Spring aspect ofthe benthic marine communities on rocky substrata from midlittoral to circalittoral zones of the Tremiti Islands (Adriatic Sea) is described. From a comparison with literature data the disappearance of species characterising well structured infralittoral photophilic communities on rocky substrata like Cystoseira spp. and Sargassum spp., resulted. This finding led us to suppose that a considerable structural deterioration of phytobenthic communities has occurred during the last three decades, probably because of an increase of water turbidity.

Depth range
0- 40 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
0 x (total of 4271 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Community structure
Ecology

Focusgroups
Algae (Macro, Turf and Crustose Coralline)
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Italy - Adriatic-Ionian

Platforms
SCUBA (open-circuit or unspecified)