Donatella Serio

Academic Position

Researcher (since 01/11/2006)

SSD: BIOS-01/C - "Botanica ambientale e applicata"

University of Catania

Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences

Education and Training

1994: PhD in Environmental Sciences.

1989: Qualification for the practice of the Profession of Biologist.

1988: Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences (University of Catania).

Institutional Roles and Other Qualifications

Scientific Head of the Phycology  Laboratory of the Department of belonging.

MEMBER OF THE PARITY COMMISSION of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (since 01/01/2020).

MEMBER OF THE DIDACTIC COMMISSION of the Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali" (since 2018).

MEMBER OF THE INTERNSHIP COMMISSION of the Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali" (since 2018).

MEMBER of the Academic Board of the PhD Program "Scienze Ambientali I" ("Fitogeografia dei territori mediterranei"), University of Catania.

MEMBER of the Academic Board of the PhD Program in "SCIENZE DELLA TERRA E DELL'AMBIENTE", University of Catania (since 2024).

Member of CoNISMa (National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences).

Peer review activities as an expert evaluator for projecs related to Marine Biology (FIRB, PRIN).

Peer review activities for international scientific journals.

Participation in Editorial Boards of Scientific Journals

2026: Guest Editor for the Special Issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818), section "Marine Diversity".

Teaching Activities at the University of Catania

Teaching Assignments

2006–2009: "Botanica Sistematica Marina" (Master's Degree Course in "Biologia Marina")

2009–2010: "Botanica Marina Applicata" (Master's Degree Course in "Scienze del Mare")

2010–2011: "Fitoecologia Marina" (Master's Degree Course in "Scienze del Mare")

2012–2013: "Biologia vegetale applicata" (Bachelor's Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali")

2013–2018: "Fondamenti di Ecologia" (Bachelor's Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali")

2013–present: "Botanica Ambientale Marina" (Bachelor's Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali")

2020–present: "Biodiversità in Ambiente Marino" (Bachelor's Degree Course in "Scienze Ambientali e Naturali")

Supplementary Teaching and Student Service Tasks

Academic tutor for training internships for students within the degree courses in Environmental and Natural Sciences, Environmental Biology, Marine Biology, and Marine Sciences.

Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD Thesis Supervision

PhD Thesis Advisor: Thesis titled "Studio Del Posidonieto Della Baia Di Brucoli (Sr): analisi morfometrica, lepidocronologica e studio floristico-vegetazionale della flora algale associata". PhD candidate: Alessandro Nisi. PhD Program in "SCIENZE AMBIENTALI I (FITOGEOGRAFIA DEI TERRITORI MEDITERRANEI)", XXIV cycle, University of Catania (2009–2011).

PhD Thesis Co-Advisor: Thesis titled "Le biocostruzioni a Sabellaria (Annelida, Polychaeta) di aree costiere siciliane e atlantiche: architettura e significato ecologico". PhD candidate: Claudia Deias. PhD Program in "Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente", XXXV cycle, University of Catania (2019–2022).

Research Grant Advisor: Research program: "Biodiversità, tassonomia, biogeografia e sinecologia del macrofitobenthos", University of Catania, for the training of "expert taxonomists" for macroalgae.

Supervisor and Examiner of approximately 50 Bachelor's and Master's degree theses (in Environmental and Natural Sciences, Ecological Sciences and Environmental Education, and Environmental Biology) on topics related to marine biology, marine ecology, and macroalgae taxonomy.

Other Teaching Activities

1995: Lecturer for the module "Popolamenti vegetali marini" within the training course "Metodi computazionali per la simulazione numerica di fenomeni ambientali", organized by the SINTESI Association.

2000: Lecturer in "Sistematica delle alghe" for the module "Elementi di Botanica marina", part of the training course "Guide Ecologiche Riserva Naturale Marina Isole Ciclopi", organized by the Department of Botany (University of Catania) and the Ministry of Environment - Coast Guard of Catania.

2004: Lecturer for the module "Principi di biologia ed ecologia marina" in the "Corso di formazione per ricercatori di primo e secondo livello nell'ambito delle problematiche legate alla bonifica di aree portuali inquinate", organized by CoNISMa.

2001–2005: Seminars on "Tassonomia delle Alghe" for PhD students of the PhD Program "Scienze Ambientali I" ("Fitogeografia dei territori mediterranei") at the Department of Botany, University of Catania.

2005: Lecturer in the "Corso di Formazione sulle collezioni di riferimento dei vegetali marini in Mediterraneo" for young researchers from Southern Mediterranean countries, organized by the United Nations (UNEP/MAP/RAC/SPA) for the Mediterranean Taxonomy Initiative under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Catania (December 2005).

2008: Regional Expert Lecturer in the practical-technical training course on calculating ecological status according to macroalgae biological elements (CARLIT methodology), organized by DIP.TE.RIS (University of Genoa) in collaboration with ARPAL and the Liguria Region.

2025: Expert Algologist Lecturer for the activities of the project "Scuola Di Alta Formazione Universitaria In Tematiche Della Biodiversita' (Nbfc)" - Lot 1. CIG XX01 - CUP B73C22000790001, Course: "Intensive training on brown seaweed taxonomy with a focus on Mediterranean Sargassaceae and Dictyotaceae", held in Palermo (PA), May 26–30, 2025.

