28 results on '"Patrizia Perzia"'
Search Results
2. Sneaking into a Hotspot of Biodiversity: Coverage and Integrity of a Rhodolith Bed in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
- Author
-
Teresa Maggio, Patrizia Perzia, Alfredo Pazzini, Silvana Campagnuolo, Manuela Falautano, Anna Maria Mannino, Alessandro Allegra, Luca Castriota, Maggio, T., Perzia, P., Pazzini, A., Campagnuolo, S., Falautano, M., Mannino, A.M., Allegra, A., and Castriota, L.
- Subjects
macroalgae ,Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia ,biodiversity ,community composition ,rhodolith morphotypes ,habitat mapping ,Lampedusa Island ,bioconstructions ,Linguimaera caesaris ,Settore BIO/02 - Botanica Sistematica ,Settore BIO/05 - Zoologia ,Ocean Engineering ,bioconstruction ,rhodolith morphotype ,Water Science and Technology ,Civil and Structural Engineering - Abstract
Habitat mapping, physical characteristics and benthic community of a rhodolith bed in the Pelagie Islands (Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea) were studied through Multi–Beam Echo–Sounder (MBES), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and grab samples. The geomorphological analysis revealed an articulated and wide rhodolith bed; video inspections highlighted a bed with high coverage, few sandy patches and with a prevalence of the boxwork morphotype. A total of 207 taxa with 876 specimens were identified, and Polychaeta was the dominant taxon. Linguimaera caesaris, a Lessepsian benthic amphipod, was recorded in all sampling sites, and its presence represents an input to deepen the benthic assemblage research on the rhodolith bed. In terms of morphotype composition, dead/live ratio and species variability, the bed variability indicated a good status of health, although trawling signs were detected through ROV videos. The present study broadens the knowledge on Mediterranean rhodolith beds and supports the importance of survey and monitoring activities for the conservation and management of this important habitat.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. The Blue Swimming Crab Portunus segnis in the Mediterranean Sea: Invasion Paths, Impacts and Management Measures
- Author
-
Luca Castriota, Manuela Falautano, Teresa Maggio, and Patrizia Perzia
- Subjects
General Immunology and Microbiology ,alien species ,biological invasions ,ecological indicators ,ecosystem services ,GIS ,invasion dynamics ,invasion hotspots ,mitigation measures ,spatio–temporal statistics ,systematic review ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology - Abstract
Invasive alien species represent one of the main environmental emergencies and are considered by the scientific community as being among the leading causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, detecting their pathways, hotspot areas and invasion trends becomes extremely important also for management purposes. A systematic review on presence of Portunus segnis in the Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea was carried out in order to study the invasion paths from its entry from the Red Sea into the Suez Canal (1886) until recently (2021) through ecological indicators elaborated with GIS spatial–temporal statistics. Arrival, establishment and expansion phases and areas of P. segnis in the Mediterranean were identified. Settlement areas were detected along the Suez Canal as well as in the Levantine Sea, western Ionian Sea and Tunisian plateau ecoregions. Since 2015 a persistent area has formed in Tunisia from where the species is spreading northward and eastward. The study provides an insight on the impact of P. segnis on biodiversity and ecosystem services and proposes a series of desirable management actions to mitigate the expansion of its population. Following the 8Rs model that introduces the rules to mitigate non–indigenous species pollution, six of them (Recognize, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Remove, and Regulate) have been identified as applicable and are discussed.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. The Blue Swimming Crab
- Author
-
Luca, Castriota, Manuela, Falautano, Teresa, Maggio, and Patrizia, Perzia
- Abstract
Invasive alien species represent one of the main environmental emergencies and are considered by the scientific community as being among the leading causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, detecting their pathways, hotspot areas and invasion trends becomes extremely important also for management purposes. A systematic review on presence of
- Published
- 2022
5. First record of the Lessepsian fishParexocoetus mentoin Italian waters and GIS-based spatial and temporal distribution in Mediterranean Sea
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Manuela Falautano, and Luca Castriota
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Aquatic Science ,01 natural sciences ,Invasive species ,Geography ,Oceanography ,Mediterranean sea ,Genus ,040102 fisheries ,Period (geology) ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Common spatial pattern ,Meristics ,Sailfin flyingfish - Abstract
The Strait of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is considered a crossroads between the western and the eastern basins for species immigrating from the Atlantic Ocean and Lessepsian species. Among the latter, the African sailfin flyingfishParexocoetus mentowas recently collected from Lampedusa Island in November 2017, and represents the first documented record in Italian waters. In this paper, the morphological and meristic characteristics of this specimen are reported and discussed, compared with the other species of the genusParexocoetus. Furthermore, as mapping and monitoring the distribution of invasive species is crucial to understanding their establishment and spread and then to manage the invasion process, the occurrences distribution ofP. mentoin the Mediterranean Sea was studied. The application of GIS-based spatial statistics allowed to identify significant clustering areas and dispersion areas of the species, summarizing the key characteristics, and underlining directional trends of distribution. GIS analysis identified two similar groups of records (1935/1966 and 1986/2017 time period), showing a change of distribution spatial pattern over time. An earlier spread direction in the Mediterranean east coast and a settled area ofP. mentowere found. The analysis also includes the specimen caught in Italian waters.
