Recent studies reveal a significant decline in biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea, impacting ecosystems that are vital for global populations. Surprisingly, even in accessible marine environments like coastal ecosystems, biodiversity estimates remain limited, particularly in under-researched areas such as sandy zones and Posidonia oceanica meadows.
To address this knowledge gap, researchers conducted a comprehensive study to characterize fish diversity across three habitats (rocky areas, Posidonia meadows, and sandy zones) and assess their contributions to overall marine coastal biodiversity. This research involved numerous underwater scientists who identified and quantified coastal fish species abundance at 62 sites, particularly along the Calabrian coast.
Calabria was chosen due to its diverse coastal waters, including the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and the Strait of Messina, which remain largely understudied despite their potential as habitats for many Mediterranean species. The study, conducted by Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, the National Research Council, and the University of Palermo, was published in the journal Marine Environmental Research.
The findings identified key factors influencing fish diversity, including habitat, salinity, and temperature. The research underscored the significant role of sandy habitats in shaping coastal fish diversity, providing crucial information for the management and conservation of marine environments. These insights align with international agreements aimed at achieving marine conservation and management goals.