Search

The increase of human settlements and activities in coastal areas is causing a significant impact on coastal water quality. Predicting and monitoring the latter is of fundamental importance for assessing sustainable coastal engineering and ecosystem health. This trend is strongly influenced by the presence of rivers’ mouths, acting as critical links between inland and sea. Forecasting river discharges and overflows, using hydrometeorological modelling, can provide a quantitative estimate of the excessive supply of sea nutrients, favouring algal proliferation and eutrophication phenomena. The river overflow contributes to the increase of the coastal bacterial concentration, contaminating marine bioindicators, such as bivalve molluscs. Coastal water status can be monitored by satellite high-resolution optical spectroradiometers, such as Sentinel-2 constellation, capable to retrieve Chlorophyll-a concentration as well as total suspended sediments, at the resolution of about 10 meters. This remote mapping is complementary to in situ samplings, both essential for supporting decisions on the management of coastal mollusc farming and fishing. In this work, we report the recent advancements in hydrological model-based prediction of river surges and remote sensing techniques exploiting Sentinel-2 imagery as well as their implications on coastal water quality management. As a pilot area, we select the central Adriatic Sea in the Mediterranean basin and the Abruzzo region coastline in Italy.

Highly populated coastal environments receive large quantities of treated and untreated wastewater from human and industrial sources. Bivalve molluscs accumulate and retain contaminants, and their analysis provides evidence of past contamination. Rivers and precipitation are major routes of bacteriological pollution from surface or sub-surface runoff flowing into coastal areas. However, relationships between runoff, precipitation, and bacterial contamination are site-specific and dependent on the physiographical characteristics of each catchment. In this work, we evaluated the influence of precipitation and river discharge on molluscs' Escherichia coli concentrations at three sites in Central Italy, aiming at quantifying how hydrometeorological conditions affect bacteriological contamination of selected bivalve production areas. Rank-order correlation analysis indicated a stronger association between E. coli concentrations and the modelled Pescara River discharge maxima (r = 0.69) than between E. coli concentration and rainfall maxima (r = 0.35). Discharge peaks from the Pescara River caused an increase in E. coli concentration in bivalves in 87% of cases, provided that the runoff peak occurred 1–6 days prior to the sampling date. Precipitation in coastal area was linked to almost 60% of cases of E. coli high concentrations and may enhance bacterial transportation offshore, when associated with a larger-scale weather system, which causes overflow occurrence. HIGHLIGHTS Using a grid-distributed hydrological model to assess hydrometeorological conditions in the absence of direct measurements.; Analysis of a previous uninvestigated area.; New discharge threshold determining Escherichia coli concentration peaks found in Central Italy in order to allow the development of an early warning system for risk assessment.

Many of the estuaries and coastal areas in Europe are used for the cultivation and harvesting of bivalve mollusks. Mussel farming is strongly influenced by weather and environmental conditions. Several studies have shown that the sanitary conditions of shellfish are related to hydrological factors of rivers adjacent to the farming area, as rivers are the main routes of bacteriological contamination from the surface or sub-surface.The "FORESHELL" project, funded by Costa Blu FLAG as part of the EMFF 2014-20 program of the Abruzzo Region, is carrying out a pilot initiative for the development of sanitary/weather-environmental predictive technological tools in order to improve efficiency and sustainability of the mussel farm located at the Giuliano Maritime District.A specific sampling schedule is established before and after severe weather events to determine the E. coliconcentration in freshwater at the river mouths and in mussels/seawater in the farming site. At the same time, the hydrographic basins of the rivers close to the farm, Vibrata and Salinello, are constantly monitored trough the hydrological model (CHyM), to predict the occurrence of flow discharge peaks at mouth of the river. In addition, the satellites and the in-situ probe acquire environmental parameters such as sea water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a, sea currents and wave motion.The web application for data visualization is under construction, as well as the early warning reports to the farmer. Furthermore, the growth of mussels is constantly monitored with biometric controls. The implementation of all phases of the FORESHELL project are proceeding according to the timeline in order to develop innovative tools useful for the management of mussel farming area.

In this study, the estimate of chlorophyll "a" and the dispersion of sediment in the sea, calculated from Sentinel-2, was compared with real data acquired in situ by a multiparametric probe, along the Abruzzo coast. The ultimate goal is to optimize parameters and algorithms to be able to derive concentration maps of chlorophyll and suspended solids from satellite, taking advantage of the high time frequency and high spatial resolution of the detections. This information is of particular relevance for aquaculture activities, for monitoring water quality and for analyzing sedimentary processes.

