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The updated checklist of the marine crabs of Guinea-Bissau presented in this work is the result of consolidating decades of research, ongoing systematic revisions of the regional carcinofauna, and the inclusion of new records. DNA markers and morphological analyses for accurate identifications are integrated. Sixty-one species are mentioned in this list after reviewing specimens from scientific collections and literature. Of these 61 species listed, the presence of 51 species in Guinea-Bissau is confirmed, and 21 are reported for the first time in the area. A total of 98 sequences were obtained from 41 species (51 of 16S for 38 species and 47 of COI for 35 species), and 48 sequences (24 of 16S and 24 of COI) were the first ones obtained for 29 species. The maximum or minimum bathymetric range is expanded by 16 species, and for other six species, a color description is provided for the first time. Merocryptus obsoletus is synonymized as Merocryptus boletifer. The present study will be a useful baseline for gathering further ecological information about globally important marine taxa, not only in Guinea-Bissau but about African brachyurans in general.

The Ebre Delta (NW Mediterranean), which is considered a highly vulnerable ecosystem, is one of the most important European wetlands and belongs to the Natura 2000 network. The present study aims to characterize the benthic megainvertebrate communities inhabiting the Ebre Delta soft-bottom infralittoral to acquire faunistic and biological knowledge for two periods of time, 23 years apart. Experimental trawls were conducted during the two periods (1992–1993 and 2016–2017) in three depth strata, between 5 and 25 m. A total of 139 and 170 taxa were collected at each period, respectively. Our results showed that community species composition and structure varied between periods and among depth strata. Overall, a large decrease in density and biomass was detected for most species in all three depth strata examined (0–5, 15–20, and 20–25 m) in 2016–2017, especially in the shallowest stratum. Species richness was higher in 2016–2017 than in 1992–1993, and the lowest values were found at the shallowest stratum in both periods. The significant biomass losses herein reported highlight the need to increase, in time and effort, the monitoring of large marine invertebrates in coastal areas, where many taxa provide important ecosystem functions and services.

Geryon longipes is a crab species that inhabits the muddy bottoms of the middle and lower slopes, as well as bathyal bottoms ranging from 400 to 2000 m in depth. To assess its molecular diversity, a fragment of 572 bp of the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) mitochondrial gene was sequenced in eight Western Mediterranean locations. Within the studied area, two oceanographic fronts are present (Almeria-Oran Front and Ibiza Channel). From the 124 sequences obtained, only 7 distinct haplotypes were identified. The population distribution indicated three well-differentiated regions: the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Vera and the Levantine/Catalan coasts. The molecular diversity was compared with that obtained in the same year for the same gene in Liocarcinus depurator, a crab species that is captured on the continental shelf and upper slope (40 to 500 m). The estimates of molecular diversity parameters for the COI gene fragment were rather similar between both species, but the number of haplotypes was higher for L. depurator. Finally, the obtained COI sequences of G. longipes were compared to those from other populations of the species distribution range, recovered from the DNA repository. Only one additional, different haplotype was reported (Sicily), whereas all the rest were common with those described in our study. Therefore, the COI gene fragment would indicate that all the sequences analysed in the Mediterranean and NE Atlantic belong to the same species, G. longipes.

En aquesta nota es deixa constància del quart exemplar de cranc de la creu, Charybdis (Charybdis) feriata (Linné, 1758) que es registra a la Mediterrània occidental, essent aquest el primer exemplar detectat a la costa valenciana. Aquest individu va ser capturat prop del Grau de Castelló de la Plana. La importància del registre esdevé perquè constata l'expansió de l'espècie a l'oest de la Mediterrània, donada l'evolució geogràfica dels exemplars registrats fins al moment en el conjunt de la Mediterrània. Es discuteix sobre la possible cohabitació a la Mediterrània occidental d'aquesta espècie amb altres crancs de gran talla presents en aquesta mar, com el cranc blau americà, Callinectes sapidus, i el cranc blau indo-pacífic, Portunus segnis, degut a les diferències de temperatura, salinitat i hàbitat preferencial que presenten aquestes espècies., This note records the fourth specimen of the Crucifix Crab, Charybdis (Charybdis) feriata (Linné, 1758) to be registered in the western Mediterranean, this being the first specimen detected along the Valencian coast, specifically in front of Grau de Castelló de la Plana. The importance of this finding lies in the fact that this individual expands the known distribution range of the species in the Mediterranean, thus showing a slow geographic extension of the recorded specimens in a NE-SW direction following the main oceanographic current present in the area, the Mediterranean Northern Current. We also discuss the possible coexistence with other large crabs present in the area, such as the American Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, and the Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus segnis given their habitat, temperature, and salinity preferences.

