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Climate change is expected to increase the magnitude, frequency, and intensity of extreme natural phenomena such as droughts and floods. These events can have devastating impacts on aquatic biota, thus there is a dire need to assess species' natural dynamics and to incorporate them into species' conservation actions and flood management decisions. In September 2023, an extreme meteorological event (Storm Daniel) occurred over the eastern Mediterranean, causing unprecedented high flooding events in many streams and rivers of central Greece. Almost 2 months after the event, we investigated the effects of the storm on Salmo farioides in a high‐altitude stream (Kraniotiko stream, Acheloos river basin) by comparing pre‐flood (June and August 2023) with post‐flood (October 2023) data on fish population abundances and size structure. Our results provide direct evidence that the population of S. farioides was almost wipedout from the investigated stream, as post‐flood fish densities were 9.3% of the pre‐flood data (August) densities. Small‐sized individuals (6–10 cm) were extirpated, indicating a 99% decrease during the post‐flood period, totally reversing the increasing trend observed from June to August (pre‐flood period). In conclusion, the profound and rapid decline observed in the population of S. farioides following the extreme flooding event highlights the urgent need for proactive conservation measures and adaptive management strategies to safeguard vulnerable aquatic species in the face of escalating climate‐related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution presents the first record of the noble crayfish Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Euboea (Evia) Island, Greece. The crayfish was found during a fish monitoring expedition in the upper Mesapios River, in a reach that maintains flow throughout the year, while most of the river length desiccates completely during the dry season. The finding of A. astacus in an intermittent river of Euboea Island expands the species geographical range and calls for immediate conservation actions to protect its habitat and preserve this vulnerable population.

Alien fish invasions are causing devastating impacts on native freshwater fauna; thus, rigorous, non-invasive and cost-effective biomonitoring of lotic and lentic freshwaters to design and implement appropriate prevention and control measures is now a priority. In this study, we used a species-specific qPCR eDNA assay to monitor two of the most invasive fish species (Gambusia holbrooki and Pseudorasbora parva) in 15 river basins of Greece and validated these results with conventional fish sampling as well as existing field sampling data. Our monitoring provided new records of invasive species indicating basins for rigorous future monitoring and possible eradication attempts. The eDNA proved more sensitive as a detection tool (56% detection rate) compared to conventional electrofishing (50% detection rate) for G. holbrooki. In contrast, it proved less sensitive for detecting P. parva (38% accuracy) compared to electrofishing (44% accuracy), as evident by the two locations where the eDNA failed to detect the target species. Our study illustrates the potential of the eDNA method for regular, standardised monitoring of riverine habitats for invasive fish species by local managers for early detection. Finally, we discuss the application of eDNA in management interventions for identifying invasive species' hotspots for management prioritisation, for early detection of invaders and for the monitoring of eradication/control actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation translocations are increasingly applied for the protection of threatened species, but their success depends strongly on pre‐release preparatory work and strict implementation methodology, followed by post‐release monitoring.The aim of this work was to implement a conservation translocation that involved (a) the design and application of a pre‐release feasibility assessment tool for the selection of the translocation water bodies; (b) the translocation of 77 individuals of the highly threatened freshwater Corfu killifish Valencia letourneuxi in 2015, 2016 and 2017; and (c) a 5‐year post‐release monitoring with multiple methods.After initial pre‐screening, a feasibility assessment was conducted on two potential release water bodies (R‐WBs) and on four potential source water bodies (S‐WBs), using a custom‐made feasibility assessment tool that incorporated 14 criteria for the potential R‐WBs, related to the species' habitat requirements, human pressures and technical issues. Two criteria were applied to the potential S‐WBs, on source population availability and on its genetic compatibility to the release area. Post‐release monitoring (2017–2022) was conducted with fish sampling methods, underwater video recording and/or using environmental DNA (eDNA).The feasibility assessment tool gave one R‐WB high, positive score, and one S‐WB met both criteria, thus these selected as the translocation water bodies. Despite the low number of founders, the establishment of a self‐reproducing population was finally confirmed in 2022 in the R‐WB, initially with video recording and subsequently by fish sampling and eDNA.This study highlights the importance of pre‐release feasibility assessment, the use of multiple post‐release monitoring methods and actions to secure the long‐term viability of the translocated population.The feasibility assessment tool and the methodological protocol can easily be modified for successful application to other freshwater fish species, with different habitat requirements, current and future human pressures and genetic constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The valorization of byproducts to obtain high nutritional value foods is of utmost importance for our planet where the population is booming. Among these products are oils rich in ω-3 fatty acids produced from fishery byproducts. Recently, mullet roe oil from roe byproducts was produced that was rich in the ω-3 fatty acids eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Oils are customarily characterized for their composition and degree of oxidation but little is known of their biological effects, especially the effect of the extraction method. Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of freshly extracted mullet roe oil from mullet roe byproducts and the effect of the extraction method on human red blood cells (hRBCs) and platelets. To this end, the hemocompatibility (cytotoxicity), oxidative effects, and erythrocyte membrane changes were examined after 1 and 24 h of incubation. Antiplatelet effects were also assessed in vitro. Results: The expeller press oil extraction method and alcalase-assisted extraction produced the most biocompatible oils, as shown by hemocompatibility measurements and the absence of erythrocyte membrane alterations. Solvent extracts and protease-assisted extraction oils resulted in the rupture of red blood cells at different examined dilutions, creating hemolysis. Conclusions: It seems that the proper functioning of oil–erythrocyte interactions cannot be explained solely by ROS. Further investigations combining chemical analysis with oil–cell interactions could be used as an input to design high nutritional value oils using green extraction technologies. All samples exhibited promising antiplatelet and antiblood clotting effects in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southernmost part of Albania, the Butrinti Lake area is characterised by a highly diverse freshwater fish community with a high degree of regional endemism. This study focuses on the Corfu killifish (or toothcarp) Valencia letourneuxi (Sauvage, 1880) that is endemic to the western part of the Ionian Ecoregion, and reported in Albania in the past from a single location, Lake Butrinti. Recently, in June 2019, the species has been rediscovered at a very low population density (only 11 individuals collected) in a spring-fed stream in the vicinity of Lake Butrinti. Other fish present together with V. letourneuxi were the native Telestes pleurobipunctatus, Barbus peloponnesius, Anguilla anguilla and Pelasgus thesproticus and the translocated Alburnus sp. Our findings provide useful insights into the ecology and conservation of a Critically Endangered, range-restricted species and its habitats. The Corfu killifish presence correlated negatively with water depth and positively with aquatic vegetation coverage. The conservation implications of our findings both for the target species and the co-occurring fish fauna in its spring-fed habitats are discussed.

The current paper presents the first effort to organize a comprehensive review of the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Greece. For this purpose, a database was developed with fields of information on the taxonomy, origin, ecology and pathways of introduction of terrestrial, freshwater and marine species. Our database includes a) taxa in the Union's list that are present in Greece, b) taxa already present in Greece and considered to be invasive, and c) taxa highly likely to enter Greece in the next 10 years and become invasive. The Database served as the starting point for the compilation of the National List of Alien Invasive Species (HELLAS-ALIENS) in compliance with the EU Regulation 1143/2014. Overall, the HELLAS-ALIENS comprises 126 species, i.e. 32 terrestrial and freshwater plant species, 14 terrestrial invertebrates, 28 terrestrial vertebrates, 30 freshwater fishes and invertebrates and 22 marine species. Terrestrial invertebrates, birds and mammals are mainly of Asiatic origin. Most of the terrestrial plants have their native geographical distribution in the Americas (North and South). Most of the freshwater invertebrates and fishes are of North American origin, while the majority of the marine species are of Indo-Pacific origin. The first records of IAS concern terrestrial plant species, and date back to the 19th century, while those in freshwater and marine ecosystems seem to have been systematically recorded some decades later. Regarding the pathways of introduction, most of the taxa arrived in Greece or are expected to arrive through escape from confinement and unaided. The majority of the terrestrial, freshwater and marine species have been evaluated as of High-risk for the indigenous biodiversity and only 3% of the species listed have been evaluated of Low-risk. Our results provide an important baseline for management and action plans, as required by the priorities set by the European Union through the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) roe is used for the production of high nutritional and added‐value delicacies. Its lipid fraction