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

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Diversity of Algae and Cyanobacteria and Bioindication Characteristics of the Alpine Lake Nesamovyte (Eastern Carpathians, Ukraine) from 100 Years Ago to the Present

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d13060256 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 256

Author(s):

Petro M. Tsarenko ◽

Olena P. Bilous ◽

Olha M. Kryvosheia-Zakharova ◽

Halyna H. Lilitska ◽

Sophia Barinova

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Algal Species ◽

Taxonomic Composition ◽

Alpine Lake ◽

Algal Flora ◽

Ecological Analysis ◽

Modern Species ◽

Eastern Carpathians ◽

Infraspecific Taxa

The species diversity and changes in the structural dynamics of the algal flora from the alpine lake Nesamovyte has been studied for 100 years. During the period of investigations, 234 species (245 infraspecific taxa) were revealed to cover more than 70% of the modern species composition of the studied lake. The modern biodiversity of algae is characterized by an increase in the number of widespread forms, a change from the baseline “montane” complex in comparison to the beginning of the 20th century. Nevertheless, the Nesamovyte Lake still has a unique algae composition that is typical for high-mountainous European lakes. The presence of a different complex of conventionally arctic species of algae, in particular, diatoms is discussed. Structural changes in the taxonomic composition of the algal flora of the lake as well as in the complex of the leading genera, species and their diversity are revealed. An ecological analysis of the algal species composition of the lake showed vulnerability and degradation to the ecosystem of the lake. On this basis, the issue regarding the question of protection and preservation of the algae significance and uniqueness of the flora of algae in the Nesamovyte Lake are discussed.

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Bivalves and Gastropods of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico: A Checklist of Species with Notes on Their Habitat and Local Distribution

Journal of Marine Biology ◽

10.1155/2009/176801 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Eduardo Ríos-Jara ◽

Ceciel-M. Navarro-Caravantes ◽

Cristian-M. Galván-Villa ◽

Ernesto Lopez-Uriarte

Keyword(s):

Continental Shelf ◽

Coastal Lagoons ◽

Taxonomic Composition ◽

Total Count ◽

Bivalve Species ◽

Local Distribution ◽

Gastropod Species ◽

Gulf Of Tehuantepec ◽

Shallow Subtidal

The taxonomic composition of 160 species of bivalves and gastropods recorded in the Gulf of Tehuantepec is presented with information on their habitat and distribution along 10 different localities of the shoreline and 42 stations of the continental shelf. The species were on sandy and rocky beaches, coastal lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, rocky breakwaters of ports, and shallow subtidal areas (14–47 m depth). A total of 78 bivalve species and 82 gastropod species were recorded. Most of these were associated with sandy and rocky beaches and breakwaters of ports. The estuaries host 30 species and the coastal lagoons only two. In the shallow subtidal there were 18 gastropod species and 40 bivalve species representing 36.3% of all. This study adds 24 bivalve species and 29 gastropod species not recorded in previous studies for a total count of 213 species (102 bivalves and 111 gastropods) for Gulf of Tehuantepec.

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Structure and Biodiversity of Rhodolith Seabeds: A Special Issue

Diversity ◽

10.3390/d12080300 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 300 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernando Tuya

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Large Scale ◽

Algal Species ◽

Taxonomic Composition ◽

High Latitudes ◽

Decapod Crustaceans ◽

Special Issue ◽

Associated Fauna ◽

Climate Fluctuations ◽

Wide Range

Rhodolith seabeds function as ‘ecosystems engineers’, which globally provide a range of ‘ecosystem services’. However, knowledge on the structure, composition and distribution of rhodolith seabeds is still lacking. This Special Issue comprises six articles, addressing specific questions of rhodolith seabeds, and covering a wide range of topics. Two papers provide new large-scale information on the presence, structure and distribution of rhodolith beds at two southern hemisphere areas, in particular continental shelfs off South Africa and Brazil. Another two studies contributed to the discovery on new algal species from rhodolith beds, including Sporolithon franciscanum, a new rhodolith-forming species from Brazil, and the small benthic alga Schizocladia ischiensis. In terms of associated fauna, the taxonomic composition and patterns of abundance of decapod crustaceans are described in another article, including the description of a depth-partitioning in the abundance of juveniles and adults of the crab Nanocassiope melanodactylus. Rhodoliths are often present in fossilized deposits, so we can track changes in their presence with climate fluctuations. High temperatures during the Eocene and widespread oligotrophic conditions are finally connected with low abundances of rhodolith beds at mid and high latitudes, despite a larger presence at equatorial regions.

