High-resolution mapping of artificial reefs to support marine spatial planning: a case study from the Central Adriatic Sea

This paper presents a high-resolution bathymetric map (0.20 m grid) of an artificial reef located offshore the Marche Region in the Central Adriatic Sea (Italy). The reef comprises modular concrete pyramids and poles arranged in an anti-trawling configuration within a broader protective network. Seafloor mapping was conducted using a high-resolution multibeam echosounder and supplemented, in selected sub-areas, by ROV-based video surveys. The resulting map delivers a detailed spatial depiction of the reef structures, enabling assessment of structural integrity, distribution patterns, and adherence to design specifications. It also establishes a geospatial baseline for monitoring structural displacement, degradation, sediment burial, and associated biodiversity changes over time. Beyond its technical value, the map supports marine spatial planning, enforcement of trawling restrictions, and the development of future artificial reef systems in the region and across the Mediterranean Sea. Its public release fosters stakeholder engagement, reduces gear-use conflicts, and promote stewardship of artificial reef resources.