Invasive species are a major concern for the conservation of ecosystems and can compete with local species, causing negative effects. The Mediterranean Sea is a major hotspot of invasive species, a new invasive tropical algae, Halimeda incrassata, has been recently found in the Southern coast of the island of Mallorca (Western Mediterranean).
Mediterranean native seagrasses such as Posidonia oceanica or Cymodocea nodosa form very productive underwater meadows and have an enormous ecological importance due to the ecosystem services they provide. However, the invasive algae Halimeda incrassata has already colonized extensive muddy and sandy bottoms with Cymodocea nodosa beds. It is therefore necessary to identify and evaluate the factors that can enhance or limit the expansion of this exotic species.
Nutrients and light are key factors limiting primary producers and thus may play a critical role in the invasive capacity of these species. In this project, the influence of nutrients on the invasive capacity of Halimeda incrassata and its interaction with the local seagrass Cymodocea nodosa will be examined using an in situ experimental approach.
