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The presence of a seamount-like structure, located a few nautical miles offshore the Capo Vaticano Promontory (western Calabria, S Italy), was revealed by combined geophysical and geochemical investigation. The edifice covers ~55 km2, with a top located at a depth of about 70 m below sea level, and consists mainly of a NW-trending structure orthogonally interrupted by minor ridges, the largest of which is affected by extensional faults. The top of the edifice hosts active vents, injected fluids that have been investigated for dissolved volatiles. Gas analyses revealed high CO2 and CH4 contents, several orders of magnitude above the atmospheric-type values expected for shallow, coastal marine waters, and a noteworthy enrichment in mantle-derived 3He, which is an unambiguous indicator of the mantle origin of the fluids. Our results, combined with available data from the literature, suggest that the edifice is a tectonically controlled volcanic system, which presence near the Calabria region changes the role played by faults in the frame of the subduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The four dominant constituents of the semi-diurnal and diurnal tides have been implemented in a regional eddy-resolving Mediterranean version of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model to assess the role played by tides on the simulated Mediterranean thermohaline circulation. To this aim we have compared two 10-year hindcast simulations differing only for the inclusion/omission of tidal forcing. Following the recent recommendations suggested by Sannino et al. (2014) both simulations use the same model having a substantial increment of the horizontal resolution in the region of the Strait of Gibraltar. The results suggest that application of explicit tidal forcing in a Mediterranean model has non negligible effects on the simulated circulation in addition to the expected intensification of local mixing processes. The western basin exhibits an immediate response to the different characteristics of the inflowing AW observable in the modified deep water convection processes in the Gulf of Lion. The inclusion of tidal forcing also induces changes in the intermediate circulation of the Tyrrhenian Sea bringing to a better representation of local structures and a reinforcement of the global thermohaline cell. LIW dispersal paths in the eastern basin are also affected by tides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Naples is a coastal area in the south-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea (western Mediterranean). Zones of great environmental and touristic value coexist in this area with one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean Sea, industrial settlements and many other pollution sources. In such an environment, water renewal mechanisms are crucial for maintaining the ecological status of the coastal waters. In this paper, we focus on the water exchange between the interior of the Gulf and the neighbouring open Tyrrhenian Sea. The surface dynamics of the Gulf have been investigated based on measurements carried out with a high-frequency (HF) radar system. The vertical component of the current field has been provided by the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) model of ocean circulation. We present the results of a one-year-long analysis of data and simulation results relative to the year 2009. Inshore/offshore exchanges were assessed by looking at the zonal component of the surface and subsurface current field across a transect representing a sort of threshold between the interior of the Gulf and the open sea. This also allows for the reconstruction of the short-term origin of waters found inside the Gulf in the different forcing and circulation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campania Plain is a rapidly subsiding Quaternary basin that formed on the eastern margin of the Tyrrhenian Sea in association with the younger phase of Tyrrhenian rifting. It is located in the hinge area between the Apennines fold-thrust belt and the Tyrrhenian extensional backarc basin. By combining original stratigraphic analyses of well logs and seismic profiles we built a basin subsidence curve, mapped the fault pattern of the Campania Plain and analyzed the impact of the block faulting on the sedimentology and stratigraphic architecture of the basin fill. Well data indicate that the Quaternary succession consists of offshore, shoreface and coal-bearing coastal plain deposits arranged to form thick aggradational and retrogradational units. The sequence stratigraphy interpretation of well logs permitted us to recognize thirteen depositional sequences and the stratigraphic signatures of the rift stages. The study area corresponds to a sediment overfilled/balanced infill basin type that resulted from superposition of several rifting events characterized by high rates of basin subsidence. Taking into account the geological data of the adjacent areas, we propose a Pliocene-Quaternary rifting evolution of the upper Tyrrhenian plate consisting of four episodes. Two peculiar features of the Tyrrhenian rifting are a skip of the extensional axial zone eastwards leaving the previous zone of high strain localization (Vavilov basin), followed by a dramatic change (90°) of the direction of extension. Because these Tyrrhenian features cannot be accounted for by the current rifting models we hypothesized a link between the evolution of upper plate and subducting slab. The proposed geodynamic scenario is characterized by a progressive rupture of the subducting plate and formation of extensional basins in the upper plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ostracod assemblages of 52 samples, collected between 15 and 50m water depth on the Southern Tuscany continental shelf (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea), were analysed. Atotal of 68 species and 39 genera was determined. Q-mode cluster analysis performed on the 22most abundant species (>5% in at least one sample) led to identification of clusters (and subclusters) corresponding to four distinct ostracod assemblages. The first assemblage is characterised by the high dominance of Cytheridea neapolitana and is probably linked to an organic matter enrichment, in silty clay bottom; the other three assemblages are more diversified and are dominated, with lower percentages, by species typical of infralittoral and circalittoral environments: C. neapolitana, Cytheropteron ruggierii and