Tracing the introduction of Dictyota acutiloba (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) in the Mediterranean Sea, with a reassessment of its geographic distribution

Soria Delva, Camino Fernández de la Hoz, Quinten Bafort, Sofie D’hondt, Soha Shabaka, Sarah Hamdy Rashedy, Alison R. Sherwood, Tamar Guy-Haim, Alvaro Israel, Olivier De Clerck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study we explore the introduction of the brown alga Dictyota acutiloba in the Mediterranean Sea and provide a substantive update on the geographic distribution of this species, which was long thought to be confined to the Pacific Ocean. A critical assessment of published distribution records and additional identifications based on cox1, psbA and rbcL genetic markers confirm the presence of D. acutiloba at a number of locations in the Indo-Pacific as well as three locations along the Israeli coastline in the south-eastern Mediterranean Sea. The close genetic affinity between introduced specimens and those from a population in Hurghada (Red Sea) strongly suggests an introduction via the Suez Canal. The occurrence of D. acutiloba in these regions is further supported by predictions made by correlative ecological niche models (ENMs), which show high suitability values in the northern Red Sea and the Levantine Basin. In contrast, environmental conditions in the western Mediterranean and parts of the north-eastern Mediterranean are currently less favourable, as evidenced by the lower predicted probability of occurrence. Under future scenarios, the suitability of these regions increases. The further spread of D. acutiloba in the eastern Mediterranean seems imminent, and the species may even extend its range to the western Mediterranean Sea, depending on the climate change scenario considered. While D. acutiloba can be relatively easily distinguished from the majority of Mediterranean Dictyota species, it remains difficult to differentiate this species from narrow growth forms of D. dichotoma. Therefore, we recommend the use of molecular markers such as cox1, psbA and rbcL, to unequivocally identify this species and monitor its further spread.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-50
Number of pages13
JournalEuropean Journal of Phycology
Volume59
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 British Phycological Society.

Keywords

  • Dictyota acutiloba
  • distribution
  • ecological niche models
  • introduced seaweed
  • Lessepsian migration
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • morphology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aquatic Science
  • Plant Science

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