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This work aimed to investigate the abrasion of quartz grains from beach and dune deposits on the Mediterranean coast of Andalusia. Five sites were established on the coasts of Malaga and Almeria provinces: Genoveses, Monsul, Carraca, Malagueta, and Artola. Grain size and mineral composition were determined for 15 samples taken from beaches (6) and dunes (9). Quartz abrasion was established using the morphoscopic method. Investigated deposits, with two exceptions, are primarily medium-grained and moderate sorting. The share of quartz is relatively small – in aeolian sands, it is on average 38.3% and is higher than in beach sands (average 26.4%). The average proportion of fresh and angular NU grains is significantly higher in aeolian sands (58.9%) than beach sands (43.4%), indicating morphoselection’s important role during wind transport. In beach sands, there are, on average, 32.4% of grains with aeolian abrasion (RM and EM/RM), which is twice as much as in dune sands (15.5%). The multiple predominances of EM/RM grains over RM grains indicate a relatively short aeolian activity.

This paper investigates the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, as well as the possible sources, of gold, silver, platinum group elements (PGE), copper, and lead found in the beach sands along Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Using scanning electron microscopy and electron probe micro-analysis, this study determines the morphology and micro-chemistry of separated grains to assess their economic potential and how various minerals respond to different transport distances. The analysis reveals that gold grains are of high purity (94.11 to 98.55 wt.%; average 96 wt.% Au) and are alloyed with Ag (1.28–2.32 wt.%) and Cu (0.16–3.15 wt.%). Two types of gold grains were identified, indicating differences in transport distances. Variations in morphology, surface features, inclusion types, rims, and chemistry of the native metals, including gold grains, suggest differences in composition, weathering degree, transport distance, deposit types, and host rocks. The average Ag concentration in gold grains (1.86 wt.%) suggests a link to mesothermal or supergene deposits. Most silver, copper, and lead grains are spherical, with some variations in shape. Silver grains have 71.66–95.34 wt.% Ag (avg. 82.67 wt.%). Copper grains have 92.54–98.42 wt.% Cu (avg. 94.22 wt.%). Lead grains contain 74.22–84.45 wt.% Pb (avg. 79.26 wt.%). The identified platinum group minerals (PGM) belong to the Pt–Fe alloys and sperrylite, both of which are PPGE-bearing minerals. These metals likely originate from the weathering of upstream Nile tributaries surrounded by igneous and metamorphic rocks from Ethiopian and Central African regions, with a minor contribution from the Egyptian Eastern Desert Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study's objectives were to investigate the growth parameters, mortality, and yield per recruit of the bogue fish, Boops boops (Linneaus, 1758), in North Sinai, Egypt (Mediterranean coast) from January to December 2022. A total of 868 specimens of the bogue were monthly collected from the main landing site of El Arish Fisheries. The length and weight of the sampled fish ranged from 8.4 to 23.1cm and 6.1 to 138.2g, respectively, with an average total length of 13.57cm and body weight of 29.84g. The length-weight relationship was expressed using the equation W=0.0097L3.0433The von Bertalanffy growth equations were calculated giving L∞ = 24.15cm, k = 0.34 year-1 and t0 = -1.2916 year. The growth performance index (Φ') was calculated as 2.2973. The length at first capture was estimated to be 11.37cm. The total mortality rate, natural mortality rate, fishing mortality rate and exploitation rate were 2.19 year-1, 0.86 year-1, 1.33 year-1 and 0.61 year-1, respectively. The relative yield per recruit analysis (Y'/R) revealed that the current level of exploitation is much higher than E0.5 (0.362), indicating that the population is overexploited and subject to fishing pressure. To ensure sustainable management of this resource, the existing extraction rate should be reduced by 40% (i.e. from 0.610 to 0.362). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean coasts are known for their tourist attractiveness due to its richness in fishing resources and beach resorts as well as landscapes at the level of different ecosystems (forests, rocky and sandy beaches). The construction of the Mediterranean coastal road (RN16), which aims to enhance the tourist value of these resources and to improve access to this coastal region, has triggered an almost radical modification in the development process of this area, where the risks are increasing because of the multiplication of the challenges and the hazards due to the instability of its slopes. These events are mainly the result of marine erosion, the involvement of geological, geomorphological, climatic factors and also anthropic parameters with a strong littoralization. The study area is characterized by active tectonics translated by the presence of faulting sets affecting the rock mass. The aim of this study is to assess the characteristics of the rock mass and its stability and to anticipate landslide occurrence frequency with a particular size in a specified region with a certain rock mass quality as well. The methodology followed in this work consists of the elaboration of a complete inventory of landslides, the fracturation analysis and the rock mass engineering conducted to evaluate the stability of the slopes and the statistical analysis of the landslide size distribution. The combination of these two approaches has allowed us to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the landslide hazard on coastal rocky fractured areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on assessing the defensiveness of medieval fortresses situated along the Mediterranean coast, including the Northern Algerian coast and Southeastern Spain. The proposed methodology involved a two-fold process comprising identification and evaluation. Initially, we identified and geolocated our case studies, deriving their locations from archival sources. We then seamlessly integrated them into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for precise georeferencing on a rasterized landscape. Subsequently, we conducted assessments of visibility, intervisibility, and elevation, which we consider pivotal in determining the degree of defensibility of the fortified sites. Specifically, the aim of this research was to investigate the intricate relationship between natural landscapes and architectural defensive features, with a focus on discerning the influence that the chosen location has on the strategic and defensive significance of the studied fortresses. Our findings reveal that the evolution of those defensive systems within our study context is intricately tied to the physical elements comprising the landscape. These natural constituents have served as a foundation for the architectural and defensive characteristics adopted by medieval builders. Furthermore, we delineated two distinct typologies: the isolated type, intentionally designed to obscure visibility, and the exposed type, characterized by a higher visibility index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Mediterranean coastal regions in southern Spain