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230 Mannino & Balistreri: An updated overview of invasive Caulerpa taxa ...

Fig. 4. Known sites of occurrence of Caulerpa taxifolia in Sicily and circum-Sicilian Islands (see
Table 2 for the site codes).

ows, on the polychaete Sabellaria spp., and intermingled with macroalgae and C. nodosa.
In the Strait of Messina, it occurs in habitats different to those occupied by C. taxifolia.

Discussion

Caulerpa cylindracea
Over the years, the level of colonization in the area has either decreased (A.M.
Mannino, present work) or increased (Azzurro & al. 2004; Lodola & al. 2012).
Although Sicily and circum-Sicilian Islands have not been thoroughly investigated, the
current data lead us to hypothesize that the entire coastline is affected by C. cylindracea.
Certainly, it is difficult to know the precise extent of the colonization in terms of area and
coastline concerned, because mapping data are lacking and estimations of the reported colo-
nized surfaces are not homogeneous and very often not accurate or completely lacking.
Although many colonized localities are touristic and/or fishing areas or are located in
the vicinity of ports, non-urbanized areas (e.g. Marine Protected Areas and Natural
Reserves) are also concerned.