Abstract
The Japanese brown seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt (Fucales, Phaeophyta) is reported for the first time in Atlantic Morocco, along the shoreline of Doukkala (S of Casablanca). This record, the first in the African continent, represents a remarkable range expansion of this invasive marine species. Indeed, it is the southern-most occurrence of the species in the Atlantic. Preliminary phenological and ecological data of this non-native species were provided from the Doukkala coast. The major effects on benthic structure and composition of this invasive brown macroalga were also evaluated from published data. Oyster transfers from the French coast were the most likely primary
Highlights
The invasion of habitats by Nonindigenous Invasive Species (NIS) is a global phenomenon with serious consequences for ecological, economic, and social systems (Carlton 2000; IUCN 2009)
The species was first recorded as drift on the Belgian coasts in 1972 (Coppejans et al 1980) and established populations were observed on the Isle of Wight, southern England, in 1973 (Farnham et al 1973)
It was subsequently observed in numerous locations around the Channel region, and spread during the 30 years along European shores, reaching Scandinavia and Portugal (Rueness 1989; Karlsson and Loo 1999; Engelen and Santos 2009). It was introduced into Mediterranean coastal lagoons: Thau (France) and Venice (Italy) (Curiel et al 1999)
Summary
The invasion of habitats by Nonindigenous Invasive Species (NIS) is a global phenomenon with serious consequences for ecological, economic, and social systems (Carlton 2000; IUCN 2009). Species invasions are considered one of the greatest threats to native biodiversity and resource values of the world’s oceans (Rilov and Crooks 2004; Molnar et al 2008) Several marine species, such as the brown macroalga Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt, are known to be highly successful alien seaweeds, with many of the intrinsic traits of an invasive species, including very high growth rates of 2-4 cm per day, high fecundity, monoecious individuals with a perennial life history (Norton 1977; Norton and Deysher 1989; Williams and Smith 2007), and multiple-range dispersal mechanisms including germling settlement and drifting fertile thalli (Engelen and Santos 2009). Sargassum muticum populations were not observed in exposed coastal areas
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