2026: Lecturer for educational seminars for PhD students of the PhD program "Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente", XXXXI cycle, University of Catania.

 

Research Activities

The research activity focuses on benthic marine flora and vegetation, and the taxonomy of macroalgae. Floristic and vegetation studies have been aimed at re-evaluating previously surveyed areas to assess short- and long-term changes in biodiversity, studying Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and investigating alien species, also evaluating potential effects of environmental protection on biodiversity.

Since studies on floristic and vegetation diversity rely heavily on species identification, detailed taxonomic studies were conducted alongside the aforementioned floristic-vegetational research, allowing for the taxonomic clarification of several macroalgae genera. Particular focus has been placed on taxonomic issues regarding the Laurencia complex, Ceramium complex, Polysiphonia complex, and Cystoseira complex, leading to revisions of Mediterranean and extra-Mediterranean taxa and the description of numerous new taxa at specific and infraspecific levels.

In all conducted studies, special attention was also paid to nomenclatural aspects, resulting in the proposal of numerous new combinations.

The research conducted has led to the publication of 92 scientific papers in national and international journals.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3340-0639

Scopus Author ID: 6602923003

ResearcherID: C-7434-2019

SciProfiles: 2154386

 

Scientific and Professional Background (Prior to Permanent Appointment)

1988: BACHELOR'S/MASTER'S DEGREE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES with 110/110 cum laude from the University of Catania, defending an experimental thesis titled "Contributo alla conoscenza del fitobenthos del Golfo di Orosei (Sardegna)".

1989: QUALIFICATION TO PRACTICE AS A PROFESSIONAL BIOLOGIST.

1992: AWARD FOR YOUNG GRADUATES in Biological Sciences, issued by the Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali of Catania.

1994: OBTAINED PHD DEGREE in "Scienze Ambientali I (Fitogeografia dei territori mediterranei)", defending a thesis titled "Ricerche fitosociologiche sulla vegetazione a Cystoseira C. Agardh dell'Infralitorale inferiore e del Circalitorale: Cystoseiretum spinosae Giaccone 1973 e Cystoseiretum zosteroidis Giaccone 1973".

1995: RESEARCH TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP, awarded by the SINTESI Association under the Multi-regional Operational Program 1990–1993 of the Sicilian Region (Project: "Valutazione delle caratteristiche biogeochimiche e dinamiche di acque marine", sub-project: "Studio della flora e della vegetazione marina bentonica della Sicilia orientale ai fini della utilizzazione e della gestione della fascia costiera").

1996: TWO-YEAR POST-DOC SCHOLARSHIP, awarded by CoNISMa within the Project "Attività di ricerca e sperimentazione per la salvaguardia del Mar Adriatico (PRISMA 2)", under the Sub-project "Alterazioni delle comunità".

1999: TWO-YEAR POST-DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP, awarded by the University of Catania in the field of "Scienze Ambientali I (Fitogeografia dei territori mediterranei)".

2001: ONE-YEAR RESEARCH GRANT (ASSEGNO DI RICERCA), conducting research on: "Ricerche tassonomiche su specie del genere Polysiphonia e del Laurencia complex (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)" within the research program "Biodiversità, tassonomia, biogeografia e sinecologia del macrofitobenthos".

2003: ONE-YEAR RESEARCH GRANT (ASSEGNO DI RICERCA), awarded by ICRAM (Central Institute for Applied Scientific and Technological Research to the Sea) within the research project "Realizzazione di una base conoscitiva concernente l'identificazione e distribuzione nei mari italiani delle specie non indigene o modificate geneticamente".

Scientific Collaborations and Project Contributions

"Ecologia marina: Isole Eolie", funded by the Ministry of Public Education (40% share), Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Distribuzione ed estensione delle fitocenosi bentoniche marine", funded by MURST (60% share), Principal Investigator: Prof. Blasco Scammacca.

"Flora e vegetazione marina del Mediterraneo", funded by MURST (60% share), Principal Investigator: Prof. Giovanni Furnari.

"Riproduzione e sviluppo di organismi marini in ambiente controllato", funded by MURST (60% share), Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Comunità bentoniche: struttura composizione e biogeografia delle fitocenosi", funded by ENEA as part of the National Research Program in Antarctica, Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Check-list delle alghe pluricellulari marine bentoniche delle coste italiane", funded by the Ministry of Environment, Principal Investigator: Prof. Giuseppe Giaccone.

"Biodiversità, tassonomia, biogeografia e sinecologia del macrofitobenthos", University Fund (ex 60%), University of Catania, Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

 

"Biodiversità del benthos e tassonomia di gruppi algali critici", University Fund (ex 60%), University of Catania, Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Biodiversità, Tassonomia e sinecologia del fitobenthos", University Fund (ex 60%), University of Catania, Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Il fitobenthos della Riserva Marina Isole dei Ciclopi: valutazione della biodiversità e delle caratteristiche ambientali", Agreement between the Department of Botany and the Coast Guard of Catania (provisional manager of the "Isole Ciclopi" Marine Reserve), Principal Investigator: Prof. Mario Cormaci.

"Censimento degli habitat marini bentonici di interesse per la conservazione presenti sulle coste italiane", funded by the Ministry of Environment and Protection of the Territory, Principal Investigator: Prof. Giuseppe Giaccone.

