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Maturity is one of the most important biological parameters used in stock assessment programmes. Indeed, the macroscopic stage of gonadal development is an essential feature in estimating the maturity ogive and spawning stock biomass. It is also useful for determining the spawning season of a species and for monitoring long-term changes in the spawning cycle as well as for many other research needs related to the biology of fish. Despite the efforts made during the last few decades to standardize maturity stage data among all the researchers, marine biologists continue without a manageable and unique maturity scale to describe the reproductive development of fish gonads. For these reasons, the objectives of this article are 1) to investigate the biological parameters of five selected key species (Mullus barbatus, Galeus melastomus, Etmopterus spinax, Aristeus antennatus, Loligo vulgaris) with different reproductive strategies following the macroscopic maturity scales based on the same univocal criteria adopted in the MEDITS programme and described in this work; and 2) to compare them among some Mediterranean geographical sub-areas (GSAs) involved in the programme. Neither spawning periods nor size at first maturity (SFM50) for the studied species showed particular differences in the investigated GSAs. La madurez es uno de los parámetros biológicos más relevantes utilizados en los programas de evaluación de stock. De hecho, la etapa macroscópica del desarrollo gonadal es una característica esencial en la estimación de la madurez de la biomasa de la ojiva y del desove. También es útil para determinar la temporada de desove de una especie y para monitorear los cambios a largo plazo en el ciclo de desove, así como para muchas otras necesidades de investigación relacionadas con la biología de los peces. A pesar de los esfuerzos realizados durante las últimas décadas para estandarizar los datos de las etapas de madurez entre todos los investigadores, los biólogos marinos continúan sin una escala de madurez única y manejable para describir el desarrollo reproductivo de las gónadas de peces. Por estas razones, el objetivo de este artículo es 1) investigar los parámetros biológicos de 5 especies clave seleccionadas (Mullus barbatus, Galeus melastomus, Etmopterus spinax, Aristeus antennatus, Loligo vulgaris) con diferentes estrategias reproductivas siguiendo las escalas de madurez macroscópica basadas en criterios iguales y unívocos adoptados en el programa MEDITS y descritos en este trabajo y 2) para compararlos entre algunas sub-áreas geográficas del Mediterráneo (GSAs) involucradas en el programa. Tanto los períodos de desove como el tamaño en la primera madurez (SFM50) para las especies estudiadas no han mostrado diferencias particulares en las GSA investigadas.

Fully Protected Areas (FPAs) represent a powerful tool for marine resources management. Among the parameters to consider for their optimal design, the movements of the species to protect are of particular importance. We examined the movement patterns of744 spiny lobsters, Palinurus elephas, tagged during a restocking program carried out in 12 Sardinian FPAs. Once the lobsters were captured, tagged, transported and released in the center of the FPA, the linear distances performed by 80% of the lobsters from the recapture (RC) to the release point (RE), (recapture distance, RC-RE) increased as a function of the point in which they were captured for the first time (release distance, C-RE), until a maximum value of about 13500 m. By a management perspective, these results highlight a behaviour, perhaps attributable to homing, representing an important starting point to take into consideration when planning FPAs. In fact, since release and recapture distances appeared related, in order to preserve a portion of the lobsters within the FPA and to guarantee a spillover of specimens in the surrounding commercial areas, the longer is the release, the bigger would be the FPA.

The precious red coral, Corallium rubrum, and the yellow gorgonian, Eunicella cavolini, have been frequently reported as co-occurring species in the deep Mediterranean Sea. However, knowledge regarding spatial distribution of the two species in the deep sea is still fragmented, as well as potential drivers of their co-occurrence. This study aims to provide data on the status of deep-dwelling red coral populations, which are now the main target of commercial harvesting, study the demography of the yellow gorgonian in the deep sea, and finally analysing their variability when co-occur. Both species exhibited the highest population density at deeper depths and the presence of an inverse relationship between population density and colony height. We found a high percentage (40% on average) of red coral harvestable colonies (> 10 mm basal diameter), as well as of living colonies (77% as average). Our study evidenced that most of co-occurring colonies were found below 130 m depth. Red coral density did not significantly vary with the presence of E. cavolini, whereas the yellow gorgonian showed significant higher density when co-occur with red coral, even if with lower height. Distance-based linear modelling (DistLM) revealed that red coral density significantly influenced the presence of the yellow gorgonian, emphasizing the need for proper conservation strategies of red coral populations in order to preserve habitat complexity and associated diversity.

Simple Summary The oviducal gland (OG) is a specialized region of the reproductive female system in cartilaginous fish located in the anterior oviduct. Its biological importance is closely related to the reproductive modalities of these species, and its basic function is the production of the egg jellies, the tertiary envelope formation (egg case in oviparous and candle case in viviparous) and sperm storage. Since knowledge on the overall process of Chondrichthyes reproduction is still scarce, in this study we conducted morphological and morphometrical analysis on the OGs belonging to several cartilaginous fish displaying two different reproductive modalities (oviparity and viviparity). Moreover, we paid particular attention to the fate of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract, which would be useful to better understand the ecology and population dynamics of these species. Abstract Oviducal glands (OGs) are distinct expanded regions of the anterior portion of the oviduct, commonly found in chondrichthyans, which play a key role in the production of the egg in-vestments and in the female sperm storage (FSS). The FSS phenomenon has implications for understanding the reproductive ecology and management of exploited populations, but little information is available on its taxonomic extent. For the first time, mature OGs from three lecithotrophic oviparous and four yolk-sac viviparous species, all considered at risk from the fishing impacts in the central western Mediterranean Sea, were examined using light microscopy. The OG microanatomy, whose morphology is generally conserved in all species, shows differences within the two reproductive modalities. Oviparous species show a more developed baffle zone in respect to viviparous ones because of the production of different egg envelopes produced. Among oviparous species, Raja polystigma and Chimaera monstrosa show presence of sperm, but not sperm storage as observed, instead, in Galeus melastomus and in all the viviparous sharks, which preserve sperm inside of specialized structures in the terminal zone.

Cartilaginous fish are commonly recognized as key species in marine ecosystems for their fundamental ecological role as top predators. Nevertheless, effective management plans for cartilaginous fish are still missing, due to the lack of knowledge on their abundance, distribution or even life-history. In this regard, this paper aims at providing new information on the life-history traits, such as age, maturity, reproductive period, in addition to diet characteristics of eleven rare cartilaginous fish inhabiting the Central-Western Mediterranean Sea belonging to the orders Chimaeriformes (Chimaera monstrosa), Hexanchiformes (Heptranchias perlo and Hexanchus griseus), Myliobatiformes (Aetomylaeus bovinus and Myliobatis aquila), Rajiformes (Dipturus nidarosiensis and Leucoraja circularis), Squaliformes (Centrophorus uyato, Dalatias licha and Oxynotus centrina) and Torpediniformes (Tetronarce nobiliana), useful for their assessment and for future management actions. Particularly, the present paper provides for the first time the age estimation of D. nidarosienis and L. circularis which were both found capable of becoming older than ten years. In addition, the present study updates the sizes of first maturity of C. uyato and D. licha, which appeared to be capable of reproducing earlier than what was previously hypothesized, representing very valuable information for a better understanding of these rare species populations status and, eventually, their conservation. On the basis of the stomach content analysis, it was possible to identify five different predator groups.

