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One shark was landed at the Naval Base Pasha Liman, Bay of Vlore, Albania, the Adriatic Sea. Photographic records only enabled the specimen to be placed in family Odontaspididae or Carchariidae. Later examination of the preserved head, dry jaw and dentition identified the specimen as Odontaspis ferox. This is a rare record and the northernmost Mediterranean observation of this species, and the first Adriatic record for several decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is a high number of publications listing fish species in the Adriatic, only a few have focused on chondrichthyans, while their conservation status has been investigated even less. Thus, this paper aims to provide an updated and annotated checklist of the chondrichthyans occurring in the Adriatic waters with their presence and conservation status. Each species is evaluated against the criteria defined in IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List Categories and Criteria and according to the guidelines for national and regional level assessments. In total, 60 chondrichthyan species from 27 families and 42 genera are listed. The list contains 33 species of sharks, 26 species of rays and one chimera. Assessment of the conservation status reveals that three species are now considered Regionally Extinct (namely Squatina oculata, Pristis pectinata and Rhinobatos rhinobatos). A total of 21 species are assessed as Critically Endangered, 8 are Endangered and 10 are Vulnerable. Of the remaining species, six are Near Threatened and the same number of species are Least Concern and Data Deficient. Considering that the principal driver of chondrichthyan decline and regional extinction is overfishing, it is recommended that the Adriatic countries adopt the same management measures and strengthen their coordination.

Keywords: Adriatic; Albania; Ionian; sharks EN Adriatic Albania Ionian sharks 607 610 4 07/27/21 20210801 NES 210801 INTRODUCTION Elasmobranch is a group of fishes comprised of sharks and rays that are susceptible to over-exploitation due to their life history characteristics. Official catch data underrepresent shark and ray taxa caught in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries. Moreover, many countries in the Mediterranean report shark statistics without making any distinction at the species level or even fail to record some species (Mancusi et al., 2020). A particular problem is in the Mediterranean, a region with relatively high diversity and abundance of elasmobranchs, which has become a region of elevated threat for elasmobranchs and an area of special concern for marine conservation (Fernandes et al., 2017). [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents an updated checklist of marine fishes of Albania and the first one published in the English language. The checklist contains 262 species compiled from published literature and personal surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A check-list of publications on grapes and wine held in the archives of the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation (Split, Croatia), include unique items.

Sardine samples from commercial catches obtained by purse seiners operating in Croatian fishing grounds (eastern Adriatic Sea) were collected monthly from March 2017 to February 2018 (excluding January due to a fishing ban). A total of 1085 sardines were analysed. Their total body length and mass ranged from 11.5 to 16.9 cm (mean±SD: 13.9±0.03 cm) and from 11.30 to 54.03 g (mean±SD: 20.31±0.161 g), respectively. Analysis of the length-mass relationship showed positive allometric growth (b=3.3573, r=0.948). Female specimens were predominant (m/f=0.404). According to the monthly gonadosomatic index values, spawning occurred from November to February, which was consistent with previous investigations. The monthly analysis of fat content in the gonads, liver and muscles indicated that the fat content in each studied tissue oscillated seasonally regardless of sex. These alternations were linked to the sardine’s reproductive cycle.

Over the first forty years of the last century the Italian View of Albania has changed in different ways, but always maintaining strong interest. Both the surprised and sometimes the astonished gaze of travelers and the one of those attracted by possible trade exchanges or the gaze on the soldiers convinced of having the task to Italianize Albania in 1939 “the land of dawning sun” separate frontally by a narrow stretch of the sea, symbolized hopes and promises. In the text of the country across the water that borders with itself the story the specific view (from francone wardon) to stand guard inevitably changed in to watch (from Sanskrit) that means to observe and know.