FIR Project: "Biodiversità e variazioni spazio-temporali di comunità a Cystoseira della Biocenosi delle Alghe Infralitorali nell’Area Marina Protetta Isole Ciclopi (Mar Ionio) – CIMPA-BioChange", Principal Investigator: Prof. Antonietta Rosso.

FISR Project: "CRESCIBLU-REEF Grown in the blue: new technologies for knowledge and safeguard of Mediterranean reefs", Head of Catania Unit: Prof. Antonietta Rosso.

PIACERI Project (University Research Incentive Plan 2020–2022): "Biodiversità e paleobiodiversità di invertebrati e macroalghe di ambienti marini", Principal Investigator: Prof. Antonietta Rosso.

PIACERI Project (University Research Incentive Plan 2024–2026), Line 1 "Collaborative Research Projects": "Biocostruzioni di habitat marini mediterranei attuali e fossili", Principal Investigator: Prof. Rossana Sanfilippo. 

"MoVaFIsU project" ("Monitoring and Valorization of the Fucales Forests in the Marine Protected Area—Ustica Island") in 2024. The project was funded by the European Union under the “NextGenerationEU” within the framework of the National Biodiversity Future Center, within Activity 1: “National (marine) biodiversity observatory system—collection and integration of biodiversity data, environmental variables, and human pressures,” as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Mission 4: “Education and Research”. Project Leader: Dr. Davide Bruno, Director of the Ustica Island MPA. 

Currently involved in the "RECOMED" Project ("Vulnerabilità e resilienza di associazioni coralligene negli ecosistemi in cambiamento del Mediterraneo"), under the ITALY-TURKEY 2025–2027 program - MAECI (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) - CUP: E63C26000050006, regarding taxonomy, mapping, and characterization of benthic associations, mainly in the Mediterranean. Principal Investigator: Prof. Rossana Sanfilippo.

Other Work and Collaboration Contracts

1996: Independent contract work for the complete biological analysis of algal samples under the research program "Cartografia delle biocenosi e dei sedimenti della piattaforma continentale del Golfo di Noto tra Capo Murro di Porco e Capo Passero (Sicilia Sud-orientale)", funded by MURST.

 

2000: Co.Co.Co. contract with CoNISMa for "ricerche bibliografiche e aggiornamento nomenclaturale dei taxa algologici riportati in letteratura", under the agreement between the Apulia Region and CoNISMa for the INTERREG II Italy-Greece Research Program.

2001: Co.Co.Co. contract with CoNISMa for "conservazione, catalogazione e smistamento dei campioni algologici", under the agreement between the Apulia Region and CoNISMa for the INTERREG II Italy-Albania Research Program.

2000: Co.Co.Co. contract with CoNISMa for "elaborazioni statistiche dei dati floristici e vegetazionali", under the agreement between the Apulia Region and CoNISMa for the INTERREG II Italy-Greece Research Program.

2002: Co.Co.Co. contract with CoNISMa for "elaborazioni dei dati relativi alle misure effettuate sui Posidonieti di Meloria, Vada, e Talamone della Regione Toscana", under the pilot project "Rivisitazione di alcune praterie di Posidonia oceanica lungo le coste delle regioni Liguria, Toscana, Lazio, Basilicata e Puglia e progetto pilota per l'armonizzazione dei relativi dati cartografici esistenti". 

2004–2005: Project-based contract under the Ministry of Environment project assigned to CoNISMa, titled "Censimento ai fini della pubblicazione e diffusione di tutti i programmi di ricerca realizzati in materia di tutela e valorizzazione del mare finanziati dal Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio fino al 2003", with the assignment: "Supervisione e metanalisi della bibliografia nazionale ed internazionale riguardante le Aree Marine Protette e stesura dei rapporti tecnico-scientifici alle scadenze convenute".

2006: Project-based contract under the Ministry of Environment project assigned to CoNISMa, titled "Analisi e valutazione delle specie e degli habitat presenti nel Mediterraneo anche ai fini dell'inserimento nella lista delle ASPIM (Protocollo della Convenzione di Barcellona relativo alle zone particolarmente protette di interesse mediterraneo e alla diversità biologica nel Mediterraneo) delle Aree Marine Protette istituite dal Ministero dell'Ambiente e Tutela del Territorio", with the assignment: "Attività di implementazione della banca dati, coadiuvazione alla stesura dei report scientifico-tecnici".

List of publications of Dr. Donatella Serio

2026 Mannino Anna Maria, Mancuso Francesco Paolo, Marletta Giuliana and SERIO Donatella. The Mediterranean Cystoseira complex (Fucales, Ochrophyta): an updated illustrated guide and identification key. Water, in press.

2026 SERIO D., Moro I., Furnari G., Sciuto K. - Molecular and phylogenetic analyses support the establishment of the new genus Neoverlaquea gen. nov. (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales, Rhodomelaceae) for the Mediterranean “Polysiphonia” sertularioides. Journal of Phycology, in press.

