Conservation status of upper-mesophotic octocoral habitats at Sporades Archipelago (Aegean Sea).

Octocoral forests created by the yellow sea fan Eunicella cavolini and the red sea fan Paramuricea clavata were studied at the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades (Aegean Sea, Greece), between 30 and 45 m depth, in order to assess their conservation status and the occurrence of both natural and anthropogenic stressors. The area was characterized by rich and dense coral forests, with densities up to 55.2 colonies m for E.

A Newly Discovered Forest of the Whip Coral (Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) in the Mediterranean Sea: A Non-Invasive Method to Assess Its Population Structure.

Coral forests are vulnerable marine ecosystems formed by arborescent corals (e.g., Anthozoa of the orders Alcyonacea and Antipatharia).