Sailing route leading from central Dalmatia to the Gargano region was one of the most heavily travelled seaways in antiquity. On the one hand it is marked by the toponyms associated with Diomedes and his cult in historical and geographical sources (Diomedes' cape, Diomedes' city/cities, Diomedes' islands and Diomedes' sanctuary), and on the other hand by the information on the distance between the two coasts or some central Dalmatian islands and Italian coast of the Adriatic. Exceptional frequency of such sailing was supported by the fact that one could sail directly to the south or vice versa directly to the north which was of crucial importance in ancient navigation in theoretical and practical terms. Palagruža (Vela and Mala), the Islands of Diomedes in antiquity, were orientation landmarks of exceptional importance on this sea route. The text offers a detailed analysis of the most important historical and geographical information provided by the ancient writers who shed more light on such position of both islands of Palagruža in antiquity.

Sport and recreational marine fishery can significantly contribute to the national budget through its economic and social effects. The main aim of this research is to define the economic and social significance of sport and recreational fishing in Croatia through the assessment of the lower limit of its economic value. This is done by analyzing the segments of sport and recreational fishing together with the economic and other activities which are closely related to it. When expressed by the number of stakeholders involved in sport and recreational fisheries and the share in the gross domestic product, it can be concluded that the economic effects of these activities are only slightly lower than in commercial fisheries. This research provides the groundwork for pointing out the basic guidelines of the social significance of sport and recreational marine fishery in Croatia. Hence, it can be noted that sport and recreational fishing in local coastal communities support the overall development of rural areas and the local communities in particular.

The occurrence of Carex phyllostachys (Cyperaceae) in the Croatian flora is documented here for the first time. This rare Euro-Caucasian species was found in June 2019 in deciduous sub-Mediterranean Quercus pubescens-Carpinus orientalis forests on Mt Mosor in central Dalmatia. This record represents the north-western distribution limit of this species. The habitat and ecology of C. phyllostachys in the Croatian flora is presented, and morphological similarities with allied species (C. distachya and C. illegitima) are discussed. An identification key for Carex species belonging to the subgenus Indocarex in Croatia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Meteotsunamis (localized ocean waves with periods similar to those of tsunamis but caused by meteorological phenomena) have been observed around the globe and are frequently observed in the Adriatic Sea. Numerous studies have focused on numerical modeling of meteotsunamis, but only a few have modeled flooding and drying of the coastal areas that play an important role in risk assessment. In this study, we model four historic meteotsunami events (Vela Luka Bay, June 21, 1978; Široka Bay, August 22, 2007; Mali Lošinj Bay August 15, 2008; Stari Grad Bay February 19, 2010) that occurred in the Adriatic Sea, using ADICRC, a flooding and drying capable ocean numerical model. Comparison of those results with similar simulations that do not use the flooding and drying algorithm was made to determine differences in modeled wave height. Three of the modeled events (Vela Luka, Široka and Mali Lošinj) are more accurately depicted if including the flooding and drying algorithm, suggesting that extreme events can be more realistically modeled than with the more commonly used cut-off depth (i.e., specifying minimum depth larger than expected maximum wave height). Modeling results for the fourth event (Stari Grad) confirm a previous assumption that flooding occurred due to the superposition of a storm surge and a meteotsunami, rather than a meteotsunami alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Adriatic Sea, between the Italian and Dalmatian coasts, so close to each other, is a land of historical, economic and literary interesection. The novel Il Cerusico di mare, by the then young D'Annunzio, belongs to this universe. A text with obvious loans from Verga and Maupassant, pierced by dialogues in the Pescara dialect, and which recounts a navigation through the sea painted from the European decadence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kroatologija is the property of University of Zagreb, Centre for Croatian Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper deals with Strabo’s account of rivers running through the Balkans, belonging to the Black Sea, Adriatic and Aegean drainage basins. His knowledge of rivers is focused on navigable parts and river mouths, rather than on those parts closer to the source. Regarding the rivers of the Black Sea drainage basin, Strabo mentions the most important right tributaries of the Danube, and the Sava River and its tributaries are considered in relation to the ancient trade routes. The rivers of the Adriatic basin are mostly short and isolated without the possibility of easy communication between one river-basin and another, but the economic importance of these rivers is underlined and it is specified, seen from the mouth to the inland, whether a river is navigable