2026 Mannino, A. M., Aversa, G., Bruno, D., Marletta, G., Lombardo, A., Toccaceli, M., Alessi, M. C., Bono, A., Falace, A., & SERIO, D. (2026). Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Fucalean Forests in the Ustica Island Marine Protected Area (Western Mediterranean, Italy): Historical Records and Current Status. Environments, 13(2), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13020101

2026 Azzurro, E., Strafella, P., Bertolino, S., Carnevali, L., Crocetta, F., Di Muri, C., ... SERIO D.,.. & Cerri, J. (2026). TRACKS: Six good practices for Non-Indigenous Species research and their SWOT evaluation. NeoBiota, 105, 229-257

2025 Marletta Giuliana , Lombardo A.; SERIO D.; Mannino A. M. The Fucalean Forests of the Island of Lampedusa (Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area, Central Mediterranean): Past and Present Diversity and Distribution. COASTS 2025, 5, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts5040043.

2025 Cormaci Mario; Giovanni Furnari; Giuseppina Alongi; Donatella SERIO. Flora Marina Bentonica Del Mediterraneo: Rhodophyta - Rhodymeniophycidae IV: Ceramiales II - Rhodomelaceae. BOLLETTINO DELL’ACCADEMIA GIOENIA DI SCIENZE NATURALI IN CATANIA 2025, 58, 162–641. https://doi.org/10.35352/gioenia.v58i389.136.

2025 Marletta Giuliana, Andrea Lombardo; Donatella SERIO. Past and Present of Fucalean Diversity in the Island of Marettimo, Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area (Central Mediterranean, Italy). BOTANICA MARINA 2025, 68, 221–233. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2024-0105.

2024 Furnari Giovanni, SERIO Donatella (2024). Is the congenericity between Heterojanczewskia and Laurencia (Rhodomelaceae, Florideophyceae) sustainable?. NOTULAE ALGARUM, ISSN: 2009-8987

2024 Donato Gemma, Rossana Sanfilippo, Daniela Basso, Pietro Bazzicalupo, Marco Bertolino, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Mara Cipriani, Francesco D’Alpa, Adriano Guido, Mauro Pietro Negri, Francesco Sciuto, Donatella SERIO, Antonietta Rosso (2024). Biodiversity associated with a coralligenous build-up off Sicily (Ionian Sea). REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE, vol. 80, 103868, ISSN: 2352-4855, doi: 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103868

2024 Marletta Giuliana, Andrea Lombardo, Donatella SERIO (2024). Ecology and Phenology of the Subtidal Brown Alga Sargassum furcatum (Ochrophyta, Fucales), a Likely Non-Indigenous Species from the Mediterranean Sea. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, vol. 12, p. 1-12, ISSN: 2077-1312, doi: 10.3390/jmse12040640

2024 Marletta Giuliana, Andrea Lombardo, Donatella SERIO (2024). First Record of the Invasive Alien Species Rugulopteryx okamurae (Phaeophyceae, Dictyotales) along the Eastern Coast of Sicily (Italy, Mediterranean Sea): Is It Ready to Expand into the Ionian Sea?. DIVERSITY, vol. 16, p. 1-9, ISSN: 1424-2818, doi: 10.3390/d16070424

2024 Sanfilippo Rossana, Gemma Donato, Agatino Reitano, Donatella SERIO, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Mauro Pietro Negri, Daniela Basso, Antonietta Rosso (2024). HABIT AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE NESTLING BIVALVE GREGARIELLA SEMIGRANATA (REEVE, 1858) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN CORALLIGENOUS. MALACOLOGIA, vol. 66, p. 103-113, ISSN: 0076-2997, doi: 10.4002/040.066.0104

2023 Sanfilippo R., Donato G., Reitano A., SERIO D., Bracchi V. A., Negri M. P., Basso D., Rosso A.. Habit and behaviour of the nestling bivalve Gregariella semigranata (Reeve, 1858) from the Mediterranean Coralligenous. Malacologia, , 66(1/2): 103–113.

2023 Sciuto F., Altieri C., Basso D., D’Alpa F., Donato G., Bracchi V. A., Cipriani M., Guido A., Rosso A., Sanfilippo R., Serio D., Viola A. Preliminary data on ostracods and foraminifers living on coralligenous bioconstructions Offshore Marzamemi (Ionian Sea, Se Sicily). Revue De Micropaléontologie, vol. 18, p. 1-12, ISSN: 0035-1598, doi: 10.1016/j.revmic.2023.100711

2023 Rosso, A., Donato, G., Sanfilippo, R., SERIO, D., Sciuto, F., D’Alpa, F., Bracchi, V. A., Negri, M. P., Basso, D. The Bryozoan Margaretta cereoides as Habitat-Former in the Coralligenous of Marzamemi (SE Sicily, Mediterranean Sea). Journal Of Marine Science And Engineering, vol. 11, ISSN: 2077-1312, doi: 10.3390/jmse11030590

2023 Marletta G., Lombardo A., SERIO D. Bianchelli S. Diversity of Fucales (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) along the Coasts of Lipari and Vulcano (Aeolian Archipelago), Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea). Journal Of Marine Science And Engineering, vol. 11, ISSN: 2077-1312, doi: 10.3390/jmse11122222

2023 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Alongi G., SERIO D. Flora Marina Bentonica Del Mediterraneo: Rhodophyta - Rhody- meniophycidae III: Ceramiales I (RHODOMELACEAE escluse) [Benthic marine flora of the Mediterranean Sea: RHODOPHYTA - Rhodimeniophycidae III. Ceramiales I: (excluding RHODOMELACEAE)]. Bollettino Dell'accademia Gioenia Di Scienze Naturali In Catania, vol. 56, p. 81-615, ISSN: 0393-7143, doi: 10.35352/gioenia.v56i386.112

