38 results on '"Michele Luca Geraci"'
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2. First record and otolith morphometric description of an adult lightfish, Ichthyococcus ovatus (Actinopterygii: Stomiiformes: Phosichthyidae), caught in the Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean Sea)
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Giacomo Sardo, Michele Luca Geraci, Fabio Falsone, Salvatore Gancitano, Vita Gancitano, Danilo Scannella, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, Antonino Titone, and Sergio Vitale
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Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling ,SH1-691 - Abstract
On July 2018, one specimen of Ichthyococcus ovatus (Cocco, 1838) was caught in the Strait of Sicily during the International Bottom Trawl Survey in the Mediterranean (MEDITS). The adult I. ovatus measured 49 mm in total length and weighed 1.44 g. In this context, the presently reported study constitutes the first and deepest record of an adult of I. ovatus as well as the morphometric description of its sagittal otoliths. In addition, we provide an age estimation as well as an update of the geographical distribution of this bathypelagic species around the Mediterranean Sea. Based on the growth increments of sagittal otoliths, the estimated age was five years. Specifically, the otolith from the presently reported specimen of I. ovatus tended to be elliptic in shape related to aspect ratio and high rectangularity while circularity showed high complexity of otolith contour complexity. The absence of economic value of rarely reported species may underestimate their abundance. Therefore, more studies and research surveys would be necessary to fill the information gap on the biology of these deep-water species.
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- 2022
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3. Exploring the feasibility of technological transfers of two by-catch reduction devices in the crustacean bottom trawling of the central Mediterranean
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Michele Luca Geraci, Giacomo Sardo, Danilo Scannella, Fabio Falsone, Federico Di Maio, Vita Gancitano, Fabio Fiorentino, Pierangela Chirco, Daniela Massi, and Sergio Vitale
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selectivity ,discard ,Parapenaeus longirostris ,Merluccius merluccius ,T90 codend ,sorting grid ,Science ,General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,QH1-199.5 - Abstract
IntroductionMost Mediterranean fish stocks are overexploited owing to high fishing efforts and poor exploitation patterns. Demersal trawl fisheries are considered the most impactful fishery type because of the high quantities of unwanted catch that is then routinely discarded at sea.MethodsIn the present study, two types of by-catch reduction devices (BRDs), that is a sorting grid (Grid-T45 40 mm) and a T90 50 mm codend, were compared to a typical commercial bottom trawl net (control) in terms of size structures and catch per unit effort to assess the effect of gear modification on the selectivity of crustacean fisheries in the central Mediterranean Sea. In particular, three randomly selected trawlers were involved in a paired hauls experiment fishing at the same time in the same fishing ground. Each trawler carried out four hauls per day during a 3-day campaign for a total of 36 hauls. The target species of the fishery is Parapenaeus longirostris (herein DPS), and the main commercial by-catch is Merluccius merluccius (herein HKE).ResultsThe results showed that the landing per unit effort (LPUE) of DPS was higher for Grid-T45 40 mm net, although it did not differ significantly from that of the control net. Conversely, the discard per unit effort (DPUE) of the control net was significantly higher than of both BRD configurations. For HKE, a slightly higher LPUE was recorded using the T90 50 mm codend compared to that of the control, but this result was not statistically significant. The lowest DPUE was found for the T90 50 mm codend, with significant differences compared to that of the control and Grid-T45 40 mm net. The catch comparison of the size structures analysed through generalised linear mixed models highlighted that the Grid-T45 40 mm net was more effective in catching adult DPS, whereas the T90 50 mm codend was more selective for adult HKE.DiscussionIn conclusion, although further studies should be carried out in future to test the performance of the BRDs in different areas and seasons, the investigated gear seems to be promising for reducing the catch of undersized individuals and contributing to mitigating the current overfishing of DPS and HKE.
