RESULTS OF DIFFERENT ANTHROPIC USES ON THE STRUCTURE OF VERMETID REEFS

Abstract

The biogenic vermetid reef is a key habitat of coastal ecosystems that modifies the shoreline morphology and increases the local biodiversity. Despite its ecological relevance, rarely it is subjected to an accurate management and is often exposed to several human activities. This study aims to distinguish between the effects of different typologies of anthropic uses on the physical structure of the vermetid reef. A comparison between totally protected, partially protected and strongly anthropized reefs has been done and two variables have been analysed: the substratum complexity and the density of reef-building organism. Both the variables show higher values in totally and partially protected reefs, demonstrating the importance of conservation strategies for the correct management of this important bioconstruction.