Plastic waste dumped in the marine environment has severe ecological, social and economic impacts. In recent years, a series of scientific studies documented the contamination by macroplastic and its impact on marine organisms through the accidental ingestion of microplastics, which also originate from the degradation of macroplastic. However, the relationship between the spatial distribution of marine litter and the ingestion of plastics by organisms have never been related. In this work, we aimed to investigate, through a modeling approach, the relations between potential sources of microplastic particles (i.e., seafloor macroplastic accumulation hotspots detected by means of trawl surveys), and the ingestion by the benthic crustacean Norwegian lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). According to the literature, N. norvegicus is characterized by a sedentary behavior and therefore it has been highlighted as a proficient sentinel species for local microplastic contamination. Despite no significant relation has been found between microplastic ingestion and the local presence of seafloor macroplastic, it seems that proximity to hotspots of macroplastic accumulation is significantly related to microplastics ingestion. These results highlight important considerations on the fate of plastic in the marine environments with significant impacts on biota and the quality of the product caught at sea.

Genetic information is crucial for the conservation of Dipturus oxyrinchus (Linnaeus, 1758), a threatened large skate with declining populations over most of its geographical range. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic structure, connectivity and demographic history of the longnosed skate in Sardinia (western Mediterranean Sea). Patterns of population structure were assessed in 175 specimens from six sampling sites. Variation in two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and control region) highlighted high genetic diversity and low but significant genetic differentiation among sites, which clustered into three groups corresponding to the north‐west, north‐east and south Sardinian coasts. The observed genetic structuring could presumably depend on a combination of past geological events, contemporary restrictions to dispersal and biological characteristics of the species (e.g. site‐fidelity, no pelagic larval stage, limited dispersal of juveniles and/or adults). Demographic analyses showed signs of past population expansion, but substantial current stability of Sardinian populations. From a conservation perspective, these results are encouraging, and indicate that Sardinian populations are still large and stable, and seem not to have suffered negative side‐effects from the ever‐growing fishing pressure in the region. The occurrence of genetic structuring strongly supported the close monitoring of populations to identify any erosion of their gene pool, and high genetic variability of the Sardinian D. oxyrinchus populations could thus represent priority populations for conservation purposes, providing potential sources for recolonization in cases of local extinctions in other areas of the distribution range of the species. When the sequences from Sardinia were compared with those available from other areas, the data seem to exclude the possibility that the Atlantic and Mediterranean host totally isolated populations or even different species, as recently suggested. However, additional markers and a larger sampling sites are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors could alter mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but existing meta-analyses that combined crude and adjusted results may be confounded by the fact that comorbidities are more common in ARB/ACE inhibitor users. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE/Embase for cohort studies and meta-analyses reporting mortality by preexisting ARB/ACE inhibitor treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Random effects meta-regression was used to compute pooled odds ratios for mortality adjusted for imbalance in age, sex, and prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease between users and nonusers of ARBs/ACE inhibitors at the study level during data synthesis. Results: In 30 included studies of 17,281 patients, 22%, 68%, 25%, and 11% had cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. ARB/ACE inhibitor use was associated with significantly lower mortality after controlling for potential confounding factors (odds ratio 0.77 [95% confidence interval: 0.62, 0.96]). In contrast, meta-analysis of ARB/ACE inhibitor use was not significantly associated with mortality when all studies were combined with no adjustment made for confounders (0.87 [95% confidence interval: 0.71, 1.08]). Conclusions: ARB/ACE inhibitor use was associated with decreased mortality in cohorts of COVID-19 patients after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Unadjusted meta-analyses may not be appropriate for determining whether ARBs/ACE inhibitors are associated with mortality from COVID-19 because of indication bias. Résumé: Introduction: Les antagonistes des récepteurs de l'angiotensine (ARA) et/ou les inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine (IECA) feraient varier la mortalité liée à la COVID-19, mais il est possible que les méta-analyses actuelles qui combinaient les résultats bruts et ajustés soient invalidées du fait que les comorbidités sont plus fréquentes chez les utilisateurs d'ARA/IECA. Méthodes: Nous avons effectué des recherches dans les bases de données PubMed/MEDLINE/Embase pour trouver des études de cohorte et des méta-analyses qui portent sur la mortalité associée à un traitement préexistant par ARA/IECA chez les patients hospitalisés atteints de la COVID-19. Nous avons utilisé la métarégression à effets aléatoires pour calculer les rapports de cotes regroupés de mortalité ajustés en fonction du déséquilibre de l’âge, du sexe, et de la prévalence des maladies cardiovasculaires, de l'hypertension, du diabète sucré et de l'insuffisance rénale chronique entre les utilisateurs et les non-utilisateurs d'ARA/IECA dans le cadre de l’étude durant la synthèse des données. Résultats: Dans les 30 études portant sur 17 281 patients, 22 %, 68 %, 25 % et 11 % avaient respectivement une maladie cardiovasculaire, de l'hypertension, le diabète sucré et de l'insuffisance rénale chronique. L'utilisation des ARA/IECA a été associée à une mortalité significativement plus faible après avoir tenu compte des facteurs confusionnels potentiels (rapport de cotes 0,77 [intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,62, 0,96]). En revanche, la méta-analyse sur l'utilisation des ARA/IECA n'a pas été associée de façon significative à la mortalité lorsque toutes les études ont été combinées sans ajustement sur les facteurs confusionnels (0,87 [intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 0,71, 1,08]). Conclusions: L'utilisation des ARA/IECA a été associée à la diminution de la mortalité au sein des cohortes de patients atteints de la COVID-19 après l'ajustement en fonction de l’âge, du sexe, des maladies cardiovasculaires, de l'hypertension, du diabète et de l'insuffisance rénale chronique. Les méta-analyses non ajustées peuvent ne pas permettre de déterminer si les ARA/IECA sont associés à la mortalité liée à la COVID-19 en raison du biais d'indication.

Timing and rates of release of particulate organic matter (POM) beneath the Antarctic sea ice during the melting season are relatively unknown. To shed light on this topic, we investigated: i) quantity and biochemical composition of POM released below annual sea ice in Terra Nova Bay (TNB, Ross Sea, Antarctica) through sediment traps deployed at 10- and 30-m depth; ii) the abundance and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton; iii) the abundance and biochemical composition of two zooplankton species, namely the pteropods Clione limacina antarctica and Limacina helicina antarctica. Overall, our results show that in late spring-early summer in TNB the melting of annual sea ice determines a rapid release of particles into the underlying water column, and that those particles are transported downward at the rate of hours to days. POM fluxes were dominated by lipids, which probably resulted from zooplankton grazing activity on sea-ice algae and faecal pellets that were released into the water column. This, after the initial injection of particles, which were likely associated with sinking sympagic microalgal biomass derived from the sea ice melting, enhanced the nutritional value of POM. POM released beneath the sea ice, in turn, had a possible effect on the biochemical composition of the two pteropod species. Our results confirm that melting of sea ice in spring-summer each year in Antarctic coastal waters represents a fundamental step in the transfer of energy towards the higher trophic levels. Evidence of a decline in Antarctic sea ice over the last five years, plausibly as a consequence of global warming, underlines a conspicuous decline in habitat availability for sea-ice algae and, as a consequence, a drop in the availability of food for pteropods and the higher trophic levels of the coastal Antarctic Ocean.

