88 results on '"Mastrototaro, F"'
Search Results
2. Season- and sex-related variation in mucin secretions of the striped Venus clam, Chamelea gallina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia: Veneridae).
- Author
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Guglielmi, M. V., Semeraro, D., Mentino, D., Mastrodonato, M., Mastrototaro, F., and Scillitani, G.
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SEXUAL cycle ,MUCINS ,SECRETION ,SEX allocation ,MUCUS ,BIVALVES - Abstract
An in situ analysis of mucin secretions along the annual cycle was performed on the striped Venus clam, Chamelea gallina. Individuals of both sexes from an exploited stock of Margherita di Savoia (Southern Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) were made in June 2020 and 2021, and in January 2021 and 2022, representative of summer and winter seasons, respectively. Tissues from the foot and the gills were analyzed for histochemical and lectin-histochemical analyses. Staining with Periodic Acid-Schiff, Alcian Blue pH 2.5 and High-Iron-Diamine indicated that mucins from both the foot and the gills were acidic, mostly sulfated. Lectin-binding analyses with PNA, SBA, WGA, LTA, UEA-I, AAA, SNA, MAA-II and ConA indicated the presence of N-acetyl-glycosaminylated, mannosylated and fucosylated residuals in the saccharidic chains. In the gills, the amount of acidic and glycosaminylated residuals was higher in summer in both sexes, whereas fucosylation was similar along the sampling period and mannosylation was never observed. In the foot, both surface epithelial and subepidermal secreting cells increased sulfation in winter in males, but not in females. Glycosaminylation and fucosylation were observed only in the surface cells of males. Mannosylated residuals were observed in all the foot cell types in both sexes. It is hypothesized that the observed qualitative and quantitative variations in mucin secretion is linked to the reproductive cycle. The mucocytes present in the gill filaments of the clam produce an acid mucus, with sulfate residues and N-acetylglucosamine and fucose chains. In the foot, the subepithelial mucocytes produce an acidic, sulfate secretion with mannosylated residuals. The foot epithelium shows an acidic, sulfated mucus composition with N-acetylglucosamine, fucose and mannose chains. The results show that males have greater variability in mucus composition. The observed variation could be related to different energy allocation between sexes in the development of gametes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Functional characterization of the oxidative capacity of mitochondria and glycolytic assessment in benthic aquatic organisms
- Author
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Atlante, A., Basset, A., Bobba, A., Lassandro, R., Mastrototaro, F., and Vignes, F.
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- 2016
- Full Text
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4. Trophic relationships in a deep Mediterranean cold-water coral bank (Santa Maria di Leuca, Ionian Sea)
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Carlier, A., Le Guilloux, E., Olu, K., Sarrazin, J., Mastrototaro, F., Taviani, M., and Clavier, J.
- Published
- 2009
5. The clubbed tunicate Styela clava has arrived in the Lagoon of Venice.
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Mastrototaro, F., Gasparini, F., and Montesanto, F.
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LAGOONS , *BOATS & boating , *INTRODUCED species - Abstract
Individuals of the solitary ascidian Styela clava Herdman, 1881 have been recorded for the first time in Italian waters, in Chioggia, within the Lagoon of Venice. This finding represents the third record of the species in the Mediterranean Sea. The Lagoon of Venice is a well-known hotspot of introduction of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) along Italian coasts. It hosts several important vectors of introduction such as commercial shipping, recreational boating, aquaculture facilities and the live seafood trade. Monitoring surveys are a crucial step for the early identification of NIS, especially those characterized by a high invasive potential such as S. clava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. New records of rare species in the Mediterranean Sea (March 2021)
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Santín, A. Aguilar, R. Akyol, O. Begburs, C.R. Benoit, L. Chimienti, G. Crocetta, F. Dalyan, C. De La Linde Rubio, A. Dragičević, B. Dulčić, J. Giglio, G. Gönülal, O. Kebapcioglu, T. Kesici, N.B. Kiparissis, S. Kousteni, V. Mancini, E. Mastrototaro, F. Menut, T. Montesanto, F. Peristeraki, P. Poursanidis, D. Renoult, J.P. Sánchez-Tocino, L. Sperone, E. Tiralongo, F.
- Abstract
This Collective Article presents information on 17 taxa belonging to five (5) Phyla and extending from the Alboran Sea to the Levantine Sea. These new records were found in six (6) different ecoregions as follows: Alboran Sea: Second and easternmost record of the sponge Chalinula nigra in the Mediterranean Sea; Western Mediterranean: first record of the rare gobid Gobius couchi for Spain, based on both morphological and molecular data; new records for the rare ascidian Ciona edwardsi from the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara, Sardinia; several records for four (4) different species of black coral, Antipathella subpinnata, Antipathes dichotoma, Leiopathes glaberrima and Parantipathes larix from the Aeolian Archipelago, all of which are currently threatened and/or protected at a Mediterranean level; the first documented records of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus in Calabria, which is considered “Critically Endangered” in Italy; first record in the Tyrrhenian Sea and second record in the Ionian Sea for the crab Ocypode cursor, which seems to be rapidly expanding its distribution range across Italian waters; Adriatic Sea: Additional records of yellowmouth barracuda, Sphyraena viridensis, in the northern Adriatic, which seems to be experimenting a meridionalization process in the region; Aegean Sea: First confirmed record of the iconic gastropod Bursa scrobilator scrobilator in the eastern Mediterranean Sea; an additional record for the vulnerable shark Dalatias licha, also being the largest individual caught in eastern Mediterranean waters till the time of capture; an additional record for the rare crab Distolambrus maltzami, suggesting the species might be more morphologically variable than originally thought; first documented record for the myctophid Hygophum hygomii in both Turkish waters and the north Aegean Sea; additional records for the tuna Katsuwonus pelamis and the sunfish Ranzania laevis in the eastern Mediterranean, pointing out that both species might not be as rare in the area as previously thought; Levantine Sea: additional records for the rare stingray Taeniura grabata in Turkish waters. © 2021
- Published
- 2021
7. Join the dark side: Mediterranean cold-water corals
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Chimienti, G, Bo, M., and Mastrototaro, F.
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deep-sea ,Distribution, habitat, exploration, deep-sea, Mediterranean Sea ,Mediterranean Sea ,habitat ,Distribution ,exploration - Published
- 2019
8. Occurrence and biogeography of Mediterranean Cold-Water Corals
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Chimienti, G., Bo, M., Taviani, M., and Mastrototaro, F
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Biogeography ,Hard bottoms ,Mediterranean Sea ,Cold-water corals ,Cold-water corals, Hard bottoms, Soft bottoms, Biogeography, Mediterranean Sea ,Soft bottoms - Published
- 2019
9. DNA adducts, benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase activity, and lysosomal membrane stability in Mytilus galloprovincialis from different areas in Taranto coastal waters (Italy)
- Author
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Pisoni, M., Cogotzi, L., Frigeri, A., Corsi, I., Bonacci, S., Iacocca, A., Lancini, L., Mastrototaro, F., Focardi, S., and Svelto, M.
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- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. A sea of corals in the Mediterranean Sea
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Mastrototaro, F., Chimienti, G., and Bo, M.
