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Lampetra soljani, new species (Figs. 3–7) Holotype. ZFMK-ICH 103666, 109 mm TL; Bosnia and Herzegovina: side-arm of Neretva River east of Čapljina, 43.106458 17.709536; P. Tutman, 16–17 Jan. 2015. Paratypes. FSJF 3650, 12, 105– 126 mm TL; same data as holotype.—FSJF 1037, 1, 111.3 mm TL; Bosnia and Herzegovina: lowermost stream Bregava north of Klepci, 43.052808 17.698089.— FSJF 2184, 1, 110 mm TL; Croatia: uppermost stream Norin at Prud, 43.095157 17,619551. Diagnosis. Lampetra soljani is distinguished from all other species of Lampetra species by having a marmorate flank pattern in live, fully grown ammocoetes, and in some adults (vs. plain colour pattern). It is further distinguished by a combination of characters. Lampetra soljani is most similar to L. lanceolata and L. ninae and is distinguished from these two species by having three velar tentacles (vs. 5 in L. lanceolata, 5-7 in L. ninae), no posterial teeth (vs. rarely absent, usually a single incomplete row with up to 23 teeth in L. ninae) and less trunk myomeres (trunk myomeres between last branchial opening and anus 54–57 vs. 57–64 in L. lanceolata, 57–61 in L. ninae; trunk myomeres between last branchial opening and first dorsal fin origin 28–32 vs. 32–36 in L. lanceolata, 32–35 in L. ninae; trunk myomeres between last branchial opening and second dorsal-fin origin 42–46 vs. 46–50 in L. lanceolata, 45–49 in L. ninae). Lampetra soljani is further distinguished from L. zanandreai by lacking posterial teeth (vs. usually present, very rarely absent). Lampetra zanandreai has a single row of posterials with up to 20 teeth but there are also individuals without posterial teeth (Hubbs & Potter 1971). Lampetra soljani is distinguished from L. fluviatilis and L. planeri by having a bicuspid middle endolateral tooth (vs. almost always tricuspid) and the infraoral lamina with 5 teeth (vs. usually 7–9, very rarely 5–6). The Portuguese species L. alavariensis, L. auremensis and L. lusitanica often, but not always, have a bicuspid middle endolateral tooth. Lampetra soljani is distinguished from L. alavariensis, L. auremensis and L. lusitanica by having 54–57 trunk myomeres between the last branchial opening and the anus (vs. 57–63). Lampetra fluviatilis has 58–69 trunk myomeres (n= 883 from more than 14 sites; Hardisty 1986a) and L. planeri has 54–69 trunk myomeres (n=2385 from 18 sites; Hardisty 1986b). However, 54 and 56 are minimum values of ammocoetes just from one site each and usually, the number of trunk myomeres ranges from 57–67 (mean 60–62) Description. For general appearance see Figs. 3–7. Morphometric data of pre-spawning adults are provided in Table 2. Oral discs are shown in Fig. 8. Trunk myomeres between last branchial opening and anus 54–57 (mode 55), between last branchial opening and origin of first dorsal-fin 28–32 (mode 28) and between last branchial opening and origin of second dorsal fin 42–46 (mode 43). Caudal fin spade like. Transverse lingual lamina not fully developed in individuals examined, with 0–4 (mode 2) unicuspid teeth on each side and one enlarged central tooth. In 14 individuals examined for this character, four without teeth on transverse lingual lamina and usually, there are 2–3 lateral teeth, 4 on one side in one individual. Longitudinal lingual laminae straight, each with 4–6 unicuspid teeth, no teeth seen in 12 out of 14 individuals examined. Supraoral lamina with two unicuspid teeth separated by a toothless bridge. Infraoral lamina with 5 teeth, outer two teeth bicuspid, inner three teeth unicuspid. Three bicuspid endolaterals on both sides of oral disc. Anterials in 1–2 rows, usually 1 row, inner row with 4–7 (mode 5 teeth) unicuspid teeth. Exolateral and posterial teeth absent. Three velar tentacles (n=6), middle one shorter than adjacent lateral tentacles, with tubercles on dorsal surface, without wings. Coloration. Ammocoetes (Fig. 7) are brownish along back with lighter undersides and a marmorate pattern on flank. Tail dark brown. Fins hyaline or pale yellowish-brown. Area around gill openings as well as in front of them reddish from blood vessels. Adults with brown back and upper flank, marmorate in some individuals, belly and lower flank silvery, yellowish in preserved individuals. All fins yellowish. A dark grey blotch near apex of second dorsal fin in some individuals (Figs. 3–5). Lateral-line neuromasts unpigmented on ventral surface and in prebranchial region. Distribution. Lampetra soljani is only known from the Neretva drainage in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lamprey from the Morača River drainage including Zeta River are preliminary identified as L. soljani based on molecular characters. The Morača River flows to Lake Skadar in Montenegro. The actually known distribution area is shown in Fig. 9 based on records listed in Table 3. Habitat and biology. Ammocoetes are found in silt, muddy or fine sandy-muddy sediment in river sections with slow or no current, in shallows at banks or backwaters at water depth of about 10–50 cm. Adults and ammocoetes are commonly caught together. First post-metamorphosis individual was found in September (FSJF 2184). Etymology. Named in honour of Tonko Šoljan (1907–1980) in appreciation of his contribution to the knowledge and development of ichthyology in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Remarks. Lampreys from the Morača River drainage are identified as L. soljani based on the presented molecular characters. No adult individuals were available to us to test, if these agree with the diagnostic characters given here. Therefore, the identification is preliminary and should be tested in the future, when well-preserved adults become available. Posterial teeth are often deeply embedded in brook lampreys and we were unable to x-ray the mental disc in L. soljani. Due to the availability of so few adult individuals, we also did not apply any clearing and staining methods. Therefore, we cannot full exclude, that deeply embedded posterials, not visible externally, might be present. Lampreys are still a challenge for taxonomists and a good example for cryptic species exhibiting only few characters that can be reliably measured or counted (no fin rays, no scales, no ossified structures). Furthermore, lampreys show strong allometric growth after metamorphosis (Krappe 2004; see also differences in size and shape of body and fins in Fig. 5 +6) limiting morphometric studies to individuals in exactly the same phase of life. Krappe (2004) report growth of the disk and shrinkage of the body and tail between 5-15% after metamorphosis for different body proportions in L. planeri. Therefore, the traditional taxonomy in lampreys is mainly based on their dentition and the number of myomeres. Given that brook lampreys do not feed as adults, and hypothesized that they would use their teeth similarly to their predatory congeners, it can be speculated that the variation in tooth formulae and dentition might be a result of relaxed selection pressure. However, this hypothesis deserves a thorough testing and is far beyond the aims of our study. All brook lampreys have less and smaller teeth compared to their predatory congeners (Renaud 2011; Kottelat & Freyhof 2007). Potentially, all non-feeding species of Lampetra are satellite species of L. fluviatilis and have been isolated at different time periods from this predatory lamprey. It is likely, that all brook lampreys reduce the teeth and the degree of reduction might be related to the time, brook lamprey species or populations are isolated from their predatory congeners. Nr. Country Drainage Locality Coordinates Source With regard to the paucity of morphological characters compared to bony fishes, the inclusion of molecular genetic characters into standard taxonomic works in lampreys is of great value. A comprehensive, genome wide comparison of a predatory/non-feeding species pair from the same location (L. fluviatilis with L. planeri) revealed strong genetic differentiation, despite the existence of shared mitochondrial haplotypes in these two particular populations (Mateus et al. 2013b). In line with these findings, Rougemont et al. recently (2017) used RAD sequencing for a genome wide screening of SNP in nine different population species pairs in France and demonstrated again a strong genomic differentiation between the two species, but also showed levels of ongoing gene flow to correlate with geographic connectivity. All known brook lampreys included herein show differences in their mitochondrial DNA sequences between them (COI - this study; control region – Pereira et al. 2010; cytB – Mateus et al. 2013a), but no study exists that included the potential predatory sister taxon of the Eastern European species, so we do not know if the genome wide strong differentiation documented in Mateus et al. (2013b) and Rougemont et al. (2017) is the rule or an exception. Interestingly, while our samples of L. soljani show only a single, potentially diagnostic nucleotide substitution (position 460 C vs T) in their DNA barcode region, the four individuals analysed from the Morača River drainage exhibit two additional diagnostic positions, which are unique among all included specimens and can be perceived in the haplotype network (Fig. 2).

The marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea is nowadays facing substantial the structural changes in flora and fauna. Such changes were recorded in the Adriatic Sea, as well. During the last few decades, various factors including climate change, anthropogenic activity and lessepsian migration have altered the composition of Adriatic ichthyofauna. Furthermore, extensive investigations carried out in the last decades allowed us to recognize species previously not recorded or reported in this area. These changes are reflected in the number of species quoted in the checklist of Adriatic fishes, from 407 in 1996 (sensu Jardas, 1996) to 440 in 2010 (Agnatha 1, Elasmobranchii 52, Holocephali 1 and Actinopterygii 386) (sensu Lipej and Dulčić, 2010). The present updates (and extensions) for the period 2010-2014, were compiled from: a) survey of the main scientific journals, b) doctoral thesis. Only those species which were reported and appropriately documented in scientific literature were taken into consideration. In the period of 2010-2014, sixteen new fish species have been recorded in the Adriatic Sea and these findings number of recorded fish species in the Adriatic Sea increase the total number of fish species up to date recorded in the Adriatic to arise to 456 (Elasmobranchii 54, Actinopterygii 402). Certain fish species were related to recent processes in the Adriatic Sea, such as bioinvasion and tropicalisation. Of the 14 Lessepsian migrants that were recorded in the Adriatic, Lagocephalus sceleratus, Fistularia commersonii and Siganus luridus proved to be successful invaders for its southern part. Some neglected fish species were recorded for the very first time by performing new approaches and techniques in the area.

