Decadal evolution of a coralligenous ecosystem under the influence of human impacts and climate change.

Long-term change in the coralligenous community of Punta Mesco (Ligurian Sea) was evaluated merging qualitative information contained in descriptive papers since 1937 with quantitative data obtained from discontinuous photographic surveys since 1961. Increased sedimentation rate and surface-water temperature were responsible for the major changes observed in benthic assemblages. Key-words: coralligenous, long-term change, UW photography, Mediterranean Sea. Introduction Marine coastal ecosystems are among the most vulnerable to global change. The best way to evaluate their decadal-scale variation is to monitor locations where long-term series are available (Bianchi and Morri, 2004). Yet, data sets encompassing time scales longer than a few years are scarce, especially for Mediterranean rocky benthic communities. Nevertheless it is possible to reconstruct Fig. 1 Gross morphology of the shoal off Punta Mesco (from Salvati 1997, modified). Morfologia approssimativa della secca di Punta Mesco (da Salvati 1997, modificata).