or not. Strabo was also well acquainted with the five great rivers of ancient Macedonia and Thrace which enter the Aegean Sea. Unfortunately, Book VII of Strabo’s Geography is not preserved in its entirety, but even in the fragmentary state in which it is preserved, it contains the most complete geographical description of ancient Macedonia and the Thracian coast in antiquity we possess today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length–weight relationship parameters are reported for the fifty littoral and coastal marine fish species from the Eastern Adriatic. Captures were made between the years 2004 and 2017 during sport fishing competitions. The parameters a and b of the equation W = aLb were estimated. The b values ranged from 2.1972 for Spicara smaris (Linnaeus, 1758) to 3.7044 for Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810). The L-W relation for Scyliorhinus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758), Gobius bucchichi Steindachner 1870, Gobius geniporus Valenciennes 1837 and Lipophrys trigloides (Valenciennes, 1836) are not available in FishBase and presents new data for these species. For some other species, such as Labrus mixtus Linnaeus 1758, there are only two relationships, but none from the Mediterranean, for Gobius paganellus Linnaeus 1758 only four relationships and none from Central and Eastern Mediterranean, while for Labrus merula Linnaeus 1758, Symphodus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758), Symphodus roissali (Risso, 1810), Gobius cobitis Pallas 1814, Gobius cruentatus Gmelin 1789, Gobius niger Linnaeus 1758, Parablennius gatorugine (Linnaeus, 1758), Parablennius sanguinolentus (Pallas, 1814), Salaria pavo (Risso, 1810), and Bothus podas (Delaroche, 1809) very low number of relationships are presented and none from the Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanomacrophages of fish are commonly explored as biomarkers of water pollution and are considered to be sensitive albeit non-specific health indicators in water ecosystems. Sharks as long living marine species are good sentinel species. This study presents morphometric data for splenic and hepatic melanomacrophages (MMC), and observed histopathology in ten lesser-spotted catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula (L.), one of the most abundant shark species in the eastern Adriatic Sea. At necropsy, we collected random tissue samples from liver, brain, gallblader, pancreas, spleen, kidney, gills, entire digestive system, thyroid gland, rectal gland, entire urogenital (male samples) and genital system (female samples). Collected tissue samples were routinely processed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Periodic Acid-Schiff, and Masson Trichrome for microscopic examinations and morphometry. There was a minimal number of histopathological lesions in the examined sharks, but morphometric values reported herein were three folds higher than in previous studies in free-ranging sharks. Studies on larger numbers of sharks are needed to elucidate the biological significance of our finding in the context of population decline of the lesser-spotted catshark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal ecosystems are subject to multiple processes that drive pH change over time. Therefore, efforts to understand the variability in the coastal carbonate system are crucial to assess the marine system vulnerability to acidification. The variations of the carbon dioxide (CO2) system were studied, from December 2014 to January 2017, on 6 stations along a transect latitudinally crossing the northern Adriatic, from the Po River delta to the Istrian Peninsula. The study aims to evaluate the influence of riverine inputs and other environmental drivers, such as temperature, air-sea CO2 exchanges and biological processes, on the carbonate system. Riverine discharges significantly affected the carbonate system, as they are an input of total alkalinity and nutrients. High alkalinity concentrations were measured in low salinity waters and a significant negative correlation between salinity and alkalinity was found. The influence of biological processes was underscored by the significant inverse correlation between pHT at a constant temperature (pHT25^°C) and apparent oxygen utilization, and by the positive correlation between chlorophyll a and pHT25^°C in samplings close to flood events. Moreover, thermic and non-thermic partial pressure (p) of CO2 in surface waters was evaluated. pCO2 was more strongly influenced by the thermal effect during summer, while the biological effect prevailed in the other seasons. The analysis of air-sea CO2 fluxes highlighted that the area acts as a sink of CO2 during winter, spring and autumn and as a source during summer. A biogeochemical simulation was used for bottom and surface waters to estimate future changes in northern Adriatic carbonate chemistry with the increase of anthropogenic CO2 and temperature, and to understand how biological processes could affect the expected trends. By 2100, under the IPCC scenario of business as usual and without the effect of biological processes, pHT is expected to decrease by ∼0.3 and the aragonite saturation is expected to decline by ∼1.3, yet not reach undersaturation values. Even though the northern Adriatic is characterized by high alkalinity buffering, pH seasonal variability will likely be more pronounced, due to the strong decoupling of production and respiration processes driven by stratification of the water column.

Diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia H.Peragallo are known to produce domoic acid (DA), a toxin involved in amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Strains of the same species are often classified as both toxic and nontoxic, and it is largely unknown whether this difference is also genetic. In the Northern Adriatic Sea, there are virtually no cases of ASP, but DA occasionally occurs in shellfish samples. So far, three species—P. delicatissima (Cleve) Heiden, P. multistriata (H. Takano) H. Takano, and P. calliantha Lundholm, Moestrup, & Hasle—have been identified as producers of DA in the Adriatic Sea. By means of enzme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and visible spectrum detection (HPLC-UV/VIS), and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we reconfirmed the presence of DA in P. multistriata and P. delicatissima and detect for the first time in the Adriatic Sea DA in P. galaxiae Lundholm, & Moestrup. Furthermore, we attempted to answer the question of the distribution of DA production among Pseudo-nitzschia species and strains by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) phylogenetic marker and the dabA DA biosynthesis gene and coupling this with toxicity data. Results show that all subclades of the Pseudo-nitzschia genus contain toxic species and that toxicity appears to be strain dependent, often with geographic partitioning. Amplification of dabA was successful only in toxic strains of P. multistriata and the presence of the genetic architecture for DA production in non-toxic strains was thus not confirmed.

The lithic assemblages from the principal early Neolithic sites in Northern Dalmatia have been analysed with respect to the technological aspects and principles of schéma and chaîne opératoire, débitage economy and raw material economy. Northern Dalmatia, the most fertile region of the Eastern Adriatic, hosts the most important Neolithic open-air sites. Early Neolithic is associated with the Impressed Ware culture and dates back to c. 6000–5400 cal BC. The Early Neolithic lithic assemblages are characterized by the pressure blade production techniques on high-quality Gargano cherts reflecting important socio-economic and technical mutations that are specific to the Neolithic. Moreover, the almost exclusive reliance on these exogenous cherts emphasizes the social aspects of such networks and reinforces the idea of cultural uniformity of Dalmatian and Apulian Impressed Ware.

The last hunter-gatherers of the central and western Mediterranean are associated with the Castelnovian technocomplex, which developed during the seventh millennium BC and is characterized mainly by its lithic industries, which reflect important changes that occurred during the Late Mesolithic: debitage from this time is oriented towards blade production by pressure-flaking and the manufacture of special tools, such as trapezes (made by the microburin technique) and notched blades. Although rare, Castelnovian sites have been identified in the wider Adriatic region of south-central Italy, Albania, Montenegro and the Italian and Slovenian Karst. However, it seems that the Croatian coast and its hinterland in the eastern Adriatic lack any traces. No sites were found in Dalmatia and only a few questionable surface finds come from Istria. This study explores whether this absence is due to historical factors, such as depopulation during the Late Mesolithic or the region being outside the Castelnovian expansion route, or whether it is because of a combination of taphonomic causes (such as loss of sites by marine transgression) and lack of previous research. The paper also focuses on the hypothesis that the presence of the last hunter-gatherers can be detected indirectly through the persistence of Castelnovian elements in the oldest Neolithic Impressed Ware assemblages of the eastern Adriatic. I further propose that Castelnovian traits are observable in the Impressed Ware assemblages of Istria. This Mesolithic tradition consists of the use of local flint, blade production by indirect percussion and 'simpler' forms of pressure flaking in lithic production, while marine resources remain an important food resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hvar Saw Bush-cricket Barbitistes kaltenbachi Harz, 1965 (Phaneropterinae: Barbitistini) and Lesina Bush-cricket Rhacocleis buchichii Brunner von Wattenwyl in Herman 1874 (Tettigoniinae: Platycleidini) are flightless orthopterans restricted to a narrow area in the Mediterranean part of Croatia, both originally described from Hvar Island. In this study, all available information on these two interesting species is presented: data on morphology, bioacoustics, distribution, habitat, and a key to identification of the species belonging to genera Barbitistes and Rhacocleis in Croatia. The songs of both B. kaltenbachi and R. buchichii are described here for the first time, with the former one being the second known example of a synchronising and presumably duetting species. Both species were reassessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria, where B. kaltenbachi should be considered an endangered species, while R. buchichii is suggested to be downgraded to a less threatened category. Biogeography and evolution of the species are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses bonded labor relations and their changes through the example of Slavic migrant workers in late medieval Ragusa (Dubrovnik). Over roughly 150 years, Ragusa changed from a site of localized, endemic labor exploitation to a commodified labor market with transregional implications. Based on a close examination of notary deeds and legislative acts, the article presents an empirically grounded approach to category formation and a careful reconstruction of the Ragusan grammar of coericon. While