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deep-sea ,Santa Maria di Leuca ,ROV ,Cold Water Corals ,Mediterranean Sea ,Cold Water Corals, deep-sea, Santa Maria di Leuca, ROV, Mediterranean Sea - Published
- 2018
11. Roadmap to the management of marine invasive alien species in Europe: a prioritization exercise in a Mediterranean country
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Marchini A., Cardeccia A., Andaloro F., Azzurro E., Carnevali L., Castelli A., Cecere E., Donnarumma L., Ferrario J., Genovesi P., Giangrande A., Gravili C., Grieco F., Lange-neck J., Mancinelli G., Mastrototaro F., Mazziotti C., Mistri M., Montesanto F., Munari C., Orsi-Relini L., Petrocelli A., Piazzi L., Relini G., Russo G.F., Sfriso A., Occhipinti-Ambrogi A., Marchini, Agnese, Cardeccia, Alice, Andaloro, Franco, Azzurro, Ernesto, Carnevali, Lucilla, Castelli, Alberto, Cecere, Ester, Donnarumma, Luigia, Ferrario, Jasmine, Genovesi, Piero, Giangrande, Adriana, Gravili, Cinzia, Grieco, Flavia, Langeneck, Joachim, Mancinelli, Giorgio, Mastrototaro, Francesco, Mazziotti, Cristina, Mistri, Michele, Montesanto, Federica, Munari, Cristina, Orsi-Relini, Lidia, Petrocelli, Antonella, Piazzi, Luigi, Relini, Giulio, Fulvio Russo, Giovanni, Sfriso, Adriano, and Occhipinti, ANNA CARMEN
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prioritizing ,alien species ,marine species ,invasive species - Abstract
Until 2014, the management of invasive alien species has been poorly addressed in Europe. Recently, the Regulation 1143/14 on invasive alien species (IAS) was issued by the European Community. A first list of "IAS of Union Concern" was presented in 2016 and subsequently updated in 2017. The species included in that list are subjected to a number of commercial restrictions, and EU member states are required to control or eradicate them. The inclusion of an IAS in this list is based on the results of a risk-assessment procedure. At present, this list contains 49 IAS, none of which marine. Member states can decide either to adopt the EU list as it is, or to integrate it with additional "IAS of national concern". Italy has opted for the second way and is currently developing its own national list, which may eventually include marine IAS. Italy is a major "first hub" for marine introductions in the Mediterranean Sea, with over 200 multicellular marine alien species reported so far. Italy, with its central position in the Mediterranean Sea, shares several species with the Western European countries, carried by ships or with shellfish stocks, as well as a number of Indo-Pacific species with the Eastern Mediterranean countries, entered through the Suez Canal. Therefore, the roadmap that Italy is currently tracing towards the possible inclusion of marine species in the list of IAS to be managed and controlled, is also relevant for other European and Mediterranean countries. This presentation will show how the process has been organized and conducted, and the preliminary outcomes
- Published
- 2018
12. Prioritizing invasive alien species in Italy: screening of marine alien species
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Marchini A., Cardeccia A., Andaloro F., Azzurro E., Carnevali L., Castelli A., Cecere E., Donnarumma L., Ferrario J., Genovesi P., Giangrande A., Gravili C., Grieco F., Lange-neck J., Mancinelli G., Mastrototaro F., Mazziotti C., Mistri M., Montesanto F., Munari C., Orsi-Relini L., Petrocelli A., Piazzi L., Relini G., Russo G.F., Sfriso A., and Occhipinti-Ambrogi A.
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prioritizing ,Italy ,alien species ,marine species ,invasive species - Abstract
Si riportano i primi risultati dell'esercizio di prioritizzazione delle specie aliene dei mari italiani condotto per conto di ISPRA dagli esperti dei singoli gruppi tassonomici iscritti al Gruppo Alloctone della Società Italiana di Biologia Marina
- Published
- 2018
13. Distribution of bioconstructor coralline algae of the genus Lithophyllum along the Italian shores
- Author
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Falace A, Pezzolesi L, Kaleb S, Alvito A, Donnarummmma L, Di Stefano F, Abbiati M, Badalamenti F, Bavestrello G, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Boero F, Cannas R, Cerrano C, Mastrototaro F, Chimienti G, Ponti M, Russo GF, Sandulli R, Rindi F, and Falace A, Pezzolesi L, Kaleb S, Alvito A, Donnarummmma L, Di Stefano F, Abbiati M, Badalamenti F, Bavestrello G, Benedetti-Cecchi L, Boero F, Cannas R, Cerrano C, Mastrototaro F, Chimienti G, Ponti M, Russo GF, Sandulli R, Rindi F
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benthos, bioconstructors, coralline algae, ecosystem engineers, Lithophyllum - Abstract
In the Mediterranean biogenic habitat built by coralline algae (orders Corallinales, Hapalidiales and Sporolithales) show a great diversity and a large bathymetric extent. The genus Lithophyllum is the most species-diverse coralline genus. and plays a key role in the formation of extensive bioconstructions, as the coralligenous concretions in the circalittoral and the “trottoirs” in the mid littoral. As part of a large-scale investigation of the marine bioconstructions of the Italian shores, we account here some results on the distribution, diversity and ecology for L. byssoides, L. cabiochae and L. stictaeforme.
- Published
- 2016
14. Mesophotic rocks dominated by Diazona violacea: a Mediterranean codified habitat.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., Aguilar, R., Alvarez, H., Blanco, J., García, S., Montesanto, F., Perry, A. L., and Chimienti, G.
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KURTOSIS , *HABITATS , *COLONIAL animals (Marine invertebrates) , *LANDSCAPES , *FACIES - Abstract
The football ascidian Diazona violacea was observed in three different sites in the Aeolian Archipelago (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea), from 53 to 116 m depth. A large population of this ascidian was found on rocky habitat, enhancing its three-dimensionality and constituting a peculiar facies. Colonies of D. violacea showed a mean density of 0.87 ± 0.09 colonies m−2 and a maximum of 4 colonies m−2. The number of zooids was used as a proxy of colony size and age (assuming that the higher the number of zooids, the larger and older is the colony), and the population showed a leptokurtic distribution with the dominant presence of colonies with fewer than 100 zooids. Large aggregations of this species proved to play an important role in terms of seabed complexity, influencing the underwater landscape and worth of being recognized as a relevant type of biogenic habitat (although ephemeral) that can characterize mesophotic rocks in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
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15. Finding of the macrophagous deep-sea ascidian Dicopia antirrhinum Monniot, 1972 (Chordata: Tunicata) in the Tyrrhenian Sea and updating of its distribution.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., Chimienti, G., Montesanto, F., Perry, A. L., García, S., Alvarez, H., Blanco, J., and Aguilar, R.
- Subjects
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TUNICATA , *CHORDATA , *SNAPDRAGONS , *SEAS , *DEEP-sea corals , *CIONA intestinalis , *OCEAN bottom - Abstract
This study reports the in situ observations of a deep-sea ascidian, Dicopia antirrhinum (family Octacnemidae), on the deep seabed off the Aeolian Islands (Tyrrhenian Sea), between 569 and 813 m depth. These observations represent the first record of the species in Italian waters and the second observation in vivo to date. Peculiar macroscopic features are described here and the main differences from other species of the family Octacnemidae are highlighted, in order to allow the future identification of D. antirrhinum through visual technologies such as remotely operated vehicles. A total of 29 specimens were observed, with a maximum density of 0.012 specimens/m2. The global geographic and bathymetric distribution of D. antirrhinum known so far is also updated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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16. Ecosystem vulnerability to alien and invasive species: a case study on marine habitats along the Italian coast
- Author
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Corriero, G., Pierri, C., Accoroni1, S., Alabiso, G., Bavestrello, G., Barbone, E., Bastianini, M., Bazzoni, A., BERNARDI AUBRY, F., Boero, F., Buia, Mc, Cabrini, M., Camatti, E., Cardone, F., Cataletto, B., CATTANEO VIETTI, R., Cecere, E., Cibic, T., Colangelo1, P., DE OLAZABAL, A., D'Onghia, G., Finotto, S., Fiore, N., Fornasaro, D., Fraschetti, S., Giangrande, A., Gravili, C., Longo, C., Lorenti, M., Lugliè, A., Maiorano, P., Mazzocchi, Mg, Mercurio, M., Mastrototaro, F., Mistri, Michele, Monti, M., Munari, Cristina, Musco, L., NONNIS MARZANO, C., MARIO PADEDDA, B., Patti, F., Petrocelli, A., Piraino, S., Portacci, G., Pugnetti, A., Pulina, S., Romagnoli, T., Rosati, I., Sarno, D., Satta, Ct, Sechi, N., Schiapparelli, S., Scipione, B., Sion, L., Terlizzi, A., Tirelli, V., Totti, C., Tursi, A., Ungaro, N., Zingone, A., Zupo, V., and Basset, A.
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Invasion ,Ambientale ,Invasive alien species ,Marine alien species ,Habitat vulnerability ,Mediterranean EUNIS habitats - Published
- 2016
17. Lagoon and Habitat (EUNIS) fragility to alien species in Mediterranean lagoons
- Author
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BASSET, Alberto, PINNA, Maurizio, Arima, S., Bastianini, M., Bernardi Aubry, F., Cardone, F., Cavraro, F., Cecere, E., Corriero, G., D'Onghia, G., Finoito, S., Fiore, N., Franzoi, P., Gaudiano, L., Giangrande, A., Jona Lasinio, G., Keppel, E., Longo, C., Ludovisi, A., Malavasi, S., Mastrototaro, F., Mistri, M., Munari, C., Nonnis Marzano, C., Pollice, A., Petrocelli, A., Pierri, C., Pugnetti, A., Rosati, I., Roselli, L., Sfriso, A., Sigovini, M., Sorino, R., Stanca, E., Tagliapietra, D., Zucchetta, M., Euro-Mediterranean Federation on Coastal Lagoons (EuroMedLag), Italian Network for Lagoon Research (LaguNet), Basset, Alberto, Arima, S., Bastianini, M., Bernardi Aubry, F., Cardone, F., Cavraro, F., Cecere, E., Corriero, G., D'Onghia, G., Finoito, S., Fiore, N., Franzoi, P., Gaudiano, L., Giangrande, A., Jona Lasinio, G., Keppel, E., Longo, C., Ludovisi, A., Malavasi, S., Mastrototaro, F., Mistri, M., Munari, C., Nonnis Marzano, C., Pollice, A., Petrocelli, A., Pierri, C., Pinna, Maurizio, Pugnetti, A., Rosati, I., Roselli, L., Sfriso, A., Sigovini, M., Sorino, R., Stanca, E., Tagliapietra, D., and Zucchetta, M.
