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Aquatic Invasions in the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean Seas pp 287–298Cite as

Caulerpa taxifolia: 18 years of infestation in the Mediterranean Sea

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Part of the book series: Nato Science Series: IV: Earth and Environmental Sciences ((NAIV,volume 35))

Abstract

After 18 years of invasion, the situation with Caulerpa taxifolia in the Mediterranean is out of control. Eradication is no longer an option. The last hope remaining is in the use of biological control measures. This introduced species, of aquarium origin, has already reached six Mediterranean countries and more than 131 km2 of coastal area are affected. The alga deeply modifies the habitat and has incisive impacts on the native flora and fauna. Because of its presence in the aquarium trade all around the world, C. taxifolia is predicted to cause problems elsewhere as well. Recently, it was discovered in California and Australia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gestion de la Biodiversité EA 3156 Laboratoire Environnement Marin Littoral, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences, Parc Valrose, 06108, Nice cedex 02, France

    Thierry Thibaut & Alexandre Meinesz

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  1. Thierry Thibaut
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  2. Alexandre Meinesz
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  1. Institute of Animal Ecology, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

    Henri Dumont

  2. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia

    Tamara A. Shiganova

  3. Marine Ecology, Heiligenhafen, Germany

    Ulrich Niermann

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Thibaut, T., Meinesz, A. (2004). Caulerpa taxifolia: 18 years of infestation in the Mediterranean Sea. In: Dumont, H., Shiganova, T.A., Niermann, U. (eds) Aquatic Invasions in the Black, Caspian, and Mediterranean Seas. Nato Science Series: IV: Earth and Environmental Sciences, vol 35. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-2152-6_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-2152-6_17

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