have high floristic diversity and numerous Habitats of Community Interest (HCIs) identified by the European Union Directive Council, they are also vulnerable to invasive plants. In our study, we aimed to create a checklist of terrestrial alien taxa in the Iberian area of the Alboran coast, assess each species' current invasion, analyse the influence of environmental attributes on invasion, estimate the richness of alien species per HCI group, and evaluate each species' potential invasiveness based on its reproductive and dispersal attributes. The checklist that we developed includes 123 alien taxa, most belonging to the Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, and Poaceae families. Notably, 20% of the species are super invaders that occupy more than 20% of HCIs. We also identified Aloe vera, Cylindropuntia spp., Agave salmiana, Opuntia spp., and Paspalum spp. as incipient invaders with the potential for future expansion. Although most alien flora in the HCIs are not regulated by Spanish legislation (RDL 630/2013), monitoring and eradication plans are crucial. Advocating the cessation of using those plants in gardens and reducing anthropogenic pressure are also essential, as human activities worsen invasion dynamics and facilitate the introduction and establishment of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research deals with spatial vulnerability in the coastal area of Rachgoun (Algeria), on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Over the past two decades, the coastal area of Rachgoun has been suffering from a large amount of pressure due to accelerated socioeconomic development, urbanization, tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The main objective of this study is to visualize the coastal vulnerability of Rachgoun using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). A multidisciplinary approach that integrates geological, physical, and socioeconomic vulnerability was adopted. The selected parameters for the study include lithology, elevation, slope, shoreline change, significant wave height, population density, tourist density, land use/land cover (LULC), road network density, proximity to coast, distance from river, people's awareness, and designated conservation areas and cultural heritage. Data from AlSat-2 Satellite imagery, aerial photography, topographic maps, and field surveys were processed. Spatial modeling was conducted through the MCDM approach and geographic information systems (GIS) to develop two sub-indices: the natural vulnerability index (CVIN) and the socioeconomic vulnerability index (CVIS). The combination of the two sub-indices allowed us to deduce the integrated coastal vulnerability index (ICVI). The outcomes present a coastal vulnerability map with a spatial resolution of 10 m of the identified problematic area. This map can guide decision-makers in implementing an effective integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of the environmental factors affecting the ecology of seaweed (macroalgae) populations in the Levant Basin, attempting to identify both similar and different factors that determine distribution. Using correspondence analysis (CA) the study found a significantly similar pattern in the relations between countries and macroalgae – both for the whole group and within each phylum: Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, Rhodophyta. The study identified two different macroalgae populations in the Levant Basin: The easternmost group living in open water off the coasts of Syria, Lebanon and Israel, and the shell group found in more sheltered waters in Egypt, Turkey, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Republic of Cyprus (Greece Cyprus): south Cyprus; and the North Cyprus. The differences between the two communities can be explained by dynamic wave activity. Following a taxonomic and nomenclatural revision according to AlgaeBase, of 693 species to date recorded from the studied area, only 573 species remained. 26 of them appear in all 7 countries and other 68 in 6 countries. 204 species appear in only one country. 3 or 4 species have only been described in the Middle East and could be endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

للمخاطر البيئية الساحلية تأثير مباشر وتحد قوى أمام المدن الواقعة على السواحل والتي لها تأثيرات من متعددة على القيم الاجتماعية والثقافية والاقتصادية فضلاً عن التأثير على البيئة الطبيعية والمادية، وهنا يواجه صانعو القرار تحديات في المناطق الساحلية حول کيفية معالجة الآثار من المخاطر البيئية الساحلية المرتبطة بالتغيرات المناخية المتوقعة عالميًا. ويمکن أن يدعم تخطيط المسارات التکيفية الديناميکية (Dynamic Adaptive Pathway Planning) صانعي القرار لمعالجة أوجه عدم اليقين من التعامل مع المخاطر البيئية الساحلية التي لا مفر منها، وذلک من خلال تطبيق سياسات مختلفة اعتمادًا على طرق التکيف مکانيا وزمانيا للحد من المخاطر المتوقعة، ومن ثم فإن منهجية البحث عملت على إيضاح المفاهيم المختلفة کالمخاطر البيئية الساحلية والمسارات التکيفية الديناميکية ، وإجراءات انعکاس الفکر النظري والتحليلي على مخرجات البحث وهى اقتراح سياسات للتکيف لديناميکية التخطيط المستدام والفعال للتعامل مع المخاطر البيئية الساحلية في المناطق الساحلية، واخيرا أکدت فکرة ونتائج البحث على کيفية التنمية الساحلية في ضوء السياسات والاستراتيجيات المقترحة بإمکانيات توظيف مسارات سياسات التکيف الديناميکي لمواجهة المخاطر البيئية الساحلية في المدن المصرية على ساحل البحر المتوسط (مدينة المنصورة الجديدة) عن طريق استحداث اساليب وتقنيات حديثة لضمان مقاومة التغيرات البيئية المتوقعة لتحقق مفهوم الحماية (کالحواجز الصخرية وکاسرات الأمواج) او مفهوم التراجع عن وضع استعمالات الأراضي وتختلف الحلول المقبولة للتکيف مع نوعية التغييرات والمخاطر من مکان إلى آخر تبعا لطبيعة البيئة المحيطة. Coastal environmental risks have a direct impact and a strong challenge to coastal cities, which have multiple impacts on social, cultural and economic values ​​as well as impact on the natural and physical environment. Here, decision makers face challenges in coastal areas about how to address the effects of coastal environmental risks associated with expected climate changes globally. Dynamic Adaptive Pathway Planning can support decision makers to address the uncertainties of dealing with the inevitable coastal environmental risks, by applying different policies depending on spatially and temporally adaptive ways to reduce the expected risks. The research methodology worked to clarify various concepts such as coastal environmental risks and dynamic adaptive pathways. In addition, procedures for reflecting theoretical and analytical thought on the outputs of the research. Which is to propose policies for adaptation to the dynamic of sustainable and effective planning to deal with coastal environmental risks in coastal areas. Finally the idea and results of the research confirmed on how coastal development in light of the proposed policies and strategies for the possibilities of employing dynamic adaptation policy paths to confront the coastal environmental risks in the Egyptian cities on the Mediterranean coast (New Mansoura city). By developing modern methods and techniques to ensure resistance to the expected environmental changes to achieve the concept of protection (such as rock barriers and breakwaters). Alternatively, the concept of reversing the situation Land uses and solutions vary to be acceptable to adapt to the quality of changes and risks from one place to another, depending on the nature of the surrounding environment.