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Alien species, Mediterranean lagoons, ecosystem fragility, EUNIS habitats, life cycle traits, lagoon openness and vigour, biodiversity, ecosystem level properties, spatial patchiness - Abstract
Lagoons are ecotone ecosystems, naturally exposed to immigration from their freshwater and marine input environments; strictly lagoonal species are rare, if ever occurring, and lagoon community are likely to be organised through loItery competition processes. These evidences suggest the study of lagoons as models address ecosystem fragility to alien species. Here, we present an analysis of lagoon guild fragility to alien species carried out using the e-Science facilities of LifeWatch, the European Research Infrastructure on biodiversity and ecosystem research. The analysis has been performed on two EUNIS habitat (X02 and X03) using data existing on 18 Italian lagoons. The analysis has been carried out taking into account that rarity, redundancy and singularity are key properties of different guilds in lagoon ecosystems at every geographical area, affecting B (Beta) and y (Gamma) diversity. At every area an high regional biodiversity is determined by a large number of rare species and a high dissimilarity among lagoons. Life cycle traits and the behaviour of larval stages, at the species level, as well as lagoon openness and vigour, at the ecosystem level, seem to have a major role to explain the difference in patterns of biodiversity between study areas at a biogeographical scale. The same species and ecosystem level properties, together with spatial patchiness, seem also to be key factors downscaling biodiversity analysis at the landscape level.
- Published
- 2013
18. Withdrawal behaviour of the red sea pen Pennatula rubra (Cnidaria: Pennatulacea).
- Author
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Chimienti, G., Angeletti, L., and Mastrototaro, F.
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SEA pens ,BIOGEOGRAPHY ,MARINE ecology ,MARINE biology ,MARINE sediments - Abstract
Aggregations of sea pens are important soft-bottom communities providing a three-dimensional complexity from which several associated species can benefit. The red sea pen Pennatula rubra is one of the Mediterranean coastal field-forming sea pens able to establish dense aggregations on the sandy/muddy bottoms of the infra- and circumlittoral zones. This species was first described at the end of the 17th century, but since then little information has been published about its biology, ecology and biogeography. Even less is known about its behaviour, its reactions after disturbance and its possible escape strategies. Several species of pennatulaceans can withdraw partially or completely into the sediment, usually in a fast (i.e. a few seconds) process of polyp closure and expulsion of part of the water contained within the colony. The present study reports and discusses the withdrawal behaviour of P. rubra after disturbance. This behaviour has never been documented before in this species. It proved to be a slow process requiring between 210 and 340 seconds (3 min 30 sec to 5 min 40 sec) for the complete withdrawal. Moreover, a soft bioluminescence was observed in two undisturbed colonies in the study area, while two other colonies were found to be out of the sediment, inflating themselves with seawater and getting carried by currents as a sort of dispersal behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Bathyal benthic habitats from the southern Apulian slope: characterization, spatial distribution and modifications through time
- Author
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VERTINO, AGOSTINA VALERIA, SAVINI, ALESSANDRA, NEGRI, MAURO PIETRO, MALINVERNO, ELISA, CORSELLI, CESARE, Beuck, L, Mastrototaro, F, Vertino, A, Savini, A, Beuck, L, Negri, M, Malinverno, E, Mastrototaro, F, and Corselli, C
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Apulian slope ,bathyal ,cold-water coral ,habitat ,mounds ,Ionian Sea ,Mediterranean ,scleractinian ,bentho - Abstract
The examined bathyal area, ranging from about 300 to 1100 m water depth, is located along the southern Apulian continental slope. It includes the so-called Cold-Water Coral (CWC) Mound Province of Santa Maria di Leuca and is characterized by three main physiographic domains: from east to west (1) a large mass-transport deposition area where mound-like features occur, (2) a prominent ridge covered by sparse debris deposits where drift sedimentation is documented, and (3) a series of narrow ridges and fault scarps that outline large erosive features (e.g., canyons). The analysis of videos, samples and acoustic facies from ten selected sites shows that both live and dead CWCs (mostly represented by the scleractinian species Madrepora oculata, Lophelia pertusa and Desmophyllum dianthus) occur in all three domains. In particular, video and sample analyses have allowed us to distinguish three main habitat groups (coral-, hardground- and muddominated habitats) which contain diverse subhabitats, generally grading into each other. By combining sample/video data with acoustic facies, we can assert that (a) extensive coral thickets, formed by dead and live colonies of M. oculata and L. pertusa, characterize the upper part of several mound-like structures of the eastern sector and, most probably, the top of elongated ridges from the western sector, (b) small-scale bioconstructions, dominated by the solitary gregarious species D. dianthus, preferentially occur along subvertical and overhanging walls of the western sector, (c) mud-dominated facies are spread on horizontal to gently sloping bottoms of all three sectors. Our study highlights a significant spatial heterogeneity of the bathyal benthic habitats from the southern Apulian slope. This seems to well reflect the complexity of variable geomorphic and/or hydrographic processes acting upon the slope. Moreover, remarkable variations of skeletonized faunal assemblages, observed along several sediment cores (from 30 to 150 cm long), reveal that benthic communities have been locally affected by recurrent short-term changes over time.
- Published
- 2011
20. First geo-marine survey of living cold-water Lophelia reefs in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean basin)
- Author
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Taviani, M, Freiwald, A, Mastrototaro, F, Remia, A, Tursi, A, CORAL Shipboard Staff, CORSELLI, CESARE, MALINVERNO, ELISA, SAVINI, ALESSANDRA, Taviani, M, Corselli, C, Freiwald, A, Malinverno, E, Mastrototaro, F, Remia, A, Savini, A, Tursi, A, and CORAL Shipboard, S
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Pleistocene ,deep coral ,Stratigraphy ,Coral ,Paleontology ,Geology ,biology.organism_classification ,GEO/01 - PALEONTOLOGIA E PALEOECOLOGIA ,Mediterranean Basin ,Deep coral, Living Lophelia reefs, Ionian Sea, Mediterranean, Recent ,Mediterranean ,Ionian Sea ,Lophelia ,Oceanography ,recent ,Sedimentology ,living Lophelia reefs ,Reef ,Madrepora oculata - Abstract
Prosperous deep coral mounds including living colonies of Lophelia pertusa together with Madrepora oculata and Desmophyllum dianthus (= D. cristagalli) have been discovered in 2000, by fishery operations on the eastern side of the Ionian Sea. The living coral mounds are located between ca. 300 and 1,100 m on a gently dipping shelf off Apulia at Santa Maria di Leuca (SML), and characterized by a complex seabed topography. Side scan sonar, shallow high-resolution seismics and sampling indicate that these Lophelia-bearing coral mounds colonize quasi-indurate (firmground) Pleistocene sediment. At places live corals were found on Pleistocene coral-hardgrounds. The fauna associated with these Ionian modern coral mounds is less diversified than modern Eastern Atlantic counterparts. The core of living coral mounds colonies is at present located in 500–700 m and is tentatively suggested that their survival is mostly controlled by oceanographic factors. The SML coral banks represent so far a unique example of living Lophelia-bearing coral mounds in the Mediterranean basin.
- Published
- 2005
21. Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. A contribution to the application of European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part 2. Introduction trends and pathways
- Author
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Zenetos, A., Gofas, S., Morri, Carla, Rosso, A., Violanti, D., García Raso, J. E., Çinar, M. E., Almogi Labin, A., Ates, A. S., Azzurro, E., Ballesteros, E., Bianchi, C. N., Bilecenoglu, M., Gambi, M. C., Giangrande, A., Gravili, C., Hyams Kaphzan, O., Karachle, P. K., Katsanevakis, S., Lipej, L., Mastrototaro, F., Mineur, F., Pancucci Papadopoulou, M. A., Ramos Esplá, A., Salas, C., San Martín, G., Sfriso, A., Streftaris, N., and Verlaque, M.
