scholarly journals Modelling spatio-temporal patterns of fish community size structure across the northern Mediterranean Sea: an analysis combining MEDITS survey data with environmental and anthropogenic drivers

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (S1) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Isabella Bitetto ◽  
Giovanni Romagnoni ◽  
Angeliki Adamidou ◽  
Gregoire Certain ◽  
Manfredi Di Lorenzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Anthropogenic Impacts ◽  
Maximum Length ◽  
Dynamic Factor ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Commercial Fish ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Typical Length

The state of marine systems subject to natural or anthropogenic impacts can be generally summarized by suites of ecological indicators carefully selected to avoid redundancy. Length-based indicators capture the status of fish community structure, fulfilling the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requirement for Descriptor 3 (status of commercial fish species). Although the MSFD recommends the development of regional indicators, a comparison among alternative length-based indicators is so far missing for the Mediterranean Sea. Using principal component analysis and dynamic factor analysis, we identified the most effective subset of length-based indicators, whether or not based on maximum length. Indicator trends and time series of fishing effort and environmental variables are also compared in order to highlight the individual and combined capability of indicators to track system changes across geographical sub-areas. Two indicators, typical length and mean maximum length, constitute the smallest set of non-redundant indicators, capturing together 87.45% of variability. Only in combination can these indicators disentangle changes in the fish community composition from modifications of size structure. Our study supports the inclusion of typical length among the regional MSFD Descriptor 3 indicators for the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, we show dissimilarity between the western and eastern-central Mediterranean, suggesting that there are sub-regional differences in stressors and community responses.

scholarly journals Jelly surge in the Mediterranean Sea: threat or opportunity?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
CINZIA GRAVILI
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nutrient Loading ◽  
Coastal Development ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Mediterranean Ecosystem ◽  
Marine Biota ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Commercial Fish ◽  
The Mediterranean

  The rise in water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea, and associated migrations of temperate marine biota, are occurring in the context of a global warming causing an expansion of the tropical jellyfish range, exacerbating jellyfish outbreaks linked to coastal development, nutrient loading, and overfishing. The gelatinous component of plankton is considered as ‘the dark side of ecology’ capable of appearing and disappearing at unpredictable times. In the last decade an increasingly high number of gelatinous plankton blooms are occurring and this makes us wonder if ‘a Mediterranean Sea full of jellyfish is a probable future’. The reasons for rising jellyfish blooms are, probably, manifold. Current studies are aimed to highlight how climatic change is interacting with the Mediterranean ecosystem favouring entrance, abundances and success of alien species and triggering ‘regime shifts’ such as from fish to jellyfish. Jellyfish damage the economic success of power plants, fish farms, tourism, and affect fisheries consuming larvae of commercial fish species. On the other hand, several studies were also taken into account on uses for jellyfish as biofuels and foods but more experimentation is needed to improve the first encouraging results.

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

<p>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 – 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.</p>

scholarly journals New records of Calappa tuerkayana Pastore, 1995 (Brachyura, Calappidae) from the central Mediterranean

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-218
Author(s):  
Carlo Pipitone ◽  
Gianni Insacco ◽  
Daniela Massi ◽  
Bruno Zava
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
New Records ◽  
Geographic Range ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Juvenile Individual ◽  
The Mediterranean

Two specimens of the uncommon calappid crab Calappa tuerkayana Pastore, 1995 are reported from the central Mediterranean. One juvenile individual was caught in a trawl net at about 105 m depth on a detritus bottom, and one adult male was caught in a trammel net at 50 m depth in a similar habitat. Details about carapace ornamentation and fresh color of the adult, which complement previous descriptions are provided. Family Calappidae includes four species in the Mediterranean Sea. C. tuerkayana has been recorded a few times from its known geographic range. These are the southernmost records to date.

scholarly journals Summertime surface PM<sub>1</sub> aerosol composition and size by source region at the Lampedusa island in the central Mediterranean Sea

