| Abstrakt: |
Simple Summary: Underwater visual surveys (UVSs) offer valuable insights into both common and elusive species within reef environments, shedding light on how they respond to environmental changes. Despite Italy's extensive 8300 km coastline, natural rocky stretches are rare along the Adriatic Sea, with one prominent example being Abruzzo's Trabocchi Coast (Chieti, Italy), famously celebrated by the poet D'Annunzio. Fourteen years of research on this rocky habitat has enabled consistent monitoring of this vulnerable area, already at risk from sewage mismanagement, as well as potential flooding and landslide hazards. Beyond the economically significant species it supports, the shallow waters of the Trabocchi reef serve as habitats for fish species that act as climate change sentinels alongside protected species listed under the Washington Convention for endangered flora and fauna. Integrating scientific research, policy, and sustainable local development is crucial to safeguarding this unique coastal ecosystem. Ultimately, the UVS methodology and similar efforts are highlighted as essential tools for increasing environmental awareness, advancing scientific research, and supporting conservation efforts. Ongoing qualitative assessments are particularly important in fragile coastal areas threatened by human activities, pollution, and climate change. This study explores the use of underwater visual surveys (UVSs) to assess biodiversity along the Trabocchi Coast of the Adriatic Sea, one of the few remaining areas with natural reefs in Italy's middle Adriatic region GSA17. Fourteen years of observations underscore the effectiveness of UVSs in ecological monitoring and enhancing understanding of the Trabocchi reef's biodiversity, which has thus far been minimally studied. The marine environment supports a complete and balanced trophic structure, from producers and invertebrates to vertebrate species, including herbivorous fish, a variety of predators, and even bottlenose dolphins. The Trabocchi Coast also serves as a nursery for commercially valuable species (56.5%) and hosts several "climate" indicator fish species (33.3%). Species of regulatory concern, such as Lithophaga lithophaga and Cladocora caespitosa, both listed under CITES Appendix II, as well as invasive species like Rapana venosa and the harmful dinoflagellate Ostreopsis ovata, which poses public health risks, are also found here. This work aligns with the 2023 National Biodiversity Strategy, emphasizing UVSs' role in raising awareness and supporting the conservation of marine resources under increasing anthropogenic pressures. Sustainable coastal management and responsible tourism are particularly vital for preserving the fragile ecosystems along the Trabocchi Coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