Loxoconcha subrugosa assemblage (on silty clay sediments), Pontocythere turbida assemblage (silty sand and silty clay substrates) and Loxoconcha ovulata assemblage (sandy clay and vegetated bottoms). The distribution of ostracod assemblages shows a good correlation with the benthic foraminiferal assemblages founded in the investigated area. Nevertheless, the recognised low diversity can be related to an organic matter enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of the hake Merluccius merluccius is widespread in European countries, where this fish has a high commercial value. To date, different larval species of Anisakis have been identified as parasites in M. merluccius from European waters, Anisakis pegreffii and Anisakis simplex (s. s.) being the two most common. The aim of the study is to present data on the occurrence of Anisakis spp. larvae in the viscera and flesh of M. merluccius . Consequently, the distribution and infection rates of different species of Anisakis in different sites (viscera, and dorsal and ventral fillets) were investigated in hake caught in the central Tyrrhenian Sea (FAO 37.1.3) and the NE Atlantic Ocean (FAO 27 IXa). A sample of N = 65 fish individuals (length > 26 cm) was examined parasitologically from each fishing ground. The fillets were examined using the pepsin digestion method. A large number (1310) of Anisakis specimens were identified by multilocus allozyme electrophoresis (MAE) and mtDNA cox2 sequence analysis; among these, 814 larvae corresponded to A. simplex (s. s.) and 476 to A. pegreffii . They were found to infect both the flesh and the viscera. The two species co-infected the same individual fish (both in the viscera and in the flesh) from the FAO 27 area, whereas only A. pegreffii was found in hake from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The average parasite burden of A. pegreffii in hake from the Tyrrhenian Sea was significantly lower to that observed from hake off the Atlantic coast of Spain, both in prevalence and in abundance. In addition, whereas no significant difference in overall prevalence values was recorded between the two Anisakis species in the viscera of the FAO 27 sample, significant differences were found in the abundance levels observed between these species in the flesh, with A. simplex (s. s.) exhibiting significantly higher levels than that observed for A. pegreffii ( p < 0.001). Given that the pathogenic role in relation to man is known for these two species of Anisakis , both the flesh inspection and the infection rates of the different anisakid species assume particular importance in terms of assessing the risk they pose to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Marine debris is a recognized global ecological concern. Little is known about the extent of the problem in the Mediterranean Sea regarding litter distribution and its influence on deep rocky habitats. A quantitative assessment of debris present in the deep seafloor (30–300 m depth) was carried out in 26 areas off the coast of three Italian regions in the Tyrrhenian Sea, using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). The dominant type of debris (89%) was represented by fishing gears, mainly lines, while plastic objects were recorded only occasionally. Abundant quantities of gears were found on rocky banks in Sicily and Campania (0.09–0.12 debris m −2 ), proving intense fishing activity. Fifty-four percent of the recorded debris directly impacted benthic organisms, primarily gorgonians, followed by black corals and sponges. This work provides a first insight on the impact of marine debris in Mediterranean deep ecosystems and a valuable baseline for future comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) of carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) was used to analyse the macrobenthic food web dynamics in the Gulf of Gaeta (Tyrrhenian sea, Central Italy) under the influence of discharge from the river Garigliano. Specimens of macrobenthic invertebrates and organic matter (Phytoplankton, detritus and Sediment Organic Matter, SOM) were sampled in eight subtidal sampling sites in the Gulf and subjected to SIA. Bayesian Stable Isotope Mixing Models were used to quantify the proportional contribution of each basal resource to macrobenthic primary consumer diets. The food web topology of each sampling site was also reconstructed and the key food web metrics (connectance, linkage density, mean chain length) were calculated in order to detect potential effects of the river plume at all trophic levels. The δ 13 C signatures of basal resources indicated that bulk organic matter in the Gulf has two main inputs: a) autochthonous, derived from marine primary producers (phytoplankton, seagrass detritus), predominant in the northern part of the Gulf, far from the river mouth, and b) allochthonus, derived from inputs of terrigenous detritus, predominant in the southern part, near the mouth of the river Garigliano. A spatial transition was observed in the main component of primary consumer diets, from phytoplankton (north-western sampling sites) to allochthonous detritus (south-eastern sampling sites), with important influences on the structure of the food webs. Approaching the river mouth we also observed a simplification of network topology in terms of a decrease in the number of species, linkage density and mean food web chain length. Our study provides insight into coastal benthic food web and ecosystem functioning as influenced by river mouths, with particular emphasis on the linkages between pelagic-benthic and terrestrial systems, even on the local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciona intestinalis sp. A ( Tunicata, Ascidiacea) is a marine invertebrate with a widespread distribution and high invasive potential, yet little is known about its ecology. Here, the macrodynamics of demographic and reproductive trends were first determined using archive data covering 2002-2012. Species abundance in the central Tyrrhenian Sea ( Campania, Italy - NW Mediterranean) displayed Poisson distribution across 2002-2008, massive die-off in 2009/2010 and population recovery in 2011/2012. We defined the seasonal ranges of sea surface temperature in which sampling size, animal size and reproductive status reached their highest values. In 2003/2004, self and non-self fertilization appeared to follow reverse trends across the year. The long-term recording run here on Ciona intestinalis sp. A provides novel insights into its population biology and ecology, and represents a valuable