Habitat spatial distribution is essential to know where to focus the protection of the seafloor resources. In this work, the bathymetry and backscatter seabed data show the importance of remote sensing applications and geospatial tools to have detailed information of the areas studied. The highresolution data enable to explore the environmental characteristics of selected Mediterranean habitats. These data were combined with available samples for ground truthing the habitat distribution model in the southeast of Cabrera National Park. The habitat modelling results show the high value of the studied area for ecological research. Unique communities of large filterers, including sponges, ascidians and bryozoans, were detected in this area. This study presents a potential habitat distribution map of the vulnerable reef habitat 1170, protected under the UE-Directive on the conservation of Habitats, Flora and Fauna, on the southeast margin of Cabrera Island.

Spain’s extensive marine jurisdiction—comprising a continental shelf of approximately 100,000 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone approaching one million km²—requires robust geospatial frameworks to support ecosystem assessment and marine policy implementation. This study presents GIS-based methodologies developed by the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO-CSIC) within national initiatives such as LIFE IP INTEMARES project and the implementation of Marine Strategy Framework Directive (European Directive 2008/56/EC). The geospatial workflows developed for these initiatives integrates heterogeneous spatial datasets—such as multibeam bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and towed-camera transects, sediment samples, oceanographic profiles, and species-habitat occurrence records—into a unified spatial analysis environment. Applied methods include digital terrain modeling, derivation of geomorphometric indices (e.g., slope, rugosity, curvature), image classification, and spatial statistics to quantify habitat extent, condition, and anthropogenic pressures. An integrated spatial analysis framework combining environmental and anthropogenic data is used to support zoning and management decisions within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Additionally, the deployment of WebGIS platforms facilitates data dissemination, iterative review, and stakeholder engagement, thereby enhancing transparency and accessibility. The resulting high-resolution maps, harmonized datasets, and computed spatial indicators—aligned with Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) descriptors such as habitat distribution (D1C4–C5) and seafloor integrity (D6C2–C3)—demonstrate how GIScience methods provide reproducible, decision-ready information to support the monitoring and management of Spain’s diverse marine ecosystems.

Seamounts are considered biodiversity hotspots that play a relevant role in deep-sea ecosystems. The LIFE IP INTEMARES project aimed to enhance scientific knowledge of the biodiversity and distribution of benthic species and habitats in the Mallorca Channel seamounts (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean): Ses Olives, Ausias March and Emile Baudot. This study develops habitat suitability models, based on the presence/absence of species or assemblages and environmental and fishing variables, to predict and map 11 potential biogenic benthic habitats and pockmarks fields. Rhodolith beds, mainly overlapping with sponge gardens, were found on the circalittoral detritic sandy bottoms of the summits of the shallowest seamounts Ausias March and Emile Baudot. Sponge and gorgonian gardens were found on coralligenous outcrops and rocky flanks, while smaller sponges and pockmarks were widespread on deeper adjacent bottoms. Notably, the bamboo coral Isidella elongata was recorded on bathyal muds between Ses Olives and Ausias March. These results provide a spatial framework to support conservation zoning and the proposal of the Mallorca Channel seamounts as a Site of Community Interest for their inclusion in the marine Natura 2000 network.