Note on recolonisation by fucoid algae Cystoseira spp. and Fucus virsoides in the North Adriatic Sea

Abstract

      In the northern  Adriatic Sea a general rarefaction and withdrawal of dense settlements of fucoid algae characteristic for shallow hard bottoms and well illuminated habitats in the past decennia have been traditionally explained  to direct pollution effects and advanced  eutrophication phenomena in the area. A recent recolonisation of fucoid settlements suggests that a long-term natural fluctuation of marine vegetation has been caused prior to a direct human impact.