MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES AND HABITATS OF CONSERVATION INTEREST IN THE GALLINARIA ISLAND (LIGURIAN SEA): A STUDY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MARINE PROTECTED AREA

The conservation of endangered and protected species and sensitive habitats is amongst the primary objectives of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) whose zoning should be conceived through a process which identifies appropriate protection regimes directed at areas characterised by such species and habitats. The present study, describes the distribution of protected species and sensitive habitats in the coastal waters of the future Italian MPA of the Gallinaria Island and illustrates the method used to identify the main categories of restrictions crucial to respect the specific sensitivities of species and habitats.