[EN] The marine crab Liocarcinus depurator is a species that inhabits the muddy bottoms of the shelf and the upper part of the continental slope of the Iberian Peninsula coasts and shows a certain commercial interest. Adults do not apparently show large-scale displacements, but their larvae, which are epipelagic, can be transported great distances by surface ocean currents. However, these same currents, by generating eddies and gyres, can produce oceanographic barriers that hinder or even prevent gene flow between populations. For this reason, L. depurator is a good model species to analyse the effect of oceanographic fronts on population connectivity. For this study, the molecular variability of a fragment of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene was analysed in six Iberian peninsular Mediterranean populations sampled in 2021: West of the Alboran Sea, Alicante, Valencia, Ebro Delta, Central and North of Catalonia. The 91 sequences obtained belonged to 19 different haplotypes. All of them were classified into two well-defined haplogroups: ATL, dominant in Atlantic-influenced waters, and MED, in Mediterranean-influenced waters. A previously undetected haplotype (Ldep_77) was found in the western Mediterranean, but it was found in Greek waters. For the COI gene, there seemed to be a differentiation between the samples from the Alboran Sea and those from the Levantine/Catalan area. In addition, when analysing the distribution of haplotypes in our populations, it was observed that the effect of the Almeria-Oran Front was significant, confirming the importance of this oceanographic barrier in reducing gene flow. This information is relevant for the proper definition of MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) as well as for the management of fishery resources, [ES] El cangrejo marino Liocarcinus depurator es una especie que habita en los fondos fangosos de la plataforma y de la parte superior del talud continental de las costas peninsulares ibéricas y que presenta interés comercial. Los adultos no tienen grandes desplazamientos, pero sus larvas, epipelágicas, pueden ser desplazadas a grandes distancias mediante las corrientes marinas superficiales. No obstante, estas mismas corrientes, al generar remolinos y giros, pueden producir barreras oceanográficas que dificultan o incluso impiden el flujo génico entre las poblaciones. Por esta razón, L. depurator es una buena especie modelo para analizar el efecto de los frentes oceanográficos sobre la conectividad poblacional. Para este estudio se analizó la variabilidad molecular de un fragmento del gen mitocondrial Citocromo Oxidasa subunidad I (COI) en seis poblaciones del Mediterráneo peninsular muestreadas en el año 2021: Oeste del Mar de Alborán, Alicante, Valencia, Delta del Ebro, Centro y Norte de Catalunya. Las 91 secuencias obtenidas pertenecían a 19 haplotipos diferentes. Todas ellas se clasificaron en dos haplogrupos bien definidos: ATL, dominante en aguas de influencia atlántica, y MED, en las de influencia mediterránea. Se encontró un haplotipo (Ldep_77) no detectado previamente en el Mediterráneo occidental, pero sí en aguas de Grecia. Para el gen COI, parecía existir una diferenciación entre las muestras del mar de Alborán y las de la zona levantino/catalana. Además, al analizar la distribución de los haplogrupos en nuestras poblaciones se observó que el efecto del Frente Almería-Orán era significativo, confirmando la importancia que dicha barrera tiene en la reducción del flujo génico. Esta información es relevante para la adecuada definición de las AMP (Áreas Marinas Protegidas) así como para la gestión de los recursos pesqueros

Se presenta el estado de la gestión de la población de cangrejo azul (Callinectes sapidus) en el Delta del Ebro, enmarcado en un sistema de cogestión. [...]

