Inconsistent relationships among protection, benthic assemblage, habitat complexity and fish biomass in Mediterranean temperate rocky reefs

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been proved to effectively protect and restore fish assemblages. There is mixed evidence regarding the effects of MPAs on benthic assemblages, habitat complexity, how protection might mediate features (including biotic abiotic components) with very little information concerning temperate areas. Here, our aim assess 1) influences assemblages 2) mediates complexity fishes. Using non-destructive methods (photosampling for shallow rocky underwater visual census using strip transects assemblages) characterize we sampled 15 Mediterranean locations, each including protected unprotected sites. In all, 90 sites, analyzed 2,760 photos 800 replicated transects, gathering 44 72 taxa. Abiotic, synthetic (i.e. combining previous two) indices computed synthesize features. Overall, whole did not significantly differ between conditions, but higher cover ecologically important erect algae belonging genus Cystoseira sensu lato was recorded within MPAs. show clear patterns related levels, displaying inconsistent responses different locations. Our findings highlight that has a generally positive effect biomass, this latter variable responding independently complexity. study, in conclusion, confirms can be effective rocky-reef highlighting need more in-depth exploration mechanisms determining taxa influence associated