Microplastic particles (MPs) contamination of aquatic environments has raised a growing concern in recent decades because of their numerous potential toxicological effects. Although fish are among the most studied aquatic organisms, reports on MPs ingestion in freshwater environments are still scarce. Thus, there is still much to study to understand the uptake mechanisms, their potential accumulation among the food webs and their ecotoxicological effects. Here, MPs presence in the digestive system of one of the most widespread and commercially exploited freshwater fish, the perch (Perca fluviatilis, Linnaeus 1758), was investigated in four different south-alpine lakes, to assess the extent of ingestion and evaluate its relation to the body health condition. A total of 80 perch specimen have been sampled from the Italian lakes Como, Garda, Maggiore and Orta. Microplastic particles occurred in 86% of the analysed specimens, with average values ranging from 1.24 ± 1.04 MPs fish−1 in L. Como to 5.59 ± 2.61 MPs fish−1 in L. Garda. The isolated particles were mainly fragments, except in L. Como where films were more abundant. The most common polymers were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polycarbonate, although a high degree of degradation was found in 43% of synthetic particles, not allowing their recognition up to a single polymer. Despite the high number of ingested MPs, fish health (evaluated by means of Fulton's body condition and hepatosomatic index) was not affected. Instead, fullness index showed an inverse linear relationship with the number of ingested particles, which suggests that also in perch MPs presence could interfere with feeding activity, as already described for other taxa.

The white skate Rostroraja alba is assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered globally and is now considered rare in the Mediterranean. This species has never been recorded in Sardinian seas (central western Mediterranean), but an empty eggcase was collected on a sandy bottom off the western Sardinia coasts during the MEDiterranean International Trawl Survey (MEDITS) program in 2019. A morphometric and morphological description of the Sardinian eggcase, after a comparison with measurements from other Mediterranean and Atlantic specimens, showed it to be clearly ascribable to Rostroraja alba.

In this study we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of gurnards (8 species of Triglidae and one species of Peristediidae) in the northern Mediterranean Sea using 22 years of MEDITS bottom trawl survey data (1994-2015). Gurnards showed significant differences in terms of abundance, dominance and composition among geographical sub-areas and ecoregions, with the highest relative biomass (BIy) being found in Malta, eastern Corsica, the Balearic Islands and the eastern Ionian Sea. The lowest gurnards BIy were observed in the highly exploited areas of the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea, where the largest number of species with a negative linear trend in BIy was also found. The temporal trends in species abundances highlighted a general decrease for the coastal species (C. lucerna, C. lastoviza, C. obscurus) as compared with the species inhabiting the deep continental shelf and slope (T. lyra, P. cataphractum). The results provide for the first time an overview of the spatiotemporal trend in the abundance of gurnards over the wide spatial scale of the northern Mediterranean Sea, also suggesting the possible use of these species as indicators for monitoring the impact of fishing pressure on demersal fish assemblages., En este estudio hemos investigado la distribución espacio-temporal de los gurnardos (8 especies de Triglidae y 1 especie de Peristediidae) en el norte del Mediterráneo usando 22 años de datos de la campaña de pesca de arrastre MEDITS (1994-2015). Los gurnardos mostraron diferencias significativas en la abundancia, dominancia y composición entre las distintas sub-areas geográficas (GSAs) y las ecoregiones, encontrándose las mayores biomasas relativas (BIy) en Malta, el este de Córcega, las Islas Baleares y el oeste del mar Jónico. Por otro lado, los menores valores de BIy fueron observados en las áreas más explotadas del oeste del Mediterráneo y del Mar Adriático, donde también se observó el mayor número de especies con una tendencia lineal negativa en relación a BIy. La tendencia temporal en la abundancia de especies evidenció una disminución general en las especies costeras (C. lucerna, C. lastoviza, C. obscurus) respecto a las especies que habitan la profunda plataforma y pendiente continentales (T. lyra, P. cataphractum). Los resultados proporcionan por primera vez una visión general de las tendencias espacio-temporales en la abundancia de los gurnardos en la amplia escala espacial del norte del Mediterráneo, sugiriendo también la posibilidad de usar estas especies como indicadores para monitorear el impacto de la presión de pesca sobre los ensamblajes de peces demersales.

Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum is considered the most precious coral worldwide. Harvesting activities are performed by licensed scuba divers and managed through the recent pan-Mediterranean management plan issued by General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) along with measures locally enacted, imposing limits on licenses, harvesting season, minimum depth of dive, and size. The use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) is prohibited, with the only exception being for scientific purposes. Despite measures already in force, the implementation of additional management tools has been recently recommended. This article reports results from the first monitoring campaign on C. rubrum harvesting based on ROVs for seabed exploration and Onboard Scientific Observers (OSOs), carried out from 2012 to 2015 along the coast of Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea—Western basin). More than 450 dives were monitored, confirming how ROV’s support eases the scouting of exploitable banks, leading to increases in catches. OSOs reported the collection of colonies below the minimum reference size and catches/dive above limits. Onboard observers collected data also on colony diameter, which is crucial for the estimation of population size structure and exploitation status. OSOs proved to be valid tools in providing additional and reliable information on red coral harvesting, thus deserving to be included among mandatory measures for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea.

Despite being commonly recognized by the general public, knowledge about the biology and life-history of electric rays is still scarce. Globally, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, more of the 80% of the species belonging to the Torpedinidae family are, indeed, classified as Data Deficient, so as, in most of the cases, no proper management measures are available for the conservation of these species. For this reason, the main goal of this study is to provide new information on life-history traits of three species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. Age and growth were estimated through direct annuli count of 146 vertebral centra sections of Torpedo marmorata. Females’ growth pattern was found to be better described by a S-shaped function (Gompertz L∞ = 622 mm TL; k = 0.15; IP = 2.75 years), while males’ by a logarithmic one (von Bertalanffy L∞ = 485 mm TL; k = 0.14; t0 = -2.28). The oldest female and male were aged 17 (560 mm TL) and 11 (432 mm TL), respectively. Females (L50 = 379 mm TL and A50 = 5.5 years) appeared to mature later than males (L50 = 272 mm TL and A50 = 3.8 years), also attaining bigger sizes. Despite the observation of late-pregnant females being found only in autumn and regressing ones in autumn and winter, the presence of juveniles during the whole year may indicate a longer reproductive period. The stomach content analysis identified T. marmorata as a top predator (TROPH = 4.38) with a very narrow trophic niche (Bi = 0.22), extremely specialized in feeding on bony fishes. In addition, this work provides new and updated information on T. torpedo and the rare Tetronarce nobiliana growth, reproductive features and diet. Therefore, offering new essential data to assess the population conditions of all Torpedinidae species that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, will lead to effective conservation plans.

As far as is known, in this paper the first case of lacking of skin-related structures (epidermis, stratum laxum, dermal denticles and teeth) in a free-swimming elasmobranch, the blackmouth catshark, Galeus melastomus, is reported. The individual was caught by trawl in Sardinian waters (central-western Mediterranean) in July 2019 at a depth of 500 m. Although this kind of morphological abnormality is potentially fatal, the observations suggested that the specimen was in good health and well developed.

Marine animal forests (MAFs) are constituted by dense aggregations of epibenthic and emergent animals, chiefly members of Porifera (sponges), Cnidaria (hydrozoans and anthozoans, including corals), and Bryozoa. Their three-dimensional structure and collective spatial complexity provide a diversity of habitats for associated fauna.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, through a Collaborative Fisheries Research (CFR) project, the efficacy of artificial dens as a possible integrative action for the management of O. vulgaris in the wild. Artificial dens, anchored on rocky substrates at a depth of 38–42 m in a temporary Fully Protected Area (FPA) off the western coast of Sardinia (central western Mediterranean Sea), showed their effectiveness as a temporary and/or safe site for Octopus vulgaris spawning. The suitability of these artificial dens was demonstrated by the presence of egg strings and females in parental care, and by the fact that all of the brooding-phases until the hatching had taken place inside. The presence of abundant cobbles, appeared to be a key factor in the building of a solid barrier for protection at the entrance of the spawning artificial dens, similar to those seen in natural dens. In addition, our results demonstrate the potential coexistence of artificial dens with natural ones, suggesting their potential use as integrative tool for the management of O. vulgaris. Close collaboration with fishermen in the framework of a CFR project within FPA may increase the success of this management action, through the enforcement of the area. Brooding details and laid egg features revealed by the monitoring are reported and discussed.

Thanks to the availability of the MEDITS survey data, a standardized picture of the occurrence and abundance of demersal Chondrichthyes in the northern Mediterranean has been obtained. During the spring-summer period between 2012 and 2015, 41 Chondrichthyes, including 18 sharks (5 orders and 11 families), 22 batoids (3 orders and 4 families) and 1 chimaera, were detected from several geographical sub-areas (GSAs) established by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. Batoids had a preferential distribution on the continental shelf (10-200 m depth), while shark species were more frequent on the slope (200-800 m depth). Only three species, the Carcharhiniformes Galeus melastomus and Scyliorhinus canicula and the Torpediniformes Torpedo marmorata were caught in all GSAs studied. On the continental shelf, the Rajidae family was the most abundant, being represented in primis by Raja clavata and then by R. miraletus, R. polystigma and R. asterias. The slope was characterized by the prevalence of G. melastomus in all GSAs, followed by S. canicula, E. spinax and Squalus blainville. Areas under higher fishing pressure, such as the Adriatic Sea and the Spanish coast (with the exception of the Balearic Islands), show a low abundance of chondrichthyans, but other areas with a high level of fishing pressure, such as southwestern Sicily, show a high abundance, suggesting that other environmental drivers work together with fishing pressure to shape their distribution. Results of generalized additive models highlighted that depth is one of the most important environmental drivers influencing the distribution of both batoid and shark species, although temperature also showed a significant influence on their distribution. The approach explored in this work shows the possibility of producing maps modelling the distribution of demersal chondrichthyans in the Mediterranean that are useful for the management and conservation of these species at a regional scale. However, because of the vulnerability of these species to fishing exploitation, fishing pressure should be further incorporated in these models in addition to these environmental drivers. Gracias a la disponibilidad de los datos de campañas de pesca experimental MEDITS, se ha realizado una imagen estandarizada de la presencia y abundancia de Chondrichthyes demersales en el norte del Mediterráneo. Durante el período primavera-verano entre 2012 y 2015, se detectaron 41 Chondrichthyes, incluidos 18 tiburones (5 órdenes y 11 familias), 22 batoides (3 órdenes y 4 familias) y 1 quimera, de varias Subáreas Geográficas (GSA) establecidas por la Comisión General de Pesca para el Mediterráneo en la zona. Los batoides tuvieron una distribución preferencial en la plataforma continental (10-200 m de profundidad), mientras que las especies de tiburones fueron más frecuentes en la ladera (200-800 m de profundidad). Solo tres especies, Carcharhiniformes Galeus melastomus, Scyliorhinus canicula y Torpediniformes Torpedo marmorata fueron capturadas en todos los GSA estudiados. En la plataforma continental, la familia Rajidae fue la más abundante, representada en primer lugar por Raja clavata y luego por R. miraletus, R. polystigma y R. asterias. La pendiente se caracterizó por la prevalencia de G. melastomus en todos los GSA, seguido de S. canicula, E. spinax y Squalus blainville. Las áreas bajo mayor presión de pesca, como el Mar Adriático y la costa española (con la excepción de las Islas Baleares), registran una baja abundancia de condricthianos, pero otras áreas con un alto nivel de presión de pesca, como el suroeste de Sicilia, presentan una gran abundancia de estas especies. Sugiere que otros impulsores ambientales trabajen juntos con la presión pesquera para dar forma a su distribución. Los resultados de los modelos aditivos generalizados resaltaron que la profundidad es uno de los factores ambientales más importantes que influyen en la distribución de las especies de batoides y tiburones, aunque la temperatura también mostró una influencia significativa en su distribución. El enfoque explorado en este trabajo muestra la posibilidad de producir mapas que modelen la distribución de los condrictios demersales en el Mediterráneo, útiles para el manejo y la conservación de estas especies a escala regional. Sin embargo, teniendo en cuenta la vulnerabilidad de estas especies a la explotación pesquera, la presión pesquera debería incorporarse a estos modelos, además de estos factores ambientales.

Eye lens of 196 Loligo vulgaris and 205 Loligo forbesii collected by trawl surveys from 2013 to 2015 in Sardinian waters (Mediterranean Sea) were analysed for age determination. In an alternative to the technique previously used in Sepia officinalis and Enteroctopus megalocyatus, in this study, we proposed the elimination of decalcification and dehydration steps to reduce the time of lens processing. In addition, lenses were included in epoxy resin, which was then subject to lapping, to ensure clear reading and counting of the increments. The number of increments counted in L. vulgaris (59–520) and in L. forbesii (51–543) was strongly related to mantle length and weight of the animals, with no statistical differences between the sexes. Assuming daily growth increments, L. vulgaris was estimated to have a life span of 17 months for males and 14 months for females, while L. forbesii males had an estimated life span of 18 and 16.5 months for females. The exponential model was the best fit for growth data for both species and sexes, showing higher growth for males in comparison with females. These results preliminarily indicate that the eye lens is a valid tool for age determination of the two Loliginidae species, but it would benefit from validation by additional studies.

Genetic information is crucial for the proper exploitation of Octopus vulgaris, the most commercially valuable octopus species worldwide. The main aim of the present study was to investigate genetic structure, with the intent to inform effective management of the common octopus in Sardinia (western Mediterranean Sea), one of the most productive areas within Italian waters. Patterns of population structure were assessed in 246 specimens from seven population samples. Variation in five nuclear-encoded microsatellites and sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and COIII) highlighted high variability and low but significant genetic differentiation among populations, which clustered into four groups corresponding to the north, northwest, south, and east coasts of Sardinia. Secondarily, the sequence data from Sardinia were compared with GenBank data from other areas. AMOVA and Bayesian analyses supported the occurrence of significant differences within the Mediterranean Sea, and between Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean samples. The described genetic differentiation at a regional geographical scale could be determined by a combination of historical and/or current events restricting gene flow. The occurrence of significant genetic structuring at different spatial scales is an important piece of information to define the most appropriate conservation strategies in the area, both at the local and regional level.

