Sneaking into a Hotspot of Biodiversity: Coverage and Integrity of a Rhodolith Bed in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Habitat mapping, physical characteristics and benthic community of a rhodolith bed in the Pelagie Islands (Strait Sicily, Mediterranean Sea) were studied through Multi–Beam Echo–Sounder (MBES), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) grab samples. The geomorphological analysis revealed an articulated wide bed; video inspections highlighted with high coverage, few sandy patches prevalence boxwork morphotype. A total 207 taxa 876 specimens identified, Polychaeta was dominant taxon. Linguimaera caesaris, Lessepsian amphipod, recorded all sampling sites, its presence represents input to deepen assemblage research on bed. In terms morphotype composition, dead/live ratio species variability, variability indicated good status health, although trawling signs detected ROV videos. present study broadens knowledge beds supports importance survey monitoring activities for conservation management this important habitat.