A multi-observer approach to promote the conservation of north Adriatic marine biogenic habitats

Abstract

<p>Environments along the ocean-land continuum strictly interlink to each other both in horizontal and in vertical. Most of the acting processes require investigation through a multi looking observation approach, integrating coastal oceanography, hydrogeology and marine ecology. This can be achieved by simultaneously looking from different perspectives at the same environmental context and processes. <br>The present study focuses on the northern Adriatic Sea, where a number of peculiar, diverse and valuable coastal and marine ecosystems are localized, characterized by high biodiversity and productivity, such as the Lagoon of Venice and the underwater biogenic-geogenic rocky outcrops named <em>tegnùe</em>. Their structural complexity and habitat heterogeneity is increased by the role of habitat forming species, bioconstructors and biodemolitors. To understand the ecological and morphogenetic role of these organisms, selected biogenic formations and habitats, such as the fan mussel <em>Pinna nobilis</em> colonies on both the Lagoon of Venice and the rocky outcrops, were investigated. Innovative approaches are here presented to map and characterize these biogenic habitats at different hierarchical levels, in order to promote their conservation.</p>