REEF HABITATS: NEW FINDINGS IN THE CENTRAL TYRRHENIAN SEA (MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

NUOVE SEGNALAZIONI DI HABITAT CIRCALITORALI ROCCIOSI NEL MAR TIRRENO CENTRALE

Abstract

This study investigated the environmental characteristics of a potential dumping site in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea through geophysical and biological surveys. High-resolution bathymetry and ROV imaging revealed the presence of previously undiscovered lower circalittoral reefs associated to different morphological features. Moreover, Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem taxa indicators and three protected Anthozoan species were identified. Due to the ecological relevance and sensitivity of these habitats, the site was deemed unsuitable for sediment disposal. These findings support the need to improve conservation measures in this area to preserve its sensitive deep-sea reef habitats.