Identifying gaps in the protection of Mediterranean seagrass habitats using network-based prioritization

Aim Seagrass meadows represent a key marine ecosystem owing to the significant biodiversity they host. Protection actions are often implemented without considering connectivity between habitats. In this paper, we map and prioritize Mediterranean seagrass habitats (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) based on their high potential as sources/retention of dispersal propagules or as stepping-stones. We use this information to identify gaps in the protection of highly ranked habitats.
Location Mediterranean Sea
Methods We use highly spatial resolved marine environmental predictors and species distribution models (SDMs) to map the seagrasses distribution. Then, we use a network-based approach to rank all predicted seagrass habitats based on their contribution to the landscape in terms of patch area (dPCintra index), potential as source/retention of propagules (dPCflux index), and stepping-stone (dPCconnector index). Finally, by overlaying our ranking with the spatial distribution of..., Data generated by using highly spatial resolved marine environmental predictors and species distribution models (SDMs) to map the seagrasses (P. oceanica and C. nodosa) distribution for the Mediterranean sea. Connectivity indices for habitat patches calculated with a network-based approach (CONEFOR): to describe a) patches contribution to the landscape in terms of patch area (dPCintra index); b) potential as source/retention of propagules (dPCflux index); and c) stepping-stone role (dPCconnector index)., , # Connectivity indices for mediterranean seagrass habitats

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.nvx0k6f0c](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.nvx0k6f0c)

Data generated by using highly spatial resolved marine environmental predictors and species distribution models (SDMs) to map the seagrasses (P. oceanica and C. nodosa) distribution for the mediterranean sea. Connectivity indices for habitat patches calculated with a network-based approach (CONEFOR): to describe a) patches contribution to the landscape in terms of patch area (dPCintra index); b) potential as source/retention of propagules (dPCflux index); and c) stepping-stone role (dPCconnector index).

## Description of the data and file structure

Data provided in .csv format. Column names:

* FID: identification code for the geographic point
* lon_WGS84: point longitude in WGS84 reference system
* lat_WGS84: point latitude in WGS84 reference system
* patch_ID: ID of the habitat patch the point belongs to
* mpa_type: numeric code of the Marin...