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Surface temperature of the oceans has increased globally over the past decades. In coastal areas influenced by eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUS), winds push seawater offshore and deep, cold and nutrient-rich seawater rise towards the surface, partially buffering global warming. On the North coast of Portugal, the NW Iberian upwelling system allows extensive kelp forests to thrive in these "boreal-like" conditions, fostering highly diverse and productive communities. However, the warming of the upper layer of the ocean may weaken this upwelling, leading to higher sea surface temperature and lower nutrient input in the coastal areas. The effects of these changes on the structure and function of coastal ecosystems remain unexplored. The present study aimed to examine the combined effects of elevated temperature and nutrient depletion on semi-naturally structured assemblages. The eco-physiological responses investigated included growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and metabolic rates at the levels of individual species and whole assemblages. Our findings showed interactive effects of the combination of elevated temperature with nutrient depletion on the large canopy-forming species (i.e., kelp). As main contributor to community response, those effects drove the whole assemblage responses to significant losses in productivity levels. We also found an additive effect of elevated temperature and reduced nutrients on sub-canopy species (i.e., Chondrus crispus), while turfs were only affected by temperature. Our results suggest that under weakening upwelling scenarios, the ability of the macroalgal assemblages to maintain high productivity rates could be seriously affected and predict a shift in community composition with the loss of marine forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wrack accumulations are a source of nutrients on sandy beaches and host invertebrate species, increasing local biodiversity. The distribution of these important accumulations varies in space and time depending on the environmental conditions and the composition of species that are in the wrack. Species composition and spatiotemporal variability in wrack accumulations remain poorly understood in some regions. In this study, we evaluated the spatiotemporal variability in wrack biomass and diversity on four sandy beaches in northern Portugal over the course of 1 year. The results revealed that both the diversity and biomass of wrack varied temporally depending on the beach and tidal level where it was collected. Wrack biomass was about 20 to 35 times greater at higher than at the low tide level and was more abundant (87%) and twice as diverse at the two northernmost beaches of the study, probably due to a greater proximity to rocky shores. Large brown temperate and boreal macroalgae species such as fucoids (Fucus spp., Cystoseira spp., and Ascophyllum nodosum) and the kelp Saccorhiza polyschides were the most abundant taxa in the wrack. Fucoids were in the wrack throughout the year, while kelps predominated in the warmer months, generating 8% more biomass than that produced by fucoids throughout the year. However, since large brown macroalgae species are reducing their size and recruitment due to global warming in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, the biomass and diversity of wrack in northern Portugal could be limited in the future, compromising crucial functions of wrack in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown seaweed with applications in the food, pharmaceutic, and cosmetic industries. Among its most valuable bioactive compounds are the pigment fucoxanthin and polysaccharides (e.g., fucoidans). In this study, we profiled the photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates of F. vesiculosus from six locations along the Ílhavo Channel in the Iberian coastal lagoon of Ria de Aveiro, Portugal. Photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm), pigment, and carbohydrate concentrations were similar between locations, despite differences in environmental factors, such as salinity and periods of exposure to desiccation. Concentration of total carbohydrates (neutral sugars + uronic acids) averaged 418 mg g−1 dw. Fucose was the second most abundant neutral sugar, with an average concentration of 60.7 mg g−1 dw, indicating a high content of fucoidans. Photosynthetic pigments included chlorophylls a and c, β,β-carotene, and the xanthophylls fucoxanthin, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Concentrations of fucoxanthin were higher than those reported for most brown macroalgae, averaging 0.58 mg g−1 dw (65% of total carotenoids). This study indicates that F. vesiculosus from Ria de Aveiro is a valuable macroalgal resource for aquaculture companies operating in the region, with considerable potential to yield high-value bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ruminant-microorganism symbiosis is unique by providing high-quality food from fibrous materials but also contributes to the production