Biologia Marina Mediterranea

FIRST CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES OF THE BLUE HOLE OF FAANU MUDUGAU, MALDIVES

Lapo Doni — 2024-06-07

Blue holes are vertical water-filled openings in carbonate rock that exhibit complex morphologies, ecologies, and water chemistry. To date, the Faanu Mudugau Blue Hole in the Maldives is the only known blue hole in the Indian Ocean. It opens on a lagoon floor at 30 m depth and descends to 85 m. A transition zone occurs at about 50 m, where temperature, salinity, pH and oxygen decrease, while both carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide increase considerably. The compositions and functions of the microbial communities inhabiting this blue hole are still poorly studied. We analysed the prokaryotes communities from water samples and from a microbial filamentous structure attached to the sidewall. Molecular and metabolic analyses were carried out. Four zones with different depth-related microbial communities were identified. A strong metabolic response was observed along the entire water column. The oxic-anoxic interface exhibited the highest microbial diversity and metabolic activity. In total, 48 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were recovered from the filamentous mat, predominantly composed of Chloroflexota, Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Planctomycetota phyla. However, none of these taxa have been classified to species level, suggesting the discovery of new uncharacterized species.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: STABLE ISOTOPE SIGNATURE OF THE SEAGRASS POSIDONIA OCEANICA IN PANAREA HYDROTHERMAL VENTS

Federica Relitti — 2024-06-07

The hydrothermal area of Panarea (Aeolian Islands) represents a valuable natural laboratory to study the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, that populate these shallow vents expressing unique plant features. Stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S), powerful indicators of the origin and dynamics of these elements widely applied to P. oceanica, were measured in leaves collected in May 2017 and September 2018 in three vent systems and two control areas off Panarea. δ¹³C results show that strong hydrothermalism is still active in the area, and that P. oceanica can record changes occurring in the surrounding environment. The coupling with δ¹⁵N provides useful information about the physiology of the plant under OA. The preliminary δ³⁴S results encourage further investigation of this element cycle, to understand the dynamics and origin of sulphur in the hydrothermal areas.

TRENDS IN STUDY AND APPLICATION OF MARINE RESOURCES

Chiara Lauritano — 2024-06-07

Oceans cover almost 70% of the earth's surface and are characterized by enormous biological and chemical diversity. Purified marine compounds and/or bioactive complex mixtures can be used for the creation of innovative products with possible pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other industrial uses. Multidisciplinary approaches have been in fact reported to identify bioactive compounds, biocompatible components, gene clusters and innovative eco-sustainable processes. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the exploration of the marine habitat also thanks to the advancement of sampling, cultivation, molecular biology and bioinformatics technologies. The platforms for the identification of bioactivity, the optimization of biomass production, the development of sustainable protocols and innovative methods for extraction of biomaterials, and the use of discarded/underutilized biomass are currently between the main hot topics.

RISULTATI OTTENUTI NELLA SPERIMENTAZIONE DI UN SISTEMA IMTA INNOVATIVO IDEATO CON IL PROGETTO REMEDIALIFE

Adriana Giangrande — 2024-06-09

Vengono discussi i risultati ottenuti nel progetto REMEDIA Life, sia relativi al biorisanamento sia alla sperimentazione nell’utilizzo delle biomasse. Il progetto, svolto nell’area del Mar Grande di Taranto, è nato nell’ambito della collaborazione del DiSTeBA dell’Università del Salento con il Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Biotecnologie e Ambiente dell’Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, la sede di Taranto dell’IRSA CNR, e l’impresa Maricoltura Mar Grande s.r.l.

Il sistema sviluppato e sperimentato nell’ambito del progetto, è applicabile alla maricoltura in-shore, ed è sostanzialmente una policoltura (acquacoltura multitrofica integrata, IMTA) basata sull’allevamento di un set innovativo di organismi biorisanatori: spugne e policheti per il trattamento della sostanza organica e componente batterica, macroalghe per il trattamento dei composti inorganici, le cui biomasse possono costituire dei prodotti che si traducono in un introito aggiuntivo per l'azienda, in un’ottica di economia circolare.

Results obtained in the REMEDIA Life project are discussed, both relating to bioremediation and experimentation in the use of biomass. The project, carried out in the Mar Grande area of Taranto, was born as part of the collaboration of the DiSTeBA of the University of Salento with the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment of the University of Bari Aldo Moro, the Taranto branch of the IRSA CNR, and the company Maricoltura Mar Grande s.r.l.

The system developed and tested within the project is applicable to in-shore mariculture, and is a polyculture (integrated multitrophic aquaculture, IMTA) based on the breeding of an innovative set of bioremediation organisms: sponges and polychaetes for the treatment of organic matter and bacterial component, macroalgae for the treatment of inorganic compounds, whose biomass can constitute products that translate into additional income for the company, from a circular economy perspective.

PORIFERA IN THE REMEDIA LIFE INTEGRATED MULTITROPHIC AQUACULTURE (IMTA) SYSTEM

Caterina Longo — 2024-06-09

The co-cultivation of sponges near mariculture facilities in floating cages represents a promising practice that can contribute to the development of new Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture systems (IMTA) aimed at building sustainable, resilient and competitive aquaculture.Therefore, in the IMTA system tested within the EU funded REMEDIA Life project, carried out in the Mar Grande of Taranto, different rearing methods and different sponge species were tested in order to detect those with the best performance in such conditions. Three sponge rearing cycles have been followed. Our results showed that explants reared on suspended ropes at least doubled their initial volume within the first 12 rearing months, with annual survival rate exceeding 90%. Results obtained on bioremediation capability also suggested the possibility to design effective multitrophic systems to minimize some microbial impacts of marine aquaculture.

RELAZIONE TRA IL BIVALVE MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS E BATTERI IDROCARBURO DEGRADANTI IN AMBIENTE INQUINATO (SIMULATO)

Alessia Lunetta — 2024-06-07

Lo scopo di questo studio è quello di indagare, in un ambiente inquinato simulato (mesocosmo), la presenza e le relazioni tra il mollusco Mytilus galloprovincialis e batteri degradatori di idrocarburi. Sulle branchie delle cozze sono state eseguite analisi quantitative dell'abbondanza microbica [conta diretta DAPI, unità formanti colonie (CFU) e numero più probabile (MPN)], analisi e screening (presenza/assenza) di geni metabolici funzionali (coinvolti nei processi di biodegradazione) , esposti e non esposti agli idrocarburi. I dati ottenuti hanno mostrato che la presenza di idrocarburi influenza l'abbondanza di batteri all'interno delle branchie dei campioni e determina la selezione di specifici batteri (idrocarbonoclastici) (es. Alcanivorax sp.). Tuttavia, non è ancora chiaro se la presenza di questo tipo di batteri all'interno del mitilo sia dovuta a simbiosi o/a seguito di filtrazione. Questi dati rappresentano un punto importante per la potenziale applicazione del complesso sistema biologico (mitili e batteri) per il recupero di ambienti marini cronicamente inquinati.