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- 2023
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4. Guarding net effects on landings and discards in Mediterranean trammel net fishery: Case analysis of Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area (Central Mediterranean Sea, Italy)
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Giacomo Sardo, Luca Vecchioni, Giacomo Milisenda, Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Daniela Massi, Pietro Rizzo, Danilo Scannella, and Sergio Vitale
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multivariate analysis ,benthic assemblages ,sustainability ,unwanted catches ,discard ,by-catch reduction device ,Science ,General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,QH1-199.5 - Abstract
Discards remain among the main negative impacts of fishing activities, and their reductions are strengthened by the European Common Fisheries Policy (European Regulation 1380/2013). Trammel net fisheries appear more sustainable compared with other fishing techniques, especially from an ecological viewpoint. Despite this, reports show that trammel net fisheries deliver discard quantities between 10% and 43% of the total catch biomass. To supplement existing information, this current work attempts to address the discard reduction using guarding net in the small-scale fisheries of Egadi Islands MPA (Western Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea). To assess the reduction of unwanted catches, 48 experimental fishing trials were conducted within a 6-month period. The experimental fishing trial employed a trammel net made up of 20 panels alternated with two different net configurations. The control panels (CN) held a large outer (180 mm) and small inner (31.25 mm) meshes. The test panels (GN) with guarding net constituted a three-mesh-high (50-mm mesh size) net placed between trammel net panels and a lead line. A total of 3,310 individuals belonging to 106 taxa and nine phyla were caught. Crustaceans were the most abundant unwanted catches in the control panels, whereas bioconstructions occurred in the guarding net panels. The discard ratios of CN and GN panels were statistically different (t-value = –2.55; p< 0.05). The analysis of catch per unit effort showed higher catches of CN panels for both commercial and discard fractions (p< 0.05). Moreover, the guarding net panels caught the main discarded species at 20% lower compared with the control. The overall value of the catch at the CN panels (€ 3,366.90) was higher than the total income (€ 2,043.70) generated using the GN panels, which suggests a significant commercial loss of 40% (p< 0.05).
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- 2023
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5. First Records with Biological Notes of Umbrina ronchus, Valenciennes, 1843 (Osteichthyes, Sciaenidae) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
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Giacomo Sardo, Michele Luca Geraci, Fabio Falsone, Salvatore Gancitano, Vita Gancitano, Daniela Massi, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, Danilo Scannella, Antonino Titone, Sergio Vitale, and Fabio Fiorentino
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Fusca drum ,biometries ,meristics ,otolith ,age estimation ,geographical distribution ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Between September and October 2021, a total of seven adult specimens (five females and two males) of Umbrina ronchus Valenciennes, 1843 were caught in the waters off Portopalo di Capo Passero and Porto Empedocle (the south-eastern coast of Sicily). This was the first record of this species in the Strait of Sicily and the deepest record of this species within the Mediterranean Sea. Individuals of U. ronchus ranged from 180–240 mm total length and 69–149 g total weight. Gonad stages ranged from maturing to spent/resting. Otoliths sagittae were oval shaped with high rectangular yet complex contour. Counting the growth zones by transverse section, the estimated age ranged from 3 to 5 years. Since sciaenids are considered a high-longevity species, a quite recent settlement of U. ronchus in the Strait of Sicily is suggested. As the biogeographic nature of the Strait of Sicily is the main boundary between the western basin, which is characterized by a high affinity for (sub)tropical Atlantic species such as U. ronchus, and the eastern basin, which has an affinity for the indo-pacific warm waters species, the present records could be the limit to the eastward expansion of the geographic distribution of U. ronchus in the Mediterranean Sea.
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- 2023
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6. Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements in the Muscle of the Blackmouth Catshark Galeus melastomus from Mediterranean Waters
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Samira Gallo, Gianluca Nania, Valentina Caruso, Giorgia Zicarelli, Francesco Luigi Leonetti, Gianni Giglio, Giorgio Fedele, Chiara Romano, Massimiliano Bottaro, Olga Mangoni, Danilo Scannella, Sergio Vitale, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Sardo, Michele Luca Geraci, Alessandra Neri, Letizia Marsili, Cecilia Mancusi, Donatella Barca, and Emilio Sperone
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sharks ,ecotoxicology ,pollution ,heavy metals ,deep-sea ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Environmental pollution, particularly in the marine environment, has become a significant concern due to the increasing presence of pollutants and their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the bioaccumulation of trace elements in the muscle tissue of the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) from different areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Trace elements are of interest due to their persistence, toxicity, and potential for bioaccumulation. This research aims to assess the distribution and accumulation of trace elements in the muscle tissue of G. melastomus and investigate their potential impact on the deep-sea environment of the Mediterranean. The focused areas include the Ligurian Sea, the northern and central Tyrrhenian Sea, the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Pantelleria Waters, and the Gela Waters. Samples were collected following established protocols, and trace element analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study provides data on the concentrations of 17 trace elements, namely aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, selenium, strontium, lead, chromium, iron, barium, bismuth, and uranium. The findings contribute to a better understanding of trace element bioaccumulation patterns in elasmobranch species, specifically G. melastomus, and highlight the potential risks associated with chemical contamination in the Mediterranean Sea. This research emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of pollutants on marine organisms, particularly those occupying key ecological roles, like sharks, to support effective conservation and management strategies.
