Epibiont communities of loggerhead marine turtles (Caretta caretta) in the western Mediterranean: influence of geographic and ecological factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 851-861 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Domènech ◽  
F.J. Badillo ◽  
J. Tomás ◽  
J.A. Raga ◽  
F.J. Aznar
Keyword(s):  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
Loggerhead Turtles ◽  
First Time

This study reports for the first time on the whole epibiont fauna of loggerhead marine turtles,Caretta caretta, in the western Mediterranean, analysing the factors that account for the predictability and composition of the assemblage. A total of 104 loggerhead turtles stranded along the coasts of eastern Spain during 1995–2006 were surveyed for epibionts. A total of 39 epibiont taxa were identified, three of them being new records for loggerhead turtles:Bittiumsp.,Idotea metallicaandJassasp. The assemblage was composed of a group of 27 facultative taxa that use turtles as any inanimate buoyant substrate, and 12 taxa that have developed more specific associations to marine turtles, including six species that occur in marine turtles exclusively, two that dwell also on other hosts, and four that can also survive as free-living forms but have developed a strong association with marine turtles. Hierarchical clustering and Similarity Profile Analysis based on the occurrence of 166 epibiont taxa from nine available surveys indicated that the epibiont assemblages from loggerhead turtles in the western Mediterranean (WM) are similar to those from Central Mediterranean (CM), but significantly different from turtles surveyed in the eastern Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The subset of epibionts occurring on WM and CM turtles is defined by a combination of geographic factors (exclusive Mediterranean epibiont taxa) and ecological factors (relative absence of littoral-benthic taxa). Loggerhead turtles from WM and CM apparently exploit both pelagic and benthic habitats in similar fashion, representing a homogeneous unit for epibiont recruitment.

scholarly journals Helminth communities of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from Central and Western Mediterranean Sea: The importance of host's ontogeny

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 367-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Santoro ◽  
Francisco J. Badillo ◽  
Simonetta Mattiucci ◽  
Giuseppe Nascetti ◽  
Flegra Bentivegna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Helminth Communities ◽  
Loggerhead Turtles

Composition of the organismic assemblage associated with Caretta caretta

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miltiadis-Spyridon Kitsos ◽  
Magdalini Christodoulou ◽  
Christos Arvanitidis ◽  
Michalis Mavidis ◽  
Ioannis Kirmitzoglou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Aegean Sea ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Loggerhead Turtles ◽  
Northern Aegean Sea ◽  
First Time

The organismic assemblage associated with Caretta caretta was studied in 37 loggerhead turtles, washed ashore dead at various localities in the northern Aegean Sea. A total number of 63 macrobenthic species and 17 species of macroalgae were identified. From these species, 41 and 13 respectively are reported for the first time as epibionts of this turtle. Analysis of the epibiont species distribution on six loggerhead turtles gave some evidence regarding the settlement preferences of certain epibiont species. From a biogeographical point of view, 61·3% of the epibiont species were cosmopolitan, 30·7% had an Atlanto-Mediterranean distribution, while 8% were Mediterranean endemics.

Subduction Orogeny and the Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Mediterranean Arcs

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh Royden ◽  
Claudio Faccenna
Keyword(s):  
Convergence Rate ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Driving Mechanism ◽  
Late Cenozoic ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Collisional Orogens

The Late Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Mediterranean region, which is sandwiched between the converging African and European continents, is dominated by the process of subduction orogeny. Subduction orogeny occurs where localized subduction, driven by negative slab buoyancy, is more rapid than the convergence rate of the bounding plates; it is commonly developed in zones of early or incomplete continental collision. Subduction orogens can be distinguished from collisional orogens on the basis of driving mechanism, tectonic setting, and geologic expression. Three distinct Late Cenozoic subduction orogens can be identified in the Mediterranean region, making up the Western Mediterranean (Apennine, external Betic, Maghebride, Rif), Central Mediterranean (Carpathian), and Eastern Mediterranean (southern Dinaride, external Hellenide, external Tauride) Arcs. The Late Cenozoic evolution of these orogens, described in this article, is best understood in light of the processes that govern subduction orogeny and depends strongly on the buoyancy of the locally subducting lithosphere; it is thus strongly related to paleogeography. Because the slow (4–10 mm/yr) convergence rate between Africa and Eurasia has preserved the early collisional environment, and associated tectonism, for tens of millions of years, the Mediterranean region provides an excellent opportunity to elucidate the dynamic and kinematic processes of subduction orogeny and to better understand how these processes operate in other orogenic systems.

