scholarly journals Development and catch efficiency of an attracting device to collect and monitor the invasive fireworm Hermodice carunculata in the Mediterranean Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ROBERTO SIMONINI ◽  
SARA RIGHI ◽  
FEDERICA ZANETTI ◽  
SERGIO FAI ◽  
DANIELA PREVEDELLI
Keyword(s):  
Science Studies ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Hermodice Carunculata ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Abundance And Distribution ◽  
Test User

The fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) is emerging as a native invader and a neonative species in the Central Mediterranean basins. Its ongoing areal expansion has probably been triggered and pursued by the climate alterations which are affecting the Mediterranean environments and biota. However, increased H. carunculata abundance and distribution may be miscalculated and underestimated due to the lack of effective tools for collection and monitoring. Indeed, fireworms spend most of the daytime in crevices and holes, making it impossible to obtain reliable data in underwater surveys.In this study, traps were developed to provide suitable shelter and food to fireworms, and their effectiveness and specificity were assessed by testing different immersion times, environmental conditions and types of bait. Pierced plastic baskets adapted for fireworm capture proved to be extremely easy to set up, reproducible, cheap, and highly specific. The devices were used in 11 sites located along the Ionian Apulian coast (Italy). They resulted suitable and effective: more than 90% of the traps baited with raw fish succeeded in capturing H. carunculata specimens, with an average of 8-9 fireworms captured per trap. The traps were deployed in a depth range of 1.5-9 m with immersion times of up to 4 h, and even large sized fireworms (> 32 cm in length) were caught. These attracting devices could be successful in different forthcoming challenges, allowing the collection of a great number of fireworms to investigate their impact on rocky bottom communities, distribution and potential for bioprospecting. Besides, the cheapness and ease of use of the traps also make them suitable for Citizen Science studies and sampling campaigns aiming at characterizing the expanding populations. Future applications will be critical to improve deployment success and test user friendliness.

scholarly journals Irregular Migration on the Central Mediterranean: A Critical Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 638-649
Author(s):  
Patrick Agyare
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Irregular Migrants ◽  
True Number ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Set Up ◽  
International Instruments ◽  
Institutional Challenges ◽  
The Eu

This paper examines the human rights situation of irregular migrants on the Central Mediterranean. For this, it investigates the content and nature of the challenges involved in this migratory phenomenon. The studies conducted on this theme led to the existence of political, legal, and institutional challenges related to the protection of fundamental rights of irregular migrants who undertake unsafe crossing of the Mediterranean to the EU. In this context, it seemed useful to question the capacity of existing norms to grasp the nuances of a constantly changing reality that puts pressure on individuals, states, and international organizations set up to protect them. It further highlights worrying trends of shipwrecks, with over one thousand deaths recorded in the first seven months of 2021, a number that could well underestimate the true number of fatal accidents. At the same time, the security of Europe’s Southern Borders must be respected in the face of unauthorized crossing of the Mediterranean. However, the obstacle to the rescue activities of NGOs, as well as decisions that delay the disembarkation of migrants rescued at sea, does not guarantee the minimum reverence for fundamental rights. This paper aims, therefore, to highlight the dangers inherent in unsafe practices of trafficking or transport of irregular migrants by sea. It further draws attention to both state and non-state actors to respect the fundamental rights of irregular migrants and to save lives at sea. Conversely, the fragmentation of international instruments amid the absence of a sovereign enforcing body can be seen as a limitation constraining the effectiveness of the fundamental rights of the migrants.

scholarly journals Distribution of the Mediterranean hake populations (Merluccius merluccius smiridus Rafinesque, 1810) (Ostheichthyes: Gadiformes) based on six years monitoring by trawl-surveys: some implications for management

2002 ◽  
Vol 66 (S2) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidia Orsi Relini ◽  
Costas Papaconstantinou ◽  
Stjepan Jukic-Peladic ◽  
Arnauld Souplet ◽  
Luis Gil de Sola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depth Range ◽  
Tyrrhenian Sea ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Ligurian Sea ◽  
Depth Effect ◽  
Regional Patterns ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
Generalized Linear Modelling ◽  
Recruitment Patterns ◽  
The Mediterranean

