Field studies of seahorse population density,structure and habitat use in a semi-closed north-eastern Mediterranean marine area (Stratoni,North Aegean Sea) |
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Authors: | Miguel Correia Diogo Paulo Elina Samara Panayota Koulouri Vasilis Mentogiannis Costas Dounas |
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Affiliation: | 1. CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, FCT, Faro, Portugal;2. Fisheries Biology and Hydroecology, Hippocampus Marine Institute, Gerakas, Greece;3. Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Gournes Pediados, Heraklion, Greece |
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Abstract: | The present study was carried out in the marine area of Stratoni, Greece, where two seahorse species are present (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus). Two surveys were conducted (September 2016 and May 2019) to gather information regarding seahorse species' abundance, distribution and habitat characteristics. Four different seahorse natural and artificial habitat types were identified. The results revealed that the presence of H. hippocampus was relatively high, especially at sites with artificial structures, whereas the presence of H. guttulatus was rare. Data collected can provide baseline information for future population assessments. |
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Keywords: | artificial structure scoastal area habitat use Mediterranean Sea threatened species |
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