Increase of sea turtles stranding records in Rhodes Island (eastern Mediterranean Sea): update of a long-term survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 1991-2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Corsini-Foka ◽  
Gerasimos Kondylatos ◽  
Elias Santorinios
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Loggerhead Turtle ◽  
Aegean Sea ◽  
Chelonia Mydas ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Fishing Ground ◽  
Green Turtles ◽  
Loggerhead Turtles

A total of 209 strandings of sea turtles (152 loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta, 42 green turtles Chelonia mydas, 15 unidentified) were recorded during the period 1984–2011 along the coasts of Rhodes (Aegean Sea, Greece). The proportion of dead to live individuals was different in the two species. Stranded Caretta caretta were larger than Chelonia mydas. The size range of stranded green turtles, usually juveniles, appeared to increase since 2000, including the largest specimens ever observed in Greek waters. For both species, a tendency to strand more frequently on the west coast of the island, along fishing ground areas, was noted. The higher incidence of loggerhead turtle strandings was observed in summer, while more green turtle strandings were documented in winter. Factors involved in the increased trend of stranding records of both species, along with the acceleration of this phenomenon in the last decade, are discussed. Data from Rhodes provide evidence that human activities detrimentally affect mainly larger-sized loggerhead turtles living in shallow waters.

scholarly journals Diversity and Distribution of the Dinoflagellates Brachidinium, Asterodinium and Microceratium (Brachidiniales, Dinophyceae) in the open Mediterranean Sea

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
The South ◽  
Levantine Basin ◽  
First Occurrence ◽  
Local Species ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

Diversity and Distribution of the DinoflagellatesBrachidinium, AsterodiniumandMicroceratium(Brachidiniales, Dinophyceae) in the open Mediterranean SeaBrachidiniacean dinoflagellates have been investigated in the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea, along a transect from the south of France to the south of Cyprus (20 June-18 July 2008).BrachidiniumandKarenia papilionaceaoften co-occurred,B. capitatumpredominating in the surface waters. The highest abundance ofBrachidiniumwere found in the upper 25min the western Mediterranean with amaximum (24 cells L-1) at a depth of 5 m in the Balearic Sea.Asterodinium(up to 4 cells L-1) was recorded below of deep chlorophyll maxima. The genusMicroceratium, only known from the tropical Indo-Pacific region, is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea.Microceratiumwas found below 100min the eastern Mediterranean Sea, with the highest abundance of 8 cells L-1at 125 m depth, in the Levantine Basin. This study also illustrates for the first time specimens under the division ofBrachidiniumandMicroceratium. This first occurrence ofMicroceratiumin the Mediterranean Sea should be considered an indicator of climate warming. However, it should not be considered a non-indigenous taxon.Microceratiumis the ‘tropical morphotype’, the adaptation of a local species (a life stage ofKarenia - Brachidinium - Asterodinium) to the tropical environmental conditions that prevail in summer in the open Mediterranean Sea.

scholarly journals Intriguing diversity among diazotrophic picoplankton along a Mediterranean transect: a dominance of rhizobia

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 827-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Le Moal ◽  
H. Collin ◽  
I. C. Biegala
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
16S Rdna ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Surface Distribution ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Marine Areas

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic marine areas on earth where nitrogen fixation has formally believed to play an important role in carbon and nitrogen fluxes. Although this view is under debate, the diazotrophs responsible for this activity have still not been investigated in the open sea. In this study, we characterised the surface distribution and species richness of unicellular and filamentous diazotrophs across the Mediterranean Sea by combining microscopic counts with size fractionated in situ hybridization (TSA-FISH), and 16S rDNA and nifH genes phylogenies. These genetic analyses were possible owing to the development of a new PCR protocol adapted to scarce microorganisms that can detect as few as 1 cell ml−1 in cultures. Low concentrations of diazotrophic cyanobacteria were detected and this community was dominated at 99.9% by picoplankton hybridized to the Nitro821 probe, specific for unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria (UCYN). Among filamentous cyanobacteria only 0.02 filament ml−1 of Richelia were detected in the eastern basin, while small (0.7–1.5 μm) and large (2.5–3.2 μm) Nitro821-targeted cells were recovered at all stations with a mean concentration of 3.5 cell ml−1. The affiliation of the small Nitro821-targeted cells to UCYN-A was confirmed by 16S and nifH phylogenies in the western Mediterranean Sea. In the central and the eastern Mediterranean Sea no 16S rDNA and nifH sequence from UCYN was obtained as cells concentration were close to, or below PCR detection limit. Bradyrhizobium sequences dominated nifH clone libraries from picoplanktonic size fractions. A few sequences of γ-proteobacteria were also detected in the central Mediterranean Sea. While low phosphate and iron concentrations could explain the absence of Trichodesmium sp., the factors that prevent the development of UCYN-B and C remain unknown. We also propose that the dominating picoplankters probably developed specific strategies, such as associations with protists or particles, and/or photosynthetic activity, to acquire carbon for sustaining diazotrophy.

scholarly journals Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2012. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Introduction trends and pathways

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Α. ZENETOS ◽  
S. GOFAS ◽  
C. MORRI ◽  
A. ROSSO ◽  
D. VIOLANTI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Suez Canal ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Dominant Group ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Lessepsian Species ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Oyster Farms

