Document of bibliographic reference 324329

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Vulnerable forests of the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) can form coral forests at mesophotic depths in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the recognized importance of these habitats, they have been scantly studied and their distribution is mostly unknown. This study reports the new finding of E. verrucosa forests in the Mediterranean Sea, and the updated distribution of this species that has been considered rare in the basin. In particular, one site off Sanremo (Ligurian Sea) was characterized by a monospecific population of E. verrucosa with 2.3 ± 0.2 colonies m⁻². By combining new records, literature, and citizen science data, the species is believed to be widespread in the basin with few or isolated colonies, and 19 E. verrucosa forests were identified. The overall associated community showed how these coral forests are essential for species of conservation interest, as well as for species of high commercial value. For this reason, proper protection and management strategies are necessary.

Abstract in other language

gorgonian; coral habitat; coral forest; VME; mesophotic; citizen science

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000541083200026

Bibliographic citation

Chimienti, G. (2020). Vulnerable forests of the pink sea fan Eunicella verrucosa in the Mediterranean Sea. Diversity 12(5): 176. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d12050176

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true