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- 2023
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7. How does climate change affect a fishable resource? The case of the royal sea cucumber (Parastichopus regalis) in the central Mediterranean Sea
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Danilo Scannella, Gioacchino Bono, Manfredi Di Lorenzo, Federico Di Maio, Fabio Falsone, Vita Gancitano, Germana Garofalo, Michele Luca Geraci, Valentina Lauria, Maria Mancuso, Federico Quattrocchi, Giacomo Sardo, Antonino Titone, Sergio Vitale, Fabio Fiorentino, and Daniela Massi
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sea cucumbers ,unexploited resources ,environmental changes ,acidification ,fishing impact ,GAM ,Science ,General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,QH1-199.5 - Abstract
Holothurians or sea cucumbers are key organisms in marine ecosystems that, by ingesting large quantities of sediments, provide important ecosystem services. Among them, Parastichopus regalis (Cuvier, 1817) is one of the living sea cucumbers in the Mediterranean actively fished for human consumption mainly in Spain, where it is considered a gastronomic delicacy. In the Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean Sea), this species is not exploited for commercial use even if it is used as bait by longline fishery. P. regalis is frequently caught by bottom trawling and discarded at sea by fishers after catch, and because of its capacity to resist air exposition (at least in cold months), it is reasonable to consider that it is not affected by fishing mortality. Having observed a significant decrease in abundance since 2018, the possible effects of some ecological factors related to current climate change (i.e., temperature and pH) were sought. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to investigate the relationship among the abundance of P. regalis and environmental variables and fishing effort. Long time series of P. regalis densities (2008–2021) were extracted from the MEDITS bottom trawling survey and modeled as function of environmental parameters (i.e., salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, pH, and chlorophyll α) and fishing effort (i.e., total number of fishing days per gross tonnage). Our results showed that this species prefers the soft bottoms (50–200 m) of the Adventure Bank and Malta Plateau, and its distribution changed over time with a slight deepening and a rarefaction of spatial distribution starting from 2011 and 2017, respectively. In addition, a positive relationship with pH concentration in surface waters during the larval dispersal phase (3-year lag before the survey) and nutrient concentration at sea bottom (1-year lag) has been found, suggesting that this species is sensitive to climate change and food availability. This study adds new knowledge about the population dynamics of an unexploited stock of P. regalis under fishing impact and environmental under climate change in fisheries management.
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- 2022
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8. Escape Survival and Scale Damage Assessment of Red Mullet (Mullus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758) during Bottom Trawling in the Central Mediterranean Sea
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Michele Luca Geraci, Giacomo Sardo, Fabio Falsone, Danilo Scannella, Michael Breen, Fabio Fiorentino, Antonello Sala, and Sergio Vitale
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fishing mortality ,trawl fishery ,Strait of Sicily ,MCRS ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 - Abstract
Stock assessments routinely evaluate the status of commercially harvested species, but seldom account for the possible mortality of released or escaping fish. This study presents a method for estimating the escape survival of the red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from demersal trawling in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Fish escaping from the trawl codend were collected in a detachable cage, which was lined to reduce water flow and protect the sampled fish from further fatigue and injury. Control fish (from an open codend) showed high survival, 94% (87–97%, 95% Confidence Interval), and minimal injuries, while fish escaping through codend meshes had significantly increased injuries and reduced survival, 63% (55–70%). During 7 days of captive monitoring, treatment group mortality was highest in the first 24 h and ceased for both groups within 48 h. Conflicting length-related mortality was observed, where larger treatment fish had a higher probability of dying, while the opposite was observed in the controls. Analysis showed that treatment fish were significantly more injured than control fish, with treatment fish predominantly injured in the head zone. In conclusion, this improved methodology should be repeated to provide accurate escape mortality estimates for the improved stock assessment of the red mullet in the Central Mediterranean.
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- 2023
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9. Assessing the Stock Dynamics of Elasmobranchii off the Southern Coast of Sicily by Using Trawl Survey Data
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Fabio Falsone, Vita Gancitano, Michele Luca Geraci, Giacomo Sardo, Danilo Scannella, Fabrizio Serena, Sergio Vitale, and Fabio Fiorentino
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AMSY ,assemblage ,fishing impact ,MEDITS ,rays ,sharks ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays), which have peculiar and vulnerable life-history traits, are highly threatened by fishing activities. Indeed, between 53% and 71% of Mediterranean elasmobranch species are at risk of extinction. In this context, using the abundance MSY (AMSY) model, the present study provides an assessment of 20 batoids and 16 shark species in the Strait of Sicily, sampled during a bottom trawl survey from 1995 to 2020. Overall, the outputs underline a progressively improving condition for shark and ray assemblages of both shelf and eurybathic zones. As for slope-dwelling species, a horseshoe-shaped dynamic, characterized by a progressive decrease in relative harvesting pressure and an increase in relative biomass followed by an increase in fishing pressure and decrease in biomass, was detected. The dynamics of the Elasmobranchii living in the Strait of Sicily appear to be affected by changes in the fishing patterns of trawlers, showing a shift from shallow water to bathyal fishing grounds and targeting deep-water red shrimp. In this context, it seems wise to limit the impact of deep-water fisheries on Elasmobranchii by reducing fishing efforts and implementing ad hoc management measures aimed at safeguarding these vulnerable species.