- Published
- 2020
6. Molecular identity of the non-indigenous Cassiopea sp. from Palermo Harbour (central Mediterranean Sea)
- Author
-
Mar Bosch-Belmar, Luca Castriota, Tiziana Cillari, Giacomo Milisenda, Teresa Maggio, Mauro Sinopoli, Patrizia Perzia, Alessandro Allegra, Aldo Nicosia, Angela Cuttitta, and Manuela Falautano
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Ecological niche ,Jellyfish ,Species complex ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Zoology ,Cassiopea ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,biology.animal ,Taxonomy (biology) ,14. Life underwater ,Cassiopea andromeda ,Meristics - Abstract
The upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea is a benthic scyphozoan, considered a non-indigenous invasive species in the Mediterranean, forming large blooms in eutrophic areas. Taxonomy of the genus Cassiopea is extremely difficult because morphological/meristic characters used are variable within the same species, overlapping among different species, and cryptic species have been identified by molecular markers; nine Cassiopea species are recognized on the basis of molecular study. Mediterranean records of Cassiopea have been ascribed to andromeda species on the basis of a hypothesized invasion pathway from the Suez Canal. In the current study, an analysis of the main morphological characters of the sampled Cassiopea jellyfish from Palermo (Tyrrhenian Sea) was carried out and subsequently, molecular analyses were performed by using COI barcode in order to identify the species. Molecular data were compared with published information in GenBank. Morphological characters were highly variable, but molecular analyses confirmed that Mediterranean Cassiopea specimens belong to andromeda species. Moreover, high values of sequence divergence were found between Mediterranean Cassiopea and the other C. andromeda from the Red Sea, Hawaii and Florida. These results lead to a discussion of possible explanations linked to life history features of the species. Two different explanations are proposed; the first is that Mediterranean C. andromeda, finding a suitable ecological niche good for colonization and proliferation, could have been isolated in Palermo Harbour. The second considers the possibility of multiple introduction events by human transport as demonstrated for other non-indigenous jellyfish; in this case Cassiopea genetic differences increased in the invaded area.
- Published
- 2019
7. Snapshot of the Distribution and Biology of Alien Jellyfish
- Author
-
Tiziana, Cillari, Alessandro, Allegra, Daniela, Berto, Mar, Bosch-Belmar, Manuela, Falautano, Teresa, Maggio, Giacomo, Milisenda, Patrizia, Perzia, Federico, Rampazzo, Mauro, Sinopoli, and Luca, Castriota
- Abstract
Harbors are hotspots for the introduction of alien species, and, usually, investigations on their host populations help fill the knowledge gap in their pathways of invasion and in their impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. In 2014, the upside-down alien jellyfish
- Published
- 2021
8. Megabenthos Underwater Video (MUV): a new device to evaluate species distribution in hard-to-reach marine areas
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Alessandro Allegra, Milisenda Giacomo, Manuela Falautano, Mauro Sinopoli, Mar Bosch-Belmar, Tiziana Cillari, Teresa Maggio, and Luca Castriota
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,Jellyfish ,biology ,Population ,Species distribution ,Remotely operated underwater vehicle ,biology.organism_classification ,Mediterranean sea ,Oceanography ,Benthic zone ,biology.animal ,Environmental science ,14. Life underwater ,Underwater ,education ,Cassiopea andromeda - Abstract
A device, called Megabenthos Underwater Video (MUV), was designed and built for the counting and the size estimate of benthic organisms in hard-to-reach areas. Since 2014 Cassiopea andromeda, an invasive alien jellyfish in the Mediterranean Sea with benthic behavior, colonized a recreational harbor (Cala) of Palermo with a stable population. Studying the species distribution in this area with classical methods (such as visual census, ROV, etc.) was not applicable due to the large presence of obstacles (ropes, anchor cables, boats) and to dive difficulties in these types of area. The MUV was tested from 2017 to 2018 for the study of the spatial-temporal distribution of C. andromeda in the Cala. The species was distributed in the internal and intermediate zones and at depths between 1.5 and 7.5m, with the most representative sizes ranging from 5 to 15 cm in diameter of umbrella. The greater density of individuals was observed in February 2018. The device has proved effective to collect data on density and size of a megabenthic organism in hard-to-reach areas and its use is suggested in several other environments.
- Published
- 2021
9. Species and habitats of conservation interest in the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area of the Strait of Sicily: a contribution towards the creation of a Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance
- Author
-
Teresa Romeo, Simonepietro Canese, Pierpaolo Consoli, Chiara Altobelli, Donatella Serio, Giuseppina Alongi, Patrizia Perzia, Marzia Bo, Franco Andaloro, and Antonietta Rosso
- Subjects
Environmental Engineering ,CITES ,Biodiversity ,SPA/BD Protocol ,habitat ,Aquatic Science ,IUCN Red List ,Oceanography ,epibenthos ,Fishery ,environmental protection ,Habitats Directive ,Mediterranean Sea banks ,Geography ,Habitat ,Conservation status ,Marine protected area ,Protected area ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
In 2015, the Strait of Sicily, which includes several banks, was candidate as a future Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI) by the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention. In this context, the present study aims to provide the first biological and ecological characterisation of this poorly known area, focusing on habitats and species of conservation concern. Surveys were carried through a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and allowed the identification of 19 habitat types, mostly considered of priority interest by the SPA/BD Protocol of the Barcelona Convention. A total of 269 taxa were also identified, mostly Porifera, Cnidaria and Pisces, among which 115 species are of conservation concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Lists, the Habitats Directive, the Bern Convention, the SPA/BD Protocol and CITES. ROV surveys allowed some interesting observations on poorly known species and habitats. Results underlined that remarkable discrepancies in species conservation status assessment that exist between the several lists of protected species considered. The IUCN Red Lists, although not legally binding for European States, are the most complete, but, in spite of this, the conservation policies in the EU are largely focused on the Habitats Directive, which is really not exhaustive. An exhaustive and legally binding instrument to protect species of conservation concern at European scale is highly recommended. Acquired results could be useful for the delimitation of a future SPAMI or a network of Marine Protected Areas (including the investigated banks) and the identification of zones within them suitable for different area-based management measures.