labels and classification systems for unskilled Slavic migrants changed over time, they remained the "maids-of-all-work"—a nonspecialist labor force that could be taken into service for a variety of tasks wherever they were needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free ports of Rijeka and Trieste, along with their surrounding areas from which Ljubljana stood out, were part of a vast network where information was not only collected and exchanged but also created, thereby influencing the state institutions themselves. This article proves that these processes did not fall within the sole free port, but that they acted as a sort of propeller and accelerator in favoring reforms that also impacted the surrounding territory. Beginning with archival documents, the article summates the management of health information and the institutional reforms that derived from it in the 1750s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we report the presence of two ciliate protozoans of the subclass Peritrichia, Cothurnia amphicteis and C. peloscolicis , as epibionts on the chaetae of scaled polychaetes Malmgrenia lilianae , M. andreapolis (fam. Polynoidae) and Sthenelais boa (fam. Sigalionidae), from the north Adriatic (Mediterranean Sea). Both ciliate species are herein found for the first time after their original description and are redescribed, based on light and scanning electron microscopy analyses. This is the first record of an association between ciliates and polychaetes of the family Sigalionidae. Our results suggest that these host–epibiont relationships might be highly specific. We also present the first review of epibiosis between polychaetes and peritrich ciliates, indicating that this relationship is more diverse than previously thought. Forty taxa of peritrich ciliates from 12 genera and seven families are recorded as epibionts on polychaetes, while 48 polychaete taxa are known as their hosts. The relationship can be considered ectocommensalism, where the ciliates have the advantages of increased food availability. This association might be a more widespread phenomenon than currently known, because it could be easily overlooked or misinterpreted. It, therefore, deserves careful attention and further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using morphometric, meristic and qualitative characters, we confirmed a specific status of a clade discovered based on molecular data only. The newly described species Phoxinus krkae has a very local distribution in the upper Krka River but is easily morphologically distinguished from geographically neighbouring species with much wider ranges: Phoxinus lumaireul, Phoxinus marsilii and Phoxinus csikii. Phoxinus krkae is well differentiated in statistical analyses and differs from other species of Phoxinus in northern Adriatic Sea drainages and right‐bank tributaries of the middle and lower River Danube by a combination of characters, none of them unique: caudal peduncle length 1.9–2.2 times minimum depth of caudal peduncle; upper lip not projecting beyond lower lip; rostral fold absent; total number of scales in lateral series 74–84; lateral line incomplete and interrupted, commonly 17–49 (< 60% of total number of scales in lateral series) with no or few canal segments on posterior body and caudal peduncle; scales on belly extending forward to over middle of distance between pelvic‐fin base and pectoral‐fin origin; patches of breast scales commonly connected by scattered scales or forming 1–3 regular rows of scales; total vertebrae commonly 38–39 (22 + 17, 22 + 16 or 21 + 17). The study reveals unrecognised morphological diversity within the group and provides the groundwork for future taxonomic study in Phoxinus in the Adriatic region and the Danube Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper poses a question on the interpretation of caprine "kill‐off patterns" in some prehistoric sites of the Caput Adriae (northern Adriatic region, Mediterranean area). In particular, caprine kill‐off data from layers 2 (Late Neolithic‐Copper Age) and 2a (Middle Neolithic) of Grotta dell'Edera (Trieste Karst, north‐eastern Italy) are presented here and compared with those from two neighbouring sites. Distribution of age classes of domestic animals (in particular Caprinae) is generally discussed in terms of exploitation strategies adopted by past communities to obtain different products (e.g., milk, meat, and wool). Nevertheless, emphasis is rarely given to the possible meaning of the presence of foetal individuals and to their relation with neonatal ones. In this sense, it needs to be considered that causes of abortion (e.g., infections or ewe malnutrition) often can also lead to lamb mortality. The presence of a high proportion of neonatal (0–2 months old) and foetal sheep/goat individuals in the sites analysed raises an issue about the possible meaning of the mortality profiles: exploitation of dairy products or just premature death of ill individuals? This issue is important not only to better interpret subsistence strategies of past human communities but also to explore animal disease through time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper analyzes changes in magnetic declination in the Adriatic Sea from the first measurements in 1806 to the latest isogonic charts from 1995. The basis of analysis are data provided by the Adriatic pilot books as literature that mariners used as an indispensable instrument in sailing that has not been properly evaluated in the scientific research so far. It is emphasized the the magnetic declination was relevant primarily to overseas ferries, and was less important in coastal navigation, usually along the archipelagos of the eastern Adriatic maritime zone as terrestrial navigation was used in sailing in this belt with over a thousand islands and islets.

