The establishment of the invasive non-native macroalga Sargassum muticum in the north of Scotland

Want, Andrew; Matejusova, Iveta; Kakkonen, Jenni E.

Abstract

The spread of the brown seaweed Sargassum muticum is one of the best documented invasions of a non-native marine species. Observation of a potentially established population of S. muticum in the Orkney Islands archipelago, located off the northern coast of Scotland, was reported by recreational snorkellers in 2019 and 2020. The present study summarises a focussed investigation to confirm its presence and current local distribution, using data from 46 survey sites monitored as a part of the Orkney Islands Council Harbour Authority monitoring programme. Findings in this study represent the most northerly record of an established population of S. muticum in the United Kingdom, extending the latitudinal range in this country by 1.44° (159 km) northwards, and indicate only localised presence of this species. Analysis of a partial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequence confirmed the visual species identification. Possible vectors of introduction, gaps in the geographic range, local ecological and economic impacts, and the potential ameliorating factor of deep rockpools on wave exposed shores for S. muticum are discussed.

Citation

Want, A., Matejusova, I., & Kakkonen, J. E. (2023). The establishment of the invasive non-native macroalga Sargassum muticum in the north of Scotland. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 103, Article e69. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0025315423000577

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 13, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 13, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Nov 15, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 16, 2023
• Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
• Print ISSN: 0025-3154
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-7769
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 103
• Article Number: e69
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0025315423000577
• Keywords: British waters; Cytochrome oxidase I; Invasive species; Macroalgae; Rock pools; Sargassum muticum
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4407771