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This review summarises our two decades of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) monitoring in different marine organisms along the eastern Adriatic Sea. The aim was to gain an insight into the trends of PCB distribution in order to evaluate the effectiveness of past and current legislation and suggest further action. Here we mainly focus on PCB levels in wild and farmed Mediterranean mussels, wild and farmed bluefin tuna, loggerhead sea turtles, common bottlenose dolphins, and small pelagic fish. The use of artificial intelligence and advanced statistics enabled an insight into the influence of various variables on the uptake of PCBs in the investigated organisms as well as into their mutual dependence. Our findings suggest that PCBs in small pelagic fish and mussels reflect global pollution and that high levels in dolphins and wild tuna tissues raise particular concern, as they confirm their biomagnification up the food chain. Therefore, the ongoing PCB monitoring should focus on predatory species in particular to help us better understand PCB contamination in marine ecosystems in our efforts to protect the environment and human health.

Copyright of Archives of Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology / Arhiv za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju is the property of Sciendo 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.)

Chondrichthyans are considered a highly threatened marine species, due both to the intense fishing pressure they have experienced in the world’s Oceans over several decades, and other threats, such as habitat loss, climate change and marine pollution. A rapid decline in their populations could trigger significant negative changes in marine ecosystems, highlighting the need for improved conservation measures. This study analyzes the current state of this group in the waters of Montenegro (in the southeastern Adriatic Sea). The first national checklist is provided here, comprising of 44 species, with information on their occurrence frequencies in Montenegrin fishery catches. The dataset used consists of 1469 records obtained from 281 field samplings conducted as part of the official monitoring of commercial fisheries (DCF-DCRF) as well as 1222 records derived from citizen science. The latter contributed significantly in documenting a greater number of species, particularly those considered threatened or rare in the region, and/or overlooked by DCF-DCRF monitoring. The frequency of species in Montenegrin catches is described based on the percentage of their records in the total number of records originating from local fisheries. The obtained results indicate that only 16% of the species recorded in Montenegro are commonly present in country’s catches, while 66% are either rare or not observed in local fishery. The creation of the country’s first checklist might contribute to overcoming drawbacks in national legislation and protection measures, notably by reporting the presence of endangered species in national marine waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the yeast species we encounter daily are terrestrial, but they are also found in the marine environment. Marine yeasts occur in estuaries, coastal and open marine waters, sediments, and as epi- and endobionts of various marine organisms. This study focuses on the fermentation capabilities of marine yeasts isolated from the central Adriatic Sea for use in the brewing process. Sampling was performed at a sea temperature of 12°C to avoid collecting yeasts introduced into the marine environment by human activities. Four nutrient media designed for yeast isolation and growth were used to isolate yeasts from the marine samples: Yeast Malt Agar (YM), Yeast Malt Agar with antibiotics, acidified Yeast Malt Agar, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Sixteen yeast colonies were successfully isolated, and only three were positive in the fermentation test and were further determined to species level. Of the three species identified as capable of fermentation, Candida famata completely fermented the wort and produced a beer. Candida pelliculosa fermented slowly over an extended period and did not produce a usable beer, while Candida sake did not ferment the wort at all. To our knowledge, this is the first time that marine yeast isolates have been used experimentally for beer fermentation, indicating potential for use as nonconventional yeasts in brewing and beer production. Further investigations should include professional standard fermentation, aroma and genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal and spatial distributions of particulate phosphorus (PP) in the water column of the coastal area and open sea of the middle Adriatic Sea area were investigated for the first time. The relationship between PP and two other important forms of phosphorus (dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP), and organic phosphorus (P-ORG)), and the relationship between PP and other nutrients (nitrogen and silicon salts) and oceanographic parameters (temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation, chlorophyll a) from the water column were also examined. PP concentrations ranged from 0.007 μmol dm-3 in the open sea near Palagruža archipelago to 0.589 μmol dm-3 in the Krka River estuary. In the coastal area, PP concentrations were highest in autumn and lowest in winter. The vertical distribution of PP concentrations in the water column of the coastal area were highest in the surface layer during most of the year