On the basis of trawl survey data collected during the MEDITS project (1994-1999), the distribution of Mediterranean hake populations was described in coastal areas corresponding to about three quarters of both the latitudinal and longitudinal extensions of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the 0-800 m range. Abundance and biomass indices (in terms of number and kg per km2) are presented in 15 geographical sectors and 40 subareas from the Alborán Sea to the Aegean Sea. A statistical analysis by generalized linear modelling performed on such indices per main national blocks (Greece, France, Italy and Spain), and considering the effects of the six years of sampling and the depth, showed that biomass increased from west to east, while for all areas the most significant depth effect appeared between 100 and 200 m, corresponding to the depth range that hosts most of the summer nursery areas. The overall size-frequency distributions in shelf and slope waters, average sizes and total mortality coefficient Z per sector showed that the bulk of the MEDITS samples consisted of young individuals and, with only a few exceptions (western Sardinia, central Aegean), a generalized condition of growth overfishing was apparent. However, no negative trend was found, either in biomass or in average size of fishes, during the six years of the present study. Recruitment patterns were studied by distinguishing the youngest fish as Gaussian groups (modal length from 6 to 9 cm total length) in length-frequency distributions of each subarea and main stratum (shelf and slope). Considering the timing of MEDITS surveys (May-July), this approach emphasised the nurseries in the northern part of the western Mediterranean (Gulf of Lions, Ligurian Sea, northern Tyrrhenian Sea) and in the northern central Mediterranean, where recruitment occurs mainly during spring. On the other hand, few recruits were found in part of the central and particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, where recruitment occurs mainly in summer. MEDITS recruitment patterns therefore gave support to distinctions among Mediterranean hake populations, previously suggested on the basis of vertebral counts and other morpho-physiological, albeit fragmentary, data. In particular the central Mediterranean hake populations do not seem to be homogeneous, with an Adriatic unit very close to the northwestern one. The MEDITS experience therefore suggests that future management measures could take into account both general and regional patterns, the latter concerning mainly the younger fraction of the populations.

scholarly journals Ecology, distribution and expansion of a Mediterranean native invader, the fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
SARA RIGHI ◽  
DANIELA PREVEDELLI ◽  
ROBERTO SIMONINI
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Seawater Temperature ◽  
Warming Trend ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Hermodice Carunculata ◽  
Poleward Shift ◽  
The Mediterranean

Global change and the overall raise of seawater temperature are causing a poleward shift in species distribution, increasing the occurrence of warm-water biota in many ecosystems worldwide. In the Mediterranean, the ongoing sea warming is promoting native subtropical species to invader status. The bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Amphinomida) is a thermophilic generalist predator spreading in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Although it is a typical inhabitant of Ionian coasts, several sightings have occurred at more northerly localities along the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, suggesting that density increases and range expansion are underway. These distributional records are in contrast with historical literature and museum collections, which provide poor sporadic information.The present study aimed at investigating the spatiotemporal changes that have occurred in H. carunculata abundances and distribution in the Mediterranean basins surrounding the Italian peninsula so far. We examined an exhaustive collection of existing information. A total of 857 reports of H. carunculata were collected from 368 localities. These data significantly expand knowledge on the life and feeding habit of H. carunculata. The integration of different data sources allowed the reconstruction of the shifts that have happened over the last 50 years, which are coherent with the consistent warming trend of Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures. Recent colonization events have occurred both along the Adriatic and Western Mediterranean coasts. The present findings provide unique insights into the expansion of H. carunculata, supporting future spreading throughout the Northern and Western Mediterranean. Tracking these changes is critical to assess potential impacts on coastal rocky-benthic communities, public health and commercial fisheries.

scholarly journals Proximate Composition and Its Seasonality of the Mediterranean Green Crab:Carcinus aestuariiNardo, 1847 (Brachyura, Portunidae), in Southern Tunisian Waters (Central Mediterranean)