The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is euryhaline and eurythermal invasive species in Europe. It has widely invaded European Atlantic coasts and several areas of the Mediterranean, probably brought by ballast waters ; yet, it shows an unstable and unpredictable scenario across the Croatian coast. To understand its current invasion status, this study investigated population trends along the Croatian coast in order to estimate whether his occurrence is of established populations or just provisional. After the first record (Neretva River delta, 2004), it has been periodically, but rarely recorded across different regions of Croatian coast. Based on personal communications with the local fishermens, population in the Neretva River delta showed unstable trend intervals followed by rapid colonization and dispersal. There has increased since the first record (2004-2006), then decreased (2006-2008), raised again (2008-2010), and thereafter decreased (2011-2014). During abundant phase, local fishermen reports catches of 40-50 specimens in gillnet per night during July-September, with impact on both biodiversity and socioeconomics, as they decrease population of Carcinus aestuarii and tear their nets and damage the caught fish. The periodical high abundance and catch frequency, the occurrence of ovigerous females and juveniles, indicate evidence of an established population. However, other records were in distant areas and only anecdotal, making way of spreading fairly unclear. The present state along the Croatian coast, however, do not allow reliable comments to be made regarding whether or not it has established population elsewhere out of the Neretva River delta. In any case, the impact of a possibly successful colonization would, at least, represent a significant change in the composition of the native fauna. Further monitoring of this population and the potential dispersal would be of interest, in order to provide better information on its population structure and dynamics in Adriatic waters along the Croatian coast.

The 10th October 2016, a specimen of Micropterus salmoides was caught by trammel net in the Mala Neretva river (Adriatic drainage system of Croatia). This is the first occurrence of the largemouth black bass in this river, and by the way, in the hydrographic drainage system to the Adriatic Sea.

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Croatia and Montenegro have a long tradition, similar to those of SSFs in other parts of the coastal Mediterranean. In order to improve fisheries management and save the cultural heritage of fishing traditions on the eastern Adriatic coast, scientists and fisheries managers, from these two countries, made an effort, to gain a better understanding of fishing activities and targeted stocks. This is a complex research topic, due to the high and increasing fishing pressure on marine resources as well as the fact that fisheries management throughout the Mediterranean region remains conventional in its nature. Basic characteristics of SSFs in each country are presented. Specific conclusions related to improvement of coastal resources state in term of sustainable use are suggested together with proposal for additional conservation measures and actively involving fishermen in the management process. Finally, guidelines for future management in terms of monitoring and data collection framework (DCF) are proposed for both countries., Priobalni ribolov u Hrvatskoj i Crnoj Gori ima dugu tradiciju kao uostalom i cijelom obalnom području Sredozemnog mora. Znanstvenici i ribarstveni gospodarstvenici koji su uključeni u ovu problematiku u obje zemlje su uložili napor kako bi se bolje upoznale ribolovne aktivnosti i ciljane vrste, i time poboljšalo upravljanje priobalnim resursima i spasilo kulturno nasljeđe ribarske tradicije na istočnoj obali Jadrana. Istraživanje priobalnog ribarstva je složeno pitanje zbog visokog ribolovnog pritiska na morske resurse i činjenice da je gospodarenje ribarstvom na području cijelg Sredozemlja još uvijek konvencionalno po svojoj naravi. Osnovne karakteristike priobalnog ribarstva su prikazane u svakoj zemlji. Specifični zaključci koji se odnose na poboljšanje stanja priobalnih resursa u smislu održivog korištenja su predloženi, zajedno s prijedlogom za dodatne mjere zaštite i aktivno uključivanje ribara u proces upravljanja. Naposljetku, smjernice za buduće upravljanje u smislu praćenja i prikupljanja podataka u ribarstvu su predloženi za obje zemlje.

Since the opening of the Suez canal in 1869, there has been an influx of Red Sea and Indo- Pacific organisms into the Mediterranean Sea, a phenomenon known as lessepsian migration. During the past decades, 14 lessepsian fish species have been recorded in the Adriatic Sea. The first record of the dusky spinefoot in the northern Adriatic Sea occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Trieste. A second record occurred in the southern Adriatic (Mljet channel) the very same year. Juveniles were observed for the first time in Molunat Bay (southern Adriatic, Croatian coast) on 15 December 2011. Three years later, a specimen of Siganus luridus was caught in 2014 in Bigova (cape Trašte) (southern Adriatic Sea, Montenegrin coast). This was the first record of this species for Montenegrin coast, and fourth for the Adriatic Sea. Last observations in the area of Prevlaka and Molunat bay (southern Adriatic, Croatian coast) showed a presence of large schools of this species clearly indicating an established population in the area. Meanwhile, this species started to appear in the catches of fishermen in the area. The success of the S. luridus in the Adriatic Sea has been attributed also to its large eco-physiological plasticity. The impact of successful colonization by this and other exotic fish species should be evaluated through future research.

Among the new fish arrivals in the Mediterranean, one of the most emblematic is the case of species belonging to the Tetraodontidae family. The first sighting of the silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) for the Adriatic Sea was on October 17th 2012. Since then, 7 additional specimens have been recorded (5 were caught with total length (TL) range 478-663 mm, 2 were observed by the fishermen) all in the southern and middle Adriatic. Although there is no strong evidence of a permanent population in the study area, the captures described here are an indication of an expansion of the distribution of the silver-cheeked toadfish in recent years in the Adriatic Sea. It has probably extended its distribution from populations established in the Ionian Sea. The first record of the oceanic puffer Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Linnaues, 1758) in the Adriatic Sea was on 16-17 September 2004 when one specimen was caught (181 mm TL). Two additional records were near Kornati archipelago on 16 June 2015 and near the island Rab on 17 June 2015 (480 and 500 mm TL). Although there is no evidence of a permanent population in the study area, the captures might be an indication of a northernmost expansion of the distribution of the oceanic puffer in the Adriatic Sea in recent years. Expansion of these species, especially of L. sceleratus, is an additional motivator for the need of increased monitoring effort targeting nonindigenous marine species in this geographical area.