POTENZIALI APPLICAZIONI BIOTECNOLOGICHE DEI POLICHETI HALLA PARTHENOPEIA (OENONIDAE) E HERMODICE CARUNCULATA (AMPHINOMIDAE)

Roberto Simonini — 2024-06-07

A few polychaetes have commercial value, being used as bait or in the fed industry. Recent research also evidenced that polychaetes could be a source of natural products and employed to exploit the organic wastes produced by fishery and aquaculture. In the present study, we offered mussels and clams simulating bivalve wastes to the polychaetes Halla parthenopeia (a valuable bait) and Hermodice carunculata (an invasive species in Central Mediterranean). We 1) evaluate of the activity of Hallachrome, a secundary metabolite produced by H. parthenopeia, on different bacterial strains and growth modes, and 2) use H. carunculata for the treatment of bivalve waste aimed at recovering and valorising the shells. Hallachrome inhibits the growth of Candida albicans and gram+ bacteria (MIC 0.06-0.25 mM) also in the biofilm growth mode. Fireworms were able to consume up to 0.5 kg of mussel meat per kg of worms per week, leaving almost clean shells.

LE MACROALGHE COME BIORISANATORI E LORO APPPLICAZIONI IN ECONOMIA CIRCOLARE: IL PROGETTO REMEDIALIFE

Loredana Stabili — 2024-06-09

Here we report the results of the REMEDIA Life Project concerning macroalgae cultivated in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system realized in the Gulf of Taranto (Italy). The species Chaetomorpha linum (O.F. Müller) Kützing and Gracilaria bursa-pastoris (S.G. Gmelin) P.C. Silva were considered. Their bioremediation capability was evaluated as well as their potential exploitation since large amounts of macroalgae were obtained which represent a co-product of bioremediation opening new markets in relation to their high commercial value and in the light of a circular economy in line with the "Blue Growth". Macroalgal biomass could be used to create biotechnological products, including innovative feed (to be supplied directly on the farm during fish farming), fertilizers and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial action, useful in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields. Finally, macroalgae could be used in the field of human nutrition as a delicious and healthy "novel food".

POLISACCARIDI ESTRATTI DA ALGHE MARINE INVASIVE COME BIOSORBENTI DI METALLI PESANTI PER UNA STRATEGIA DI BIOREMEDIATION

Eleonora Agostino — 2024-06-07

Heavy metals pollution is one of major concerns for environmental and human health. Invasive macroalgae produce large amounts of biomass often treated as waste, that could be transformed into an economic and eco-friendly resource. In this contest, we evaluated the biosorbent ability of sulphate polysaccharides (100 μg/ml) extracted from Agardhiella subulata (κ-carrageenan), Sargassum muticum (alginate) and Ulva ohnoi (ulvan) to remove arsenite (As^III), mercury (Hg^II) and vanadium (V^V) (100 ppm) from aquatic solutions. All extracts negligibly adsorbed arsenite, κ-carrageenan showed the highest adsorption level of V^V (52.5%), whereas alginate and ulvan adsorbed moderately Hg^II (about 30%). As resulted by spectroscopic analysis, the biosorption mechanisms were attributed to electrostatic attractions between functional groups of alginate or ulvan and Hg^II, and between alginate or κ-carrageenan and V^V. For their ability to adsorb both Hg^II and V^V, κ-carrageenan from Agardhiella subulata and alginate from Sargassum muticum could be proposed to develop bioremediation strategies alternative to physical or chemical techniques actually used for the heavy metals removal.

The ANTI-BIOFILM AND ANTI-FOULING ACTIVITY OF POLYSACCHARIDE FROM AGARDHIELLA SUBULATA (RHODOPHYTA)

Angela Macrì — 2024-06-09

In an ongoing screening for novel environment-friendly anti-biofouling molecules, in this study, crude polysaccharide (κ-carrageenan, A1), extracted from Agardhiella subulata (Rhodophyta), collected from Lake of Ganzirri (Italy), was evaluated for its effects on biofilm formation of the pathogens relevant in aquacultures and human health. A1 showed dose-dependent (100-400 μg/mL) inhibitory activity on the biofilm formation without exerting antibacterial activity. At the highest concentration 400 μg/mL A1 showed antibiofilm activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As assessed by the surface coating assay and the microbial adhesion onto hydrocarbons, A1 was able to inhibit the bacterial adhesion to polystyrene surfaces and modify their cell-surface properties (charges/hydrophobicity). The results suggested that the algal extract hindered the first phases of the biofilm formation. Moreover, A1 was not toxic indicating its safety and potential use for marine environmental applications.

LA “FICOGASTRONOMIA”: UN ASPETTO INNOVATIVO DELL’ACQUACOLTURA MULTITROFICA INTEGRATA

Loredana Stabili — 2024-06-07

In the Remedia Life project, financed by the European Union, an Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system was created in the Mar Grande of Taranto to mitigate the negative effects of a fish farming plant on the environment. Among the bioremediation organisms, the green alga Chaetomorpha linum (O.F. Müller) Kützing) and the red alga Gracilaria bursa-pastoris (S.G. Gmelin) P.C. Silva have been cultivated to reduce the nitrogen salts concentration in the plant. Cultivated macroalgae have a very interesting nutritional profile rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids especially of the ω3 and ω6 series. Given the considerable algal biomass obtained, it was decided to use them as "novel food". Therefore, a book was realized entitled: "Algae our allied: novel food from the Mare Nostrum" which reports the ecological characteristics, the bioremediation capacity, the antimicrobial activities and the nutritional profile of the investigated algae as well as the recipes made with the cultivated algae.

ABANDONED FISHING GEARS IMPACT ON CORALLIGENOUS REEFS OF CAPO CARBONARA MARINE PROTECTED AREA

Annalisa Azzola — 2024-06-07

Fishing gears can cause several damages on coralligenous reefs not only during fishing activities, but also when they are lost on the seafloor. The removal of abandoned fishing gears (AFG) is debated: this may cause further damage on marine habitats. With the aim of assessing the impact of AFG removal on coralligenous in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area (MPA), five sites were monitored considering impact stations and control stations. The BACI (Before-After/Control-Impact) sampling design was used to compare the ecological status of coralligenous before and after the AFG removal by applying the COARSE index (Coralligenous Assessment by Reef Scape Estimate). A reduction of ecological status was observed only in the impact stations of two sites. Gorgonians, bryozoans and erect algae were the most affected species by the action of AFG, the removal of which is recommended when it is done in a way that does not create further damages.

IL GRUPPO LIGURE TARTARUGHE (GLIT) E LA GESTIONE DELLE PRIME NIDIFICAZIONI DI CARETTA CARETTA (LINNAEUS, 1758) IN LIGURIA

Laura Castellano — 2024-06-07

In September 2021, the accidental discovery of three C. caretta newborns in Finale Ligure (SV) allowed the scientific community to asses the first known case of nesting of this species on the Ligurian coasts. The following year, on the night of 15 July, a female C. caretta was observed laying a total of 117 eggs on the beach of Levanto (SP), which were later found to have no embryonic development. These two events were fundamental for the establishment of the Ligurian Sea Turtle Group (GLIT), with the adhesion of Acquario di Genova, ARPAL, University of Genoa, IZSPLV with the aim of managing and studying the nesting of the species in Liguria.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEAHORSES AND PIPEFISHES (TELEOSTEI, SYNGNATHIDAE) ALONG THE ITALIAN COAST

Miriam Ravisato — 2024-06-08

Human activities have significantly impacted coastal ecosystems, leading to habitat changes and degradation, resulting in biodiversity loss. Seahorses and pipefishes, with their unique biological and ecological characteristics, are highly susceptible to the effects of human activities and habitat alterations. A decade ago, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species assessed all syngnathid species, most of which were labeled as 'Data Deficient,' underscoring the lack of information on their distribution, population trends, and threats. This study aimed to improve our understanding of the extinction risk facing syngnathids by conducting a review of published and unpublished sources on their distribution in the confined areas along the Italian coast. A limited number of syngnathid species were found at many sites, although pipefish showed a broader distribution, often coexisting with seahorses. Among the most frequently recorded species were S. abaster for pipefishes and H. hippocampus for seahorses. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying and studying previously unknown populations, especially in poorly researched regions, to enhance the conservation efforts for these vulnerable species.

