Checklist of the Marine Macroalgae of Algerian West Coast (Ain Témouchent site)
Abstract
S.Hellal, F. Bennabi, A. Baaloudj and A. Kerfouf*
Macroalgae are very abundant organisms in the Algerian coastal zone and not well-known on the west coast of Algeria. The research aimed to identify marine macroalgae in Ain Témouchent littoral (northwest Algeria). A checklist of macroalgae, based on new collections, is given. Using present-day taxonomy, sampling species of macroalgae have been identified to date. The results showed that 32 marine macroalgae were found and identified. They are divided into 3 taxa: Chlorophyta (4 orders, 5 families, 7 genera, 8 species), Ochrophyta (4 orders, 4 families, 6 genera, 8 species) and Rhodophyta (9 orders, 11 families, 13 genera, and 16 species). Some species are remarkable for their endemism and their character as indicators of disturbance of the marine environment, and others of its good quality, excellent protection, and preservation. We annotated the presence of the Cystoseira stricta, which is reliable indicator of a healthy marine environment. We concluded that the invasive species are rarely present in this area.