Marine benthic species distributed along the western coast of Libya

Marine benthic species distributed along the western coast of Libya

Jamila Rizgalla

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5699-5321

Department of Aquaculture, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, LIBYA

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, supporting a diverse array of benthic marine life. This study presents the findings of Project Snowball, a seven-year project (2018–2025) assessing marine biodiversity along the western coast of Libya. Utilizing snorkelling surveys, two natural bays were assessed: Regatta and Surman. A total of 22 benthic species were identified, representing a mix of native and non-indigenous taxa. The recorded species span six major taxonomic groups, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Bryozoa, Crustacea, and Tunicata. Notably, this research documents the first records of three non-indigenous species in Libyan waters: cnidarians Telmatactis cf. cricoides and Telmatactis panamensis, and a crustacean Gonioinfradens giardi. By documenting these distributions over a multi-year period, this research provides a vital taxonomic baseline for the Libyan coast, offering essential data for regional conservation strategies and the monitoring of invasive species in a rapidly changing marine environment.

Keywords: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Bryozoa, Tunicata, non indigenous species (NIS)

Pages: 1-31

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