Occurrence, abundance and size trends of 25 demersal Chondrichthyes (10 Sharks: 3 Carcharhiniformes, 2 Hexanchiformes, 5 Squaliformes; 14 Batoids: 3 Myliobatiformes, 8 Rajiformes, 3 Torpediniformes and 1 Holocephalan: 1 Chimaeriformes) collected from 22 years (1994–2015) of Mediterranean International Trawl Surveys (MEDITS) around Sardinian seas, were given. Data relative to two strata, the continental shelf (10–200 m), the slope (201–800 m), and the overall (10–800 m), were analyzed in order to identify the general species distribution of their habitat preference. From the gathered data it appeared that the shelf was mostly inhabited by batoids while the slope by sharks. Only the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula and the thornback skate Raja clavata were equally distributed with high values of occurrence and abundance both in the shelf and in the slope. All the other species showed a preferential distribution only in one stratum (shelf or slope). In general, temporal trends of abundance indexes were stable or increasing in all strata. GAM analysis also confirmed a stable trend. Almost all species displayed stable in size structure analysis, apart from R. brachyura and Dipturus oxyrinchus that showed a statistically increasing trend. Although the investigated chondrichthyan species seemed to display a not alarming status of conservation in Sardinian seas, more investigation should be done to assure a proper management of this threatened resource.

Association between habitat structuring organisms and other species has great relevance for ecosystem-based conservation measures. Those occurring in temperate areas, particularly in the upper portion of the continental margin, are mostly unknown or not properly understood because of the difficulty to discriminate co-occurrence and real functional linkages among species. Deep water coral assemblages over the Carloforte Shoal (south-west Sardinia; 180–210 m depth) were investigated using ROV surveys. During the surveys, more than 740 egg-capsules of the spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula, identified after hatching experiments in captivity, were found attached exclusively to colonies of the long-living black coral Leiopathes glaberrima. Although based on a spot finding, the results show that coral forests are not only hotspots of biodiversity, but can also serve as nursery grounds for S. canicula. The protection of these millennial coral forests is therefore to be considered a priority.

Knowledge of the mechanisms that allow coexistence among sympatric species is fundamental to understand ecosystem functioning. Resource partitioning among seven elasmobranchs inhabiting the Sardinian continental shelf (40°07′N, 9°00′E): Dasyatis pastinaca; Raja asterias; R. brachyura; R. clavata; R. miraletus; R. polystigma and Scyliorhinus canicula, was investigated through stomach content analysis. Data from 1680 samples collected between 2005 and 2014, in 26–200 m depth, were analysed with respect to population, sex, season (winter and summer) and size groups. Species living in shallower waters (characterized by a narrower bathymetric range) had the most specialized diets. All species appeared to be mesopredators, feeding mainly on Crustacea, Actinopterygii, Mollusca and Polychaeta. Despite shared common morphological features, from the high ecological diversity of prey items, we hypothesized the presence of different predatory behavior among the species studied: some species were able to feed on endobenthic and/or epibenthic organisms, while others had made limited movements in the water column. Non-parametric Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis highlighted the presence of five predator groups, confirming strong resource partitioning, as also demonstrated by low levels of interspecific niche overlap. The observed variations in feeding habits could be ascribed only to size and not to sex or season. Generally, diet changed from small Crustacean prey, to larger prey, like Actinopterygii and Mollusca. Some species became more generalist during development, others restricted their prey range. Shifts in feeding habits affected species’ roles in the food web, with different species occupying different functional trophic groups over the course of their life cycles.

Functional variomics provides the foundation for personalized medicine by linking genetic variation to disease expression, outcome and treatment, yet its utility is dependent on appropriate assays to evaluate mutation impact on protein function. To fully assess the effects of 106 missense and nonsense variants of PTEN associated with autism spectrum disorder, somatic cancer and PTEN hamartoma syndrome (PHTS), we take a deep phenotypic profiling approach using 18 assays in 5 model systems spanning diverse cellular environments ranging from molecular function to neuronal morphogenesis and behavior. Variants inducing instability occur across the protein, resulting in partial-to-complete loss-of-function (LoF), which is well correlated across models. However, assays are selectively sensitive to variants located in substrate binding and catalytic domains, which exhibit complete LoF or dominant negativity independent of effects on stability. Our results indicate that full characterization of variant impact requires assays sensitive to instability and a range of protein functions., Mutations in PTEN have been associated with various human disease, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cancer. Here, the authors assess the function of 106 PTEN variants in yeast, invertebrate models and cell culture and report that PTEN variants generally decrease protein stability.

Ingestion of microplastics (MPs) has been documented in several marine organisms, but their occurrence in deep-sea species remains almost unknown. In this study, MPs were investigated in two economically and ecologically key crustaceans of the Mediterranean Sea, the Norwegian lobster Nephrops norvegicus and the shrimp Aristeus antennatus. Both the species were collected from 14 sites around Sardinia Island, at depths comprised between 270 and 660 m. A total of 89 and 63 stomachs were analysed for N. norvegicus and A. antennatus respectively, and more than 2000 MPs-like particles were extracted and sorted for identification and characterization by μFT-IR. In N. norvegicus, 83% of the specimens contained MPs, with an average abundance of 5.5 ± 0.8 MPs individual−1, while A. antennatus showed a lower frequency of ingestion (67%) and a lower mean number of MPs (1.66 ± 0.1 MPs individual−1). Composition and size of particles differed significantly between the two species. The non-selective feeding strategy of N. norvegicus could explain the 3–5 folds higher numbers of MPs in its stomach, which were mostly composed of films and fragments derived by polyethylene and polypropylene single-use plastic items. Contrarily, most MPs in the stomachs of A. antennatus were polyester filaments. The MPs abundance observed in N. norvegicus is among the highest detected in Mediterranean species considering both fish and invertebrates species, and provides novel insights on MPs bioavailability in deep-sea habitats. The overall results suggest that both N. norvegicus and A. antennatus, easily available in common fishery markets, could be valuable bioindicators and flagship species for plastic contamination in the deep-sea.

The three-dimensional coral scaffolds formed by the skeletons of the cold-water corals Madrepora oculata and Lophelia pertusa represent an important deep-sea hard substratum and create an optimal shelter for a rich associated fauna in which the contribution of Porifera has still not been fully considered. The taxonomic analysis of sponges collected from two Sardinian canyons (Nora and Coda Cavallo, 256–408 m) and associated with the dead coral matrix resulted in 28 species, including new records for the Mediterranean Sea, Italian fauna or Central Tyrrhenian Sea. In addition, for many species this is the first finding associated with the coral framework or the first documentation of the in situ morphology. The taxonomic comparison with sponge assemblages associated with coral frameworks from Santa Maria di Leuca, Strait of Sicily and Bari Canyon, gave the opportunity to evaluate the similarities among geographically separated banks. Overall, the percentage of exclusive species (recorded only in one site), is very high (81%) and only one species is shared by all four sites, suggesting a low connectivity among the sponge communities. The percentage of shared species is higher for the Maltese community, supporting the role of the Sicily Channel as a crossroads between the communities of the eastern and western Mediterranean basins. Here, 55% of the sponges associated to the coral framework are also reported in shallow-water coralligenous assemblages, indicating a high bathymetric connectivity as well as an ecological plasticity allowing these species to occupy a wide range of small, dark refuges.

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.

Seafloor macrolitter is ubiquitous in world's oceans; still, huge knowledge gaps exist on its interactions with benthic biota. We report here the colonization of plastic substrates by the Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum (L. 1758), occurring both in controlled conditions and in the wild at ca. 85 m depth in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Juveniles settled on seafloor macro-litter, with either arborescent or encrusting morphology, ranging from 0.6 to 3.5 mm in basal diameter and 0.2–7.1 years of age, also including a fraction (20%) of potentially sexually mature individuals. In controlled conditions, larvae settled and survived on plastic substrates for >60 days. Our insights show that marine plastic debris can provide favourable substrate for C. rubrum settlement either in controlled conditions or in the wild, suggesting their possible use in restoration activities. However, we pinpoint here that this potential benefit could result in adverse effects on population dynamics.

