We have successfully completed the second year of field samplings of the project “Beach biodiversity and the ecological role of the invasive species Rugulopteryx okamurae in beach ecosystem functioning” Project Excel_01050, lead by Ivan Franco Rodíl.

During the second year, we contributed in measuring the bacterial diversity and leaching of dissolved organic carbon associated with accumulation of the invasive algae on different beaches of the coast of Cádiz.

The samples are currently being analysed but they show already how the organic matter of the beach racks alters the microbial benthic community along the beach transect. Hopefully the results will contribute to the management of this environmental issue that affects the local economy (fisheries, tourism).