of one of the most potent greenhouse gases-methane. Mitigating methanogenesis in ruminants has been a focus of interest in the past decades. One of the promising strategies to combat methane production is the use of feed supplements, such as seaweeds, that might mitigate methanogenesis via microbiome modulation and direct chemical inhibition. We conducted in vitro investigations of the effect of three seaweeds ( Ascophyllum nodosum , Asparagopsis taxiformis , and Fucus vesiculosus ) harvested at different locations (Iceland, Scotland, and Portugal) on methane production. We applied metataxonomics (16S rRNA gene amplicons) and metagenomics (shotgun) methods to uncover the interplay between the microbiome's taxonomical and functional states, methanogenesis rates, and seaweed supplementations. Methane concentration was reduced by A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus , both harvested in Scotland and A. taxiformis , with the greatest effect of the latter. A. taxiformis acted through the reduction of archaea-to-bacteria ratios but not eukaryotes-to-bacteria. Moreover, A. taxiformis application was accompanied by shifts in both taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial communities, decreasing not only archaeal ratios but also abundances of methanogenesis-associated functions. Methanobrevibacter "SGMT" ( M. smithii, M. gottschalkii, M. millerae or M. thaueri ; high methane yield) to "RO" ( M. ruminantium and M. olleyae ; low methane yield) clades ratios were also decreased, indicating that A. taxiformis application favored Methanobrevibacter species that produce less methane. Most of the functions directly involved in methanogenesis were less abundant, while the abundances of the small subset of functions that participate in methane assimilation were increased., Importance: The application of A. taxiformis significantly reduced methane production in vitro . We showed that this reduction was linked to changes in microbial function profiles, the decline in the overall archaeal community counts, and shifts in ratios of Methanobrevibacter "SGMT" and "RO" clades. A. nodosum and F. vesiculosus , obtained from Scotland, also decreased methane concentration in the total gas, while the same seaweed species from Iceland did not., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Two novel actinomycetal strains, designated CC-R113 T and CC-R104 T , were isolated from the tissues of two macroalgae collected on the northern Portuguese coast. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that strain CT-R113 T belongs to the genus Nocardiopsis , being closely related to Nocardiopsis umidischolae 66/93 T and Nocardiopsis tropica VKM Ac-1457 T , with 98.65 and 98.39 % sequence similarity, respectively. The clade formed between the three type strains was confirmed by phylogenomic analysis. The genome of strain CT-R113 T was 7.27 Mb in size with a G+C content of 71.3 mol %, with average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 89.59 and 90.14 % with strains 66/93 T and VKM Ac-1457 T , respectively. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as C 18 : 1  ω 9 c , iso-C 16 : 0 and anteiso-C 17 : 0 . Menaquinone 10 (MK-10) was the major respiratory quinone. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CC-R104 T belongs to the genus Rhodococcus and is most closely related to Rhodococcus pyridinivorans DSM 44555 T , with 98.24 % sequence similarity. However, phylogenomic analysis revealed that strain CC-R104 T establishes a clade with Rhodococcus artemisae DSM 45380 T , being more distant from Rhodococcus pyridinivorans DSM 44555 T . The genome of strain CC-R104 T was 5.34 Mb in size with a G+C content of 67.01 mol%. The ANI value between strains CC-R104 T and DSM 45380 T was 81.2 % and between strains CC-R104 T and DSM 44555 T was 81.5 %. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as C 18 : 1  ω 9 c , C 16 : 0 and summed feature 3. Menaquinone 8 (MK-8) was the only respiratory quinone. For both CC-R113 T and CC-R104 T , optimum growth was observed at pH 7.0, 28 °C and 0-5 % NaCl and whole-cell hydrolysates contained meso -diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid. On the basis of phenotypic, molecular and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strains CT-R113 T and CC-R104 T are considered to represent novel species, for which the names Nocardiopsis codii sp. nov. (type strain CT-R113 T =LMG33234 T =UCCCB172 T ) and Rhodococcus chondri sp. nov. (type strain CC-R104 T =LMG33233 T =UCCCB171 T ) are proposed.

