Assessment of the Sabellaria alveolata reefs’ structural features along the Southern coast of Sicily (Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea)

The honeycomb worm Sabellaria alveolata is a gregarious tube-dwelling polychaete that builds remarkable biogenic reefs in marine coastal waters. are considered valuable habitats requiring protection measures for their conservation, as they play key role the functioning of ecosystems. Sabellarid extensively developed along Atlantic coasts Europe and reported Mediterranean Sea Italian coasts, where large have been recorded several localities. Fragmentary information available on health status, thus being listed “Data Deficient” Red List Marine Habitats. To fill this knowledge gap, study focused analysis structure three found southern coast Sicily. In particular, we aimed to assess phases with respect natural cycle characterizes sabellarid reefs. Reef features were analyzed both macroscale, based bioconstruction size (diameter thickness) degree fragmentation, microscale, measurement density, opercular length sand porch presence. This reveals relevant differences among studied locations. These attributeto temporal shift linked reef phases, albeit further analyses needed understand possible effect anthropogenic sources variation Southern Sicilian conclusion, unique persistent habitat proper management conservation measures.