Fast climatic changes place an endemic Canary Island macroalga at extinction risk

Abstract Global warming and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) affect marine organisms worldwide. However, we still lack knowledge about the consequences of these environmental changes to range-restricted macroalgae species, such as Gelidium canariense , a habitat-forming endemic Canary Islands. The aim this study is provide useful data for analyzing conservation status species. To do this, (1) compared distributional from 1987 with collected in 2008 2019 along northern coast Tenerife; (2) assessed variation assemblages dominated by G. over last decade on same cost; (3) explored correlation results actual trends sea surface temperature (SST), air at 2 m above (T2m), UVR, downward solar (DSR). showed significant distribution 30 years Tenerife. More than 90% its populations have declined. been replaced globally distributed species Pterocladiella capillacea nearly all sites studied. cover arbuscula decreased significantly increasing SST T2m. Additionally, negatively related rise UVR. These highlight vulnerability both global but especially . drastic decline reveals need upgrade implement protection measures reduce damage that predicted change scenario may their relict populations.