The importance of transitional water ecosystems as nursery habitats and feeding grounds for juvenile fish species is well-known. However, detailed studies of colonization patterns of juvenile fish in specific ecosystem types are still missing. One hundred taxa ranging across more than 30 families (both marine and freshwater) were collected. Each taxon is characterized by trophic category, spawning area, ecological requests and determined as potential indicator/ new/ or alien species. The modified Estuarine Fish Index (M-EFI), which each aim to assess a different functional aspect of the estuarine fish assemblages and the integrated quality of the ecosystem (general degradation) was used. Also, assessment of anthropogenic pressure on coastal zone by calculating the LUSI index using the publicly available data was done. Pooling all species together, the structural features of the assemblages, relative abundance of families, and abundance of individual species all showed significant temporal patterns. Temporal segregation of species belonging to the same family or genus was obtained, suggesting that they avoid competition for space and resources by timing inward migration and peak occurrence differently. Of the environmental driving forces, salinity was the main factor affecting the distribution of individuals and species. The catch of a number of juvenile marine species confirmed the role of transitional waters as a nursery and feeding areas. With higher eutrophication, the transitional waters are more productive allowing more food both for resident and juvenile marine fishes. Also, productive waters offer more complex habitat providing micro niches and shelters for juveniles. The land impact, as sum of urban, agricultural and industrial pressures, is still low enough to encourage good ecological status. Low m-EFI values, obtained for low LUSI values is rather reflection of existing hydrographic and meteorological situation and seasonal variations than indicator of profound ecological changes in the transitional waters.

Reproductive cycle of Pagellus acarne from the eastern Adriatic Sea was investigated on the basis of 800 specimens collected in the period from June 2007 until May of 2008. This species inhabits coastal regions of the eastern Adriatic Sea although larger specimens can be found at greater depths far from the coast. It is a protoandric hermaphroditic species and sex reversing specimens were found in relatively broad length interval from 16, 6 cm to 25, 5 cm. Sexual maturity (L50) is attained at length of 16, 6 cm for males. Due to hermaphroditism, estimated L50 for females was based on intersection point of male to female ratio with value of 19 cm. Peak of yearly variation of gonadosomatic index was observed in September with peak of presence of spawning individuals in October. Histological analysis of gonads revealed presence of ovotestes with functional male and inactive female gonads, functional females with regression of testes and female gonads without testicular tissue. Additionally, hermaphroditic specimens with resting female and male parts were also detected. Fecundity analysis was based on 21 prespawning female gonads (19-26 cm) and number of eggs varied between 16 472 – 67 439.

In this study we present a list of invasive/potential invasive alien species in the East and South European Network for Invasive Alien Species (ESENIAS) countries with marine borders. The species were classified according to the existing literature and experts’ judgment, as established, casual, invasive and expected. Finally, factsheets were compiled for ten species of high importance based on their expanding/invading character. Of the 160 species comprising the list, 149 were already present in the ESENIAS countries, while eleven were invasive species either present in the Mediterranean or in other European Seas, likely to be recorded in the ESENIAS countries. The majority of the species were of Red Sea/IndoPacific origin (97 species ; 60.6%). Italy, Turkey and Greece were the countries with the highest representation of species (159, 152 and 139 species respectively), due to their extended coastline and the number of scholars working on marine invasive species. The highest number of established species was recorded in Turkey (116 species), whereas in Italy and Greece the most numerous species were the “expected” ones (85 and 48 species, respectively). The eastern Adriatic Sea countries (i.e. Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia) had generally low numbers of species in this list, many of which are still “expected” to arrive from the neighbouring countries of Greece and Italy. Finally, the most frequently potential pathway was transfer stowaways (ship ballast water: 41 cases ; ship hull fouling: 55), whereas unaided spread of Lessepsian immigrants followed (95 cases). This list is intended to serve as an early warning system that through horizon scanning process would assist ESENIAS countries to prioritise invasive alien species, their pathways and the areas of higher likelihood to appear, in order to take management measures.

During the past few decades, various factors, such as climate change, anthropogenic activity and Lessepsian migration have altered the composition of Adriatic ichthyofauna. Extensive investigations carried out in recent decades have found many species, previously not recorded or reported for the Adriatic Sea. Among these, there is a significant number of non-indigenous species, the presence of which may be attrubuted to the processes of bioinvasion and tropicalisation. The majority of the fish species introduced by humans (by the mariculture, shipping activities, aquarium releases, etc.) are represented by single findings, and for many of them there is no evidence of established populations. Three of the totally 14 Lessepsian migrants documented for the Adriatic Sea, namely the fish speices: Fistularia commersonii, Siganus luridus, and Lagocephalus sceleratus appear to be successful invaders, especially in the southern part of the sea. The impact of successful colonizators on the native communities is unknown yet. However, the relatively fast pace of the invasions make us believe that their effects may become relevant in the near future.

The author present the biography and scientific work of Academician Tonko Šoljan, the Croatian natural scientist. He was an internationally renowned scientist, ichthyologist and expert in fishery matters, especially in the Adriatic. Born on April 18, 1907 in Rudine, Hvar, he tutored many generations of biologists. Prof. Šoljan began his university studies in the Department of Natural Sciences (Biology) at the University of Zagreb (1925–1926), and continued them in Vienna (1927– 1929) as well as Graz (1929– 1930) where he received his PhD (in zoology). One of his most significant works is the monography „Ribe Jadrana“ (Fishes of the Adriatic), being reprinted no less than five times. Prof. Šoljan initiated and led the scientific Expedition M. V. Hvar and contributed to the marine research and advancement of fisheries on the Adriatic coast. He was also a member of numerous scientific national and international associations, in which he carried out a number of responsibilities. He was the president of organizing committee of the First European congress of ichthyology (ECI) held in Sarajevo in 1973. Unfortunately, his admirable life ended suddenly on February 18, 1980 in a road accident in Sarajevo.

The present status, distribution, habitat, population structure, threats and conservation needs of the freshwater Neretva roach, Rutilus basak Heckel, 1843 are presented. Although inhabiting a restricted area which includes the Adriatic Sea watershed in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, only some biological and ecological population parameters are available. Lately, this species also faced with significant changes of taxonomy status raising the question of whether name changes have an impact on conservation status. Therefore more information about its biology is essential to develop appropriate conservation status and strategies. In this paper, we address these cases with a review of the relevant scientific literature. Our review speculates about possible outcomes of taxonomic change, primarily an impact on conservation efforts or affecting on reducing protection. Our study revealed that taxonomic change may have no predictable effects on conservation, while better understanding of biological- ecological status is always an important addition to our knowledge about the organisms that we want to protect. The combination of biological- ecological information and taxonomic status can be a useful tool for indicating failures in conservation management, but also for suggesting more effective actions. Finally, this study shows how this species can be good indicators for monitoring the success of biodiversity management in distributional areas

This paper presents experimental results on the voracity and foraging behaviour of the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax adults kept in captivity fed a commercial broodstock feed suitable for the species. The results show that the species is a very aggressive predator even after 2 decades of captivity actively competing for food. The primary sensory stimulus to attack the food particles is vision. The number of food particles in the water also affect the foraging behaviour of the fish. As the number of pellets offered simultaneously increases from 10 to 50, so increases the number of missed attempts to consume the particles as well as the number of collisions between individuals attempting to consume the same particle. However, when the number of pellets is more than 30, the dispersion caused by the fish movements is greater and the fish are able to consume more pellets in one pass and therefore, the amount of pellets is consumed sooner. Conceptualising our results for the Mediterranean farming of the sea bass, we consider that its foraging behaviour as described in his paper should be considered as an indicator of good welfare of the farmed fish. In addition, the species foraging behaviour may have important undesirable side effects such as the infliction of trauma due to biting between fish during collisions as well as the loss of food particles through the cage nets during feeding due to the turbulence the fish create by attacking the food particles and missing.

Silver-cheeked toadfish, Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789), a poisonous marine pufferfish that has reached the Mediterranean from the Red Sea through the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration) where it soon established its own ecological niche due to its exceptional biological features such as rapid growth, high fecundity and fertility. There are indications that this fish species had managed to establish its population in the Adriatic Sea, but these findings still need to be confirmed by the presence of its early developmental stages. Recent surveys located the adult specimens in the southern and central part, but it is possible that the temperature is still a limiting factor for invasion of the northern part of the Adriatic Sea. It is known that L. sceleratus contains a potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin (TTX) that blocks sodium channels necessary for the muscle contractions. Therefore the skin, muscle, liver and gonads were analysed from the two specimens caught in the central Adriatic Sea. Tetrodotoxin was quantified in 1% acetic methanol extracts on LC-MS/MS in MRM positive mode. Among the four tissue samples analysed, the highest average toxin level was found in gonads (48.7 mg kg-1) and the lowest average was in muscle tissue (0.8 mg kg-1). The average TTX concentration in skin was (1.5 mg kg-1) slightly higher than in the muscle tissue, while in liver it was 30.6 mg kg-1.

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) play a considerable role in the overall seafood production and have potential to significantly contribute to a sustainable socio-economic growth of the Adriatic Sea. This area has been inhabited for millennia and coastal ecosystems have been altered by several human activities. Due to its particular geo-morphology, fish stocks living in the basin are often shared between transboundary countries and, hence, transnational cooperation is strongly needed for their management. However, despite its socio-economic importance, the lack of data is one of the main gap constraining an effective transboundary management. On this basis, the aim of the present study was to partially fill the gap by collecting and analyzing all the best available data on set gears and target species provided by fishery scientists joining the FAO AdriaMed working group on SSFs. The general approach was to analyze on a seasonal basis the fishing effort and landings in terms of species composition, biomass, demography and economic value. The results showed a strong influence of the geo-morphology and oceanography of the Adriatic on the spatial distribution of the target species, which is clearly reflected by an opportunistic fishing strategy based on the seasonal adoption of species-specific set gears. Catch data showed that SSFs significantly contribute to the overall fishing mortality, affecting the spawning stock biomass and the recruitment. Indeed, while set gears are considered more selective than mobile ones, the fact that SSFs increase their fishing pressure exactly during spawning and recruitment might affect the achievement of the biological sustainability

On 14 March 2015 an adult specimen of common bream Abramis brama was caught with fi sh trap in Norin River (right bank tributary of the Neretva River, Adriatic drainage system, near settlement Vid, Croatia). This represents the second record of this species for the Adriatic drainage system in Croatia.

This paper presents experimental results on the voracity and foraging behaviour of the European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax adults kept in captivity fed a commercial broodstock feed suitable for the species. The results show that the species is a very aggressive predator even after 2 decades of captivity actively competing for food. The primary sensory stimulus to attack the food particles is vision. The number of food particles in the water also affect the foraging behaviour of the fish. As the number of pellets offered simultaneously increases from 10 to 50, so increases the number of missed attempts to consume the particles as well as the number of collisions between individuals attempting to consume the same particle. However, when the number of pellets is more than 30, the dispersion caused by the fish movements is greater and the fish are able to consume more pellets in one pass and therefore, the amount of pellets is consumed sooner. Conceptualising our results for the Mediterranean farming of the sea bass, we consider that its foraging behaviour as described in his paper should be considered as an indicator of good welfare of the farmed fish. In addition, the species foraging behaviour may have important undesirable side effects such as the infliction of trauma due to biting between fish during collisions as well as the loss of food particles through the cage nets during feeding due to the turbulence the fish create by attacking the food particles and missing., U radu su opisani eksperimentalni rezultati o proždrljivosti i grabežljivosti lubina, Dicentrarchus labrax hranjenog komercijalnom hranom u zatočeništvu. Rezultati ukazuju da je lubin vrlo agresivni predator unatoč 20-godišnjem zatočeništvu. Primarni osjetilni senzor za napad na čestice hrane je vid. Broj čestica hrane u vodi također utječe na potragu za česticama hrane. S porastom broja peleta od 10 do 50, povećava se i broj neuspješnih pokušaja uzimanja hrane, kao i broj sudara riba u bazenu. Međutim, kada je broj peleta hrane veći od trideset, raspršenost hrane u bazenu uslijed kretanja riba je veća, zbog čega ribe mogu u jednom napadu pojesti više peleta hrane, te se hrana brže pojede. Primjena ovih rezultata u mediteranskom uzgoju lubina može se razmatrati s aspekta dobrobiti uzgajanih riba. Opisano ponašanje riba kod hranidbe može imati i važne nepoželjne učinke, kao što su ozljede uslijed međusobnih ugriza i sudara, kao i do gubitka hrane radi propadanja kroz kavez uslijed turbulencije koju ribe stvaraju napadima i promašajima čestica hrane.

In fishing trials performed by trammel nets in 2012-2015 near the electric power plant of Montalto di Castro (80 km North Rome) several individuals of Pomadasys incisus were caught on September 30th 2014 and one female resulted fully ripe. The following year some specimens were bought at a fish market of Latina (southern Latium) and interviews with professional fishermen showed that the fish is known, with good catches sometimes obtained by encircling nets along the coast near the Tiber’s mouth.

Authors report an additional record of the white grouper Epinenephelus aeneus in the Adriatic Sea (Croatian waters). On 4th October 2015 an adult specimen (TL = 50.0 cm ; W= 1, 320 g) was caught with a fish trap at a depth of 10 m near the Island of Čiovo (eastern middle Adriatic). This species can be considered as very rare in the Adriatic Sea.

On 23 november 2015, one specimen of Oplegnathus fasciatus was caught by a trap designed for catching Nephrops norvegicus at around one n m off the Urinj (rijeka Bay, Croatian coast, northern adriatic) (45º17’00.40”n ; 14º30’35, 95’”e). This is the first record in Croatian part of the Adriatic sea.

The Neretva rudd, Scardinius plotizza, is an endemic cyprinid species restricted to the Adriatic drainage system Neretva River basin) of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which biological and ecological characteristics, occurrence and distribution, are yet largely unknown and is cataloged as being data defi cient (DD) in the Croatian Red Book. Due to its exceptionally small distribution range, it can be considered a stenoendemic. Therefore, more information about its life cycle is essential to develop appropriate management strategies. Major threats are a very narrow distribution area, sparse information about its biology, sensitivity to organic pollution, regulation of rivers and draining of wetlands. This paper is a brief summary of taxonomy, biological-ecological status, present population trends and conservation traits. It represents an overview of the current state of knowledge of the species, with particular emphasis on the conservation challenges.

The spatial and temporal patterns in settlement of the juveniles of around 30 littoral species along the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea were studied from May 1998 to the present days. Sparidae was the most abundant family comprising 61,47% (13 species), followed by Labridae (10,37%, 11 species) and Atherinidae (9,35%, two species). The most abundant juvenile taxa were the sparid Boops boops and the atherinid Atherina boyeri accounting together for 76,91% of the total catch. Settlement intensity varied spatially, temporally and among species. Sparid species recruit at different times of the year, whereas labrids recruit during summer months, from July to September. Most of the juveniles studied settle to well defined habitats with characteristically distinctive substrate types. Depth was one of the main factors regulating the distribution of settlers. Sparid species recruit primarily in the shallowest zone (0 to 3 m), and most of them prefer varied bottoms (sand, gravel or rocky; vegetated or unvegetated). Labrid species show a high degree of seasonal and spatial co-occurrence, and are normally found on rocky substrates with high algal cover, while atherinids show no clear link with the type of substrates. Some species with similar habitat requirements show a clear seasonal segregation, with each species occupying successively the same zones at a different time of the year. Observed temporal staggering of recruitment was probably a mechanism for reducing possible interspecific competition. Settlement intensity to nearshore habitats exhibited high year-to-year variations at both local and regional scales. The implications of this study are important not only for better understanding the patterns of recruitment dynamics in various juvenile inshore populations, but also in terms of management of these resources in the Adriatic Sea.