Data-Deficient (DD) species are currently under threat because of the paucity of information regarding their abundance, distribution and biological traits. In this study we analysed temporal trends and bioecological features of the DD shark, Squalus blainville. Biological and fishery data were collected through two different scientific surveys spanning 1994–2018 and commercial hauls around Sardinia Island (central western Mediterranean) from 2008 to 2018. The analysis of temporal trends based on abundance data revealed a significant population decline over time. The late attainment of maturity and low fecundity of S. blainville are suspected to have contributed to making it highly vulnerable to overfishing. No bathymetric segregation by sex and size was found. However, the almost exclusive presence of pregnant females south-west of Sardinia could be due to sexual spatial segregation. This is also supported by histological findings showing long-term sperm storage to ensure the persistence of the species when females and males are separated. The documented decline of this species, its low reproductive potential and similarities in the depth distribution of immature and mature individuals indicate the need for urgent protection plans for S. blainville in Sardinian waters.

The bamboo coral Isidella elongata is a key structuring species on deep muddy bottoms, which has suffered severe consequences from bottom-fishing activities, as it often co-occurs with precious fishery resources such as red shrimps. A five-year series of data collected during a scientific trawl survey was used to localize the presence and to characterize the associated megafauna over a wide spatial scale in the Western and Central Mediterranean (Sardinia, South-Central Tyrrhenian, Western Ionian and Southern Adriatic). In addition, the overlap of I. elongata hotspots with nursery and spawning areas of three selected species (Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Aristeus antennatus and Galeus melastomus) was analysed. The sizes of the colonies were analysed in the South-Central Tyrrhenian and the Southern Adriatic. No significant variation over time was observed in the former, while in the latter, the colonies were bigger but showed a decreasing trend over time.

This work investigates life-history traits of the long-nosed skate Dipturus oxyrinchus, which is a common by-catch in Sardinian waters. The reproductive variables were analysed from 979 specimens sampled during scientific and commercial hauls. Females (10·4–117·5 cm total length, LT) attained larger sizes than males (14·5–99·5 cm LT). To evaluate age and growth, a sub-sample of 130 individuals (76 females and 54 males) were used. The age was estimated by annuli counts of sectioned vertebral centra. Four models were used for the length-at-age data: the von Bertalanffy, the exponential, the Gompertz and the logistic functions. According to the Akaike's information criterion, the Gompertz model seemed to provide the best fitting curve (L∞ mean ± s.e.: 127·55 ± 4·90 cm, k: 0·14 ± 0·09, IP: 3·97 ± 0·90 years). The oldest female and male were aged 17 (115·5 cm LT) and 15 years (96·0 cm LT), respectively. Lengths at maturity were 103·5 cm for females and 91·0 cm for males, corresponding to 90% of the maximum observed length in both sexes. The monthly distribution of maturity stages highlighted an extended reproductive cycle, with spawning females and active males being present almost throughout the year, as confirmed by the gonado-somatic index. Ovarian fecundity reached a maximum of 26 yolked follicles with a mean ± s.e. size of 19·7 ± 6·5 mm.

The aim of this paper is to supply an overview of all historical and recent knowledge on landings, fishing and geographic distribution of the red coral banks along the Italian coasts in order to ma...

Bottarga is a high-priced delicacy with high nutritional value, and, in Italy, bottarga from mullets has been recognized to be a traditional food product. The flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus and the thinlip grey mullet Liza ramada are the main cultured grey mullets in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, fresh roe and bottarga from these two species were investigated to evaluate the influence of the technological process and the species on their biochemical composition and health advantages. The 1 h/200 g salting-out step did not increase the levels of NaCl in the bottarga, although it highly decreased the levels of some heavy metals like Cu and Al. Processing of fresh roe in bottarga led to an essential modification of the lipid fraction, following a general series of monousatturated fatty acid (MUFA)&gt, poliunsutturated fatti acid (PUFA) &gt, saturated fatty acid (SAFA) and an increase in both &omega, 3 and &omega, 6 in Liza ramada. Moreover, bottarga showed higher levels of squalene and cholesterol and an increased Essential Amino Acid/Total Amino Acid ratio (EAA/TAA) in both species. In addition to the nutritional benefits for the consumer, the process proposed in this study may represent a reliable tool for local producers to obtain a final bottarga with both a reproducible biochemical composition and organoleptic characteristics.

Rare and poorly studied species, like the endemic skates of the Mediterranean Sea, are considered prone to high rates of extinction and threat because of non-optimal reporting and sampling, which reduce the power of analyses. In this regard, the goal of this study was to establish some basic life-history parameters, unknown to date, of one of these endemics, Raja polystigma, caught as by-catch from experimental and commercial hauls in the Mediterranean Sea. Sexes were equally distributed with no major differences in sizes. The age and growth were assessed through annuli counts of vertebral centra from a sub-sample of 184 individuals. Among different growth models applied to the length at-age-data, the logistic function provided the best fitting curve ( L ∞ : 691.49; k: 0.26; IP: 4.03 years). The oldest female and male were aged 11 (590 mm LT) and 8 years (521 mm TL), respectively. The estimated longevity was 10.6–15.4 years for females and 7.7–11.2 years for males. Females and males matured at about the same size ( L 50 506.1 mm TL and 488.1 mm TL, respectively), showing an uncommon pattern among Rajidae. A clear reproductive seasonality was observed during spring and summer. Depth influenced the distribution pattern of R. polystigma which appeared to complete its life cycle in coastal waters, with mature adults found exclusively in the shallows and immature specimens in the whole bathymetric range. Given its dependence on the coastal environment and its peculiar life-history features, measures to alleviate anthropic effects on this habitat are urgently needed.

Over the last decades, Global Climate Change (GCC) caused increase in seawater temperature, which have shown to be detrimental for Mediterranean red coral populations (Corallium rubrum). Recent researches described how responses to temperature increase can differ depending on location and previous stress history; however, investigations throughout a wide bathymetric range on the thermo-tolerance of specimens sharing the same thermally stable environment are still lacking. In order to test if C. rubrum colonies dwelling below the thermocline threshold have an intrinsic different sensitivity to thermal stress, corals at different depths (32 m and 100 m) were collected, kept in aquaria, and their responses to stress analysed in lab experiments. Oxygen consumption and necrosis dynamics were estimated at different temperature regimes (14°C; 21°C and 25°C). Shallow water samples showed a significant lower oxygen consumption and coenosarc necrosis at all temperatures, revealing a potential higher survival rate in stress conditions. On the other hand, significant differences in oxygen consumption between shallow and deep dwelling samples were detected in the 21°C treatment, and after 5 days in the necrosis experiment, underlining, however, a good capacity of tolerance to temperature increase also in deep colonies. Implications of the obtained results for conservation of Mediterranean red corals are illustrated and discussed.

Fully protected areas (FPAs) help preserving biodiversity and reversing the global decline of fishery resources. Stocks of the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas (Fabr. 1787), among the most precious gourmet seafood worldwide, are currently facing a dramatic decline. Previous attempts of recovery based on fishery restrictions or active post-larval restocking in marine reserves provided unsuccessful outcomes. Here we present results of a 5-year restocking program carried through a Collaborative Fishery Research (CFR) project, in three ad-hoc established FPAs replenished using below-legal size wild juveniles. Results showed that Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) in terms of both density and biomass burst (by ca. 300–700%) just 2 years since FPAs establishment, regardless of location. We also report tangible spillover effects (ca. 30–50% increase in density and biomass CPUE outside the FPAs) by the end of the program. Data from a 15-years lasting monitoring of a pilot FPA established in 1998, where the restocking protocol was conducted and protection kept in force once restocking ceased, demonstrated the persistence in time of restocking’ benefits. We foster that creation of FPAs assisted with local restocking under oriented CFR programs can represent an option for the recovery of European spiny lobster stocks from overfishing.