2022 Sanfilippo R., SERIO D., Deias C., Rosso A. Sabellaria alveolata (Annelida, Polychaeta) bioconstructions and associated macroalgal community from Portopalo di Capo Passero (SE Sicily). Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 23, p. 150-156, ISSN: 1791-6763, doi: 10.12681/mms.27171

2022 João Neiva, Ricardo Bermejo, Alba Medrano, Pol Capdevila, David Milla-Figueras, Pedro Afonso, Enric Ballesteros, Brahim Sabour, Donatella SERIO, Eduardo Nóbrega, João Soares, José Valdazo, Fernando Tuya, Martina Mulas, Álvaro Israel, Sofia S. Sadogurska, Michael D. Guiry, Gareth A. Pearson & Ester A. Serrão (2023) DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity, taxonomic conflicts and novel biogeographical insights in Cystoseira s.l. (Phaeophyceae), European Journal of Phycology, 58:3, 351-375, DOI: 10.1080/09670262.2022.2126894

2022 Furnari G. & SERIO D.  Validation of Ericaria brachycarpa var. claudiae Boudouresque, Perret-Boudouresque & Blanfuné (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyceae). Notulae Algarum, vol. 257, ISSN: 2009-8987

2021 SERIO D. & Furnari G.. — Ericaria giacconei sp. nov. (Sargassaceae, Fucophyceae), the species to which the invalidly published Cystoseira hyblaea Giaccone should be referred. Cryptogamie, Algologie 42 (10): 141-151. https:// doi.org/10.5252/cryptogamie-algologie2021v42a10.

2021 Maestrini M., Beltrão Molento M., Mancini S., Robustelli della Cuna F.S., Furnari G., SERIO D., Cornara L., Perrucci S.. Evaluation of the anthelmintic properties of a traditional remedy based on a mixture of red algae using an in vitro assay on gastrointestinal nematodes of donkeys. Open Journal of Chemistry, 4(1): 8 – 18. doi:10.30538/psrp-ojc2021.0018

2021 Consoli, P., Altobelli, C., Perzia, P., Bo, M., Rosso, A., Alongi, G., SERIO, D., Canese, S., Romeo, T., & Andaloro, F.. Species and habitats of conservation interest in the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area of the Strait of Sicily: a contribution towards the creation of a Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance. Mediterranean Marine Science, 22(2), 297-316. doi:https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.25125

2020 SERIO D., Furnari G., Moro I. & Sciuto K.. Molecular and morphological characterisation of Melanothamnus testudinis sp. nov. (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) and its distinction from Polysiphonia carettia. Phycologia, 59(4): 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/00318884.2020.1752531

2020 Serio D., Furnari G., Metti Y.. Molecular analysis confirms Laurenciella marilzae (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) in the Mediterranean Sea, a species often misidentified as Laurencia dendroidea. Botanica Marina, 63(6): 527–535. https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2020-0030

2019 Servello, G., Andaloro, F., Azzurro, E., Castriota, L., Catra, M., Chiarore, A., Crocetta, F., D’alessandro, M., Denitto, F., Froglia, C., Gravili, C., Langer, M. R., Lo Brutto, S., Mastrototaro, F., Petrocelli, A., Pipitone, C., Piraino, S., Relini, G., Serio, D., Xentidis, N. J., & Zenetos, A. Marine alien species in Italy: A contribution to the implementation of descriptor D2 of the marine strategy framework directive. Mediterranean Marine Science, 20(1), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.18711

2019 Catra, M., Alongi, G., Leonardi, R., Negri, M., Sanfilippo, R., Sciuto, F., SERIO, D., Viola, A., & Rosso, A.. Degradation of a photophilic algal community and its associated fauna from eastern Sicily (Mediterranean Sea). Mediterranean Marine Science, 20(1), 74-89. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.17765.

2017 Sciuto F., Rosso A., Sanfilippo R., Alongi G., Catra M., SERIO D., Bejaoui S., Leonardi R.. First data on ostracods and foraminifera living in Cystoseira communities in western Ionian Sea (Southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea). Mediterranean Marine Science, 18(3): 393-405

2017 Sanfilippo R., A. Rosso, Sciuto F, D. SERIO, M. Catra, G. Alongi, R. Negri M.P., Leonardi, A. Viola.. Serpulid polychaetes from Cystoseira communities in the Ionian Sea, Mediterranean. Vie et Milieu, Life and Environment, 67(3-4): 217-226.

2016 SERIO D., Alongi G., Catra M., Leonardi R., Sanfilippo R., Sciuto F., Viola A., Rosso A.. Stato dei popolamenti fitobentonici infralitorali del litorale catanese e degli Invertebrati. Biol. Mar. Mediterr. 23 (1): 245-246.

2016 Rosso A., Sciuto F., SERIO D., Catra M., Alongi G., Viola A., Leonardi R., Sanfilippo R.. Preliminary information about bryozoans associated with infralittoral algae from eastern Sicily (Mediterranean).. In: 17th Conference of the International Bryozoology Association, Melbourne, 10-15 April 2016. Melbourne, 10-15. April, 2016.

