Relative benthic status guides sustainable trawl management in the Adriatic–Ionian Seas

Abstract Fishing activities with mobile bottom-contacting gears can heavily impact the seafloor, disrupting marine life and potentially leading to a loss of biodiversity. The impact of fishing pressure on benthic habitats depends on their natural sensitivity, the type of fishing gear, and the frequency and intensity of fishing. This study focused on assessing the health of benthic habitats in the Adriatic and Western Ionian Seas (Mediterranean Geographical Sub-Areas 17, 18, and 19), using the relative benthic status indicator, which quantifies the interaction between fishing pressure and habitat sensitivity. Results obtained provide relevant insights to help balance conservation goals with the need for sustainable fishery activities. The results revealed differences between the two studied areas. The Adriatic Sea, with its high concentration of fishing activity in muddy continental shelf habitats, showed significant degradation of the benthic state. In contrast, the Western Ionian Sea, characterized by a higher proportion of deeper waters, appeared to be in better condition due to comparatively lower fishing intensity. These findings highlight the critical need for spatially targeted management to mitigate the fishing impact. Two management scenarios were explored to support sustainable fisheries. The first scenario focused on introducing spatial closures in areas of ecological importance, reallocating banned fishing activities to less sensitive areas. The second scenario implemented a gradual reduction in fishing effort over five years, aligning with the regional management plan in force in the study area. While spatial closures resulted in localized improvements in benthic health, broader effort reductions offered more widespread benefits across the region. These findings underscore the importance of spatial planning and adaptive fishery management to protect marine habitats and their long-term productivity and diversity.