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Figure 2. Percentage of the different groups of volunteers. Figure 3. Percentage of the different substrate typologies.
Figure 4. A bridge created by the stolons of Caulerpa cylindracea (left). Cluster of rhizoids from the stolon of C. cylindracea
(right).

the sediment that negatively affect the native as- The results of this project highlight how im-
semblages (Klein & Verlaque, 2008; Holmer et al., portant is the contribution of citizen scientists in un-
2009; Matijević et al., 2013). A relationship between derstanding the phenomenon of biological inva-
frond length and substrate typology was also ob- sions. Moreover, in areas particularly vulnerable to
served with longer fronds observed on sand sub- biological invasions, such as Sicily, the creation of
strates. Since higher coverage values were observed observatories might be effective in the management
in areas where the anchorage of boats is permitted, of present and future introductions of alien species
we hypothesize that the anchorage activities, mostly within the Mediterranean Sea.
carried out by pleasure boats, may also favour the
spread of C. cylindracea. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

All recorded information would allow to create The authors thank Claudio Cutugno (Messina,
a permanent observatory and an early-warning Italy), Gianluca Neri (Bologna, Italy) and Sergio
system of detection and if possible of control, that Zanoni (Lodi, Italy) for providing photos. They also
can be also a useful tool in planning suitable man- thank Dr. Maria Giulia Giangrasso (Favignana,
agement programs within the MPA such as a) the Italy) for helping during the Project, Dr. Sarah
regulation of the activities (e.g. anchorage, moor- Corda (Iglesias, Italy) for providing Caulerpa illu-
ing, diving, maritime traffic), b) the promotion of strations and all volunteers for providing informa-
public awareness campaigns and training on the tion and records.
biological invasions phenomenon and c) the plan-
ning of regular monitoring programs.