Checklist updating of the Mediterranean Western Algeria algae, fifteen first records case of Phaeophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Rhodophyceae

Abstract

The study of algal flora is an important component in determining the overall state of the marine ecosystem. It is still not well known, particularly in some parts of Mediterranean Western Algeria. This work seeks to update the checklist of Western Algeria algae to establish and enrich the floristic inventory of algae. Macroalgae were sampled at 13 stations along Algeria's west coast in the mediolittoral and upper infralittoral zones between 2019 and 2021 using a simple random method. The species description, accompanied by original photos taken from a representative living specimen, was used to make the determination, which was then interpreted in light of the most recent literature records. The results revealed that 80 marine macroalgae were discovered and identified. They are classified into three taxa: Phaeophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Rhodophyceae. Almost half of the algae counted in this inventory belonged to the dominant Rhodophyte class. Furthermore, 15 new species have been discovered along the West Algerian coast. These findings could serve as a basis for future phycological and biogeographic studies of taxa in Algeria.