Population genomic structure of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata in Mediterranean Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

Abstract Antipathella subpinnata (Ellis and Solander 1786) is one of the most frequently observed black corals at mesophotic depths (60–200 m) Mediterranean Sea, particularly in northwestern part basin, where its populations can reach high densities create forest-like aggregations, both along coast offshore locations such as seamounts. Similar to other marine underwater forests, coral gardens host a rich associated fauna attract numerous species commercial interest. As such, these are targeted by recreational artisanal fisheries vulnerable human impact due their arborescent morphology low growth rates. Genetic connectivity provide valuable insight into processes population maintenance replenishment following environmental disturbance often used proxy for resilience. In our study, restriction-site DNA analysis (2bRAD) was evaluate fine-scale structure A. , understand which could serve potential source genetic diversity adjacent populations. Colonies from two localities (a Ligurian seamount Tyrrhenian canyon) four coastal Liguria Sicily were sampled genotyped. Significant differentiation recorded between localities. Moreover, genetically distinct another, while all characterized panmixia. This indicates that potentially less resilient (i.e., demersal fishing activities) limited influx larvae habitats. addition, they unlikely supply propagules Overall, this study highlights vulnerability importance enforcing conservation management measures achieve Good Environmental Status (GES, EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive) ecosystems.