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- 2022
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10. Length-Weight Relationships of 52 Species from the South of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
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Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Danilo Scannella, Vita Gancitano, Federico Di Maio, Giacomo Sardo, Federico Quattrocchi, and Sergio Vitale
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LWR ,bony fishes ,cartilaginous fishes ,cephalopods ,crustaceans ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Genetics ,QH426-470 - Abstract
The Length-Weight relationships (LWRs) of 52 species (14 never reported before) of fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods living on the shelf and upper slope off Southern Sicily are provided. Data were collected in the framework of the International bottom trawl survey in the Mediterranean (MEDITS) in the South of Sicily (Central Mediterranean), covering a time frame ranging from 2012 to 2019. Linear regressions were significant for all species (p < 0.05) with R2 values ranging from 0.86 to 0.99. The intercept (a) of LWRs ranged from 0.0003 to 0.4677, while the slope (b) ranged from 2.1281 to 3.306. The Welch t-test, used to evaluate differences between the obtained LWRs with those reported in the literature, revealed that most of the LWRs (about 55%) reported in this study are in disagreement with those obtained previously by other authors from the Strait of Sicily. It is expected that the results obtained from this study will contribute to filling the knowledge gap of fish populations in this area and also assist fisheries scientists in future stock assessment studies.
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- 2022
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11. How Fishery Collapses: The Case of Lepidopus caudatus (Pisces: Trichiuridae) in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean)
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Fabio Falsone, Danilo Scannella, Michele Luca Geraci, Vita Gancitano, Sergio Vitale, and Fabio Fiorentino
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stock assessment ,surplus production models ,data poor approach ,CMSY ,BSM ,AMSY ,Science ,General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,QH1-199.5 - Abstract
The silver scabbardfish Lepidopus caudatus is a mesopelagic species living on the shelf and slope down to 600 m in temperate seas all around the world. In the Mediterranean, the species is caught mainly by longlines with a marked seasonality. In the early 90s in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea), a new fishery targeting L. caudatus was developed. This fishery uses an ad hoc pelagic trawl gear called “spatolara.” Vessels using spatolara have increased from 1 in 1993 to 10 in 2007 with a growth of catches of up to 1,200 tons in 2011. Development of this fishery was not regulated by any specific management measures and, due to the progressive reduction of catch to 169 tons, only one vessel was active in 2018. The availability of catch and biomass indices from trawl survey since the beginning of trawling exploitation allowed providing the first assessment of the state of L. caudatus stock in the Central Mediterranean (GFCM Geographical Sub-Area 16) by using data-limited methods. Catch-Maximum Sustainable Yield (CMSY) and Bayesian State Space Schaefer model (BSM) were fitted to landings and abundance indices (2004–2018). The Abundance-Maximum Sustainable Yield model (AMSY) was also applied to survey data from 1994 (1 year after the start of the spatolara fishery) to 2018 to further corroborate the results. BSM prediction of biomass levels was just above 50% of BMSY, whereas AMSY estimated the current stock levels below 50% of BMSY. The BSM was used for forecasting B/BMSY and catches under different fishing scenarios. Although current exploitation was very close to FMSY, more than a decade would be needed to rebuild the stock to biomass levels producing MSY. A faster rebuilding could be achieved by fishing at least 80% of FMSY, with minimal loss in yield over the next 5–8 years. Following the development of a new fishery since the beginning, the study provides a further example of how unregulated exploitation leads to a heavy overfished state of stock and collapse of fishing activities.
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- 2021
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12. Batoid Abundances, Spatial Distribution, and Life History Traits in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea): Bridging a Knowledge Gap through Three Decades of Survey
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Michele Luca Geraci, Sergio Ragonese, Danilo Scannella, Fabio Falsone, Vita Gancitano, Jurgen Mifsud, Miriam Gambin, Alicia Said, and Sergio Vitale
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Mediterranean Sea ,bottom trawl survey ,spatial distribution ,length at first maturity ,Linfinity ,sex ratio ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 ,Zoology ,QL1-991 - Abstract
Batoid species play a key role in marine ecosystems but unfortunately they have globally declined over the last decades. Given the paucity of information, abundance data and the main life history traits for batoids, obtained through about three decades of bottom trawl surveys, are presented and discussed. The surveys were carried out in two areas of the Central Mediterranean (South of Sicily and Malta Island), in a timeframe ranging from 1990 to 2018. Excluding some batoids, the abundance trends were stable or increasing. Only R. clavata, R. miraletus, and D. oxyrinchus showed occurrence and abundance indexes notable enough to carry out more detailed analysis. In particular, spatial distribution analysis of these species highlighted the presence of two main hotspots in Sicilian waters whereas they seem more widespread in Malta. The lengths at first maturity (L50) were 695 and 860, 635 and 574, and 364 and 349 mm total length (TL), respectively, for females and males of D. oxyrinchus, R. clavata, and R. miraletus. The asymptotic lengths (L∞) and the curvature coefficients (K) were 1365 and 1240 (K = 0.11 and 0.26), 1260 and 1100 (K = 0.16 and 0.26), and 840 and 800 mm TL (K = 0.36 and 0.41), respectively, for females and males of D. oxyrinchus, R. clavata, and R. miraletus. The lack of detailed quantitative historical information on batoids of Sicily and Malta does not allow to analytically judge the current status of the stocks, although the higher abundance of some species within Malta raises some concern for the Sicilian counterpart. In conclusion, suitable actions to protect batoids in the investigated area are recommended.
