Desolation
Italy, Liguria, Imperia, Municipality of Ventimiglia
LAT
LONG
Datum/reference system
43°45’676’’
7°32’494’’
WGS 84
Maximum depth
Difficulty
From -24 m to -35 m
Medium
Currently, the best way to visit the Capo Mortola Marine Conservation Area is to contact the Pianeta Blu company and arrange an activity at sea.
Attention
FRAGILE
SPAMI
species
Diving
Permit
not required
Natural
Medium
frequented
Description of the site of natural interest
On the western wall of the shoal, the rock and the coral form a huge spur that closes in on itself, giving rise to a roof colonised by sponges, madrepores (Leptosammia pruvoti) and on the top by red gorgonians (Parmuricea clavata). Here, at a depth of 30 m, it is possible to admire some colonies of P. clavata whose colour has turned yellow, a little known phenomenon that is usually admired at depths of more than 50 m. These seabeds are the ideal habitat for lobsters, groupers and scorpion fish.
