ESPLORAZIONE DEI MONTI SOTTOMARINI: HOTSPOT DI BIODIVERSITÀ NEI MARI ITALIANI

DIVING INTO SEAMOUNTS: UNVEILING DEEP-SEA BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS OF THE ITALIAN SEAS

Abstract

Seamounts are prominent seafloor features, hosting diverse and vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems, recognised as priority conservation targets. As part of the PNRR Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) project, a large-scale exploratory activity is underway across 79 Italian seamounts located beyond 12 NM from the coast. The aim is to map the distribution and assess the biodiversity of key benthic species and habitats to a depth of 2000 m, using multibeam and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The first oceanographic campaign was conducted between January and March 2025 in the Sicily Channel (Mediterranean Sea) by a work-class ROV at depths between 80 and 997 m. Preliminary results revealed biodiversity hotspots, presence of key habitat-forming species, and marine litter across the investigated areas. These findings enhance our understanding of the distribution of long-lived and vulnerable deep-sea Mediterranean species, supporting the establishment of an off-shore network of marine protected areas, in line with the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy.