First approach to study the size and morphology of gorgonian corals and sponges using photogrammetric analysis from video transects in the Marine Protected Area ‘El Cachucho’ (Cantabrian Sea)
Date
2016-06-22Type
soundAbstract
The use of non-invasive methodology, which does not cause damage or alterations on benthic communities, is particularly necessary in vulnerable ecosystem studies and Marine Protected Areas (MPA) monitoring. The European directives on protection and the OSPAR Commission described the habitats structured by sessile species of great size, such as corals or sponges, as particularly vulnerable habitats requiring special protection. The knowledge of population structures as indicators of their state of health is a requirement to improve the management programs. The presence of gorgonian forests and deep-sea sponge aggregations in the Le Danois Bank was the cause of it declaration by the Ministry of the Environment as "El Cachucho” MPA, being included in the Natura 2000 network. Currently being performed follow-up surveys to know their conservation status.
This study presents methodology and first results obtained in the analysis of the video transects acquired in ‘El Cachucho’ MPA, during ...