Spatial patterns and drivers of benthic community structure on the northern Adriatic biogenic reefs

Abstract The northern Adriatic Sea (NAS) hosts numerous biogenic subtidal reefs that are considered biodiversity hotspots. Several studies have already investigated the origin and of these reefs. However, many them still unexplored further knowledge is needed for their conservation. Here, spatial variability, epibenthic community structure, environmental features characterize habitats were investigated. Fifteen randomly selected sampled between 2013 2017, including some remote sites never been studied before. A fuzzy k-means clustering method redundancy analysis used to find similarities among in terms assemblages model relationships with abiotic variables. results showed highly heterogeneous species composition geomorphological features. also consistent previous highlighted three main types benthic defined by dominance different organisms, mainly reflecting coastal-offshore gradient: nearshore reefs, generally dominated stress-tolerant species; at a middle distance from coast, characterized sponges, non-calcareous encrusting algae ascidians; offshore reef builders. coast was not only factor affecting distribution, as other local factors characteristics played role. This kind temperate seas poorly known. present work contributed shed light on habitats, complementing natural diversity, highlighting specificity communities NAS need improve current, inadequate, conservation measures.