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A taxonomic revision of Anoplogaster cornuta (Trachichthyiformes, Anoplogastridae) based on specimens from the western North Atlantic is presented. Nineteen specimens were captured on Flemish Cap, western North Atlantic, by scientific surveys. Identification was carried out by integrative taxonomy, combining examination of morphological and molecular characters (DNA barcoding). Morphological examination confirmed several hitherto questionable taxonomic characters of the species, such as the presence of 8–9 branchiostegal rays and 3–5 fang-like teeth on the lower jaw. As a result of the molecular analysis, 19 new sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 COI were added to molecular repositories. DNA barcoding supports the morphological identification of the specimens of A. cornuta from the western North Atlantic, and it also confirms the current status of a single species with a worldwide distribution. The combination of classical and molecular taxonomy has been useful for the delimitation and characterization of this deepwater species, contributing to a better understanding of its intraspecific morphological and molecular variability.

The capture of a female specimen of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax with abnormal skin coloration is reported. The specimen was captured off northern Spain (Bay of Biscay, North-eastern Atlantic) in 2021 by bottom trawling. The lack of dermal melanophores combined with a normal retinal pigmentation, lead us to considerate the specimen as leucistic. This is the first case of leucism in E. spinax and the second record of colour aberration in the family Etmopteridae. A comprehensive updated review of published literature on albinism and leucism in chondrichthyans is also provided.

Gaidropsarus Rafinesque, 1810 is a genus of marine teleost characterized by a high ecological diversity and by species inhabiting from the intertidal zone to the deep-sea. Several taxonomic conundrums have been historically present in this taxon due to its conservative morphology and the lack of available specimens. Species delimitation analyses were carried out in multiple datasets combining both mitochondrial (COI, CytB, ND2) and nuclear (Rho, ZIC1) genetic markers. Despite some incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear data, the analyses supported the synonymy between Gaidropsarus biscayensis and Gaidropsarus macrophthalmus and the molecular confirmation of a recently new described species Gaidropsarus gallaeciae, in the North Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, recent speciation events can explain the close relationships among several Gaidropsarus species, including Gaidropsarus granti–Gaidropsarus vulgaris and Gaidropsarus argentatus–Gaidropsarus ensis. These results support previous findings highlighted through DNA Barcoding analyses. Incongruences between mtDNA and nDNA have arisen between Gaidropsarus guttatus and Gaidropsarus mediterraneus, therefore, further analyses will be necessary to unravel the phenomena related to them.

Forage fish species play a crucial role in most ecosystems, transferring energy from plankton to larger fishes. Therefore, understanding the factors driving the dynamics of forage fish populations is essential in marine ecosystems. Gadiculus argenteus is an important forage fish species in the Galicia and Cantabrian Sea ecosystem. In this study, the influence of several biotic and abiotic factors on the distribution of this species was examined using generalized additive models in a 2-step approach. G. argenteus habitat preference was not affected by changes in annual abundance during the study period (1998-2019). From the variables selected in the final models, depth and geographic location (latitude and longitude) were the most important factors to describe the presence of G. argenteus. Peak abundance was found on the upper slope and although the species was found throughout the study area, its higher abundance values were located in Galician waters. The species seemed to avoid coarse sand bottoms, with mean chlorophyll a concentration showing a positive effect on the presence and abundance of G. argenteus. Interestingly, the observed aggregations of G. argenteus showed a remarkable similarity to the commercial trawling footprint in the area, suggesting a strong link between the distribution of this forage species and the distribution of its predators, most of which are important commercial species. Further work should focus on a better understanding of this relationship to provide important information on the study of the structure and functioning of the marine ecosystem of the northern Spanish continental shelf.

The capture of a female specimen of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax with abnormal skin coloration is reported. The specimen was captured off northern Spain (Bay of Biscay, North-Eastern Atlantic) in 2021 by bottom trawling. The lack of dermal melanophores combined with a normal retinal pigmentation, lead us to considérate the specimen as leucistic. This is the first case of leucism in E. spinax and the second record of colour aberration in the family Etmopteridae.

The Workshop on the production of annual estimates of abundance of sensitive species (WKABSENS) met to define sensitive species, collate ICES assessments of abundance where these are available, and estimate indices of their abundance per swept-area where not, for the OSPAR area. The analyses identified 140 potentially sensitive species or species complexes, among which 10 are diadromous and three are coastal, 20 have uncertain species ID and nine were identified as sensitive in only one of the sources examined. Among the sensitive species and species complexes, there was sufficient data to provide abundance indices for 50 species, of which 16 had existing stock assessments whereas the workshop derived abundance estimates for the remaining 34 species from survey data. Three statistical modelling approaches (binomial, General Additive Models (GAMs) and VAST) and were explored and the final abundance indices were calculated using GAMs. The species were divided into stocks before estimating abundance indices where these could be identified from the spatial distribution of the species in the survey. The group considered that a similar analysis using data from additional surveys, commercial indices or data from bycatch observers can potentially provide improved abundance estimates for species with variable or low catchability, such as deep-water and pelagic species.

A total of 58 specimens of Trachinus draco Linnaeus, 1758 were caught in Galician waters (Northwest Spain) and the Gulf of Cádiz (South Spain) between June and November 2020. Twenty-eight of them were males, showed a distinct dark patch located above the pectoral fin and below the lateral line on both sides of the body. Bibliographic and photographic data showed the same coloration pattern over time and throughout their range of distribution. A temporary nuptial coloration in males is proposed for the first time as the cause of this coloration.

The workshop on the production of swept-area estimates for all hauls in DATRAS for biodiver-sity assessments (WKSAE-DATRAS) considered three groups of surveys for which data are sub-mitted to the Database of Trawl Surveys (DATRAS): various Beam Trawl Surveys, the Northeast Atlantic International Bottom Trawl Survey (Northeast Atlantic IBTS), and the North Sea Inter-national Bottom Trawl Survey (North Sea IBTS). All countries contributing to the above-mentioned surveys were represented by at least one par-ticipant during the workshop, apart from the Netherlands and Norway. The main objectives of the workshop were to establish tow-by-tow swept-area estimates for time-series as far back in time as possible, compare different approaches for the estimates of missing observations, and harmonize the resulting dataseries for biodiversity assessments. For all of the surveys considered, problems with data quality were detected. This included the Beam Trawl Surveys but was most pronounced for the North Sea IBTS. Outliers and potential erroneous data were listed for reporting back to the respective national institutes. In particular, missing observations or algorithms affected wing spread-based swept-area, which is needed in several applications. This workshop compared the Marine Scotland Science-MSS/OSPAR approach, which includes a data quality check for the information needed for the calculation of swept-area, and the DATRAS approach, which depends solely on correctly reported data from the national institutes. Larger data gaps were identified, in particular for several years of the North Sea IBTS. For those surveys, it is proposed that the best possible way forward at this moment is to use estimates based on the MSS/OSPAR approach. However, if dubious records (i.e. extreme outliers) were identified by the MSS/OSPAR and no other information was available, values (e.g. speed over ground or the depth at which a change from short to long sweeps should have happened) were taken f

In spite of our awareness that the biosphere is represented to a greater extent in the oceans than elsewhere, little is still known about the genetic structure and phylogeography of most deep-sea fish species. Here, different questions regarding the phenotypic and genetic diversity of deep-sea morid cod Lepidion lepidion across its distribution area have been investigated. Principal Component Analyses of 17 different morphological measurements indicated no differences between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, but the presence of a latitudinal phenotypic gradient. The genetic analyses comprised three mitochondrial and two nuclear markers. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions indicated events of demographic expansion in the western Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean that should be interpreted with caution due to the limited sample size. In addition, two different nuclear lineages partially mixed have been detected, suggesting isolation with secondary contact between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Moderate genetic structure was found in Aviles Canyon (NW Iberian Peninsula) showing limitations to gene flow and asymmetric migration, probably due to the oceanographic conditions in the area. The results suggest that genetic connectivity of L. lepidion is probably due to its pelagic stages.

Deep-sea fish taxa are elusive, difficult to study, and in multiple cases, represent taxonomic conundrums. Here, we sequenced the complete mitogenome of the shortfin spiny eel, Notacanthus bonaparte, for the first time using low coverage Illumina Paired-end (PE) sequencing. The shortfin spiny eel belongs to the order Notacanthiformes, a relatively unknown taxon of deep-sea marine fishes mostly benthopelagic and bathydemersal. The total length of the assembled mitogenome is 16,623 bp and displays the expected gene orientation for vertebrate mtDNA. Phylogenetic analyses combining all the available mitogenomes of the order Notacanthiformes were performed. The position of N. bonaparte as a member of the Notacanthidae family was confirmed. This mitogenome provides a valuable baseline for future research of N. bonaparte.

According to current systematics, the genus Halargyreus Günther, 1862 is composed of a single valid, widely distributed species, called H. johnsonii Günther, 1862, although DNA barcoding has previously suggested that specimens from New Zealand and Tasmania may belong to a different species. This research doubles the number of DNA barcodes of this species available in public repositories and expands the locations of the catches thereby allowing a better estimation of its intraspecific variability. A cladistic analysis of haplotype associations shows two independent clusters that could represent different species. These groupings overlap geographically in the North Atlantic Ocean, discarding the possibility of allopatry as previously proposed for the sequences from New Zealand and Tasmania. Similarly, none of the clusters could be assigned to H. johnsonii taking into account that the holotype comes precisely from the North Atlantic Ocean. Sequences from New Zealand and Tasmania are hierarchically linked to sequences from the North Atlantic, whereas other sequences from the South Seas, together with sequences from the North Atlantic and Pacific, form an independent group with no hierarchical link to the former. These preliminary results indicate not only the need to delve deeper into the systematics of the genus Halargyreus, but also suggest the existence of a complex of cryptic species of which an attempt should be made to clarify using the combined traditional and molecular taxonomies.