More than 60 marine non-indigenous species (NIS) have been removed from previous lists and 84 species have been added, bringing the total to 986 alien species in the Mediterranean [775 in the eastern Mediterranean (EMED), 249 in the central Mediterranean (CMED), 190 in the Adriatic Sea (ADRIA) and 308 in the western Mediterranean (WMED)]. There were 48 new entries since 2011 which can be interpreted as approximately one new entry every two weeks. The number of alien species continues to increase, by 2-3 species per year for macrophytes, molluscs and polychaetes, 3-4 species per year for crustaceans, and 6 species per year for fish. The dominant group among alien species is molluscs (with 215 species), followed by crustaceans (159) and polychaetes (132). Macrophytes are the leading group of NIS in the ADRIA and the WMED, reaching 26-30% of all aliens, whereas in the EMED they barely constitute 10% of the introductions. In the EMED, molluscs are the most species-rich group, followed by crustaceans, fish and polychaetes. More than half (54%) of the marine alien species in the Mediterranean were probably introduced by corridors (mainly Suez). Shipping is blamed directly for the introduction of only 12 species, whereas it is assumed to be the most likely pathway of introduction (via ballasts or fouling) of another 300 species. For approximately 100 species shipping is a probable pathway along with the Suez Canal and/or aquaculture. Approximately 20 species have been introduced with certainty via aquaculture, while >50 species (mostly macroalgae), occurring in the vicinity of oyster farms, are assumed to be introduced accidentally as contaminants of imported species. A total of 18 species are assumed to have been introduced by the aquarium trade. Lessepsian species decline westwards, while the reverse pattern is evident for ship-mediated species and for those introduced with aquaculture. There is an increasing trend in new introductions via the Suez Canal and via shipping.

Geometric morphometrics, scute patterns and biometrics of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the central Mediterranean

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Casale ◽  
Daniela Freggi ◽  
Alessandro Rigoli ◽  
Amedeo Ciccocioppo ◽  
Paolo Luschi
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Morphometrics ◽  
Carapace Width ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Loggerhead Turtles ◽  
The Mediterranean

We investigate for the first time allometric vs. non-allometric shape variation in sea turtles through a geometric morphometrics approach. Five body parts (carapace, plastron, top and lateral sides of the head, dorsal side of front flippers) were considered in a sample of 58 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) collected in the waters around Lampedusa island, Italy, the central Mediterranean. The allometric component was moderate but significant, except for the plastron, and may represent an ontogenetic optimization in the case of the head and flippers. The predominant non-allometric component encourages further investigation with sex and origin as potential explanatory variables. We also reported the variation of marginal and prefrontal scutes of 1497 turtles, showing that: variation of marginals is mostly limited to the two anteriormost scutes, symmetry is favored, asymmetry is biased to one pattern, and the variation of marginal and prefrontal scutes are linked. Comparisons with other datasets from the Mediterranean show a high variability, more likely caused by epigenetic factors. Finally, conversion equations between the most commonly used biometrics (curved and straight carapace length, carapace width, and weight) are often needed in sea turtle research but are lacking for the Mediterranean and are here estimated from a sample of 2624 turtles.

scholarly journals Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part I. Spatial distribution

2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. ZENETOS ◽  
S. GOFAS ◽  
M. VERLAQUE ◽  
M.E. CINAR ◽  
J.E. GARCIA RASO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Introduced Species ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Marine Strategy Framework Directive ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
The Mediterranean

The state-of-art on alien species in the Mediterranean Sea is presented, making distinctions among the four subregions defined in the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive: (i) the Western Mediterranean Sea (WMED); (ii) the Central Mediterranean Sea (CMED); (iii) the Adriatic Sea (ADRIA); and (iv) the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMED). The updated checklist (December 2010) of marine alien species within each subregion, along with their acclimatization status and origin, is provided. A total of 955 alien species is known in the Mediterranean, the vast majority of them having being introduced in the EMED (718), less in the WMED (328) and CMED (267) and least in the Adriatic (171). Of these, 535 species (56%) are established in at least one area.Despite the collective effort of experts who attempted in this work, the number of introduced species remains probably underestimated. Excluding microalgae, for which knowledge is still insufficient, aliens have increased the total species richness of the Mediterranean Sea by 5.9%. This figure should not be directly read as an indication of higher biodiversity, as spreading of so many aliens within the basin is possibly causing biotic homogenization. Thermophilic species, i.e. Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Tropical Atlantic, Tropical Pacific, and circum(sub)tropical, account for 88.4% of the introduced species in the EMED, 72.8% in the CMED, 59.3% in the WMED and 56.1% in the Adriatic. Cold water species, i.e. circumboreal, N Atlantic, and N Pacific, make up a small percentage of the introduced species, ranging between 4.2% and 21.6% and being more numerous in the Adriatic and less so in the EMED.Species that are classified as invasive or potentially invasive are 134 in the whole of the Mediterranean: 108 are present in the EMED, 76 in the CMED, 53 in the Adriatic and 64 in the WMED. The WMED hosts most invasive macrophytes, whereas the EMED has the lion’s share in polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs and fish.

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