due to input of PP by freshwater inflows. In the open sea area, there were no significant seasonal or vertical differences in the distribution of PP concentrations in the water column. Seasonal analysis of the total phosphorus pool (PP, DIP and P-ORG) in the water column indicated that PP and P-ORG concentrations were higher in the coastal area compared to the open sea, while DIP concentrations were comparable. The results further demonstrate that PP can be an important fraction of the total phosphorus pool. A significant positive correlation was found between PP and chlorophyll a, indicating that PP was mainly of biological origin, and with nutrient salts of nitrogen and silicon, while a negative correlation was found with salinity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of water supply, tourist traffic and climatic parameters, the paper assesses the sustainability and possibilities of adapting the water supply system in the future, considering the simultaneity of the peak loads on the water supply system with dry periods in the warm part of the year. The research covers islands from the northern and middle part of the Adriatic Sea (Croatia), which represent examples of islands with Cfa and Csa climates with significant differences in resource reliance on the island and coastal water resources. Given that previous climatological research indicates an increase in spring and summer temperatures on the Croatian coast, as well as spatial and seasonal changes in the amount of precipitation with a decrease during the summer months, the paper describes the possibilities of adapting current and alternative sources of water supply systems on the islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biometric analysis was performed on a sample of 420 specimens of the blackspot seabream, Pagellus bogaraveo (Brunnich, 1769), from the eastern Adriatic Sea. The total length of all specimens ranged from 9.2 to 47.8 cm (23.70 ± 7.63 cm). Eighteen morphometric and eight meristic characteristics were determined. There were no statistically significant differences between the sexes in the morphometric and meristic characteristics of the blackspot seabream in the Adriatic Sea. Regarding meristic characteristics, there are no significant morphological differences between the blackspot seabream population in the Adriatic Sea and that in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Relative growth was studied by comparing changes in morphological characteristics with growth in total length and head length. The results indicate the presence of a single population of P. bogaraveo in the Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meteorological tsunamis (i.e., tsunami-like waves of atmospheric origin) are regularly observed in the Mediterranean Sea. During a single event, destructive flooding usually occurs in one location or limited area. However, in May 2021 and June 2022, strong meteotsunamis hit several Mediterranean locations up to 500 km apart. In the morning hours of the 24th of May 2021, a meteotsunami hit Bonifacio on the island of Corsica (western Mediterranean, France) and in the afternoon hours of the same day, another meteotsunami hit Široka Bay on the island of Ist (Adriatic Sea, Croatia), 500 km away. About 13 months later, on the 26th of June 2022, a meteotsunami hit Ciutadella on the island of Menorca (Spain) and two days later Bonifacio, 400 km away. Sea-level and atmospheric pressure data and satellite imagery, as well as synoptic conditions, associated with both events were analysed in detail. It has been confirmed that in the Mediterranean, meteotsunamis occur when meteotsunamigenic synoptic conditions prevail over the area, with a strong southwesterly jet stream embedded in dynamically or convectively unstable atmospheric layers standing out as the most important condition. The meteotsunamigenic potential of each of the three bays (Ciutadella, Bonifacio, Široka Bay) was investigated by considering: (1) the potential for Proudman resonance on the shelves offshore of the bays, (2) the orientation of the mouth of the bay and (3) the frequency of meteotsunamigenic synoptic conditions over the area. The strongest and most frequent meteotsunamis occur at locations where the shelf characteristics (width, depth, orientation), bay mouth orientation and climatology of 500-hPa winds and atmospheric stability have characteristics that support the amplification of long-ocean waves and their propagation toward the bay mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feeding habits of the stargazer Uranoscopus scaber Linnaeus, 1758 were analysed using 360 stomachs of specimens collected in southern Adriatic Sea between October 2011 and September 2012. The total body length of the specimens ranged from 9.7 to 32.1 cm (18.89 ± 3.34 cm) and weight from 11.7 to 618.7 g (112.79 ± 63.17 g). In the sampled population there were 213 females (59.17%) and 147 males (40.83%). Stargazer is carnivorous fish and its diet in Adriatic Sea was composed of teleost fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. According to numerical abundance fish predominated followed by crustaceans, while according to the gravimetric composition fish predominated followed by cephalopods. Teleost fish were dominant prey in all seasons, and the principal prey were hake Merluccius merluccius and argentine Argentina sphyraena. Argentine was primary food in summer (IRI = 61.63), while hake occur in other seasons. In relation to the total body length teleost fish dominated in diet of stargazer whose total body length was < 25 cm. In size