Conservation and restoration of Cystoseira forests in the Mediterranean sea: The role of marine protected areas

In the Mediterranean Sea Cystoseira forests are locally threatened due to several impacts. The low dispersal capacity of most Cystoseira species makes the natural recovery unlikely. The restoration of Cystoseira forests can represent a valuable solution and is recommended where the historical presence is recorded and the impacts that led to its loss are no longer acting (a reasoned forestation could be considered also where historical data are not available). MPAs may play a paramount role in the conservation of Cystoseira forests, guaranteeing protection from several impacts and representing the source of propagules for the restoration of lost or degraded forests outside their borders. MPAs where Cystoseira forests are lacking due to past impacts should be considered as priority experimental sites for artificial forestation.