fef25493-649b-40e4-bd5a-3c10e89b4ac7 Distribution of amphipods in Italian marine waters 2000-01-01 This monitoring activity focuses on updating the distribution of benthic and planktonic amphipod fauna in Italian marine waters, including the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Ionian seas. It combines widespread sampling efforts with data retrieved from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and an extensive review of historical literature. Planktonic data spans from 1925 (first biodiversity assessments) to 2025 (ongoing surveys), while benthic surveys began in the early 2000s. Sampling targets both macrozooplankton and macrozoobenthos, including crustaceans and amphipods, across a wide variety of habitats such as artificial substrates (moorings, PVC panels), hard bottoms, biogenic reefs, macroalgae beds, and soft bottoms. The depth covered is from the surface to 110m for benthos and up to 100m for plankton. Methods vary according to institutional protocols, with significant contributions from regional environmental protection agencies (ARPA). Adriatic Sea Tyrrhenian Sea Ionian Sea amphipods Ionian Sea 17.2128 18.8091 38.6343 39.8704 Adriatic Sea 14.0137 19.1049 39.6312 44.3299 Tyrrhenian Sea 10.4428 14.2495 38.4515 42.0125