The effects of the invasive seaweed Asparagopsis armata on native rock pool communities: Evidences from experimental exclusion

Biological invasions represent a threat to ecosystems, through competition and habitat destruction, which may result in significant changes of the invaded community. Asparagopsis armata Harvey 1855 is red macroalgae (Rodophyta) globally recognized as an invasive species. It found from intertidal shallow subtidal areas, on rock or epiphytic, forming natural vegetation belts exposed coasts. This study evaluated variations native seaweed macroinvertebrate assemblages inhabiting pools with without presence A. armata. To achieve this, manipulation experiments Atlantic (Portugal) were done. Three maintained by manual removal macroalgae, three others not experimentally manipulated during period was freely present. In this between different assessed. Results showed patterns composition but for macrobenthic communities. Ellisolandia elongata (J. Ellis & Solander) K.R. Hind G.W. Saunders 2013 main algal species affected invasion Invaded tended show less macroalgal richness, showing more constant conservative structure, lower variation its taxonomic than containing armata, where variability samples always higher. Despite importance achieved results, further data based observation long-term series are needed, order understand severe effects invader assemblage.