[EN] This note records the fourth specimen of the Crucifix Crab, Charybdis (Charybdis) feriata (Linné, 1758) to be registered in the western Mediterranean, this being the first specimen detected along the Valencian coast, specifically in front of Grau de Castelló de la Plana. The importance of this finding lies in the fact that this individual expands the known distribution range of the species in the Mediterranean, thus showing a slow geographic extension of the recorded specimens in a NE-SW direction following the main oceanographic current present in the area, the Mediterranean Northern Current. We also discuss the possible coexistence with other large crabs present in the area, such as the American Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, and the Blue Swimming Crab, Portunus segnis given their habitat, temperature, and salinity preferences, [CAT] En aquesta nota es deixa constància del quart exemplar de cranc de la creu, Charybdis (Charybdis) feriata (Linné, 1758) que es registra a la Mediterrània occidental, essent aquest el primer exemplar detectat a la costa valenciana. Aquest individu va ser capturat prop del Grau de Castelló de la Plana. La importància del registre esdevé perquè constata l'expansió de l'espècie a l'oest de la Mediterrània, donada l'evolució geogràfica dels exemplars registrats fins al moment en el conjunt de la Mediterrània. Es discuteix sobre la possible cohabitació a la Mediterrània occidental d'aquesta espècie amb altres crancs de gran talla presents en aquesta mar, com el cranc blau americà, Callinectes sapidus, i el cranc blau indo-pacífic, Portunus segnis, degut a les diferències de temperatura, salinitat i hàbitat preferencial que presenten aquestes espècies

The Marine Biological Reference Collections (CBMR) are located at the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona, Spain. The CBR are a Unit of Service where around 15000 referenced species are preserved, catalogued and maintained for their study. The most represented marine groups at the CBMR are fish, crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms, but also other groups are present. The studies based on the CBMR specimens are focused on biodiversity, biogeography, taxonomy (type species), invasive and alien species, and genetic analysis. Several PhD theses have also been carried out in collaboration with the CBMR.The CBMR are a reference point for the marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea, but in their facilities the CBMR also hold specimens from all the oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Antarctic and Arctic). The Collections are constantly receiving new specimens and updating. The main sources of specimens are oceanographic surveys and different kind of sampling programs carried out by the research projects run by the ICM-CSIC. However, the CBMR have also received (in the past and currently) different collections donated by naturalists, researchers, other institutions, and particulars. The CBMR were created in 1981, in the earlier history of the ICM-CSIC, by Jaume Rucabado, Domingo Lloris and Concepción Allué. The Collections were later recognized and catalogued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 1990. In the last decade, the CBMR initiated a new stage where the information was digitized and the physical preservation of specimens updated to the new rules (such as change from formaldehyde to ethanol). The CBMR are now part of GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), thus making public and available all data collections and their metadata. We have also incorporated the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to monitor and study the geographical distribution of our specimens and moreover, the CBMR started to act as repository of DNA voucher

This report presents the state of fisheries in Catalonia in 2022. Section 1 describes the methods of biological and fisheries monitoring throughout the four year of icatmar monitoring program, Section 2 describes the results of the bottom trawling monitoring, Section 3 describes the results of the purse seine fishing monitoring and Section 4 describes the results of the small-scale fisheries monitoring (sand eel, common octopus and blue crab fisheries)

The penaeid shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 has been collected off the Catalan coast for the first time. This represents the first report of the species for the Iberian Peninsula waters. Its morphological description, as well as the DNA sequenced fragment, agree with the descriptions assigned to Penaeus aztecus. This constitutes the first record of the species in the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the confirmation the species westward expansion along the Mediterranean Sea probably been drifted from the later invasion in the Gulf of Lions

This file provides a list of mesopelagic species of cephalopods, decapods and teleostean fish, likely to occur in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean (central and north) and Mediterranean Sea, according to literature

