Sponges represent an essential component of benthic ecosystems, playing valuable ecological functions (i.e., benthic pelagic coupling, ecosystem engineers, carbon sink or water filtration) and affecting community composition by competition. The reconstruction present here is a example of a projects we are currently working on, in order to monitor growth of a Sarcotragus foetidus, Smith 1863, population (n=20) present in Portofino MPA.
S. foetidus is a massive sponge commonly found in Mediterranean coralligenous assemblages. Considered as a microhabitat engineer, only by its presence, enhances biodiversity and structural complexity on benthic assemblages. Sadly, this species every summer it is affected by mortality events and fishing activities all year around due to its massive contitution.
· Photographic sampling & Photogrammetric Processing: Torcuato Pulido Mantas (Sketchfab: Tato.PM)
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