The oomycete Aphanomyces astaci is the causative agent of crayfish plague in native European freshwater crayfish. Molecular analyses showed that several distinct genotype groups of this pathogen, apparently associated with different original host taxa, are present in Europe. Tracking their distribution may contribute to understanding the introduction pathways of A. astaci. We used microsatellite markers to genotype the pathogen strains involved in 7 mass mortalities of the endangered indigenous crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes that occurred between 2009 and 2016 in the Abruzzi and Molise regions, central Italy. Three A. astaci genotype groups (A, B, and D, with the latter represented by 2 distinct multilocus genotypes) were identified, suggesting the existence of multiple infection sources even in a relatively small area. Most crayfish plague episodes were due to genotype groups associated with the North American host species Pacifastacus leniusculus and Procambarus clarkii, although these crayfish are not widespread in the study area. A. astaci genotype group A was detected not only in crayfish plague outbreaks but also in apparently healthy Astacus leptodactylus imported for human consumption from Armenia and kept alive in an aquaculture facility. Imports of chronically infected A. leptodactylus from Armenia, Turkey, and possibly Eastern Europe are an underestimated introduction pathway for A. astaci. Although we cannot exclude the presence of latently infected native populations of A. pallipes in the region, A. astaci infections in legally imported crayfish species considered vulnerable to crayfish plague may represent further reservoirs of A. astaci; this should be reflected in the policies regulating the trade of live crayfish.

Tritia mutabilis, formerly classified as Nassarius mutabilis, represents an important but declining resource for small scale fishery in the central Adriatic Sea, likely due to overfishing. A preliminary investigation on the use of artificial substrates to favour its spawning was carried out in a coastal area off the Abruzzi region, central Italy. Between May and June 2015, five groups of six pyramid structures made of a steel frame covered by plastic net, with a \(0.5 m^2\) surface available for deposition, were placed on sandy bottoms at about 0.5 nautical miles from the coast and at sea depths ranging from 5.5 m to 7.5 m. A density of T. mutabilis egg capsules \(> 1 per 100 cm^2\) was observed in two of the pyramid groups. The number of embryos present in each capsule ranged from 8 to 22 (mean number: 14). At the end of the study, almost all the capsules presented an apical opening and were empty, thus indicating successful hatching and larval release. This preliminary investigation shows that the natural deposition of T. mutabilis egg capsules can be facilitated by placing artificial substrates on sandy bottoms and it is conceivable that their use would contribute to maintain sustainable stocks of this species.

In the Adriatic Sea, the European Union supported a cross-border cooperation research program, during which digital spatial data on shellfish production and relaying areas, regulated conditions on fishing activities, protected areas and restocking structures, administrative boundaries and sea bottom characteristics, were collated from digital repositories in various institutions and paper documents. A web-based geographical information system was developed to share data of the sea facing the Abruzzi region and to explore the spatial distribution of marine resources and maritime activities, thus focussing and facilitating fisheries management and providing a potential support to the regional planning of resource exploitation.

Austropotamobius pallipes juveniles for restocking should originate from native breeders to preserve the genetic integrity of the populations. We compared the reproductive performance in captivity of A. pallipes populations of four drainage basins of the Abruzzi Region to assess their reproductive efficiency and improve their aquaculture. The broodstock were collected before the breeding season and reproduction took place in an experimental hatchery. The female carapace length ranged from 35.4 to 59.0 mm. Spawning occurred in 84% of females (range 69–93%) and the mean number of eggs per female was 89 (range 80–104). No significant differences were observed among the groups. Close to hatching, two groups maintained a high percentage of egg-bearing females (52%) and a high number of eggs, while the other groups lost most of their eggs. At the end of the cycle, the stage 2 juveniles obtained represented 19.5% of the initial egg number. The efficiency for stage 2 juvenile production ranged from 48.2 to 0.1%, ...

Crayfish plague, caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, is a serious disease of European freshwater crayfish and has eliminated entire populations in several European countries. In September 2011, mortality was observed among the Austropotamobius pallipes population of a river basin in the Abruzzi region (central Italy), and A. astaci DNA was detected by PCR in dead crayfish. A systematic survey was carried out to evaluate the spread and the effects of the plague in the river basin. The source of the outbreak remained unknown since North American crayfish species, which frequently act as subclinical carriers of the infection, were not detected in the area. The A. pallipes population disappeared from a river stretch of ~1 km, where A. astaci infection was detected in dead crayfish. However, apparently unaffected crayfish were still present upstream of that area as well as in a tributary that joined the brook in the apparently depopulated stretch. A. astaci infection was not detected in dead individuals collected in the upstream area and tribu- tary. A follow-up visit conducted in the following season showed the presence of A. pallipes in the river stretch hit by the plague. In this outbreak, the spread of the infection could have been limited by a low density of the crayfish population and by the geographic conformation of the river basin, which includes a dense network of small tributaries, characterized by high flow velocity and low water temperature. In this particular setting, crayfish plague outbreaks can remain undetected. This underlines the importance of active monitoring programs aimed at the prompt recognition of both episodes of mortality and the presence of non-indigenous crayfish species.

The Italian fishing industry, especially the part operating in the Adriatic, has long requested a change to the period of the fishing ban, normally effective in August, when Italy sees the greatest number of tourists. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the reproductive periods of the main species fished in Italian waters, with the aim of protecting both the biodiversity of seafood and the income of fishermen using the technical ban. The tool chosen was consultation of the available bibliographic and documentary sources, in order to reliably and scientifically define the breeding periods of individual species. The results enabled the development of a reproductive calendar for every species taken into consideration. This calendar provides the technical basis to initiate a discussion on the scientific schedule for the biological bans.

