Changes in seaweed biodiversity of the Gargano coast (Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea)

Benthic algal flora has been investigated along the Gargano coast (Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea). The results were compared with those of previous researches carried out in the same area in 1960s in order to detect possible changes in species composition. Two hundred and thirty-four taxa have been identified. The literature data reported 162 taxa but only 82 of them were also found during the present study. In general, a decrease in "canopy-forming" species and an increase in "turf-forming" ones were observed. The decrease in Ulvaceae and the presence of sciaphilous taxa at low depths were also recorded. The present species composition might be related both to a reduction in light penetration and to an increase in sediment deposition.