- Published
- 2021
10. From LEK to LAB: The case of the blue crab Portunus segnis in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area, central Mediterranean Sea
- Author
-
Teresa Maggio, Patrizia Perzia, Manuela Falautano, Giulia Visconti, and Luca Castriota
- Subjects
Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography - Published
- 2022
11. Snapshot of the Distribution and Biology of Alien Jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forsskål, 1775) in a Mediterranean Touristic Harbour
- Author
-
Tiziana Cillari, Alessandro Allegra, Daniela Berto, Mar Bosch-Belmar, Manuela Falautano, Teresa Maggio, Giacomo Milisenda, Patrizia Perzia, Federico Rampazzo, Mauro Sinopoli, and Luca Castriota
- Subjects
General Immunology and Microbiology ,non-indigenous species ,upside-down jellyfish ,Megabenthos Underwater Video ,species distribution ,stable isotopes ,mixotrophic behavior ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology - Abstract
Harbors are hotspots for the introduction of alien species, and, usually, investigations on their host populations help fill the knowledge gap in their pathways of invasion and in their impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. In 2014, the upside-down alien jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda invaded a Mediterranean touristic harbor (“Cala”), and its abundance has since increased over time. In the present study, the distribution and trophic behavior of C. andromeda in Cala were investigated for the years 2017–2018 through visual sampling, and GIS-based statistical and stable isotope analyses. Since Cala is a hard-to-reach area (with many anchor cables and boats), Megabenthos Underwater Video was used to count the number and estimate the size of jellyfishes. The variations in size throughout the study period suggest that the population of C. andromeda is quite established in Cala at depths lower than 7.5 m. The ranges of the environmental parameters recorded (temperature, salinity, and transparency) were consistent with the ideal conditions for maintaining a Cassiopea population, but they did not seem to influence aggregation. Additionally, the carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures studied highlight the mixotrophic behavior of this species. These preliminary results confirm the capacity of C. andromeda to live and reproduce in heavily anthropized areas.
- Published
- 2022
12. Evolution, crisis and new scenarios of the Italian swordfish harpoon fishery
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Pierpaolo Consoli, Teresa Romeo, Cristina Pedà, Valentina Esposito, Franco Andaloro, and Pietro Battaglia
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Swordfish ,Fishing ,Harpoon ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Aquatic Science ,01 natural sciences ,Illegal fishing ,Fishery ,Geography ,040102 fisheries ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Revenue ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Stock (geology) - Abstract
The evolution of the Italian swordfish harpoon fishery as well as the crisis reasons and new related management actions were analyzed. Swordfish harpoon fishing has been practiced in Italian waters (Strait of Messina and nearby areas) since ancient times. During these centuries, it has maintained its artisanal features, although some technological innovations have been implemented during the last decades. The unsustainable competition with modern fishing activities (longlines, driftnets and related illegal gears) determined a drastic decrease of harpoon fleet: the number of vessels in the study area was 310 at the end of the 19th century and 13 in the 2016. The negative effects of the rapid increase of overall fishing effort on Mediterranean swordfish, during the second half of 20th century, have been in part attenuated by recent management regulations, such as the ban of driftnets and the temporal limitations to the use of longlines to avoid the catch of juveniles. Swordfish harpoon fishing is not comparable to other modern fishing activities in terms of catches or revenues, however it has a high social, cultural and historical importance and for these reasons the correct management of Mediterranean swordfish stock and this fishing activity are crucial points to be addressed. The analysis of current swordfish management actions and regulations as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats highlights that illegal fishing is among the main threats for the survival of harpoon fishing.
- Published
- 2018
13. Mediterranean banks in EBSA area: Hotspots of biodiversity under threat
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Simonepietro Canese, Chiara Altobelli, Franco Andaloro, Teresa Romeo, Manuela Falautano, and Pierpaolo Consoli
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Conservation of Natural Resources ,Convention on Biological Diversity ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Biodiversity ,General Medicine ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,01 natural sciences ,Pollution ,Ecosystem-based management ,Geography ,Mediterranean sea ,Benthic zone ,Threatened species ,Mediterranean Sea ,Sicily ,Ecosystem ,Channel (geography) ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
This study demonstrates that, in the Central Mediterranean Sea, the Graham, Nereo and Pantelleria Vecchia Banks of the Strait of Sicily represent, in the wide and diversified 'Sicily Channel' Ecological or Biological Significant Area, unknown hot spots of biodiversity threatened by human activities. The investigated banks show an high ecological and biological value (EBV), assessed through presence/absence of specific indicators. The ecological groups of Graham Bank show the maximum EBV; the same as Nereo and Pantelleria Vecchia, except for the benthic component. All three banks are highly threatened, mainly the benthic and benthopelagic ecological groups. However, these Banks still have wide pristine areas to protect and can be considered eligible sites for the imposition of area-based management measures of conservation. This study represent also a support for decision makers involved in protection of the Mediterranean open sea areas, to pinpoint other priority conservation banks.
