Mass mortality of the invasive echinoid Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) in Crete, East Mediterranean Sea
Published:
Aug 13, 2024
Keywords:
Diadema setosum mass mortality event Crete Mediterranean Sea
Abstract
Diadema setosum is an echinoid of Indo-Pacific origin that invaded the Mediterranean Sea in 2006. It is an ecosystem engineer with an important ecological function in its native range, but it can have a detrimental effect on Mediterranean reefs. Recently in 2022 a mass mortality event (MME) affecting this species was recorded in the east Aegean Sea in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin. We are reporting herein a westward progression of the MME in 2023 affecting established populations in various locations around the island of Crete.
Article Details
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SKOURADAKIS, G., VERNADOU, E., KOULOURI, P., & DAILIANIS, T. (2024). Mass mortality of the invasive echinoid Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) in Crete, East Mediterranean Sea. Mediterranean Marine Science, 25(2), 480–483. https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.36447
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