An integrated approach for the benthic habitat mapping based on innovative surveying technologies and ecosystem functioning measurements
Daniele PiazzollaSergio ScanuFrancesco Paolo MancusoMar Bosch-BelmarSimone BonamanoAlice MadoniaElena ScagnoliMario Francesco TantilloMartina RussiAlessandra SaviniGiorgio FersiniGianluca SaràGiovanni CoppiniMarco MarcelliViviana Piermattei
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Abstract:
Abstract Among marine ecosystems globally, those in the Mediterranean Sea, are facing many threats. New technologies are crucial for enhancing our understanding of marine habitats and ecosystems, which can be complex and resource-intensive to analyse using traditional techniques. We tested, for the first time, an integrated multi-platform approach for mapping the coastal benthic habitat in the Civitavecchia (northern Latium, Italy) coastal area. This approach includes the use of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), and in situ measurements of ecosystem functionality. The echosounder data allowed us to reconstruct the distribution of bottom types, as well as the canopy height and coverage of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica . Our study further involved assessing the respiration (Rd) and net primary production (NCP) rates of P. oceanica and its associated community through in situ benthic chamber incubation. By combining these findings with the results of USV surveys, we were able to develop a preliminary spatial distribution model for P. oceanica primary production (PP-SDM). The P. oceanica PP-SDM was applied between the depths of 8 and 10 m in the studied area and the obtained results showed similarities with other sites in the Mediterranean Sea. Though in the early stages, our results highlight the significance of multi-platform observation data for a thorough exploration of marine ecosystems, emphasizing their utility in forecasting biogeochemical processes in the marine environment.Keywords:
Posidonia oceanica
Marine ecosystem
Marine habitats
Biogeochemical Cycle
Benthos
Posidonia oceanica
Potamogetonaceae
Nutrient cycle
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Posidonia oceanica
Paracentrotus lividus
Epiphyte
Diplodus
Zostera marina
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Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile 1813 is an endemic and the most widespread seagrass species of the
Mediterranean Sea. Seagrass meadows are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat to
numerous organisms. Therefore, mapping of seagrass meadows is of crucial importance for conservation and
coastal management purposes. Here we present an integrated geographic information system approach with
SCUBA diving, providing a cost effective method to monitor seagrass beds at shallow coastal habitats. In this
case study P. oceanica meadows were mapped in Ufakdere region of Kaş (Antalya) coastal area between April
– September 2015. A total of 25000 m2
are were screened to create seagrass coverage maps. Results indicate that
P. oceanica meadows cover 21200 m2
and we estimated that 520 m2 of this area is highly damaged. This
integrated approach provided one of the most detailed small-scale Posidonia mapping in Turkey and this time
and cost effective methodology can be applied to any seagrass meadow with great ease to increase our knowledge
on this important habitat.
Posidonia oceanica
Scuba diving
Marine protected area
Marine ecosystem
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Since the seagrass Posidonia oceanica is highly sensitive to environmental changes, a monitoring of the physiognomy, phenology and lepidochronology of the meadows was conducted during 2015-2020 at Tremiti Islands Marine Protected Area (Adriatic Sea). The meadow resulted stressed where anthropogenic disturbances occurred, while the implementation of proper management measures proved to trigger the recovery of the habitat. Our results underlined the importance of P. oceanica as a biological indicator to monitor human activities at local scale.
Posidonia oceanica
Marine protected area
Potamogetonaceae
Marine habitats
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Seagrass meadows are vital coastal habitats that support a wide array of species and provide numerous ecosystem services. The area of seagrass meadow has declined significantly, at a rate of about 5% per year, since 1980. Emerging techniques for seagrass research has the potential to provide new insights to fill knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of seagrass ecological function and ecosystem services. This improved understanding will help us to inform policy makers about protection measures. Using Posidonia oceanica dominated habitats as a case study, this thesis assesses emerging techniques for mapping seagrass habitats, monitoring biodiversity with seagrass habitats and assessing microplastic pollution loads within seagrass sediments.
Kayak-borne down-scan sonar is shown to provide an accurate and cost-effective method for mapping the distribution of seagrass meadows. Sonar-derived data suggested current estimates of seagrass extent in the Aegean, based on analysis of satellite imagery, may contain considerable inaccuracies particularly in areas of complex bathymetry. It is suggested that kayak-borne sonar mapping can provide accurate reference data for larger scale satellite mapping, delivering benefits in terms of our ability to survey seagrass distribution and monitor temporal changes in extent and health.
Environmental DNA is proven to be an effective tool for the non invasive detection of, Pinna nobilis, a culturally important yet Critically Endangered bivalve species associated with P. oceanica habitats. The technique developed in this study is capable of detecting concentrations of DNA as low as 5.50 x 10-10 ng µl-1 from sea water samples. This technique can be used at different spatial scales dependent on the season, allowing eDNA to be a sensitive and precise tool in locating and identifying a key species inhabiting seagrass meadows.
A fine-scale analysis of microplastic distribution within the sediment under a seagrass meadow using recently developed Sediment Microplastic Isolation techniques, indicated that seagrass did not influence the deposition of microplastics to sediment at a semi isolated bay. Microplastics were recovered at relatively low densities across the entire study area. Analysis of sediment patterns suggested that most sediment input was from terrestrial sources immediately adjacent to the seagrass bed and, therefore, that seagrass beds that are closer to terrestrial sources of microplastic pollution are likely to show much greater microplastic loadings.
It is concluded that, emerging techniques such as down-scan sonar, eDNA and microplastic extraction can provide novel insights into the distribution and ecological functioning of seagrass habitats. These insights provide avenues for the development of existing monitoring methods and for conservation policies.
Posidonia oceanica
Marine habitats
Marine protected area
Marine ecosystem
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Posidonia oceanica
Potamogetonaceae
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