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Cyanobacteria are known for forming associations with various animals, including sea turtles, yet our understanding of cyanobacteria associated with sea turtles remains limited. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the diversity of cyanobacteria in biofilm samples from loggerhead sea turtle carapaces, utilizing a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach. The predominant cyanobacterial order identified was Nodosilineales, with the genus Rhodoploca having the highest relative abundance. Our results suggest that cyanobacterial communities become more diverse as sea turtles age, as we observed a positive correlation between community diversity and the length of a sea turtle's carapace. Since larger and older turtles predominantly utilize neritic habitats, the shift to a more diverse cyanobacterial community aligned with a change in loggerhead habitat. Our research provides detailed insights into the cyanobacterial communities associated with loggerhead sea turtles, establishing a foundation for future studies delving into this fascinating ecological relationship and its potential implications for sea turtle conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recent awareness highlights the significant impact of contaminants on the Mediterranean marine ecosystem and fishery resources. Monitoring these pollutants is crucial due to their accumulation in marine organisms and the health risks they pose through consumption. This study examines the levels of total mercury and PAHs in the muscle tissue of European hake from an important fishing ground in the Adriatic Sea. Seasonal and gender patterns as well as correlations with somatic indexes were explored to provide cost-effective bioindicators for pollution monitoring and mitigation. This research investigates the dynamics of contaminant exposure in European hake (Merluccius merluccius, L. 1758) from the Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) by examining the levels of total mercury (THg) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscle fish tissues. The study explores the correlations between these pollutants and somatic indexes to identify the early warning signals of pollution and ecological effects. The levels of pollutants are influenced by season and sex. Lipids appear to have a minimal effect on the PAH levels, whereas they exhibit a positive correlation with mercury levels in the muscle. No significant relationships between the pollutants and condition indexes were observed, except for a positive correlation between THg and the gonadosomatic index, indicating a potential impact on the reproductive health of fish. In contrast, PAHs showed no meaningful correlation with condition indexes. Differences in contaminant accumulations and lipid levels between sexes reflect variations in metabolic activity, reproductive costs, and adaptive strategies to seasonal changes and energy demands. This study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to improve pollution management, environmental conservation, and the protection of marine organisms' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleoreconstructions of coastal and near-coastal areas have always served as a tool towards better understanding of past, present and future geological and geomorphological processes. The reliability of paleocoastline and sea-land extent modelling is controlled by input data. Here the difference between paleoreconstructions based on present-day bathymetry and a paleotopographic elevation model are examined on the example of the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic sea) - a low-gradient submerged Last Glacial Maximum alluvial plain with fairly well-resolved bathymetry and pre-transgressional paleotopography. Results presented in this study show striking differences between the spatial extent of the two modelled sets of paleocoastlines which in places exceeds tens of kilometers. These results demonstrate the importance of using an appropriate geologically-supported elevation model for paleoreconstruction as unsuitable models can result in significant errors and unreliable reconstructions. This is especially noteworthy for low-gradient settings where even a slight variation in sea level can affect vast areas. Finally, the results of this study provide insight into the Early Holocene evolution of the present-day area of the Gulf of Trieste as an abrupt and predominant northeasterly oriented transgression direction is indicated from the paleocoastline reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of Lake Vransko, located on the island of Cres in the Adriatic Sea, was performed in order to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental changes that occurred during the late Holocene, based on diatoms. Fluctuations in the lake level were mostly driven by the intensification of climatic oscillations (wet periods during North Atlantic Oscillation intervals and summer drought during Azores High intervals) and anthropogenic influences (e.g. the extraction of drinking water). The anthropogenic impact of local deforestation is encountered, associated with a peak in phosphorous in the deeper parts of the lake cores. As a consequence of these impacts ten diatom abundance zones (DZs) and the water/sediment interface (WSI) were recorded from the deeper core (CS-51) and two from the shallower (CS-52) core, along with the WSI, based on which an abrupt fluctuation in the level of the lake was interpreted. A dominance of Epithemia adnata in the deeper core, and Gomphonema pumilum in the CS-51, and in the CS-52 indicated a shallow phase connected with the summer drought recorded in the lake. A dominance of Amphora inariensis , Pseudostaurosira spp., Cyclotella spp. and Pantocsekiella ocellata in the rest of the cores indicated deeper, more alkaline lake conditions during the wet periods. The DZs accord with depth variations in Adriatic coastal lakes that are key sites of more extreme recent changes in the local climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Adriatic Dense Water (NAddW)—the densest Mediterranean water generated by extreme cooling during wintertime hurricane‐strength winds—drives the thermohaline circulation, ventilates the deep layers, and changes the biogeochemical properties of the Adriatic Sea. However, modeling the dynamical properties of such dense water at the climate scale has been a challenge for decades due to the complex coastal geomorphology of the Adriatic basin not properly reproduced by existing climate models. To overcome these deficiencies, a 31‐year‐long simulation (1987–2017) of the Adriatic Sea and Coast (AdriSC) kilometer‐scale atmosphere‐ocean model is used to analyze the main NAddW dynamical phases (i.e., generation, spreading and accumulation). The study highlights four key results. First, during winter, the NAddW densities are higher in the shallow northern Adriatic shelf than in the deeper Kvarner Bay—where 25%–35% of the overall NAddW are found to be generated—due to a median bottom temperature difference of 2°C between the two generation sites. Second, the NAddW mass transported across most of the Adriatic peaks between February and May, except along the western side of the Otranto Strait. Third, for the accumulation sites, the bottom layer of the Kvarner Bay is found to be renewed annually while the renewal occurs every 1–3 years in the Jabuka Pit and every 5–10 years in the deep Southern Adriatic Pit. Fourth, the NAddW cascading and accumulation is more pronounced during basin‐wide high‐salinity conditions driven by circulation changes in the northern Ionian Sea. Plain Language Summary: The densest water in the Mediterranean Sea known as the North Adriatic Dense Water (NAddW) forms during severe winter wind events in the northern Adriatic. This phenomenon which brings oxygen‐rich waters to the sea bottom, plays a vital role in sustaining life in the Adriatic Sea. However, due to the complex geography of the Adriatic, accurate representation of NAddW is very challenging and requires fine‐resolution atmosphere‐ocean models such as the Adriatic Sea and Coast (AdriSC) model. Here, the AdriSC historical simulation is used to study NAddW generation, spreading and accumulation. The findings reveal that about a third of NAddW is produced in the Kvarner Bay which is a deeper and warmer than the Northern Adriatic shelf. Further, it is found that NAddW spreads over most of the Adriatic between February and May bringing dense waters to the bottom of the accumulation sites, which are renewed annually in the northern Adriatic, up to every 3 years in the middle Adriatic pit, and up to every decade in the Southern Adriatic Pit. Lastly, the study highlights that NAddW spreading and accumulation are significantly enhanced during periods of higher salinity across the Adriatic, a phenomenon driven by water exchanges with the Ionian Sea. Key Points: The kilometer‐scale dense water generation, spreading and accumulation is quantified in the Adriatic Sea during the 1987–2017 periodAbout a third of the dense water is generated within the Kvarner Bay which is deeper and warmer than the well‐studied main generation siteThe bottom layer renewal of the accumulation sites is annual in the Kvaner Bay and up to decadal in the deepest Adriatic pits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet composition of painted comber Serranus scriba was studied in the eastern central Adriatic Sea. The stomach contents of 275 individuals with a total length (TL) between 10.8 and 24.1 cm, collected by a small beach seine from January to December 2017, were analyzed. The food items in stomachs belonged to seven prey groups: Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Polychaeta, Decapoda, Isopoda, Stomatopoda and Teleostei. Overall, decapods were the most important prey group (%IRI = 54.0), followed by teleosts (%IRI = 40.4%). All other prey groups had much lower %IRI values and thus were of less importance. Painted comber had a diverse diet, feeding on a higher number of prey items (H' = 3.11), and can be considered an opportunistic feeder whose diet in the Adriatic Sea consists of different groups of benthic organisms, with a wide range of prey sizes and morphology. For fish of small and medium size (up to 20 cm TL), decapods were the most important prey, whereas large-sized individuals (> 20 cm TL) mainly consumed teleosts. Decapods were the most important prey in spring, summer and autumn, whereas teleosts dominated in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers new evidence on commercial financing in the early modern Ottoman Empire. It examines the little-known role of cash waqfs (nukud-ı mevkufe), Islamic trusts, in supporting Ottoman trade with Europe in the sixteenth century. Most of scholarship on cash waqfs considers this institution exclusively as a provider of micro-credit to consumers because the Islamic legal framework allegedly hindered capital accumulation from this institution. By focusing on the cash waqfs of Sarajevo in Ottoman-Venetian trade in the Adriatic Sea in the 1580s, I demonstrate that this institution could also operate as a source of commercial capital supporting large-scale business ventures. I argue that this was the case in Sarajevo because of the absence of other major capital providers in that city and of the specific role played by local artisanal associations (esnaf) in the foundation and administration of these endowments as well as in the conduct of international trade. These findings for Sarajevo are another demonstration of the operational diversity and flexibility of Islamic credit institutions in the pre-modern period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Globally, rising seawater temperatures contribute to the regression of marine macroalgal forests. Along the Istrian coastline (northern Adriatic), an isolated population of Gongolaria barbata persists in a coastal lagoon, representing one of the last marine macroalgal forests in the region. Our objective was to examine the impact of extreme temperatures on the morphology and physiology of G. barbata and test its potential for recovery after simulating marine heatwave (MHW) conditions. Methods We explored the occurrence of marine heatwaves in southern Istria, adjacent to the study area, in addition to extreme temperatures inside the area itself. Subsequently, we performed a thermotolerance experiment, consisting of a stress and recovery phase, in which we exposed G. barbata thalli to four extreme (28, 30, 32 and 34 °C) and one favourable (18 °C) temperature. We monitored morphological and physiological responses. Key Results Our findings indicate a significant rise in frequency, duration and intensity of MHWs over decades on the southern Istrian coast. Experimental results show that G. barbata demonstrates potential for both morphological and physiological recovery after exposure to temperatures as high as 32 °C. However, exposure to 34 °C led to thallus decay, with limited ability to regenerate. Conclusions Our results show that G. barbata has a remarkable resilience to long-term exposure to extreme temperatures ≤32 °C and suggest that short-term exposure to temperatures beyond this, as currently recorded inside the lagoon, do not notably affect the physiology or morphology of local G. barbata. With more MHWs expected in the future, such an adapted population might represent an important donor suitable for future restoration activities along the Istrian coast. These results emphasize the resilience of this unique population, but also warn of the vulnerability of marine macroalgal forests to rising seawater temperatures in rapidly changing climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This study reports the presence of Percnon gibbesi in the North Adriatic Sea, specifically at Cape Kamenjak, Croatia. The species was first observed in the Mediterranean in 1999, and has rapidly proliferated across the region, with Cape Kamenjak now representing its northernmost finding. Seven individuals were identified during free-diving activities in Pinižule Bay in December 2023. Follow-up surveys in January 2024 revealed their presence approximately 15 meters from the shore, under large boulders, at depths ranging from 2.6 to 3.6 meters, with water temperatures ranging from 13 to 15 °C. Morphological examinations confirmed the specimen as male P. gibbesi, with a carapace length of 15 mm, carapace width of 14.3 mm, and a weight of 1.87 g. Shipping was identified as a primary vector of introduction due to the proximity of Cape Kamenjak to major Mediterranean ports. This research provides insights into the invasion dynamics of P. gibbesi in the northern Adriatic, urging proactive management strategies and collaborative efforts in monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fucus virsoides is a glacial relict-species endemic to the Adriatic that was widespread from northern Italy to southern Albania. In recent decades, however, it has suffered an alarming decline. In this study, all available records were reviewed to reconstruct its historical and current occurrence and to investigate the possible causes of its decline. Comprehensive mapping revealed a continuing decline with a significant shift, leaving only about 20 fragmented populations. While the species is already classified as critically endangered in Albania, F. virsoides could be considered functionally extinct in Istria (Croatia), critically threatened with extinction in Italy and Montenegro and locally extinct in Slovenia. The status of the species in the rest of Croatia is still unclear. The remaining populations are located in areas characterised by low temperatures, low salinity and high nutrient concentrations. Long-term analyses of these key abiotic factors revealed profound changes that suggest a link to the species' decline. This study provides a thorough assessment of the overall status of F. virsoides and argues for its inclusion on the IUCN Red List. Immediate conservation measures are needed for the long-term survival of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microbiota plays an essential role in fish growth and health and may be influenced by the changing environmental conditions. Here, we explored the microbiota of wild common sole, one of the most important fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea, collected from different areas in the North Adriatic Sea. Our results show that the sole microbiota differs from that of the surrounding environment and among the different body sites (gill, skin and gut). Gut microbiota composition showed to be strongly related to fish age, rather than maturity, sex or sampling site. Age-related shifts in gut microbial communities were identified, with increased abundances of Bacteroidia and Desulfobacteria, unveiling potential microbial proxies for age estimation crucial for fisheries management. Our results expand the limited knowledge of the wild common sole microbiota, also in the light of the potential usefulness of the fish microbiota as a tool for future stock identification and connectivity studies.