Blue‑colour variants have been reported in American and Australian freshwater crayfish species. We report here the observation of 2 Austropotamobius pallipes individuals with a blue‑colour carapace in 2 rivers of the Aterno‑Pescara river basin, located in the Abruzzo region, Central Italy.

Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR) has been applied to the superficial waters of Pescara Springs (Popoli, Italy) according to Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. Two complementary and not mutually exclusive methodologies were performed to evaluate possible differences in taxa identification and cover estimation: boat survey and interpretation of orthophotos and images taken during SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) dive. Data from submerged macrophytes were analyzed by means of exploratory multivariate analysis to detect vegetation associations and their correlation with some abiotic factors (water current velocity, substrate granulometry, detritus type, water depth). Six homogeneous tracts were observed according to hydromorphological characters and to vegetation associations; IBMR and Ecological Quality Ratio (IBMR-EQR) were calculated for each of them. On an average basis, IBMR was 7.84 (trophic status: very high) and IBMR-EQR was 0.63 (quality class: scarce). A good concordance was registered by means of Bland–Altman plot between values obtained by the two methods: 0.57 ± 3.07 (mean ± SD) of percent bias. Nevertheless, IBMR failed to correctly describe the trophic status of the surveyed site, possible due to low dissolved oxygen, high pCO 2 and HCO 3 values.

A multidisciplinary study was conducted on water from two rivers in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The study highlighted the importance of histopathological investigations in the evaluation of the environmental impact on fish. Brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) from the Aterno river and chub (Leuciscus cephalus) from the Vomano river were sampled in winter and then again in spring. Histopathological investigations of gills, kidneys and livers revealed inflammatory and degenerative lesions, early warning signals of environmental stress. Lesions were evaluated semi-quantitatively and findings were ranked. The histopathological features were compared with results obtained from the analysis of water samples and macroinvertebrates collected in the two rivers (extended biotic index). All results confirmed alterations of the environment.

In the Abruzzo region of Italy, the fishing and sale of the bivalve molluscs are a considerable economic resource requiring over 100 boats. Local production is increased also by farmed mussels. Freshwater fishing is practised extensively in Abruzzo rivers, frequently affected by the presence of dams, and great quantities of fish are periodically reintroduced. It is therefore necessary to monitor activities to determine the quality of Abruzzo freshwater. The Abruzzo region has assigned the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS AM) the task of monitoring, classifying quality of freshwater and sea water within its territory and controlling bivalve molluscs, in accordance with Italian law. Since 1996, the IZS AM has conducted the several programmes to monitor programmes, define mollusc quality and to classify the quality water in accordance with European and national law. A geographic information system has been developed to provide decision-making support for the improvement of the quality of human welfare and the environment.

Chamelea gallina clams collected from the mouths of rivers along the Adriatic Sea (central Italy) were found to harbor Cryptosporidium parvum (genotype 2), which is the lineage involved in zoonotic transmission. The clams were collected from the mouths of rivers near whose banks ruminants are brought to graze. This paper reports the environmental spread of C. parvum in Italy and highlights the fact that genotyping of seaborne Cryptosporidium isolates is a powerful tool with which to investigate the transmission patterns and epidemiology of this microorganism.

Bivalves filter large volumes of water and can concentrate organisms which are pathogenic for humans and animals. Our aim was to evaluate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in clams from the Adriatic coast (Abruzzo region) and genetically characterize the oocysts isolated from the clams. From March to July 2003, 960 specimens of clams (Chamelea gallina) present in nature were collected at 500 m from the Tordino, Tronto, Vibrata and Vomano river mouths on the Adriatic sea. The haemolymph and tissues were extracted from the specimens (240 per river mouth) after the specimens had been identified, measured and weighed (live weight). Immunofluorescence tests (IFA) were performed on pools (n = 32) of samples and oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 23 pools of C. gallina. To identify the Cryptosporidium species, all the pools IFA-positive were tested by a PCR assay specific for the Cryptosporidium outer wall protein (COWP) gene. Positive amplicons then were sequenced and analysed. Two pools of clams were positive for Cryptosporidium parvum Genotype 2 (the "bovine" i.e. zoonotic genotype). This is the first time that C. parvum was found in clams from the Adriatic sea in Italy and the case might be of public health importance.

The study was designed to evaluate the effects of solids in suspension in seawater on clams (Chamelea gallina). The aim was to investigate the possible correlation between the widespread deaths of clams in the coastal waters of the central and northern Adriatic in the last five years and increased concentrations of solids in suspension. The research involved conducting 96-hour tests on clams farmed in aquariums containing filtered seawater. The tests were preceded by a 7-day adaptation stage to allow the molluscs to acclimatise. During this period, the clams were fed on unicellular seaweed (Dunaliella tertiolecta). The molluscs were exposed to particles of solids in suspension consisting of pools of silica gel (SiO2) granules of various sizes, similar to those constituting silt, whose presence and suspension in the sea considerably increase after heavy rain and heavy seas. The study established that the number of deaths caused by solids suspended in seawater at the concentrations used in the tests was not statistically significant.