Dramatic changes in the structure of shallow-water marine benthic communities following the invasion by Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) in Azores (NE Atlantic)

Biological invasions are considered one of the most important drivers of biodiversity loss. Here we use a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to investigate the impact of Rugulopteryx okamurae on the structure of shallow-water marine benthic communities in São Miguel island, Azores. After its...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2022-02, Vol.175, p.113358-113358, Article 113358
Main Authors: Faria, João, Prestes, Afonso C.L., Moreu, Ignacio, Cacabelos, Eva, Martins, Gustavo M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Azores
BACI
Benthic communities
Benthos
Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss
Biological invasions
coasts
Community Structure
Ecological Impact
Ecosystem
Introduced species
Invasive Species
Macroalgae
marine pollution
Phaeophyceae
Rugulopteryx okamurae
Shallow water
Species richness
Water
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Summary:Biological invasions are considered one of the most important drivers of biodiversity loss. Here we use a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to investigate the impact of Rugulopteryx okamurae on the structure of shallow-water marine benthic communities in São Miguel island, Azores. After its first appearance in 2019, R. okamurae has rapidly invaded much of the southern coast of the island, where it became the dominant algae. This was followed by significant changes in the structure of shallow-water marine benthic communities, with substantial losses of natural variability and species richness. Compared to before, there has been dramatic reductions in the abundances of articulated coralline algae, corticated algae and corticated foliose algae in invaded locations. These results highlight its highly invasive character, not seen with other, more well-known, invasive species. It remains to be investigated if its impacts persist throughout time and to quantify the functional consequences of such dramatic changes. •The alga Rugulopteryx okamurae showed a dramatic proliferation since its arrival to the Azores in 2019.•Where present, R. okamurae is now the dominant organism having replaced previously established communities.•A BACI design was used to characterize benthic assemblages’ responses to R. okamurae.•Species richness has been drastically reduced and assemblages become less diverse.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113358