Can the Invasive Seaweed Caulerpa cylidracea Represent a New Trophic Resource in the Mediterranean Sea?

Non-indigenous species (NIS) represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity andecosystem functioning, altering invaded habitats, competing with native species, and eventuallybecoming pests. The Mediterranean Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot, with its coasts being denselypopulated and its living resources fished since ancient times. As a result of such a long history ofexploitation, the whole basin is exposed to a wide array of human pressures, with their combinedeffects on marine ecosystems being amplified by ongoing climate change. Caulerpa cylindraceaSonder, 1845, is a non-indigenous invasive seaweed widely distributed in the coastal habitats of theMediterranean Sea, which ultimately affects marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Here, asystematic literature analysis on the consumption of the NIS Caulerpa cylindracea by Mediterraneannative and NIS species is provided, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks for the native biotaand human health. The present review aims to synthetise knowledge and provide tools to managethe occurrence of the invasive seaweed C. cylindracea in the Mediterranean Sea, encouraging anecosystem-based approach to the management of the ecological, economic, and social effects of thesuccessful expansion of this NIS.