Abstract
Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gears (ALDFG) have significant negative effects on marine ecosystems. In the Mediterranean Sea, the impact of ALDFG is particularly relevant on coralligenous reefs. The management of ALDFG focuses primarily on their removal, however this type of intervention may potentially damage the habitat, so its suitability requires careful prior assessment. Recently, the Gear Removal Index (GRI) based on direct observations by divers was proposed as a tool to support the managers decision‐making, prioritizing the removal of ALDFG. The paper proposes a revision of the GRI method (Advanced Gear Removal Index, AGRI), based on a video sampling protocol and a modified index for application to additional habitats and marine protected areas. To validate the method, the new protocol was tested on several study cases distributed around Sardinia Island both on shallow and deep coralligenous reefs. The obtained AGRI values indicated a medium level of impact and the suitability for removal for all the ALDFG evaluated. The use of AGRI has proven to be an effective support tool for the management of ALDFGs, allowing for a relatively quick assessment of both the impact of ALDFG and their removal priority. Moreover, the modified protocol extends the method's use to deep habitats representing a useful tool for coralligenous reef conservation.