LA STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA DI NAPOLI – UN CONGRESSO PERMANENTE PER I BIOLOGI MARINI TALIANI

Christiane Groeben — 2024-06-08

The German zoologist Anton Dohrn (1840-1909), a pupil of Ernst Haeckel, decided in 1868 in Messina to cover the globe with a network of zoological stations, taking inspiration from the railway network, to allow researchers interested in the study of marine fauna to stop in a certain place, study the organism of interest, and then continue to other shores. He founded the first station in Messina, but then moved to Naples where in 1872 he built the Zoological Station which today bears his name. Along the way Dohrn demonstrated notable managerial skills, making SZN a cutting-edge research institute, both in terms of the supply of raw materials, research tools and methods and administrative management, thanks to innovative financing methods. So much so that after a few years the Naples Station was considered a permanent zoological congress. The Italian scientific community also contributed to this and took advantage of this.

“C’ERA UNA VOLTA UNA STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA A TRIESTE … “

Gerhard Aubrecht — 2024-06-08

The "k.k. Zoologische Station in Triest" [The Imperial and Royal Zoological Station in Trieste] was the first marine biological station at the Adriatic Sea. Opened in 1875 in the Villa Gialuzzi in the S. Andrea district of Trieste, it was closed in 1915 during World War I. On the basis of new archival studies at the Vienna State Archives, the authors have succeeded for the first time in clarifying the contexts, initiatives and circumstances that led to the founding of the Trieste Zoological Station. Interest in marine biology and seeking for a logistics sea base for zoological and botanical teaching and research determined the origin of marine biology in Austria. As a result, the station was affiliated with the University of Vienna and regularly provided study objects and materials for the teaching of zoology at the universities of the Austrian monarchy.

L’ESPLORAZIONE DI PUNTA DEL MESCO: UN’ESPERIENZA DI CITIZEN SCIENCE NEI PRIMI ANNI ‘60

Giorgio Bavestrello — 2024-06-08

The beginnings of the collaboration between divers and marine biologists in the description of the benthic communities of the Ligurian Sea between the 1950s and 1960s are described. In particular, the focus is made on the exploration of Punta del Mesco, which led to the description of a peculiar coralligenous community characterized by large colonial anthozoans. In this experience, the journalist and diving pioneer Gianni Roghi and the researcher Professor Lucia Rossi played the fundamental role

DALLA STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA DELL’ACQUARIO BERLINESE ALL’ISTITUTO ITALO-GERMANICO DI BIOLOGIA MARINA DI ROVIGNO D’ISTRIA

Josef Dalla Via — 2024-06-08

The economic success of the 'Aquarium Berlin unter den Linden' enabled it to afford maintaining its own external catching station for the supply of marine animals to Berlin's aquaria. The catching station, with an adjoining public aquarium (that still exists today), was built in the northern port of Rovigno/Rovinj (Val di Bora), in the vicinity of the railway station. This ensured a rapid shipment of seawater and living marine animals via the European railway network to Berlin. More recent evidence shows that the catching station was indeed conceived as a research station from the very beginning. This work follows the history of the Zoological station from its foundation as a catching station, later becoming one of the first Max Planck Institutes, and the Italian-German intergovernmental institute that ended with the Second World War.

UTILITY AND LIMITS IN THE USE OF HISTORICAL MARINE BIODIVERSITY DATASETS: A CASE STUDY IN THE GULF OF NAPLES

Maria Cristina Gambi — 2024-06-08

Utility and limits in the use of historical marine biodiversity datasets, for past reconstruction and recent evaluation of marine biodiversity and local ecological conditions, is here presented giving an example in the Gulf of Naples. The examined area is one of the better known of the entire Mediterranean sea due to historical observation on marine diversity since the last decade of the XIX century, mainly by Salvatore Lo Bianco and later by Ugo Moncharmont and his “Archivio”, both operating at the Stazione Zoologica A. Dohrn of Naples. These datasets proved to be very useful to relocate rare species, or track the occurrence of alien taxa. However, the spatial and temporal fragmented observation, the recent changes in the taxonomy, and the difficulty to relocate geographic toponyms, make it sometimes impossible to compare recent patterns from previous historical situations, as in the given example of the evaluation of the industrial impact of the iron factory Italisider in the Bagnoli area.

A MARINE INVASION STORY: CAULERPA CYLINDRACEA (CHLOROPHYTA, ULVOPHYCEAE) IN THE MARINE PROTECTED AREA OF PORTOFINO (LIGURIAN SEA)

Ilaria Mancini — 2024-06-08

The green alga Caulerpa cylindracea, one of the worst invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, was first recorded in the Portofino Marine Protected Area (Ligurian Sea, NW Mediterranean) in 2008, where it was more abundant in the circalittoral (21 m to 45 m depth) than in the infralittoral zone (1 m to 20 m). Monitoring between 2012 and 2021 showed that, notwithstanding high yearly variability, it was widespread at all depths, with minor differences between the infralittoral and the circalittoral. However, recent monitoring data showed that the alga decreased its cover at all depths, to virtually disappear in 2023. This temporal pattern recalls that of the congeneric C. taxifolia, which – after an impressive initial bloom – did not persist in most of the Ligurian Sea.

THE REMEDIA LIFE INTEGRATED MULTITROPHIC AQUACULTURE SYSTEM AS A POWERFUL SPONGE BIOMASS SUPPLY

Joseba Aguilo-Arce — 2024-06-08

The present study was undertaken to assess the survival and the growth rate of the sponges Aplysina aerophoba (Nardo, 1833), Geodia cydonium (Linnaeus, 1767), Hymeniacidon perlevis (Montagu, 1814) and Ircinia variabilis (Schmidt, 1862) within an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system to highlight their suitability for a circular blue economy. Donor sponges were cut into explants and arranged in net bags to monthly monitor their rearing performance in terms of survival and volumetric growth rates. All sponge species showed a high survival ratio not lower than 95 %. Similarly, most species showed values of more than 7% monthly volume increase (with values up to 16% for A. aerophoba) and final volumes more than 150% of the initial (A. aerophoba reaching 400%). All in all, these results make these sponge species reliable candidates for co-culturing in IMTA systems and a possible solution to the biomass supply problem.

NEEDS AND COMPROMISES: OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE

Paolo Albicini — 2024-06-08

Fish aquaculture has always been practiced in human history but was not regarded as the main production of aquatic species, until only after 1990s, when aquaculture production drastically increased, in response to the growing demand of fish as a cheaper and more sustainable protein source for human populations.

