Salomidi et al. 2009

Some observations on the structure and distribution of gorgonian assemblages in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Salomidi M, Smith C, Katsanevakis S, Panayotidis P, Papathanassiou V

technical report
Abstract

Knowledge on distribution of coralligenous communities with gorgonian facies (Anthozoa: Gorgonacea) is still rather poor in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This is mainly due to their considerably deeper distribution than their Western basin counterparts. In the framework of “Nautilos” Project (2005-2008) several combined Submersible and ROV surveys were conducted to systematically locate gorgonian facies and visually assess their basic structure and distribution. Gorgonian assemblages were recorded from 10 study sites within a depth range of 30-120m. Shallow gorgonian assemblages were an exception, with most found at depths greater than 50m. In general, Eunicella cavolinii and Paramuricea clavata were found to be the most common species, while Leptogorgia sarmentosa, Eunicella singularis and Corallium rubrum were extremely rare findings. Considering the susceptibility of these habitats to various anthropogenic impacts, this is an important first attempt to map their spatial distribution and give a general description of their composition and present ecological state.

Keywords
Metadata (pending validation)
Depth Range
30–250 m
Mesophotic Mentions
0 × (total of 1326 words)
Classification
  • Presents original data
  • Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
  • Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'
Fields
Biodiversity