group I and II (TL < 20 cm) A. sphyraena was the main food, while M. merluccius was dominant prey in the size group III (TL = 20 – 25 cm). Vacuity index in the sampled population was relatively low (%V = 11.11%). During seasons the percentage of empty stomachs varied significantly with the highest value in winter (%V = 15.55%) and the lowest in spring (%V = 7.78%). In relation to the total body length the highest vacuity index was recorded for size group II (%V = 5.83) and the lowest for group VI (%V = 0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adriatic Sea as a part of the Mediterranean is settled by many introduced species which extend their range northward. Among them is the rayed pearl oyster Pinctada radiata, a mollusk of Indo-Pacifi c origin that colonises habitats throughout the Mediterranean. P. radiata established a population in a fi sh farm on the island of Mljet in the Adriatic Sea, which was observed in 2017. To determine the status of the population, 48 specimens of P. radiata were randomly sampled from the ropes of a fi sh farm in 2019. Morphometric parameters were determined using a digital calliper. The recorded parameters showed that shell height ranged from 50.55 mm to 72.98 mm, shell length from 46.66 mm to 71.15 mm, and shell width from 19.98 mm to 58.54 mm. During additional visual survey in 2020 the presence of the spat within population at Mljet fi sh farm was not observed. It appears that only adult specimens are present, and it is unclear if the population is reproducing. In addition, P. radiata spat was observed in the shallow waters of Lokrum Island in 2021 and 2022, indicating the possibility of survival of larvae naturally dispersing from pre-existing populations. An adult specimen of P. radiata was also observed in Mali Ston Bay on two occasions, in 2009 and 2021. P. radiata, a highly adaptable species that tolerates a wide range of environmental factors, has successfully colonised new habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of graticules on geographic maps and nautical charts, initially developed in the Hellenistic period, was a rediscovered novelty to Western European cartographers of the early modern period. The research sought to computationally examine the accuracy of spherical coordinates' data extracted from selected geographical maps and nautical charts. Research results suggest that the cartographers who made geographic maps relied significantly on Claudius Ptolemy's data on locations but managed to make certain accuracy improvements. The nautical charts with graticules showed significantly greater longitudinal accuracy, which suggests that they were created by using other data sources as their graphical templates; most likely the portolan charts that were already in existence at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review first pays tribute to the famous Croatian oceanographer, Mira Zore-Armanda, and her seminal work on the Adriatic water masses in 1963, and emphasises the importance of the densest Mediterranean water mass: North Adriatic Dense Water (NAddW). This water mass is generated through substantial wintertime surface cooling and evaporation over the wide northern Adriatic and is known to (1) influence the Adriatic-Ionian thermohaline circulation, (2) bring oxygen and carbon to the deep Adriatic layers and, (3) more generally, have a substantial impact on the physics and biogeochemistry of the whole Adriatic. Second, the NAddW physics, from preconditioning, through generation and spreading, to accumulation in Adriatic depressions, is reviewed. Then, the temporal evolution of the NAddW properties influenced and connected to (1) basin-wide interannual and decadal variability and (2) trends towards warmer and saltier source characteristic due to ongoing climate change, is discussed. The importance of long-term observations and atmosphere-ocean modelling in event, decadal and climate studies is then presented. Finally, a review of the identified gaps and perspectives for future research is concluding this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were investigated in the sediments at 24 locations in the coastal area of Adriatic Sea. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 14,98 to 26145,62 µg kg-1, with the highest levels determined in the sediments of Šibenik Bay and the lowest in the sediment near Island of Pag. Unsubstituted PAH were prevailing PAH group in the sediments from the Šibenik Bay and in the Coastal area, while methyl-substituted PAH were dominant group in the sediments of the Kaštela Bay. In order to estimate the possible toxicological significance of PAH concentrations, Sediment Quality Assessment was done according to three different sets of sediment quality guidelines. A high environmental risk was calculated for each station in Šibenik Bay; for the station in vicinity of the Industrial port of Split and for the two stations in Coastal zone. Low environmental risk was determined in less urbanised areas such as Island of Pag. Sediment extracts were further analysed for acute toxicity by measurements of decrease in bioluminescence upon exposure to sediment extracts. Obtained results show disagreement between sediment toxicity predicted upon PAH levels in sediment and experimentally obtained sediment toxicity. Sediment extracts in which low PAH levels were measured showed high acute toxicity indicating that concentrations of PAH alone are a poor indicator of sediment toxicity. Correlation analysis between concentrations of specific PAH compounds and toxicity revealed the strongest association between acute