The pollution of aquatic ecosystems is an issue facing many countries all over the world and may result in issues such as eutrophication in coastal zones. Managing this eutrophication is a real challenge. The current study focuses on the investigation and identification of aquatic environmental characteristics, including the sediments, waters, and seaweed, of seven eutrophicated locations along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria (Egypt). Different ecological risk assessment and bioaccumulation factors were calculated in order to identify the probable pollution source and the degree of the problem, in addition to the accumulation of heavy metals in the seaweed. The characteristics of the seaweed, sediments, and waters were chemically analyzed and heavy metals were measured. The genetically and biochemically identified seaweed species were Ulva compressa, Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca and Ulva linzea. The sediments of the El-Tabia location contained the highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb, because this location receives these elements from the El-Amia drain. The Abu Qir location was found to contain the highest concentrations of the same heavy metals in the studied water samples because it was located much closer to the Abu Qir harbor. Ecological risk assessment indices indicated moderate to high contamination for most of the studied elements and locations. The results of the bioaccumulation factor analysis indicated that the studied seaweed species are accumulators of trace elements. These seaweed species should be further investigated concerning ecotoxicology if they are to be used in the human diet and for other benefits. This study opens many windows of research to be investigated in the future regarding the sustainable management of polluted coastal zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is one of few studies dealing with the potential impact of total carbohydrates (TCHO), and some inorganic pollutants (F, B, As, V, Se) on human health. Additionally, the latter pollutants toxicological and ecological effects on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, especially, the Nile Delta region, were investigated. Both F (0.18 ± 0.09 mg/g) and As (2.47 ± 5.39 μg/g) were of lower concentrations compared to previous reports. Values of all ecological and ecotoxicity indices, particularly, the risk quotient (RQ), showed that arsenic had the most adverse biological effects on three trophic levels (algae, invertebrates, and fish). Children and adults non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values were <1, revealing that sediments in the studied area would pose no risk to humans. However, arsenic carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the maximum permissible limits, implying risk to children and adults. These findings could anticipate toxic impacts of polluted effluents on the Nile Delta region. • Total carbohydrates (TCHO), F, B, As, V, and Se were assessed in surface sediments along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. • Elevated levels of TCHO were associated with increased levels of carbonate and fluoride. • High concentrations of Se and V were recorded due to the extensive anthropogenic activities in the study area. • Arsenic was the most toxic heavy metal posing threat to both aquatic environment and human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on assessing the defensiveness of medieval fortresses situated along the Mediterranean coast, including the Northern Algerian coast and Southeastern Spain. The proposed methodology involved a two-fold process comprising identification and evaluation. Initially, we identified and geolocated our case studies, deriving their locations from archival sources. We then seamlessly integrated them into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for precise georeferencing on a rasterized landscape. Subsequently, we conducted assessments of visibility, intervisibility, and elevation, which we consider pivotal in determining the degree of defensibility of the fortified sites. Specifically, the aim of this research was to investigate the intricate relationship between natural landscapes and architectural defensive features, with a focus on discerning the influence that the chosen location has on the strategic and defensive significance of the studied fortresses. Our findings reveal that the evolution of those defensive systems within our study context is intricately tied to the physical elements comprising the landscape. These natural constituents have served as a foundation for the architectural and defensive characteristics adopted by medieval builders. Furthermore, we delineated two distinct typologies: the isolated type, intentionally designed to obscure visibility, and the exposed type, characterized by a higher visibility index.