Abstract This paper presents the results of the interpretation of a set of high‐resolution seismic lines integrated with multibeam echosounder data acquired in a coastal area in the Northern Adriatic Sea. The aim of the study was to reconstruct the stratigraphic evolution of a late Quaternary sedimentary succession offshore the town of Bibione, North‐Eastern Italy, by recognising the key unconformities, identifying the main depositional units, dating them and reconstructing the depositional environments in relation to relative sea‐level variations. Specifically, four sedimentary units, separated by erosional unconformities associated with the development of deep channels, were identified and dated based on literature information. By interpreting the seismic data, sedimentary dynamics were reconstructed and palaeoenvironments identified. The lower unit corresponds to a paludal environment, showing abundant gas seeps and accumulations (bright spots); the two intermediate units correspond to fluvial deposits, filling the deep incisions that characterise the bounding surfaces. Finally, the shallowest unit, bounded by a wave‐ravinement surface incised by tidal currents, corresponds to the Holocenic progradation of the coastal wedge. In addition, several vertical gas chimneys were identified, ranging in width from a few metres to 20–30 m. These were present in all units, often reaching the sea floor. Finally, elongated mounds, about 300 m wide, at the sea floor were recognised. The bathymetric and seismic characteristics of these elongated bodies and their relationship to adjacent sedimentary bodies suggest that they are probably methane‐derived carbonate formations known as ‘Trezze’ or ‘Tegnùe’. These names recall the fact that the trawls of the local fishermen were often hindered (‘tegnù’ in the Venetian language) or even cut off by these formations.

The main objective of the proposed work is to assess the environmental matrix in the Adriatic Sea and its expected dynamics in the near future. The attention is focused on the analysis of the wind and wave climate in this basin and to perform a joint evaluation of the wind and wave power resources. The analysis is structured in two-time intervals, each one covering a 30-year time slice. The first time interval represents the past and covers the historical reference period 1976-2005, while the second comprises the near future from 2041 to 2070, under the Representative Concentration Pathway scenario 4.5. For the same two periods, the wave climate and the wave power were evaluated based on the simulation results carried out with the Simulating WAves Nearshore spectral phase averaged model. An analysis of the past and future expected extreme events is carried out. A comprehensive picture of the expected wind and wave power dynamics in the Adriatic Sea is provided by the comparison between the results obtained in the past with those from the near future. The synergy between the wind and wave power is also evaluated for future development of joint wind–wave projects. This option represents a viable direction for the near future to balance wind and wave power.

Brama brama, the Atlantic pomfret or ray's bream, is uncommon in the Mediterranean Sea and very rare in the Adriatic area. We report two historical records of this species from the northern Adriatic Sea, which represent the northernmost records in the Mediterranean. The detailed morphological data of these specimens and their comparison with available data from specimens from the Mediterranean Sea reveal the variability of the morphology of adult specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the impact of climate change on wave conditions, including average and extreme waves, is vital for numerous marine-related activities, industries, coastal vulnerability, and marine habitats. Previous research, primarily on a large scale, has investigated this topic, but its relevance for marginal basins like the Adriatic Sea is limited due to the low resolution of the wave models used and atmospheric forcing. To contribute to filling in the gap, here we implemented a high-resolution model (about 2 km) for the period 1992-2050. The future wave climate is simulated for the RCP8.5 emission scenario. This model, developed within the AdriaClim project, comprises, among others, a high-resolution atmospheric downscaling, a circulation Limited Area Model and a spectral wavemodel. A comparison of our simulation's results with Copernicus Marine Service wave reanalysis on the historical baseline, confirms its accuracy in reproducing both average wave parameters and 95th percentile values, as well as the seasonal cycle, showing the AdriaClim model's suitability as a source to predict future wave climates in the Adriatic Sea. The projected changes suggest a slight increase in average significant wave height and mean wave period, and a more significant decrease at the 95th percentile, with a relevant variability by location and season, partially aligning with previous studies. This study highlights the potential effect of local climate change in coastal areas and the importance of developing long-term simulation with a downscaled modeling system for regional areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An empty granary in Iowa proves to be an experimental laboratory for immersive performative experiences and the manifestation of ghostly apparitions and ideas. The derelict building is porous and permeable, exhibiting a certain uncanniness through the shifting register of haunting vicissitudes which can be projected on, cross‐pollinated with, visually explored, touched, heard and marvelled at. Artist and designer Oliver G Goché and architect Peter P Goché take us through some of these ethereal vistas and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The main objective of the proposed work is to assess the environmental matrix in the Adriatic Sea and its expected dynamics in the near future. The attention is focused on the analysis of the wind and wave climate in this basin and to perform a joint evaluation of the wind and wave power resources. The analysis is structured in two-time intervals, each one covering a 30-year time slice. The first time interval represents the past and covers the historical reference period 1976-2005, while the second comprises the near future from 2041 to 2070, under the Representative Concentration Pathway scenario 4.5. For the same two periods, the wave climate and the wave power were evaluated based on the simulation results carried out with the Simulating WAves Nearshore spectral phase averaged model. An analysis of the past and future expected extreme events is carried out. A comprehensive picture of the expected wind and wave power dynamics in the Adriatic Sea is provided by the comparison between the results obtained in the past with those from the near future. The synergy between the wind and wave power is also evaluated for future development of joint wind--wave projects. This option represents a viable direction for the near future to balance wind and wave power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the interpretation of a set of high‐resolution seismic lines integrated with multibeam echosounder data acquired in a coastal area in the Northern Adriatic Sea. The aim of the study was to reconstruct the stratigraphic evolution of a late Quaternary sedimentary succession offshore the town of Bibione, North‐Eastern Italy, by recognising the key unconformities, identifying the main depositional units, dating them and reconstructing the depositional environments in relation to relative sea‐level variations. Specifically, four sedimentary units, separated by erosional unconformities associated with the development of deep channels, were identified and dated based on literature information. By interpreting the seismic data, sedimentary dynamics were reconstructed and palaeoenvironments identified. The lower unit corresponds to a paludal environment, showing abundant gas seeps and accumulations (bright spots); the two intermediate units correspond to fluvial deposits, filling the deep incisions that characterise the bounding surfaces. Finally, the shallowest unit, bounded by a wave‐ravinement surface incised by tidal currents, corresponds to the Holocenic progradation of the coastal wedge. In addition, several vertical gas chimneys were identified, ranging in width from a few metres to 20–30 m. These were present in all units, often reaching the sea floor. Finally, elongated mounds, about 300 m wide, at the sea floor were recognised. The bathymetric and seismic characteristics of these elongated bodies and their relationship to adjacent sedimentary bodies suggest that they are probably methane‐derived carbonate formations known as 'Trezze' or 'Tegnùe'. These names recall the fact that the trawls of the local fishermen were often hindered ('tegnù' in the Venetian language) or even cut off by these formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oligotrophic Adriatic Sea is characterized during a typical summer by low productivity caused by strong water column stratification, which inhibits vertical mixing and nutrient supply to the euphotic zone. These conditions can be disrupted by transient physical forcing, which enhances nutrient fluxes and creates localized hotspots of relatively high net primary production. In this study, plankton abundance and diversity were investigated in relation to the physical forcing and nutrient concentrations in an area affected by island-trapped waves (ITWs) near Lastovo Island (Adriatic Sea). The episodic ITW events resulted in enhanced uplift and vertical excursion of the thermocline, marked by anomalously higher nutrient concentrations and a corresponding increase in net primary production in the thermocline layer. Physicochemical properties explained 11.7 % (p = 0.002) of the variability in micro- and nanophytoplankton and 88.9 % (p = 0.001) in the picoplankton community. A significant response to the ITW phenomenon in the plankton community composition (p = 0.001) was observed for bacterioplankton. Among the identified amplicon sequence variances, primary producers were scarce and mainly represented cyanobacteria (Synechococcus strain CC9902), stramenopiles (Pelagomonas), and chlorophytes (Ostreococcus). The remaining amplicon sequence variances were assigned to the classes Copepoda, parasitic fungi (Meyerozyma spp.), mixotrophic dinoflagellates (family Peridiniales, mostly the genus Blastodinium), and parasitic Ciliophora (Scuticociliata). Bacterial ecological functions corresponded to chemoheterotrophic, degradation, and fermentation processes, whereas samples collected after the most intense ITW episode also showed abundant bacteria linked to microplastic degradation and parasitosis. These results highlight the ecological role of localized physical phenomena in enhancing nearshore primary productivity and fine shifts in plankton taxa in oligotrophic systems.

Although the normal Raman scattering effect is inherently weak in diluted solutions such as environmental waters and dedicated enhancing techniques are already suitable for trace analysis of many harmful compounds, pollutants, toxins, and other species from aquatic environments, here we demonstrate how Raman spectroscopy techniques and technology can be effectively applied for environmental water analysis. Usually, normal Raman spectra of environmental waters, such as seawater, salt lakes waters show a weak-medium sulfate signal at about 981 cm-1 along with the stretching and bending modes of water. Rarely, weak bands attributable to dissolved CO2 and HCO3- are visible with weak intensity. We compared NIR-Raman and Raman spectra with visible laser excitation at 532 nm, which is resonant for carotenoids-containing microorganisms from water in bulk liquid or drop coating deposition samples, in multiple water samples from different spatial and temporal locations to include seawaters from Adriatic Sea (oligotrophic), Black Sea (eutrophic) and salt lakes waters (Cojocna Lakes (Lake1 and Lake2), Ursu Lake, Dead Sea). Valuable information can be obtained by combining resonance Raman spectroscopy using a Renishaw InVia Raman system coupled with a Leica research-grade microscope with a 532 nm laser with information from the FT-Raman spectra of the same waters. When photosynthetic microorganisms are abundant, in non-resonance conditions, a weak band of carotenoids is visible in FT-Raman or NIR-Raman spectra, suggesting photosynthetic microorganisms abundance. Such bulk waters show a high fluorescence background that sometimes covers any band, or reveal resonantly-enhance carotenoid bands arising from microorganisms under 532 nm excitation when Raman spectra of bulk liquid are tried. Drop coating deposition Raman (DCDR) technique could be more effectiv in rapidly assessing water droplet content under confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. Both FT-Raman and microscopy techniques always record the sulfate ν1 (SO42-) Raman band at ~981 cm- 1 and water bands, δ(OH) at ~1637 cm-1 and ν(OH) Raman band at ~3218 cm-1 as shown in several comparative examples. Relative intensity ratio of ~981 cm- 1 and ~1637 cm-1 is proportional to sulfate concentration and can be used for quantitative sulfate analysis, based on an adequate calibration curve of sulfate solutions. Two sample tests for variance (F-test) revealed significant differences between relative intensity ratio between the Black Sea and Adriatic Sea samples when p

Devil firefish Pterois miles is an invasive alien species which has severely impacted biodiversity and ecological processes in invaded areas of the Mediterranean. In recent years, its presence has been documented in several countries of the Adriatic Sea. Based on the negative ecological and socio-economic impacts in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the potential invasiveness of devil firefish was analyzed for the coastal areas of the three eastern Adriatic countries (Albania, Croatia and Montenegro) using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. Generally, based on the average value of the Basic Risk Assessment and the threshold used, the outcomes suggest that this species will be highly invasive in the eastern Adriatic countries. In addition, the results have shown that the most affected sector is represented by the local species populations and relative characteristics, while commercial sectors represent the least affected sector. However, considering that the negative impact of non-native species is not seen directly, the governments of these countries should address this issue as soon as possible.

AbstractThe inventory and categorization of an extensive coastal boulder assemblage originating from storm wave transport on the coastline of Fenoliga Island (Northern Adriatic Sea, southern Istria, Croatia) are presented and discussed herein. The study adopted the use of a commercial Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Structure from Motion-MultiView Stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry for the construction of a 3D model of the island. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and an orthomosaic were produced and employed for the mapping of the boulder assemblage in a GIS. In total, 592 boulders were identified and mapped. Using SfM-MVS-derived products allowed for the identified boulders to be categorized based on size classification. Amassed data relating to the boulder characteristics was inserted and stored in a GIS, including the results of a comparative assessment with historical Google Earth imagery which enabled the ‘quantification of boulder transport over a 9-year timeframe’. Field evidence indicates that boulders were created in-situ via the quarrying of bedrock strata by breaking waves causing increased water pressure within preexisting surfaces of weakness such as bedding planes and sub-vertical fractures. Once detached, the boulders were transported and deposited during storm wave events. Repeated storm events can further displace previously detached clasts.

