Scientific watch

The pen shell Pinna rudis is a species protected at European level, just like P. nobilis. However, this species is less common along the Mediterranean coasts than was P. nobilis before the epizootic which decimated its populations. Pinna rudis is

The Natura 2000 network is the centerpiece of the European Union conservation strategy to safeguard priority species and habitats. The question whether other co-occurring species of conservation concern may also benefit from this network, however, remains largely unknown. This study

Since there is no local management for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to prevent the establishment of macroalgae non-indigenous species (NIS), successful efforts to contrast their spread probably should concentrate in the conservation of resistant habitats. This study aimed to evaluate

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been predicted to have a benefit on the adjacent fisheries through two main factors: the emigration of adults and juvenile individuals to zones where fishing is allowed and the exportation of pelagic eggs and larvae

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are particularly useful to assess fish assemblages and to obtain reliable fish inventories. This study shows the value of underwater photo contests as complementary tools to achieve these goals. The authors examined 3513 underwater pictures taken

Since 2001, trained snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba diver volunteers have been recording data on the distribution, abundance, and bathymetric range of 43 selected key marine species along the Mediterranean Sea coasts using the Reef Check Mediterranean Coastal Environment Monitoring (RCMed

Cold-water gorgonians dwelling on the continental shelf are a common by-catch of bottom-contact fishing practices. Given the slow growth and limited recruitment of cold-water gorgonians, the impact of fishing activities may seriously compromise the conservation of the highly complex coral

The Mediterranean Sea supports high levels of biodiversity and complexity but is facing increasing human pressures, so that strategies to protect and recover its ecosystems must be a priority in environmental policies. Benthic cartography represents the first step of marine

Marine Protected Area (MPA) management and governance is key in MPA effectiveness. This paper examined the governance of three north-western Mediterranean MPAs: Port-Cros National Park (PCNP), Tavolara Punto-Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (TPCCMPA) and Ustica Island Marine Protected Area (UIMPA).

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a primary tool for the stewardship, conservation, and restoration of marine ecosystems, yet 69% of global MPAs are only partially protected. Partially protected areas may provide benefits in some contexts and may be warranted for