Description of the site of natural interest

The Secca del Monaco is the largest shoal at Capo Mortola, at 200 m in length. In the centre of it, between 18 m and 12 m deep, are the 'Scafe del Monaco', rocky stacks on top of which Posidonia oceanica grows. The main wall starts at 18 m and sinks to a depth of almost 40 m, where you can observe a population of red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata), on whose branches you can easily spot the gorgonian star (Astrospartus mediterraneus). Thanks to its geographical position, this shoal is sometimes swept by strong currents and is frequented by passing fish such as amberjacks (Seriola dumerili) and liches (Lichia amia). On the seabed you can see, among other things, groupers, lobsters, scorpion fish, moray eels, monsters, nudibranches and barracudas.