Conserving Marine Forests: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Marine Protected Area for Cystoseira sensu lato Populations in the Central Mediterranean Sea

• Published in: Plants (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 2; p. 162
• Main Authors: Mancuso, Francesco Paolo, Sarà, Gianluca, Mannino, Anna Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.01.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Algae; Biodiversity; biodiversity conservation; Comparative analysis; Conservation; Conservation biology; Cystoseira; Cystoseira sensu lato; Effectiveness; Environmental aspects; Ericaria; Forests; Gongolaria; macroalgal distribution; Marine protected areas; Population dynamics; Populations; Protected areas; Seaweeds; Urbanization; Wildlife conservation; Italy; Mediterranean Sea; Gongolaria; Marine Protected Areas; Ericaria; Cystoseira; macroalgal distribution; biodiversity conservation; Cystoseira sensu lato; Mediterranean Sea
• ISSN: 2223-7747; 2223-7747
• DOI: 10.3390/plants13020162

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital for biodiversity conservation, yet their effectiveness in preserving foundation seaweeds remains understudied. This study investigates the diversity and distribution of (including , and , hereafter referred to as ) populations in an MPA located in the central Mediterranean Sea, comparing them with those in two unprotected sites. We hypothesized MPA populations would display higher diversity and structure compared to outside unprotected sites. Results revealed a total of 19 species at depths of 0-20 m, with the MPA exhibiting a higher diversity than unprotected sites. Thus, MPAs can play a crucial role in fostering the diversity of populations. However, no significant differences were observed among the MPA's protection zones, raising questions about the zoning effectiveness. Additionally, our survey uncovered a substantial presence of non-indigenous seaweeds within the MPA. In conclusions, while MPAs improved diversity compared to unprotected sites, the varying efficacy of protection within MPA zones suggested a necessity for site-specific conservation strategies. The presence of non-indigenous seaweeds emphasizes ongoing challenges. This study provides a baseline for understanding population dynamics, crucial for future monitoring and conservation efforts in the face of global change.