- Published
- 2012
22. Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. Errata to the Review Article (Medit. Mar. Sci. 11/2, 2010, 381-493)
- Author
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Zenetos, A., Gofas, S., Verlaque, M., Çinar, M. E., García Raso, J. E., Bianchi, Carlo, Morri, Carla, Azzurro, E., Bilecenoglu, M., Froglia, C., Siokou, I., Violanti, D., Sfriso, A., San Martín, G., Giangrande, A., Katağan, T., Ballesteros, E., Ramos Esplá, A., Mastrototaro, F., Ocaña, O., Zingone, A., Gambi, M. C., and Streftaris, N.
- Published
- 2011
23. Alien species in the Mediterranean areas of the European union’s marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) by 2010. Part I. Spatial distribution
- Author
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Zenetos, A., Gofas, S., Verlaque, M., Cinar, M., Garcia Raso, E., Bianchi, C. N., Morri, C., Azzurro, E., Bilecenoglu, M., Froglia, C., Siokou, I., Violanti, D., Sfriso, Adriano, San Martίn, N., Giangrande, A., Kata An, T., Ballesteros, E., Ramos Espla, A., Mastrototaro, F., Ocaña, O., Zingone, A., Gambi, M. C., and Streftaris, N.
- Subjects
Settore BIO/07 - Ecologia - Published
- 2010
24. Alien species in the Mediterranean Sea by 2010. A contribution to the application of European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Part I. Spatial distribution
- Author
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Zenetos, A., Gofas, S., Verlaque, M., Cinar, M. E., Garcia Raso, J. E., Bianchi, C. N., Morri, C., Azzurro, E., Bilecenoglu, M., Froglia, C., Siokou, I., Violanti, D., Sfriso, A., San Martin, G., Giangrande, A., Katagan, T., Ballesteros, E., Ramos-Espla, A., Mastrototaro, F., Ocana, O., Zingone, A., Gambi, M. C., Streftaris, N., and Ege Üniversitesi
- Subjects
Biogeography ,Mediterranean Sea ,Biodiversity ,Biological invasions ,Marine aliens - Abstract
WOS: 000288831000015, The state-of-art on alien species in the Mediterranean Sea is presented, making distinctions among the four subregions defined in the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive: (i) the Western Mediterranean Sea (WMED); (ii) the Central Mediterranean Sea (CMED); (iii) the Adriatic Sea (ADRIA); and (iv) the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMED). The updated checklist (December 2010) of marine alien species within each subregion, along with their acclimatization status and origin, is provided. A total of 955 alien species is known in the Mediterranean, the vast majority of them having being introduced in the EMED (718), less in the WMED (328) and CMED (267) and least in the Adriatic (171). Of these, 535 species (56%) are established in at least one area. Despite the collective effort of experts who attempted in this work, the number of introduced species remains probably underestimated. Excluding microalgae, for which knowledge is still insufficient, aliens have increased the total species richness of the Mediterranean Sea by 5.9%. This figure should not be directly read as an indication of higher biodiversity, as spreading of so many aliens within the basin is possibly causing biotic homogenization. Thermophilic species, i.e. Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Tropical Atlantic, Tropical Pacific, and circum(sub)tropical, account for 88.4% of the introduced species in the EMED, 72.8% in the CMED, 59.3% in the WMED and 56.1% in the Adriatic. Cold water species, i.e. circumboreal, N Atlantic, and N Pacific, make up a small percentage of the introduced species, ranging between 4.2% and 21.6% and being more numerous in the Adriatic and less so in the EMED. Species that are classified as invasive or potentially invasive are 134 in the whole of the Mediterranean: 108 are present in the EMED, 75 in the CMED, 53 in the Adriatic and 64 in the WMED. The WMED hosts most invasive macrophytes, whereas the EMED has the lion's share in polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs and fish., SEBI2010 - Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Expert Group 5; EUEuropean Union (EU) [036949]; Italian Ministry for the Environment, The work was initiated under the auspices of the SEBI2010 - Streamlining European 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Expert Group 5: Numbers and costs of invasive alien species.; Further research on the distribution of alien species in the Mediterranean Sea has been carried out in the frame of the Integrated Project 'SESAME' (Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modelling Ecosystem changes: Project no: 036949) funded by the EU [A. Zenetos, I. Siokou and N. Streftaris] and in the frame of the research project The impacts of biological invasions and climate change on the biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea' (C.N. Bianchi and C. Morri), an Italy-Israel co-operation funded by the Italian Ministry for the Environment. Special thanks are due to C. Salas Casanova and A. Logan whose constructive criticism and suggestions have improved the manuscript.
- Published
- 2010
25. FIRST RECORDS OF THE RARE STARFISH MARGINASTER CAPREENSIS (GASCO, 1876) (ECHINODERMATA, ASTEROIDEA, PORANIIDAE) IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON ITS RECENT FINDING IN THE IONIAN SEA
- Author
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Massi D., Rinelli P., and Mastrototaro F.
- Subjects
Western Mediterranean ,Sicilian Channel ,Eastern Mediterranean ,Ionian Sea ,Echinodermata - Abstract
First records of the rare starfish Marginaster capreensis (Echinodermata: Poraniidae) for the Strait of Sicily are reported. Two specimens were collected in 2004 at 87m and 136m depth on the off-shore African shelf. Detailed information on the first specimen, recently reported in literature from the Ionian Sea, is also given. It was collected in 2000 at 707-742 m depth off the Corfù island (Eastern Ionian).
- Published
- 2007
26. The Santa Maria di Leuca Lophelia reefs of the Mediterranean Sea: a research in progress
- Author
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Corselli, C., Favali, P., Rosso, Maria Antonietta, Spezie, G., Taviani, M., Savini, A., Etiope, G., Tursi, A., Mastrototaro, F, Remia A, ., and Aplabes, Consortium
- Published
- 2006
27. Isidella elongata (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea) facies in the western Mediterranean Sea: visual surveys and descriptions of its ecological role.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., Chimienti, G., Acosta, J., Blanco, J., Garcia, S., Rivera, J., and Aguilar, R.
- Subjects
- *
CNIDARIA , *BIODIVERSITY , *ALCYONACEA , *FACIES - Abstract
Isidella elongata is a candelabrum-shaped alcyonacean forming important facies on the bathyal muddy bottoms of the Mediterranean Sea, currently considered a sensitive habitat and heavily impacted by deep-sea fisheries. Until a few decades ago, this facies was a widespread habitat of the deep Mediterranean seabed and I. elongata was a common species in the trawling fishery's bycatch. Despite its current persistence in dense aggregations being very scarce, a dense facies of I. elongata was revealed during several ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) surveys carried out from 2010 to 2014 on the muddy bottoms between two seamounts east of Ibiza (Balearic Sea). The facies developed in an area between 480 and 615 m in depth where trawling is forbidden, with an extraordinary density of about 2300–2683 colonies/ha, representing one of the biggest facies of I. elongata currently known for the Mediterranean Sea considering the surface covered and the colonies' density. The associated community was surveyed, with 50 taxa identified. Moreover, a canyon southwest of Formentera characterised by the presence of I. elongata together with a high trawling impact was investigated. The density of the colonies was 53–62 colonies/ha and only 19 taxa of associated fauna were observed. The results of the two areas are compared and discussed in the framework of the protection of such an important habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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28. Introduced marine species in Italy
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OCCHIPINTI AMBROGI, A, Badalamenti, F, Cantone, G, Castelli, A, Chemello, R, Gambi, M, Giangrande, A, Mastrototaro, F, Solustri, C, Froglia, C, Mizzan, L, Riggio, S, Russo, G, Savini, D, Giaccone, G, Cormaci, M, Curiel, D, Furnari, G, Serio, Donatella, Cecere, E, Andaloro, F, Castriota, L, RELINI ORSI, L, and Serena, F.
- Published
- 2004
29. Non indigenous species settle down in the Taranto seas
- Author
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MASTROTOTARO F. PETROCELLI A, CECERE E., and MATARRESE A.
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Non-indigenous species ,Mediterranean Sea ,Animals ,Mar Piccolo ,Seaweeds - Abstract
The presence and me disrriburion of seven exoric species (4 seaweeds and 3 animals) in me seas of Taranto are discussed. The seaweeds are: Caulerpa racemosavaro cylindracea, Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides (Chiorophyceae), Undaria pinnatifida (Phaeophyceae), and Womersleyella setacea (Rhodophyceae), ali well-known as invasive species. The animai species are: Branchiomma luctuosum (Polychaera), Microcosmus squamiger (Ascidiacea), and Musculista senhousia (Bivalvia).
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- 2004
30. The rediscovery of Rosalinda incrustans (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., Aguilar, R., Chimienti, G., Gravili, C., and Boero, F.
