Autor/a:
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Garrabou, Joaquim; Sala, E.; Linares, Cristina; Ledoux, Jean-Baptiste; Montero Serra, I.; Dominici, J.M.; Kipson, Silvija; Teixidó, Núria; Cebrian Pujol, Emma; Kersting, D.K.; Harmelin, J.G.
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Abstract:
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Overexploitation leads to the ecological extinction of many oceanic species. The depletion of historical
abundances of large animals, such as whales and sea turtles, is well known. However, the magnitude
of the historical overfishing of exploited invertebrates is unclear. The lack of rigorous baseline data
limits the implementation of efficient management and conservation plans in the marine realm. The
precious Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum has been intensively exploited since antiquity
for its use in jewellery. It shows dramatic signs of overexploitation, with no untouched populations
known in shallow waters. Here, we report the discovery of an exceptional red coral population from a
previously unexplored shallow underwater cave in Corsica (France) harbouring the largest biomass (by
more than 100-fold) reported to date in the Mediterranean. Our findings challenge current assumptions
on the pristine state of this emblematic species. Our results suggest that, before intense exploitation,
red coral lived in relatively high-density populations with a large proportion of centuries-old colonies,
even at very shallow depths. We call for the re-evaluation of the baseline for red coral and question the
sustainability of the exploitation of a species that is still common but ecologically (functionally) extinct
and in a trajectory of further decline |