Evaluating the distribution of priority benthic habitats through a remotely operated vehicle to support conservation measures off Linosa Island (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

1. Explorations of the Mediterranean deep sea using remotely operated vehicles have shown that the sea bed hosts rich habitats, supporting high biodiversity.However, there have been only a few studies dealing with the southern part of the basin, leading to limited protection and conservation efforts in this area.2. This study aimed to explore the sea bed off Linosa Island (Sicily Channel, southern Mediterranean Sea), which is considered a 'sentinel area' for alien species and global environmental changes owing to its geographic position, thus deserving special attention. 3. Remotely operated vehicle surveys, carried out in 2016 and 2017, were analysed to provide the first ecological characterization of benthic assemblages at depths −19 -−384 m around Linosa Island. 4. Communities were dominated by three priority habitats, amounting to 39% of the almost 5 km of the sea floor that was surveyed. These are represented in the euphotic zone by Posidonia oceanica meadows and, at greater depth, by newly discovered dense coral forests and extended rhodolith/maërl beds. Sixteen habitat-forming species included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (e.g. gorgonians Eunicella cavolini and Paramuricea clavata, and black corals Antipathella subpinnata and Leiopathes glaberrima) were recorded, as well as individuals of Sargassum sp. at −100 m depth.5. The volcanic island of Linosa represents a small, naturally preserved area, with very limited human pressure, hosting rich marine benthic biodiversity. Given the high species and habitat richness, we recommend its inclusion in the Special Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance project (United Nations Environment Programme) and suggest a redefinition of the existing marine protected area extension.

Marine priority habitat mapping in a Mediterranean conservation area (Gyaros, South Aegean) through multi-platform marine remote sensing techniques

“…These formations play a crucial role in the welfare of the sea bottom as they act as an excellent feeding ground for many fishes and crustaceans and as a regulator of the carbon production in the sea (Martin et al, 2013). While many studies are dedicated to different species of corals found around the Mediterranean (Ballesteros, 2006;Blondel et al, 2006;Bartlett et al, 2009;Bonacorsi et al, 2012;Giakoumi et al, 2013;Martin et al, 2014;Ingrassia et al, 2019;Romagnoli et al, 2021;Pierdomenico et al, 2021;De Falco et al, 2022), only a few take note of the unique coralligenous formations found throughout the Aegean Sea, especially in the Cyclades archipelago. There is only one systematic study (Georgiadis et al, 2009) dedicated to the research and mapping of this unique east Mediterranean habitat.…”

Invertebrate diversity associated with a shallow rhodolith bed in the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Piccolo of Taranto, south‐east Italy)

“…shell fragments or rocks). They are distributed worldwide and can be found at tropical (Amado‐Filho et al, 2012; Costa et al, 2020; Moura et al, 2021), temperate (Foster et al, 1997; Steller et al, 2003; Hinojosa‐Arango & Riosmena‐Rodríguez, 2004; García et al, 2014; Bracchi et al, 2019; Bracchi et al, 2022; Chimienti et al, 2020; Longo et al, 2020; Rendina et al, 2020; Romagnoli et al, 2021), and polar (Konar, Riosmena‐Rodriguez & Iken, 2006; Teichert et al, 2014; Ward et al, 2021) latitudes.…”

Non‐extractive fish diversity assessment in Mediterranean rhodolith beds

“…In the Mediterranean, the distribution and conservation status of rhodolith beds are still poorly known, hindering the implementation of adequate conservation plans, although advances have been made in some locations (e.g., Barberá et al, 2012; Maggio et al, 2022; Romagnoli et al, 2021; Sciberras et al, 2009). In this context, identifying and monitoring rhodolith beds that are in good ecological condition is urgent.…”