This study analyses the samples collected annually (2012 to 2018) on circalittoral and bathyal soft bottoms (30 to 800 m) by the MEDITS surveys in the northern Alboran Sea (including Alboran Island) and the Gulf of Vera to determine the composition, structure and distribution of decapod crustacean assemblages. A total of 94 decapod crustacean species were identified. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed depth to be the main factor for distinguishing four main decapod assemblages: the inner shelf (30-100 m depth), outer shelf (101-200 m), upper slope (201-500 m) and middle slope (501-800 m). PERMANOVA analyses revealed further significant depth-related differences between three established geographical sectors of the study area (northern Alboran Sea, Gulf of Vera and Alboran Island). Generalized additive model analyses were used to assess the bathymetrical, geographical and environmental effects on the ecological indices of each assemblage. Results showed that depth and the geographical effect were the main drivers in all cases. Decreases in abundance and increases in species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity and Pielou’s evenness indices with depth were detected. This study shows the primacy of depth and geographical effect on the distribution of decapod species in the study area, in alignment with findings from other parts of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Marine Biological Reference Collections (CBMR) are specialized mainly in Chordata (fish), Arthropoda and Mollusca, mostly from the Mediterranean Sea, but also with important contributions from the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of the world’s oceans

Programa con motivo del décimo aniversario de Observadores del Mar. Un episodio muy especial con la participación de muchas de las personas que han formado parte del proyecto a lo largo de esta década. Sandra Espeja conversa con Elisabetta Broglio (coordinadora inicial), Joaquim Garrabou (coordinador actual); Miquel Planas (proyecto Signátidos); Iris Hendriks (proyecto nacras); Maca Marambio (proyecto medusas); Jordi Boada (proyecto desiertos submarinos); Pere Abelló (proyecto crustáceos); Montse Demestre (proyecto basura marina); Laura Royo (proyectos Algas invasoras y Praderas Marinas); Balma Albalat (Organización GEN-GOB Eivissa); Alejandra Pérez (Observatorio Centinela Aquatours Almería); Sara Rendal (RedPROMAR, Gobierno de canarias); y, desde Italia, Ernesto Azurro (proyecto Peces y calentamiento)

Liocarcinus depurator and Geryon longipes are two crab species which widely differ with regard to the marine depths they inhabit and their associated environmental characteristics. The bathymetric distributions and molecular diversity were studied along the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition for the two species. A fragment of the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) mitochondrial gene was studied in both species. In the case of L. depurator, a large number of haplotypes were detected and could be classified in two large haplogroups. One was predominant in water masses of Atlantic origin, and the other in Mediterranean waters. Three main areas were observed concerning the relative distribution of these two haplogroups: Gulf of Cadiz, Alboran Sea, and Levantine/Catalan coasts. Only eight haplotypes were detected in G. longipes. In this species and according to its haplotype distribution, three regions could be described: Alboran Sea, Gulf of Vera (between Cape Gata and Cape Palos), and Levantine/Catalan coasts (the species is apparently absent from the Gulf of Cadiz). In L. depurator, the marine currents and oceanographic fronts affecting larval dispersion could explain the pattern of haplotype distribution. A similar, but not exact pattern is shown by G. longipes, despite its markedly different habitat and depth they inhabit. The similarities in genetic structure may be accounted for by the epipelagic habitat of the larvae, which are the life history phase where most of the geographic dispersion takes place