sediment toxicity and sulphur-containing PAH suggesting the S-PAH should be considered in sediment toxicity assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden increase of demand of high speed craft, especially fast passenger-cargo ferries and catamarans in the last few decades, has made it necessary to respond in a timely manner to the set of negative impacts that such vessels cause with high speeds near coastal areas. All relevant literature was investigated in this paper, as well as the reports, scientifi c articles by diff erent databases, and collected data was evaluated by analyzing the content and mitigation measures by specifi c categories in order to emphasise the importance of potential negative eff ects of wakes. In addition to the mechanism of wake generation and physical characteristics of waves generated by vessels in coastal areas, a critical overview of the investigated impacts is presented, which includes: impact on safety (lives, vessels, structures), and environmental impact (hydro-morphological impact, impact on fl ora, fauna and cultural heritage). Particular attention is paid to the analysis and review of applied methods of risk assessment and adoption of measures in various countries where such research has already been conducted to a certain extent, in order to compile a set of eff ective recommendations that can be applied to reduce negative impacts. Since the previous researches mostly cover some impacts individually, it is also pointed out, among other recommendations, the importance of conducting concrete comprehensive coordinated research on this topic with an emphasis on the Adriatic Sea area, which is unique in multiple locations in terms of safety and environmental aspect, as well as in terms of the aspect of preserving the cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of reliable fisheries statistics hampers full assessment of the status of marine resources. Central to this problem are data-poor fisheries such as the Albanian seas and in particular the SSF sector. The present study aims to portray the small-scale fishery of south Albanian waters based on daily onboard monitoring of fisheries species catches during a two-year period (2016-2018). Results revealed a total of 6 and 11 fishing métiers for the nets and longlines, respectively. The most important target species for nets in terms of catches were Merluccius merluccius, Mullus surmuletus, Pagellus erythrinus, Sepia officinalis and Solea vulgaris. Longline fisheries were categorized into two distinct fishing métiers, one targeting the large pelagics Thunnus thynnus and Xiphias gladius, and the other targeting a wide range of Sparidae species and Epinephelus marginatus. The data and analysis presented here aim to reduce the current lack of quantitative data on a fisheries data-limited case such as the Albanian small-scale fishery and to provide information for developing monitoring for this fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the southern part the Adriatic, gelatinous macrozooplankton fauna is poorly known compared to the other taxa. Therefore, our goal was to collect and systematize all available phenological data and abundances of gelatinous organisms based on scientific surveys from 1996 to 2020 and a ”citizen science“ sighting program in the southern Croatian waters. The inter-annual variability and seasonality of planktonic Cnidaria and Ctenophora were described. A total of 590 reports was received from citizens, which summed up to result in 870 data together with the scientists’ records. In total, 15 species were recorded. Of these, scyphomedusa Pelagia noctiluca accounted for 34 %, followed by ctenophora Cestum veneris (19 %) and the scyphomedusa Cothylorhiza tuberculata (17 %). Mass occurrence was most frequently found in P. noctiluca and then in C. tuberculata and C. veneris. Isolated mass occurrence was recorded for the freshwater hydromedusa Craspedacusta sowerbii, found in Lake Kuti near the mouth of the Neretva River, and for the scyphomedusa Aurelia cf. solida. The three species A. solida, Mnemiopsis leidyi and C. sowerbii are not native to European waters. Considered that alien species are invading the Adriatic Sea and human impact and global warming are increasing, it is crucial to carefully monitor the occurrence of gelatinous zooplankton taxa and to conduct studies focused on deciphering their ecological impact in marine ecosystems. Therefore, our empirical analysis of 25 years of observations provides essential information on the variation of gelatinous zooplankton in the Southern Adriatic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding habits of Grass goby, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814) related to season, sex and size were examined during one year. Stomach contents of 302 specimens were examined, of which 91 stomachs were empty. The sampled population consisted of 136 females (45.03%) ranging from 6.8 to 19.3 cm (13.30 ± 2.24), 156 males (51.65%) ranging from 6.1 to 20.2 cm (14.14 ± 2.91) and 10 unspecifi ed (3.31%) individuals of a length of 5.6 to 16.0 cm (10.07 ± 2.91). Grass goby is mainly carnivorous. The dietary preferences among sexes and sizes did not diff er statistically. Results indicate that Grass goby is an opportunistic species that feeds on wide spectrum on prey. Decapods were the most important prey (IRI =3208.49), followed by Osteichthyes (IRI=490.03). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A specimen of a sixgill bluntnose shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788), was caught 1.5 NM north of Cape Ronek (Izola, Slovenia) in a fishing net for large-sized flatfish (such as turbot) on 28 January 2018. Three other older cases of catch of sixgill bluntnose sharks were recorded in Slovenia and the Gulf of Trieste. Among these, the finding of the specimen in the Lagoon of Marano and Grado is unusual although there are reported cases of sixgill bluntnose sharks in rivers. An analysis of the available data on the bluntnose sixgill shark in the Adriatic Sea, obtained from different published papers, social media and other sources, was done to understand whether the occurrence of H. griseus in the northern Adriatic differs from other parts. A generalised linear model (GLM) approach revealed that larger specimens are more frequently sighted across the Adriatic Sea, while in the Northern Adriatic part, significantly smaller specimens (juveniles) were recorded in comparison to the Central and Southern parts. It seems that the bluntnose sixgill shark is not in conjunction with a common large shark decreasing trend across the whole Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifteen years after the first capture of a specimen of Charybdis japonica in the Adriatic Sea, we report the collection of two more specimens near the port of Ravenna. This swimming crab, native from the North Western Pacific, has already proved its invasive capacity in New Zealand coastal waters. Its possible establishment in the northern Adriatic lagoons may represent a treat for the local Manila clam fishery and aquaculture activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introduction of DNA barcodes in Adriatic larval fish identification possible presence of new Gobiidae - Buenia massutii Kovačić, Ordines, and Schliewen, 2017, was noticed. Till now, occurrence of this species was restricted only to the Western Mediterranean and to the neighbouring part of the Atlantic Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastika se zbog svoje široke uporabe može naći u svim dijelovima okoliša, gdje štetno utječe na različite sastavnice okoliša, a toksični spojevi koje adsorbira prenose se kroz hranidbene lance te s vremenom dolaze do čovjeka. Odabrana istraživanja u ovom radu usredotočena su na karakterizaciju i kvantifikaciju mikroplastike pronađene u Jadranskom moru kao i na toksičnost mikroplastike. Istraživanja su pokazala da je najviše mikroplastike detektirano u području Sjevernog Jadrana. Provedena ispitivanja ekotoksičnosti mikroplastike primjenom testa s algama ukazuju na to da mikroplastika uzrokuje smanjenje brzine rasta i kretanja algi, obavljanje fotosinteze, fizičke deformacije te dolazi do smanjenja plodnosti i promjena u metaboličkim ciklusima.

Three specimens of decapod shrimp Eualus drachi Noël, 1978, were found in the red coral rem-nant collected for commercial purposes near the island Sveti Andrija, Croatia. It is the first record of this species in the Adriatic Sea. The decapod biodiversity of deeper coralligenous habitats, such as the red coral colonies, is poorly investigated in contrast to coastal areas and soft bottoms of traditional trawling grounds. This paper highlights the usefulness of examining the remnants of a commercial coral extraction originating from previously less investigated marine habitats in order to improve the knowledge on the biodiversity of such habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering 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.)

In this paper the latest versions of six publicly available bathymetry models: DTU10bat, EMODnet 2018, ETOPO1, GEBCO 2020, Smith and Sandwell V20.1 and SRTM15+ V.2.1. are compared and evaluated in the area of continental shelf of Croatia settled along well intended east Adriatic coast. Survey data in the area is not available through open access data bases, but publicly accessible in agreement with data holders (hydrographic institute, research centres and industry). These grids provide alternative sources of information about seafl oor topography. Marine researchers should be acquainted with the main characteristics as well as pros and cons of bathymetry models in order to choose the best one for a specifi c purpose. In this paper the most important characteristics and information about grids are presented: resolution, coverage, release date, horizontal and vertical datum, data source, registration method, producer and link to website with an emphasis on the underlying source data. The underlying source data is one of the most important parameters that determine the quality of the bathymetric model. Hypsometry curve that is describing the area distribution of depth is calculated for each bathymetry model over the test area of the east Adriatic. For pixel to pixel comparison, grids were resampled to same one-minute resolution and absolute diff erences between models are calculated in identical points. Absolute diff erences between models show level of mutual compatibility between models as well as areas of highest disagreements that indicate the presence of outliers or systematic errors within models. In order to demonstrate how well publicly available bathymetry models fi t the true topography of the sea fl oor, grids were compared to high-resolution digital bathymetry model interpolated from the multibeam survey in the area of Murter Sea. This paper should assist in the choice of a most suited bathymetry grid in future maritime studies in the Adriatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Radovi Zavod za povijesne znanosti HAZU u Zaru is the property of Zavod za Povijesne Znanosti HAZU 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.)