is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and bioactive compounds. This study examines scalable oil extraction methods for mullet roe oil extraction. Namely, solvent extraction (SE) using ethanol in two different temperatures, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2‐ethanol mixture (SFE‐E) in two different temperatures, expeller oil press (EP) extraction, expeller oil press combined with ethanol extraction (EP‐SE) and wet reduction (WR) are examined. The methods are evaluated with regard to the oil yield and recovery, the oil oxidation and the composition in fatty acids, and polar compounds and unsaponifiable matter. EP‐SE and SE provide the highest oil recovery for tested extraction temperatures (76% and 65% respectively), followed by SFE‐E (46%) and EP (36%). Extracted oils present high PUFA content (28.5–33.9%). The type of extraction process and the process variables affect oil oxidation as well as the concentration of polar compounds and unsaponifiable matter. In terms of oxidation levels, 85% of the extracted oil samples were within the limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The potential of the examined methods for industrial mullet roe oil production is discussed. Practical applications: Oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids was extracted from stripped mullet roe. The work proposes several scalable extraction methods using mild conditions which could be applied to obtain edible and high nutritional value mullet roe oil with high recovery reaching up to 76%. The same methods could be employed also for mullet roe by‐products. The obtained results improve the knowledge regarding the potential of roe valorization for oil extraction as well as the effect of the extraction method on the oil yield, main composition features and the quality characteristics of oil extracted by mullet roe. This research could offer new opportunities for the food industry for fish roe valorization for high nutritional quality oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, alginate-chitosan microgel particles were formed at different pH levels with the aim of using them as viscoelastic interfacial layers, which confer emulsion stability to food systems. The particles' size and structural characteristics were determined using laser diffraction, confocal laser microscopy (CLSM), and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR). The pH affected the microgel characteristics, with larger particles formed at lower pH levels. T2 relaxation measurements with TD-NMR did not reveal differences in the mobility within the particles for the different pH levels, which could have been related to the more or less swollen structure. The rate of adsorption of the particles at the sunflower oil–water interface differed between particles formed at different pH levels, but the equilibrium interfacial tension of all systems was similar. Higher interfacial dilatational viscoelasticity was obtained for the systems at lower pH (3, 4, 5), with G' reaching 13.6 mN/m (0.1 Hz) at pH 3. The interfacial rheological regime transitioned from a linear elastic regime at lower pH to a linear but more viscoelastic one at higher pH. The thicker, highly elastic interfacial layer at low pH, in combination with the higher charges expected at lower pH, was related to its performance during emulsification and the performance of the emulsion during storage. As revealed by laser diffraction and CLSM, the droplet sizes of emulsions formed at pH 6 and 7 were significantly larger and increased in size during 1 week of storage. CLSM examination of the emulsions revealed bridging flocculation with the higher pH. Nevertheless, all emulsions formed with microgel systems presented macroscopic volumetric stability for periods exceeding 1 week at 25 °C. A potential application of the present systems could be in the formation of stable, low-fat dressings without the addition of any emulsifier, allowing, at the same time, the release of the bioactive compounds for which such particles are known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extreme seasonal environmental variation of intermittent rivers has a profound effect on freshwater fish communities. Yet, few studies have examined the consequences of the seasonal cycles of flooding and drying to fish condition and reproduction in these ecosystems. In this study, we compared the body condition, reproduction and diet of two chub populations from two adjacent sites (a perennial and an intermittent site) on the main stem of a Mediterranean river (Evrotas River, S. Greece). The study was conducted in spring 2017, three months after flow resumption and before the onset of chub reproductive period. Condition (net weight adjusted for length) of fish did not differ significantly between the two sites, despite lower aquatic macroinvertebrate availability at the intermittent site. Fish at the intermittent site compensated for the lower aquatic prey availability by increasing their feeding intensity and by shifting to higher terrestrial prey consumption. In addition, chub liver weight (adjusted for length) and gonadal weight (adjusted for length) were significantly higher at the intermittent site, indicating higher somatic and reproductive investment. These results highlight the resilience of fish populations inhabiting streams with extreme variation in flow, due to natural and/or anthropogenic drought.

