Seasonal changes in populations of Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla in the Maltese Islands
Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla, an alien alga in the Mediterranean Sea, was first recorded from the Maltese Islands in 2013. Initial observations suggested that it underwent complete frond regression in winter, possibly due to the colder temperatures. Since then it has spread rapidly and has become abundant in the infralittoral in some localities. The present two-year study on the Maltese populations indicates that the alga is able to resist low seawater temperatures during the winter and is not regressing completely, potentially increasing its ecological impact.
Source: OAR@UM (University of Malta)
Authors: Therese Ellul, Julian Evans, Patrick J. Schembri
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3009581390