Introduced Marine Macroalgae in the Port of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico: Biological Contamination

Abstract

The variety of marine coastal environments of Mexico has been scientifically recognized; allowing the high diversity of organisms. The floristic richness (macroalgae species) includes giant kelps of cold environments of the Pacific coast, which are economically and ecologically important. This also includes a wide variety of macroalgae species from temperate and tropical environments. This ecological diversity is currently threatened and affected by the impact of climate change and by the non-native species introduction related by increased tourist routes and commercial navigation to Baja California shores. Based on a monitoring program of introduced macroalgae species, in the last 15 years several non-native species have been collected in the facilities of the port of Ensenada, Baja California. The species Sargassum muticum, Sargassum filicinum, Grateloupia turuturu and Grateloupia lanceolata, grow on different substrates in the Port, and because they grow abundantly, tend to displace native species and are therefore considered biological contamination. This work includes a review of the introduced macroalgae to the Port of Ensenada, their current distribution in Mexico and discusses its probable origin and possible vectors of introduction.