Invasive macroalgae represent a major threat to marine ecosystems worldwide. Codium fragile ssp. fragile is one of the most invasive species in the world. The species has deleterious impacts on marine ecosystems, but can also coexist with other Codium congeners, with neutral impact. Several invasive macroalgae have been described to occur along the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, including C. fragile. However, despite its presence being noted in citizen science surveys, the occurrence of C. fragile on the coast of Portugal was not confirmed (except in the Azores Islands). The cryptic nature of this invasive macroalga has led to several misidentifications, and strict taxonomic approaches must therefore be used to confirm sightings. Previous intensive field sampling (2017–2018) aimed at recording the presence of different macroalgae did not find C. fragile along the Portuguese coast, northwards from Praia do Matadouro. Here, we report the first confirmed record of C. fragile on the coast of Portugal, in the Avencas Marine Park. Identification of the alga was confirmed by microscopic examination of the utricles. Early detection of invasive species is essential, and further research should be carried out in the surrounding areas in order to better understand the invasion pathways to enable correct application of management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliose Ulva spp. have become increasingly important worldwide for their environmental and financial impacts. A large number of such Ulva species have rapid reproduction and proliferation habits, which explains why they are responsible for Ulva blooms, known as "green tides", having dramatic negative effects on coastal ecosystems, but also making them attractive for aquaculture applications. Despite the increasing interest in the genus Ulva, particularly on the larger foliose species for aquaculture, their inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic diversity is still poorly described. We compared the cytoplasmic genome (chloroplast and mitochondrion) of 110 strains of large distromatic foliose Ulva from Ireland, Brittany (France), the Netherlands and Portugal. We found six different species, with high levels of inter‐specific genetic diversity, despite highly similar or overlapping morphologies. Genetic variation was as high as 82 SNPs/kb between Ulva pseudorotundata and U. laetevirens, indicating considerable genetic diversity. On the other hand, intra‐specific genetic diversity was relatively low, with only 36 variant sites (0.03 SNPs/kb) in the mitochondrial genome of the 29 Ulva rigida individuals found in this study, despite different geographical origins. The use of next‐generation sequencing allowed for the detection of a single inter‐species hybrid between two genetically closely related species, U. laetevirens, and U. rigida, among the 110 strains analyzed in this study. Altogether, this study represents an important advance in our understanding of Ulva biology and provides genetic information for genomic selection of large foliose strains in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature is the major reservoir of biologically active molecules. The urgent need of finding novel molecules for pharmaceutical application is prompting the research of underexplored environments, such as marine ecosystems. Here, we investigated cultivable actinobacteria associated with the macroalgae Laminaria ochroleuca and assessed their potential to produce compounds with antimicrobial or anticancer activities. A specimen of L. ochroleuca was collected in a rocky shore in northern Portugal, and fragments of tissues from different parts of the macroalgae (holdfast, stipe, and blades) were surface sterilized and plated in three culture media selective for actinobacteria. A total of 90 actinobacterial strains were isolated, most of which affiliated with the genus Streptomyces. Isolates associated with the genera Isoptericola , Rhodococcus , Nonomuraeae , Nocardiopsis , Microbispora , and Microbacterium were also obtained. Organic extracts from the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity using the agar-based disk diffusion method, followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Forty-five isolates inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus aureus , with MIC values ranging from <0.5 to 1000 μg mL−1. The actinobacterial isolates were also tested for their anticancer potential on two human cancer cell lines. Twenty-eight extracts affected the viability of at least one human cancer cell line (breast carcinoma T-47D and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y) and non-carcinogenic endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3). Seven extracts affected the viability of cancer cells only. This study revealed that L. ochroleuca is a rich source of actinobacteria with promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities and suggests that macroalgae may be a valuable source of actinobacteria and, consequently, of new molecules with biotechnological importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four isolates, belonging to the deep-branching phylum Planctomycetes , were recovered from the biofilm of two marine macroalgae, Ulva sp. and Laminaria sp., from the Northern coast of Portugal. These strains were light pink- or red-pigmented; the cells were variable in shape and usually organized in rosettes. They had a dimorphic cell cycle with budding reproduction. The organisms were chemoheterotrophic, strictly aerobic and mesophilic. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strains belong to the family Planctomycetaceae with Rhodopirellula as the closest genus. The isolates form two separate branches (strain LF1 T forms one branch and the strains UC8 T , UF3 and UF42 form a second branch) clearly separated from Rhodopirellula baltica with 94.2% and 93.8% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. Based on differential characteristics that distinguish the novel genera from R. baltica , such as cell size and shape, ultrastructure, enzymatic activities, substrate utilization pattern, fatty acid composition, phospholipid profiles and phylogeny we propose that the isolates represent two novel genera of the order Planctomycetales , Roseimaritima ulvae gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain is UC8 T = DSM 25454 T = LMG 27778 T ) and Rubripirellula obstinata gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain is LF1 T = LMG 27779 T = CECT 8602 T ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volcanic origin of the Azores archipelago (Portugal) gives rise to active deep sea and shallow water hydrothermal activity that affects benthic communities. Intertidal seaweed surveys were conducted at two shores affected by intense shallow water hydrothermal vents. Water temperature, acidity and salinity were monitored. Seaweed communities were found to be species poor and have a disproportionally larger number of filamentous early successional species on shores that are subject to the effect of hot and acidic freshwater of volcanic origin. There is an ecological resemblance between hydrothermally affected seaweed communities in the Azores and those affected by acid mine drainage in the UK, thus indicating that hydrothermalism can be a useful scenario for pollution studies under conditions of ocean warming and acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Under the scope of the Water Framework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC), ecological reference conditions and quality states were established for the biological quality element of macroalgae. The work combined both historical and current monitoring data from northern Portuguese coastal waters (Portuguese ‘A5 typology’, matching the European ‘NEA1 typology’). Representative intertidal rocky shore sites were selected to: (1) have a robust variability in macroalgal communities within the water body type and (2) cover a gradient of anthropogenic pressure to understand the communities’ changes due to disturbance. First, a ‘reduced taxa list’ (RTL) was developed by selecting and grouping macroalgal taxa common in the study area, in proportion to the naturally occurring macroalgal taxonomic groups (Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae – Heterokontophyta and Rhodophyta) and comprising taxa that require a moderate level of taxonomical identification expertise. Second, based on the RTL, the metrics of composition, i.e., species richness; the number and proportion of Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyta; the number and proportion of opportunists; ecological status groups (ESG) I, and ESG II; the ratios ESG I/ESG II, the number of opportunists/ESG I and the number of opportunists/ESG II; plus an abundance metric coverage of opportunists were studied to understand their behaviour under different levels of disturbance. The thresholds between the five quality conditions (‘high’, ‘good’, ‘moderate’, ‘poor’ and ‘bad’, similar to those required by the WFD to calculate the ecological quality status) were defined for the above macroalgal metrics in compliance with the WFD. Hence, reference conditions – pristine situations that exist or would exist with no or very minor disturbances from anthropogenic pressures – were established together, since this class of excellent quality is included in the ‘high’ quality condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bioerosion on rocky shores has been frequently reported as an important mechanism in coastal evolution, with less attention focussed on determining the bioprotective role organisms may have in mediating coastal erosion. This work aims, for the first time, to provide an integrated assessment of both traversing microerosion meter (TMEM) downwearing rates and activity of intertidal organisms on two carbonate shore platforms in southern Portugal. Paired substations positioned on the same substrate but differing in biological cover (one with bare rock and the other with algal cover colonised between the first and final readings) were monitored for eighteen months using a TMEM. At each station, the volume of burrows produced by macro borers was measured. Downwearing rates were lower in the surfaces protected by algal turf except in the station that experienced the longest time of exposure to subaerial conditions. In contrast, TMEM downwearing rates were higher in the areas containing the higher volume of burrows. Both downwearing rates and burrow volumes were negatively correlated with the mechanical strength of the substrate as measured by Schmidt Hammer rebound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Macroalgae are useful organisms to monitor the environmental quality and to detect