Galicia Bank is a deep seamount included as Site of Community Importance (SCI) in the Spanish Natura 2000 Network proposal. In the present study, epibenthic assemblages of sedimentary habitats have been described, together with the main environmental factor explaining species and communities distribution. Five epibenthic assemblages have been identified. Depth was the main factor explaining assemblage distribution, and the role of sediment type, water masses, and coral framework presence is also discussed. Three assemblages are located in the summit: the shallowest one (730–770 m), in the boundary between Eastern North Atlantic Central Water (ENACW) and Mediterranean Overflow Water (MOW) water masses is typified by ophiuroids and characterized by medium sands. The second assemblage (770–800 m) typified by the bivalve Limopsis minuta and the solitary coral Flabellum chunii correspond with medium sands and MOW core; and the third typified by the presence of cold-water coral communities dominated by Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, also on the MOW influence. In the border of the summit, in the bank break, an assemblage located in the range 1000–1200 m is dominated by the urchin Cidaris cidaris and the sponge Thenea muricata. In the flat flanks around the bank, the deepest assemblage (1400–1800 m) is dominated by the holothurian Benthogone rosea, in a depth range dominated by the Labrador water (LSW) and in fine sands with highest contents of organic matter. Most of species appeared in a depth range smaller than 25% of total depth range sampled and in < 10% of samples. Differential preference of species is evident in the different trophic guilds, with a higher dominance of filter-feeders in the summit and of deposit-feeders in the deepest assemblage, and have clear links with nutrient dynamics in the bank.

Gaidropsarus Rafinesque, 1810 is a genus of marine fishes, commonly known as rocklings, comprising 14 living species and showing a high ecological diversity from the intertidal zone to the deep sea. The systematics of this group has been controversial due to a general lack of representative specimens and the conservative morphology exhibited. A multidisciplinary approach combining the analysis of meristic data and the DNA barcode standard was applied in a species delimitation approach. Individuals representing eight valid and three unnamed species were collected, morphologically identified and archived in several museum collections. Comparison of DNA sequences shows complex results, furthering the idea of the difficult identification of specimens based on traditional taxonomy. DNA barcoding supports synonymies, like G. biscayensis–G. macrophthalmus and G. guttatus–G. mediterraneus, agreeing with the extensive overlaps observed in the meristic variables analysed and suggesting a reduction in the number of species. Genetic distances showed pairs of closely related species like G. granti–G. vulgaris and G. argentatus–G. ensis, the latter being only distinguished by one main distinctive character. Four deep-water specimens, morphologically classified only to the genus level, constituted three independent taxa apart from the ones present in this study and with no barcode matches in the repository databases. They could represent new records for the North Atlantic or unknown species of this genus. The results obtained show that more studies will be necessary to solve the systematics of this branch of the Gadiformes.

From 2009 to 2011 thirty-five specimens belonging to six halosaurid species of the family Halosauridae were captured in two different locations in the northern waters of Spain. The specimens were identified as belonging to the genera Halosauropsis Collett, 1896, Halosaurus Johnson, 1864 and Aldrovandia Goode & Bean, 1896, including the following species: Halosauropsis macrochir (Günther, 1878), Halosaurus ovenii Johnson, 1864, Halosaurus johnsonianus Vaillant, 1888, Aldrovandia affinis (Günther, 1877), Aldrovandia phalacra (Vaillant, 1888) and Aldrovandia oleosa Sulak, 1977. The morphometric measurements and meristic characters of these specimens are given. As a result, a new northern limit of distribution of A. oleosa from the northeastern Atlantic is reported. Using a taxonomical integrative approach, the mitochondrial DNA COI gene sequences from all individuals where determined and their comparison with morphological characters showed no incongruities. Among these specimens, the highest genetic distance within species was 0.8% while the lowest value between species was 3.3%. This ample barcoding gap has allowed the delimitation and assignment of all species reported in a way that matches the traditional taxonomical methods previously employed., Treinta y cinco ejemplares de seis especies de halosaúridos pertenecientes a la familia Halosauridae fueron capturados en dos lugares diferentes en aguas atlánticas del norte de España entre los años 2009 y 2011. Los ejemplares pertenecen a los géneros Halosauropsis Collett, 1896, Halosaurus Johnson, 1864 y Aldrovandia Goode & Bean, 1896, incluyendo las siguientes especies: Halosauropsis macrochir (Günther, 1878), Halosaurus ovenii Johnson, 1864, Halosaurus johnsonianus Vaillant, 1888, Aldrovandia affinis (Günther, 1877), Aldrovandia phalacra (Vaillant, 1888) y Aldrovandia oleosa Sulak, 1977. Se aportan sus medidas morfométricas y caracteres merísticos. Como resultado de este estudio, se establece un nuevo límite norte de distribución de A. oleosa en el Atlántico noreste. Se usó un enfoque basado en la taxonomía integrativa, comparando las secuencias del gen mitocondrial COI de todos los ejemplares y los caracteres morfológicos, sin que se mostrase incongruencia alguna. En el conjunto de los ejemplares, la mayor distancia genética observada a nivel intraespecífico fue del 0.8%, mientras que el valor más bajo al comparar entre pares de especies fue del 3.3%. Este amplio "Barcoding gap", ha permitido la delimitación y asignación de todas las especies citadas con el mismo resultado que los métodos taxonómicos tradicionales previamente empleados.