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (17) ◽  
pp. 11123-11142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc D. Mallet ◽  
Barbara D'Anna ◽  
Aurélie Même ◽  
Maria Chiara Bove ◽  
Federico Cassola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Ammonium Sulfate ◽  
Organic Aerosol ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Aerosol Composition ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Westerly Winds ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. Measurements of aerosol composition and size distributions were taken during the summer of 2013 at the remote island of Lampedusa in the southern central Mediterranean Sea. These measurements were part of the ChArMEx/ADRIMED (Chemistry and Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment/Aerosol Direct Radiative Forcing on the Mediterranean Climate) framework and took place during Special Observation Period 1a (SOP-1a) from 11 June to 5 July 2013. From compact time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (cToF-AMS) measurements in the size range below 1 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM1), particles were predominately comprised of ammonium and sulfate. On average, ammonium sulfate contributed 63 % to the non-refractory PM1 mass, followed by organics (33 %). The organic aerosol was generally very highly oxidized (f44 values were typically between 0.25 and 0.26). The contribution of ammonium sulfate was generally higher than organic aerosol in comparison to measurements taken in the western Mediterranean but is consistent with studies undertaken in the eastern basin. Source apportionment of organics using a statistical (positive matrix factorization) model revealed four factors: a hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA), a methanesulfonic-acid-related oxygenated organic aerosol (MSA-OOA), a more oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (MO-OOA) and a less oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (LO-OOA). The MO-OOA was the dominant factor for most of the campaign (53 % of the PM1 OA mass). It was well correlated with SO42-, highly oxidized and generally more dominant during easterly air masses originating from the eastern Mediterranean and central Europe. The LO-OOA factor had a very similar composition to the MO-OOA factor but was more prevalent during westerly winds, with air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean, the western Mediterranean and at high altitudes over France and Spain from mistral winds. The MSA-OOA factor contributed an average 12 % to the PM1 OA and was more dominant during the mistral winds. The HOA, representing observed primary organic aerosol, only contributed 8 % of the average PM1 OA during the campaign. Even though Lampedusa is one of the most remote sites in the Mediterranean, PM1 concentrations (10 ± 5 µg m−3) were comparable to those observed in coastal cities and sites closer to continental Europe. Cleaner conditions corresponded to higher wind speeds. Nucleation and growth of new aerosol particles was observed during periods of north-westerly winds. From a climatology analysis from 1999 to 2012, these periods were much more prevalent during the measurement campaign than during the preceding 13 years. These results support previous findings that highlight the importance of different large-scale synoptic conditions in determining the regional and local aerosol composition and oxidation and also suggest that a non-polluted surface atmosphere over the Mediterranean is rare.

The first identified winter feeding ground of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Mediterranean Sea

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 903-907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simonepietro Canese ◽  
Andrea Cardinali ◽  
Caterina Maria Fortuna ◽  
Michela Giusti ◽  
Giancarlo Lauriano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Fin Whale ◽  
Feeding Ground ◽  
The North ◽  
South Central ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Fin Whales ◽  
Winter Feeding

The presence of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea has been documented since ancient times. In spite of this, reliable information on their ecology and distribution is limited to the north-western part of the basin. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that Mediterranean fin whales comprise a separate population with very limited gene flow with their North Atlantic co-specifics. Although both published and anecdotal information reports their presence in the south central Mediterranean during winter, there is no information on habitat use. In February 2004, a 14-day boat survey was carried out in the waters surrounding the island of Lampedusa, where fin whales occur at this time of the year. A total of 20 fin whale groups (average group size two animals) were encountered. In each encounter the animals were engaged in surface feeding activity. From plankton samples and underwater video, the prey species was identified as the Euphausiid, Nyctiphanes couchi. The information obtained suggests that this area may be an important winter feeding ground for fin whales. The results represent significant new information on fin whale ecology in the Mediterranean, with associated conservation and management implications.

scholarly journals New Fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean Sea (October 2015)

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 703 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. TSAGARAKIS ◽  
A. BAŞUSTA ◽  
N. BAŞUSTA ◽  
F. BIANDOLINO ◽  
D. BOSTANCI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Length Distribution ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Solea Solea ◽  
Commercially Important ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Polyprion Americanus

