Assessment of the conservation status of Posidonia oceanica beds in the marine Site of Community Importance in Villasimius (Italy) within the project LIFE+ RES MARIS

• Published in: PeerJ preprints
• Main Authors: Frau, Francesca, Maria-Francesca Cinti, Masala, Valeria, Acunto, Stefano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego PeerJ, Inc 09.06.2015
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Biodiversity; Conservation; Conservation status; Diving; Fishing; Marine ecosystems; Posidonia oceanica; Protected species; Swimming; Terrestrial ecosystems; Italy
• ISSN: 2167-9843
• DOI: 10.7287/peerj.preprints.1042v1

The marine Site of Community Importance (SCI ITB040020) of the network Natura 2000 is included almost entirely within the perimeter of the Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara (South East Sardinia, Italy) which is characterized by a high biodiversity, with 720 species and 30 marine habitats reported. Hence, it is recognised as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI). During the summer the area is affected by anthropogenic impacts due to recreational activities (e.g. fishing, pleasure boating, swimming, diving) that represents potential threats to some species and protected habitats. This study is part of the project LIFE+ RES MARIS (LIFE13 NAT / IT / 000 433), addressed to the restoration and conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems included in the SCI under Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The aims is to evaluate the conservation status of the priority habitat 1120 “Posidonia beds” through mapping and characterization of the Posidonia oceanica meadow in areas that previous studies have identified as the most affected by anchoring, for a total surface of about 400 ha. Acoustic methods (Side Scan Sonar), direct visual surveys in SCUBA diving and underwater towed camera are applied. Assessments of coverage of P. oceanica, types of substrate, continuity of the meadow, presence of dead matte, Cymodocea nodosa and benthic alien species (e.g. Caulerpa cylindracea) are reported. Results are crucial for enhancing the knowledge of the current distribution and status of the priority habitat 1120 and is basic for planning further concrete conservation and monitoring measures.