Most marine fish farms are sited in sheltered, shallow and nearshore areas, which led to environmental concerns and competition for common sea space. The solution for fish farming industry is to move installations from nearshore sites to offshore sites. The offshore environment reduces the environmental impacts, offers more space for fish farms with reduction of contest with other sea space users alongside better conditions for fish welfare.

Yet, offshore fish farming introduces many biological and physical challenges. The offshore cage design should consider environmental features of the selected site, in order to minimize risks and running costs, while maximizing productivity and fish welfare.

METODOLOGIE DI ALLEVAMENTO DI PORIFERI IN UN SISTEMA DI ACQUACOLTURA MULTI TROFICA INTEGRATA

Roberta Trani

To date, the only practicable way to obtain biomass of large sponges is in situ breeding, based on the technique of asexual reproduction by fragmentation. Indeed, some of the most valuable sponges of cosmetic and/or pharmacological interest have shown promising results when grown on systems suspended in the seawater column, suggesting significant expansion potential for sponge mariculture. Recent studies have shown how some sponge species grow near floating mariculture facilities. Sponge rearing near these plants is an extremely innovative technique that contributes to the development of new integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems aimed at creating sustainable, resilient and competitive aquaculture. These promising results have highlighted the need to develop new marine sponge rearing methods in different ecological conditions in order to support the diffusion of this organisms in mariculture activities also for bioremediation purposes.

LA STORIA DELLA RICERCA ITALIANA SUL CORALLO ROSSO

Giorgio Bavestrello — 2024-06-08

The role of Italian researchers in the study of red coral is briefly described. It is possible to divide the history of studies on this iconic species into three periods. In the first period, which extends up to the entire 18th century, research focuses on the study of the nature of coral, beginning to question the traditional idea that coral branches are algae that petrify in contact with air. This period will end with the studies of Cestoni and Peyssonnell who definitively demonstrated the animal nature of the species. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the studies of Cavolini and Spallanzani provided information on the ecology of the species. The second period, which includes the 19th century and the first part of the 20th, will be linked to the exploitation of the resource with the production of maps of the fishing areas. Finally, the third period, from the 1980s to the present day, will be linked to a series of basic research (population dynamics, reproduction, genetics) aimed at proposing management and conservation measures for the species.

BIODIVERSITÀ DELL’ITTIOFAUNA CRIPTICA ASSOCIATA AGLI IMPIANTI DI MITILICOLTURA: UN CASO STUDIO DEL MAR MEDITERRANEO

Francesca Gaia Bitetto — 2024-06-08

In the Mediterranean Sea, and in general worldwide, cryptobenthic fish are generally less-studied than other ichthyofauna component. Despite this, thanks to their particular biology and ecology, cryptobenthic fishes cover a fundamental role for the ecosystem functioning. For their part, mussel farming plants represent an important substrate in environments usually characterized by inconsistent bottoms and largely contribute to the presence of marine alien species. We conducted a survey in one of the Italian areas most devoted to shellfish farming, the seas of Taranto (Ionian Sea), investigating abundance and species distribution along rows of mussels. Nine species have been recorded and Blennidae was the dominant group in terms of both abundance and diversity, with a species, Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810) as the most common and abundant. The presence of mussels and associated organisms offered essential shelter and food resources for S. pavo, emphasizing the significance of specific environments for their survival and reproduction.

FIRST DATA ON THE NEW EXPANSION OF CAULERPA TAXIFOLIA (CHLOROPHYTA) IN TAVOLARA PUNTA CODA CAVALLO MARINE PROTECTED AREA

Davide Giuseppe Calvi — 2024-06-08

In 2002, a patch of the tropical macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardt was found in Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. Despite the species is considered one of the most invasive alien algae in the Mediterranean, in the MPA, after two manual eradications and several periodic surveys, C. taxifolia was slightly regressing until 2016. From 2017, instead, the patch appeared to be expanding again.

The aim of this study, conducted in the summer of 2020, was, therefore, to characterize the mentioned patch of C. taxifolia, comparing the obtained data with those available for 2016.

Results confirmed that a new expansion event is currently occurring in the MPA, presumably due to the presence of a newly recorded, highly invasive variety of C. taxifolia, C. taxifolia var. distichophylla (Sonder) Verlaque, Huisman and Procaccini, that is spreading also in other areas of the basin.

THE INFLUENCE AT MICROSCALE OF MINERALS ON THE SETTLEMENT OF CHTHAMALUS SPP.

Martina Canessa — 2024-06-08

A microscale study on the distribution of Chthamalus spp. on rocky substrates in which different types of minerals are simultaneously present was carried out on the Alisu cliff (western side of Corso Cape, Corse). In this site, the substrate is a highly metamorphosed paragneiss containing about 60% limestone organized in bands of about 0.1 mm. In addition, centimeter-sized veins and nodules of quartz are present on the rock surface. On this particular substrate, the barnacles are arranged following the schistosity of the rock presumably in relation to the calcite veins, while clearly avoiding the quartz structures. These data confirm the hypotheses already formulated on carbonates' positive role and on quartz's antagonistic effect on barnacle settling.

PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON THE VERMETID REEFS ALONG THE APULIAN COAST IN THE PROVINCE OF BRINDISI

Isabella Coccia — 2024-06-08

This study describes for the first time vermetid platforms along the Adriatic coast of Apulia, in the province of Brindisi. The study has been carried out on the coastline between Savelletri and “Lamaforca” for approximately 24.5 linear km, identifying two types of habitus: encrusting (<1 cm thick) and reef (>1 cm thick). In the first 7 kilometres of coastline, bioconstructions were almost absent, while they were more concentrated on the coastline between Torre Canne and Villanova; platforms were also present on the coastline between Villanova and “Lamaforca”, although in smaller quantities. Morphological investigations confirmed that the bioconstructor species was Dendropoma cristatum (Biondi, 1859); data on the density of individuals and the size of opercula were in line with data from studies carried out in the rest of the Mediterranean Sea; the associated fauna was instead modest. The main anthropogenic impact observed was the trampling. These data represent the first detailed study on vermetid platforms in Apulia, but further studies are needed to describe these platforms also along the Ionian coast.

METABOLITES EXTRACTED FROM CAULERPA SPP. INFLUENCE THE GROWTH OF POSIDONIA OCEANICA CUTTINGS: UNEXPECTED EFFECTS OF THEIR VEHICLE (DMSO)

Daniela Oliva — 2024-06-08

The Mediterranean hosts a large number of allochthonous macrophytes which can replace the native species, threatening the native biodiversity and altering the ecosystem. Among the species of greatest interest are tropical algae belonging to the genus Caulerpa and, more specifically, Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa cylindracea, both highly invasive. Algae of the genus Caulerpa also have the ability to compete with seagrasses, and it has been hypothesized that, at the basis of this competition, there may be allelopathic interactions mediated by bioactive substances. Among the secondary metabolites produced by algae of the genus Caulerpa, the most studied are the alkaloid caulerpine and the sesquiterpene caulerpenina. The latter metabolite, in particular, was found to be abundant in C.taxifolia, but is also present in C.cylindracea and in the autochthonous species C.prolifera.

The aim of this research is to clarify the effects of these molecules on the growth, phenology and molecular responses of Posidonia oceanica cuttings acclimated under controlled conditions in mesocosm, creating the premises to clarify the metabolic pathways involved.

