Page 39 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

Similar species Brief history of its introduction and
Gametophytes of Asparagopsis armata can be pathways
easily misidentified as another successful invader, Native to Western Australia, this species was
Asparagopsis taxiformis, but the presence of probably introduced into European waters through
harpoon-like hooks in A. armata distinguishes it. A. oyster aquaculture. Nowadays it is distributed
armata is able to survive and thrive in colder throughout Europe in both the Atlantic and the
environments than A. taxiformis, which has an Mediterranean basin, and it is highly invasive.
affinity for much warmer waters. The genus as a
whole appears to have a high invasive potential.
These seaweeds disperse with water currents,
attached to floating objects.

Asparagopsis taxiformis. Photo: B. Weitzmann

Ecological impacts
Unknown, but it probably outcompetes native
Asparagopsis taxiformis
species for space and light.

Another alien species of red algae, Bonnemaisonia Economic impacts
hamifera, occurs in similar habitats. It can be
Pharmaceutical trials have shown the potential
distinguished in its gametophyte stage by the pharmaceutical compounds of A. armata that
crozier-shaped, hook-like, modified branches that it exhibites strong activity against fish pathogenic
forms. bacteria.

Management options
Once it has become invasive, eradication and even
containment are not possible. The species might be
controlled most efficiently and effectively, and at the
lowest cost, early in the invasive process.

Further reading
Altamirano M., Román A., De la Rosa J. C., Barrajón-
Mínguez, A., Barrajón-Menech, A., Moreno, C., Arroyo, C.
2008. The invasive species Asparagopsis taxiformis
(Bonnemaisoniales, Rhodophyta) on Andalusian coasts
Bonnemaisonia hamifera
(Southern Spain): reproductive stages, new records and
invaded communities. Acta Botánica Malacitana, Nº 33,
2008, 5-10.
Ní Chualáin, F., Maggs, C.A., Saunders, G.W. & Guiry, Drawings: Juan Varela
M.D., 2004. The invasive genus Asparagopsis
(Bonnemaisoniaceae, Rhodophyta): molecular
systematics, morphology, and ecophysiology of
Falkenbergia isolates. Journal of Phycology 40: 1112-1126.

36 Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers