UPDATED THEMATIC MAP OF BENTHIC HABITATS IN THE URBAN COASTAL AREA: NOVEL DISCOVERIES AND CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS

AGGIORNAMENTO CARTOGRAFICO DEGLI HABITAT MARINI BENTONICI IN UN’AREA URBANA COSTIERA: NUOVE SCOPERTE E IMPLICAZIONI PER LA CONSERVAZIONE

Abstract

Effective management and long-term conservation of coastal marine ecosystems require detailed knowledge of habitat distribution. Thematic environmental mapping is essential for monitoring and managing these areas. In 2023 the ‘Atlas of marine habitat of Liguria’ was updated in the urban area of Genoa city (Ligurian Sea), thanks to sea-truthing surveys. This work was aimed at evaluating the extent, integrity, and distribution of benthic habitats before construction of  the new Genoa breakwater. Previously unmapped coralligenous outcrops have been identified and rhodolith beds have been found in the study area for the first time. The occurrence of the alien alga Caulerpa cylindracea has been reported on the updated maps, although its distribution has reduced in recent years. An unknown submarine cave has been discovered. Updating and integrating seafloor maps with sea-truth are indispensable for the identification of valuable and/or vulnerable habitats in need of protection in a urban context.