A commented checklist containing 139 species of marine fishes recorded at the Galician Bank seamount is presented. The list is based on nine prospecting and research surveys carried out from 1980 to 2011 with different fishing gears. The ichthyofauna list is diversified in 2 superclasses, 3 classes, 20 orders, 62 families and 113 genera. The largest family is Macrouridae, with 9 species, followed by Moridae, Stomiidae and Sternoptychidae with 7 species each. The trachichthyd Hoplostethus mediterraneus and the morid Lepidion lepidion were the most abundant species. Biogeographically, the Atlantic group, with 113 species (81.3%) is the best represented, followed by the Lusitanian one with 17 species (12.2%). Data on species abundance, as number of individuals caught, size and depth are reported. Habitat, distribution and vulnerability status are commented. Moreover, biometric data and meristic counts are also reported for several species. The results obtained showing a high fish biodiversity and a sensible number of threatened species, strongly support the future declaration of the Galicia Bank as a Marine Protected Area.

El banco de Galicia es un monte submarino profundo situado a 180 km de la costa gallega, con una cima situada entre los 650 y los 1.500 m de profundidad y rodeado de zonas abisales de más de 4.000 m de profundidad. El relieve de las montañas submarinas interactúa con la circulación oceánica modificando las condiciones de oligotrofismo imperantes en el mar profundo. El cambio de dirección de las corrientes marinas, al chocar con el banco, produce las llamadas columnas de Taylor que tienen como consecuencia giros sobre la cima y finalmente un enriquecimiento de las aguas que bañan el banco, lo que influye, a través de la cadena trófica, en las especies de cetáceos, aves y tortugas. Estas condiciones, junto al aislamiento de estos bancos, convierten a estos bancos en puntos calientes de biodiversidad. Esta teoría se ha visto corroborada por los estudios realizados en el proyecto INDEMARES, basados en dos campañas de investigación, dónde se ha encontrado una elevada biodiversidad y la presencia de hábitats vulnerables. El banco de Galicia está bañado por tres capas diferentes: la masa de agua central del Atlántico nordeste europeo (East North Atlantic Central Water: ENACW), por debajo de las aguas superficiales y hasta los 500-600 m; la masa de agua mediterránea (Mediterranean Outflow Water: MOW) y la masa de agua del Labrador (Labrador Sea Water: LSW), que es la capa más profunda. En cuanto al tipo de fondo, se encuentra roca en el área del flanco oriental y hacia el sureste y en los montes adyacentes como el Rucabado, distinguiendo claramente dos tipos en cuanto a la pendiente, correspondiendo con la roca plana de la cima y la roca en pendiente del borde del banco y paredes. En la cima se encuentran fondos de arenas medias, de reflectividad media y baja según el espesor de sedimento, y arenas finas en los fondos sedimentaruios de los flancos, a profundidades mayores de 1.500. En el banco se han identificado hasta el momento 793 especies, con taxones que superan las 10

Twenty-two specimens of pencil cardinal Epigonus denticulatus were collected by bottom trawl (364-639 m) in the Cantabrian Sea, Spain. These records represent a new northern limit for the distribution of E. denticulatus in the eastern North Atlantic.

Two Purplemouthed conger Pseudophichthys splendens were caught for the first time in the Galicia Bank. These new records extend northward their known distribution range in the eastern Atlantic. The occurrence of P. splendens in the Galicia Bank is discussed and the probable causes of its presence related to oceanographic processes and larval stages are provided.

A single immature female specimen of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 was collected on 22 September 2004 in a refrigeration pipe of the power station at Port of El Musel, Gijón, Northern Spain. This is the first record of this alien species from northern Spain.