The study area is located in the Conero Coast (western coast of central Adriatic Sea). This particular coastline is characterized by mostly rocky beaches and outcroppings essential for the growth of G.barbata. Below you will find which specific sites were surveyed during the May-June period.
Piscinetta
Located in Passetto, the most central urban beach of Ancona. The name of this site, "piscinetta", means little swimming pool in Italian and it refers to its shape and shallow depth which resembles a pool. The fact that it is such a sheltered site seems to have facilitated the growth and continuity of the population, becoming the main donor population of the area.
Scalinatta
Scalinatta is also located in Passetto. Despite its proximity to the city and high exposure, Gongolaria barbata is able to grow on this site and fragmented patches can be found in deeper waters compared to the other sites. On this site, in addition to the phenology study also the distribution of associated macroalgae to G.barbata is being studied .
Scalaccia (N and S)
Scalaccia beach is divided into two study sites: Scalaccia North (SN) and Scalaccia Sud (SS), which are both more remote from the city and hence have fewer anthropogenic stresses. The second donor population is found in SN, which is shallower and less exposed than SS. G.barbata, on the other hand, is nearly non-existent in SS, thus, extensive restoration action was undertaken this year.
Grotta azzurra
Grotta Azzurra located at the foot of Cardeto Park is made up of numerous rocks amalgamated with the walkways and concrete piers built in front of the cave that gives name to the site. It contains one of the restored populations from restoration actions that took place last year and new recruits growth is monitored monthly.