CARTOGRAFIA DELLA PRATERIA DI POSIDONIA OCEANICA DI BERGEGGI: 35 ANNI DI STORIA

Alice Oprandi — 2024-06-08

The study of Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Ligurian Sea dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The first maps summarising the presence and position of seagrasses along the coast, however, were only produced in the mid-1960s with the aim of indicating the best catch areas for commercial fishing. Detailed thematic mapping aimed at defining the exact extent and distribution of P. oceanica was only developed in the second half of the 1980s. Thematic mapping is a relatively recent survey tool that has proved to be extremely effective for assessing the change in marine ecosystems over time and for their proper management. P. oceanica meadows in the Ligurian Sea have undergone a documented regression in the last century due to increasing anthropogenic pressures along the coast, and are therefore an ideal subject for a study of diachronic mapping. The longest available data series concerning a P. oceanica meadow is that of the Bergeggi meadow. From the 1980s to the present, 15 different maps depicting the biocoenosis present in the Marine Protected Area seabed have been collated and compared. Maps show different degrees of reliability depending on the scale, the data acquisition method and positioning system. The diachronic analysis shows two distinct phases: between 1987 and 2005 there is a decrease in the surface area of P. oceanica, while in the last 15 years the extension of the Bergeggi meadow does not seem to show any significant change but a partial recovery locally. This result could be ascribed to regional conservation initiatives, including the establishment of the Marine Protected Area in 2007, and is consistent with the trend of P. oceanica meadows at the Mediterranean scale, whose regression seems to have stopped in recent years.

EVIDENZE DI PALEOCOMUNITÀ A CORALLI DI ACQUE FREDDE DELL'ULTIMO GLACIALE AL LARGO DI GALLIPOLI (LECCE)

Piero Panetta — 2024-06-08

Cold water corals build up massive reefs which strongly enhance biodiversity of deep-sea areas. These frameworks can form coral mounds which also contribute to the complexity and heterogeneity of deep ecosystems. White corals are also widespread in the Mediterranean Sea, where they are particularly abundant in the so-called Coral Provinces where the currents of Levantine Intermediate Waters (LIWs) and Deep Mediterranean Waters (DMWs) supply these ecosystems with food and oxygen. In this study, we provide evidence of the presence of fossil white coral communities off Gallipoli (city of Lecce, South Italy), which date back to the last Würmian glaciation in the Pleistocene. Since the thriving of these communities is strongly influenced by LIWs and DMWs currents, our findings may attest to variations of the current regime in the Mediterranean Sea that occurred during the last glacial period that affected this basin.

EFFECTIVENESS OF A POSIDONIA OCEANICA (L.) DELILE TRANSPLANTATION IN THE GULF OF TIGULLIO (LIGURIAN SEA) 23 YEARS LATER

Chiara Robello — 2024-06-08

Posidonia oceanica meadows represent a emblematic marine ecosystem in both scientific and conservation contexts. Despite several national regulations and European directives promoting their protection, P. oceanica meadows have suffered an alarming decline in the last century due to increasing anthropogenic pressure along the coasts throughout the Mediterranean basin. In order to mitigate the impacts resulting from anthropogenic activities and encourage the natural process of recolonization, several P. oceanica seagrass restoration projects have been developed that involve the reforestation of degraded and restricted areas of the seabed. To date, however, in the absence of a standardized methodology, transplanting techniques, although in continuous development, are still not very effective when compared to terrestrial reforestation techniques. This study evaluated the efficacy and success of one of the first experimental transplantation attempts carried out on P. oceanica in the Ligurian Sea in 1996, on the seabed of the Rapallo marina. The reforested meadow area was again monitored in 2019 and mapped through the polygon technique by means of metric ropes; the density of leaf bundles per m² was also measured. A map of the transplanted area was produced with a GIS platform that allowed calculation of the area covered in m² and an estimate of the total number of shoots in the transplanted area, to be compared with the density data recorded in 1996. Twenty-three years later, the reforested portion of the meadow is still present and alive and is expanding, with an area that has almost doubled. The density of shoots, which has increased fivefold since 1996, confirms the good health and success of the experimental transplanting intervention. The results obtained are quite unexpected considering the high level of anthropogenic pressures acting on the transplant area, which is located within a marina. Moreover, this intervention is a unique case as there is no documented information of successful transplantation on such a long time scale in the literature.

NUOVI DATI SUI GASTROTRICHI MARINI DELLA SICILIA

Antonio Todaro — 2024-06-08

So far, around 40 marine gastrotrichs species have been reported from Sicily. In September 2022, we performed new investigations, focusing on the coast of the Sicily Channel and the Gulf of Mondello. Ten locations were investigated, taking 1-2 liters of sediment from each. Taxonomic analysis was conducted on-site using Nomarski microscopy. Altogether, over 40 species were found, averaging 11 ± 6.8 species per location. The locality Le Solette (Menfi, Agrigento) was the richest, with 22 species, followed by Mondello (Palermo) with 19 species. Overall, the fauna documented in 2022 was made up mostly of species already known for Sicily, but there are also novelties, both at a regional level and in an absolute sense. Our results indicate that knowledge of the gastrotrich fauna of Sicily is incomplete and encourage us to continue research along other poorly investigated coastal stretches of the island.

VALUTAZIONE DELLO STATO ECOLOGICO DI PRATERIE DI POSIDONIA OCEANICA IN SEI ZSC LUNGO IL LITORALE DELLA CALABRIA

Faustino Scarcelli — 2024-06-08

Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile, 1813 è distribuita lungo le coste della Calabria dove forma ecosistemi altamente produttivi che hanno un ruolo chiave nel ciclo delle sostanze nutritive costiere e sono responsabili del mantenimento della qualità e chiarezza delle acque costiere. La valutazione dello stato ecologico di questi ecosistemi è la chiave per preservare il patrimonio naturalistico, la qualità della vita delle popolazioni costiere e l’interesse turistico per la Calabria. In questo lavoro sono state prese in esame sei ZSC lungo le coste tirreniche e ioniche della Calabria caratterizzate dalla presenza di habitat a P. oceanica. Dalle nostre osservazioni e dal confronto con i dati pregressi è emerso che la copertura e la densità delle praterie è in forte diminuzione, fino anche al 50% rispetto a pochi decenni fa, e le cause sembrano essere molteplici. Le analisi effettuate a macroscala, mesoscala, fenologiche, lepidocronologiche, e sulla composizione e la copertura della comunità epifita, in funzione del sito, del versante, e della stagionalità, hanno consentito la determinazione di vari descrittori (e.g., densità dei fasci) e dell’indice PREI di qualità ecologica di P. oceanica nei siti analizzati. Sono emersi dati discordanti tra la classificazione della densità e la reale situazione ecologica valutata dall’operatore in più momenti dell’anno e le varie soglie qualitative di riferimento dell’indice PREI. Qualunque sia la classificazione della densità, da molto sparsa a normale, l’indice PREI ricade sempre nella classe “Buono Stato Ecologico”. Ciò evidenzia la necessità di integrare i diversi descrittori e indici ampiamente utilizzati dalle agenzie regionali per il monitoraggio di P. oceanica. È stato possibile, inoltre, individuare i principali drivers di cambiamento che insistono in ciascun sito e che consistono principalmente nell’ancoraggio di imbarcazioni, corpi morti e catenarie, pesca a strascico sottocosta, eutrofizzazione, costruzione di infrastrutture costiere, attività di dragaggio, diffusione di specie invasive.

