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Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

introduction of this red filamentous species remain
unknown, but a suggested main vector is hull fouling
on commercial ships.

Ecological impacts

In many Mediterranean localities it has substantial
adverse effects on native communities by modifying
benthic assemblages and outcompeting key native
species (i.e. Paramuricea clavata, Cystoseira
spinosa and various sponge species). Its fast growth,
ability to exploit nutrients and persistence form the
basis of Womersleyella setacea’s success in
Womersleyella setacea. Photo: E. Ballesteros outcompeting native macroalgae and benthic
invertebrates on Mediterranean rocky bottoms.
Another characteristic of this invader is its ability to
Similar species trap sediments, preventing the attachment of other
It can easily be confused in the field with other red competing filamentous algae. This hinders the
algal species of similar structure (i.e. Acrothamnion settlement of native species and the survival of their
preissii). juvenile stages, and consequently reduces the
species diversity and composition of local algal
communities.

Economic impacts
Unknown.

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
Acrothamnion preissii Cebrian E. Rodríguez-Prieto C., 2012. Marine Invasion in
the Mediterranean Sea: The Role of Abiotic Factors When
There Is No Biological Resistance. PLoS ONE 7(2):
e31135.
Nikolić, V. et al, 2010. Distribution of invasive red alga
Brief history of its introduction and Womersleyella setacea (Hollenberg) R.E. Norris
pathways (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales) in the Adriatic Sea. ACTA
ADRIAT., 51(2): 195 – 202.
Womersleyella setacea was described originally
DAISIE. http://www.europe-
from the Hawaiian Islands and later reported in other
aliens.org/speciesFactsheet.do?speciesId=100988
tropical localities in both the Pacific and Atlantic
Oceans. It was first observed in Mediterranean
coastal waters in the 1980s in Provence (France)
and Italy, and rapidly spread throughout the
Mediterranean to Corsica, the Mediterranean coasts Drawings: Juan Varela
of Spain, the Balearic Islands, the northern Adriatic
Sea, Malta and Greece. The origin and mode of

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