2016 Furnari G., Cormaci M., SERIO D. & Prud’homme Van Reine W.F. Is the transfer of Chondria glandulifera (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) to the genus Chondrophycus (as Chondrophycus glandulifer) taxonomically correct?. Notulae algarum, No. 7 (29 June 2016 ). ISSN 2009-8987.

2014 Rosso A., Sanfilippo R., Basso D., Alongi Giusi, Sciuto F., SERIO D., Catra M., Malinverno E., Savini A., Vertino A., Di Martino E., Di Geronimo R., Penati F. Scopriamo chi c’era...... per capire chi c’è. La biodiversità marina del passato e del presente comunicata nelle scuole. Attività URL 03, AZ 1, WP 2, SP 6 di RITMARE.. In: Meeting RITMARE, 14-15 Aprile 2014.. Bologna, 14-15 Aprile 2014.

2014 Hoffman R., Sternberg M., SERIO D. First report of Laurencia chondrioides (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) and its potential to be an invasive in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. BOTANICA MARINA, vol. 57, p. 449-457.

2011 SERIO D, Catra M, Collodoro D, Nisi ACeramium cormacii sp. nov. (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta), a new Mediterranean species epizoic on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Botanica Marina, vol. 54, p. 545-550.

2010 SERIO D., Cormaci M,  Furnari G., Boisset F. -  First record of Palisada maris-rubri (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea along with three proposed transfers to the genus Palisada. Phycological Research, 58: 9-16.

2010 Furnari G, Giaccone G, Cormaci M, Alongi G, Catra M, Nisi A, SERIO D Macrophytobenthos. In: Checklist della Flora e della Fauna dei Mari Italiani (Parte II). Biologia Marina Mediterranea, vol. 17 (suppl. 1), p. 801-828, ISSN: 1123-4245.

2009 SERIO D., Cormaci M, Furnari G.. The Vendicari Salt Marshes. In: Cecere E. Petrocelli A. Izzo G. Sfriso A.. Flora And Vegetation of The Italian Transitional Systems. p. 239-245, Venezia:Cecere, E; Petrocelli, A; Izzo, G; Sfriso, A, ISBN: 88-8940-510-4.

2009 SERIO D., Cormaci M, Furnari G. The Lakes Faro And Ganzirri. In: Cecere E. Petrocelli A. Izzo G. Sfriso A.. Flora And Vegetation Of The Italian Transitional Water Systems. P. 229-238, Venezia:Cecere, E; Petrocelli, A; Izzo, G; Sfriso, A, ISBN: 88-8940-510-4.

2008 SERIO D., Petrocelli A, Cormaci M, Cecere E, Furnari G. First record of Osmundea oederi (Gunnerus) G. Furnari comb. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. CRYPTOGAMIE. ALGOLOGIE, vol. 29 (2); p. 119-127, ISSN: 0181-1568.

2008 Giaccone T., Catra M., SERIO D., Giaccone G. - A review of Mediterranean macrophytobenthos collections present in Italy: a contribution to the Mediterranean Initiative on Taxonomy. Chemistry and Ecology, 24 (1): 175–184.

2008 Chemello R, Graziano M, Milazzo M, Cimò G, SERIO D, Giaccone G. Valutazione della gestione delle aree marine protette in Sicilia. In: 6° Convegno Nazionale per le Scienze del Mare. Lecce, 4-8 Novembre 2008, p. 37.

2007 Kladi M, Vagias C, Papazafiri P, Furnari G, SERIO D., Roussis V. New sesquiterpenes from the red alga Laurencia microcladia. TETRAHEDRON, vol. 63; p. 7606-7611, ISSN: 0040-4020.

2006 SERIO D., Alongi G., Catra M., Cormaci M., Furnari G. - Changes in the benthic algal flora of Linosa Island (Straits of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea). Botanica Marina, 49: 135-144.

2006 Catra M., Alongi G., SERIO D., Cormaci M., Furnari G.– The benthic algal flora on rocky substrata og thr Egadi islands, a marine protected archipelago off the western coast of Sicily (Italy, Mediterranean Sea). Nova Hedwigia, 82(3/4): 489-538.

2005 Wynne M.J., SERIO D., Cormaci M., Furnari F. - The species of Chondrophycus and Laurencia (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) occurring in Dhofar, the Sultanate of Oman. Phycologia, 44(5): 497-509.

2005 Cormaci M., Furnari F., Giaccone G., SERIO D. - Su due rare specie della macroflora algale mediterranea presenti in Sardegna: Laurencia pyramidalis (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) e Cystoseira squarrosa (Ochrophyta, Cystoseiraceae). Biologia Marina Mediterranea, 12(1): 265-268.

2004 Occhipinti Ambrogi A, Badalamenti F, Cantone G, Castelli A, Chemello R, Gambi M, Giangrande A, Mastrototaro F, Solustri C, Froglia C, Mizzan L, Riggio S, Russo G, Savini D, Giaccone G, Cormaci M, Curiel D, Furnari G, SERIO D, Cecere E, Andaloro F, Castriota L, Relini Orsi L, Serena F. Introduced marine species in Italy. In: Summaries of 39th European Marine Biology Symposium (E.M.B.S.), Genova. Genova, 21-24 Luglio 2004, p. 192, GENOVA: Biologia Marina Mediterranea.