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Therapeutic Uses of Red Macroalgae

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25194411 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (19) ◽

pp. 4411

Author(s):

Mona M. Ismail ◽

Badriyah S. Alotaibi ◽

Mostafa M. EL-Sheekh

Keyword(s):

Cell Wall ◽

Algal Species ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Sulfated Polysaccharides ◽

Nutrient Concentrations ◽

Red Seaweed ◽

Bioactive Constituents ◽

Cell Wall Polysaccharides ◽

Red Macroalgae ◽

Gelling Properties

Red Seaweed “Rhodophyta” are an important group of macroalgae that include approximately 7000 species. They are a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive constituents, including protein, sulfated polysaccharides, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds with nutritional, medical, and industrial importance. Polysaccharides are the main components in the cell wall of red algae and represent about 40–50% of the dry weight, which are extensively utilized in industry and pharmaceutical compounds, due to their thickening and gelling properties. The hydrocolloids galactans carrageenans and agars are the main red seaweed cell wall polysaccharides, which had broad-spectrum therapeutic characters. Generally, the chemical contents of seaweed are different according to the algal species, growth stage, environment, and external conditions, e.g., the temperature of the water, light intensity, nutrient concentrations in the ecosystem. Economically, they can be recommended as a substitute source for natural ingredients that contribute to a broad range of bioactivities like cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory. This review touches on the main points of the pharmaceutical applications of red seaweed, as well as the exploitation of their specific compounds and secondary metabolites with vital roles.

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Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) attachment force and burrowing behavior in rocky shores of SW Portugal*

Zoosymposia ◽

10.11646/zoosymposia.7.1.21 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 231-240 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

DAVID JACINTO ◽

TERESA CRUZ

Keyword(s):

Sea Urchins ◽

Paracentrotus Lividus ◽

Wave Exposure ◽

Rocky Shores ◽

Rock Pools ◽

Test Diameter ◽

Test Size ◽

Shallow Subtidal ◽

Rocky Habitats ◽

Intertidal Pools

The rock burrowing sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is a common wave-swept organism that inhabits intertidal rock pools and shallow subtidal temperate shores. Here we present field data on P. lividus attachment force, burrow shape and test diameter measured in different rocky habitats (intertidal pools, low shore intertidal channels and shallow subtidal shores) and in two study sites with different wave-exposure conditions. These data were then analyzed to look for a possible relationship between the size of sea urchins and their attachment force and burrow shape as well as the influence of wave-exposure and habitat in the measured variables. P. lividus test diameter varied among habitats: urchins were smaller in mid-shore intertidal pools and bigger in shallow subtidal shores. We observed in all studied habitats that attachment force was not correlated with test size, while burrow shape index (BSI) was negatively correlated with test size. Results suggest that the attachment force of large and small urchins was similar, but smaller animals occurred in relatively deeper burrows (higher BSI values). Attachment force was positively correlated with BSI, which indicates that burrows may enhance attachment force of P. lividus living in rocky shores by allowing the use of spines as anchorage points and reducing the urchin area exposed to drag forces. Our results partially support the hypothesis that attachment force and BSI might be influenced by local variation in wave-exposure. Higher values for both attachment strength and BSI were measured in intertidal rock pools, the most wave-exposed habitat considered in this study, suggesting that urchins living in such habitat are more able to resist dislodgment by wave-induced forces since they occupy relatively deeper burrows and thusattach more firmly to the substrate. However, neither attachment force nor BSI were higher in the more exposed shore.