- Subjects
- *
HYDROZOA , *CNIDARIA , *SPIDER crabs - Abstract
The present note reports a new record ofRosalinda incrustans(Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) since its last reliable record in the Mediterranean Sea in 1958. Several colonies were recorded on the spider crabAnamathia rissoanaoff the Balearic Islands. The taxonomic history ofR. incrustans, considered a putatively extinct species in a recent paper, is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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31. First record of Protoptilum carpenteri (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Pennatulacea) in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Mastrototaro, F., Chimienti, G., Capezzuto, F., Carlucci, R., and Williams, G.
- Subjects
- *
SEA pens , *COLONIES (Biology) , *INVERTEBRATE morphology - Abstract
This paper reports the first finding of the sea penProtoptilum carpenteriKölliker, 1872 in the Mediterranean Sea. A total of three colonies were collected in 2010 with an epibenthic sledge, and one colony in 2013 with a bottom-trawl net, in the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) coral province in the Ionian Sea. The main anatomical features and taxonomic characteristics are reported and discussed in order to update the knowledge of this species. A description of morphologies and dimensions of the sclerites, taken from different parts of the colony, is reported. A comparison with Atlantic records is given and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2015
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32. Distribution and bio-ecological features of Posidonia oceanica meadows along the coasts of the southern Adriatic and northern Ionian Seas.
- Author
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Costantino, G., Mastrototaro, F., Tursi, A., Torchia, G., Pititto, F., Salerno, G., Lembo, G., Sion, L., D'Onghia, G., Carlucci, R., and Maiorano, P.
- Subjects
- *
SPATIAL ecology , *POSIDONIA oceanica , *MEADOWS - Abstract
An update of the spatial distribution and bio-ecological features of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows spread along the coasts of the southern Adriatic and northern Ionian Seas (Apulia region, southern Italy) is reported. Mapping carried out in 2004 indicated a remarkable reduction in the spatial distribution of P. oceanica meadows in the southern Adriatic Sea, mostly northwards of Bari, when compared with 1991 data. By contrast, in the northern Ionian Sea, the spatial distribution seems to be more stable. The P. oceanica meadows covered ∼330 km2 distributed along a total of 320 linear km coastline, mostly on the southern side of Apulia. Within natural variability, the differences in bio-ecological features could be due mainly to the presence of anthropic disturbance (urban, industrial and tourist pressure) rather than a significant geographical gradient between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. However, the mean density values recorded in almost all the Adriatic stations fall within the 'lower sub-normal density' (LSD) range. By contrast, the mean density values observed in the Ionian meadows were generally within the 'normal density' (ND) range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
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33. Biodiversity of the white coral bank off Cape Santa Maria di Leuca (Mediterranean Sea): An update
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., D’Onghia, G., Corriero, G., Matarrese, A., Maiorano, P., Panetta, P., Gherardi, M., Longo, C., Rosso, A., Sciuto, F., Sanfilippo, R., Gravili, C., Boero, F., Taviani, M., and Tursi, A.
- Subjects
- *
CORALS , *BIODIVERSITY , *OCEAN tomography , *SCLERACTINIA , *BENTHOS , *LOPHELIA pertusa , *ACROPORA - Abstract
Abstract: The biodiversity of the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) coral bank is summarized and its description is updated using data collected by means of underwater video systems, benthic samplers and fishing gears. A total of 222 living species have been recorded within the coral bank area in the depth range 280–1121m. The most abundant benthic taxa recorded are Porifera (36 species) followed by Mollusca (35) and Cnidaria (31). The scleractinian corals Madrepora oculata and Lophelia pertusa are the main colonial species in the structure of the SML bank. Annelida, Crustacea and Bryozoa have been found with 24, 23 and 19 species, respectively. A total of 40 species of demersal fish have been recorded. Other faunal taxa were found with small numbers of species. One hundred and thirty-five species are new for the SML bank, 31 of which represent new records for the north-western Ionian Sea (2 Porifera, 17 Cnidaria, 1 Mollusca, 3 Annelida, 2 Crustacea, 4 Bryozoa and 4 Echinodermata). The finding of the annelid Harmothoë vesiculosa represents the first record for the Mediterranean Sea. The SML coral bank represents a biodiversity “hot-spot” on the bathyal bottoms of the Mediterranean Sea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
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34. Trophic relationships in a deep Mediterranean cold-water coral bank (Santa Maria di Leuca, lonian Sea).
- Author
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Carlier, A., Guilloux, E. Le, Olu, K., Sarrazin, J., Mastrototaro, F., Taviani, M., and Clavier, J.
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FOOD chains ,CORALS ,MARINE organisms ,MOUNDS (Archaeology) ,FISH habitats ,PHYTOPLANKTON ,CARBON - Abstract
The article presents a study on the benthic food web of cold-water corals (CWC) found at the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) province of the northern part of the Ionian Sea. It describes CWC as organisms that have major ecological importance in the deep ocean environments. It states that CWC serve as a potential refuge, nursery and feeding place for most deep-sea species such as the commercial fishes. It mentions that examination of the two CWC mounds present that dense coverage of the live and dead-fossil coral framework was high, and the living framework-building corals are spread on eastern flank of the main bottom current. It adds that benthic food web of the CWC in SML province is solely fuelled by carbon that develops from phytoplankton.
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- 2009
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35. Spatial and seasonal distribution of ascidians in a semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., D'Onghia, G., and Tursi, A.
- Abstract
A total of 25 species of ascidians were collected in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, a semi-enclosed Mediterranean basin. Three are non-indigenous for the Mediterranean Sea: Microcosmus squamiger, Polyandrocarpa zorritensis and Distaplia bermudensis. The substrate features, season and depth affect the distribution of ascidians in the study area. Some species, such as Pyura dura and Pyura microcosmus, were found only on artificial substrates, while Ascidiella aspersa was almost exclusively recovered on natural bottoms. Seasonal variation in the ascidian distribution and abundance seems to be due mainly to their biological cycles, larval recruitment and adaptation. During the autumn and winter the most abundant species were Clavelina phlegraea and Ciona intestinalis, while A.aspersa was particularly abundant during spring. Depth and more directly light intensity play an important role in ascidian distribution. In the upper few metres the shallow-water species Polyandrocarpa zorritensis was abundant due to its photopositive larvae. Even though the distribution and abundance changed significantly between substrates, seasons and depths, the most abundant species in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto were Clavelina phlegraea, Ciona intestinalis and Styela plicata all of which are able to tolerate the variations in environmental conditions, low rate of water renewal and continuous silting of this semi-enclosed sea. Assuming the role that the above mentioned species have as marine pollution indicators and the abundance recorded for some of them, a high degree of environmental stress can be confirmed for the Mar Piccolo of Taranto. A comparative list of the ascidians recorded in this and previous studies is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2008
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36. Benthic diversity of the soft bottoms in a semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F., Giove, A., D'Onghia, G., Tursi, A., Matarrese, A., and Gadaleta, M.V.
- Abstract
The benthic diversity of the soft bottoms in the Taranto Seas (Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo) (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea) was studied during July 2002. Quantitative samples were taken using a Van Veen grab and granulometric analysis of the sediment was carried out. A total of 131 species were identified. Molluscs and annelids made up 77% of the species and 87% of the individual number. Data from these two groups were used for hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling. The diversity was calculated using the rarefaction method. Two main benthic species assemblages were identified. The first corresponded to the stations characterized by pelitic sediment and located in the Mar Piccolo, the second was made up by the stations with pelite with increasing percentages of sand and distributed in the Mar Grande. The first assemblage consisted of species that usually live on muddy bottoms rich in organic matter; the second consisted of a greater number of species, usually occurring on different types of bottoms. Diversity was found to be higher in the Mar Grande than in the Mar Piccolo, indicating that physico-chemical alterations of the environment probably play a leading role in controlling community structure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2008
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37. The non-indigenous ascidian Distaplia bermudensis in the Mediterranean: comparison with the native species Distaplia magnilarva and Distaplia lucillae sp. nov.
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F. and Brunetti, R.
- Abstract
Three species of Distaplia from the Mediterranean are described: D. bermudensis is a species introduced from the western Atlantic Ocean, which principally differs from the native D. magnilarva in having hermaphroditic zooids. The new species D. lucillae differs from the preceding ones in the structure of its stomach wall which is regularly plicated both externally and internally. Distaplia lucillae has colonies with hermaphroditic, but only male ripe, zooids and exclusively female colonies; this is a condition closely related to D. magnilarva though different. A key to European Distaplia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2006
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38. Mapping of the benthic communities in the Taranto seas using side-scan sonar and an underwater video camera.
- Author
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Matarrese, A., Mastrototaro, F., D'onghia, G., Maiorano, P., and Tursi, A.