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Baklouti ◽  
Abdelkarim Derbali ◽  
Khalifa Dhieb ◽  
Wassim Kammoun ◽  
Othman Jarboui
Keyword(s):  
Proximate Composition ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Lipid Contents ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Edible Parts

The Mediterranean green crabCarcinus aestuariiwas recorded in Tunisian waters several years ago. However, since its record in the Gulf of Gabes, no studies have been carried out about the spread of this crab. Because there is a lack of nutritional information concerning this species, this study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of hepatopancreas and gonads ofCarcinus aestuariiin view of potential health implication for consumers and to determine the seasonal nutritional quality of females and males taken separately for various size groups. In this study, a total of 1399 individuals were collected along the Sfax coast. The nutritional value of various edible parts ofCarcinus aestuariiwas evaluated, and gender differences in terms of edible yield and proximate composition, protein, mineral, lipid, and water content, were compared for season, age, and sex. The biochemical compositions were strongly influenced by sex, age, and seasons. The highest protein and lipid contents were detected in gonads and hepatopancreas of females. Autumn was the season with the highest protein content and lowest fat content. Therefore, people with particular diets constrains should consume the ovaries of females in autumn and it should moderate in winter. The hepatopancreas and gonads from Tunisian waters can be a good source of proteins and mineral.

scholarly journals Long-term monitoring programme of the hydrological variability in the Mediterranean Sea: a first overview of the HYDROCHANGES network

Ocean Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Schroeder ◽  
C. Millot ◽  
L. Bengara ◽  
S. Ben Ismail ◽  
M. Bensi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sampling Interval ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Hydrological Variability ◽  
Long Term Monitoring ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Term Monitoring

Abstract. The long-term monitoring of basic hydrological parameters (temperature and salinity), collected as time series with adequate temporal resolution (i.e. with a sampling interval allowing the resolution of all important timescales) in key places of the Mediterranean Sea (straits and channels, zones of dense water formation, deep parts of the basins), constitute a priority in the context of global changes. This led CIESM (The Mediterranean Science Commission) to support, since 2002, the HYDROCHANGES programme (http//www.ciesm.org/marine/programs/hydrochanges.htm), a network of autonomous conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) sensors, deployed on mainly short and easily manageable subsurface moorings, within the core of a certain water mass. The HYDROCHANGES strategy is twofold and develops on different scales. To get information about long-term changes of hydrological characteristics, long time series are needed. But before these series are long enough they allow the detection of links between them at shorter timescales that may provide extremely valuable information about the functioning of the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this paper is to present the history of the programme and the current set-up of the network (monitored sites, involved groups) as well as to provide for the first time an overview of all the time series collected under the HYDROCHANGES umbrella, discussing the results obtained thanks to the programme.

scholarly journals African dust outbreaks over the Mediterranean Basin during 2001–2011: PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations, phenomenology and trends, and its relation with synoptic and mesoscale meteorology