[EN] This study analyses the samples collected annually (2012 to 2018) on circalittoral and bathyal soft bottoms (30 to 800 m) by the MEDITS surveys in the northern Alboran Sea (including Alboran Island) and the Gulf of Vera to determine the composition, structure and distribution of decapod crustacean assemblages. A total of 94 decapod crustacean species were identified. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed depth to be the main factor for distinguishing four main decapod assemblages: the inner shelf (30-100 m depth), outer shelf (101-200 m), upper slope (201-500 m) and middle slope (501-800 m). PERMANOVA analyses revealed further significant depth-related differences between three established geographical sectors of the study area (northern Alboran Sea, Gulf of Vera and Alboran Island). Generalized additive model analyses were used to assess the bathymetrical, geographical and environmental effects on the ecological indices of each assemblage. Results showed that depth and the geographical effect were the main drivers in all cases. Decreases in abundance and increases in species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity and Pielou’s evenness indices with depth were detected. This study shows the primacy of depth and geographical effect on the distribution of decapod species in the study area, in alignment with findings from other parts of the Mediterranean Sea, [ES] En este estudio se analizan muestras obtenidas anualmente (2012 al 2018) en fondos blandos circalitorales y batiales (30 a 800 m) del norte del mar de Alborán (incluida la Isla de Alborán) y golfo de Vera durante siete campañas de arrastre de fondo, MEDITS, con el fin de determinar la composición, estructura y distribución de las asociaciones de crustáceos decápodos. En total se identificaron 94 especies de decápodos. El escalamiento multidimensional no métrico indicó la profundidad como factor principal en la diferenciación de cuatro asociaciones de decápodos: plataforma interna (30-100 m de profundidad), plataforma externa (101-200 m), talud superior (201-500 m) y talud medio (501-800 m). Los análisis PERMANOVA revelaron diferencias significativas relacionadas con la profundidad entre los tres sectores geográficos establecidos en el área de estudio (norte del mar de Alborán, golfo de Vera e Isla de Alborán). Los modelos aditivos generalizados se utilizaron para evaluar los efectos batimétricos, geográficos y ambientales sobre los índices ecológicos de cada una de las asociaciones encontradas. Los resultados mostraron la profundidad y el efecto geográfico como los principales factores en todos los casos. Se detectó una disminución de la abundancia con la profundidad mientras que la riqueza de especies, el índice de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener y el índice de equidad de Pielou aumentaron. Este estudio muestra la importancia de la profundidad y el efecto geográfico en la distribución de las especies en el área de estudio en consonancia con lo descrito en otras áreas del mar Mediterráneo

An interesting evolutionary question that still remains open is the connectivity between marine populations. Marine currents can favour the dispersal of larvae or adults, but they can also produce eddies and gyres generating oceanographic fronts, thus limiting gene flow. To address this subject, we selected the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition, where several fronts are located: Gibraltar Strait (GS), Almeria-Oran Front (AOF) and Ibiza Channel (IC). Seven populations of the marine crab Liocarcinus depurator (Cadiz, West and East Alboran, Alacant, Valencia, Ebro Delta and North Catalonia) located along this transition were analysed in six consecutive years (2014–2019) using a fragment of the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) gene. All sequences (966) belonged to two well defined haplogroups: ATL (most abundant in Atlantic waters) and MED (predominant in Mediterranean waters). Following a geographic variation, the frequency of ATL decreased significantly from Cadiz to North Catalonia. However, this variation presented steps due to the effect of oceanographic restrictions/fronts. Significant effects were recorded for GS (2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019), AOF (all years except 2018) and IC (2016). The intensity and precise location of these fronts changed over time. Multivariate analyses distinguished three main population groups: Cadiz, Alboran Sea and the remaining Mediterranean populations. These findings could be relevant to properly define Marine Protected Areas and for conservation and fisheries policies

La plataforma de ciencia ciudadana marina Observadores del Mar celebra su 10 aniversario. Un evento para reunir a la comunidad y hacer repaso del camino recorrido, recordar logros conseguidos y proyectar hacia adelante. El acto se dividirá en dos partes. La primera mostrará, de mano de sus protagonistas, el nacimiento de la plataforma de ciencia ciudadana marina Observadoresdelmar.es y su objetivo de dar respuesta a la inquietud de la ciudadanía. Además, mostraremos todos los proyectos que han ido nutriendo la plataforma creando una conexión cada vez mayor entre la sociedad y la ciencia. A través de tertulias distendidas y mesas redondas daremos a conocer los impactos que se han generado en una década, entre ellos hallazgos inesperados, seguimiento de especies y alianzas entre entidades. Al mismo tiempo, hablaremos de los retos actuales y futuros que conjuntamente queremos abordar. La segunda parte la celebraremos en el patio disfrutando de un concierto, de entrevistas, de picoteo y alguna que otra sorpresa más