This work examines the potential valorization of mullet roe by‐products for the production of mullet roe oil using mild processes. Three different extraction methods with potential of scale‐up for the food industry, namely pressure (PE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and solvent extraction (SE) are examined. Mild temperature conditions to prevent oil oxidation and (wherever applicable) food‐grade solvents are used. The oil yield, the composition of oils in fatty acids by GC‐FID, the level of oil oxidation (peroxide value (PV), p‐anisidine value (AV), K232 K268, TOTOX)) and the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) are determined. SE provided the highest oil recovery, followed by SFE and PE (68%, 28% and 10% respectively). The extracted oils had a high concentration of EPA and DHA and a total of 20.7%–24.3% of identified PUFAs among the fatty acids. Oxidation was the lowest in the SFE extracted oil followed by PE, PV was <2.5 meqO2, AV≤10 and TOTOX <15 in all examined oil samples. Further research is needed to optimize processing conditions for the increase in oil recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of edible oils is a significant part of the dietary pattern in the developed and developing world. Marine and vegetable oils are assumed to be part of a healthy food pattern, especially if one takes into account their potential role in protecting against inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome due to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids and minor bioactive compounds. Exploring the potential effect of edible fats and oils on health and chronic diseases is an emerging field worldwide. This study reviews the current knowledge of the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo effect of edible oils in contact with various cell types and aims to demonstrate which nutritional and bioactive components of a variety of edible oils present biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, antitumor activity, anti-angiogenic activity, and antioxidant activity. Through this review, a wide variety of cell interactions with edible oils and their potential to counteract oxidative stress in pathological conditions are presented as well. Moreover, the gaps in current knowledge are also highlighted, and future perspectives on edible oils and their health benefits and potential to counteract a wide variety of diseases through possible molecular mechanisms are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting alien species' establishment through climate matching may inform management actions preventing future invasions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the climate match of the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) worldwide, with emphasis on Europe and the Mediterranean. A literature review indicated that the species presents a total of 100 non-indigenous occurrences in 29 countries worldwide. Predominantly, it has been introduced within tropical/subtropical climatic zones, where it is usually clustered near ornamental trade centers and malaria affected areas. Overall, sailfin molly distribution reflects a warm-stenothermic tolerance, however, there are validated populations outside the subtropical belt in geothermally heated water bodies. Its invasion potential, assessed by Climatch tool, indicated a low environmental match (5% of the assessed sites) within Europe, whereas in the Mediterranean this rose to 60%, though the species is recorded only at one location. This poor match of the model's output may reflect its inability to take into account local environmental filters. Intolerance to prolonged temperature drops appears to be the leading factor constraining sailfin molly establishment in Europe. Additional constrains on its successful invasion, i.e. specialized habitat requirements, limited propagule supply or reduced reproductive fitness, due to breeding manipulations of commercially available strains, are discussed.

This paper studies the emulsification capacity of aqueous extracts from white beans and reports the relations between the composition and structure of the extracts' macromolecular components and their exerted emulsification ability. The extracts comprise of three distinct populations: one of large (few MDa) polysaccharides, proteins (tens of kDa), and smaller molecular entities (oligopeptides and oligosaccharides, polyphenols, and salts, among other molecules); the proteins and the smaller molecules adsorb onto oil–water interfaces, providing some emulsification capacity at pH 3 and adequate emulsification at pH 7. Unabsorbed polysaccharides, such as starch, cause depletion flocculation. Pickering phenomena are involved in the stabilization mechanism. The findings are supported by SEC–MALLS/UV, confocal microscopy, zeta potential measurements, and FT–IR data. A discussion is made on the particular attributes of each population in emulsion stability, on their relevance to culinary practice, and in their potential as replacers of artificial emulsifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]