- Subjects
- *
BIOTIC communities , *SEAS , *UNDERWATER cameras , *SONAR - Abstract
Side-scan sonar and underwater video camera records as well as dredging samples were used to map the bottom morphology and biocoenoses in the Taranto seas. A 1:20,000 scale chart has been produced with all the data recorded. Most of the study area consists of biocoenoses affected by the anthropogenic activities of the town of Taranto. Some native broadly tolerant species seem to benefit from these activities and become increasingly dominant. Environmental modifications also seem to favour the settlement of exotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
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- View/download PDF
39. Biodiversity of the white coral reefs in the Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean).
- Author
-
Tursi, A., Mastrototaro, F., Matarrese, A., Maiorano, P., and D'onghia, G.
- Subjects
- *
CORAL reefs & islands , *BIODIVERSITY , *AQUATIC animals , *MEDITERRANEAN-type ecosystems , *DEEP-sea ecology - Abstract
Three surveys were carried out off Cape Santa Maria di Leuca (Southern Italy). Samples were taken using an `ingegno', trawl net and traps at 630–1100 m depth. The white coral biocoenosis in this area of the Ionian Sea consists of living corals mainly represented by the framework builders Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. The solitary corals Desmophyllum cristagalli and Stenocyathus vermiformis were also obtained alive. The polychaete Eunice norvegica is another characteristic species. A list of 58 species were compiled, indicating the Atlantic character of this biocoenosis and confirming Mediterranean biodiversity to be lower than that of ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2004
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Occurrence of Musculista senhousia (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea).
- Author
-
Mastrototaro, F., Matarrese, A., and D'Onghia, G.
- Abstract
The first record of Musculista senhousia in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea) is reported. The species was mostly found on bottoms with pleustophytic algal felt where densities up to 3800 specimens per square metre were estimated. The sizes in the sampled population ranged from 5·16 to 30·59 mm. Two main modal components were detected around 11·67±0·67 mm and 18·00±2·38 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2003
- Full Text
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41. New record of the non-indigenous species Microcosmus squamiger (Ascidiacea: Stolidobranchia) in the harbour of Salerno (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy).
- Author
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Mastrototaro, F. and Dappiano, M.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
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42. Marine alien species in Italy: A contribution to the implementation of descriptor D2 of the marine strategy framework directive
- Author
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Giulio Relini, Fabio Crocetta, Antonella Petrocelli, Francesco Mastrototaro, Marcello Catra, Franco Andaloro, Gianna Servello, Argyro Zenetos, Nicholas Jason Xentidis, Sabrina Lo Brutto, Michela D'Alessandro, Martin R. Langer, Ernesto Azzurro, Carlo Pipitone, Donatella Serio, Carlo Froglia, Cinzia Gravili, Francesco Denitto, Stefano Piraino, Antonia Chiarore, Luca Castriota, Servello, G., Andaloro, F., Azzurro, E., Castriota, L., Catra, M., Chiarore, A., Crocetta, F., D'Alessandro, M., Denitto, F., Froglia, C., Gravili, C., Langer, M. R., Lo Brutto, S., Mastrototaro, F., Petrocelli, A., Pipitone, C., Piraino, S., Relini, G., Serio, D., Xentidis, N. J., Zenetos, A., Servello G., Andaloro F., Azzurro E., Castriota L., Catra M., Chiarore A., Crocetta F., D'Alessandro M., Denitto F., Froglia C., Gravili C., Langer M.R., Lo Brutto S., Mastrototaro F., Petrocelli A., Pipitone C., Piraino S., Relini G., Serio D., Xentidis N.J., and Zenetos A.
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,trends ,Environmental Engineering ,Settore BIO/05 - Zoologia ,Alien ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Marine Strategy Framework Directive ,Mediterranean sea ,Mediterranean Sea ,media_common.cataloged_instance ,14. Life underwater ,European union ,Μarine alien species ,MSFD ,Italy ,Alien species ,Mollusca ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,media_common ,Descriptor D2 ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,marine alien species ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,trend ,Geography ,Taxon ,Marine alien specie ,Trends ,Μarine alien specie ,Global biodiversity - Abstract
A re-examination of marine alien species or Non Indigenous Species (NIS) reported in Italian Seas, until December 2018, is provided, focusing on establishment success, year of first record, origin, potential invasiveness, and likely pathways, in particular. Furthermore, their distribution is assessed according to the marine subregions outlined by the European Union (EU) Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Adriatic Sea (ADRIA), Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea (CMED), and Western Mediterranean Sea (WMED). In Italy, 265 NIS have been detected with the highest number of species being recorded in the CMED (154 species) and the WMED (151 species) subregions, followed by the ADRIA (143) subregion. Most of these species were recorded in more than one subregion. One hundred and eighty (180 or 68%) NIS have established stable populations in Italian Seas among which 26 have exhibited invasive traits. As regards the taxa involved, Macrophyta rank first with 65 taxa. Fifty-five of them are established in at least one subregion, mostly in the ADRIA and the CMED. Crustacea rank second with 48 taxa, followed by Polychaeta with 43 taxa, Mollusca with 29 taxa, and Fishes with 28 taxa, which were mainly reported from the CMED. In the period 2012-2017, 44 new alien species were recorded, resulting in approximately one new entry every two months. Approximately half of the NIS (~52%) recorded in Italy have most likely arrived through the transport-stowaway pathway related to shipping traffic (~28% as biofoulers, ~22% in ballast waters, and ~2% as hitchhikers). The second most common pathway is the unaided movement with currents (~19%), followed by the transport-contaminant on farmed shellfishes pathway (~18%). "Unaided" is the most common pathway for alien Fishes, especially in the CMED; escapes from confinement account for ~3% and release in nature for ~2%. The present NIS distribution hotspots for new introductions were defined at the first recipient area/location in Italy. In the ADRIA, the hotspot, Venice, accounts for the highest number of alien taxa introduced in Italy, with 50 newly recorded taxa. In the CMED subregion, the hotspots of introduction are the Taranto and Catania Gulfs, hosting 21 first records each. The Strait of Sicily represents a crossroad between alien taxa from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indo-Pacific area. In the WMED, bioinvasion hotspots include the Gulfs of Naples, Genoa and Livorno. This review can serve as an updated baseline for future coordination and harmonization of monitoring initiatives under international, EU and regional policies, for the compilation of new data from established monitoring programs, and for rapid assessment surveys.
- Published
- 2019
43. Anthropogenic impact in the Santa Maria di Leuca cold-water coral province (Mediterranean Sea): Observations and conservation straits.
- Author
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D’Onghia, G., Calculli, C., Capezzuto, F., Carlucci, R., Carluccio, A., Grehan, A., Indennidate, A., Maiorano, P., Mastrototaro, F., Pollice, A., Russo, T., Savini, A., Sion, L., and Tursi, A.