Although propagule pressure is recognized as an important determinant of invasion dynamics, the role of propagule quality (i.e. the physical condition of a propagule) has received little attention. In particular, how the performance of vegetative propagules differing in quality varies across heterogeneous landscapes is yet to be explored. Caulerpa cylindracea is a clonal, invasive seaweed, widely distributed in the Mediterranean. By means of a laboratory experiment, we investigated how variation in the quality of seaweed fragments (intact vs. frond-removal vs. rhizoid-removal) influenced their survival on control versus sediments enriched with detritus from the native seagrass, Posidonia oceanica. The survival of seaweed fragments was low on non-enriched sediments, irrespective of their characteristics. On enriched sediments, survival was high in control and rhizoid-removal fragments, but low in frond-removal fragments. Our study shows that both fragment quality and sediment characteristics influence the survival of C. cylindracea propagules and, hence, long-term spreading dynamics of this seaweed. More generally, it brings novel evidence showing that the effects of propagule quality on invasion success are context-dependent.

The movements of Octopus vulgaris were investigated by a mark–recapture study (1604 specimens tagged), carried out during a commercial octopus traps fishery, at a depth of 20–50 m, over a rocky substrate area of the Sardinian Sea (central western Mediterranean Sea). Overall 87 specimens (56 males and 31 females) were recaptured after 4 and 63 days from the tagging. The difference between the depth at release and recapture varied up to 5.0 m but in 100% of males and in 80% of females the variation was less than 3.0 m. Theoretical straight distances travelled by recaptures ranged from 9 to 5800 m in males and from 9 to 1700 m in females, regardless of the days of freedom. There was no correlation between distances and sex or body size and no marked orientation was found except for medium males that move preferentially in the south western direction. The movements of O. vulgaris , generally linked to the availability of food, partners and/or shelters, in this study were limited within 1 km in most of the recaptures (84–86%). This high site fidelity, within the rocky area investigated, could represent useful information for management plans of this species like the creation of small no-take areas.

We investigated the genetic diversity and connectivity patterns of mesophotic Corallium rubrum populations (from a depth of 87 to 107 m) near Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea) using microsatellite data. Firstly, we tested the hypotheses that (1) mesophotic areas represent ‘thermal and/or reproductive refugia’ for the species, and (2) strong genetic breaks separate the coral populations of the different sub-basins of the Western Mediterranean Sea. Secondly, we aimed to examine the impact of harvesting on the genetic features of populations. Genetic analyses pointed out the occurrence of significant genetic differentiation (overall F ST = 0.115, P value = 0) and an isolation-by-distance pattern. Bayesian assignment analyses revealed four distinct clusters. The differential amplification success of some microsatellite loci along a north–south gradient confirmed the existence of strongly differentiated red coral populations in the Tyrrhenian with respect to the Algero-Provencal Basin. From a management perspective, the high genetic diversity and the substantial demographic stability indicate that Sardinian red coral populations are stable and still sustainably exploited. Nevertheless, the significant spatial structuring at the scale of less than 10 km indicates that they are sustained largely by local recruitment, excluding the possibility that they can help in recovering shallower banks.

Eggcases of eight rajiform skates (Dipturus nidarosiensis, D. oxyrinchus, Leucoraja melitensis, Raja asterias, R. brachyura, R. clavata, R. miraletus and R. polystigma) present in the central-western Mediterranean are described, based on specimens obtained from fishery surveys. Eggcase features such as dimensions, horns and apron lengths, and presence/absence of lateral keels were crucial to discriminate the eggcases of the various species. Morphological and morphometric data, confirmed by the multivariate analysis, indicated that the eggcase of R. miraletus and L. melitensis were distinct from those of the other species for being unkeeled. Within the species having keeled eggcases, those of the genus Dipturus and R. brachyura were discriminated from the remaining group by having the largest dimensions and aprons. Sandy bottoms (

A new cold-water coral (CWC) province has been identified in the Mediterranean Sea in the Capo Spartivento canyon system offshore the southern coast of Sardinia. The ‘Sardinia cold-water coral province’ is characterized in the Nora canyon by a spectacular coral growth dominated by the branching scleractinian Madrepora oculata at a depth of 380–460 m. The general biohermal frame is strengthened by the common occurrence of the solitary scleractinian Desmophyllum dianthus and the occasional presence of Lophelia pertusa. As documented by Remotely Operated Vehicle survey, this area is a hotspot of megafaunal diversity hosting among other also live specimens of the deep oyster Neopycnodonte zibrowii. The new coral province is located between the central Mediterranean CWC provinces (Bari Canyon, Santa Maria di Leuca, South Malta) and the western and northern ones (Melilla, Catalan-Provencal-Ligurian canyons). As for all the best developed CWC situations in the present Mediterranean Sea, the new Sardinian province is clearly influenced by Levantine Intermediate Water which appears to be a main driver for CWC distribution and viability in this basin.

The whip-like gorgonian Viminella flagellum (Alcyonacea, Ellisellidae) has an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution. In Italian seas, the species is a common component of deep-sea rocky environments from the north-western Mediterranean area to the Strait of Sicily. V. flagellum grows in deep habitats, sometimes outlining the environment with dense forests. This work describes its habitat in an area in the southeastern Sardinian waters (central-western Mediterranean Sea), where a dense forest of the species was found. The specimens were filmed and photographed between 120 and 260 m depth with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). High-resolution multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetry data of the area were acquired and morphometric parameters were derived. These parameters were assumed to be relevant for the distribution of the whip-like gorgonians and were used in an Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) to explore the niche and habitat preference of the target species. In order to identify which Eco-geographical variables are useful to predict coral distribution, we used the Maximum Entropy model (MaxEnt). Our results gave a first description of the habitat preference of V. flagellum. Specimens were found in a distinctive habitat, with respect to the overall features of the entire studied area which was characterised by a marked slope in a simple rocky seabed system, within a water depth range of 125–150 m.