Copyright of Natura Croatica is the property of Natura Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Oyster shells are substratum for different epibiontic and endobiontic organisms, including pests and parasites. Rocellaria dubia is endolithic and facultative tube-dwelling bivalve, boring in different calcareous substrates, including the shells of bivalves. In 2020, R. dubia was found as endolithic in the shells of the Pacific oyster Magalana gigas, from an oyster farm off the Sacca di Goro lagoon (Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). The purpose of this study was to describe this newly recorded association. Altogether, 136 specimens of R. dubia were found in 15 oysters, photographed under a stereoscope, and their length was measured. Heavily infested oysters hosted tens of R. dubia borers, which were perforating the whole thickness of the oyster valves. The flesh of these oysters was heavily damaged, suggesting parasitic association. R. dubia specimens were categorized into three age classes (0–1, 1–2, and 2–3 years old). M. gigas/R. dubia might be a widespread association, overlooked due to the very scarce research on macrofauna associated with M. gigas. Considering the negative effects of R. dubia endobiosis on oyster fitness, and possible impacts on oyster aquaculture, further research should be conducted in order to elucidate the distribution and ecological characteristics of this parasitic association.

Mithradates VI Eupator (120–63 BC) was the greatest of the kings of Pontus in Asia Minor, gradually extending his control over most of the regions, gravitating toward Euxine, including Colchis, and annexing Cappadocia and Bithynia. He exercised his authority over other lands in Asia Minor and Greece, becoming one of the most formidable enemies of the Roman state. Strabo refers to Mithradates’ intended military campaign against the Romans up to the Adriatic at an earlier stage of the king’s rule. Mithradates had already contemplated invading Italy at the time of his contacts with Quintus Sertorius in 75 BC; according to Plutarch, Sertorius was compared to Hannibal, Mithradates to Pyrrhus. The last to wage war victoriously against Mithradates was Pompey the Great. Ancient sources refer to the king’s plan of invading Italy across the territories of the Scordisci, Pannonia, and the Alps shortly before the revolt of his son Pharnaces and his own death. As is mentioned by Florus, Mithradates only planned an invasion (not wishing to admit the defeat), but was not able to carry it out. However, during the heyday of his reign such a plan would not have been impossible.

High-resolution stable-isotope ratio data (δ18O, δ13C) were used to study growth strategies of two bivalve species, Pecten jacobaeus (calcitic shell) and Glycymeris pilosa (aragonitic shell) from the North Adriatic Sea. The principal objectives of this study were to identify the period of the year when the growth line is formed in the shell of two target species, to identify the main growing season of these two species, to identify the environmental drivers of shell growth, and to evaluate the potential applicability of δ18O and δ13C values for the reconstruction of environmental variability. Samples were collected from the North Adriatic Sea by commercial bean trawl (P. jacobaeus , December 2013 and January 2014, N = 4) and SCUBA diver (Glycymeris pilosa , March 2016, N = 3). Samples for the oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) isotope composition of the calcium carbonate were collected by drilling the outer shell layer across several annual cycles. Temporal and spatial temperature and salinity values inside the investigated area were simulated using the 3D numerical ocean model - ROMS. The δ18O cycles corresponded to the number of seasonal growth marks observed on the external shell surface of both target species, thereby confirming the annual periodicity of these growth patterns. In February 2012, extreme cooling of the water column accompanied by dense water formation occurred in the Adriatic Sea - an event recorded by P. jacobaeus shells. This study indicates that P. jacobaeus and G. pilosa have contrasting shell growth strategies. Pecten jacobaeus grows during winter and slows shell growth during the warmest part of the year, and thereby may be an interesting archive for winter conditions. Due to its longevity and continuous growth during the warmest part of the year, G. pilosa is a promising archive for the reconstruction of summer seawater temperatures. • Pecten jacobaeus and Glycymeris pilosa from the North Adriatic have contrasting growth strategies • Growth slowdown of P. jacobaeus occurred during summer while G. pilosa grew at slowest rates during winter • Both species formed growth lines in fall, indicating that sea temperature is not the only factor regulating shell growth • Studied species can be used as archives of environmental variability in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is a contribution to the first initiative of the Port Baseline Survey (PBS) for Non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean Sea. It presents a report on the soft-bottom macrobenthos from the five Adriatic ports: Bari, Ancona (Italy), Koper (Slovenia), Pula, Rijeka (Croatia), with a focus on the presence and contribution of NIS to native assemblages. Out of 451 species identified, only four were common to all ports. A total of eight NIS were recorded, five in surveyed ports and three in the lagoon connected to the Port of Koper. The highest number of NIS was recorded in Bari, and the highest abundance in Ancona and Bari. Generally, the number, abundance and contribution of NIS seems too low to cause a substantial impact on native communities in surveyed ports. The suitability of methods adopted for PBS for soft-bottom NIS was discussed and suggestion for methodological improvement is provided. • Soft-bottom macrobenthos were investigated from five Adriatic ports. • Contribution of Non-indigenous species (NIS) to native assemblages was discussed. • Contribution of NIS seems too low to cause a substantial impact on native communities. • The suitability of methods adopted for Port Baseline Survey for soft-bottom NIS was discussed. • Suggestions for methodological improvement are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine bioinvasions and other rapid biodiversity changes require today integrating existing monitoring tools with other complementary detection strategies to provide a more efficient management. Here we explored the efficacy of fishermen observations and traditional port surveys to effectively track the occurrence of both indigenous and non-indigenous megafauna in the Adriatic Sea. This consisted mainly of mobile taxa such as fishes, crustaceans and molluscs. Port surveys using traps and nets within 10 major Adriatic harbours, were compared with the information obtained from 153 interviews with local fishermen. Information gathered by traps and nets varied significantly and generally resulted of limited efficacy in exotic species detection. Interviews allowed tracking the occurrence of new species through time and space, providing complementary knowledge at the low cost. This combined approach improves our capability of being informed on the arrival of species of different origin, providing a more rational, improved basis for environmental management and decision making. Image 3 • Traditional port surveys resulted in a wide number of recorded taxa but few NIS. • Fishermen reported information on a wide number of NIS, mostly collected by nets. • Fishermen knowledge aid completing the baseline information in a port region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteotsunamis, sea level oscillations of meteorological origin with periods similar to those of tsunamis, can, in extreme cases, reach significant wave heights and cause large damage to property and even a loss of life. In this study we have taken a historic meteotsunami in the Adriatic Sea with a wave height of 6 m and attempted to improve upon previous numerical simulations in order to model it as accurately as possible. The great Adriatic meteotsunami of 21 June 1978 was most pronounced in Vela Luka Bay on Korčula Island where sea level oscillations alternately flooded the town and dried out the harbour. Previous data analysis and numerical modelling have shown that the cause of the flood was a travelling air pressure disturbance that caused Proudman resonance in the open sea, with the waves being further amplified by the basin's funnel shape, reflection at the bay head and constructive superposition with the waves coming in from the open sea. To model the sea level oscillations we used a finite element model with a flooding and drying option included, with the entire Adriatic Sea as the modelling domain. A synthetic air pressure disturbance propagating from the Italian coast and over the island at varying speeds and directions was used as the only forcing field in the model. This new setup resulted in a successful reproduction of harbour flooding and drying and an increase in modelled wave heights. • Meteotsunami modelling does not always include flooding and drying of grid nodes which would enable mapping of flooded areas (useful for forecasts) and is thus unable to reproduce effects such as wave runup (which is important for determining maximum amplitudes). • The setup used in this study resulted in a successful reproduction of harbour flooding and drying and an increase in modelled wave heights. • The finer model grid resolution used in the simulations allowed for a much better representation of the air pressure disturbance and the resonances involved: from Proudman resonance in the open sea to resonances inside the bay and harbour, and allowed for wave runup which, in the end, caused a larger amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the summer of 2013 two scientific surveys (northern, at the beginning of July and southern, at the end of July) were carried out along the eastern Adriatic Sea. In these surveys, ichthyoplankton samples of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus , Linnaeus 1758) eggs and larvae were collected. In the whole investigated area, egg and larvae abundance varied from 2.61 to 1040.24 eggs m−2 (geometric mean ± CL: 25.43 ± 1.48 eggs m−2) and 2.73 larvae m−2 to 611.14 larvae m−2 (geometric mean ± CL: 17.07 ± 1.41 larvae m−2), respectively. Higher abundance of anchovy early life stages was noted in the northern part of the investigated area. The length of the collected specimens lay within the range of 2.39–3.68 mm and those individuals were less than 12 h old. Analysis of spatial and temporal distribution of collected anchovy early life stages indicated their higher abundance in areas of upwelling (four areas were distinguished on the eastern Adriatic side). Larger and older specimens were collected at the beginning of July in the northern part of Adriatic indicating that the anchovy population in the Adriatic tends to shift among its spawning centres in this area. In general, anchovy eggs were accompanied by its larvae (r = 0.453, P < 0.05), while statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between egg abundance and temperature (r = −0.380, P < 0.05) as well as sea depth (r = −0.321, P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the first forty years of the last century the Italian View of Albania has changed in different ways, but always maintaining strong interest. Both the surprised and sometimes the astonished gaze of travelers and the one of those attracted by possible trade exchanges or the gaze on the soldiers convinced of having the task to Italianize Albania in 1939 "the land of dawning sun" separate frontally by a narrow stretch of the sea, symbolized hopes and promises. In the text of the country across the water that borders with itself the story the specific view (from francone wardon) to stand guard inevitably changed in to watch (from Sanskrit) that means to observe and know. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the south-east of Italy, rocky coasts are almost entirely concentrated in the Apulia region. Several phytosociological papers have already dealt with the rocky coastal vegetation of the class Crithmo-Staticetea in some parts of the Apulian coast. However, there is still no overall revision carried out by using modern statistical treatments of phytosociological data. This paper aims to revise the syntaxonomy and nomenclature of the class Crithmo-Staticetea in the south-east of Italy. The revision is based on a data set of 225 relevés consisting of new and original phytosociological relevés (66) and others already published. The data matrix was classified with the use of flexible beta clustering. Indicator species analysis was employed to identify the indicator species of the main clusters of relevés. Results were interpreted from a syntaxonomic point of view. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination was performed in order to visualize the floristic relationships among associations. Rocky coastal vegetation of the Crithmo-Staticetea class in the south-east of Italy is represented by two orders, Crithmo maritimi-Staticetalia and Helichrysetalia italici. The first one includes two alliances, Crithmo-Staticion and Limonion anfracti-cancellati, with four associations and one, respectively. However, since they rely on very few character species, the floristic and syntaxonomic relationships between these two alliances need to be deepened by further investigations, involving a larger data set and investigation area. The second order, Helichrysetalia italici, includes two associations, well differentiated by their ecology, structure and floristic composition. For this reason, they were classified within two different alliances, Anthyllidion barbae-jovis and Helichrysion litorei. The Helichrysion litorei is here validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]