Although Mediterranean coastal regions in southern Spain have high floristic diversity and numerous Habitats of Community Interest (HCIs) identified by the European Union Directive Council, they are also vulnerable to invasive plants. In our study, we aimed to create a checklist of terrestrial alien taxa in the Iberian area of the Alboran coast, assess each species’ current invasion, analyse the influence of environmental attributes on invasion, estimate the richness of alien species per HCI group, and evaluate each species’ potential invasiveness based on its reproductive and dispersal attributes. The checklist that we developed includes 123 alien taxa, most belonging to the Asteraceae, Asparagaceae, and Poaceae families. Notably, 20% of the species are super invaders that occupy more than 20% of HCIs. We also identified Aloe vera, Cylindropuntia spp., Agave salmiana, Opuntia spp., and Paspalum spp. as incipient invaders with the potential for future expansion. Although most alien flora in the HCIs are not regulated by Spanish legislation (RDL 630/2013), monitoring and eradication plans are crucial. Advocating the cessation of using those plants in gardens and reducing anthropogenic pressure are also essential, as human activities worsen invasion dynamics and facilitate the introduction and establishment of invasive species.

The coastal zone, a highly dynamic and complex environment, has important ecological and jurisdictional implications for governments and coastal managers. Based on the CORINE Land Cover classification system, this paper examined the effects of land use and land cover change (LULC) on the coastlines' dynamics along the ~24 km barrier island of Nador lagoon on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco during a period of 62years (1954-2016). The study utilized high-resolution orthoimages in the geographic information system (GIS) environment to characterize coastline evolution and LULC changes. The evolution of the coastline was assessed using a GIS tool, in particular the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). The net rates of coastline change were calculated by using statistical methods: the End Point Rate (EPR) and the Linear Regression Rate (LRR). Results concerning the LULC changes showed that agricultural area and beach/dune classes decreased over the entire study period (62 years) by 11.14% and 28.45%, respectively. Urban fabric, shrub, forest, and saltmarsh/peat bog classes increased during the 62 years of evaluation by 2.69%, 19.92%, 16.77%, and 0.19%, respectively. Results regarding coastal analysis indicated that the accretion and erosion processes along the barrier island of the Nador lagoon (~24km) were observed at 45% (10.6 km) and 55% (12.8 km) of the coastline, respectively. The beaches of Oulad Zehra and Oulad Aissa were characterized by erosion (-0.58m/yr to -0.57m/yr respectively), while accretion was observed on the beaches of Boukana and Kariat Arkmane at rates of +2.15m/yr and +0.82m/yr, respectively. This study highlighted that natural and anthropogenic processes have a strong influence on the erosion/accretion trends identified along the barrier island of Nador lagoon. The changes in LULC have affected the barrier island of the lagoon in two different forms: (1) a significant spatial conversion due to dune reforestation and (2) a fundamental spatial modification that affects the sea-lagoon connection (inlet) and the construction of new hard engineering structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of the sediment quality and degree of contamination of El-Dabaa region along the Mediterranean coast, which comprises an area selected for developing a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Egypt, is important to provide background contaminant levels of coastal sediments. Determination of 21 heavy metals concentrations (Th, U, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Ag, Sb, Mo, Co, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and geochemical analysis of bottom sediments collected from five selected stations along El-Dabaa area were studied. Contamination factor indices have been applied. Results of the correlation between the five stations reveal insignificant variations reflected homogenous environment, associated with similar terrestrial inputs and hydrodynamic systems. Grain size texture dominated by fine sand, suggested an active depositional process, influenced by longshore sediment transport, corresponding to the magnitude of wave energy. Sediments are characterized by carbonates structure, with significant high calcium carbonate, mainly pure oolitic carbonate, consistent with high Ca metal concentration, corresponding to the geologic composition of hydrographic basins, influenced by the carbonate natural geogenic sources of the area. Low total organic matter content is related mainly to the semi-arid climate of the region, the absence of Nile river input, and the strong hydrodynamic effect. In General, concentrations of heavy metals were low compared with the eastern Mediterranean coast of Egypt, it verified below the threshold effects level according to international sediment quality guidelines. The contamination factor reveals a high degree of Ag and Sb, anticipated to be traced from dense mining and rock processing activities nearby El-Dabaa region in the Western Desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to climate change, hydroclimatic extremes are becoming more frequent and intense and their characterization and analysis is essential for climate modelling. One of the regions that will be most affected by these extremes is the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Therefore, this paper analyses the significant wave height (Hs), peak wave period (Tp) and sea level (SL) extremes and their correlation along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. After conducting this analysis, it is finally concluded that and adjustment of the extreme long-term distribution of Tp is urgently needed to create accurate models and projections, which must be considered in combination with the intense extremes happening in the Levantine basin when modelling this area and designing new projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the feeding biology of E. encrasicolus in the Egyptian Mediterranean coast at Port Said, Egypt. A total of 750 specimens of the European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758) were randomly sampled on monthly basis from March 2020 to February 2021 from the fish landing site at Port Said Mediterranean coast. The fish diet composition was formed of crustaceans (49.3%), followed by polychaetes (27.1%), phytoplankton (12.7%) and fish parts (11.0%). Crustaceans and polychaetes were found all year around and in all fish length groups. Phytoplankton disappeared in December, January and February. Fish parts disappeared in March and April. Crustaceans, polychaetes and fish parts increased with the increase in fish size, while phytoplankton decreased with the increase in fish size. In the present study, the maximum feeding activity was recorded during winter (75.8%) and the minimum in summer (32.0%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In some localities of the Mediterranean coast and the Nile land region, the gall midge Schizomyia buboniae Frauenfeld, 1859 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induce small barrel-shaped galls on the stem of Deverra tortuosa (Desf.) DC. (Family: Apiaceae). Host plants interact with several insects in a different manner. The current work studies the interaction of S. buboniae with D. tortuosa. Furthermore, the present work predicted the distribution of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa in Egypt by using MaxEnt modeling, in addition to the effect of elevation and vegetation cover on its distribution. Results The predominance of S. buboniae occurred during late winter to spring. The S. buboniae larvae are occasionally attacked by endoparasitoids of the genus Inostemma (Platygastridae). There was a significant positive correlation between the number of galls per plant and the plant cover within the study localities. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between the number of galls per plant and the altitude within the study localities. Also, the high temperature and altitude were the most important predictors for the habitat distribution of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa. The predicted distribution range size for S. buboniae is less than the total predicted distribution range size for D. tortuosa. Conclusions The current study suggests that the gall inducer prefers large plants more than small ones. The present study suggests that the habitat distribution patterns of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa in Egypt can be modeled using a small number of occurrence records together with environmental variable layers for the study area through the maximum entropy modeling technique.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is important to develop dynamic water quality index software that reflected accurately the state of enclosed coastal water quality. This study explored water quality index model software including the third-order and daily based discrete-time transfer function in Simulink-MATLAB environment to predict the past and future water quality index changes versus discrete-time by using the data measured approximately once a month. METHODS: A modelling software for daily based discrete-time water quality index was developed to evaluate the pollution level in enclosed coastal water bodies affected by marinas. Measurements were done at three different stations near marina entrances in Bucak, Kaş, and Fethiye Bays located at the south western Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The computed water quality index values and the sampled indicators data defined in terms of the deviation variables were used to identify the proposed third-order transfer function parameters. The proposed software is applicable for past and future estimates, where inputs may include some missing measurements. The input data are interpolated to estimate daily based inputs by using the developed model in the Simulink-MATLAB environment. For model verifications, monthly measured water quality parameters are used. FINDINGS: The software including the daily based discrete-time transfer function and the input sources was successfully applied to predict past and future water quality index changes with 4.2 percent, 4.3 percent, and 7.1 percent of the absolute maximum errors respectively in Fethiye, Kaş, and Bucak stations. In three stations studied, seasonal comparison of the enclosed coastal water quality showed that the quality in winter (72±2) is lower than the one (82±8) in other seasons. The past and future daily predictions of water quality index changes versus discrete-time were realized successfully by using the proposed software and the data measured approximately once a month. CONCLUSION: By determining similar transfer functions and selecting some adequate indicators, the software proposed can be adapted for quality assessment in other enclosed water bodies.

Climate change is one of the issues of greatest concern to today's society. The increase in temperatures has affected sea levels, polar masses and extreme events, among others. There are many scientific studies that analyze the impacts of climate change on coastal communities, but most of them focus on beach erosion and coastal recession. Scientific literature on the effects of climate change on ports and harbors and their adaptation is much less abundant. Ports are essential for the economy and society of their cities, so studying the impact of climate change on them is an urgent need. The Mediterranean and the Spanish Mediterranean coast is one of the areas that will be most affected by climate change in the future. In addition, the Spanish economy depends a lot on its tourism and, thus, on its coastal cities. Therefore, the study of the impact of climate change on Spanish ports and coastal communities is essential. This article presents a review of the studies carried out until now on the effects of climate change on Spanish ports, and it identifies research gaps and weaknesses and suggests new research lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) has been recorded only rarely in Syria. Known only from few scattered localities in the eastern part of the country, but its current status is extremely unclear. Previous field observations and local communities' information lack photographic documentation. In June 2019 and December 2020, two Eurasian otters were killed in the Lower Syrian Euphrates valley; single Eurasian Otter was killed in Deir ez-Zor and another in Ar Raqqah provinces in eastern and northern Syria, respectively. Moreover, in January 2020, two dead Eurasian otters were found in the mountainous costal region in Latakia Province in extreme northwestern Syria. These current records represent the first photographic documentation for the persistence of the Eurasian Otter in eastern Syria, and remarkable extensions of known range in the northern and northwestern regions. Furthermore, the species distribution range in the neighboring countries was also reviewed. Citation: Aidek, A., Baddour, F.S., Ibrahim, N.N. and Al-Sheikhly, O.F. (2021). The First Photographic Records of the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in Syria: Its Mysterious Occurrence is Revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we studied total arsenic concentrations in liver, muscle and kidney of 49 individuals of two sea turtle species (loggerhead sea turtles, n = 45; leatherback turtles, n = 4) stranded in Murcia (South-eastern Spain) coastline between 2009 and 2018. In accordance with the literature, muscle was the tissue with the highest concentrations in both species, followed by liver and kidney. Although differences in arsenic concentrations were not statistically significant between the study species, loggerhead sea turtles showed concentrations two or three times higher than those of leatherback turtles, which we attribute to differences on feeding behavior and habitat preferences. Arsenic concentrations in turtles from this area increase evidence of western Mediterranean Sea as a hotspot for metal pollution. Based on the scarce existing knowledge on arsenic toxicity in sea turtles, those levels found in our study are below those responsible for liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the diet and vegetation composition of Egyptian tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni , habitat in North Sinai, Egypt. Dietary data was recorded through direct observations and the vegetation composition was recorded through the use of quadrats and line transects in 66 sampling points (33 in tortoise areas and 33 in non-tortoise areas). Our results showed that vegetation of Egyptian tortoise habitat had high species richness, Simpson's diversity index, and vegetation cover in contrast to areas without Egyptian tortoises. These tortoises ate thirty four species of plants, a majority of these being perennials, with