- Published
- 2017
14. Marine litter pollution associated with hydrothermal sites in the Aeolian archipelago (western Mediterranean Sea)
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Franco Andaloro, Pietro Battaglia, Teresa Romeo, Valentina Esposito, Simonepietro Canese, Michela D'Alessandro, Pierpaolo Consoli, and Gianfranco Scotti
- Subjects
geography ,Environmental Engineering ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Pelagic zone ,010501 environmental sciences ,01 natural sciences ,Pollution ,Fishery ,Mediterranean sea ,13. Climate action ,Benthic zone ,Marine debris ,Archipelago ,Litter ,Environmental Chemistry ,Environmental science ,Marine ecosystem ,Marine protected area ,14. Life underwater ,Waste Management and Disposal ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
The Aeolian Archipelago, in the western Mediterranean Sea, is an active volcanic arc hosting several hydrothermal sites. This area, considered a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem by The Food and Agriculture Organization because of its ecological importance and biodiversity value, is affected by various pressures and threats that may act as sources of marine litter. The aim of this paper was to analyse the composition and distribution of marine litter on the seafloor of this archipelago with a specific focus on the hydrothermal areas, using almost 60 h of remotely operated vehicle footage collected at depths of 15 to 411 m. Derelict fishing gear represented the main source of marine debris (71.9% of the overall litter); nevertheless, the observed mean litter density was quite low (0.57 items/100 m2) when compared with other Mediterranean areas, probably because fisheries in the area mainly use pelagic gear that has a low impact on the seabed. No differences were found in litter densities between hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal zones. The occurrence of benthic fauna impacted by debris was rarely recorded (only 10.6% of litter items showed interactions with species) and entanglement was the most commonly observed impact. However, both the density of synthetic fishing gear and its impact on habitats and species are bound to increase over time. Overall, plastics constituted most of the marine litter (79.7%). So, prevention and mitigation measures are needed in order to protect this sensitive ecosystem. To this end, the most effective strategy could be the establishment of a Marine Protected Area or a Site of Community Importance, due to the presence of habitats (“submarine structures made by leaking gases” and “reefs”) listed in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive, where all fishing activities could be strictly regulated.
- Published
- 2021
15. Swordfish monitoring by a GIS-based spatial and temporal distribution analysis on harpoon fishery data: A case of study in the central Mediterranean Sea
- Author
-
Pietro Battaglia, Franco Andaloro, Pierpaolo Consoli, Teresa Romeo, and Patrizia Perzia
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Geographic information system ,business.industry ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Swordfish ,Fishing ,Harpoon ,Pelagic zone ,Aquatic Science ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Fishery ,Sea surface temperature ,Geography ,Mediterranean sea ,Oceanography ,Spatial ecology ,business - Abstract
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to support fishery analyses aimed to monitor the swordfish harpoon fishing and analyze temporal and spatial patterns of catch distribution, also in relation to the environmental parameter Sea Surface Temperature (SST). The study was carried out in an important reproductive area of the Mediterranean Sea, including the Strait of Messina and nearby areas (south-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and north-western Ionian sea). These locations also represent the unique fishing ground of the Italian swordfish harpoon fishery. Fishery, environmental and biological data were collected between 2002 and 2011 from fishermen’s logbooks and by observations on-board of fishing vessels during swordfish harpoon fishing season (May to August). Data were organized into a database and structured on a geographical reference to allow a quantitative multi-parameter modelling through the GIS tools. The application of GIS allowed a good visualisation of catch distribution patterns, underlining annual and monthly differences in resource availability to fishery. The analysis of GIS maps showed a change in swordfish behaviour, likely related to SST anomalies and, as a consequence, difference in catch and effort distribution patterns. These differences were more evident if fishes in pair were considered. GIS turned out an important and powerful tool to analyze fishing information; the production of georeferentiated maps helps scientist to an easier interpretation of data on large pelagic resources. The proposed GIS-based analysis can add new information on swordfish and help decision makers in the Mediterranean swordfish management.
