Over the past few decades, gorgonian populations have undergone substantial declines as a result of recurrent mass mortality events, raising concerns about the loss of the ecological roles they perform in marine ecosystems. Artificial reefs (ARs) have emerged as a potential intervention to increase the expansion of the natural populations to new areas by providing hard substrates that facilitate the establishment of new gorgonians. GenConMed aims to understand the environmental factors shaping the occurrence and growth of the gorgonian Leptogorgia sarmentosa in the El Biòtop artificial reef (Torredembarra, Spain). More specifically, the project focuses on how nutrient dynamics (nitrates, phosphates, and silicates) combined with geomorphological and hydrological data, can explain observed distribution patterns of L. sarmentosa. A broader goal is to assess how artificial reefs can support the recovery of declining Mediterranean gorgonian populations and contribute to the evidence-based design of Natura 2000 protected areas.

In terms of expected outputs, the project will produce a spatial distribution map of L. sarmentosa across the Biòtop AR, alongside environmental and nutrient concentration datasets. These results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as through science communication materials.