2004 SERIO D., Furnari G., Cormaci M., - On the occurrence of Laurencia pyramidalis Bory ex Kützing (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) in the Mediterranean Sea. Cryptogamie, Algologie, 25: 329-336.

2004 Furnari G., SERIO D., Cormaci M., - Revision of Laurencia pedicularioides (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta). Taxon, 53: 453-460.

2004 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Giaccone G., SERIO D., - Alien macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea: a review. In: Recent Research Developmtents in Environment Biology. Vol. 1. Part I. Ed. S.G. Pandalai. Research Signpost. Chapter 9: 153-202.

2004 Alongi G., Catra M., Cormaci M., Furnari G., SERIO D., - Spring marine vegetation on rocky substrata of Pantelleria Island (the Straits of Sicily, Italy). Nova Hedwigia, 79(3-4): 447-478.

2003 Furnari G., Giaccone G., Cormaci M., Alongi G., SERIO D., - Biodiversità marina delle coste italiane: catalogo del macrofitobenthos. Biologia Marina Mediterranea, 10: 3-483.

2002 Furnari G., Boisset F., Cormaci M., SERIO D., - Characterization of Chondrophycus tenerrimus (Cremades) comb. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta), a species often misidentified as C. papillosus (C. Agardh) Garbary et J. Harper in the Mediterranean Sea. Cryptogamie, Algologie, 23: 223-235.

2001 Furnari G., Cormaci M. & SERIO D., - The Laurencia complex (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) in the Mediterranean Sea: on overview. Cryptogamie, Algologie, 22: 331-373.

2001 Cormaci M. & Furnari G., Alongi G., SERIO D., Petrocelli A. & Cecere E. - Censimento delle macroalghe marine bentoniche delle coste pugliesi. Thalassia Salentina, 25: 75-158.

2000 SERIO D., Cormaci M., Furnari G. - Laurencia majuscula (Harvey) Lucas (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae): a little known, but probably widely distributed species in the Mediterranean Sea. Biologia Marina Mediterranea 7: 737-740.

2000 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Alongi G., Catra M., SERIO D. - The benthic algal flora on rocky substrata of the Tremiti Islands (Adriatic Sea)”. Plant Biosystems, 134: 133-152.

2000 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Alongi G., Catra M., Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - Spring marine vegetation on rocky substrata of the Tremiti Islands (Adriatic Sea, Italy). In: Faranda F., Guglielmo L. & Spezie G. (Eds) - Mediterranean ecosystems: Structures and Processes. Chapter 32: 247-256. Springer Verlag.

2000 Boisset, f., Furnari G., Cormaci m., SERIO D., - The distinction between Chondrophycus patentirameus and C. paniculatus (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta). European Journal of Phycology, 35: 387-395.

1999(1998) SERIO D., Pizzuto F. Osservazioni in natura e in coltura su Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskål) J. Agardh (Caulerpales, Chlorophyta) della baia di Brucoli (SR). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 31: 201-209.

1999 SERIO D., Cormaci M., Furnari G., - Osmundea maggsiana sp. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. Phycologia, 38: 277-282.

1999 Giaccone G., Cormaci M., Furnari G., Scammacca B., Alongi G., Catra M., Di Martino V., Marino G., SERIO D. - Biodiversità vegetale marina dell’Arcipelago “Isole Eolie”. Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 32: 191-242.

1999 Furnari G., Cormaci M., SERIO D. - Catalogue of the benthic marine macroalgae of the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Bocconea, 12: 214 pp.

1998 Marino G., Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - Osservazioni preliminari su un popolamento a Phyllariopsis brevipes (C. Agardh) Henry & South di Punta Tavernara (Penisola della Maddalena, Siracusa). Biologia Marina Mediterranea, 6: 394-398.

1998 Furnari G., L’Hardy-Halos M.T., Rueness J., SERIO D. - On the conspecificity of Aglaothamnion tenuissimum and A. byssoides (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta). Taxon, 47:  843-849.

1998 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - Polysiphonia perforans sp. nova (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. Plant Biosystems, 132: 77-81.

1998 Boisset F., Furnari G., Cormaci m., SERIO D. - First record of Laurencia chondrioides (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. Botanica Marina, 41: 279-284.

1997 Cormaci M., Lanfranco E., Borg J.A., Buttigieg S., Furnari G., Micallef S.A., Mifsud C., Pizzuto F., Scammacca B., SERIO D. - Contribution to the knowledge of benthic marine algae on rocky substrata of the Maltese Islands (Mediterranean Sea). Botanica Marina, 40: 203-215.

1996(1995) SERIO D. - Fenologia morfologica e riproduttiva di Cystoseira spinosa Sauvageau v. compressa (Ercegovic) Cormaci et al. (Fucales, Fucophyceae). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 28: 5-22.

1996(1995) SERIO D. - Fenologia morfologica e riproduttiva di Cystoseira zosteroides C. Agardh (Fucales, Fucophyceae). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 28: 45-58.

1996(1995) Pizzuto F., Presti C., SERIO D. - Struttura e periodismo di un popolamento a Cystoseira amentacea Bory v. stricta Montagne (Fucales, Fucophyceae) del litorale catanese. Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 28: 23-43.