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 28195-28235 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pey ◽  
X. Querol ◽  
A. Alastuey ◽  
F. Forastiere ◽  
M. Stafoggia
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Sharp Change ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Mesoscale Meteorology ◽  
Transitional Area ◽  
African Dust ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. The occurrence of African dust outbreaks over the whole Mediterranean Basin has been identified on an 11-yr period (2001–2011). In order to evaluate the impact of such mineral dust outbreaks on ambient concentrations of particulate matter, PM10 data from regional and suburban background sites across the Mediterranean area were compiled. After identifying the daily influence of African dust, a methodology for estimating natural dust contributions on daily PM10 concentrations was applied. Our results reveal that African dust outbreaks occur with much higher frequency in southern areas of the Mediterranean, from 30 to 37% of the annual days, whereas they take place less than 20% of the annual days in northern sites. The central Mediterranean emerges as a transitional area, with slightly higher frequency of dust episodes in its lower extreme when compared to equivalent areas in western and eastern sides of the Basin. A decreasing south to north gradient of African dust contribution to PM10 is patent across the Mediterranean. Our study demonstrates that this gradient may be mainly explained by the latitudinal position. A longitudinal increasing trend of African dust contribution to PM10 is also observed from 25° E eastwards, and is due to the annual occurrence of intense dust episodes. Thus, the slightly higher frequency of African dust episodes over the lower part of Central Mediterranean is compensated by its moderately lower intensity. Concerning seasonality patterns and intensity characteristics, a clear summer prevalence is observed in the western part, with low occurrence of severe episodes (daily dust averages over 100 μg m−3 in PM10); no seasonal trend is detected in the central region, with moderate-intensity episodes; and significantly higher contributions are common in autumn-spring in the eastern side, with yearly occurrence of various severe episodes. Overall, African dust emerges as the largest PM10 source in regional background southern areas of the Mediterranean (35–50% of PM10), with seasonal peak contributions to PM10 up to 80% of the total mass. The multi-year study of African dust episodes and their contributions to PM10 concentrations allowed us to identify a consistent decreasing trend in the period 2006/2007 to 2011 in 4 of the 17 studied regions, all of them located in the NW of the Mediterranean. The observed trend is almost parallel to the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) index for the summer period, progressively more negative since 2006 onwards. As a consequence, a sharp change in the atmospheric circulation over the last 5 yr (a similar negative NAO period occurred in the 1950 decade) have affected the number of African dust episodes and their mean contribution to PM10 in the NW part of the Mediterranean. The investigation of summer temperatures at 850 hPa suggest that warm air accomplishing African dust air masses moved anomalously through the central Mediterranean in the 2007–2008 period, whereas it was displaced atypically to the NW African coast and the Canary Islands in the 2009–2011 period.

scholarly journals An updated overview of the geographic and bathymetric distribution of Savalia savaglia

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi. GIUSTI ◽  
C. CERRANO ◽  
M. ANGIOLILLO ◽  
L. TUNESI ◽  
S. CANESE
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Protection Measure ◽  
The Past ◽  
Scuba Divers ◽  
Occurrence Data ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Recent Occurrence ◽  
Barcelona Convention

The distribution of gold coral Savalia savaglia is modified on the basis of bibliographic information and recent occurrence data, collected using a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and SCUBA divers. The species is long-lived, rare and has been exploited in the past by divers for collection purposes. S. savaglia is listed in Annex II of the SPA/BD Protocol of the Barcelona Convention and has a wider distribution than previously thought, including both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Our results highlighted that specimens mainly live at a depth range of 15-90 m, but may reach as deep as 900 m in the Mediterranean Sea. This species can form monospecific facies of hundreds of colonies, as observed in Montenegro (Adriatic Sea), between 10 and 20 m, and in the Canary Islands, at a depth range of 27-70 m. Recent data highlighted numerous cases of specimens that were endangered by lost fishing gear, which exposed this species to further threats. Considering its longevity and structural role, it is urgent to develop an effective protection measure for S. savaglia, thereby increasing research efforts and implementing protection areas for this species.

scholarly journals Marginal Sea Overflows and the Upper Ocean Interaction

2009 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinichiro Kida ◽  
Jiayan Yang ◽  
James F. Price
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Circulation ◽  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Baroclinic Instability ◽  
Upper Ocean ◽  
Marginal Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Numerical Model Experiments ◽  
Gyre Circulation