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- 2021
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13. Modelling the effects of more selective trawl nets on the productivity of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) stocks in the Strait of Sicily
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Sergio Vitale, Marco Enea, Giacomo Milisenda, Vita Gancitano, Michele Luca Geraci, Fabio Falsone, Gioacchino Bono, Fabio Fiorentino, and Francesco Colloca
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Gadget ,forecast ,selectivity ,sorting grids ,trawl net ,Strait of Sicily ,Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling ,SH1-691 - Abstract
Single-species Gadget models were used to assess the effects of using a sorting grid mounted on the traditional trawl net used by Sicilian trawlers to exploit the deep-water rose shrimp in the Strait of Sicily. The main commercial by-catch species of this fleet is the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), often caught at sizes well below the minimum conservation reference size. Selectivity curves based on the results of an experimental survey carried out in the area using a commercial trawler equipped with an ad hoc-designed sorting grid were incorporated into single-species Gadget models to forecast the effects of changing fishery selectivity on the performance of the two stocks in terms of catch and biomass. The models included catch data from the Italian, Tunisian and Maltese fleets as well as MEDITS trawl survey data for the period 2002-2016. Several scenarios were defined to simulate the effect of the Italian trawlers’ adopting the sorting grid under different stock-recruitment assumptions. The results obtained, when compared with status quo simulations of fishing without a sorting grid mounted on the trawl net, indicated a beneficial effect for both stocks in terms of an increase in biomass and for the fleets in terms of the amount and size composition of annual landings.
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- 2018
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14. Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements in the Muscle of the Blackmouth Catshark Galeus melastomus from Mediterranean Waters
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Sperone, Samira Gallo, Gianluca Nania, Valentina Caruso, Giorgia Zicarelli, Francesco Luigi Leonetti, Gianni Giglio, Giorgio Fedele, Chiara Romano, Massimiliano Bottaro, Olga Mangoni, Danilo Scannella, Sergio Vitale, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Sardo, Michele Luca Geraci, Alessandra Neri, Letizia Marsili, Cecilia Mancusi, Donatella Barca, and Emilio
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sharks ,ecotoxicology ,pollution ,heavy metals ,deep-sea - Abstract
Environmental pollution, particularly in the marine environment, has become a significant concern due to the increasing presence of pollutants and their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the bioaccumulation of trace elements in the muscle tissue of the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) from different areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Trace elements are of interest due to their persistence, toxicity, and potential for bioaccumulation. This research aims to assess the distribution and accumulation of trace elements in the muscle tissue of G. melastomus and investigate their potential impact on the deep-sea environment of the Mediterranean. The focused areas include the Ligurian Sea, the northern and central Tyrrhenian Sea, the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Pantelleria Waters, and the Gela Waters. Samples were collected following established protocols, and trace element analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study provides data on the concentrations of 17 trace elements, namely aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, zinc, selenium, strontium, lead, chromium, iron, barium, bismuth, and uranium. The findings contribute to a better understanding of trace element bioaccumulation patterns in elasmobranch species, specifically G. melastomus, and highlight the potential risks associated with chemical contamination in the Mediterranean Sea. This research emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of pollutants on marine organisms, particularly those occupying key ecological roles, like sharks, to support effective conservation and management strategies.
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- 2023
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15. Prvi nalaz mača srebrenjaka Trachipterus trachypterus Gmelin 1789 (Lampriformes) u Sicillijanskom tjesnacu
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Michele Luca Geraci, Danilo Scannella, Sergio Vitale, Vita Gancitano, Salvatore Gancitano, Giacomo Sardo, and Fabio Falsone
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Oceanography - Abstract
On July 7th 2018 a specimen of Mediterranean dealfish (Trachipterus trachypterus Gmelin 1789) was caught in the shallow waters of Selinunte (in the South-Western coast of Sicily) by trammel net. It was a female in maturing phase and the gonadosomatic index resulted as 1.1%. The specimen measured 1638 mm in total length and weighed about 2480 g. The estimated age through growth increments in vertebra was of 41 years. The finding of the Mediterranean dealfish in the Strait of Sicily might be linked to its spawning period during which it approaches the shallow waters. The present specimen represents the first record in the Strait of Sicily.