- Subjects
- *
DEEP-sea corals , *FISH conservation , *FISHERY laws - Abstract
The Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) cold-water coral (CWC) province is a proposed priority conservation area according to several conservation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea. Part of it is a Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA). Anthropogenic impacts due to fishing on this FRA were investigated using a towed camera system during 2005. The geographic distribution of fishing effort in the SML CWC province was examined through an observers’ program of longline and trawl fishing activities during 2009 and 2010 and Vessel Monitoring by satellite System (VMS) data from 2008 to 2013. Using the video system, it was possible to observe evidence of impacts in the FRA due to longlines, proved by remains of lines on the bottoms and/or entangled in corals, and those due to trawl nets, proved by trawl door scars on the bottom. The application of Generalized Liner Models indicates that the impacts due to longline were significantly related to a geographic site characterized by carbonate mounds while those from trawl net were significantly related to the soft bottoms, consisting of bioturbated fine-grained sediments. The presence of waste of various types was also observed in the FRA; plastic was the most widespread waste and was significantly related to a macrohabitat characterized by the presence of corals. The geographic distribution of fishing effort for each type of fishing were rather superimposed in the two years of the observers׳ program and six years of VMS data with a significantly greater fishing effort outside the FRA than inside this area. The trawlers generally fished on the muddy bottoms of the upper and middle slope within the SML CWC province and near and inside the northward limit of the FRA. The longliners fished mainly on the shelf in north and off the FRA. The coral by-catch was only recorded during 2009 in 26% of the trawl hauls. No coral by-catch was recorded from longlining in either year. The catches from longlining mainly consisted of Chelidonichthys lucerna , Merluccius merluccius and Conger conger while those from trawling mostly consisted of Aristeus antennatus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea and M. merluccius . The information collected during the observers׳ program and VMS data indicated greater impact due to trawling than longlining. The conservation and effective management of this vulnerable marine ecosystem remain difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Rhodolith beds heterogeneity along the apulian continental shelf (Mediterranean sea)
- Author
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Francesco Mastrototaro, Simonetta Fraschetti, Giovanni Chimienti, Enrico Barbone, Nicola Ungaro, Francesco De Giosa, Lucia Rizzo, Angelo Tursi, Sara Kaleb, Annalisa Falace, Chimienti, G., Rizzo, L., Kaleb, S., Falace, A., Fraschetti, S., De Giosa, F., Tursi, A., Barbone, E., Ungaro, N., Mastrototaro, F., Chimienti, Giovanni, Rizzo, Lucia, Kaleb, Sara, Falace, Annalisa, Fraschetti, Simonetta, De Giosa, Francesco, Tursi, Angelo, Barbone, Enrico, Ungaro, Nicola, and Mastrototaro, Francesco
- Subjects
Biogenic habitats ,Conservation ,Coralline algae ,Habitat mapping ,Marine Strategy ,Maërl ,Mediterranean Sea ,Rhodolith bed ,Rhodophyta ,0106 biological sciences ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,habitat mapping ,Biodiversity ,Ocean Engineering ,Rhodolith ,01 natural sciences ,Marine Strategy Framework Directive ,lcsh:Oceanography ,Mediterranean sea ,lcsh:VM1-989 ,Ecosystem ,Maerl ,lcsh:GC1-1581 ,rhodolith bed ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Water Science and Technology ,Civil and Structural Engineering ,Biogenic habitat ,biogenic habitats ,rhodophyta ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,biology ,Continental shelf ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,conservation ,lcsh:Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering ,biology.organism_classification ,Oceanography ,Geography ,Habitat ,maërl ,biogenic habitat ,coralline algae - Abstract
Rhodolith beds represent a key habitat worldwide, from tropical to polar ecosystems. Despite this habitat is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, providing a suite of ecosystem goods and services, still scarce quantitative information is available thus far about rhodolith beds occurrence and ecological role, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. This study reports the composition and patterns of distribution of rhodolith assemblages found in four study areas along ca. 860 km of coast in the Central Mediterranean Sea. These rhodolith beds were studied for the first time and significant differences at all spatial scales have been highlighted, documenting the high variability of this habitat. Rhodolith species composition, morphology and distribution have been discussed considering the potential role of environmental factors in driving these patterns. The need for improving their protection is discussed to complement present conservation and management initiatives, particularly in the frame of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
- Published
- 2020
45. Hard- and soft-bottom thanatofacies from the Santa Maria di Leuca deep-water coral province, Mediterranean
- Author
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Rosso, A., Vertino, A., Di Geronimo, I., Sanfilippo, R., Sciuto, F., Di Geronimo, R., Violanti, D., Corselli, C., Taviani, M., Mastrototaro, F., and Tursi, A.
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FACIES , *DEEP-sea corals , *OCEAN bottom , *BENTHOS , *HOLOCENE paleoceanography , *SUBMARINE topography , *HYDROLOGY - Abstract
Abstract: Thanatofacies and the skeletonized components of the living facies, from which they originate have been studied from the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) deep-water coral mound province. Faunal analysis was carried out by means of bottom sampling and underwater video observations, taking into account all benthic taxonomic groups, mostly corals, molluscs, serpulids, bryozoans, ostracods, foraminifers and barnacles, which permitted recognition of six different facies. These thanatofacies are easily distinguishable and appear to be largely corresponding and overlapping with related living facies. Some occur in mound areas, others in the intermound ones. They are as follows: the Framework-building Coral facies (FC), characterised by colonial corals, mostly Madrepora oculata; the Coral Rubble facies (CR), with proximal and distal aspects, characterised by large- to small-sized and densely to loosely packed coral fragments; the Solitary Coral facies (SC), dominated by different species depending on the availability and dimensions of hard exploitable surfaces; the Gryphus and Isidella facies (GI) in relatively coarse-grained bottoms; the Mollusc Mud facies (MM) and the Foraminifer Mud facies (FM) in comparably homogeneous silty bottoms. Facies distribution and spatial variability are discussed, in relation to hydrology and sea-floor topography. Furthermore, the SML facies are compared with living facies from the present-day Mediterranean and Pleistocene sediments of the same area. Data on bioclastic assemblages can serve for comparison with other recent aphotic, non-tropical carbonates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2010
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46. Benthic habitat characterization and distribution from two representative sites of the deep-water SML Coral Province (Mediterranean)
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Vertino, A., Savini, A., Rosso, A., Di Geronimo, I., Mastrototaro, F., Sanfilippo, R., Gay, G., and Etiope, G.
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- *
HABITATS , *BENTHOS , *DEEP-sea corals , *UNDERWATER acoustics , *LOPHELIA , *ACROPORA , *SUBMARINE topography - Abstract
Abstract: Two sites (MS04 and MS06) from the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) Coral Province were analyzed by a video and acoustic survey during the National Italian Project Apulian Plateau Bank Ecosystem Study (APLABES). Site MS04 (Atlantis Mound) is characterized by a sub-conical mound, 500m wide and 25m high, located at a water depth of about 650m. Site MS06 (Yellow Chain) comprises several elongated reliefs (NNW–SSE-oriented), up to 25m high and 500m in maximum lateral extent, located at a depth of between 490 and 540m. At both sites, two main mesohabitats (mound and intermound) containing several coral-bearing and -barren macrohabitats were observed in recorded videos and detected in side-scan sonographs. The coral-rich macrohabitats, characterized by densely packed colonies of the scleractinians Madrepora oculata and, secondarily, Lophelia pertusa (M/L), are typically restricted to the mound areas. The mud-dominated ones, almost devoid of M/L colonies, are more common within the intermound mesohabitat. However, on the most extensive mounds, both macrohabitat typologies exist. They are heterogeneously distributed on the mound surface, often showing a clear differentiation along two opposite flanks of the same topographic feature. M/L-rich macrohabitats are preferentially located on top and along the mound northeastern flank, showing a typical step-like distribution, probably reflecting the arrangement of hard substrate outcrops. Along this flank, fan-shaped Madrepora colonies and sponges are often oriented NNW–SSE, implying, together with other evidence, a primary southwestern current flow. The hard-bottom macrohabitats of the southwestern mound flank are generally restricted to sparse exposed, subvertical to overhanging scarps as well as to heterometric boulders located at the scarp base. Their fauna is mainly characterized by small-sized organisms (such as sponges and solitary scleractinians) although m-sized boulders may locally host very large antipatharian colonies (Leiopathes glaberrima). The heterogeneous distribution of the observed benthic macrohabitats seems to be strictly related to the local topography, the main current flow (and consequently larvae/food supply per unit of time), and the substrate typology (hard- vs. soft-bottom). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
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47. A population genomics insight by 2b‐RAD reveals populations' uniqueness along the Italian coastline in Leptopsammia pruvoti (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae)
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Rita Cannas, Chiara Papetti, Elisa Boscari, Alessandro Cau, Massimo Ponti, Gianmarco Ingrosso, Giovanni Chimienti, Marco Abbiati, Marta Paterno, Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi, Giorgio Bavestrello, Fabio Badalamenti, Leonardo Congiu, Ilaria A. M. Marino, Lorenzo Zane, Francesco Mastrototaro, Simonetta Fraschetti, Carlo Cerrano, Federica Costantini, Boscari, Elisa, Abbiati, Marco, Badalamenti, Fabio, Bavestrello, Giorgio, Benedetti‐Cecchi, Lisandro, Cannas, Rita, Cau, Alessandro, Cerrano, Carlo, Chimienti, Giovanni, Costantini, Federica, Fraschetti, Simonetta, Ingrosso, Gianmarco, A. M. Marino, Ilaria, Mastrototaro, Francesco, Papetti, Chiara, Paterno, Marta, Ponti, Massimo, Zane, Lorenzo, Congiu, Leonardo, Boscari, E., Abbiati, M., Badalamenti, F., Bavestrello, G., Benedetti-cecchi, L., Cannas, R., Cau, A., Cerrano, C., Chimienti, G., Costantini, F., Fraschetti, S., Ingrosso, G., Marino, I. A. M., Mastrototaro, F., Papetti, C., Paterno, M., Ponti, M., Zane, L., and Congiu, L.