- Published
- 2016
16. New records of Lumbrineridae (Annelida: Polychaeta) in the Mediterranean biogeographic province, with an updated taxonomic key
- Author
-
Michela D'Alessandro, Patrizia Perzia, Andrea Cosentino, Luca Castriota, Teresa Romeo, and Roberto Martins
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Ecology (disciplines) ,Biogeography ,Biology ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,Lumbrineridae ,Benthic zone ,Key (lock) ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Taxonomic key - Abstract
The present study is a part of a larger project aiming to characterise the benthic macrofaunal assemblages from the Gulf of Milazzo (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean). Forty-eight samples from 16 sites were collected during the summer of 2010 by means of van Veen grab (0.1 m2) at 20 and 50 m depths to characterise taxonomically, ecologically and biogeographically the present species of Lumbrineridae. Sandy-silt mixed sediments characterised the study area. Abyssoninoe hibernica and Lumbrineris luciliae are newly recorded for the Mediterranean Sea, and Gallardoneris iberica, Lumbrineris geldiayi and Lumbrineris lusitanica are new records for the Central Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, a total of 29 species of Lumbrineridae are currently present and recognised on Mediterranean coasts. Additionally, we provide an updated key to the Mediterranean species of the family.
- Published
- 2016
17. Distribution of fish fauna associated with a shipwreck in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: vertical distribution and shipwreck structures
- Author
-
Teresa Romeo, Patrizia Perzia, Franco Andaloro, Mauro Sinopoli, and Pierpaolo Consoli
- Subjects
biology ,business.industry ,Fauna ,Fish species ,Clupeiformes ,Distribution (economics) ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Anthias anthias ,Lower zone ,Fishery ,%22">Fish ,Underwater ,business - Abstract
Summary This study tested the hypothesis that the fish assemblage associated with a wreck can vary according to two factors: the vertical distribution and the level of wreck complexity. In the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea in September 2009, the composition and density of fishes were ascertained, coupling the detailed architectural reconstruction of a wreck with videos recorded by remotely operated underwater vehicles. A total of nine fish species were found. Anthias anthias followed by Clupeiformes dominated the upper zone of wreck, while in the lower zone a significant decrease in numbers of all fish species was recorded The study shows that vertical distribution is the factor most influencing the allocation of species, probably due to a greater exposure to the energy flows. In contrast, the complexity of the wreck appears to play a less important role, one that is in any case less clear. To clarify this point, further investigation with a higher resolution and a comparison with other wrecks should be performed.
- Published
- 2015
18. Composition and abundance of benthic marine litter in a coastal area of the central Mediterranean Sea
- Author
-
Pierpaolo Consoli, Mauro Sinopoli, François Galgani, Simonepietro Canese, Pietro Battaglia, Manuela Falautano, Patrizia Perzia, Franco Andaloro, Valentina Esposito, Teresa Romeo, and Luca Castriota
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Fishing ,Video Recording ,010501 environmental sciences ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,01 natural sciences ,Marine Strategy Framework Directive ,Mediterranean sea ,Marine debris ,Mediterranean Sea ,14. Life underwater ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Waste Products ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Pollution ,Debris ,Fishery ,13. Climate action ,Benthic zone ,Litter ,Environmental science ,Plastics ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Abundance and qualitative composition of benthic marine litter were investigated in a coastal area of the central Mediterranean Sea. Almost 30 km of video footage, collected by a Remotely Operated Vehicle between 5 and 30 m depth, were analyzed. Litter density ranged from 0 to 0.64 items/m2 with a mean of 0.11 (±0.16) items/m2. General wastes, made up almost entirely of plastic objects, were the dominant sources of debris representing 68% of the overall litter. The remaining 32% consisted of lost or abandoned fishing gears. Synthetic polymers, considering both fishing gears and general waste, represented 73% of total debris items. Our results are comparable with litter amounts reported in other Mediterranean sites at similar depths. Overall, the results are discussed in terms of monitoring strategy, to support the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) for descriptor 10 and the Mediterranean UN Environment (UNEP/MAP) regional Plan on Marine Litter.
- Published
- 2018
19. Swordfish harpoon fishery in the Mediterranean Sea: Recent data to implement the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the EcAp (Ecosystem Approach) process
- Author
-
Saša Raicevich, Franco Andaloro, Patrizia Perzia, Teresa Romeo, and Pietro Battaglia
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,biology ,Swordfish ,Fishing ,Harpoon ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Marine Strategy Framework Directive ,Mediterranean sea ,Geography ,Oceanography ,Tetrapturus ,Stock (geology) - Abstract
This paper provides new data on the swordfish harpoon fishery carried out during 1999–2011 in Italian waters (central Mediterranean Sea), concerning fleet structure and its changes over the last decade, spatial distribution of fishing effort and catches, trend of catch rates, size composition of catches as well as fishing of other species. These data were partially used to implement the MSFD Initial Assessment of Descriptor 3 for Italian waters, and could be useful for the forthcoming application of the EcAp (Ecosystem Approach) process, regarding Ecological Objective 3. Swordfish harpoon fishery is a typical artisanal practice, characterized by selective catches as well as by cherished cultural traditions, being one of the most ancient fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea, with lengthy traditions and close links with local culture. Fishing capacity showed a low, stable level during the sampling period. Fishing effort, in terms of days at sea, was more intense in GSA 19 than in GSA 10, whereas CPUE often resulted higher during June and July in GSA 10 due to the occurrence of fish belonging to pairs during the reproduction period. Over the period 1999–2009, the percentage of females larger than L50 increased up to almost 100% of the catch in both GSA 10 and GSA 19, underlining the high selectivity of this fishing practice, and might be the result of enforcing strict management measures on Mediterranean swordfish stock in recent years. This study also provided some information on the catch of Tetrapturus belone, whose stock is today regarded as data-poor.