In last few years, there is a strong need to establish a reliable method for age determination and validation on otoliths for Mullidae species in the Mediterranean Sea. In total, 387 specimens of Mullus surmuletus (TL 6.8 to 32.9 cm) and 620 specimens of M. barbatus (TL 8.1-22.0) were analyzed. The annual periodicity of annulus deposition was supported by the otolith marginal increment analysis. The annual growth was verified using edge-type analysis. The proportion of otoliths with opaque margins was the highest (>80%) in the winter period (December-March). The monthly mean marginal increment showed a single minimum in May and June for M. barbatus and M. surmuletus, respectively. Age validation was done by daily ring counting. A distance measurements analysis revealed that first regular ring appears at distance of 0.78 mm (± 0.104 SD) from otolith nucleus and fish age of about 0.83 years for M. surmulets. For M. barbatus first ring appear at 0.70 mm ((± 0.100 SD) at age of 0.92 years. The age analysis revealed 4 and 6 age classes for M. barbatus and M. surmuletus, respectively. Predominance of younger age classes (1+ and 2+) was observed for both species. All measured otolith morphometric parameters were linear with fish age. The most precise age estimations were obtained from the otolith width, followed by the otolith length and mass. The growth parameters were estimated by the fit of the Von Bertalanffy growth function. Although, the growth of both species was rapid up to 2 years of age and then slowed, M.barbatus exhibited faster growth. Considering the identified biological differences and their implications, existing management should be complemented by a more holistic, ecosystem approach to regulations, considered separately for each species in order to assure effective conservation measures for this economically and ecologically important fish species.

The total length of 1065 individuals of Zosterisessor ophiocephalus ranged from 5.4 to 20.0 cm (mean 12.64 ± 2.51) and weight from 1.20 to 76.96 g (21.34 ± 12.70). The calculated length-weight equation for all individuals was TW (g) = 0.010TL2.90, R2 = 0.950 ; for females TW (g) = 0.012TL 2.890, R2 =0.951 and for males TW (g) = 0.012TL2.895, R2 = 0.950. There was no statistically significant difference of the length-weight regressions between sexes (ANOVA, p > 0.05). The ages ranged from 1 to 5 years. The values of the VBGE parameters pooled for both sexes are L∞ = 21.14 cm, K = 0.35 year-1, t0 = - 0.32 year-1. Total mortality, corresponding to descending limb of the length- converted catch curve, was Z = 0.442 per year for females and Z = 0.510 per year for males.

In this third Collective Article, with fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean Sea, we present the historical length distribution of Lophius budegassa in the catch of commercial trawlers in the Greek seas ; length-weight and length-length relationships of five flatfish species (Lepidorhombus boscii, L. whiffiagonis, Platichthys flesus, Pegusa lascaris and Solea solea) from different coastal areas of Turkey (Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Sea) ; growth of settled Polyprion americanus and length-weight relationships of this species and of Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus, Capros aper and three commercially important groupers in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea ; the age, growth and mortality of Zosterisessor ophiocephalus in the Eastern Adriatic Sea ; the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Atherina boyeri in a Central Mediterranean semi-isolated lagoon, and also the length-weight and length- length relationships of three Alburnus species from different inland waters in Turkey.

The spatial and temporal patterns in settlement of the juveniles of around 30 littoral species along the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea were studied from May 1998 to the present days. Sparidae was the most abundant family comprising 61, 47% (13 species), followed by Labridae (10, 37%, 11 species) and Atherinidae (9, 35%, two species). The most abundant juvenile taxa were the sparid Boops boops and the atherinid Atherina boyeri accounting together for 76, 91% of the total catch. Settlement intensity varied spatially, temporally and among species. Sparid species recruit at different times of the year, whereas labrids recruit during summer months, from July to September. Most of the juveniles studied settle to well defined habitats with characteristically distinctive substrate types. Depth was one of the main factors regulating the distribution of settlers. Sparid species recruit primarily in the shallowest zone (0 to 3 m), and most of them prefer varied bottoms (sand, gravel or rocky ; vegetated or unvegetated). Labrid species show a high degree of seasonal and spatial co-occurrence, and are normally found on rocky substrates with high algal cover, while atherinids show no clear link with the type of substrates. Some species with similar habitat requirements show a clear seasonal segregation, with each species occupying successively the same zones at a different time of the year. Observed temporal staggering of recruitment was probably a mechanism for reducing possible interspecific competition. Settlement intensity to nearshore habitats exhibited high year-to-year variations at both local and regional scales. The implications of this study are important not only for better understanding the patterns of recruitment dynamics in various juvenile inshore populations, but also in terms of management of these resources in the Adriatic Sea.