most feeding observations occurring in spring and winter. The consumption of perennials may enable Egyptian tortoises to find and consume food in an arid environment with low, variable and unpredictable rainfall. The plants most consumed were rare in our vegetation survey, suggesting food preferences. Our study suggests that Egyptian tortoises, which rely on vegetation for food and refugia, may suffer if vegetation cover and richness decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the first documented length-weight relationship and condition factor of the white grouper Epinephelus aeneusin on the Mediterranean coast of Sinai, Egypt. A total of 697 specimens with an average length of 34.6 cm and weight 593.0 g were monthly sampled from January 2019 to December 2020. For each specimen, length (cm) and weight (g) were measured. The length-weight relationship was described by the equation: W = a Lb, while the condition factor was calculated using the equation: K = 100 (W/ L³). Condition factor was calculated monthly and according to the length group. The values of the regression coefficients obtained for the length-weight relationship were 2.9327, 2.8847 and 3.1141 having r² values of 0.9392, 0.9438 and 0.9616 for males, females and combined sexes of the studied species, respectively. Condition factor (K) of males, females and combined sexes of E. aeneus was fluctuated monthly and related to lengths groups. It was concluded that general well-being was observed for this species, since condition factor more than 1 (K= 1.20, 1.30 and 1.20 for males; females and combined sexes, respectively). The current study's findings can be used as baseline data for this species in the examined area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In some localities of the Mediterranean coast and the Nile land region, the gall midge Schizomyia buboniae Frauenfeld, 1859 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) induce small barrel-shaped galls on the stem of Deverra tortuosa (Desf.) DC. (Family: Apiaceae). Host plants interact with several insects in a different manner. The current work studies the interaction of S. buboniae with D. tortuosa. Furthermore, the present work predicted the distribution of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa in Egypt by using MaxEnt modeling, in addition to the effect of elevation and vegetation cover on its distribution. Results: The predominance of S. buboniae occurred during late winter to spring. The S. buboniae larvae are occasionally attacked by endoparasitoids of the genus Inostemma (Platygastridae). There was a significant positive correlation between the number of galls per plant and the plant cover within the study localities. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between the number of galls per plant and the altitude within the study localities. Also, the high temperature and altitude were the most important predictors for the habitat distribution of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa. The predicted distribution range size for S. buboniae is less than the total predicted distribution range size for D. tortuosa. Conclusions: The current study suggests that the gall inducer prefers large plants more than small ones. The present study suggests that the habitat distribution patterns of S. buboniae and its host plant D. tortuosa in Egypt can be modeled using a small number of occurrence records together with environmental variable layers for the study area through the maximum entropy modeling technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is important to develop dynamic water quality index software that reflected accurately the state of enclosed coastal water quality. This study explored water quality index model software including the third-order and daily based discrete-time transfer function in Simulink-MATLAB environment to predict the past and future water quality index changes versus discrete-time by using the data measured approximately once a month. METHODS: A modelling software for daily based discrete-time water quality index was developed to evaluate the pollution level in enclosed coastal water bodies affected by marinas. Measurements were done at three different stations near marina entrances in Bucak, Kaş, and Fethiye Bays located at the south western Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The computed water quality index values and the sampled indicators data defined in terms of the deviation variables were used to identify the proposed thirdorder transfer function parameters. The proposed software is applicable for past and future estimates, where inputs may include some missing measurements. The input data are interpolated to estimate daily based inputs by using the developed model in the Simulink-MATLAB environment. For model verifications, monthly measured water quality parameters are used. FINDINGS: The software including the daily based discrete-time transfer function and the input sources was successfully applied to predict past and future water quality index changes with 4.2 percent, 4.3 percent, and 7.1 percent of the absolute maximum errors respectively in Fethiye, Kaş, and Bucak stations. In three stations studied, seasonal comparison of the enclosed coastal water quality showed that the quality in winter (72±2) is lower than the one (82±8) in other seasons. The past and future daily predictions of water quality index changes versus discrete-time were realized successfully by using the proposed software and the data measured approximately once a month. CONCLUSION: By determining similar transfer functions and selecting some adequate indicators, the software proposed can be adapted for quality assessment in other enclosed water bodies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and anthropogenic forces on Earth create changes in biophysical characteristics of landscapes in the forms of modifications or transformations. Since landscapes are composed of spatially configured patches of different land cover types, changes in the pattern composition and configuration may be used as indicators for identifying environmental trends and their underlying causes. To this end, pattern indices hold a strong potential to conceptualize landscape structure in many different ways. This study aims to analyse landscape changes in an urbanized coastal landscape in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey using pattern indices as development indicators. For this purpose, the spatial distribution of built-up areas was extracted for the years 1989, 1995, 2001, 2007 and 2019 using geo-referenced SPOT and Sentinel images. Eight landscape structure indices were calculated to demonstrate spatial and temporal diversity of area/edge, shape and aggregation characteristics of built-up patches. These indices are (1) class area (CA), (2) percentage of landscape (PL), (3) largest patch index (LPI), (4) edge density, (5) perimeter-area ratio (PARA), (6) fractal dimension (FRAC), (7) related circumscribing circle (RCC) and (8) percentage of like-adjacencies (PLADJ). The study area was divided into 215 grid-units to represent spatial diversity of development. The aforementioned indices were calculated separately for each of the units. The spatial distribution of built-up areas was also associated with land capability to assess land degradation trends. Results showed that much of the development occurred on Class I and II lands that are in fact prime agricultural areas. Results also suggest that the structure of building patches and the way that it changes vary between the coast and inland.

