"Economic impact of Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) along the Andalusian coastline: the case of Tarifa, Spain"

MOGOLLÓN LEON, SANDRA; ZILIO, MARIANA I.; BUITRAGO ESQUINAS, M. EVA; CARABALLO POU, MA. ANGELES; YÑIGUEZ OVANDO, ROCÍO

WETLANDS ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2023

0923-4861

Invasive alien species constitute the second cause of biodiversity loss worldwide and generate large economic losses related to their impact on ecosystems, production systems, and on human health. Quantifying these losses is a complex task, but it becomes essential to dimension the problem and to support measures for the prevention and control of biological invasions. In the last six years, Rugulopteryx okamurae has invaded a large part of the rocky bottoms of the coasts of the Strait of Gibraltar and has inflicted major losses for the economic activities that take place along the Andalusian coast. This work estimates the costs associated with the presence of Rugulopteryx okamurae in the Municipality of Tarifa, Spain. Our results indicate a minimum annual loss of more than three million euros, concentrated mainly in the fishing sector and public administration.