Dissertation committee:
Αθηνά Οικονόμου-Αμίλλη Καθηγήτρια ΕΚΠΑ (επιβλέπουσα), Χρήστος Κατσαρός Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, Παναγιώτης Παναγιωτίδης Δ/ντής Ερευνών ΕΛΚΕΘΕ
Summary:
The present study has emphasized to alien macroalgae of Greece, aiming to give
answer to the following inquires: a) which are the alien macroalgae of Greece,
b) how vulnerable are the indigenous communities to alien macroalgae
introduction and abundance, and c) which are the impacts of the alien
macroalgae to the indigenous communities.
Several coastal areas of both the Aegean and Ionian Seas have been chosen for
macroalgal study. In total, 60 sites and 452 macroalgal samples have been
studied.
Based on our results, Greece hosts 35 alien macroalgae in total. Detailed data
of taxonomy, systematics, biology, ecology, distribution as well as further
comments are provided for each alien taxon. The majority of alien macroalgae
distribute in the South Aegean Sea. Most of them came from the Indo-Pacific
Ocean through shipping and the Suez Canal, mainly after the 1970s. Six alien
macroalgae are invaders in the Greek seas. Codium fragile subsp. fragile and
Asparagopsis taxiformis exhibited the synergistic process of ‘Invasional
Meltdown’ in ‘Chora’ station of Andros Isl.
Alien macroalgae introductions into an area seem to be dependant mainly on its
geographical location. Their abundance seems to be favored by ‘low’ ecological
quality ecosystem status. Severe impact by alien macroalgae was observed only
in cases when these present invasive behavior, leading to reduction of native
biodiversity and to alteration of the phyco-community structure.
In conclusion, an overall aspect of alien macroalgae of Greece was achieved.
However, special attention should be given to alien macroalgal invaders.
Keywords:
Macroalgae, Alien species, Greece, Invaders, Taxonomy