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- 2022
16. Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species
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Michail, Ragkousis, Argyro, Zenetos, Jamila Ben Souissi, Razy, Hoffman, Raouia, Ghanem, Ergün, Taşkın, Mihaela, Muresan, Evgeniia, Karpova, Elena, Slynko, Ertan, Dağlı, Ana, Fortič, Victor, Surugiu, Vesna, Mačić, Domen, Trkov, Wafa Rjiba Bahri, Konstantinos, Tsiamis, Ramos-Espla, Alfonso A., Slavica, Petović, Jasmine, Ferrario, Agnese, Marchini, Renato, Sconfietti, Izdihar, Ammar, Alaa, Alo, Dori, Edelist, Tatiana, Begun, Adrian, Teaca, Gokhan, Tari, Mehmet Fatih Huseyinoglu, Karachle, Paraskevi K., Aikaterini, Dogrammatzi, Apostolopoulos, Giorgos A., Fabio, Crocetta, Eleni, Kytinou, Markos, Digenis, Grigorios, Skouradakis, Fiona, Tomas, Michel, Bariche, Alexandros, Kaminas, Kassiani, Konida, Alan, Deidun, Alessio, Marrone, Simonetta, Fraschetti, Vesselina, Mihneva, Carlo Nike Bianchi, Carla, Morri, Vasilis, Gerovasileiou, Lovrenc, Lipej, Maria, Sini, Luisa, Mangialajo, Maria, Zotou, Marius, Skolka, Ernesto, Azzurro, Adriana, Vella, Thanos, Dailianis, Panos, Grigoriou, Carlos, Jimenez, Konstantinos, Tsirintanis, Georgios, Oikonomidis, Emanuele, Mancini, Orestis, Papadakis, Vincenzo Di Martino, Giorgos, Chatzigeorgiou, Mohamed Mourad Ben Amor, Emmanouela, Vernadou, Yaprak, Arda, Vasileios, Minasidis, Annalisa, Azzola, Louis, Hadjioannou, Monica, Montefalcone, Yacopo, Baldacchino, Bessy, Stancanelli, Andrea, Bonifazi, Anna, Occhipinti-Ambrogi, Sonia, Smeraldo, Julian, Evans, Gerasimos, Kondylatos, Manuela, Falautano, Luca, Castriota, Aggelos, Lamprou, Jamila, Rizgalla, Borut, Mavrič, Evangelos, Papadimitriou, Kersting, Diego K., Schembri, Patrick J., Faten, Khamassi, Athanasios, Nikolaou, Enric, Ballesteros, Charalampos, Dimitriadis, María, García, Athanasios, Anastasiadis, Stefanos, Kalogirou, Melina, Nalmpanti, María, Altamirano, Daniele, Grech, Dimitrios, Mavrouleas, Noel, Vella, Sandra Agius Darmanin, Branko, Dragičević, Dimitris, Poursanidis, Alexandros, Tsatiris, Maria, Corsini-Foka, Martina, Orlando-Bonaca, Gianni, Insacco, Alexandros, Tsalapatis, Danilo, Scannella, Tiralongo, Francesco, Jana, Verdura, Sergio, Vitale, Michail-Aggelos, Valsamidis, Hocein, Bazairi, Anna Maria Mannino, Riccardo, Virgili, Fabio Collepardo Coccia, Radhouan El Zrelli, Savvas, Nikolidakis, Lotfi Jilani Rabaoui, Sercan, Yapıcı, Jeanne, Zaoual, Bruno, Zava, Neophytos, Agrotis, Murat, Bilecenoglu, Melih Ertan Çinar, Moraitis, Manos L., Albano, Paolo G., Nassir, Kaddouri, Ioanna, Kosma, Fabio, Falsone, Valentina, Fossati, Michele Luca Geraci, Leon Lojze Zamuda, Francesco Paolo Mancuso, Antonis, Petrou, Vasilis, Resaikos, İlker, Aydın, Batjakas, Ioannis E., Bos, Arthur R., Najib El Ouamari, Giovanni, Giallongo, Kampouris, Thodoros E., Khadija Ounifi-Ben Amor, Alper, Doğan, Jakov, Dulčić, Emine Şükran Okudan, Gil, Rilov, Rosso, Maria Antonietta, Laura, Royo, Mohamed, Selfati, Martina, Gaglioti, Sylvaine, Giakoumi, Vasiliki, Kousteni, Dragoș, Micu, Mircea, Nicoară, Sotiris, Orfanidis, Magdalene, Papatheodoulou, Jonathan, Tempesti, Maria, Triantaphyllou, Theodora, Tsourou, Ferhat, Yalgın, Emanuel, Baltag, Hasan, Cerim, Halit, Filiz, Georgiadis, Constantinos G., Paschalis, Papadamakis, Dimitra Lida Rammou, Manuela Diana Samargiu, Sciuto, Francesco, Mauro, Sinopoli, Ali, Türker, Antonia, Chiarore, Laura, Tamburello, Sahar, Karray, and Bilel Hassen and Stelios Katsanevakis
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invasive alien species ,Ecology ,geo-referenced records ,Black Sea ,distribution ,Mediterranean Sea ,non-indigenous ,non-native species, non-indigenous, distribution, invasive alien species, geo-referenced records, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea ,non-native species ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
To enrich spatio-temporal information on the distribution of alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, a collective effort by 173 marine scientists was made to provide unpublished records and make them open access to the scientific community. Through this effort, we collected and harmonized a dataset of 12, 649 records. It includes 247 taxa, of which 217 are Animalia, 25 Plantae and 5 Chromista, from 23 countries surrounding the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Chordata was the most abundant taxonomic group, followed by Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Annelida. In terms of species records, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Saurida lessepsianus, Pterois miles, Upeneus moluccensis, Charybdis (Archias) longicollis, and Caulerpa cylindracea were the most numerous. The temporal distribution of the records ranges from 1973 to 2022, with 44% of the records in 2020–2021. Lethrinus borbonicus is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, while Pomatoschistus quagga, Caulerpa cylindracea, Grateloupia turuturu, and Misophria pallida are first records for the Black Sea ; Kapraunia schneideri is recorded for the second time in the Mediterranean and for the first time in Israel ; Prionospio depauperata and Pseudonereis anomala are reported for the first time from the Sea of Marmara. Many first country records are also included, namely: Amathia verticillata (Montenegro), Ampithoe valida (Italy), Antithamnion amphigeneum (Greece), Clavelina oblonga (Tunisia and Slovenia), Dendostrea cf. folium (Syria), Epinephelus fasciatus (Tunisia), Ganonema farinosum (Montenegro), Macrorhynchia philippina (Tunisia), Marenzelleria neglecta (Romania), Paratapes textilis (Tunisia), and Botrylloides diegensis (Tunisia).
