Abstract
Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar 1873 is native to Northern Asia and has become well established in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Europe, New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, Pacific coasts of United States and Mexico and Patagonia Argentina. On the 13th of September of 2011 sporophytes of U. pinnatifida were found growing from the subtidal-intertidal limit to 4.5 m depth in Mar del Plata. This contribution brings the first Undaria pinnatifida report in Mar del Plata and extends 1300 km the northern distribution limit of this kelp in Argentina.
Highlights
Marine algal invasion is among the most common anthropogenic impacts on coastal systems around the world (Kraufvelin and Salovius 2004; Lotze et al 2006)
Undaria was found inside Mar del Plata Harbour (38o02′00′′S, 57o31′30′′W) during the course of a SCUBA survey in September 2011
No Undaria was found in breakwater “C”, which is separated from breakwater "Norte" by 1000 m (Figure 1)
Summary
Marine algal invasion is among the most common anthropogenic impacts on coastal systems around the world (Kraufvelin and Salovius 2004; Lotze et al 2006). Invasive algal species in many cases change the coastal ecosystems, modifying local algal communities structure, and the associated benthic fauna (Buschbaum et al 2006; Williams and Smith 2007). A widely known example is the edible invasive algae Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar 1873. This kelp is native to Northern Asia, where it is cultivated for food. It has been introduced worldwide in different coastal areas accidentally or intentionally for cultivation purposes. The most important vector of accidental seaweed dispersion is vessel traffic, through fouling of ship hulls (as gametophytes or small sporophytes) or, less commonly, via the discharge of ballast water (as spores) (Williams and Smith 2007)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