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Modelling the distribution and density of the invasive seaweed Sargassum muticum (Fucales, Sargassaceae) in shallow subtidal areas

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf15347 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 68 (2) ◽

pp. 244 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giulia Cambiè ◽

Diana Fernández-Márquez ◽

Ramón Muiño

Keyword(s):

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Abiotic Factors ◽

Sargassum Muticum ◽

Marine Fishery ◽

Invasive Seaweed ◽

Data Collection Strategy ◽

Rapid Spread ◽

Shallow Subtidal ◽

Zip Model ◽

Western Spain

The present study describes the distribution and density of Sargassum muticum in shallow subtidal areas of the Marine Fishery Reserve (MFR) ‘Os Miñarzos’ (Galicia, north-western Spain) by using a data-collection strategy and a statistical approach fairly unused in literature. Our surveys showed a rapid spread of the invasive alga in the study area, where the number of patches increased more than 50% between 2008 and 2009. A model-selection approach was used to test the goodness of fit of Sargassum density data and the zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) appeared to be the best model. The ZIP model quantified a probability of 22% of finding at least one Sargassum plant in a randomly placed quadrat within 11-m depth, demonstrating that a large part of the MFR has been invaded. In particular, the ZIP model showed that season, richness of macroalgal community, and abiotic factors, such as wave exposure and depth, are essential drivers for the establishment of S. muticum thalli in subtidal areas. Our results showed that the invasion of subtidal areas often follows patterns similar to the intertidal areas. The present study also demonstrated the usefulness of zero-inflated models to assess early and mid-stages of a seaweed invasion.

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Marine Ingredients for Sensitive Skin: Market Overview

Marine Drugs ◽

10.3390/md19080464 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (8) ◽

pp. 464

Author(s):

Marta Salvador Ferreira ◽

Diana I. S. P. Resende ◽

José M. Sousa Lobo ◽

Emília Sousa ◽

Isabel F. Almeida

Keyword(s):

Scientific Evidence ◽

Skin Inflammation ◽

Ascophyllum Nodosum ◽

Cosmetic Products ◽

Brown Macroalgae ◽

Sensitive Skin ◽

Great Opportunity ◽

Red Macroalgae ◽

Cosmetic Industry ◽

Asparagopsis Armata

Marine ingredients are a source of new chemical entities with biological action, which is the reason why they have gained relevance in the cosmetic industry. The facial care category is the most relevant in this industry, and within it, the sensitive skin segment occupies a prominent position. This work analyzed the use of marine ingredients in 88 facial cosmetics for sensitive skin from multinational brands, as well as their composition and the scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. Marine ingredients were used in 27% of the cosmetic products for sensitive skin and included the species Laminaria ochroleuca, Ascophyllum nodosum (brown macroalgae), Asparagopsis armata (red macroalgae), and Chlorella vulgaris (microalgae). Carotenoids, polysaccharides, and lipids are the chemical classes highlighted in these preparations. Two ingredients, namely the Ascophyllum nodosum extract and Asparagopsis armata extracts, present clinical evidence supporting their use for sensitive skin. Overall, marine ingredients used in cosmetics for sensitive skin are proposed to reduce skin inflammation and improve the barrier function. Marine-derived preparations constitute promising active ingredients for sensitive skin cosmetic products. Their in-depth study, focusing on the extracted metabolites, randomized placebo-controlled studies including volunteers with sensitive skin, and the use of extraction methods that are more profitable may provide a great opportunity for the cosmetic industry.

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Impacts of The Invasive Seaweed Asparagopsis armata Exudate on Rockpool Invertebrates

10.20944/preprints202008.0236.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Carla O. Silva ◽

Sara C. Novais ◽

Amadeu M.V.M. Soares ◽

Carlos Barata ◽

Marco F.L. Lemos

Keyword(s):

Native Species ◽

Marine Invertebrates ◽

Sublethal Effects ◽

Physiological Status ◽

Invasive Seaweed ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

The Media ◽

Palaemon Elegans ◽

Global Change Scenarios ◽

Asparagopsis Armata

The marine red algae Asparagopsis armata is an invasive species which competitive advantage arises from the production and release of large amounts of toxic compounds to the surrounding invaded area, reducing the abundance of native species. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of this invasive seaweed on marine invertebrates by exposing the common prawn Palaemon elegans and the marine snail Gibbula umbilicalis to the exudate of this macroalgae. The seaweed was collected and placed in tanks, for 12 hours, in the dark in a 1:10 ratio. Afterwards the media containing its secondary metabolites was collected for further testing. Lethal and sublethal effects of A. armata were investigated. Biochemical biomarkers responses associated with energy metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; electron transport system activity, ETS; content in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) were analysed. The biomarker responses showed invertebrates’ physiological status impairment after exposure to low concentrations of this algae exudate. Highest concentrations of exudate significantly increased lipid content in both organisms. In the shrimp, protein content, ETS, and LDH were also significantly increased. On the contrary, these parameters were significantly decreased in G. umbilicalis. A behavioural impairment was also observed in G. umbilicalis exposed to A. armata exudate, with reduction in feeding consumption. These results represent an important step in the research of natural toxic exudates released to the environment and prospective effects of this seaweed in invaded communities under increasing global change scenarios.

