population assessment, and mitigation measures are recommended.

BIOINVASIONS RECORDS (2022)

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Article Biodiversity Conservation

Impacts of the non-indigenous seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae on a Mediterranean coralligenous community (Strait of Gibraltar): The role of long-term monitoring

Juan Sempere-Valverde et al.

Summary: This study in a marine protected area in the Mediterranean Sea investigated the temporal fluctuations of the coralligenous community, revealing that the rapid expansion of the non-native species R. okamurae led to changes in community structure and decline of sensitive species, highlighting the need for increased management efforts to protect this protected habitat.

ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS (2021)

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Article Ecology

Monitoring Extreme Impacts of Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) in El Estrecho Natural Park (Biosphere Reserve). Showing Radical Changes in the Underwater Seascape

Jose Carlos Garcia-Gomez et al.

Summary: The study reveals the impacts of the invasive macroalgae on benthic ecosystems through three different approaches and emphasizes the importance of management actions in El Estrecho Natural Park. Monitoring permanent sentinel stations and collaborating with Citizen Science research showed severe impacts on benthic seascape caused by the new biological invasion.

FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Rapid Spread of the Invasive Brown Alga Rugulopteryx okamurae in a National Park in Provence (France, Mediterranean Sea)

Sandrine Ruitton et al.

Summary: The temperate Northwest Pacific brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae, initially discovered in the Mediterranean Sea, has now appeared in Marseille and is rapidly spreading, covering large areas of subtidal reefs. This alga may have been introduced to Marseille through seafood trade, impacting local fisheries and environment.

WATER (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences