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The present work compares microplastics (MPs) contamination in two charismatic crustaceans: European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas and langoustine Nephrops norvegicus. Samples (P. elephas n = 14; N. norvegicus n = 15) were collected between 76 and 592 m depth, from four sites in west Sardinia, Italy. An extraction protocol was applied on stomachs and intestines, separately, and over 500 particles were further characterized through μFT-IR. We document 100 % occurrence in specimens from both species, with P. elephas being significantly more contaminated (9.1 ± 1.75 vs. 3.2 ± 0.45 MPs individual−1), ingesting larger MPs with different polymeric composition. The scavenging-based feeding strategy of both species could explain such exposure to MPs, mostly derived by single-use plastic. The overall results highlight that both species are clearly affected by plastic pollution, being valuable bioindicators and charismatic species that could thus represent excellent flagship species for raising awareness toward the global issue of plastic in the marine environment. • We compared microplastic contamination in Palinurus elephas and Nephrops norvegicus. • We report 100 % occurrence, polyester and polyethylene as dominant polymers (>65 %). • Spiny lobsters ingest more and larger microplastics than langoustines. • Langoustines were confirmed to fragment microplastics during digestion. • Both species are efficient bioindicators and flagship species of plastic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The shortnose greeneye, Chlorophthalmus agassizi Bonaparte, 1840, is a species with a circumglobal distribution and is among the most abundant commercial fishes in some Mediterranean areas. The knowledge of the biology and ecology of this species is poor and geographically limited, then the aim of this study is to provide a contribution to the knowledge on the reproductive biology of this monoecious deep sea fish in Sardinian waters. Materials and Methods. In this paper the morphology and the development of the gonads, the mean size at maturity, the monthly evolution in the percent frequency of the maturity stages, and of the indices related to reproduction of the shortnose greeneye were examined. Individuals were caught by trawls, between 270 and 504 m of depth in the Sardinian seas. Results. The ovarian pattern is of an asynchronous type, characterized by releasing of eggs in successive batches. Seven stages of development for the ovary and four for the testis were identified on the basis of macroscopic and histological features. The female portion is the most evident component and shows a later maturation than the male portion. The spawning period is unique and takes place from May to September. Conclusion. The identification of spawning period and the adopted reproductive strategy is essential to obtain a better understanding of its biology and a good management of its fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coastal karstic region of SW Sardinia, from Capo Pecora in the north to Nebida in the south, many interesting geological monuments, ecotopes and several places of social and cultural interest that deserve preservation and valorization can be found. This mostly rocky coastline is characterized by the presence of a Cambrian sequence prevalently composed of limestones and dolostones and only locally of phyllites. A correct use of the many environmental and cultural monuments is necessary both to preserve and to valorize them; therefore they have to be properly managed in order to preserve their original natural conditions. Here, we describe and classify these monuments with the aim to propose an integrated model of sustainable development of this exceptional coastal landscape. Our model is based on several thematic maps according to which we propose the establishment of a natural reserve with specific geological and geomorphologic sites and the creation of several touristic circuits that are the basis for a further valorization of this territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]