- Published
- 2015
20. Marine litter in an EBSA (Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area) of the central Mediterranean Sea: Abundance, composition, impact on benthic species and basis for monitoring entanglement
- Author
-
Simonepietro Canese, Patrizia Perzia, Mauro Sinopoli, Silvana Campagnuolo, François Galgani, Gianfranco Scotti, Chiara Altobelli, Teresa Romeo, Cristina Pedà, Pierpaolo Consoli, Pietro Vivona, Franco Andaloro, Luca Castriota, Pietro Battaglia, Valentina Esposito, Manuela Falautano, and Tiziana Cillari
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Aquatic Organisms ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Fauna ,010501 environmental sciences ,Toxicology ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,Benthos ,Abundance (ecology) ,Marine debris ,Mediterranean Sea ,14. Life underwater ,Transect ,Ecosystem ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Waste Products ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,General Medicine ,Biodiversity ,Pollution ,Oceanography ,Benthic zone ,Litter ,Environmental science ,Plastics ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Marine litter is commonly observed everywhere in the ocean. In this study, we analyzed 17 km of video footage, collected by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) at depths ranging between 20 and 220 m, during 19 transects performed on the rocky banks of the Straits of Sicily. Recently, the Contracting Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognized this site as an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). The research aim was to quantify the abundance of marine litter and its impact on benthic fauna. Litter density ranged from 0 items/100 m2 to 14.02 items/100 m2 with a mean (±standard error) of 2.13 (±0.84) items/100 m2. The observed average density was higher (5.2 items/100 m2) at depths >100 m than at shallower depths (
- Published
- 2017
21. The effect of shipwrecks on associated fish assemblages in the central Mediterranean Sea
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Pietro Vivona, Mauro Sinopoli, Pierpaolo Consoli, Teresa Romeo, Andrea Martino, Franco Andaloro, and Simonepietro Canese
- Subjects
biology ,Ecology ,Dentex dentex ,Diplodus ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Geography ,Mediterranean sea ,Habitat ,Marine ecosystem ,Ecosystem ,Species richness ,Mycteroperca - Abstract
Understanding the role played by sunken vessels in Mediterranean marine ecosystems is acquiring increasing importance. The aim of this research was to study the fish communities associated with four shipwrecks, by means of underwater visual censuses performed by a remotely operated vehicle, and to test the differences in composition of fish assemblages between these shipwrecks and the adjacent soft bottoms, considered as control sites. Multivariate analysis on the total fish assemblage showed significant differences between wrecks and controls. Results also showed higher levels of species richness and abundance near all wrecks than at a short distance from them on soft bottoms, thus indicating that these sunken vessels, thanks to their higher habitat complexity, act as artificial reefs, attracting aggregations of fish species and leading to a greater diversification of the local fish assemblage. Nevertheless, shipwrecks, which are an ideal target for recreational fishermen, could contribute to the over-exploitation of some high-value fish species, such asMycteroperca rubra, Dentex dentexandDiplodusspp., attracted by the artificial hard substrate of the vessel-reefs. The recent European directives suggest an urgent need for a better understanding of the crucial role played by these potential sources of pollutants on marine environments and ecosystems. An ecosystem approach to study and monitor these pollutant sources is, therefore, mandatory for appropriate remediation and/or mitigation of the potential negative effects on a productive and healthy ocean.
- Published
- 2014
22. Relationship between swordfish swimming behaviour and sea surface temperature in the central Mediterranean Sea during the reproductive period
- Author
-
Valentina Esposito, Patrizia Perzia, Pierpaolo Consoli, S. Canese, Danilo Malara, Teresa Romeo, Franco Andaloro, and Pietro Battaglia
- Subjects
Swordfish ,Fishing ,Harpoon ,Aquatic Science ,Catch per unit effort ,Oceanography ,Fishery ,Sea surface temperature ,Mediterranean sea ,Reproductive period ,Environmental science ,Daylight ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Swordfish is the target species for harpoon fishery in the Central Mediterranean Sea (southern Tyrrhenian Sea and Strait of Messina). This is a seasonal fishing activity, carried out in daylight during the swordfish's reproductive period. The relationship between sea surface temperature (SST), catches, Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) and fish swimming behaviour, recorded by direct observation, was investigated between 1999 and 2008. Data from AVHRR-SST (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer–Sea Surface Temperature), the meteorological station and the swordfish daily catch were recorded. A low presence of pairs was observed in the 2003 summer season, corresponding to an anomalous sea surface temperature recorded in the study area. After 2003, an early presence of pairs (in May rather than in June) was recorded. ANOVA and Bonferroni correction showed significant differences of CPUE of pairs between May and June, and June and August (F3=8.07, P
- Published
- 2011
23. Swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus 1758) harpoon fishery: a method of evaluation of swordfish presence in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean Sea)
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, A. Punzon, Larissa Modica, Pierpaolo Consoli, Franco Andaloro, F. Raffa, Valentina Esposito, Pietro Battaglia, and Teresa Romeo
- Subjects
Fishery ,Sea surface temperature ,Mediterranean sea ,Swordfish ,Fishing ,Harpoon ,Gladius ,Aquatic Science ,Catch per unit effort ,Biology ,Moon phases - Abstract
Summary The objective of this study was to examine the space and environment variables that contributed to the presence of swordfish in the Strait of Messina during the 2003 and 2004 harpoon fishing activity. The relationships between catches per location and environmental factors (current, moon phase and sea surface temperature) were analyzed using a generalized linear model (GLM). The GLM analysis showed differences in CPUE (catch per unit effort) values in terms of swordfish numbers per location over the 2-year period. The central locations of the Strait were found to be teeming with fish; the CPUE was also higher in these areas during the new and rising moon phases.
