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Macroalgal biodiversity of Shoal of Jabuka

The area around Shoal of Jabuka, 2300 m west of Jabuka Islet (central Adriatic Sea), has rarely been investigated for macroalgae. The most historical research was done during the 1950s. Comparison and supplementation historical data with our preliminary studies demonstrate that this area has a unique composition, a large number of species and high biomass of macroalgae. Our research was carried out in September 2016 and May 2017. Samples were collected along transects in NE-SW direction by scuba diving up to 35 m deep. From the samples collected in the fall, we identified 171 taxa. Biomass was dominated by the populations of Fucales (Cystoseira spp. and Sargassum spp.). Dense vegetation of infralittoral algae reached up to 40 m deep. Four taxa of Cystoseira and two of Sargassum was recorded. In the whole Mediterranean, including the Adriatic, there has been a recent decline and disappearance of these species due to anthropogenic impact, overgrazing of sea urchins, native and alien herbivorous fish. All Cystoseira species that were found on the Shoal of Jabuka are listed on the list of protected species in Annex II (Barcelona Convention). Among them, we identified very rare species such as Cystoseira jabukae and Sargassum hornschuchii. Natura 2000 network doesn’t include the Shoal of Jabuka in any category of protection. The large number, density and specific composition of macrobenthic flora, would serve in the evaluation of this area as a unique area and hotspot of biodiversity for macroalgae in the Adriatic Sea.

macroalgae, rare species, Cystoseira, Sargassum, central Adriatic

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