tool for sampling management and research planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to study the community structure, in terms of species composition, abundance and spatial distribution, of fish larvae in a wide coastal area of Sicily facing the Southeastern Tyrrhenian Sea, extending for 2300 km2 from Cape Cefalù to the west, to Cape Rasocolmo in the east. This study analyses how species are assembled in relation to an inshore-offshore gradient and also how environmental conditions, determined by surface circulation patterns occurring in the Central Mediterranean at the local scale, determine the distribution patterns. Samples from 39 stations were collected using a 60-cm Bongo net during an ichthyoplanktonic survey carried out in June 2006. In all, 62 taxa, representing 32 families, were identified. Cyclothone braueri (59.6%), Engraulis encrasicolus (9.2%) Lampanyctus crocodilus (4.3%) and Lampanyctus pusillus (4.1%) were the most abundant species. The results showed that the highest abundance value (14830.6 fish larvae per 10 m2 sea surface) was observed in the western part of the study area. MDS, SIMPER and CCA analyses revealed well defined groups of stations and assemblages of larvae in accordance with an inshore-offshore gradient. The results of this study could have implications for the management of marine resources because the investigated area has already been identified as a nursery area for many pelagic and coastal fishes and a natural habitat for many species of high commercial interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sedimentological and geochronological data from sections of a core (GRT50) collected in the Northern Latium coastal area were compared to data on pluviometric (rainfall) trends, river flows and the temporal evolution of human interventions in the three most important hydrographic basins (Mignone, Marta and Fiora) of this coastal area. The statistical analysis of pluviometric trends identified variations due to a decreasing trend in the Fiora river basin, whereas in the two other locations the decrease was not so significant. Data from the sedimentological analysis of the core confirmed a progressive decrease in the sandy component, which declined from about 30% to the current level of 7% over the last 36 years. There was no significant variation in the sediment mass accumulation rates (MAR), which were characterized by an almost cyclic trend that was probably determined by the most intense floods in the study area. The results revealed that the variations caused by the fluvial processes have affected the water runoff of the Fiora River, and that the consequent decrease in the sand production has been responsible for the recession of beaches in the coastal area between Tarquinia and Montalto di Castro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and optical properties (absorption and fluorescence) of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were measured in October 2012, at the Arno river mouth and in a coastal station close to it. The data reported indicates that the Arno river represents an important source of DOC and CDOM to this coastal area, with a total DOC flux of 11.23–12.04·10 9 g C·y − 1 . Moving from the river to the sea, CDOM absorption and fluorescence decreased, while the spectral slope increased, suggesting a change in the molecular properties of CDOM. Mineralization experiments were carried out in order to investigate the main processes of DOM removal and/or transformation in riverine and coastal water. DOC removal rates were 20 μM·month − 1 in the river and 3 μM·month − 1 in the seawater, while CDOM was released during the first 30 days and removed in the following 40 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraminifera and ostracods have been quantitatively studied in core MD01-2472, from the upper continental slope (at water depth of 501 m), to evaluate their relationship with bottom water condition variability and decipher the control of the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) current on benthic faunas. The occurrence of reworked ostracod species (originating from the continental shelf) and, the presence of shallow water Elphidium/Ammonia benthic foraminifera are used to estimate the degree of along-slope transport at the core site. This has revealed two intervals of along-slope transport also associated with coarse-grained contourite deposits, deposited during the YD and HS2 episodes. Planktonic-benthic foraminiferal and ostracod assemblages reflect climate oscillations. Peaks of the polar planktonic Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (left-coiling S) may be used to identify Heinrich Events. Interstadials are marked by abundant ostracod species such as Paracypris sp., Argilloecia acuminata , and Cytheropteron alatum and the presence of benthic foraminifera like Bulimina marginata , Bulimina costata and Gyroidina altiformis . The B–A and Holocene are characterized by abundant warm water species of planktonic foraminifera and by the ostracod species Polycope sp. We hypothesize that there is relationship between LIW intensification during cold rapid climate events and benthic fauna assemblage variations due to changes in: 1) bottom water ventilation; and 2) the export of nutrients and/or sediment particles by bottom currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1985, the Centro Studi Cetacei (Cetacean Study Centre) in Italy has been committed to the recovery of cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastlines to estimate the abundance of species present and to identify causes of death, disease, and other information useful to the study of cetaceans. The current study analyzed some external morphometric parameters of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the most abundant small cetacean in the Mediterranean Sea, to identify features indicating sexual dimorphism. Identification and measurement of external dimorphic characteristics allowed for determination of the sex of those specimens for which gender was not immediately evident due to decomposition of their external genital organs. Specifically, a total of 37 specimens (19 males, 15 females, and 3 unsexed) of S. coeruleoalba that stranded along the north-central Tyrrhenian Sea coasts (Italy) from 1983 to 1991 were measured; 28 parameters of external morphology were examined; and values were analyzed using the parametric Student t-test and were subsequently validated by stepwise discriminant analysis. According to the data, the total length reached by individuals, which is greater in female specimens, was not a statistically significant parameter leading to gender confirmation-that is, the length reached by individuals was independent of sex. However, the distance between the genital slit and anus (greater in males as in other small odontocetes) and the distance between the umbilicus and anus (greater in females) were found to be statistically significant dimorphic characters. The distance between the genital slit and the median notch of the flukes, which is longer in males, was identified as significant by discriminant analysis only. Thus, it may be considered as a feature indicating sexual dimorphism, but further investigation is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few years theoretical works have shed new light and proposed new hypotheses on the mechanisms which regulate the spatio-temporal behaviour of phytoplankton communities in marine pelagic ecosystems. Despite this, relevant physical and biological issues, such as effects of the time-dependent mixing in the upper layer, competition between groups, and dynamics of non-stationary deep chlorophyll maxima, are still open questions. In this work, we analyze the spatio-temporal behaviour of five phytoplankton populations in a real marine ecosystem by using a one-dimensional reaction-diffusion-taxis model. The study is performed, taking into account the seasonal variations of environmental variables, such as light intensity, thickness of upper mixed layer and profiles of vertical turbulent diffusivity, obtained starting from experimental findings. Theoretical distributions of phytoplankton cell concentration was converted in chlorophyll concentration, and compared with the experimental profiles measured in a site of the Tyrrhenian Sea at four different times (seasons) of the year, during four different oceanographic cruises. As a result we find a good agreement between theoretical and experimental distributions of chlorophyll concentration. In particular, theoretical results reveal that the seasonal changes of environmental variables play a key role in the phytoplankton distribution and determine the properties of the deep chlorophyll maximum. This study could be extended to other marine ecosystems to predict future changes in the phytoplankton biomass due to global warming, in view of devising strategies to prevent the decline of the primary production and the consequent decrease of fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthetic analysis of the distribution, abundance and some biological traits of the common pandora ( Pagellus erythrinus) was performed. Data were gathered in 15 experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out off the southern Tyrrhenian Sea from 1994 to 2008. A total of 2,166 P. erythrinus were found in the investigated area, with a preference for the upper continental shelf (10-100 m). The highest persistence was recorded in the trawl-banned areas. The sex ratio Sr = F/( F + M) ranged between 0.60 and 0.96 (overall 0.78). The size at which 50 % of the individuals were mature was 157 and 170 mm total length for females and males, respectively. The length-weight relationship for all individuals was described by the following parameters: a = 0.016 and b = 2.905. Growth was evaluated (sexes combined) by applying length-based methods; up to eight significant modal components were evidenced. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the whole population were estimated at L = 454 mm, K = 0.08 and t = −2.57. The present results are in agreement with the information available for the other Mediterranean stocks suggesting common biological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed integrated stratigraphic framework for the last 40 ka in the eastern Tyrrhenian Sea (central Mediterranean) was obtained through quantitative analyses of planktonic foraminifera assemblages, tephrostratigraphical studies and δ 18 O measurements on the basinal CET1 cored succession. Relative abundance fluctuations in the planktonic foraminifera assemblages allowed the identification of nine known eco-biozones and several bioevents recognized in the Tyrrhenian area and that are useful for correlations between Mediterranean marine records. Compositional changes in the planktonic foraminifera assemblages together with variations in the oxygen isotope record allowed us to detect the major climatic global fluctuations and some of the minor events that occurred during the investigated time interval. A total of 12 visible tephra layers and cryptotephras have been recognized and correlated with their volcanic sources and/or with known explosive events of Campanian and Sicilian–Aeolian volcanoes. A stratigraphic relationship between foraminiferal and climatic events and tephra layers has been highlighted. For the first time ecostratigraphic and tephrostratigraphic methods were combined to obtain a detailed integrated stratigraphy for the last 40 ka in the Tyrrhenian area. The achieved stratigraphic framework provides a useful stratigraphic reference record for the investigated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Tyrrhenian Sea is an extensional basins linked to the Neogene evolution of the Calabria subduction zone located in the western Mediterranean realm where controversial kinematic and geodynamical models have been proposed. Our study provides a key to unravel timing and mode of extension of the upper plate and the breakup of Calabria from Sardinia. By combining original stratigraphic analysis of wells and seismic profiles off Calabria with a stratigraphic correlation to onshore outcrops, we re-assess the tectonic evolution that controlled the sedimentation and basement deformation of the Southern Tyrrhenian basin during Serravallian–Tortonian times. We document the tectono-stratigraphic evolution of adjacent extensional basins characterized by 3rd order depositional sequences (Ser1, Tor1 and Tor2) and different modes of extension, subsidence and opposite dipping faults. Episodic basin development is recorded by a coarsening-up and fining-up trend of the sedimentary succession and by tectonically enhanced unconformities that reflect three episodes of fault activity. We reconstruct Serravallian–Tortonian paleogeographic maps and propose a block faulting model for the evolution of the Sardinia–Calabria area. Sardinia was disconnected from Calabria through N–S normal faults forming Tyrrhenian extensional basins that formed contemporaneously to the E–W opening of the Algerian basin. Unlike