impacts due to anthropogenic activities. However, it is very important to identify the scales of variation in natural assemblages, particularly for the detection of environmental impacts. Otherwise, changes due to anthropogenic impacts may be confused with differences due to natural temporal variability. Another important task is to determine the appropriate level of taxonomical effort needed to detect changes in the assemblage structure. Many taxonomical surrogates, at higher taxonomic levels than that of species, have been proposed but, the consistence in space and time of the results produced by surrogates with those obtained at specific level should be tested. The objectives of this study are to identify the seasonal patterns of tidepool macroalgal communities using objective procedures and to test the consistence between the patterns obtained considering data at the species level and functional groups. Results showed that the seasonal pattern obtained using functional groups and species was consistent. Tidepool macroalgal assemblages showed a seasonal pattern with significant differences between spring–summer and autumn–winter. This pattern can be explained by changes in environmental variables and the seasonal development of the dominating species. Ulva spp. and the non-indigenous species Grateloupia turuturu were the species responsible for this pattern due to their high seasonality in terms of biomass. Finally, the abundance and species diversity within the corticated functional group was proposed as indicator of environmental impacts due to its relatively constant abundance and its sensitivity to environmental impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A decrease in the areas covered by seagrasses within the Ria de Aveiro, Portugal, has been observed over the past five decades, resulting in a corresponding increase of the areas of uncovered sediment supporting the growth of sparse macroalgae populations only. Presently, several macroalgae (Ulva spp., Gracilaria sp.) and one seagrass species (Nanozostera noltii (Hornem.) Toml. & Posl.) comprise the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) adapted to this shallow, high-energy environment, characterised by fast tidal currents and turbid waters and in which large areas of the bed are exposed during low tide. This study shows that there is a strong inter-relation between the SAV and the surface sediment in intertidal areas. The sediment covered by N. noltii was finer (median grain size 95 µm) and had a high percentage of organic matter (mean value 7.6%), compared with the sediment colonised by macroalgae (median grain size 239 µm; mean organic content 3.2%). The concentrations of both total nitrogen and phosphorous were significantly greater (P <0.001) in surface sediments covered by N. noltii. Thus, sediments within N. noltii appear to act as a large reservoir of N and P by accumulating greater concentrations of fine sediment particles (silt and clay) and organic matter when compared with the coarser sediment covered with macroalgae only. Hence, the reduction in the area covered by seagrasses will likely result in a gradual loss of nutrients and fine sediment from the Ria de Aveiro channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The northern Portuguese coast is a biogeographic transition zone where many macroalgal species have their distribution limits; it is thus a particularly interesting region for investigating species distribution shifts. An updated and complete list of species for this region is not available in spite of its baseline importance for comparative studies with past and present data. Based on new records, literature references, and herbarium data, we provide an updated checklist of the benthic marine algae of the northern Portuguese coast. This checklist includes 346 species: 26 Cyanobacteria, 200 Rhodophyta, 70 Ochrophyta, and 50 Chlorophyta. From these, 21 species are new records for the Portuguese coast ( Lyngbya aestuarii, Lyngbya semiplena, Microcoleus acutirostris, Myxosarcina gloeocapsoides, Aiolocolax pulchella, Antithamnion densum, Antithamnion villosum, Antithamnionella spirographidis, Dasya sessilis, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Neosiphonia harveyi, Porphyrostromium boryanum, Chorda filum, Dictyopteris ambigua, Sphacelaria rigidula, Undaria pinnatifida, Vaucheria coronata, Vaucheria velutina, Ulothrix implexa, Ulva scandinavica, and Umbraulva olivascens) and 33 were recorded for the first time in the north of Portugal. Alien species have increased in number and extended their distribution range over the last 10 years in the study area. Distribution shifts of northern cold water species with southern distribution limit in the north of Portugal were not consistent among species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Macroalgal communities in littoral rock pools of the Northwest coast of Portugal were studied along 60 km of coastline. Thirty-eight pools were sampled twice between March and August 2003. Rhodophyta were the dominant algue group, whether the pools were located lower or upper on the