In this third Collective Article, with fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean Sea, we present the historical length distribution of Lophius budegassa in the catch of commercial trawlers in the Greek seas; length-weight and length-length relationships of five flatfish species (Lepidorhombus boscii, L. whiffiagonis, Platichthys flesus, Pegusa lascaris and Solea solea) from different coastal areas of Turkey (Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Sea); growth of settled Polyprion americanus and length-weight relationships of this species and of Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus, Capros aper and three commercially important groupers in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; the age, growth and mortality of Zosterisessor ophiocephalus in the Eastern Adriatic Sea; the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Atherina boyeri in a Central Mediterranean semi-isolated lagoon, and also the length-weight and length-length relationships of three Alburnus species from different inland waters in Turkey.

scholarly journals Remarks on Echinodermata from the South Central Mediterranean Sea based upon collections made during the MARCOS cruise (10 to 20th April, 2007)

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. MIFSUD ◽  
M. TAVIANI ◽  
S. STOHR
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The South ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Management Zone ◽  
Maltese Islands ◽  
South Central ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

The MARCOS cruise, which took place in the South Central Mediterranean Sea on board the RV ‘Urania’, resulted in the collection of 27 species of Echinodermata from shallow to bathyal depths, many from around Malta (the Fisheries Management Zone). The fauna is represented by common to rare taxa already reported from the Mediterranean with the exception of the amphi-Atlantic ophiuroid Ophiotreta valenciennesi rufescens (Koehler, 1896), recorded from the Mediterranean Basin for the first time. Odontaster mediterraneus (von Marenzeller, 1893) and Luidia sarsi Lutken, 1858 are also first records for the Maltese Islands.

scholarly journals The Portuguese Man-of-war, One of The Most Dangerous Marine Species, Has Always Entered The Mediterranean Sea: Strandings, Sightings And Museum Collections

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosario Badalamenti ◽  
Francesco Tiralongo ◽  
Vincenzo Arizza ◽  
Sabrina Lo Brutto
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
First Record ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Gulf Of Naples ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Sea Area ◽  
Physalia Physalis

Abstract A search from different kinds of sources has been carried out to review the incidence of Physalia physalis, the Portuguese man-of-war, in the Mediterranean Sea; scientific and grey literature, social media, zoological museums were accessed. The records of the species were considered validated if documented with images or collected specimens. It was possible to date the putative first record of Physalia physalis in the Mediterranean Sea, thanks to a couple of colonies preserved in a historical collection, originating from the Gulf of Naples in 1914. Some massive strandings occurred in localities of the Alboran Sea, area of entrance from the Atlantic from where the species spread mainly along the Sicilian waters, in the central Mediterranean Sea. The records from the Italian maritime regions were then subdivided into three categories of risk according to the season of occurrence. These categories were created to assign a level of danger for swimmers to the sightings of Physalia physalis. The increasing sightings of such a poisonous organism in coastal waters can represent a risk to human health, and also to all those activities linked to the marine tourism sector. The involvement of citizens and touristic structures for the early detection of Physalia physalis can play a key role in preventing encounters with the species, allowing marine tourist facilities to operate within a range of reasonable security.

scholarly journals Intriguing diversity among diazotrophic picoplankton along a Mediterranean transect: from the origin of plastids to the dominance of rhizobia

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 8779-8816 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Le Moal ◽  
H. Collin ◽  
I. C. Biegala
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Nifh Gene ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Plastid Evolution ◽  
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 been 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 phylogenies. These genetic analyses were possible owning to the development of a new PCR protocol adapted for scarce microorganisms (0.2 cell ml−1). Low concentrations of diazotrophic cyanobacteria were detected and this community was dominated at 99.9% by picoplankton hybridized with 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 and averaged 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. Surprisingly, the larger hybridized cells were not belonging to UCYN-B and C but to plastids of picoeukaryote. NifH gene was not recovered among picoeukaryotes, when rhizobia sequences, including the ones of Bradyrhizobia, were dominating nifH clone libraries from picoplanktonic size fractions. Few sequences of γ-proteobacteria were also detected in 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 photosynthetic activity to acquire carbon for sustaining diazotrophy. Among UCYN further work will be necessary to understand their suggested role in plastid evolution.

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