Work

Ericaria amentacea natural capital: the hidden treasure of Mediterranean midlittoral environments

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In Italy, the "Environmental Accounting in Italian Marine Protected Areas" (EAMPA) research program assessed the natural capital in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The program did not include the midlittoral rocky habitats, where brown algae Cystoseira sensu lato thrive, representing ecosystem engineers. Among them, Ericaria amentacea is a sensitive species in decline in the Mediterranean. In this study, the value of Ericaria amentacea stands was assessed in two MPAs at different times.There were no significant differences between MPAs, while temporal differences were significant. Indeed, integrating the separate contributions of the perennial cauloid and deciduous fronds allowed a more refined assessment of the effective value of Ericaria amentacea forests and an estimate of their flows. During the vegetative period, with the growth of the branches (flows), the value concentrates in the canopy. This, highlights the role of this habitat as a biodiversity hotspot.

Source: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2025.100918