Assessment of the impact of the invasive species Rugulopterix okamurae on the reefs of Dendropoma lebeche and the communities of Cystoseira in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante (RUGOREEF)
FEDER
The reefs of Dendropoma lebeche, as well as the associated communities of Cystoseira, are under the protection of both European and state regulations due to their multitude of ecosystem services and their environmental relevance. The invasive algae Rugulopterix okamurae poses a risk to Mediterranean marine ecosystems, as is already being observed in certain areas of Andalusia. This project seeks to determine if this invasive algae poses a risk to the reefs of D. lebeche and the communities of Cystoseira, as well as the degree of affectation that this habitat presents on the coast of the province of Malaga. In view of the incipient colonization of R. okamurae in the province of Alicante, the state of these ecosystems in this province will be evaluated. The results obtained will serve as a basis for proposing measures for the management, monitoring and protection of this ecosystem, as well as expanding knowledge about the invasive potential of R. okamurae.
Line of action:
Marine ecosystemsStatus:
En ejecuciónLocation:
Valencia and AndalusiaGeographic scope:
EspañaExecution date:
2026End date:
2028Duration:
01/02/2026 - 31/01/2028Total budget:
€400,188.94Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:
€290,982.17Foundation Institute of Coastal Ecology
In the context of climate change, this project will contribute to the improvement of the knowledge of a habitat highly sensitive to climate change such as the D. lebeche reef and Cystoseira communities. Likewise, the assessment of the impact of a species with a very high invasive character such as R. okamurae, will make it possible to establish reference thresholds for the resistance of a priority ecosystem to an alteration such as the appearance of invasive species, many of them caused by climate change. In addition, by conserving key habitats for marine biodiversity, the project indirectly contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting essential ecological functions such as primary production, carbon fixation and stabilisation of the marine substrate.
The general objective of the project is to assess the ecological impact of the invasive species Rugulopterix okamurae on the coastal reefs of habitat 1170 in the province of Malaga, with special attention to its effect on the protected species Dendropoma lebeche and algae of the genus Cystoseira. In the province of Alicante, this habitat will also be monitored to try to find out if it is also being affected by R. okamurae. The aim is to generate scientific knowledge that allows us to understand the alterations produced in the structure, biodiversity and functionality of the reef ecosystem, and to provide a solid basis for the design of management, conservation and monitoring strategies adapted to the regional context and aligned with European directives and state regulations for the protection of the marine environment.
- Diagnosis of the state of conservation of D. lebeche reefs and Cystoseira colonies in Malaga and Alicante, paying special attention to the Natura 2000 Network areas.
- Report on the current distribution of okamurae in both provinces.
- Technical analysis of the interaction of the invasive algae with the habitats of lebeche and Cystoseira spp.
- Development of potential distribution models of lebeche and Cystoseira spp., and of a risk model to identify the areas most vulnerable to the invasive algae
- Creation of an open access web portal with project data.
- Establishment of a monitoring network involving lifeguards, fishermen, divers and other sectors to monitor and detect new affected areas.
Assessment of the impact of the invasive species Rugulopterix okamurae on the reefs of Dendropoma lebeche and the communities of Cystoseira in the provinces of Malaga and Alicante (RUGOREEF)
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