The neglected status of the vermetid reefs in the Mediterranean Sea: A systematic map

•The research on Mediterranean marine habitats is unequally driven by European directives and laws.•A neglected habitat definition is provided.•Bibliometric analyses are used to define the neglected status of habitats.•In the Mediterranean Sea, coralligenous formations are mostly studied.•On the contrary, vermetid reefs can be defined as a neglected habitat.