Camera traps were deployed over 12 months (2022-2023) to examine the locomotor activity patterns of stone martens (Martes foina) in a Mediterranean habitat on the island of Dugi Otok, Croatia. Activity levels were calculated, and intersessional differences were tested. Trap rate was compared between seasons and three types of vegetation cover (open areas, dense vegetation areas and cultivated areas). Temperature and relative humidity data were collected using data loggers placed in the study area, and the correlation between the number of events was calculated. The differences between the independent events depending on the moon phase were tested. A total of 416 independent events involving stone martens were recorded. A unimodal locomotor activity pattern was found for the stone marten on this island, and the patterns remained relatively consistent, with predominantly nocturnal activity. Activity levels in winter were significantly higher than in other seasons. Trapping rates were lower in open areas. There was no significant correlation between the independent events and average temperature and relative humidity. The phases of the moon did not influence the number of independent events. This study identifies new perspectives on the locomotor activity of stone martens in a Mediterranean island habitat and serves as a starting point for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research included 120 specimens of Pinna nobilis cultivated at a commercial park for oyster (Ostrea edulis) and black mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) cultivation. Research was carried out from 2012 to 2016, prior to the start of the mass extinction of fan mussel in the Mediterranean During the study period, the average sea temperature at a depth of 3 m was 14.87 ± 4.22 °C, ranging from 7.83 to 24.90 °C. The age of the specimens at the beginning of sexual maturity was approximately three years. The average length of the specimens throughout the study was 293.01 ± 16.58 mm. Gonad status was monitored monthly by sampling. The gender ratio in the study was 46 females (38.4%), 50 males (41.6%), and 24 undetermined individuals (20%). In our study, the results showed that males mature slightly earlier than females. The main spawning season occurred during the warmer part of the year when seawater exceeded 18 °C, starting in May and lasting until November. During the study, the GSI varied as expected and peaked in June (12.1), increasing from May to September. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bibliographic study addresses key aspects related to fishing, product safety, and climate change in the Adriatic Sea region. The examination of product safety focuses on the assessment of contaminants originating from human activities such as industry, mining, agriculture, and household waste disposal. The contamination of the aquatic environment has emerged as a pressing global concern, extending to the Adriatic basin. Aquatic organisms, including fish, are prone to accumulating pollutants directly from polluted water sources and indirectly through the food web. The bio-accumulation of potentially hazardous substances, particularly heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and antibiotic resistance in aquatic organisms, poses a significant threat to human health. Climate change effects will deplete our seafood supply in terms of quantity and safety owing to negative consequences such as higher levels of pollution, parasites, viruses, infections, acidification, and toxicities such as shellfish poisoning. Global food safety strategies should be developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly technology, which indirectly affects seafood quality and microbiological safety, especially for the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by the most polluted waters in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plankton studies serve as a basis for marine ecosystem research, but knowledge of marine plankton is still incomplete due to its extreme taxonomic and functional complexity. The application of metabarcoding is very valuable for the characterisation of the plankton community. The plankton community of the Southern Adriatic is subject to strong environmental fluctuations and changes, which underlines the need for frequent, reliable and comprehensive characterisation of the plankton. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and seasonal distribution of eukaryotic plankton in the Southern Adriatic. Plankton samples were collected monthly for one year at the coastal station of the Southern Adriatic and metabarcoding was used for taxonomic identification. The results showed a high taxonomic diversity and dynamic seasonal distribution patterns for both the protist and metazoan plankton communities. Metabarcoding revealed both the core, year-round plankton community and previously unrecorded plankton organisms in the Southern Adriatic. The results provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of the plankton community in this area by metabarcoding. The identified seasonal patterns of plankton genera and species in the Southern Adriatic will contribute to the understanding of plankton interactions and future changes in community diversity characterisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooplankton are a pivotal component of the pelagic community, and their abundance and distribution are often strongly dependent on environmental conditions at sea. However, climate change can pose significant challenges to planktonic organisms. Therefore, in this study, we tried to address the possible effect of short-term climatic anomalies on the zooplankton community in the North Adriatic Sea, comparing mesozooplankton composition in June between two years with very different temperature and rainfall levels, i.e., 2019 and 2022. Environmental conditions at sea were significantly different, since 2022 faced rising temperatures in the northern part of the area and higher salinity and lower chlorophyll values in coastal samples. Our data unveiled a community shift, from a Noctiluca-dominated community to a crustacean-dominated one, and revealed that even offshore areas can be subject to changes, despite having quite stable environmental parameters. Our findings confirmed the influence of river inputs and temperature on the Adriatic community's distribution and composition, highlighting how climate-driven changes could have unpredictable effects on the whole Adriatic ecosystem. Indeed, each species has its own role in ecosystem functioning and climatic anomalies could uncouple the fine-scale connections that make up the pelagic trophic web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling sea conditions is a complex task that requires a comprehensive analysis, considering various influencing factors. Observed and unobserved factors jointly play a role in the definition of sea conditions. Here, we consider finite mixtures of generalized linear additive models for location scale, and shape (GAMLSSs) to capture the effects of both environmental variables and omitted variables, whose effects are summarized using latent variables. The GAMLSS approach is flexible enough to allow for different data features such as non-normality, skewness, heavy tails, etc., and for the definition of a regression model not only for the expected values of the observed process but also for all the other distribution parameters, e.g., the variance. We collected data on multiple sea-related and environmental variables in Ancona (Italy) from two Italian networks: the Sea Level Measurement Network (Rete Mareografica Nazionale, RMN) and the Sea Waves Measurement Network (Rete Ondametrica Nazionale, RON). Our main outcomes were the meteorological tides (often also referred to as "residuals") and the significant wave height. Atmospheric pressure and wind speed were considered as main drivers of the sea conditions, as well as the fetch associated with wind direction, linking these variables to the outcomes through the definition of multiple linear predictors in a regression framework. Our results confirm the importance of accounting for environmental variables and reveal that their effect is heterogeneous, where heterogeneity is modelled by three distinct mixture components, each capturing different sea conditions. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sea state dynamics and provide evidence of a clustering structure characterizing different sea conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodynamic features play a key role in determining the dispersal and connectivity of fish populations, especially in highly energetic areas determined by currents, river flow, and meteorologically induced fluctuations. Understanding how species interact with these physical processes is essential for managing vulnerable populations and identifying areas that require effective conservation efforts. This study examines the hydrodynamics that regulate connectivity in the Adriatic Sea, a shallow and semi-enclosed basin that is widely recognized as one of the most important areas in the Mediterranean Sea for protection. A high-resolution hydrodynamic model coupled with a lagrangian tracking module serves as the numerical tool. Lagrangian particles, representing eggs and larvae with typical biological characteristics of generic marine organisms inhabiting the region, are released throughout the basin at different times during a test year to identify the most likely pathways of individual dispersal. The temporal component of connectivity is highlighted using a previously developed retention clock matrix over different larval durations. Seasonality is a critical factor in dispersal, with greater variability and reduced efficiency in winter compared to summer. The potential implications of the results for improved assessment and management of high value marine species in the basin are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study focuses on the caramote prawn in the northern Adriatic Sea, GSA 17, an economically important crustacean species. Despite its increasing landings, there is a lack of comprehensive information in this region on its fishery-dependent data, age, and growth. Using modal progression analysis and the ELEFAN approach with the "TropFishR" R package, the study addresses these gaps, employing new functions with bootstrapping procedures to enhance reliability. One year of monthly length-frequency distributions (LFDs) from commercial bottom trawls reveals sexual dimorphism, with faster growth in females. These findings contribute essential insights for sustainable fisheries management in the northern Adriatic Sea, enriching the understanding of the caramote prawn's growth dynamics. Crustacean fisheries are gaining prominence globally amid a decline in finfish stocks. Some decapod crustacean species have experienced increased landings in response to shifting market demands and environmental dynamics. Notably, the caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus—Forskål, 1775) in the northern Adriatic Sea, Geographical Sub Area (GSA) 17, has risen in both landings and economic importance in recent years. However, despite its significance, comprehensive information on fishery-dependent data, age, and growth in this region remains lacking. To address this gap, this study employs modal progression analysis and the ELEFAN approach, utilizing the "TropFishR" R package and newly developed functions, including bootstrapping procedures. These advancements aim to overcome issues identified in previous versions and enhance the accuracy and reliability of age and growth estimations. The study leverages one year of monthly length-frequency distributions (LFDs) collected from commercial bottom trawls in the northern Adriatic Sea. The results of the analysis confirm the presence of sexual dimorphism in the caramote prawn species, with females exhibiting faster growth rates compared to males. Additionally, the growth performance index supports this observation, further underscoring the importance of accounting for sexual dimorphism in growth modeling and fisheries management strategies. By contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the growth dynamics of the caramote prawn, this study provides valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management in the northern Adriatic Sea. Understanding the age and growth patterns of key crustacean species is essential for developing effective conservation measures and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of marine ecosystems. The findings of this study serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and proactive management practices aimed at preserving the ecological integrity and economic viability of crustacean fisheries in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundance of gelatinous organisms, such as salps and jellyfish, in the Adriatic Sea has significantly increased over the past decade. Environmental factors play a key role in driving this shift in abundance through rising temperatures and a consequent decrease in oxygen levels in the water, for which jellyfish have higher tolerance levels. Additionally, fisheries may contribute to the proliferation of jellyfish by diminishing their natural predators and food competitors. Pelagic trawl catch data from 2015 to 2023 acquired during MEDIAS acoustic surveys in the western Adriatic Sea were reviewed to extract information concerning the abundance and distribution of salps and jellyfish. These data were subsequently analyzed and compared with satellite environmental information to identify potential correlations. When considering environmental information related to the month of the survey, the results show two significant relationships: one between the abundance of Aequorea aequorea and average salinity and another one between the abundance of Rhizostoma pulmo and bottom temperature. Furthermore, when considering environmental data from the month preceding the survey, a relationship between the overall abundance of gelatinous organisms, salps and jellyfish together, and surface temperature was identified. Additionally, an analysis was conducted on specific hauls that almost exclusively yielded jellyfish, with the aim of identifying their echo traces. Although it was not possible to allocate one jellyfish species to a specific echo trace due to the frequent co-occurrence of more than one species, a general indication of typical backscatter for these species, with a higher response at 70 kHz, was consistently observed in all cases examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research quantitatively compared the fish composition among two methods for non-cryptic benthic fish species and one method for cryptobenthic fish species for the first time for the Mediterranean temperate reef fish assemblage. A visual census of fishes was performed within a cylinder of 4 m radius and within a cylinder of 2 m radius, while the cryptobenthic fishes were collected using a square of 1 m2 with anesthetic. The data and material were collected at fifty sampling points. The visual census methods together recorded 31 species, and the square with anesthetic method recorded 18 species. The quantitative comparison of methods of visual census and cryptobenthic fish collecting showed significantly different species richness, total fish abundance, and fish assemblage structure among methods. The applied methods were highly complementary. The cylinder of 2 m radius is well suited for epibenthic fishes and the cylinder of 4 m radius is reliable for hyperbenthic and benthopelagic fishes. Therefore, each of the methods well covered one of three components of ichthyobenthos (hyperbenthic, epibenthic, and cryptobenthic fishes), and all three methods together provided a far more complete assessment of fish species composition than any individual census method for the Mediterranean littoral benthic fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, virtual museums have rapidly evolved due to technological advancements, and after the COVID-19 disruption grew in importance, this sustained the innovation of storytelling and the digital transformation of touristic practices. This paper presents the outcomes of a cooperation project: a virtual museum for eight ports in the Adriatic area, constituting notable examples of widespread heritage. The platform Adrijo is a multi-scalar, multilayer virtual museum that leverages the concept of geo-storytelling and e-tourism, also applying two augmented reality technologies for site-specific installations. In addition to the project results, an assessment of the different levels and experiences is provided, based on qualitative and qualitative analysis. As a re-usable resource, the technical tender specification from the methodological work package is presented, encompassing details of the technology, structure, functionalities, costs, timing for realization, and accessibility for disabled people. This paper proposes, through the critical analysis of the VM, a methodology that can be reused in other contexts, also providing toolkits for both its implementation and user satisfaction surveys, as well as for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of some specific examples. The goal of the present research is thus to establish a consolidated methodological framework for designing, developing, implementing, and assessing a virtual museum, fully featured