Ecological characterisation of a Mediterranean cold-water coral reef: Cabliers Coral Mound Province (Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean)

摘要: Abstract Scleractinian cold-water coral (CWC) reefs are key habitats for benthic fauna as they enhance spatial heterogeneity and biodiversity. Understanding their environmental ecological dynamics has therefore important implications biodiversity conservation. This is especially true the Mediterranean Sea, where living rare. In this study, we present a quantitative analysis of CWC assemblages from Cabliers Coral Mound Province, located in Alboran Sea (westernmost Mediterranean). The province extends 25 km, with some mounds rising up to 140 m surrounding seafloor being partly topped by reefs. observed megabenthic species were quantified through video three Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dives (280–485 m water depth) distribution was related mound geomorphic characteristics terrain parameters, extracted high-resolution Autonomous Underwater (AUV) multi-beam bathymetry. pronounced abundance size scleractinian CWCs among assemblages, makes only known currently growing Within these reefs, several recruits juveniles sebastid Helicolenus dactylopterus observed, confirming use such nursery grounds commercially valuable fish species. qualitative comparison between Atlantic suggest that number associated worldwide even higher than previously thought. finding conservation management different geographic regions.