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- 2023
17. The effects of different artificial light wavelengths on some behavioural features of juvenile pelagic Atlantic horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Carangidae)
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Giacomo Sardo, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, Michele Luca Geraci, Fabio Fiorentino, Sergio Vitale, and Giacomo SARDO, Charles Odilichukwu R. OKPALA, Michele Luca GERACI, Fabio FIORENTINO, Sergio VITALE
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biology ,Artificial light ,horse mackerel ,Actinopterygii ,Zoology ,Pelagic zone ,Aquatic Science ,repulsion ,biology.organism_classification ,Horse mackerel ,Perciformes ,Geography ,Carangidae ,trawl fishery ,artificial light ,Juvenile ,Trachurus trachurus ,trawl fishery, horse mackerel, artificial light, attraction, repulsion ,attraction - Abstract
Background. Atlantic horse mackerel, Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758), is among bento-pelagic species subject to discard within deep-water rose shrimp fisheries, and how such species would react to light wavelength is therefore important, to be consistent with the Common Fishery Policy (CFP). Despite the existing literature currently available, there is still paucity of relevant information about how artificial light wavelengths affects the behaviour of T. trachurus juveniles. In this context, the effects of different artificial light wavelengths on some behavioural features of juvenile T. trachurus were investigated. Materials and methods. Maintained in a fish tank, the juveniles of Atlantic horse mackerel, after acclimatization, were subject to six different light wavelengths, representing the following colours: white, violet, blue, green, yellow, and red. Subsequently, behavioural features, specifically phototaxis (degree of attraction or repulsion toward the light source) were tested. Results. By phototaxis per light wavelength, the studied juvenile individuals produced statistical differences in the presence frequency (P < 0.05) revealed by blue that noticeably attracted some, relative to the white light that repulsed others. Yet, violet and red lights produced much less but no significant attraction of these juveniles (P > 0.05). Conclusion. The presently reported study has provided additional information about ecological knowledge and understanding specific to juvenile T. trachurus individuals, which can further the development of (selective) light fishing techniques, aimed at reducing unwanted catches of commercial pelagic fisheries
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- 2020
18. Evaluation of the Economic Performance of Coastal Trawling off the Southern Coast of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
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Danilo Scannella, Tommaso Russo, FABIO FIORENTINO1, Michele Luca Geraci, and Federico Di Maio
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SMART ,Settore BIO/07 ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,strait of Sicily ,Geography, Planning and Development ,catch composition ,bio-economic model ,bottom trawling ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law - Abstract
The economic performances of four trawling fleets (those of the Sicilian cities of Trapani, Sciacca, Licata and Porto Palo di Capo Passero) operating in the coastal waters along the southern coast of Sicily (geographical Subarea 16), and potentially affected by the establishment of the Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs), were analysed. The main economic performance results (revenues, costs and profits) of 37 trawlers were calculated prior to the implementation of FRAs and compared with those estimated by the spatial bio-economic model SMART after the FRAs’ establishment. Results showed that the fleets of Sciacca and Licata, located in the central part of the southern Sicilian coast, had a short-term reduction of profits as a result of the implementation of the FRAs; conversely, a short-term increase in the economic performances of Trapani and Porto Palo di Capo Passero fleets was expected. Although the FRAs represent a good tool for rebuilding overexploited stocks, the different socio-economic impacts of the single fleets should be assessed before adopting them and the implementation of specific compensative measures should be planned for the impacted fleet until a more productive state of the stock is reached.
