Mapping Invasive Macroalgae in the Western Iberian Peninsula: A Methodological Guide.

Abstract

In the European Union member countries, more than 41% of marine invasive species of special concern are macroalgae. Invasive macroalgae, and invasive species in general, change the structure and functions of the invaded communities and ecosystems and thus have strong impacts on ecological processes and ecosystem services. Specifically, on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the composition and structure of seaweed communities has changed dramatically in the last two decades, mainly due to climate change and biological invasions. In this context, the spread and establishment of invasive species is of growing concern to environmental managers as eradication of established invaders can be extremely difficult (if not impossible) and costly.