Cartilaginous fish are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors and environmental change because of their K-selected reproductive strategy. Accurate data from scientific surveys and landings are essential to assess conservation status and to develop robust protection and management plans. Currently available data are often incomplete or incorrect as a result of inaccurate species identifications, due to a high level of morphological stasis, especially among closely related taxa. Moreover, several diagnostic characters clearly visible in adult specimens are less evident in juveniles. Here we present results generated by the ELASMOMED Consortium, a regional network aiming to sample and DNA-barcode the Mediterranean Chondrichthyans with the ultimate goal to provide a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library. This library will support and improve the molecular taxonomy of this group and the effectiveness of management and conservation measures. We successfully barcoded 882 individuals belonging to 42 species (17 sharks, 24 batoids and one chimaera), including four endemic and several threatened ones. Morphological misidentifications were found across most orders, further confirming the need for a comprehensive DNA barcoding library as a valuable tool for the reliable identification of specimens in support of taxonomist who are reviewing current identification keys. Despite low intraspecific variation among their barcode sequences and reduced samples size, five species showed preliminary evidence of phylogeographic structure. Overall, the ELASMOMED initiative further emphasizes the key role accurate DNA barcoding libraries play in establishing reliable diagnostic species specific features in otherwise taxonomically problematic groups for biodiversity management and conservation actions., peer-reviewed

Botargo is the product of the industrial management of fresh roe of the grey mullet (Mugil cephalus). This food product is actually obtained from wild fish caught in different marine areas around the word. The increasing commercial demand of botargo has brought to carry out different fishing systems, gathering the wild mullet in restricted areas, lagoons, to be caught if necessary. This operating mode has caused the appearance of new problems related to the organoleptic approval by the consumers of fish and derived products, following off-flavor contamination derived from different microorganisms present in the lagoons. The most important off-flavor compounds are represented by 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) and geosmin (GSM) which give a muddy/musty smell and flavor to the fish. A simple and easy-to-use GC/MS method for the determination of 2-MIB and GSM has been developed. The method has been validated with the following parameters: instrument limit of detection (LOD) and of quantification (LOQ), precision, recovery, and linearity. The method carried out showed good LOD of 1.0 μg/kg and LOQ 2.0 and 5.0 μg/kg for GSM and 2-MIB, respectively. Validation parameters were in close agreement with those reported in the EC SANCO/12571/2013. Recoveries ranged from 80.2 to 121.4 %, with percent relative standard deviation (RSD%) ranging from 0.6 to 18.6 % in the most unfavorable case. Real sample analysis showed the presence of residues of both off-flavor in all botargo samples analyzed, except for sample S0, while in fresh roe samples, only S7 showed important residues of 2-MIB.

The precious coral Corallium rubrum is one of the most vulnerable resources in the Mediterranean Sea because of the high levels of human-related and natural mortality rates. The aim of the present study was to document the diversity and connectivity patterns among Sardinian Corallium rubrum populations focusing, in particular, on deep populations (>80 m depth) where the commercial exploitation is concentrated. Microsatellite markers revealed high levels of inbreeding, heterozygote deficits, and significant genetic differentiation between and within areas at different depths, with an associated ‘isolation by distance’ pattern. These results indicated that for precious coral populations in Sardinia the ‘deep reef refugia hypothesis’, that envisages the capacity for deep corals to act as seed banks for the shallower impaired (over-harvested) populations, is not supported. The highest genetic diversity recorded in Sardinia for all areas and depths with respect to other Mediterranean areas indicates that the strict local management has been effective, since harvesting has not yet led to a substantial erosion of the genetic pool. Possible causes for the high levels of observed diversity in Sardinia are discussed in relation to hydrological conditions, its geographical position and its proximity to some putative glacial refugia. Thus, given the occurrence in Sardinia of highly diverse and differentiated deep-water populations of C. rubrum whose genetic diversity are important for the long-term resilience of the species, the results of the present study strongly support the close monitoring of harvesting, along with the maintenance or even strengthening of the current management and conservation measures (no-take protected areas) already in place in the area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

T-bar anchor tags and Petersen discs were used during a preliminary mark–recapture experiment in the wild on 268Octopus vulgaris.Discs, despite causing some injuries, were characterized by a quicker healing (within 5 days) and a higher retention rate than T-bar tags (about 97% versus 22%, respectively), therefore they were considered the best technique for tagging the animals in the subsequent growth studies. From 2010 to 2013, a total of 1604O. vulgaris(74.4% with a total weight −1) and higher mean daily growth rates in females (3.07–3.65 g day−1) than in males (2.08–2.98 g day−1) were recorded, but this difference was not statistically significant. Using tag–recapture data, the first exponential growth curves for both sexes ofOctopus vulgarisof small–medium size from the Mediterranean Sea were obtained, and compared with those available in the literature for the species.

This paper describes the results of a two-year monitoring study examining the pollution of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sardinia. GC–ITMS analysis of sea urchin gonads showed the presence of 11 and 12 PAHs in the samples of Capo Pecora, and Capitana, respectively. Fluorene, naphthalene and its two degradation products, 1-methyl-naphthalene, and 2-methyl-naphthalene, were detected in all samples analyzed. The ΣPAH residues showed a similar trend over the two-year sampling period. Furthermore, the residues in the first year were slightly higher than in the second year. The information obtained by the multivariate statistical analysis PLS-DA allowed for the determination of samples based on field site and varying habitat types (rocky reef, and Posidonia seabed). The results of this study showed that Posidonia sea urchins are contaminated by high molecular weight PAHs and that Capitana samples are more contaminated due to a higher level of human activity in the area.

In this paper, the presence and amount of mercury and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 23 bluefin tuna samples collected in the spring of 2012 in Porto Scuso (South West Sardinia, Italy) and Villa Putzu (South East Sardinia, Italy) in order to assess the current levels of these two contaminants in fish muscle and the consequent risk to humans consuming said fish. Values of polychlorobiphenyls in bluefin tuna muscle vary between 0.155 and 1.403 mg/kg f.w.; the average of PCBs in tuna muscle is 0.732 mg/kg f.w. With regard to PCBs the presence of more elevated concentrations is confirmed in larger fish. The results regarding mercury in muscle show an average of 0.660 mg/kg f.w. and mercury values vary between 0.140 f.w. and 2.211 mg/kg f.w.; for mercury as well, the highest concentrations were found in the largest bluefin tuna. Six samples, 26% of total, contained more than 1 mg/kg f.w., which is the maximum level set by the European Commission (EC, Regulation n. 1881/2006) for this species. Mercury, in particular methylmercury, poses a risk to public health, therefore, taking into account the important nutritional contribution that tuna fish makes to the diet, it is advisable that women of childbearing age, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as young children strictly limit their consumption of tuna from this area of the Mediterranean.

Atlantic blue fin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a species of great importance for Mediterranean Sea area, from both ecological and commercial points of view. The scientific literature reports few data on the contamination of this fish by emerging organic compounds such as perfluorinated alkylated substances(PFASs) and phthalates, being the latter never been studied in tuna. This study therefore investigated the presence of the PFASs perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) and the phthalate di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), also monitored by its metabolite mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(MEHP), to assess both the state of contamination of Atlantic bluefin tuna specimen and the risk due to the toxicity of these compounds for human consumption. While PFOA was never found, detectable levels of PFOS (0.4–1.88 ng/g), DEHP (9–14.62 ng/g) and MEHP (1.5–6.30 ng/g) were found. The results were elaborated relating the accumulation to the size and age of the individuals and showed a correlation between the levels of different pollutants investigated.

The Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum, is one of the most precious corals worldwide. Below 50 m depth, C. rubrum populations are generally characterised by large and sparse colonies, whereas shallow populations (above 50 m depth) show high densities of small colonies. We show here instead that populations dwelling between 80 and 170 m depth exhibited a continuous range of population density (from 2 to 75 colonies per 0.25 m2), with less than 1% of variance explained by water depth. An inverse relationship between maximum population density and mean colony height was found, suggesting that self-thinning processes may shape population structure. Moreover, demographically young populations composed of small and dense colonies dominated along rocky vertical walls, whereas mature populations characterised by large and sparsely distributed colonies were found only in horizontal beds not covered by sediment. We hypothesise that, in the long term, shallow protected populations should resemble to present deep populations, with sparsely distributed large colonies. Since the density of red coral colonies can decay as a result of self-thinning mechanisms, we advise that future protection strategies should be based also on a measure of red coral spatial coverage instead of population density.