FIRST DATA ON THE SPONGE FAUNA OF A SEMI-SUBMERGED CAVE OF THE ADRIATIC APULIAN COAST (SOUTHERN ITALY, MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

Antonella Schiavo — 2024-06-08

Marine caves are vulnerable habitats considered an important hotspot for biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. They contain unique taxa assemblages and play the precious role of refuge for endemic and/or “relict” species. Although the Apulian Adriatic coast, in particular the Gargano and Bari coasts, hosts numerous marine caves, only two caves have been studied for poriferans. In this paper, we present the first data on the sponge fauna of the Colombi Cave, a semi-submerged cave 70 meters long, located along the cliff of Polignano a Mare (Apulian coast). Three stations have been identified at the entrance, in the middle and at the innermost part. A non-destructive photographic method was employed, followed by advanced image analysis and targeted sampling of some species. A total of 55 sponge taxa were identified in the cave. Porifera dominated the benthic community in each station and reached the maximum covering percentage in semi-dark conditions at the innermost station. The present study improves the state of knowledge of Apulian caves and can be used both for comparative studies and as a solid basis for future monitoring.

SHALLOW RHODOLITH BEDS IN CAPO PELORO LAGOON

Damiano Spagnuolo — 2024-06-08

Rhodoliths, unattached benthic calcareous algae, are relevant component of marine coastal environments, mainly in the Circalittoral, where they act both as primary producers and habitat forming organisms. Conversely, shallow water rhodolith beds are poorly characterized, even less in brackish environments. In Capo Peloro Lagoon (north-eastern Sicily), rhodolith beds widely occur both in Lake Faro and the canals connecting to the sea. In the latters, currents hamper mud sedimentation, improve water exchange, supply nutrients and reduce light intensity. In Lake Faro, mud sedimentation is mainly hampered by the anthropogenic disturbance caused by traditional practices of clam farming, which also provide deposits of bioclasts constituting the rhodolith accretion core. By systematic underwater visual surveys rhodolith beds were identified, georeferenced and characterized on a morphological basis. The most common Corallinaceae species, Neogoniolithon brassica-florida, Neogoniolithon hauckii and Phymatolithon lenormandii, revealed to be major actors in the lake-floor stabilization and habitat structuration, further than underline close relationships with long-time persistent human activities.

ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ON MACROZOOBENTHIC COMMUNITIES OF SOFT-BOTTOMS OF THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC SEA, AROUND THREE OFF-SHORE OIL PLATFORMS

Benedetta Trabucco — 2024-06-08

The oil industry has spread all over the globe, since the worldwide increase in energy demand has strongly increased the exploitation of non-renewable resources. ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) has been implementing environmental monitoring plans for more than two decades to evaluate the potential effects induced on the marine ecosystem by off-shore activities in the Upper Adriatic. In the ISPRA X0PIATPE Project, data on the macrofauna of soft bottoms were collected at different distances from different off-shore gas platforms. The macrozoobenthic communities studied, locally around three platforms, and regionally in three related areas, generally show quality and quantitative structural characteristics comparable to those described in these Mediterranean zones. However, the communities settled immediately in the area adjacent to the structures appear enriched by elements not directly attributable to the mobile sediments, compared to those found in the more distant stations.

DPSIR (DRIVING FORCES-PRESSURES-STATE-IMPACT-RESPONSE) MODEL APPLIED TO TWO SICILIAN TRANSITIONAL AREAS TO A BETTER MANAGEMENT

Ivan Angelo Gatì, Dr. — 2024-06-08

I modelli DPSIR sono stati applicati alle pressioni e agli impatti individuati per due aree transitorie della costa siciliana nord-orientale: le lagune di Capo Peloro e Oliveri-Tindari, entrambe appartenenti a Siti di Importanza Comunitaria (SIC) della Rete Natura 2000. Le "forze trainanti" includevano: cambiamento climatico, flussi turistici, manutenzione e attività produttive. Gli indicatori di “pressione” includevano eventi estremi (es. eutrofizzazione/anossia), presenza di specie non indigene e inquinamento. Le comunità bentoniche sono state considerate indicatori di “stato”, mentre la perdita di biodiversità e il valore economico sono stati assegnati alla categoria “impatto”. Dai risultati è emerso che le due lagune sono soggette sia a fattori motori comuni, principalmente sbalzi termici e scarso ricambio idrico, sia a fattori motori diversi che influenzano le caratteristiche degli ecosistemi e dipendono essenzialmente dalla destinazione delle due aree: Peloro per la molluschicoltura e Marinello per il turismo. Sulla base di queste osservazioni sono state formulate alcune linee guida per una migliore gestione delle aree.

MASSIVE SETTLEMENTS OF THE ALIEN OYSTER ISOGNOMON BICOLOR, RAPIDLY SPREADING IN MEDITERRANEAN

Ivan Angelo Gatì, Dr. — 2024-06-08

This paper reports updated records of the tropical West Atlantic oyster Isognomon bicolor from the Tyrrhenian coasts of Sicily, together with first data on its population density and biomass in the Gulf of Milazzo. Hard bottom samplings carried out facing the wastes of the local industrial pole, showed very high values of densities (421±294 specimens/400cm²) and biomasses (163±103 g) from 0 to 1.5 m of depth, demonstrating a high invasive potential. Evidence of a possible competition with the naturalized Lessepesian mussel Brachidontes pharaonis have been also reported.

VALORIZZAZIONE, PROTEZIONE E RIPOPOLAMENTO DI UN SITO DI IMMERSIONE CHE HA SUBITO DIVERSI IMPATTI ANTROPICI: ZSC FONDALI DI ISCA

Amalia Piro — 2024-06-08

Lo strascico sotto costa, all’interno della batimetrica dei 50 metri, è vietato in tutta Italia da una legge nazionale, anche fuori delle aree marine protette. La pesca a strascico sotto costa distrugge i fondali, danneggiando coralligeno e praterie di Posidonia oceanica e depaupera la risorsa ittica; catturando, infatti, anche pesci allo stadio giovanile non commercializzabili, costituisce una concorrenza sleale per la piccola pesca artigianale e per la pesca a strascico svolta al largo, nel rispetto delle regole. Un fenomeno che è particolarmente grave in una ZSC, perché ne vanifica l’effetto ripopolante. Per cui l’obiettivo di questo lavoro è stato quello di tutelare l’ambiente marino costiero, rispettando i concetti di ecocompatibilità e di sostenibilità ambientale in modo innovativo, utilizzando strutture in cemento ecofriendly ripopolanti e antistrascico. Realizzate su fondali marini mobili, monotoni, costituiscono delle variazioni sostanziali all’habitat originario, determinando effetti positivi a livello biologico, ecologico ed economico. Il sito marino di interesse di questo lavoro è la ZSC “Fondali Scogli di Isca” (IT9310039), che è caratterizzato dall’affioramento di due scogli a circa 800 metri dalla battigia. Si tratta di una zona con un sito ristretto di prateria di Posidonia oceanica, con praterie miste di Cymodocea nodosa su sabbia. Dopo un attento studio dei fondali e quindi della fauna e della flora associata sono stati posizionati 6 DAS, 10 reef ripopolanti e 3 sistemi di ormeggio ripopolanti CMR4. Dai risultati preliminari è stato possibile valutare la fauna ittica presente prima, durante e dopo il posizionamento delle strutture con apposite strumentazioni e soprattutto una prima stratificazione del microfitobenthos, macrofitobenthos e la presenza di larve di organismi sessili bentonici. Tale complesso popolamento bentonico costituisce l’innesco per ulteriori e più complesse catene alimentari. In questo modo si ottiene una riduzione della mortalità, sia naturale che da pesca, con risvolti positivi sugli stock ittici.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AERIAL AND SATELLITE IMAGES FOR MAPPING SEAGRASS MEADOWS IN THE MARINE-COASTAL ZONE NORTH OF THE PORT OF OLBIA: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH

