Alien bryozoan species along the Aegean coast of Turkey

Artificial structures in ports and marinas host fouling organisms, specifically alien species which arrive through shipping activities and successfully colonise in new habitats. Bryozoans, a group that are mentioned in limited studies, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, are the main component in fouling communities. In this study, marinas, fishing ports and pier piles located at western part of the Turkish coast were investigated. A total of 19 bryozoan species were recorded during the investigation, including four alien (Amathia verticillata, Tricellaria inopinata, Celleporaria brunnea and Celleporaria aperta) and three cryptogenic species (Watersipora subtorquata, Bugula neritina and Microporella ciliata). Tricellaria inopinata, Watersipora subtorquata and Celleporaria aperta were found for the first time on Turkish coast for the first time. Although, T. inopinata was reported to be abundant in the western Mediterranean Sea, it was detected at only one station in the Sea of Marmara. According to Soyer's (1970) frequency index values, A. verticillata and C. brunnea were found in the constant category while W. subtorquata and C. aperta were found in common category.