1996 Pizzuto F., SERIO D., Furnari G. - First record of tetrasporophytes of Polysiphonia funebris De Notaris ex J. Agardh (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea, with taxonomic considerations. Giornale Botanico Italiano, 130: 1072-1077.

1996 Cecere E., Cormaci M., Furnari G., Petrocelli A., Saracino O., SERIO D. - Benthic algal flora of Cheradi Islands (Gulf of Taranto, Mediterranean Sea). Nova Hedwigia, 62: 191-214.

1995(1994) SERIO D. - On the structure, typology and periodism of Cystoseira spinosa Sauvageau community and of Cystoseira zosteroides C. Agardh community from Eastern coast of Sicily (Mediterrranean Sea). Giornale Botanico Italiano, 128: 941-973.

1995 Furnari G., SERIO D. - Progress in the taxonomy of the genus Laurencia (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) up to the resurrection of the genus Osmundea. Giornale Botanico Italiano, 129: 185-188.

1994 Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - A study on the qualitative minimal area of two Cystoseira (Cystoseiraceae, Fucophyceae) communities from eastern sicilian coast (Ionian sea). Giornale Botanico Italiano, 128: 1092-1095.

1994 Cormaci M., Furnari G., SERIO D., Pizzuto F. - Osservazioni sulle fitocenosi bentoniche dell'Isola di Salina (Isole Eolie). Coll. del progetto strategico "Clima, ambiente  e territorio nel mezzogiorno" C.N.R. :339-365.

1994 Cormaci M., Furnari G., SERIO D. - Two new species of Laurencia (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean sea: Laurencia pelagiensis sp. nov. and Laurencia verlaquei sp. nov. The Japanese Journal of Phycology, 42: 365-375.

1994 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Alongi G., SERIO D. - On three interesting marine red algae (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. Giornale Botanico Italiano, 128: 1001-1006.

1993 Giaccone G., Alongi G., Cossu A., Di Geronimo R., SERIO D. - La vegetazione marina bentonica del Mediterraneo: I. Sopralitorale e Mesolitorale. Proposte di aggiornamento. Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 26: 245-291.

1993 Furnari G., SERIO D. - The reproductive structures of the Mediterranean alga Laurencia pelagosae (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta). European Journal of Phycology, 28(3): 141-143.

1993 Furnari G., SERIO D. - The distinction of Laurencia truncata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea from Laurencia pinnatifida. Phycologia, 32(5): 367-372.

1993 Alongi G., Dinaro R., Furnari G., Giaccone G., Scammacca B., SERIO D. - Osservazioni preliminari sulla vegetazione marina dell'Isola di Lampedusa (Isole Pelagie). Biologia Marina, supplemento al Notiziario S.I.B.M., 1: 285-286.

1992 SERIO D., Pizzuto F. - Sul popolamento a Osmundaria volubilis (L.) Norris del litorale di Pozzillo (Catania). Fenologia e periodismo. Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 25: 307-323.

1992 Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - First record of Antithamnion ogdeniae Abbott (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta) from Italy. Bulletin de l’Institut Océanographique, Monaco, n° special 9: 37-41.

1992 Giaccone G., Pizzuto F., SERIO D. - Aspetti della vegetazione sommersa in fondali della Sicilia Sud-Orientale (Siracusa). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 25: 35-54.

1992 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Scammacca B., SERIO D., Pizzuto F., Alongi G., Dinaro R. - La vegetazione marina di substrato duro dell'Isola di Salina (Isole Eolie). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 25: 115-144.

1992 Cormaci M., Furnari G., Giaccone G., Scammacca B., SERIO D. - Observations taxonomiques et biogéographiques sur quelques espèces du genre Cystoseira C. Agardh. Bulletin de l’Institut Océanographique, Monaco, n° special 9: 21-35.

1991 Cormaci M., Furnari G., SERIO D. - First record of the Austral species Plocamium secundatum (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea. Cryptogamie, Algologie, 12: 235-244.

1990 SERIO D., Pizzuto F. - Su un popolamento a Vidalia volubilis (L.) J. Ag. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) del litorale di Pozzillo (Catania). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 23: 399-414.

1990 SERIO D. - Osservazioni sulla flora algale del Golfo di Orosei (Sardegna). Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali, Catania, 23: 5-16.

The research activity focuses on benthic marine flora and vegetation, as well as the taxonomy of macroalgae. Floristic and vegetational research has aimed to study previously investigated areas in order to evaluate short- and long-term changes in biodiversity, as well as marine protected areas and alien species, also to assess any potential effects on biodiversity related to environmental protection.

Since studies on floristic and vegetational diversity are grounded in the knowledge of species and are closely linked to taxonomic studies, taxonomic in-depth investigations were conducted concurrently with the aforementioned floristic-vegetational research, allowing for the clarification of the taxonomy of several macroalgal genera. Particular attention was devoted to taxonomic issues regarding species of the Laurencia complex, Ceramium complex, Polysiphonia complex, and Cystoseira complex, leading to the revision of Mediterranean and extra-Mediterranean taxa and the description of numerous new taxa at the specific and infraspecific levels.

In all the studies conducted, particular attention was also paid to nomenclatural aspects, and numerous new combinations were proposed.

The research carried out has resulted in the publication of 92 scientific papers in national and international journals.