Sabellaria alveolata is a gregarious polychaete worm that can build biogenic structures on infralittoral sandflats, assembling tubes made by bioclastic coarse sand: such structures increase the habitat heterogeneity and support a high diversity and richness of associated fauna. Sabellaria alveolata plays a pivotal role in the coastal zone management and the provision of goods and services, stabilizing sediments and filtering large volumes of water. With the present project, we aim to assess the distribution of Sabellaria reefs along Latium coasts and investigate the seasonal dynamics and the effects of human disturbances on the structure of the reefs. Investigations will be carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles based-imagery, allowing the creation of 3D models of the studied reefs. Furthermore, we will highlight likely changes in the post-settlement juvenile fish assemblages associated with the reefs in the light of reefs' dynamic and human impacts. The results of this study will provide valuable tools (3D high-resolution maps) for local managers or stakeholders, will fill a gap in the knowledge of such key coastal habitat, and could be applied to the designation of `Special Areas of Conservation¿ to protect Sabellaria reefs as ensured by EC Habitats Directive.
This project fills an existing gap in the knowledge of distribution, dynamics, and ecological features of S. alveolata reefs in Mediterranean Sea. The provision of Geographic Information System (GIS) database and 3D high-resolution maps along Latium coasts offers an important tool for local authorities and stakeholders interested in understanding the reefs¿ evolution and designation of future conservation efforts. Furthermore, the integration of Sabellaria reef structure models with the assessment of fish assemblages highlights how reef structure and dynamics can influence the associated fauna, likely influencing the role of nursery areas of this key coastal habitat.
The main innovation proposed through this project concerns the application of UAVs based-imagery to create 3D models to follow the seasonal dynamic processes and the effects of human disturbances on the reefs. This modern technique based on the SfM approach will be supported by non-destructive UVC to assess how dynamics and human impact reflect on associated fish assemblages, focusing on the presence of post-settlement juveniles of commercially important fish species, target of the local artisanal fishing.