New paper is out!

We are excited to announce the publication of our new study on the coralligenous assemblages of the north-eastern Mediterranean—one of the region’s most biodiverse yet least explored marine habitats!

Using an integrated acoustic–optical approach combining side-scan sonar and targeted ROV surveys, NEMO-Tools team mapped coralligenous formations in the NE Aegean Sea and assessed the condition of key gorgonian species alongside the impacts of marine litter.

Our findings reveal low gorgonian densities and limited recruitment, but the presence of large, mature colonies suggests stable environmental conditions that support long-term population persistence. Marine litter—mainly fishing lines and ropes—was widespread and frequently entangled with gorgonians and sponges.

This work provides essential baseline data for conservation planning and reinforces the value of non-destructive underwater monitoring to support EU environmental directives.

📄 Check out all the details in the new publication here!

Marine litter in contact with several vulnerable taxa of the coralligenous at the Tokmakia drop-off (NE Aegean Sea, Greece): (a) heavily bio-fouled fishing lines hanging from coralligenous assemblages, and covering a large part of the assemblage, (b,c) entanglement and abrasion of E. cavolini, P. clavata, and S. savaglia colonies caused by fishing lines, (d) fishing lines hanging over and covering coralligenous assemblages, (e) a bio-fouled fishing net hanging and covering several ben-thic taxa, including the protected sponge species Aplysina spp., (f) fishing net lying and covering the coralligenous assemblages. (https://doi.org/ 10.3390/jmse13122237)

Stay tuned for updates!!!