Morphostructural Characterization of the Heterogeneous Rhodolith Bed at the Marine Protected Area “Capo Carbonara” (Italy) and Hydrodynamics

Mediterranean rhodolith beds are priority marine benthic habitats for the European Community, because of their relevance as biodiversity hotspots and role in carbonate budget. Presently, typically occur within range 30–75 m water depth, generally located around islands capes, on flat or gently sloping areas. In framework a collaboration between University Milano-Bicocca Marine Protected Area “Capo Carbonara” (Sardinia, Italy), video explorations sampling collections three selected sites revealed occurrence well developed heterogeneous bed. This bed covers an area >41 km2 cape, with live coverage ranging 6.50 55.25%. Rhodoliths showed interesting morphostructural differences. They small compact pralines at Serpentara Island, associated gravelly sand, bigger boxwork Santa Caterina shoal whereas branches reported mostly Is Piscadeddus shoal, muddy sand. Both rhodoliths show spheroidal shape, mean value currents 4.3 7.3 cm/s, respectively, up to maximum 17.7 cm/s Serpentara, shape is variable current velocity significantly lower. The different hydrodynamic regime, constant directed SW, which deviates cape towards E, responsible such heterogeneity, site Island being most exposed unidirectional strong current. We can associate specific morphotypes. definition heterogeneity across large must be considered appropriate management policies.