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Potential of Asparagopsis armata as a Biopesticide for Weed Control under an Invasive Seaweed Circular-Economy Framework

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10121321 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1321

Author(s):

Bernardo Duarte ◽

João Carreiras ◽

Eduardo Feijão ◽

Ricardo Cruz de Carvalho ◽

Ana Rita Matos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Marine Macroalgae ◽

Invasive Seaweed ◽

Transport Chain ◽

The Common ◽

Physiological Impact ◽

Chemical Pesticides ◽

And Oxidative Stress ◽

Potential Use ◽

Asparagopsis Armata

Marine macroalgae have been increasingly targeted as a source of bioactive compounds to be used in several areas, such as biopesticides. When harvesting invasive species, such as Asparagopsis armata, for this purpose, there is a two-folded opportunity: acquiring these biomolecules from a low-cost resource and controlling its spreading and impacts. The secondary metabolites in this seaweed’s exudate have been shown to significantly impact the physiology of species in the ecosystems where it invades, indicating a possible biocidal potential. Considering this in the present work, an A. armata exudate cocktail was applied in the model weed Thellungiella halophila to evaluate its physiological impact and mode of action, addressing its potential use as a natural biocide. A. armata greatly affected the test plants’ physiology, namely, their photochemical energy transduction pathway (impairing light-harvesting and chemical energy production throughout the chloroplast electron transport chain), carotenoid metabolism and oxidative stress. These mechanisms of action are similar to the ones triggered when using the common chemical pesticides, highlighting the potential of the A. armata exudate cocktail as an eco-friendly biopesticide.

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Species diversity and photobiont localization specificities in epigene lichens (on the example of the genus Cladonia)

Samara Journal of Science ◽

10.17816/snv201873111 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 59-64

Author(s):

Evgene Sergeevich Korchikov ◽

Egor Vladimirovich Bolgov ◽

Elena Sergeevna Ilyina ◽

Timofey Anatolyevich Pankratov

Keyword(s):

Research Work ◽

Algal Species ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Taxonomic Composition ◽

Taiga Zone ◽

Dominant Group ◽

Active Growth ◽

The North ◽

Comparison Results ◽

Murmansk Region

The article describes the taxonomic composition and photobionts localization specificities in above-ground lichens of the genus Cladonia . Moreover it analyzes the amount and algal species in thallus homogenates due to their age: in zones of active growth, aging zone and destruction zone; alga cells in washings from surface of thalli. Also the article analyzes the influence of the mycobiont on the photobiont species and abundance of the photobiont. It gives the comparison analysis of these data in lichens in the north taiga zone (Murmansk Region) and steppe zone (on the example of Orenburg Region). The method of direct microscopy helped to determine the taxonomic affiliation of the photobionts to the genus. Here the authors mean the size, shape of the cells, the nature of the chromatophore, etc. The number of photobionts in samples was studied both by light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The paper presents the comparison results of the amount and algae diversity in in the thalli of the above-ground lichens of the genus Cladonia due to their geographical location and the specificity of the age dynamics of the podecium. The research shows the fact that Asterochloris alga was the dominant group in the actively growing lichen podecia. However geographical location is not important. Chlorella, Stichococcus, Pseudococcomyxa were found in lichens algae. The authors believe that the new information about the changes in the taxonomic composition of algae, due to the age of the thallus is important for science. Pseudococcomyxa algae dominated in the old parts of the north taiga lichens and Stichococcus dominated in the steppe areas. Moreover the authors give the attempt of resynthesize lichen tallium from previously isolated cultures of the mycobiotic and photobiont. This attempt was unsuccessful at the period of the research work.

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