Increasing heterogeneity of sensitive assemblages as a consequence of human impact in submarine caves |
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Authors: | Giuseppe Guarnieri Antonio Terlizzi Stanislao Bevilacqua and Simonetta Fraschetti |
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Institution: | (1) Laboratorio Zoologia e Biologia Marina, Dipartimento Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Universit? del Salento, CoNISMa, Campus Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy; |
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Abstract: | Submarine caves are considered as a top priority for conservation, but the effects of common pressures are poorly known for
these habitats. Here, we examined the effect of recreational human visitation on a selection of submarine caves in a Mediterranean
Marine Protected Area (40°35′40″N; 8°11′39″E) where diving activities are regulated. Sampling was conducted in visited and
not visited caves to assess whether diving activities have a significant effect on cave habitats, what are the components
of biodiversity most affected by this disturbance, and its potential effects on spatial heterogeneity of benthic assemblages.
Results clearly showed that human visitation could significantly affect spatial patterns of benthic assemblages. Organisms
with erect growth forms were significantly more abundant and homogeneously distributed where diving activities are forbidden.
An increase in the small-scale heterogeneity of assemblages and a decrease in their three-dimensional structure could be the
ultimate consequences of human visitation. The interaction between specific stressors and the patterns of distribution of
species and assemblages can drive their spatial heterogeneity also in unique habitats like marine caves, representing an early
warning for the development of appropriate management measures. |
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