published Serravallian–Tortonian reconstructions of the western Mediterranean realm, our results support a geodynamic model characterized by rapid trench retreat, trench-normal extension in the entire overriding plate and very weak coupling between plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seamounts and their influence on the surrounding environment are currently being extensively debated but, surprisingly, scant information is available for the Mediterranean area. Furthermore, although the deep Tyrrhenian Sea is characterised by a complex bottom morphology and peculiar hydrodynamic features, which would suggest a variable influence on the benthic domain, few studies have been carried out there, especially for soft-bottom macrofaunal assemblages. In order to fill this gap, the structure of the meio-and macrofaunal assemblages of the Vercelli Seamount and the surrounding deep area (northern Tyrrhenian Sea – western Mediterranean) were studied in relation to environmental features. Sediment was collected with a box-corer from the seamount summit and flanks and at two far-field sites in spring 2009, in order to analyse the metazoan communities, the sediment texture and the sedimentary organic matter. At the summit station, the heterogeneity of the habitat, the shallowness of the site and the higher trophic supply (water column phytopigments and macroalgal detritus, for instance) supported a very rich macrofaunal community, with high abundance, biomass and diversity. In fact, its trophic features resembled those observed in coastal environments next to seagrass meadows. At the flank and far-field stations, sediment heterogeneity and depth especially influenced the meiofaunal distribution. From a trophic point of view, the low content of the valuable sedimentary proteins that was found confirmed the general oligotrophy of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and exerted a limiting influence on the abundance and biomass of the assemblages. In this scenario, the rather refractory sedimentary carbohydrates became a food source for metazoans, which increased their abundance and biomass at the stations where the hydrolytic-enzyme-mediated turnover of carbohydrates was faster, highlighting high lability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the species composition of the parasite fauna and the values of infection for seven species of cephalopods in the Mediterranean at the Tyrrhenian Sea (West coast of Italy). Results suggest the important role of cephalopods as intermediate hosts in the life cycle of anisakine nematodes and pennellid copepods. The low host specificity (i. e., eurixenous condition) of metazoan parasites in cephalopods worldwide is also reinforced.

Most Mediterranean fish and crustaceans' stocks are overexploited, but they could increase if fishing intensity would be reduced for only a few years. Today exploited stocks are constituted of young and small fish that are mostly caught before they can reproduce. This paper, which is based on long-term data (1994–2010) obtained from experimental bottom trawl surveys, contributes to the Parapenaeus longirostris exploitation control in South Tyrrhenian Sea (SW Mediterranean; GSA 10). Stock dynamics parameters of rose shrimp were investigated and compared in two different locations along the North coasts of Sicily (South of GSA 10) characterized by different fishing patterns. A huge inter-annual biomass and density fluctuations of the investigated rose shrimp were recorded, although no significant trends over time were observed, in both sectors. It is worth highlighting that the mean year fishing indices (mean KW of the trawl fleet, as capacity index, and number of days at sea per month, as activity index), contrary to what is reported in literature, were significantly higher in the western part of the area, where the stock is surprisingly mainly composed of young specimens. The fishing / total mortality ratio F/Z showed an overfishing status of rose shrimp in the two sectors, but at a lower degree than the rose shrimp of the whole GSA 10. The present paper support two stocks conjecture for the rose shrimp. The different biological structures in the two studied sectors are mainly influenced by interactions among the typical high plasticity of the life history species in the Mediterranean Sea and several typologies and activities (including the illegal aspects) of fishing fleets harbored in the E and W sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size-frequency distributions can support reliable inferences concerning population dynamics of brachiopods, but only a few data are available so far. In this study, length and width frequency distributions of dead specimens of the Recent brachiopods Joania cordata and Argyrotheca cuneata from the Marine Protected Area ' Secche di Tor Paterno', Central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy (41°35′ N, 12°20′ E), are reported in order to add new data about size-frequency distributions of brachiopods. The studied specimens came from death assemblages in the coralligenous substrate, in the Posidonia oceanica meadows, and in the sand channels. The observed patterns vary from left-skewed ( J. cordata) to right-skewed ( A. cuneata), indicating respectively a low and high mortality of smaller individuals. Significant differences between the coralligenous substrate and the P. oceanica meadow were observed for both species, revealing a variation among different habitats. All length and width distributions are clearly polymodal, but the biological meaning of the peaks is difficult to interpret, as the two species seem to have a 2-year life span. A biometric analysis of shell sizes revealed that length and width are the most variable parameters during the growth of the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From June 2006 to May 2007, monthly samples of Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) were collected on land from the landings of two different, although contiguous, fishing grounds exploited by the bottom trawl fisheries of the two fishing harbours of Terrasini and Porticello, located on the north-western coast of Sicily. Carapace length (CL) of the female and male deep-water rose shrimp in Terrasini ranged from 9 to 32 mm and 13 to 26 mm, respectively, whereas in Porticello the length ranged from 8 to 31 mm and 13 to 26 mm, respectively. The Von Bertalanffy Growth Function parameters for Terrasini females and males were CL∞ = 38.5 mm, K = 0.65 year-1 and CL∞ = 32.5 mm, K = 0.85 year- 1 , respectively. For Porticello females and males, the parameters were CL∞ = 40 mm, K = 0.60 year-1 and CL∞ = 30 mm, K = 0.76 year-1 , respectively. Analysis of maturity stages indicates that the deep-water rose shrimp is an asynchronous batch of almost continuous spawners, although one to two peaks of activity can be detected. In both fishing areas, the reproductive phase peaked twice, once in January and again from August to September. The sizes at first maturity (CL50%) were 27.8 and 26.6 mm CL for Terrasini and Porticello, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the distribution pattern of living and surface sediment coccolithophores, the main phytoplankton calcifying group, from 22 stations set in a neritic environment (from 10 to 50 m water depth), adjacent to the shelf area of the Volturno River mouth (Gulf of Gaeta - central part of the Tyrrhenian Sea). The survey conducted in June 2012 included five transects perpendicular to the coast, which enabled us to provide indications on the structure of calcareous phytoplankton associations in relation to coastal dynamics and the Volturno River runoff. The total number of coccospheres ranged from 15 to 64 * 10³* l-1 coccolithophores. Emiliania huxleyi dominates the assemblages, followed by Rhabdosphaera xiphos, holococcolithophores and Syracosphaera pulchra. The coccolithophore community shows a typical vertical zonation, with K-strategist taxa in the upper 15 m and the deep community developed down to 40 m. The local water circulation significantly affects the spatial and vertical distribution of coccolithophores. The river discharge influences the distribution of coccolithophore taxa, resulting in a north-south gradient. In the northern sector, outside the influence of the Volturno River, the high values of R. xiphos suggest a negative correlation with river runoff. The surface sediment assemblages reflect the overall composition of the living coccolithophore communities. The distribution of abundant reworked species, both in water and sediment, provides useful information about coastal dynamics and sediment transport in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Tyrrhenian Sea in the Mediterranean formed as the result of roll-back of the Adriatic and Ionian subducting plates. It is mostly underlain by strongly thinned continental lithosphere, but contains two small oceanic basins in the southern Tyrrhenian, the youngest one located just behind the active magmatic arc. Its regional setting with dense station coverage provides a unique opportunity to derive a high-resolution, 3-D shear-velocity model of this back-arc basin and surrounding onshore areas using interstation Rayleigh-wave dispersion measurements. Our tomographic model, extending to a depth of approximately 160 km, displays a pronounced, nearly ring-shaped low shear-velocity zone between 70 and 110 km depth which surrounds the older oceanic Vavilov Basin. The sharp velocity decrease at 70 km depth can be explained by the transition from a relatively dry lithospheric mantle to more hydrous asthenospheric mantle material. The tectonic evolution of the region and the correlation of the low-velocity anomaly with subduction-related volcanism indicate that the low-velocity anomaly reflects hydrous mantle material in (present or former) mantle wedge regions. We suggest that the absence of the low-velocity zone beneath the Vavilov Basin is due to mantle dehydration caused by the creation of MORB crust. Whereas temperature effects may dominate the asthenospheric shear-velocity differences between various back-arc basins, we find that the variations in shear-velocity structure within the Tyrrhenian area are best explained by variations in mantle water content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high-resolution integrated study has been performed in a super-expanded marine record (sedimentation rate spanning from 11 cm/100 years to 20 cm/100 years) from the continental shelf area of the southeastern Tyrrhenian Sea. Planktonic foraminiferal distribution illustrates 6 major environmental changes during the past 2000 years: (i) the Roman Period-Dark Age transition (from herbivorous-opportunistic to carnivorous species); (ii) the Dark Age-MCA transition (from carnivorous to herbivorous-opportunistic species); (iii) the Medieval Classic Anomaly-Little Ice Age transition (a further and definitive change from carnivorous to herbivorous-opportunistic species); (iv) the period during the Maunder event between approximately 1720 AD and 1740 AD (turnover from the carnivorous planktonic foraminifer Globigerinodes ruber to the herbivorous-opportunistic planktonic foraminifer Turborotalita quinqueloba); (v) the Industrial Period (dominance of herbivorous-opportunistic planktonic foraminifera); and (vi) the Modern Warm Period at approximately 1940 AD (the last turnover in favor of herbivorous-opportunistic planktonic foraminifers, associated with an increase in benthic foraminifera). Our studies lead us to link this latter feature to an anthropogenic impact associated with the damming of Sele River (Salerno Gulf) at 1934 AD, which induced a change in the sediment input with a strong decrease in coarse-grained fraction and a probable alteration in nutrient supply. The δ18O G. ruber record of the past 2000 years shows the alternation of warm/wet and cold/dry events related to the Roman Period, the Dark Age, the Medieval Classic Anomaly, the Little Ice Age, the Industrial Period and the Modern Warm Period. The 5 evident δ18O G. ruber oscillations (between approximately 1325 AD and 1940 AD) coincide with the 5 minima in the solar activity record (Wolf, Spörer, Maunder, Dalton and Damon events). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean gorgonian forests are threatened by several human activities and are affected by climatic anomalies that have led to mass mortality events in recent decades. The ecological role of these habitats and the possible consequence of their loss are poorly understood. Effects of gorgonians on the recruitment of epibenthic organisms were investigated by manipulating presence of gorgonians on experimental panels at 24 m depth, for Eunicella cavolinii, and at 40 m depth, for Paramuricea clavata, at two sites: Tavolara Island (Tyrrhenian Sea) and Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea). After 4 months, the most abundant taxa on the panels were encrusting green algae, erect red algae and crustose coralline algae at 24 m depth and encrusting brown algae and erect red algae at 40 m depth. Assemblages on the panels were significantly affected by the presence of the gorgonians, although effects varied across sites and between gorgonian species. Species diversity and evenness were lower on panels with gorgonian branches. Growth of erect algae and recruitment of serpulid polychaetes were also affected by the presence of the gorgonians, primarily at Tavolara. Crustose coralline algae and erect sponges were more abundant on E. cavolinii panels at 24 m depth, while encrusting bryozoans were more abundant on P. clavata panels at 40 m depth. Effects of gorgonians on recruited assemblages could be due to microscale modification of hydrodynamics and sediment deposition rate, or by a shading effect reducing light intensity. Gorgonians may also intercept settling propagules, compete for food with the filter-feeders and/or for space by producing allelochemicals. Presence of gorgonians mainly limits the growth of erect algae and enhances the abundance of encrusting algae and sessile invertebrates. Therefore, the gorgonian disappearances may cause a shift from assemblages characterised by crustose coralline algae to filamentous algae assemblages, decreasing complexity and resilience of coralligenous bioconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Boat surveys aimed at studying sperm whales in the Tyrrhenian Sea were conducted between 2002 and 2011. During 768 daily surveys, a total effort of 32 602km was achieved within an area of 8800km2 resulting in 92 encounters with 229 sperm whale individuals. 2. Average encounter rates of sperm whales was 0.5 groups per 100km2, with a higher concentration in the vicinity of the submarine canyon of Cuma, confirming the importance for the species of this small hotspot in the Mediterranean Sea. 3. Encounter rates increased with increasing distance from the coast. It is possible that the intense boat traffic and anthropogenic disturbance in the area may be moving animals away from the coast leading to habitat loss. 4. The species-habitat relationship documented in this study has implications for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The gold coral Savalia savaglia (Cnidaria, Zoantharia) is a rare component of the mesophotic zone of the Mediterranean Sea and northeastern Atlantic Ocean. During two field campaigns along the Italian coast in the South Tyrrhenian Sea, two populations of this species were discovered. The specimens were filmed and photographed by means of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). To identify the role of local bathymetry and other derived variables on presence and distribution of S. savaglia we used a Habitat Suitability (HS) modeling technique based on Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA), utilizing high-resolution multibeam bathymetry and ROV data. Among the set of environmental variables derived from multibeam data, slope, rugosity, eastness and distance to rocks, appear to be the main variables involved in S. savaglia distribution, pointing out that the habitat differs considerably from the mean environmental conditions over the study area, and that S. savaglia ecological niche is significantly narrower than the available habitat. The HS map was developed to differentiate the sea floor into suitability classes. The comparison between suitability classes and presence data showed that the HS map is coherent with the observed spatial distribution of the species. The most suitable habitat for S. savaglia is characterized by a rough sea floor with rocks that is steeply sloped, oriented northeast, and within a water depth range of 34–77m. Our study suggests that predictive modeling is an approach that can be applied to other deep coral species to locate areas with a suitable habitat. Considering the difficulties to reach the habitats in which these species live, this approach could be essential to planning further studies that help define areas where the species may be present. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lake Patria is a mesoaline coastal lagoon that develops along the coastal zone of the Volturno River plain (Campania, South Italy). The lagoon is a saline to brackish water body, ca. 2.0 long, and 1.5km wide, with an average water depth of 1.5m, reaching a maximum of ca. 3.0m. The freshwater input into the lagoon is provided by a series of fresh to brackish water channels and small springs, landwards, while a permanent connection with the Tyrrhenian Sea is provided by a channel, 1.5km long and a few meters wide. Drilling data from 12 boreholes acquired in the study area indicate that Lake Patria is a man-modified remnant of a larger lagoonal area that developed during the last millennia along the Campania coastal zone within an alluvial delta system at the mouth of the paleo-Volturno River. Sedimentological and stratigraphic analyses of drill cores suggest that the lower Volturno delta plain developed in the last 6000years. Depositional conditions during this period were dominated by flood-plain and alluvial plain settings, with transition to coastal bars and associated back-barrier coastal lagoons. Lake Patria started evolving at an early stage of the Volturno delta plain formation as a consequence of foreshore deposits damming-up by littoral drift. The first marine layers display a radiocarbon age of ca. 4.8kaBP and overlie a substrate represented by volcaniclastic deposits, originated by the Campi Flegrei, and associated paleosols. The lagoonal succession cored at Lake Patria may be interpreted as the result of a dynamic equilibrium between marine influence and riverine input into the lagoonal system through time, and has been tentatively correlated with the major climatic changes that occurred during Mid–Late Holocene. Insights into the recentmost evolution of the coastal lagoon of Lake Patria are provided by the GIS-based analysis of the physiographic changes of the region conducted on a series of historical topographic maps dating back to the early XVII century. Particularly, the superposition of historical cartography reveals the secular trends in the change of coastal environments and the role of human modification of natural habitats over the last 400years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the disasters related to cruise ships including Costa Concordia, Costa Allegra and Carnival Triumph, and rights of cruise's passengers. Topics discussed include sinking of Costa Concordia in the Tyrrhenian sea, incidence of fire in the engine room of Carnival Triumph and the International Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights issued by the U.S. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for the safety and comfort of passengers.