Aurora Troccoli — 2024-06-08

Seagrass meadows are protected because they are threatened by human activities and climate change. Their protection plays a fundamental role in the revision of the "Regional Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change" carried out by the Region of Sardinia. Remote sensing is a cost-effective tool to survey large areas of coastline. In this study, seagrass meadows in the marine coastal area of Olbia were mapped in a GIS environment using aerial and satellite remote sensing for 2019. Although the satellite image is characterised by a loss of detail compared to the high-resolution orthophoto, it proves to be advantageous for the purpose of subsequent large-scale analysis due to the high mapping speed, the considerable availability of images with higher coverage and, consequently, the visibility of the lower meadow limit. The result is a methodology for producing a habitat distribution map representing a first step in the implementation of an automatic classification procedure at a regional level.

LA LUNGHEZZA DI PRIMA MATURITÀ QUALE RIFERIMENTO PER LA TAGLIA MINIMA DI CONSERVAZIONE NELLA GSA 16

Sara Biancardi — 2024-06-08

The deep water rose shrimp, Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846), DPS, the European hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linneus, 1758), HKE, the striped red mullet, Mullus surmuletus (Linneus, 1758), MUR, the red mullet, Mullus barbatus (Linneus, 1758), MUT, and the norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus (Linneus, 1758), NEP, are the main target species of the Sicilian trawlers operating in the GSA 16. Given the state of exploitation of these stocks and their economic importance, the length at first maturity (L₅₀) of the species is compared with their minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS). The results show that, except for DPS, in all species the ratio L₅₀/MCRS is >1 Results are discussed on light of the state of different stocks in the area.

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF HABITAT CONDITIONS ON REPRODUCTION OF SMALL PELAGIC FISH IN THE MIDDLE ADRIATIC SEA

Roberto Cacciamani — 2024-06-08

The aims of this study were to describe the reproductive cycle of the small pelagic fish in the Central Adriatic (GSA 17) determining wheter intra- and inter-annual reproductive trait variations, if any, are influenced by environmental flactors. Biological data were collected from mid-water pelagic trawl commercial catches landed in Ancona in 3 yers over 21-year period (2001, 2011, 2022). Environmental data, i.e. Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll a, were obtained from Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service. Results showed that anchovy and sardine spawning intensity, denoted by gonadosomatic index, did not show any inter-annual changes. A strong correlation between decrease in temperature and sardine gonadal development seems to confirm the preference of this species for cold waters to spawn. The relationship between gonadosomatic index and chlorophyll a is, therefore, probably a reproductive strategy to ensure food availability to juvenile stages in sardines. These are the outcomes of a preliminary study; further analysis on a longer time series will help to deepen the effects of habitat conditions on reproduction of small pelagic fish in the Adriatic Sea.

DIET OF THE RARE DEEP-SEA KITEFIN SHARK DALATIAS LICHA (BONNATERRE, 1788) (CHONDRICHTHYES: DALATIIDAE) IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY

Monica Calabrò — 2024-06-08

Cartilaginous fishes are commonly recognized as key species in marine ecosystems. However, effective management plans for cartilaginous fishes are still lacking due to the poor knowledge about their biology and ecology. In this regard, the present work aims to provide new information on the diet of Dalatias licha(Bonnaterre, 1788), a rare deep-sea shark species in the Strait of Sicily (GSA16). Based on the analysis of stomach contents, several prey groups were identified suggesting a fairly generalized bentopelagic feeding behavior. In addition, predation on sharks confirms the high trophic position of the kitefin shark in the food web of the area. These results can contribute to shed the light on the role that this vulnerable species plays within the Mediterranean food webs and constitute the baseline for new studies.

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE FISHERY FOR SILVER SCABBARDFISH, LEPIDOPUS CAUDATUS EUPHRASEN, 1788 (ACTINOPTERYGII; TRICHIURIDAE) IN THE LIGURIAN AND NORTHERN TYRRHENIAN SEA (NW MEDITERRANEAN)

Alessandro Ligas — 2024-06-08

In the early 2000s in the Ligurian and northern Tyrrhenian Sea (NW Mediterranean), new fisheries targeting Lepidopus caudatus Euphrasen, 1788 (Actinopterygii; Trichiuridae) were developed. These fisheries used ad hoc bottom trawl nets with higher vertical opening, gillnets and longlines. Development of these fisheries was not regulated by any specific management measure and, due to the progressive reduction of catches, the target fisheries stopped. A stock assessment using data-limited tools (namely AMSY and CMSY) was performed confirming the overexploitation of silver scabbardfish.

PRELIMINARY NOTES ON THE DIET OF LAMPRIS GUTTATUS (BRÜNNICH, 1788) IN THE SOUTHERN LIGURIAN SEA

Alessandra Neri — 2024-06-08

Stomach contents of 2 opah L. guttatus collected in the southern Ligurian Sea were analyzed. Remains were found highly digested, mostly consisting on chitinous mandibles (beaks) of cephalopods. Preliminary results on feeding habits of opah in the Mediterranean Sea show essentially the presence of nektonic prey distributed in the water column. They were mainly meso-batypelagic cephalopods species, with a great abundance of armed helmet squid Galiteuthis armata, which is considered a cephalopod rare species in the Mediterranean Sea.

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY IN OTOLITHS OF PAGELLUS ERYTHRINUS LINNAEUS, 1758 (ACTINOPTERYGII, SPARIDAE, PERCIFORMES) IN THE LIGURIAN AND CENTRAL-NORTHERN TYRRENIAN SEA

Loredana Russo — 2024-06-09

Otolith Mass Asymmetry (OMA) represent a useful bioindicator to test different enviromental impacts (e.g., pollution, parasitism) and/or genetic factors on fish popolations. In this study, fluctuating asymmetry of the otoliths of Pagellus erythrinus was analyzed through otolith mass asymmetry. P. erythrinus otoliths come from the MEDITS survey (MEDiterranean International Trawl Survey) carry out in FAO Geographical Sub-Area 9 (GSA 9). For each individual, total length (TL, cm) was measured, and sex was determined macroscopically. Length (OL, mm) and weight (OW, g) were recorded for each otolith. ANOVA test was applied to determine differences between males and females; t-test was used to determine the presence of asymmetry and the relationships between OMA and the total length of the individual were studied. Asymmetry was not detected and no correlation between total length and OMA was observed.