En el Mediterráneo y el Atlántico, la intensidad y la ubicación de los frentes oceanográficos que limitan la conectividad genética entre poblaciones de cangrejos marinos varían a lo largo del tiempo. Estos cambios de carácter dinámico, descritos en un artículo publicado en la revista Scientific Reports, condicionan también la estructura genética de las poblaciones de cangrejos marinos de interés comercial y gastronómico. El nuevo trabajo está dirigido por los expertos Francesc Mestres, de la Facultad de Biología y del Instituto de Investigación de la Biodiversidad de la Universidad de Barcelona (IRBio), y Pere Abelló, del Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM-CSIC), y aporta nuevos datos de interés científico para mejorar las políticas de conservación y explotación comercial de estos crustáceos. [...]

Hundreds of non-Indigenous species have invaded the Mediterranean Sea over the past few decades. Today, they are altering local biodiversity, disrupting fisheries and aquaculture throughout the region. But some of these invasive species are generating commercial opportunities for the fishing and aquaculture sector. The rise of the Blue Crab The Ebro Delta is Catalonia's largest wetland, home to hundreds of aquatic species and a place with a long fishing tradition. [...]

[EN] The establishment of fisheries no-take areas is considered an effective method for the recovery of populations of exploited species and their habitats. Here we study the faunistic composition of decapod crustaceans after the implementation of a no-take area in the Gulf of Roses (NW Mediterranean) in 2014. We studied the occurrence (presence/absence) and density of all decapod crustaceans sampled by trawling inside and outside a no-take area from March 2015 to July 2018. Sizes were assessed for all common species. A total of 33 species of decapod crustaceans were recorded. Four species showed significantly higher occurrences in the no-take area and three in the open area, while significantly higher densities were found for four species in the no-take area and three in the open area. Multivariate analysis showed marked differences between the no-take area and the open area, while also showing that the two areas were undergoing a divergence. The comparison of sizes between the two zones showed species-specific patterns that in many cases showed that both the smallest and the largest individuals were present in the no-take area, suggesting that the closing of this area would be important for recruitment and juvenile development, as well as for protection of large-sized individuals. All evidence indicates that the establishment of the no-take area has led to an improvement in biodiversity and species population descriptors, [ES] La creación de áreas restringidas a la pesca se considera un método efectivo para la recuperación de las poblaciones de especies comerciales y sus hábitats. En el presente trabajo se estudia la composición faunística referente a los crustáceos decápodos después de la implementación de un área cerrada a la pesca en el golfo de Roses en 2014. Se han estudiado las pautas de presencia y abundancia de los crustáceos decápodos muestreados con arte de arrastre comercial en el interior y exterior del área cerrada a la pesca entre marzo 2015 y julio 2018. Se detectó un total de 33 especies de crustáceos decápodos. Tanto en las presencias como en las abundancias se detectaron diferencias significativas entre las dos zonas. Se determinó la talla individual de los individuos capturados o de una submuestra. Cuatro especies mostraron una presencia significativamente mayor en el área cerrada a la pesca, mientras que tres lo hicieron en el área abierta. Respecto a las densidades, cuatro especies mostraron valores significativamente mayores en el área protegida, mientras que tres lo hicieron en la abierta. Un análisis multivariante mostró claramente la existencia de diferencias significativas entre las dos zonas, mostrando también que las dos áreas se encuentran en proceso de divergencia. La comparación de tallas entre las dos zonas presentó pautas específicas para cada especie que mayoritariamente indicaron que tanto los individuos de menor talla como los de mayor talla se presentaban en el área cerrada a la pesca, sugiriendo que el cierre de esta zona sería relevante para el reclutamiento y desarrollo juvenil, así como para la protección de los ejemplares de mayor talla. Las evidencias indican que el establecimiento del área cerrada a la pesca está implicando un proceso de conservación de la biodiversidad y mejora del estado de las poblaciones presentes

[ES] El Mediterráneo es el mar más invadido del planeta. Hay más de 1.000 de especies exóticas, esto es, procedentes de otros ecosistemas, que en las últimas décadas han encontrado en esta cuenca su nuevo hogar, según alerta el informe El efecto del cambio climático en el Mediterráneo realizado por World Wildlife Fund (WWF). [...], [CAT] El Mediterrani és el mar més envaït del planeta. Hi ha més d’un miler d’espècies exòtiques, això és, procedents d’altres ecosistemes, que en les últimes dècades han trobat en aquesta conca la seva nova llar, segons alerta l’informe «L’efecte del canvi climàtic al Mediterrani» elaborat per World Wildlife Fund (WWF). [...]