A new species of Abyssoninoe (Polychaeta: Lumbrineridae) has been found on sublittoral soft bottoms in the Gulf of Milazzo (central Mediterranean Sea). The description is based on eleven specimens recorded in six grab samples carried out by Van Veen grab from 20 to 50 m depth. Abyssoninoe bidentata sp. nov. differs from the six hitherto known species of Abyssoninoe by having the maxillae III with two subequal teeth instead of one, the shape of the parapodial lobes and chaetal distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Elemental, isotopic and archaeobotanical analysis were performed on the contents of an intact Dressel 1B amphora from a Roman navis oneraria shipwreck dating back to 100–90 BC, discovered at a depth of 42 m near Albenga (Italy). Analysis aimed at assessing the origin and nature of the samples was carried out. The chemical characterisation, in particular lead content, was consistent with an oenological product produced using ancient techniques. The organic matrix was observed and shown to have deteriorated seriously, with infiltration of sea water and migration from the clay vessel. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) analysis confirmed that the residue was wine, excluding the possibility of the sediment coming from the sea or the clay of the amphora. As regards palynological analysis, the pollen components were useful for diagnosing and characterising the oenological nature and geographical origin of the sample from Albenga. The extremely high percentage of grape pollen suggested that the liquid traded was must or wine subjected to little decantation. Finally, the presence of pollen from certain arboreal species widespread in central-southern Italy is in accordance with the opinion of archaeologists, who have suggested that the cargo originated in the centre-south of the Tyrrhenian area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study analyzed for the detection of the following trace elements: As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se, Zn, in muscle of four widely traded and consumed marine fish species ( Mullus surmuletus L., Merluccius merluccius L., Micromesistius poutassou (Risso, 1827), Scomber scombrus L.) selected for their wide trade and consumption. Mean concentrations found in fish muscle, irrespective of species, ranged from 3.61 to 105.49 (As); 0.01-0.08 (Cd); 0.74-4.71 (Cu); 0.09-1.10 (Hg); 0.02-0.58 (Pb); 0.30-2.88 (Se); 11.56-73.37 (Zn) mg/kg wet weight. As, Hg, Cu and Se concentrations showed a significant difference ( p < 0.01) among the analyzed species in winter and in summer. Cd exhibited a significant difference ( p < 0.01) only in summer. The maximum levels set for Hg, Cd and Pb by European Regulation No 1881/2006 were exceeded by 5 (8.9 %), 1 (1.8 %) and 4 (7.1 %) samples, respectively. In particular the species exceeding the legal limits were red mullet for Cd and Pb, Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting for Hg and Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Micropalaeontological data integrated with radiocarbon dates and seismic profiles allow for a reconstruction of the Late Holocene evolution of the Ombrone River delta area during the last 6.0 ka. Seven cores collected in three distinct sectors of the submerged Ombrone delta were studied: the delta front (cores NK7, NK8, BOK5 and BOK10) and prodelta slope (core NK4), which are primarily affected by river input, and the middle shelf (cores NK2 and NK3), which is progressively less influenced by riverine impact. Seismostratigraphic interpretation indicated that the majority of the cores intercepted the most recent deposits of the late Quaternary depositional sequence (unit A), whose base is dated at 2.8 ± 100 ka BP. The deepest and shallowest cores reveal a record of the ancient and the most recent evolution of the succession, respectively, although the most complete palaeoenvironmental evidence comes from the middle shelf (core NK2) and prodelta slope (core NK4). The oldest sedimentary phase is indicated by benthic foraminiferal assemblages and seismic profiles of the middle shelf core and correlates with the Late Transgressive Systems Tract (unit B). The following phase is attributed to the Highstand Systems Tract (unit A) and spans the last 3.0 ka. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) (Q-mode) of the benthic foraminifera in the cores resulted in 10 foraminiferal assemblages that correspond to four distinct environments with various degrees of river influence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Historically the majority of Mediterranean trawl fisheries occur on the continental shelf with a smaller proportion focused on the shelf slope and deep sea areas. Understanding how trawl fisheries affect the wider ecosystem is an important component of the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. In this context the current study examined the impact of the otter trawl fishery on the infaunal communities found on the continental shelf and upper slope off the coast of Sicily and Calabria, Italy. A total of thirty six sites were sampled across a gradient of fishing intensity and from within a large bay from which trawling has been excluded for 22 years. Fishing intensities were ascertained post-hoc from vessel monitoring system data. Seabed characteristics of the sites studied were uniform across the continental shelf and slope areas that were studied, such that the only factor that varied was fishing intensity. The density index (DI) and total number of species (S) were significantly higher in the fishery closure area compared with other continental shelf sites. In particular, bioturbating decapod fauna occurred only within the fishery closure area. Fished sites were dominated primarily by burrowing deposit feeding worms, small bivalves and scavenging biota. In contrast, the response to fishing on the upper slope was less clear. This observation was treated with caution as the power to detect fishing effects was lower for the upper slope sites as a result of possible illegal fishing that had compromised two of the four replicate sites within the closed area. While the present study was able to quantify the effect of the demersal trawl fleet on the benthic infauna of the continental shelf, the effects of trawling on the upper shelf slope remain unclear and warrant further study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]