The current study presented a deep insight on water quality assessment of the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria coast based on the data of the following hydrographical parameters; pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), oxidizable organic matter (OOM), and total alkalinity (T. Alk.) in nine sectors (Sidi-Krier, El-Mex, El-Dekhaila, Eastern Harbour, El-Shatby, San-Stefano, El-Montazah, Abu-Qir Bay Head and Abu-Qir Bay) represented by 41 stations along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast off Alexandria city during winter 2016. The overall averages of the hydrographical parameters at the surface and various seawater depths (10-200 m) revealed that the pH levels varied from 8.07 to 8.16, salinity values reflected the range of 38.00-38.66 PSU which is consistent with the Mediterranean water salinity (38.50 PSU). The overall average of the DO showed the range of 4.48-6.60 ml/L. In the meantime, the OOM and T. Alk. demonstrated the ranges of (1.02-2.37 mgO2/L) and (2.87-3.16 mmol/L), respectively. Not many variations in the pH values with depths were observed. Also, the variations in the other parameters were minimal. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed a good correlation between the pH and each of salinity as well as T. Alk. which is consistent with the reported data for the Mediterranean water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, floods represent the danger originated in nature that causes greatest loss to both human life and economy. Understanding the risk as a social construction, evaluation of the modification results proves to be crucial in order to improve the exposed population's adaptation. The use of indices is one of the several methods used to carry carry through those evaluations. In the present research we used a replica of the SOVI® (Social Vulnerability Index), one of the most used worldwide indices and its adaptation has been implemented in an area of special sensitivity for floods: the Mediterranean coast in the Region of Murcia and the Valencian Community (Spain). The results obtained show a greater social vulnerability in non-floodable census sections than in those that can be flooded and reveal a pattern of social inequality in areas where the hydrographic network presents an ephemeral and sudden runoff such as the ramblas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bivalve biodiversity and taxonomy of the Mediterranean coast of Morocco from Cap Spartel (Tangier region) to the seaside resort of Saidia (near the Algero-Moroccan frontiers) has been studied from different samplings carried out between October 2000 and May 2002. The present work is focused particularly on a first and original exploration of bivalves species associated with different biotopes in the Mediterranean coast of Morocco and establishes an inventory of bivalve species harvested along the coast of the studied area. We have been able to establish the distribution of species along the coast in the four sampling zones: Tangier, Al-Hoceima, Nador and Saidia. Among the 73 species listed during this study, two of them are declared new species for the first time from the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, 17 rare species occur in the zone of Tangier, 9 rare species in Al-Hoceima, 3 rare species in Nador, 18 rare species in Saidia, and two endemic and threatened species from the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Of the 22 bivalve mollusc families present, five are of an economic importance: Cardiidae, Donacidae, Mytilidae, Ostreidae, and Veneridae. Specific richeness affected to the whole region of study was higher in Tangier close to the Atlantic Ocean than in the more internal zones.

Background. Klein’s sole, Synapturichthys kleinii (Risso, 1827), is a rare fish, included in the IUCN Red List as Data Deficient, and its biology is poorly known. Biological investigations of S. kleinii have been surprisingly rare in Tunisian waters. In the presently reported study, we investigated the reproductive period, size at first sexual maturity, and fecundity of S. kleinii along the Tunisian waters, with the aim of achieving the first complete and comprehensive description of the reproduction of this fish in the Mediterranean Sea. Materials and methods. A total of 294 specimens of S. kleinii were sampled over two years, off the Tunisian coasts. Sex ratio was estimated through the seasons of the year and the size classes. The stage of maturity was determined macroscopically only for females. Monthly gonadosomatic index (GSI), monthly hepatosomatic index (HSI), and condition factor (K) were calculated for males and females of S. kleinii. Size at first maturity was estimated only for females during the spawning season. Eighteen mature females at spawning stage were collected, weighed, and fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution for fecundity estimation. Results. Annual sex ratio showed significant differences between males and females. In specimens exceeding 27 cm in total length females outnumbered males significantly. The Klein’s sole reproduction period started in October and ended in January. The gonadosomatic index reached highest values in November for females and males. Females attained sexual maturity at 20.53 cm total body length (TL). Total fecundity ranged from 3647 to 23 174 eggs. We found a low correlation coefficient between total fecundity and total length, but a high correlation coefficient between eviscerated weight and ovary weight. Conclusion. Our results constitute a preliminary baseline for monitoring changes in the biological indexes linked to the reproduction cycle and length at first sexual maturity of S. kleinii. The presently acquired data will enable biologists to assess the status of this fish and develop culture technology in natural waters and will be useful for the fishery biologists and conservation biologists, for successful development, management, production, and ultimate conservation of this favoured Tunisian food fish.

