Demographic Structure of Gorgonian (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Holaxonia) Assemblages in the Bay of Saros

Abstract

The aim of this study was to scientifically record the current status of gorgonian populations in Saros Bay, an important part within the Saros Specially Protected Area, and to provide data for future monitoring of changes. Twenty-five scuba dives were effectuated between 0- 40 m depth along southern, northern and three islands coast of the bay in order to determine the species and locate sites of highest density. Four sites that can be evaluated as gorgonian facies were determined and were quantitatively studied by transect or quadrat techniques. According to our results, the white gorgonian Eunicella singularis is distributed along the northern coasts, particularly around thrice locality and has a density of 2-3 colonies.m(-2) where colonies are densest. Both white and yellow (E. cavolini) gorgonians can be found along southern coasts. The white gorgonian has a density between 1-5 colonies.m 2 where densest, while the yellow gorgonian can reach around 10 colonies.m(-2). The yellow gorgonian population has a symmetrical size frequency distribution and the abundance of large size classes is conspicuous, particularly in comparison to populations in the Western Mediterranean. However, small size classes are at low numbers, which might be a sign of limited recruitment.