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0106 biological sciences ,population genomics ,Marine protected area ,Population ,Biodiversity ,Bioconstructor ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,single nucleotide polymorphisms ,Mediterranean sea ,bioconstructors, italian coastlines, marine protected areas, population genomics, single nucleotide polymorphisms ,media_common.cataloged_instance ,14. Life underwater ,European union ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,media_common ,Bioconstructors ,Italian coastline ,Marine protected areas ,Population genomics ,Single nucleotide polymorphisms ,education.field_of_study ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Population genomic ,biology.organism_classification ,Bionstructors, Italian coastline, marine protected areas, population genomics, single nucleotide polymorphisms ,Geography ,Bionstructors ,Dendrophylliidae ,Biological dispersal ,Leptopsammia pruvoti ,marine protected areas - Abstract
Aim Marine bioconstructions such as coralligenous formations are hotspot of biodiversity and play a relevant ecological role in the preservation of biodiversity by providing carbon regulation, protection and nursery areas for several marine species. For this reason, the European Union Habitat Directive included them among priority habitats to be preserved. Although their ecological role is well established, connectivity patterns are still poorly investigated, representing a limit in conservation planning. The present study pioneers a novel approach for the analysis of connectivity in marine bioconstructor species, which often lack suitable genetic markers, by taking advantage of next‐generation sequencing techniques. We assess the geographical patterns of genomic variation of the sunset cup coral Leptopsammia pruvoti Lacaze‐Duthiers, 1897, an ahermatypic, non‐zooxanthellate and solitary scleractinian coral species common in coralligenous habitats and distributed across the Mediterranean Sea. Location The Italian coastline (Western and Central Mediterranean). Methods We applied the restriction site‐associated 2b‐RAD approach to genotype over 1,000 high‐quality and filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms in 10 population samples. Results The results revealed the existence of a strongly supported genetic structure, with highly significant pairwise FST values between all the population samples, including those collected about 5 km apart from each other. Moreover, genomic data indicate that the strongest barriers to gene flow are between the western (Ligurian–Tyrrhenian Sea) and the eastern side (Adriatic Sea) of the Italian peninsula. Main conclusions The strong differentiation found in L. pruvoti is similar to that found in other species of marine bioconstructors investigated in this area, but it strongly contrasts with the small differences found in many fish and invertebrates at the same geographical scale. All in one, our results highlight the importance of assessing connectivity in species belonging to coralligenous habitats as, due to their limited dispersal ability, they might require specific spatial conservation measures.
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- 2019
48. Anthropogenic impact in the Santa Maria di Leuca cold-water coral province (Mediterranean Sea): Observations and conservation straits
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Angelo Tursi, Letizia Sion, Francesco Mastrototaro, Crescenza Calculli, Tommaso Russo, Angela Carluccio, Porzia Maiorano, A. Indennidate, Anthony Grehan, Alessandra Savini, Gianfranco D'Onghia, Francesca Capezzuto, Alessio Pollice, Roberto Carlucci, D’Onghia, G, Calculli, C, Capezzuto, F, Carlucci, R, Carluccio, A, Grehan, A, Indennidate, A, Maiorano, P, Mastrototaro, F, Pollice, A, Russod, T, Savini, A, Sion, L, and Tursi, A
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0106 biological sciences ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Settore BIO/07 ,Anthropogenic impact ,Coral ,Fishing ,Conservation ,Mediterranean ,Cold-water coral ,Oceanography ,01 natural sciences ,Merluccius ,Mediterranean sea ,Geographic site ,Marine ecosystem ,14. Life underwater ,Cold-water coral Fisheries Restricted Area Fishery Anthropogenic impact Conservation Mediterranean ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,biology ,Trawling ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Merluccius merluccius ,Fisheries Restricted Area ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Environmental science ,BIO/07 - ECOLOGIA - Abstract
The Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) cold-water coral (CWC) province is a proposed priority conservation area according to several conservation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea. Part of it is a Fisheries Restricted Area (FRA). Anthropogenic impacts due to fishing on this FRA were investigated using a towed camera system during 2005. The geographic distribution of fishing effort in the SML CWC province was examined through an observers’ program of longline and trawl fishing activities during 2009 and 2010 and Vessel Monitoring by satellite System (VMS) data from 2008 to 2013. Using the video system, it was possible to observe evidence of impacts in the FRA due to longlines, proved by remains of lines on the bottoms and/or entangled in corals, and those due to trawl nets, proved by trawl door scars on the bottom. The application of Generalized Liner Models indicates that the impacts due to longline were significantly related to a geographic site characterized by carbonate mounds while those from trawl net were significantly related to the soft bottoms, consisting of bioturbated fine-grained sediments. The presence of waste of various types was also observed in the FRA; plastic was the most widespread waste and was significantly related to a macrohabitat characterized by the presence of corals. The geographic distribution of fishing effort for each type of fishing were rather superimposed in the two years of the observers׳ program and six years of VMS data with a significantly greater fishing effort outside the FRA than inside this area. The trawlers generally fished on the muddy bottoms of the upper and middle slope within the SML CWC province and near and inside the northward limit of the FRA. The longliners fished mainly on the shelf in north and off the FRA. The coral by-catch was only recorded during 2009 in 26% of the trawl hauls. No coral by-catch was recorded from longlining in either year. The catches from longlining mainly consisted of Chelidonichthys lucerna , Merluccius merluccius and Conger conger while those from trawling mostly consisted of Aristeus antennatus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea and M. merluccius . The information collected during the observers׳ program and VMS data indicated greater impact due to trawling than longlining. The conservation and effective management of this vulnerable marine ecosystem remain difficult.
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- 2017
49. The rediscovery of Rosalinda incrustans (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) in the Mediterranean Sea
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Francesco Mastrototaro, Cinzia Gravili, Ferdinando Boero, Giovanni Chimienti, Ricardo Aguilar, Mastrototaro, F., Aguilar, R., Chimienti, G., Gravili, C., and Boero, F.
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0106 biological sciences ,Cnidaria ,Balearic islands ,biology ,Ecology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Spider crab ,government.political_district ,Extinct species ,biology.organism_classification ,epibiosi ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Rosalinda ,Fishery ,epibiosis ,Mediterranean sea ,Hydrozoa ,Anamathia ,government ,Mediterranean Sea ,Animal Science and Zoology ,14. Life underwater - Abstract
The present note reports a new record of Rosalinda incrustans (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) since its last reliable record in the Mediterranean Sea in 1958. Several colonies were recorded on the spider crab Anamathia rissoana off the Balearic Islands. The taxonomic history of R. incrustans, considered a putatively extinct species in a recent paper, is reviewed.
- Published
- 2016
50. Seafloor integrity of the Mar Piccolo Basin (Southern Italy): quantifying anthropogenic impact
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Giovanni Chimienti, Alessandra Savini, Francesco Mastrototaro, Valentina Alice Bracchi, Frine Cardone, Cesare Corselli, Angelo Tursi, Fabio Marchese, Chiara Tessarolo, Bracchi, V, Marchese, F, Savini, A, Chimienti, G, Mastrototaro, F, Tessarolo, C, Cardone, F, Tursi, A, and Corselli, C
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Shore ,anthropogenic impact ,Side-scan sonar ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Geography, Planning and Development ,GEO/04 - GEOGRAFIA FISICA E GEOMORFOLOGIA ,010501 environmental sciences ,Structural basin ,Mar Piccolo Basin ,01 natural sciences ,Seafloor spreading ,quantification ,Scuba diving ,Oceanography ,Echo sounding ,Water column ,seafloor integrity ,Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous) ,Marine ecosystem ,mapping ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences - Abstract
The Mar Piccolo Basin is a coastal brackish marine ecosystem located along the northern coast of the Gulf of Taranto (Southern Italy). Despite the ecological relevance of the area (Site of Community Importance IT9130004, Regional Reserve ‘Palude La Vela’ EUAP1189), the entire basin is subjected to intensive human usage. The main activities include extensive mussel farming, important industrial activities, a military harbor and densely populated shores. The goal of our study was to spatially quantify human pressure within the basin and its relationship with biocoenoses. A broad set of data was integrated including acoustic remote data (obtained using a multibeam echosounder and side scan sonar devices), direct observations obtained by SCUBA diving and from a trawled camera, an orthophoto and ESRI® Imagery Basemap. At least eight categories of anthropogenic infrastructure and marks of past and present-day human activities were identified within the Mar Piccolo Basin water column and on the seafloor. These included line farms, pole farms, breeding frame structures, anchoring scars, excavations, buoys, wrecks and undefined traces. Each category was mapped and described using morphometric characterization. The integration of all available data allowed the production of an original map providing the Mar Piccolo seafloor disturbance by anthropogenic impact and an updated distribution of benthic communities, showing their spatial relation. Through the production of a specific thematic map, our work provides the first quantitative assessment of the extent and density of the identified human impact in order to evaluate seafloor integrity.
- Published
- 2016
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