with 3D models and augmented reality technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 12 representations of the Adriatic Sea on portolan charts, created between the late thirteenth century and the late 16th, were subjected to a series of tests in order to examine their navigational applicability. However, the by-products of their results strongly suggest that it is impossible that portolan charts were, in terms of their geometry, genuine late-medieval cartographic products. It was demonstrated that, during the 300 years of their continuous production, their accuracy was not improved, and their anticlockwise tilt was not chronologically aligned with the dynamics of magnetic declination across the research area. Moreover, it was explicitly demonstrated that bearing measurements which could have been performed aboard ship (from sailor's perspective) cannot be used to create charts which display such levels of geometric accuracy, not only in the late medieval period, but in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is recognized as a strategy to control and minimize the impact of fish farming on the marine environment, there are still many unknowns when it comes to this type of farming. This paper presents the results of research on the growth of European flat oysters in IMTA and monoculture systems. Growth was monitored at three different sites: near fish cages, 100 m from fish cages, and in a monoculture system, during an 18-month experiment. The highest mortality occurred at the site near the fish cages. At the end of the experiment, all monitored individuals reach commercial size, except for four individuals at the site near the fish cages. There were statistically significant differences in oyster growth with respect to site and period. At the site near the fish cages, oyster growth was significantly lower compared to the growth at the two other sites. The most intense growth of oysters occurred during the spring and early summer period. Our results indicate that the production cycle of oysters in integrated aquaculture and monoculture is quite similar and that sites directly adjacent to fish cages should be avoided for oyster farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the climate crisis are affecting ecosystems at different scales and magnitudes. This paper focuses on a massive Mediterranean mussel die-off observed along the middle Italian Adriatic coast in the summer of 2022. We considered the possible environmental causes of this phenomenon and carried out a climatic analysis of the last decade. We performed field surveys in different locations along a 16 km coastal stretch from Martinsicuro (TE) in the south, to Grottammare (AP) in the north. The study area includes two marine Sites of Community Importance under the European Natura 2000 network. The die-off of the mussels was observed in practically all the natural mussel beds colonizing the study area. As sessile filter-feeding organisms inhabiting the intertidal zone, mussels are highly exposed to variations in environmental conditions such as temperature and nutrient load. We discuss the possible causes of this die-off, proposing that high temperature and the scarce availability of food acted simultaneously as stress factors, generating local unsustainable living conditions for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last five years, there have been reports of the non-endemic Indo-Pacific tree oyster Isognomon legumen (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Isognomonidae) species in various areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Three specimens of the species were sampled in three areas of the Albanian coasts between 0.8 m and 1.5 m depth, among the calcareous algae attached to the rocks. An attempt to determine the age of the species and its expansion in the Albanian coast has been conducted based on the number of filaments of the byssus. The results of this study confirmed the identification of the mentioned species in the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Moreover, it concluded that I. legumen is well established on the south-eastern coasts of Albania and its arrival may be mediated by the naval routes that pass through the Otranto channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the processes that govern the post-depositional mobility of metals in the estuarine sediment, five sediment cores were sampled in the Krka River estuary (Croatia). The obtained concentration ranges in the pore water were 0.057–49.7 μM for Fe, 0.310–100 μM for Mn, 0.068–26.8 nM for Co, 0.126–153 nM for Cu, 11.5–2793 nM for Zn, 0.222–31.3 nM for Pb, 4.09–59.4 nM for U, 38.8–2228 nM for Mo, and 0.065–2.29 nM for As. The vertical distribution of metals in the dissolved and solid fraction of the sediment, coupled with other diagenetic tracers (e.g., dissolved sulphide), demonstrate the importance of early diagenetic reactions, in particular Fe and Mn oxyhydroxide and sulphate reduction, for the cycling of metals in the sediment. The redox zonation in the sediment was compressed, and the suboxic zone occurs immediately below the sediment–water interface. The estimated benthic fluxes in the estuary were 5220 kg y−1 for Fe, 27,100 kg y−1 for Mn, 6.00 kg y−1 for Co, 20.5 kg y−1 for Cu, 5.16 kg y−1 for Pb, 111 kg y−1 for Mo, and 87.3 kg y−1 for As. The riverine input was more important than the benthic flux, except in the case of Mn and Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively new sea level satellite altimetry and secular coastal tide gauge data made the reconstruction of sea levels on regional and global scales possible about one century back. Due to better estimations of the Earth's crustal, glacial, tectonic, and other possible motion biases in tide gauge data, some additional improvements can be expected in sea level reconstructions, analysis, and predictions. A more detailed review of published sea level-related results was conducted for the Eastern Adriatic coast, including the operation of the tide gauge network and data processing, crustal movement estimations, and the establishment of a new reference height system in Croatia, based on five tide gauge sea level data. It was shown that sea level variation and trend-related indicators are spatially homogeneous, especially on a sub-Adriatic scale. The regional Adriatic Sea mean sea level rise rate of +2.6 mm/year for the satellite altimetry era (1993–2019) is less than the global mean sea level (GMSL) rise rate of +3.3 mm/year for the period of 1993–2022. Several empirical methods for GMSL projections and expected IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) assessments until the end of the 21st century are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the level of contamination and predict the potential toxicity risk, selected metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and As) were determined in 40 surface sediment samples from the stratified karstic Krka River estuary (Croatia). In addition, diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) probes were deployed in situ to understand the mobilization mechanisms and bioavailability of metals in the sediment. The results show significant spatial differences between the upper and lower estuary, with the latter being more affected by anthropogenic pollution. The pollution assessment using the enrichment factor (EF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the pollution load index (PLI) showed a strong enrichment of metals in the lower part of the estuary, especially of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, and As. The statistical analysis (PCA) revealed the former ferromanganese factory and the port as major sources of pollution in the area. Nickel, Co, and Cr, although slightly elevated, may be attributed to the natural origin. The metal mobility in the estuarine sediment was primarily governed by early diagenetic processes (aerobic organic matter mineralization, Fe and Mn oxyhydroxide reduction), which caused the release of metals from the sediment into the pore water and subsequently into the overlying water column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (2010), more than one million metric tons of oil are spilled into oceans annually, resulting in severe and far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to offer insights into enhancing environmental protection and preparedness for more efficient responses. This is achieved by studying simulations of oil spill trajectories presented in 18 different scenarios within the semi-enclosed coastal basin of Kaštela Bay in the Adriatic Sea. Given the sensitivity of this area, incident simulations were generated using the Potential Incident Simulation, Control, and