Abstract

Benghazi and Tripoli have very rich coasts by marine algae. The present work was intended to collect and identify the marine brown algae from their coasts as a first step to evaluate their economic and pharmaceutical importance. Overall 55 species (23 genera) belonging to Phaeophyceae were recorded in the study area, 39 species (18 genera) of them were recorded at Benghazi coasts and 35 species (19 genera) at Tripoli coasts during many semi regular visits. Clear dominancy was observed to Cystoseira genera (14 species). Sargassum (5 species) came in the second rank of dominancy and then Dictyota and Dilophus (4 species). Seven species (2 genera) were recorded for first time at Benghazi coasts. Regarding to similarity index (51.35%) and species richness index, Benghazi coast could considered less polluted than Tripoli coasts.

Key words: Phaeophytes, Cystoseira, Similarity index, Species richness, Mediterranean Sea