engleski

Spread of the introduced tropical green alga Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh in Starigrad bay (island Hvar, Croatia)

The alga Caulerpa taxifolia was observed for the first time in the Adriatic sea in Starigrad bay (island Hvar, Croatia). In summer 1984. Considering the affected area, it was estimated that the alga was introduced to Starigrad bay around 1991. Detailed maps of the affected area were made in autumn 1995 and in autumn 1996. According to the 1996 map, the alga continuously covered with varying density 25000 m2 in the affected area of 10 ha. From autumn 1995 to autumn 1996 the area continuously covered with alga increased 3.1 times. Two small colonies were found in October 1996, 2.5 km and 1.0 km from the first point of observation. It is most likely that those new colonies were spread by fishing nets. Ferry docking, water currents, wind and waves, the configuration of the coast, well developed indigenous vegetation of algae (genus Cystoseira) and segrasses (Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa) help to slow the spread of C.taxifolia.

Caulerpa taxifolia; spreading; Hvar Island; Adriatic Sea

nije evidentirano