Assessing the Effect of Full Protection on the Biomass of Ericaria amentacea and Understory Assemblages: Evidence from Two Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas

Cystoseira sensu lato marine forests, which are among the most productive and diverse systems in rocky intertidal subtidal habitats of Mediterranean Sea, experiencing a widespread decline throughout basin due to increasing human pressures. Yet it is still unclear whether Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) may represent effective tools for conservation these important habitat formers their associated assemblages. Here, we compared biomass stands Ericaria amentacea (C. Agardh) Molinari Guiry understory assemblages between no-take zone control sites two MPAs. We did not find evidence supporting significant effect full protection E. assemblages, except macroalgae one investigated MPAs, raising concerns on potential effectiveness MPAs mitigating impacts forests. Such findings call major efforts implement long-term monitoring programs protected s.l. forests order inform an adaptive management measures within eventually set active interventions restoration.