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110 Gianmarco Ingrosso et al.

For the near future, effective protection must be based on the complete
mapping of these habitats, including their geomorphology (area, shape,
height), and on detailed information on their species composition.
A further task will require understanding of the ecosystem processes that
allow for their persistence.
Reefs of A. calycularis occur along Mediterranean rocky shores, particu-
larly in the western and central areas of the basin. The beauty of these sites
often attracts tourists but, especially at shallow sites, inexperienced SCUBA
divers can cause mechanical damage to the reefs. These shallow sites are gen-
erally not larger than a few hundred square metres, or even less, but they are
important sources of sexual propagules (Musco et al., 2016). Besides MPAs,
where management should prevent damage, the creation of microprotected
areas with some specific restrictions could be the best practice to achieve the
conservation of this natural Mediterranean monument, contributing to
increase awareness by people through specific communication projects.
Some small coves and cliffs in the Gulf of Castellammare in Sicily, and also
many sites in the Gulf of Naples, appear to be good candidates to test and
implement focused protection schemes. The larval biology of A. calycularis
is still poorly known: Pello ´n and Badalamenti (2016) showed that planulae
are released through the tentacles, but their ecology is far from being known.
Mechanically damaged colonies of A. calycularis might possibly be restored
with transplantation techniques. Musco et al. (2017), in fact, demonstrated
that fragments of dislodged colonies can be reimplanted.
More accurate information on the vermetid reef-building species biology
and population connectivity is essential to optimize vermetid reef protection
(Milazzo et al., 2017). Pending the availability of this information, these bio-
constructions should be actively protected, based on the precautionary prin-
ciple, and should become SCIs. It is very important not only to monitor the
state of the endangered species Dendropoma spp. but also to enhance the
knowledge of the highly diverse associated communities for a better under-
standing of this peculiar ecosystem. Its actual protection should be guaranteed
by the establishment and proper management of MPAs or SCIs, according to
Natura 2000 procedures of the European Union. An additional major prob-
lem is represented by the ongoing and projected levels of ocean acidification
affecting the ecophysiological performance of this and many other reef-
building organisms, likely leading to a further reduction of the species abun-
dance and diversity they support (Doney et al., 2009; Donnarumma et al.,
2014; Milazzo et al., 2014; Sunday et al., 2017).
Sabellaria bioconstructions, due to their key functional role as habitat
formers for large biodiversity and to their importance for coastal protection