Abstract Marginal sea overflows and the overlying upper ocean are coupled in the vertical by two distinct mechanisms—by an interfacial mass flux from the upper ocean to the overflow layer that accompanies entrainment and by a divergent eddy flux associated with baroclinic instability. Because both mechanisms tend to be localized in space, the resulting upper ocean circulation can be characterized as a β plume for which the relevant background potential vorticity is set by the slope of the topography, that is, a topographic β plume. The entrainment-driven topographic β plume consists of a single gyre that is aligned along isobaths. The circulation is cyclonic within the upper ocean (water columns are stretched). The transport within one branch of the topographic β plume may exceed the entrainment flux by a factor of 2 or more. Overflows are likely to be baroclinically unstable, especially near the strait. This creates eddy variability in both the upper ocean and overflow layers and a flux of momentum and energy in the vertical. In the time mean, the eddies accompanying baroclinic instability set up a double-gyre circulation in the upper ocean, an eddy-driven topographic β plume. In regions where baroclinic instability is growing, the momentum flux from the overflow into the upper ocean acts as a drag on the overflow and causes the overflow to descend the slope at a steeper angle than what would arise from bottom friction alone. Numerical model experiments suggest that the Faroe Bank Channel overflow should be the most prominent example of an eddy-driven topographic β plume and that the resulting upper-layer transport should be comparable to that of the overflow. The overflow-layer eddies that accompany baroclinic instability are analogous to those observed in moored array data. In contrast, the upper layer of the Mediterranean overflow is likely to be dominated more by an entrainment-driven topographic β plume. The difference arises because entrainment occurs at a much shallower location for the Mediterranean case and the background potential vorticity gradient of the upper ocean is much larger.

Erosional landforms and biological structures in tectonically stable areas in the Mediterranean basin

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Vaccher ◽  
Stefano Furlani ◽  
Sara Biolchi ◽  
Chiara Boccali ◽  
Alice Busetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Vertical Position ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Last Interglacial ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Biological Structures ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

&lt;p&gt;The Mediterranean basin displays a variety of neotectonics scenarios leading to positive or negative vertical displacement, which change the vertical position of former coastlines. As a result, the best locations to evaluate former sea levels and validate sea-level models are tectonically stable areas. There are a number of coastal areas considered to be stable based on the elevation of paleo sea-level markers, the absence of historical seismicity, and by their position far from major Mediterranean faults. We report here the results of swim surveys carried out at such locations following the Geoswim approach described by Furlani (2020) in nine coastal sectors of the central Mediterranean Sea (Egadi Island - Marettimo, Favignana, Levanzo, Gaeta Promontory, Circeo Promontory, North Sardinia - Razzoli, Budelli, Santa Maria, NW Sardinia &amp;#8211; Capocaccia, Maddalena Archipelago, Tavolara Island, East of Malta - Ahrax Point, Bugibba-Qawra, Delimara, Addura, Palermo, Ansedonia Promontory). All the sites are considered to be tectonically stable, as validated by the elevation of sea-level indicators. In fact, modern and MIS5.5 (last interglacial) m.s.l. altitudes fit well with accepted figures based upon field data and model projections. Starting from precise morphometric parameters such as the size of tidal notches and indicative landforms and biological structures, we have developed a procedure that integrates multiple geomorphological and biological descriptors applicable to the vast spectrum of locally diverse coastal situations occurring in the Mediterranean Sea. We took detailed measurements of features such as modern and MIS5.5 tidal notches at 146 sites in all the areas, the absence of modern tidal notch at Circeo promontory, shore platforms, and MIS5.5 marine terraces at Egadi islands, Malta, and Palermo. Biological structures were also measured. In particular, vermetid platforms at Egadi, Palermo and Malta. The morphometric characteristics of these indicators depend on 1) local geological and structural constraints, 2) local geomorphotypes, 3) climate, sea, and weather conditions that affect geomorphic and biological processes, and 4) the sea level change history.&lt;/p&gt;

User Acceptance of Mobile Services

2008 ◽  
pp. 102-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eija Kaasinen
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Mobile Services ◽  
User Acceptance ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Personal Mobile Devices ◽  
Interactive Services ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Acceptance Model

Personal mobile devices are increasingly being used as platforms for interactive services. User acceptance of mobile services is not just based on usability but includes also other interrelated issues. Ease of use is important, but the services should also provide clear value to the user and they should be trustworthy and easy to adopt. These user acceptance factors form the core of the Technology Acceptance Model for Mobile Services introduced in this chapter. The model has been set up based on field trials of several mobile services with altogether more than 200 test users. The model can be used as a design and evaluation framework when designing new mobile services.

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