shore, except in pools located between 2 and 3 meters where Rhodophyta share the dominance with Chlorophyta. Species richness increased from pools located at higher levels on the beach to the ones located lower on the shore. The macroalgal communities'' species composition was the major source of variability between rock pools. Each pool presented a unique combination of species, forming particular communities. A reduced number of species with high percent cover are the main factor creating the differences between the pools. Also, clear differences could be found between the species compositions of macroalgal communities located in the pools and in the surrounding emergent substrata. The environmental variables considered in this study (tidal height, maximum pool depth, maximum pool width and maximum pool length), were poorly related to the communities'' species composition. The results suggest that each pool is unique regarding its macroalgal community structure and that the environmental factors considered in this study were not of major importance in determining the variability between pools. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geographical patterns in the distribution of epifaunal crustaceans (Amphipoda, Isopoda and Tanaidacea) occurring with dominant macroalgal species were investigated along the Portuguese rocky coast. Three regions, each encompassing six shores, were studied. Algal species were selected according to their geographical distribution: Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus (north); Bifurcaria bifurcata (north-centre); Plocamium cartilagineum and Cystoseira tamariscifolia (centre-south); Corallina spp. and Codium tomentosum (entire coast). Multivariate techniques were used to test for differences in crustacean assemblage composition between sub-regions and host algal species. A clear gradient of species substitution was observed from north to south. Differences in abundance and diversity of epifaunal crustaceans were observed between southern locations and the remaining sites. Four species were recorded for the first time in the Portuguese coast. Among the 57 taxa identified, southern distribution limits were observed for three species and northern distribution limits were observed for four species. Interestingly, the observed geographical patterns in epifaunal abundance and diversity were not related with geographical changes in the indentity of the dominant algal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The spatial variability of rocky shore assemblages of the northwest Portuguese coast was studied in a total of 12 transects, visited twice between March and August 2003. Each transect was positioned from the upper to the lower shore and four replicate samples (50×50cm) were taken at each visually identified assemblage. Multivariate analysis was used to test the null hypothesis of no significant differences among assemblages located on different heights along the transect and among assemblages located at the same height on different transects. The distribution pattern of organisms along the height was not consistent across transects and significant variability could be found in assemblages located at the same height on the shore. Globally, the variability from the lower to the upper shore (vertical axis) was larger than from transect to transect (horizontal axis) but the distribution pattern along height was clearer in sheltered transects than in exposed ones. The heterogeneity in composition between the visually identified assemblages, within the same transect, was, however, the major source of variability in the study area. In the rocky intertidal northwest coast of Portugal, where tidal amplitude is broad and extremely wave-exposed sites are scarce, height above chart datum was the most important factor determining the distribution and species composition of the assemblages. However, variability along the horizontal axis was also significant and should be considered in studies of spatial patterns of distribution of organisms within this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Marine litter can end up deposited on sandy beaches and become entangled in the natural wrack, threatening its roles in ecosystems. However, it is currently unknown whether the storage of both artificial and natural accumulations on sandy beaches is correlated. Here, we quantified and compared, by first time, the litter and natural wrack on five sandy beaches in the north of Portugal. Results showed that the amount of marine litter and natural wrack were not correlated. Most of the sandy beaches had more litter than wrack and both artificial and natural accumulations disclosed high spatio-temporal variability. In summer, annual and opportunistic macroalgae dominated the wrack, while the litter was mainly formed by cigarette butts and leftover food. In winter, perennial taxa were more abundant in the wrack and plastics from mussel farming and cotton bud sticks dominated the litter. The macroalga Fucus spp., plastic pieces and materials from fishing were frequent in both periods. This study confirms