On two new records of rare Cystoseira taxa (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from Greece (Eastern Mediterranean)

Abstract

Abstract Two Mediterranean Cystoseira taxa, namely Cystoseira foeniculacea f. schiffneri and Cystoseira funkii, are added to the macroalgal flora of Greek seas, both of them being described for the first time in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Descriptions, photographs, habitat type and distribution details, as well as brief notes, are provided for each taxon. Both taxa are rare, protected by the Barcelona Convention, and were found within three Natura 2000 marine Sites of Community Importance, highlighting the importance of establishing and enforcing site-specific management measures to ensure conservation of these rare, Mediterranean endemic, and little known taxa.