Additional records of the Norwegian skate Dipturus nidarosiensis (Storm, 1881) from the Adriatic Sea are reported. Two specimens were collected in the southern Adriatic Pit in 2008 and 2010, respectively. The records reported herein improve our knowledge on the distribution of a rarely encountered, deep water species D. nidarosiensis, whose presence has only recently been confirmed in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new video on underwater scooter method in combination with rebreather diving techniques was introduced and applied for visual census of fish assemblages. The presently applied method facilitates deeper visual census studies below 40 m, where they have rarely been done before due to the increasing research challenges with depth. The video on underwater scooter method is also expected to be less disturbing and faster compared to swimming divers. The method was applied in visual census study of fish assemblages from 8 to 50 m depth conducted at two locations in the east Adriatic using 102 video transects. The environmental variables contributing to the variation of the reef fish community in the depth range of the infralittoral and upper circalittoral bottoms were also recorded. Thirty-one fish species were recorded on transects and 10.3% of all individuals were not identified to the species level. The average density on transects was 0.8 individuals/m², with C. chromis, C. julis and G. auratus being both the most abundant and the most frequent species. Three environmental variables, depth, bottom with zoocover and eastern orientation of the coast, were identified as highly significant for species occurrence. Abundance and species richness of fish assemblages showed no significant variation with depths, inclinations, orientations and sites. A significant difference in the fish assemblage structure was found among orientations, depths and inclinations with the gradient change of species composition with increasing depth and with increasing inclination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population structure, growth, age, mortality and exploitation status of Atherina boyeri, caught in the period from June 2013 to May 2014 in the Lesina lagoon (Apulia region, southern Adriatic) was studied. Samples were taken each month by using beach seines . The length–weight relationship of all sand smell specimens was described by the equation W=0.012*TL 3.10; (R2= 0.84). Population parameters including the asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were assessed to evaluate the stock status. The recruitment pattern was modeled with a FiSAT routine. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 111.0 mm, while the growth coefficient (K) was 0.68 year−1. The growth performance index ((φ’) reached 3.92. The total mortality coefficient “Z”, the natural mortality coefficient “M” and the fishing mortality coefficient “F” were estimated as 2.24, 1.48 and 0.76 year-1, respectively. Exploitation rate for the population of A. boyeri in the Lesina lagoon estimated as 0.34 was resulted still lower than the predicted maximum value of Emax 0.59. The probability of capture indicated that L50 was of 55.57 mm, indicating that the stock of sand smelt in Lesina lagoon is not being over-fished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The French royal cosmographer André Thevet wrote many works, including Le Grand Insulaire et Pilotage. The second volume of this work (a navigation manual), prepared in manuscript form in 1586, describes the Croatian coast and islands and includes maps of Krk, Pag, Ugljan with Pašman, Čiovo, Brač, Hvar, and Korčula. These achievements are completely unknown in Croatian scientific literature. The subject of this paper is Thevet's maps showing the Croatian islands. Their geographical content is compared to maps published in the second half of the 16th century in isolarios by Giovanni Francesco Camocio (1571), Antonio Millo (1582), and Giuseppe Rosaccio (1598). The study shows that Thevet's maps were completely different from those produced by his contemporaries, especially in terms of the contours of island coastlines and depicted geographical features. Thevet's maps were a reflection of the author's personal competence, primarily his knowledge of geography and methods of spatial data collection, processing and cartographic visualisation, and are also a vivid testimony to French insight into the geography of the eastern Adriatic coast during the Renaissance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 3rd June 2018 three juvenile specimens of Polyprion americanus were captured in the Gulf of Trieste. The wreckfish is a long-lived deep-water demersal species characterized by an extended pelagic juvenile phase. The juvenile forms are recurrently recorded in the northern Adriatic and due to data deficiency for this species, original morphometric data are shown. The occurrence of P. americanus in the Gulf of Trieste is not a typical case of thermophilic species moving northward due to Mediterranean tropicalization, rather its recurrent appearance could be investigated for specific hydrological conditions coupled to its peculiar life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the variability in the diet of the anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, during its spawning period. Samples were obtained from commercial purse seine catches (April 2014 – September 2016) from coastal and offshore fishing areas of different trophic states and zooplankton composition over the eastern Adriatic Sea. In general, decapod larvae comprise the main source of diet during the anchovies' spawning period in terms of frequency and abundance, followed by calanoid copepods. The main copepod prey that was identified for anchovy along the eastern Adriatic coast was calanoid Temora stylifera, followed by Oncaeid copepods and Corycaeidae. Although no significant differences in diet composition regarding the anchovy's size was observed, the contribution of copepods decreased in larger individuals, and were gradually substituted by large crustaceans - decapods, euphausiids, mysids and amphipods. However, a significant difference in prey composition between coastal and offshore areas was observed (global R=0.164, p<0.05). Beside adult copepods, offshore water anchovy fed mainly on decapod larvae and their megalopa stage, and amphipods. In the stomach of the fish caught in the coastal waters, higher contributions of euphausiids, mysids and fish eggs were observed. Prey diversity was greater in the stomach of specimens caught offshore (H'=0.59) than in the costal Adriatic waters (H'=0.40). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of plastics has led to the accumulation of plastics in all parts of the environment where it adversely affects the ecosystem. Plastic pollution has the biggest impact on the marine ecosystems which assimilate about 12.7 million tons of plastic yearly. Because of incomplete degradation, plastic in marine environment is accumulated in the form of large clusters and microplastic. Microplastic has a harmful impact on marine organisms due to the accumulation of toxic compounds adsorbed on its particles, which could be passed through the food chain and eventually to humans. Certain researches discussed in this paper are focused on the characterization and quantification of microplastic found in the Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wave spectrum provides a short-term sea state description that is used for calculations in various engineering disciplines. Accepted theoretical models are developed for oceans and specific regions and their parameters are determined to best fit the data which is usually gathered in dedicated wave measurement campaigns. Modern numerical wave model simulations of historic periods that are calibrated with available satellite altimetry measurements provide a new data source that is comprehensive in space and time. One such dataset, the WorldWaves database, is used to revise and optimize the standard wave spectrum parameters for the Adriatic Sea. Tabain’s, wave spectrum and its modal frequency relation are revised. An optimization methodology is developed to find the parameters to best describe the Adriatic Sea waves. Ultimately, the JONSWAP wave spectrum is chosen and its parameters were optimized together with the parameters of Tabain’s modal frequency relation. An improved wave spectrum definition for the Adriatic Sea is proposed named the JONSWAP-Adriatic wave spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aftermath of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) found the Greek world in a state of general uneasiness, decimation of population, and weakening of political institutions. Soon, new high casualties were caused by the Corinthian War (395-387 BC). The peace imposed in 386 BC, brought autonomy for the Greek states of the mainland and most of the islands but new conflicts arose again, first upon the ascendancy of Thebes to power following the battle at Leuktra (371 BC), and after the middle of the century under the new rising power of Philip of Macedonia. In the paper, the political and socio-economic conditions of Paros during this period will be described, especially in the first half of the century when the colony of Pharos was founded in the Adriatic Sea. Secondly, the new building projects and artistic production in the city of Paros and other areas of the island will be presented in connection with Pharos' foundation and the possible purposes served by such a colonial enterprise of the Parians. Finally, possible trade interactions and links among all three major Parian colonies in the Mediterranean will be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author analyzed excerpts from the chronicles, travelogues and reports mentioning bura and its effects. This wind became ill reputed primarily because of its ferocity and the cold it carries with it, but on the other hand it purified the air and brought clear weather. According to descriptive sources, bura has a negative impact on a range of human activities: movement and farming, warfare (land and maritime), transport, and construction as well. In a number of cases, this wind aided the defenders by dispersing enemy naval forces. Due to geographical location, surroundings of Senj, Pag, Klis, Makarska, and Kvarner Bay, also the Velebit and Brač channels, as well the Field of Sinj in the interior are particularly exposed to the stormy blowing of bura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several individuals of non-indigenous grapsid crab Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne Edwards, 1853) have been observed and photographed in the area of Palagruža archipelago (Adriatic Sea, Croatia). This is additional confirmed record of this species in the Adriatic Sea. It suggests subsequent range expansion of this species and provides further evidence of its establishment in Adriatic waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alive specimens belonging to Tellimya tenella (Lovén, 1846) were recorded for the first time in Adriatic Sea. Up to date, only few pleistocene fossils or empty valves of this species had been reported in Italian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Procjene za prosječan porast morske razine na globalnoj razini do kraja 21. stoljeća najčešće variraju od 0,18 m do ≥ 1 m u odnosu na današnju razinu. Ako se razmatraju procjene koje obuhvaćaju i otapanje grenlandskog i antarktičkog ledenog pokrova, tada se može očekivati porast morske razine od 5 i više m. Sukladno s globalnim promjenama, razina Jadranskog mora također je u porastu. Radi analize potencijalne ugroženosti hrvatske obale od porasta morske razine, izrađena su tri modela porasta razine Jadranskog mora (od 1 m, 3 m i 6 m). Na temelju modela analizira se utjecaj porasta morske razine na različite socioekonomske segmente obalnog prostora. Cilj je istraživanja definirati najugroženije dijelove hrvatske obale. Kako bi se mogli diferencirati najugroženiji dijelovi, izrađen je Indeks ugroženosti obalnih općina ( ). U izradi Indeksa koristili su se analizom utjecaja dobiveni kvantitativni podaci o prostornom obuhvatu poplavnih zona te ugroženosti stanovništva i prometne infrastrukture obalne zone. Navedenim su varijablama s pomoću Analitičkog hijerarhijskog procesa (AHP) pridruženi različiti težinski koeficijenti, ovisno o važnosti varijable. Pri analizi svih triju modela uočeno je kako se Zadar i njegova okolica ističu kao najugroženije područje hrvatske obale. Zbog toga je na primjeru Zadra izvršena znatno detaljnija analiza mikrolokacijskog utjecaja porasta morske razine. Podaci dobiveni analizom različitih modela pokazuju kako je gotovo cijela hrvatska obala ugrožena, ali i da postoji velik nerazmjer u razini ugroženosti pojedinih dijelova hrvatske obale. Važnost je ovog istraživanja u tome što ono predstavlja temelj za pravovremenu adaptaciju na negativne utjecaje budućeg porasta razine Jadranskog mora.