- Published
- 2010
24. Pelagic cephalopods of the central Mediterranean Sea determined by the analysis of the stomach content of large fish predators
- Author
-
Franco Andaloro, Patrizia Perzia, Pietro Battaglia, Pierpaolo Consoli, Valentina Esposito, Teresa Romeo, and Cristina Pedà
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Pelagic zone ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Histioteuthis bonnellii ,Belone ,Cephalopod ,Fishery ,Heteroteuthis dispar ,Ommastrephidae ,14. Life underwater ,Gladius ,Thunnus - Abstract
The pelagic cephalopod fauna of the central Mediterranean Sea was investigated through stomach content analyses of large fish predators. A total of 124 Xiphias gladius, 22 Thunnus thynnus, 100 Thunnus alalunga, and 25 Tetrapturus belone were analyzed. Overall, 3,096 cephalopods belonging to 23 species and 16 families were identified. The cephalopod fauna in the study area is dominated by Sepiolidae, Ommastrephidae, and Onychoteuthidae. The sepiolid Heteroteuthis dispar was the most abundant species (n = 1,402) while the ommastrephid Todarodes sagittatus showed the highest biomass. They can be considered key-species in the pelagic food web of the study area. The neutrally buoyant Histioteuthis bonnellii, H. reversa, and Chiroteuthis veranyi seem to characterize the deeper water layers. Given the difficulty in sampling pelagic cephalopods, the presence of cephalopod beaks in the stomach of predators represents a fundamental tool to assess the biodiversity and the ecological importance of these taxa in the marine ecosystem.
- Published
- 2012
25. Indagine geomorfologica e bionomica dei fondali di Sciacca (AG)
- Author
-
Luca Castriota, Tiziana Cillari, Patrizia Perzia, Marco Toccaceli, Franco Andaloro, Gianfranco Scotti, Manuela Falautano, and Pietro Vivona
- Subjects
Global and Planetary Change ,Geography ,Ecology ,Single beam ,Life Sciences ,Rather poor ,Humanities ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Biogeographia vol. XXX - 2011 (Pubblicato il 23 dicembre 2011) La Biogeografia della Sicilia Indagine geomorfologica e bionomica dei fondali di Sciacca (AG) PATRIZIA PERZIA*, MAN UELA FALAUTAN 0*, LUCA CASTRIOTA*, TIZIANA CILLARI*, PIETRO VIVONA*, MARCO TOCCACELI**, GIANFRANCO SCOTTI* e FRANCO AN DALORO* q‘ [SPRA ex I CRAM ST5 Palermo, via Puglisi 9, 90143 Palermo (Italy); e—mzzz'l: patrizzoperzia@iggrzzmoiem‘e.it ** C.R.E.A. Soc. Coop., z/zkz F Guzzrdione 30, 90139 Palermo (Italy) Key words: geomorphology, biocenosys, Posidorzizz oceaniaz, reczfl/zmriere, South-Western Sicily. SUMMARY A geomorphologic and bionomical study was carried out in summer 2007 in the coastal area facing Sciacca (AG). Morpho-bathymetrical surveys, realized with single beam Echo-Sounder and side scan sonar, showed a some- what regular trend of coastal bottoms, except for two important geomorphologic outcrops, namely Capo San Mar- co and Torre Verdura. The study area is characterized by high heterogeneity, for the co-occurrence of hard bottoms, soft bottoms and wide zones colonised by the sea-grass Posidonia orezzniaz (L.) Delile. Bionomical samples from some representative stations with different bottom typology show rather poor benthic communities, both qualita- tively and quantitatively. 1? oceanim meadows are generally healthy, particularly in the Capo San Marco area where the species continuously extends from shallow water to about 25 m depth. Several recif—bzzrriere, important for beach protection and as nursery areas for many organisms, characterize the western littoral. Interesting large organogenic formations, like the rhodophycean Lit/Jop/ayllum stictzzefimne (].E. Areschoug) I-Iauck, occur in the infralittoral; the boring bivalve Litbop/Jagzz lit/aop/mgrz (Linnaeus, 1758) dwells the infralittoral calcareous rocks. INTRODUZIONE Le indagini geomorfologiche e bionomiche di un’area costiera forniscono un contributo basilare alla caratterizzazione ambientale degli ecosistemi marini e costituiscono un valido strumento di gestione, in particolare laddove coesisto— no diverse attivita antropiche ed ecosistemi costieri sensibili (Fraschetti et al., 2009). E questo il caso della fascia costiera del comune di Sciacca che annoye- ra rilevanti attivita di pesca, piccole realta industriali, un discreto flusso turist:i- co e ricche tradizioni culturali legate al mare, ma ad oggi scarsamente studiata dalla comunita scientifica; gli unici dati disponibili derivano da relazioni tec— niche (Crea, 1988; Dip. Ecol. Mar. Univ. Messina, 1986; Ceom, 2001; Ceca—
- Published
- 2011
26. Alteration of potential harmful elements levels in sediments and biota from the central Mediterranean Sea (Aeolian Archipelago) following an episode of intense volcanic activity
- Author
-
Cristiana Guerranti, Pierpaolo Consoli, Franco Andaloro, Patrizia Perzia, Silvano Focardi, Monia Renzi, Teresa Romeo, Guido Perra, Andaloro, F., Romeo, T., Renzi, M., Guerranti, C., Perra, G., Consoli, P., Perzia, P., and Focardi, S. E.