Evaluation System (PISCES II) simulator. Three worst-case scenarios are introduced in order to give an insight into the potential incident impact on the marine environment. Furthermore, observing through forward stepwise generated multiple regression model (F=2.734; R=0.517; p=0.097) variable height of wave was identified as a statistically significant predictor of speed at which oils spread in (b=1.965; p=0.047). In addition, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was applied for the validity of the calculated regression model assessment. The paper provides insights into linear relations between the most appropriate predictor (height of wave) and criterion (speed at which oil spreads), and it can be used as a starting point for risk assessment analyses of the incidents. Furthermore, the results of this research provide a possibility to ensure that safe and effective preparedness measures are set in place. Last but not least, results are implicitly pointing to the benefits and sufficiency of equipment for responding to real-life oil pollution incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the impact of climate change on wave conditions, including average and extreme waves, is vital for numerous marine-related activities, industries, coastal vulnerability, and marine habitats. Previous research, primarily on a large scale, has investigated this topic, but its relevance for marginal basins like the Adriatic Sea is limited due to the low resolution of the wave models used and atmospheric forcing. To contribute to filling in the gap, here we implemented a high-resolution model (about 2 km) for the period 1992–2050. The future wave climate is simulated for the RCP8.5 emission scenario. This model, developed within the AdriaClim project, comprises, among others, a high-resolution atmospheric downscaling, a circulation Limited Area Model and a spectral wave model. A comparison of our simulation's results with Copernicus Marine Service wave reanalysis on the historical baseline, confirms its accuracy in reproducing both average wave parameters and 95th percentile values, as well as the seasonal cycle, showing the AdriaClim model's suitability as a source to predict future wave climates in the Adriatic Sea. The projected changes suggest a slight increase in average significant wave height and mean wave period, and a more significant decrease at the 95th percentile, with a relevant variability by location and season, partially aligning with previous studies. This study highlights the potential effect of local climate change in coastal areas and the importance of developing long-term simulation with a downscaled modeling system for regional areas.

Over the past decade, virtual museums have rapidly evolved due to technological advancements, and after the COVID-19 disruption grew in importance, this sustained the innovation of storytelling and the digital transformation of touristic practices. This paper presents the outcomes of a cooperation project: a virtual museum for eight ports in the Adriatic area, constituting notable examples of widespread heritage. The platform Adrijo is a multi-scalar, multilayer virtual museum that leverages the concept of geo-storytelling and e-tourism, also applying two augmented reality technologies for site-specific installations. In addition to the project results, an assessment of the different levels and experiences is provided, based on qualitative and qualitative analysis. As a re-usable resource, the technical tender specification from the methodological work package is presented, encompassing details of the technology, structure, functionalities, costs, timing for realization, and accessibility for disabled people. This paper proposes, through the critical analysis of the VM, a methodology that can be reused in other contexts, also providing toolkits for both its implementation and user satisfaction surveys, as well as for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of some specific examples. The goal of the present research is thus to establish a consolidated methodological framework for designing, developing, implementing, and assessing a virtual museum, fully featured with 3D models and augmented reality technologies.

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a novel approach for predicting the water quality indicator – Secchi disk depth (ZSD). ZSD indirectly reflects water clarity and serves as a proxy for other quality parameters. This study utilizes Deep Neural Network (DNN) trained on satellite remote sensing and measured data from three sources: two datasets obtained from official agencies in Croatia and Slovenia, and one citizen science data source, all covering the northern coastal region of the Adriatic Sea. The proposed model uses 1D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in the spectral dimension to predict ZSD. The model’s performance indicates a strong fit to the observed data, proving capability of 1D-CNN to capture changes in water transparency. On the test dataset, the model achieved a high R-squared value of 0.890, a low root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.023 and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.014. These results demonstrate that employing a 1D-CNN in the spectral dimension of Sentinel-3 OLCI data is an effective approach for predicting water quality. These findings have significant implications for monitoring ZSD in coastal areas. By integrating diverse data sources and leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of water quality can be achieved.

Despite the wide distribution of textile microfibers in the marine environment, there is still limited knowledge on microfiber ingestion in fish species intended for human consumption, mostly due to analytical issues. The present study aims to assess the occurrence of microfibers in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) samples collected from the Italian waters of the central Adriatic Sea. M. barbatus is a bottom fish that lives in contact with sediment and therefore was proposed as a sentinel species for the monitoring plastic pollution. A visual approach based on the evaluation of specific microfiber surface morphology was applied for the identification of particles of different origins. The preliminary findings showed the presence of microfibers in 80% of red mullet samples with a mean of 5.95 microfibers/individual. The majority (>80%) of the isolated microfibers were of natural/artificial origin, while the dominant colors were blue and black. The obtained results confirmed that benthic fish species are susceptible to microfiber ingestion and indicate the high availability of these particles in the Adriatic basin. Considering the spectroscopic drawbacks in microfiber analyses and the need to improve the current knowledge on the rate of contamination of fishery products, the visual approach could be a feasible, easy, and accessible method in the study of microfiber pollution, and the assessment of consumer health risks.

Abstract Background The clam Chamelea gallina is an ecologically and economically important marine species in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea, which currently suffers from occasional, and still unexplained, widespread mortality events. In order to provide some glimpses in this direction, this study explores the connections between microbiome variations at the clam-sediment interface and the nutritional status of clams collected at four Italian production sites along the Emilia Romagna coast, with different mortality incidence, higher in the Northern sites and lower in the Southern sites. Results According to our findings, each production site showed a peculiar microbiome arrangement at the clam-sediment interface, with features that clearly differentiate the Northern and Southern sites, with the latter also being associated with a better nutritional status of the animal. Interestingly, the C. gallina digestive gland microbiome from the Southern sites was enriched in some health-promoting microbiome components, capable of supplying the host with essential nutrients and defensive molecules. Furthermore, in experiments conducted under controlled conditions in aquaria, we provided preliminary evidence of the prebiotic action of sediments from the Southern sites, allowing to boost the acquisition of previously identified health-promoting components of the digestive gland microbiome by clams from the Northern sites. Conclusions Taken together, our findings may help define innovative microbiome-based management strategies for the preservation of the productivity of C. gallina clams in the Adriatic Sea, through the identification and maintenance of a probiotic niche at the animal-sediment interface.