Coastal marine ecosystems are threatened by global change. The implementation of networks of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is required to buffer those effects. Multispecies population genetics studies should improve our understanding regarding the functioning of MPAs. Here, we analysed the spatial genetic structure and underlying processes and factors for the red coral, Corallium rubrum, from a local to a regional scale (<1 to 46 km), in two MPAs from the Catalan sea. We compared these results with those previously obtained for another octocoral, Paramuricea clavata, over the same area. Differences in the genetic structure between the two species, which likely resulted from a differential impact of connectivity and genetic drift were revealed allowing us to suggest conservation policies at different spatial scales. At regional scale, the connectivity estimates for P. clavata supported the need to consider the two MPAs as an effective network. At local scale, the localities harbouring genetically isolated populations of C. rubrum can be targeted for restoration actions. While further research is needed, this first multispecific study should help to enhance the management of the two MPAs and accordingly to improve the conservation of Mediterranean biodiversity. Keywords: “Conservation biology”, “Network of MPAs”, “multispecies approach”, “Connectivity”, “Genetic drift”, “Corallium rubrum”, “Paramuricea clavata”.
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