- Subjects
Pollution ,Geologic Sediments ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Central Mediterranean Sea ,Biological enrichment factors ,Volcanic Eruptions ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Serranus ,Arsenic ,Mediterranean sea ,Volcanic activity ,Bioaccumulation ,Potential harmful elements ,Mediterranean Sea ,Water Pollution, Chemical ,Ecotoxicology ,Animals ,Seawater ,General Environmental Science ,Trophic level ,media_common ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Ecology ,Fishes ,Biota ,General Medicine ,Mercury ,biology.organism_classification ,Biological enrichment factor ,Seaweed ,Volcano ,Lead ,Potential harmful element ,Geology ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Cadmium ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
In this paper levels of four (Hg, Cd, Pb, As) potential harmful elements (PHE) were measured in three different environmental matrices (sediments, macroalgae and fishes) from the Aeolian Archipelago and control areas both after 1 and 10 months from a volcanic activity of particular relevance occurred at the end of October 2002. Results were analysed on a multivariate statistical basis with the aim to evaluate: (I) general levels of pollution and increase of PHE due to the event; (II) differences observed among tested matrices in the time of recovery after the occurrence of the critical event; (III) the biological enrichment of PHE along the trophic web produced by the geological event. Results evidenced that volcanic emissions could represent a local source of particular relevance able to determine great enrichments of considered PHE in sediments and biological species. After 10 months from the event, levels in sediments and macroalgae notably decreased, whereas fish species evidenced an increase, principally related to the bioaccumulation phenomena. On the basis of the biological enrichment factors (BEF), major enrichments were evidenced after 1 month whereas, after 10 months, were recorded values reliable to an incomplete recovery. Concerning Cd, the BEF higher levels reported for the species Serranus cabrilla was probably related both to the diet and to the specific detoxification rates of this species. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.
- Published
- 2011
27. Preliminary 1H NMR study on archaeological waterlogged wood
- Author
-
Paola Fantazzini, Patrizia Perzia, Filippa Morreale, Maria Brai, Antonella Maccotta, Ines D. Donato, Carla Garavaglia, BRAI, M, DONATO, D, FANTAZZINI, P, GARAVAGLIA, C, MACCOTTA, A, MORREALE, F, PERZIA, P, MACCOTTA A., FANTAZZINI P., GARAVAGLIA C., DONATO I., PERZIA P., BRAI M., and MORREALE F.
- Subjects
Nuclear magnetic logging ,Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ,Ecology ,Chemistry ,technology, industry, and agriculture ,Water ,Characterisation of pore space in soil ,Magnetic Resonance Imaging ,Wood ,Analytical Chemistry ,Nuclear magnetic resonance ,Mining engineering ,Archaeology ,T2 distribution ,Underwater ,Porosity ,Confined water ,General Environmental Science - Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Relaxation (MRR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful tools to obtain detailed information on the pore space structure that one is unlikely to obtain in other ways. These techniques are particularly suitable for Cultural Heritage materials, because they use water 1H nuclei as a probe. Interaction with water is one of the main causes of deterioration of materials. Porous structure in wood, for example, favours the penetration of water, which can carry polluting substances and promote mould growth. A particular case is waterlogged wood from underwater discoveries and moist sites; in fact, these finds are very fragile because of chemical, physical and biological decay from the long contact with the water. When wood artefacts are brought to the surface and directly dried in air, there is the collapse of the cellular structures, and wood loses its original form and dimensions and cannot be used for study and museum exhibits. In this work we have undertaken the study of some wood finds coming from Ercolano's harbour by MRR and MRI under different conditions, and we have obtained a characterization of pore space in wood and images of the spatial distribution of the confined water in the wood.
- Published
- 2006
28. Interaction water-polyethyleneglycols: Determination of hydration parameters from hydrodynamic data
- Author
-
Patrizia Perzia, Ines D. Donato, and Pasquale Agozzino
- Subjects
chemistry.chemical_classification ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Viscosity ,Aqueous solution ,Chromatography ,chemistry ,Solvation ,Thermodynamics ,Polymer ,Polyethylene ,Refractive index ,Enthalpy change of solution - Abstract
Densities, viscosities and refractive indexes of diluted aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycols (Mw=200−6000) are determined at 25 °C. The non-linear increase of viscosity B and C coefficients with the number of ethylenoxide (EO) units are discussed. The solvation (hydration) becomes dominant when the number of ethylenoxide group increases. The hydration parameter, ω, the specific increment of density, dds/dc, and of refractive index, dnD/dc, for the various PEGs are the consequence of dimension and of conformation that assumes the polymer.
- Published
- 2000
Catalog
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.