Mediterranean coralligenous communities are highly diverse (harbouring around 1600 species corresponding to 20% of Mediterranean species) and of great structural complexity. The species dominating the coralligenous seascape are encrusting calcareous algae, sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans and tunicates. Despite the ecological, aesthetic and economic value of coralligenous outcrops, there is little understanding of coralligenous biodiversity patterns.
In order to raise the awareness of the coralligenous richness, MedRecover decided to develop a database for species dwelling in these communities. This database is intended to help researchers, managers and general public to identify species.
However, this database has not developed to become a reference and much less to replace the advise of specialists.