Symplegma (Ascidiacea: Styelidae), a non-indigenous genus spreading within the Mediterranean Sea: taxonomy, routes and vectors

The surveys in Porto Marina El Alamein, Egypt were conducted within the framework of the MAPMED Project “MAnagement of Port areas in the MEDiterranean Sea Basin” funded by ENPI CBC MED Cross-Border Cooperation. The specimens of S. brakenhielmi from Kiyikislacik (Aegean Sea) were collected during a project funded by Ege University (16/SUF/003). The surveys in Kuriat Island, Tunisia were conducted within the framework of the Supporting the management of the marine and coastal protected area of the Kuriat Islands executed by SPA/RAC in partnership with the Coastal Protection and Management Agency and Notre Grand Bleu NGO and funded by the MAVA Foundation.