Long‐term comparison of structure and dynamics of the red coral metapopulation of the Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea): a case‐study for a Marine Protected Area in the Mediterranean Sea

• DOI: 10.1111/maec.12235
• Publication Date: 2014-12-01T09:09:47Z
• Authors: Giorgio Bavestrello; Marzia Bo; Marco Bertolino; Federico Betti; Riccardo Cattaneo...
• Keywords: Metapopulation; Marine reserve; Marine protected area; Marine conservation

Abstract A large amount of data on the precious coral Corallium rubrum has attested to a dramatic shift in size structure its over‐harvested Mediterranean populations recent decades. One main problems for conservation this species is substantial lack concerning time span necessary population subjected pluri‐decennial harvesting pressure return pristine status. Here, we present multi‐annual set gathered from Marine Protected Area ( MPA ) Portofino, which hosts most important shallow‐water Ligurian Sea and was strong 1950s early 1970s. Quantitative comparison recorded 1964, 1990 2012 indicated increase colonies (from 3 8 g mean weight), resulting an colony biomass 300 current 1500 g·m −2 . As consequence, over same time, density slightly decreased. The role mass mortality phenomena, like that occurred area during 1999, as possible biological features triggering switch red ‘grass plain‐like’ towards ‘forest‐like’ structure, discussed. All these indicate instigation s winning strategy similar management plans should also be evaluated protection deep benthic communities thriving off‐shore banks.