In some regions of the Deltaic Mediterranean coastal land of Egypt, Baldratia salicorniae Kieffer, 1897 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a gall-forming insect that induces fleshy galls on the stem of Salicornia fruticosa (L.) L. (Family: Amaranthaceae). the current study tried to investigate the interaction of B. salicorniae with its host plant S. fruticosa in some regions of the Mediterranean coast and study the effect of altitude and vegetation cover on galls induction. In addition, to estimate the predicted geographic distribution habitats of B. salicorniae and its host plant S. fruticosa in Egypt by using MaxEnt technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean basin has experienced widespread changes in land use and, along with this, changes in geomorphological and hydrological processes and erosion risks. The Menfi area (Italy) has been no exception, and residential tourism has played an unexplored role. Using satellite images in 2007 and 2022, the main changes in land use were determined comparatively, and the variation in soil erosion levels was calculated using the RUSLE equation. The contribution of residential tourism to these processes was also analyzed. The results show a substantial decrease in the area occupied by vineyards and a increase in the site devoted to residential tourism (second homes) with olive orchards. Erosion values have also decreased. The results allow us to conclude that the decrease in the area with vineyards results in a reduction in soil erosion. The main drivers of the change in land use are socioeconomic factors, including the aging of farmers, the shift of subsequent generations to alternative activities, and the overall decrease in agricultural income. In addition, the expansion of tourist infrastructure was accentuated in the new land with olive orchard groves in south-faced, medium-altitude, and lower slope areas, which together provide landscape value and contribute to the reduction of soil erosion. [Display omitted] • Residential tourism shifts vineyards into olive groves with a swimming pool. • The vineyard has been progressively transformed into arable land and olive orchards, and new vineyards have occupied higher altitude. • Residential tourism associated with olive orchards is a driving force for new ventures in areas SW faced, medium-altitude, and low slope. • Despite having a positive effect on the prevention of soil erosion, reducing vineyards hurt the appreciation of the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of coastal damage caused by storms is not straightforward and different approaches can be applied. In this study, damage caused by extreme storms is evaluated at a regional scale based on news information published in regional newspapers. The data derived from the news are compared with hydrodynamic parameters to check the reliability of this methodology as a preliminary” fast approach” to evaluate storm damage and to identify hotspots along the coast. This methodology was applied to the two most extreme storms ever recorded along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, which occurred in January 2017 and January 2020, severely impacting the coast and causing significant community concerns. The news information from different media sources was processed and weighted to describe the resulting erosion, inundation, sand accumulation, and destruction of infrastructures. Moreover, an accuracy index for scoring the quality of the information was proposed. In spite of some limitations of the method, the resulting regional coastal hazard landscape of damage provides a rapid overview of the intensity and distribution of the damage and enables one to identify the location of potential hotspots for the analyzed extreme storm events. The results show that estimated damage intensity is better related to maximum wave energy than cumulative wave energy during a storm, and that beach characteristics should also be included for understanding the distribution of coastal damage.

The goal of this study was to experiment artificial neural network (ANN) classifier on various available physical factors in the study area to produce a reliable landslide susceptibility map. The mapping of landsides is classically established through the identification and analysis of hillslope instability factors. Even if a variety of approaches use these analyses with geographic information system (GIS) performances to carry out a good result, there is no satisfaction because of the complexity of the landslides encountered in the field. In the present study, landslide susceptibility models were produced by using multilayer perceptron (MLP) ANN in the Mediterranean Rif coastal zone of Morocco. This was established in the following steps: (i) production of landslide inventory map; (ii) production of the hillslope factors, twenty factors composed of geology, geomorphometry, proximity, and thematic data derived from satellite imageries; (iii) extraction of vector model to be used to train ANN, construction of ANN models; (iv) validation and evaluation of results. The results of the prediction models were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The obtained area under the curve (AUC) values are greater than 0.90, indicating that the models are quite accurate. The visual comparisons between landslide susceptibility maps and the input factor maps show that roads and geology are the most important factors influencing five types of mass movements (complex, slide, flow, and rockfall). The success of this work will be helpful to expand this method to the whole Rif mountains in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sampling of fouling organisms carried out during January 2019 at Al-Max (west of the city of Alexandria) on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt revealed the presence of larval populations belonging to the genus Telmatogeton (Chironomidae), which is reported for the first time from the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The larvae were found among clumps of fine filamentous green algae (Enteromorpha compressa). A description of the larva with taxonomic remarks and comments on its ecology and geographical distribution are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Platinum (Pt) is considered a Technology Critical Element (TCE) and an emerging metallic contaminant with increasing release into the environment. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of environmental levels, fate and effects of Pt still exist, especially in the marine environment. This work presents Pt concentrations in the northwestern Mediterranean coast including: (i) temporal variability from sediment cores and farmed mussels in the Toulon Bay (historically affected by intense human activities) and (ii) spatial distribution from recent wild mussels collected along ∼ 700 km coastline with contrasting ecosystems (including natural reserves), quantified using voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The historical (>100 years) record of Pt in sediments from the Toulon Bay suggests the existence of non-negligible Pt sources older than those related to vehicle emission devices, such as petrol industry and coal-fired activities. A strong Pt increase in more recent sediments (from ∼12 to 16 ng g−1) and mussels (8-fold increase from ∼0.12 to 0.80 ng g−1) covering the past 25 years reflect the overall evolution of Pt demand in Europe (∼20-fold increase for vehicle catalysts in 20 years). Spatial biomonitoring of Pt in mussels along the northwestern Mediterranean coast is assumed to reflect inter-site differences of Pt exposure (0.09–0.66 ng g−1) despite seasonal effect on tissue development. This study highlights the need for thorough and regular monitoring of Pt levels in sediments and biota from urbanized coastal areas in order to better assess the environmental impact of this TCE, including potential risks for marine organisms. Highlights • Platinum levels were monitored in contrasting sites of the NW Mediterranean coast. • Historical sediments reflect non-vehicle related, old Pt anthropogenic sources. • Past 25-years sediments and mussels show recent vehicle related Pt contamination. • Biomonitoring mussels reflect the degree of Pt contamination in coastal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]