BENTHIC ASSEMBLAGES OF BIOGENIC REEFS IN THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA: SYNTHESIS AND NEW INSIGHTS

Biogenic reefs in the northern Adriatic Sea have a high ecological and economic value, but they are subject to different impacts and require more protection. Here we reviewed recent literature on biogenic reefs and presented new data on their diversity, connectivity and the potential factors affecting species distribution. Results showed that biogenic reefs have a high spatial heterogeneity primarily driven by hydrodynamic factors and nutrient loads. Connectivity simulation helped to explain this diversity and stressed that current protection measures should be extended to other important sites for species dispersal.