Distribution of rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast (South-Eastern Adriatic Sea)

Background and purpose: Multiple studies have shown that Cystoseira species are sensitive to anthropogenic impact, and a decrease in their populations was observed, especially close to urban areas. To better understand status of such endangered and protected species, we studied the distribution of six rare Cystoseira species along the Montenegro coast: C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla, C. sauvageauana, C. sgarrosa and C. tamariscifblia. Materials and methods: The study is based on field researches conducted through snorkeling and scuba diving along the Montenegrin coast during the period 1998-2009. In addition to the field work, we examined the published data for these species and the unpublished data from prof. Boris Antolic's field diary. Results: Based on our 12-year-long investigations, we concluded that C. compressa subsp. pustulata, C. crinita, C. crinitophylla and C. sqarrosa are rare and endangered species along the Montenegro coast. Conclusions: The published data for C. sauvageauana is likely mistaken due to incomplete and poorly conserved algal material, while regarding the reference for C. tamariscifolia should be checked if the collected sample was preserved. Furthermore, we noted that the habitat destruction and the proliferation of sea urchin populations have the most dramatic negative impact on the biocenosis formed by such rare and endangered Cystoseira species.