that, currently, more litter than natural wrack reaches the Northern Portuguese sandy beaches, evidencing the need to take urgent measures against this contamination. Future management measures should consider this spatio-temporal variability to quantify both depositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Marine protected areas in Spain and Portugal did not avoid macroalgal invasion. • Only two out of six invasive macroalgae species were significantly abundant. • Species-specific correlations were found with cover of native canopy-formers. • Wave exposure did not affect the abundance of invasive macroalgae. • MPAs require stricter management plans to foster native macroalgal assemblages. Marine ecosystems are facing major anthropogenic disturbances, including loss of biodiversity, eutrophication, and biological invasions. Thus, attention has raised on marine conservation actions to preserve habitat resilience and biodiversity. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play an essential role in marine conservation as they are usually designated to provide marine ecosystem resilience of native communities to human-induced impacts (including non-native introductions) while contributing with positive effects on other ecosystem services. The introduction of a new species in novel marine habitats has been attributed to biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors. In the present study, the effects of native functional diversity, wave exposure were studied, and for the first time, marine protection was addressed concerning the invasion success of six macroalgae in two MPAs in the NW Iberian Peninsula. The correlation between the presence/absence of some native functional groups and the invasion success of some invasive species highlighted the importance of conserving native canopy-formers. Despite local differences, wave exposure did not affect invasion success. The protection provided by both MPAs was very limited to prevent the establishment and spread of the most abundant invasive macroalgae. Therefore, stricter management plans should be implemented to ensure native ecosystem resilience within the MPAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though empirical data supporting sound ecoregion-specific ecotoxicological evaluations are still scarce, the differences of environmental (including climatic) conditions in specific ecoregions are already currently being regulated for environmental risk assessment of pesticides in Europe. To shed new light on the ecotoxicological effects of pesticides on aquatic communities across ecoregions, the model pollutant pyrimethanil (fungicide) was tested in an outdoor mesocosm study with macrophyte-dominated communities in the European "South" (Portugal) and "Centre" (Germany) regulatory zones. Phytoplankton indicators monitored over 12 months indicated a low risk of the fungicide (0.73 or 0.77 mg pyrimethanil L -1 , single application) to phytoplankton functioning; as expected since exposure simulated worst-case scenarios. However, the growth of key structural macroalgae and macrophytes was affected by the fungicide and negative effects occurred, especially in the Central zone experiment. Such effects were not detected earlier than approximately nine months post single pyrimethanil application. The presence or absence of such extremely long-lasting/delayed pyrimethanil effects depended on species, competitive situation, and ecoregion-specific physico-chemical environment. The present findings suggest that a better understanding of both direct and indirect effects of fungicide pollution on aquatic flora in two European ecoregions helps to consolidate the environmental risk assessment of pesticides in specific regulatory zones., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The establishment of algal mats in concrete irrigation channels presents a serious weed problem in Mediterranean areas. These periphytic growths can reach two meters in filament length, 20 cm in mat thickness, 100% cover and 1 kg of fresh weight per square meter. These biological characteristics of the algal mats, and also of the drifting mats, present important temporal and spatial variation in the channel system. The species richness of the algae mats was low and only two macroalgae species were present. The diatom Biddulphia laewis was dominant in most channels. The green Oedogonium sp. was predominant in one channel characterised by lower conductivity and alkalinity, but with higher nutrient levels and this species also dominated in drift samples. Redundancy analysis showed that channel width and the residence time of the water in the channels were the variables that explained most of the variability in the biological data. Some water characteristics were of secondary importance, especially pH and temperature. Biotic factors, such as grazing, were only locally determinant. Water velocity did not present enough variation to create a gradient significantly affecting the biotic variables, except at specific locations, such as the control-gates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]