IMPATTO DELLA PESCA ARTIGIANALE COL TRAMAGLIO SU FORESTE MESOFOTICHE: UN CASO DI STUDIO NEL MAR LIGURE ORIENTALE

EFFECTS OF SMALL-SCALE TRAMMEL NET FISHING ON MESOPHOTIC FORESTS: A CASE STUDY FROM THE EASTERN LIGURIAN SEA

Abstract

Mesophotic forests are complex, fragile ecosystems easily disrupted by human activities, particularly fishing. In the Mediterranean Sea, lobster fishing with trammel nets is common on offshore rocky banks where these forests develop. This study assesses the impact of lobster trammel nets on the communities of the Secca Fonda di Punta del Faro, a mesophotic bank in the Eastern Ligurian Sea (60–80 m) dominated by gorgonian and black coral forests, within the Special Conservation Zone “Fondali Monte di Portofino” (IT1332674). Six experimental fishing trials were analysed by comparing commercial catches with discarded organisms. Results reveal a strong predominance of benthic bycatch (83% of individuals, 92% of diversity), especially arborescent cnidarians and erect bryozoans, including species of conservation concern. Significant removal of hard substrata and marine litter was also observed. These findings highlight the imbalance between low economic returns and high ecological damage, stressing the need for improved management and protection.