Two new additional records of oceanic puffer were found near Kornati archipelago (6 nautical miles to the south, around 43o 47’N, 15o 20’E, on 16 June 2015) and near the island of Rab (around 44o 46’N, 14o 46’E, on 17 June 2015). This record near the island of Rab represents the northernmost record of this species in the Adriatic Sea

U okviru šireg projekta, («Jadran» - Sustavno istraživanje Jadranskog mora kao osnova održivog razvitka Republike Hrvatske), s ciljem istraživanja osnovnih ekoloških obilježja odabranih biotopa u odnosu na zastupljenost, strukturu i raznolikost ribljih naselja u njima, na širem području ušća Neretve i Male Neretve provedena su višegodišnja uzorkovanja priobalnih ribljih populacija. Na istraživanom području zabilježeni su poslijeličinački i nedorasli stadiji 62 vrste pripadnika 24 porodice, među kojima su Sparidae (9 vrsta), Gobiidae (7 vrsta) i Mugilidae (6 vrsta) najraznovrsnije zastupljene. Najveći broj zabilježenih vrsta naseljavaju u plitkim (< 1 m) i priobalnim vodama (< 3 m od obalne linije) ovog pješčanog područja. Nedorasli stadiji ekonomski značajnih vrsta poput pripadnika porodica Sparidae i Mugilidae imaju vrlo slične zahtjeve za prostorom tijekom svoje prve godine života i ovim se rastilištima koriste tijekom različitog vremena u godini. Ovakvo sezonsko izmjenjivanje pokazatelj je ekološkog odjeljivanja vrsta i dijeljenja staništa u vremenskoj skali. Sezonsko izmjenjivanje rezultira smanjenom vjerojatnošću naseljavanja istih ekoloških niša, te predstavlja adaptivnu strategiju kojom se smanjuje mogućnost interspecijske kompeticije ranih razvojnih stadija za hranu i prostor. Potpunije razumijevanje procesa ribljeg naseljavanja, potreba za staništa i kasnijeg novačenja vrlo su značajna u cilju razvijanja modela integriranog i održivog gospodarenja priobalnim zonama.

U ovom radu dat je pregledni prikaz dosadašnjih istraživanja ranih razvojnih stadija riba na širem području ušća rijeke Neretve, a u svrhu primjene istih u zaštiti istraživanog područja kao i racionalnog korištenja živih bogatstava mora.

On 8 April 2014, one specimen of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) (male ; total length, TL = 53 cm ; weight, W = 1536 g) was captured in Vodice Bay (middle eastern Adriatic, Croatian waters). This represents the third record of this species in the eastern Adriatic (Croatian waters).

A specimen of Siganus luridus was caught with trammel net on 7 September 2014 in Bigova (cape Trašte) (southern Adriatic Sea, Montenegrin coast). This is the fi rst record of this species for Montenegrin coast, and fourth for the Adriatic Sea.

On 8 April 2014, one specimen of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) (male; total length, TL = 53 cm; weight, W = 1536 g) was captured in Vodice Bay (middle eastern Adriatic, Croatian waters). This represents the third record of this species in the eastern Adriatic (Croatian waters).

The first record of a Lessepian migrant Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) in the Adriatic Sea was noted on 17 Oct. 2012. A sexually mature female (Lt = 66.3 cm) weighing 3.531 kg was caught on the northern side of Jakljan Island (southern Adriatic).

Non-indigenous species introduction is one of the four biggest treat for the Mediterranean environment. Even in the countries where Action Plans concerning species introductions are existing usually is very difficult to implement many of planed measures. Furthermore development of coordinated international measures and collaboration between countries is not only recommended but in many cases obligatory for successful implementation of Action Plans. In Montenegro and Croatia there is no specific Action Plan concerning marine species introductions or invasive species, but only some general guidelines as parts of Strategies for protection of biodiversity. One of the recommendations in both countries is making a regional scientific data base that can be used for further monitoring and decision-making. For these reasons we collected all available data on alochtonous species in the south Adriatic Sea. List of 62 species is created, including information on their ecology, species origin, time and location of first record in this region, and other data of distribution, most possible vectors of transportation and status of population.

U ovoj monografiji iznosi se kratak pregled vrsta i njihove ekologije na istočnoj obali južnog Jadrana. Cilj je da se šir ajavnost još bolje upozna sa problemima koje mogu prouzrokovati alohtone vrste, te da se omogući nadležnim službama sprovođenje adekvatnih mjera u obrani od invazivnih vrsta i za očuvanje bioraznolikosti.

Written documents on the scientific approach to the Adriatic Sea appeared in the 16th century. Since then several ascents and declines in research activities have been recognized. The middle of the 19th century, the investigations were carried out mostly by individual scientists who have set a firm basis for further research. The second half oft he 19th century, and the period before the World War I can be qualified as the most fruitful period in the classical research of the Adriatic Sea. By that time, first permanent biological research stations were founded in the North Adriatic, several coastal cruises and offshore expeditions were organized and international collaboration in sea research was conferred. On the contrary, the period between the World War I and II, is considered as a decline in general recognition of the Adriatic Sea in spite of advances in some aspects of marine research. In the period after the World War II, a new boom in the Adriatic marine research occured. Recent investigations are characterised by a large- scale international collaboration in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches. Previous research in the Adriatic basin resulted in several events important in the world marine sciences: the creation of a tidal theory, the description of some hundreds species new for science, the concept of marine benthic biocenology, the concept of the relativity of depth zonation, and others.

First record of Chrysiptera cyanea (Pomacentridae) in the Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea) in Slovenian waters.