Changes in the benthic algae along the Adriatic Sea in the last three decades

This article gives an up-to-date review of the status of and main changes in benthic algal flora that have occurred in recent decades along the Italian Adriatic coastline. Common traits among the main structural/functional changes observed and their causes are discussed.A synthesis of the challenges to and prospects of filling gaps in the data, ecological knowledge and protection measures are also given.