The lake of Acquatina

The Lake of Acquatina, well studied from different points of view, was practically neglected as regards phytobenthic studies. Sampling campaigns were performed (summer 2006 and winter 2007) only recently in order to acquire information about the phytobenthic composition of the lake. On the whole 39 seaweeds were detected (22 Rhodophyta, 3 Ochrophyta and 14 Chlorophyta) and 2 spermatophyta (Cymodocea nodosa and Ruppia maritima). It was noteworthy the presence of the non-indigenous and invasive chlorophycean Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in winter 2007, for the first time. A constant monitoring will be required, in order to detect the species spreading into the basin