El investigador del Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM) y coordinador de Observadores del Mar, Pere Abelló, ha asegurado que la entidad fundada en 2012 "aporta rigor científico a las bases de datos gracias a su equipo, que valora cuidadosamente la información recolectada"

The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has rapidly invaded coastal environments in the western Mediterranean, but there is no consistent assessment of its impacts yet. We use interviews and long-term data series in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain) to: i) characterise the evolution of the blue crab invasion; and ii) identify its impacts. The blue crab was first recorded in 2012, but its expansion started around 2016, with an exponential increase in abundance between 2017 and 2018. Aquatic communities have tended to be dominated by the blue crab, coinciding with the steep and consistent declines of several species, including threatened and commercially exploited ones. Blue crab impacts seem to be exerted even at low abundances, arguably hindering the recovery of declining species. The blue crab is becoming a keystone species in invaded systems and efforts should be made to understand its many-folds impacts in order to prevent or mitigate them

[EN] The Biological Reference Collections of the Institut de Ciències del Mar (Figure 1) were created in response to the need to catalogue and have at hand specimens that could act as referents of the marine fauna studied by the scientists of the former Instituto de Investigaciones Pesqueras, who were known from the 1960s to the 1990s as Pesqueres. The main geographic study area was then the Mediterranean coast, and the preferential zoological groups were the species of fisheries interest. From the beginning, however, great importance was given to biological diversity, because the departments of Zoology, Botany, Microbiology and Genetics of the University of Barcelona have always given a high degree of importance to the study of biological diversity and its relationship with the environment (ecology). […], [ES] Las Colecciones Biológicas de Referencia (CBR) del Institut de Ciències del Mar (figura 1) fueron creadas a partir de la necesidad de catalogar y tener a mano ejemplares de referencia de la fauna marina que los científicos, del entonces llamado Instituto de Investigaciones Pesqueras (Pesqueras coloquialmente por la comunidad científica barcelonesa de los años 60 a 90 del siglo pasado), estudiaban. El área de referencia preferente era, naturalmente, el mar de las costas mediterráneas, y los grupos zoológicos preferentes, las especies de interés pesquero. Desde el primer momento, no obstante, se le dio mucha importancia a la diversidad biológica, muy probablemente por la influencia que la Universidad de Barcelona daba (y da) al estudio de lo que ahora llamamos biodiversidad (zoológica, botánica, microbiológica…) y al estudio de sus interacciones con el ambiente (ecología). […], [CAT] Les Col·leccions Biològiques de Referència de l’Institut de Ciències del Mar (figura 1) van ser creades a partir de la necessitat de catalogar i tenir a mà exemplars de referència de la fauna marina que els científics del llavors anomenat Institut d’Investigacions Pesqueres (Pesqueres col·loquialment per la comunitat científica barcelonina dels anys 60 a 90 del segle passat) estudiaven. L’àrea de referència preferent era, naturalment, el mar de les costes mediterrànies, i els grups zoològics preferencials, les espècies d’interès pesquer. Des del primer moment, no obstant, es va donar molta importància a la diversitat biològica, molt probablement per la influència que la Universitat de Barcelona donava (i dóna) a l’estudi del que ara anomenem biodiversitat (zoologia, botànica, microbiologia…) i a l’estudi de les seves interaccions amb l’ambient (ecologia) […]

This report presents the state of fisheries in Catalonia in 2021. Section 1 describes the results of the monitoring of the commercial fishing fleet throughout the year, Section 2 describes the changes and updates made to the information systems and data analysis structures, and Section 3 analyzes the temporal and spatial structure of bottom trawling fishery métiers in Catalonia