UNCOVERING THE ECOLOGY AND FISHERY OF PAGELLUS BOGARAVEO (BRÜNNICH, 1768) (OSTEICTHYES: SPARIDAE) IN THE MINOR ISLANDS OF SICILY THROUGH LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE

Claudia Scire' Scappuzzo — 2024-06-08

The purpose of the study was to address the lack of information on the ecology and fishery of blackspot seabream Pagellus bogaraveo (Brünnich, 1768) in the minor islands of Sicily. Historical data on fishing practices, spatial distribution of fishing areas and gears were collected using Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) questionnaires. The results indicate that blackspot seabream is mainly caught using handlines (54.5%) and longlines (45.5%) in depths ranging from 50 to 350 meters on rocky bottoms. The number of fishing boats that targeted blackspot seabream with handlines and longline recorded a similar pattern with a peak in the 1980s and a progressive decline in the years until 2020/2021. The catch has been decreasing since the 1970s, with current values only slightly more than one-third of the catch recorded in the 1970s. The valuable insights obtained on fishing practices and ecology of blackspot seabream, highlights the importance of incorporating LEK into scientific research.

IMPACT OF TRAWLING ON DEMERSAL COMMUNITIES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF FISHERY RESOURCES IN SICILIAN WATERS

Federica Stranci — 2024-06-08

Comparing areas subject to different fishing pressures is one of the approaches used to assess the impact of trawling on demersal communities. The present research was conducted within the ISPRA-IRBIM 2020 Convention aimed at implementing the EU Marine Strategy Directive (2008/56/EC) and related to the study of seabed integrity and epimegabenthic communities in two areas of the Strait of Sicily under bottom trawling disturbance. In particular, new data on richness and biodiversity of demersal communities, and abundance and demography of the main target species exploited by demersal fisheries in two areas similar in bathymetry and substrate, but subject to different trawling effort (area L with low effort, corresponding to the GFCM Fishery Restricted Area of Gela and area H with high effort) were collected. In general, Area L shows greater specific richness and biodiversity than Area H. In terms of fishery resources, red mullet was found to be significantly more abundant in Area L than in Area H, which is characterized, on the other hand, by higher abundances of European hake and deep-water rose shrimp. The sizes of red mullet, Atlantic horse mackerel, and deep-water rose shrimp were significantly higher in area L, while European hake showed no differences between the two areas. The results obtained confirm the impact of trawling on specific richness and biodiversity of communities and, except for European hake, on the bony fish component of demersal resources. A higher numerical abundance in Area H of deep-water rose shrimp, an r-strategy species (rapid growth and early sexual maturity), should be noted. Given the increasing concerns towards the protection of ecologically critical areas, the information here presented contributes to the identification of spatially based management measures for fisheries that balance conservation needs with those of productive use of marine resources.

A PHYTOPLANKTON TIME SERIES IN THE NORTHWESTERN ADRIATIC SEA: STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF THE ASSEMBLAGES IN A COASTAL ECOSYSTEM

Silvia Casabianca

Phytoplankton is responsible for nearly half of the photosynthetic fixation of CO₂ and represents the first level of the food web in oceans. Due to phytoplankton fundamental ecological role, the aim of this study was to assess whether the phytoplankton assemblage structure could vary in time and space and if this variation could be due to such environmental forcing. Surface seawater samples were collected monthly from 2008 to 2019 at two coastal sites in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea together with physico-chemical and biological parameters recorded by a multiparametric probe. Phytoplankton identification and quantification were performed togethet with chlorophyll a and dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations determination. Data analysis indicated that Skeletonema marinoi (Sarno and Zingone, 2005), Thalassionema nitzschioides (Mereschkowsky, 1902), Dactyliosolen fragilissimus (Hasle, 1996), and undetermined Dinophyceae, showed a non-random pattern in the binary time series. Moreover, the observed phytoplankton assemblage structure was driven by seasonal and environmental factors.

INTERAZIONI FRA MICROPLASTICHE E BATTERI IN DUE SITI DEL MAR TIRRENO: LA CAMPAGNA SEA PLASTICS 2021

Gabriella Caruso — 2024-06-08

As a first contribute to assess the effect of the collection device and the sampling site on the plastisphere distribution and metabolism, in May 2021 microplastics (MPs) were collected at two coastal Tyrrhenian stations [Naples Gulf (NA) and Castelsardo (SAR)] from surface (using Niskin bottles and Manta net) and along the water column (0-16 m) using a WP2 Plankton net. A significantly higher abundance of MPs were collected by the Niskin bottle, which collected also those <100 µm. Conversely, microbial community showed the highest activity rates in the samples collected with Manta net. Significant differences in the abundance and metabolic properties of plastic-associated bacteria underlined that the collection device, rather than the sampling site, affects the plastisphere assemblage.

MESSA A PUNTO E VALIDAZIONE DI UN PROTOCOLLO PER L’ESTRAZIONE DI MICROPLASTICHE DAL VERME DI FUOCO HERMODICE CARUNCULATA (ANNELIDA)

Valentina Ferrari — 2024-06-08

Microplastic pollution in the marine environment has raised high concern over the last years. An increasing number of studies have dealt with microplastic ingestion as it constitutes a hazard to marine organisms. However, information about some mediterranean benthic species, such as polychaetes, is still limited. Here, a tissue digestion method to extract microplastics from the fireworm Hermodice carunculata has been developed and the details are presented. Filterability, digestion effectiveness, recovery of microplastics and the reagent-dependent damage on common polymer types were assessed. The proposed protocol showed high efficiency on organic matter removal while preserving the structural integrity of the plastic polymers. Our results can be useful for standardizing the identification and quantification procedures of microplastics ingested by other polychaete species.

MONITORAGGIO DEGLI SPOSTAMENTI E DEL COMPORTAMENTO DEL GRANCHIO BLU CALLINECTES SAPIDUS: APPROCCIO METODOLOGICO E SPERIMENTALE

Vincenzo Maximiliano Giacalone — 2024-06-08

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is an invasive alien species of Atlantic origin occurring in brackish waters along most Mediterranean shores. The present paper reports about the methods and approach used to investigate the short-scale movements, temperature-related activity patterns and behavior of blue crabs in the S’Ena Arrubia (Sardinia, central Mediterranean Sea) Lagoon. Movements and activity patterns were investigated using acoustic telemetry, while the behavior was investigated using triaxial accelerometers in mesocosm. The investigation is ongoing and the results will be available in the next few months.

NEW RECORDS OF OCTOPOTEUTHIS SICULA RÜPPELL, 1844 (CEPHALOPODA: OCTOPOTEUTHIDAE) IN THE SICILIAN WATERS (CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

Daniela Giordano — 2024-06-08

Four specimens of the rare octopus squid Octopoteuthis sicula Rüppell, 1844, were caught in
the Sicilian waters (one in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea and three in the Strait of Sicily). Main morphological
characteristics and morphometric measurements of the specimens were reported. An updated map of the
species distribution in the Mediterranean was also given.

RELAZIONE TRA TIPOLOGIE DI PLASTICA E SPECIE DEL BIOFOULING: SCELTA O CASUALITÀ?

Alice Sbrana — 2024-06-08

We analyzed a sampling of 53 marine debris collected in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea off the Latium coast. We distinguished the different types of plastics and identified the biofouling species. The dominant organisms were bivalves and sea squirts. This study demonstrated a clear relationship between biofouling species and different types of plastics.