Length-weight relations (LWR) and monthly occurrence are presented for juvenile fish, sampled from April to December 2018. in the of Donji Molunat bay, Croatia. From total number of 1448 caught fish of 30 fish species, 699 individuals of 16 fish species: Atherina hepsetus, Chromis chromis, Coris julis, Diplodus annularis, Gobius bucchichii, Microlipophrys canevae, Oblada melanura, Oedalechilus labeo, Pagellus acarne, Sarpa salpa, Serranus scriba, Siganus luridus, Symphodus cinereus, Symphodus doderleini, Symphodus ocellatus and Symphodus rostratus were analysed. Two parameters were measured: total length (TL) using precision ruler to the nearest 0.1 cm, and weight (W) using digital balance to the nearest 0.1 g. The b values ranged from 2.731 to 3.427, with median 3.0305. This study provides the first LWRs for juvenile fish species in the Donji Molunat bay, as that it can serve as a tool used for future reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The blue shark belongs to the group of the most widespread pelagic sharks in the world. It inhabits the pelagic zone of almost all warm and temperate seas and oceans. As it is one of the most abundant shark species, it is frequently caught in different types of fishing gear operated in the pelagic zone. This study provides the first data on the reproduction of this species in Montenegrin waters (in the Southeastern Adriatic Sea). Six newborn blue sharks were found during our field excursions. For three of them, detailed morphometric measurements are presented. Alongside the newborns, a gravid female was also recorded. The data was collected in the period from April to October 2017. According to the published literature and the data presented in this paper, species reproduction is likely to be seasonal. A review of the areas where the specimens were recorded was carried out in order to infer if the adult females choose them specifically as their parturition grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to collect relevant data on the status of habitats and species which could be applied in the management of the Lokrum marine area, the paper shows the stages in the research of this area. Reliable published data, travelogues and scientific papers, were analysed and taken into consideration to propose the guidelines for managing primarily the marine area of the Natura 2000 site Lokrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main circulatory medium of echinoderms is the coelomic fluid. Biochemistry of coelomic fluid is very complex and slightly different from seawater. The main aim of this research was to analyse concentration of electrolytes (potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine and sodium), heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium and cobalt) and iron in coelomic fluid of sea urchin, Arbacia lixula as an indirect indicator of seawater contamination. After precise statistical evaluation it was observed that electrolyte concentrations were; Na 189.20±11.41 mmol/l, Cl 134.06±37.08 mmol/l, Mg 4.24±1.08 mmol/l, Ca 3.04±0.84 mmol/l. Biochemical content of heavy metals in coelomic fluid was; Co 1.292±0.879 ppm, Pb 0.644±0.131 ppm, Cr 0.116±0.055 ppm, Cd 0.031±0.017 ppm and iron 0.259±0.058 ppm, and it depends on the potential accumulation level in the organism. The composition of electrolyte and heavy metal content varies depending on the composition of seawater. Obtained values are within the range of values most commonly found in low polluted areas of the Adriatic sea. Similar models may be applied for monitoring of heavy metal contamination in marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport and recreational marine fishery can significantly contribute to the national budget through its economic and social effects. The main aim of this research is to define the economic and social significance of sport and recreational fishing in Croatia through the assessment of the lower limit of its economic value. This is done by analyzing the segments of sport and recreational fishing together with the economic and other activities which are closely related to it. When expressed by the number of stakeholders involved in sport and recreational fisheries and the share in the gross domestic product, it can be concluded that the economic effects of these activities are only slightly lower than in commercial fisheries. This research provides the groundwork for pointing out the basic guidelines of the social significance of sport and recreational marine fishery in Croatia. Hence, it can be noted that sport and recreational fishing in local coastal communities support the overall development of rural areas and the local communities in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]