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- 2022
19. Batoid Abundances, Spatial Distribution, and Life History Traits in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea): Bridging a Knowledge Gap through Three Decades of Survey
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Miriam Gambin, Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Vita Gancitano, Danilo Scannella, Sergio Ragonese, Jurgen Mifsud, Sergio Vitale, Alicia Said, Geraci M.L., Ragonese S., Scannella D., Falsone F., Gancitano V., Mifsud J., Gambin M., Said A., and Vitale S.
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0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Veterinary medicine ,Spatial distribution ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Life history theory ,Mediterranean sea ,Abundance (ecology) ,SF600-1100 ,Mediterranean Sea ,Marine ecosystem ,Linfinity ,General Veterinary ,spatial distribution ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,sex ratio ,bottom trawl survey ,length–weight relationship ,language.human_language ,Fishery ,Geography ,QL1-991 ,length at first maturity ,040102 fisheries ,language ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Zoology ,Sicilian ,Sex ratio - Abstract
Simple Summary Batoid species are cartilaginous fish commonly known as rays, but they also include stingrays, electric rays, guitarfish, skates, and sawfish. These species are very sensitive to fishing, mainly because of their slow growth rate and late maturity; therefore, they need to be adequately managed. Regrettably, information on life history traits (e.g., length at first maturity, sex ratio, and growth) and abundance are still scarce, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, the present study focuses on the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean) and aims to improve knowledge gained through scientific survey data. In particular, abundance data, spatial distribution, and some life history traits are herein presented. In the investigated area, the biomass trends of the batoids indicated a slight recovery even if few species showed a depletion. Considering the importance of this taxon for maintaining the marine ecosystem equilibrium, management measures are desirable. Abstract Batoid species play a key role in marine ecosystems but unfortunately they have globally declined over the last decades. Given the paucity of information, abundance data and the main life history traits for batoids, obtained through about three decades of bottom trawl surveys, are presented and discussed. The surveys were carried out in two areas of the Central Mediterranean (South of Sicily and Malta Island), in a timeframe ranging from 1990 to 2018. Excluding some batoids, the abundance trends were stable or increasing. Only R. clavata, R. miraletus, and D. oxyrinchus showed occurrence and abundance indexes notable enough to carry out more detailed analysis. In particular, spatial distribution analysis of these species highlighted the presence of two main hotspots in Sicilian waters whereas they seem more widespread in Malta. The lengths at first maturity (L50) were 695 and 860, 635 and 574, and 364 and 349 mm total length (TL), respectively, for females and males of D. oxyrinchus, R. clavata, and R. miraletus. The asymptotic lengths (L∞) and the curvature coefficients (K) were 1365 and 1240 (K = 0.11 and 0.26), 1260 and 1100 (K = 0.16 and 0.26), and 840 and 800 mm TL (K = 0.36 and 0.41), respectively, for females and males of D. oxyrinchus, R. clavata, and R. miraletus. The lack of detailed quantitative historical information on batoids of Sicily and Malta does not allow to analytically judge the current status of the stocks, although the higher abundance of some species within Malta raises some concern for the Sicilian counterpart. In conclusion, suitable actions to protect batoids in the investigated area are recommended.
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- 2021
20. How is artificial lighting affecting the catches in deep water rose shrimp trawl fishery of the Central Mediterranean Sea?
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Giacomo Sardo, Fabio Falsone, Fabio Fiorentino, Sergio Vitale, Vita Gancitano, Francesco Colloca, Federico Di Maio, Michele Luca Geraci, Danilo Scannella, Geraci M.L., Colloca F., Di Maio F., Falsone F., Fiorentino F., Sardo G., Scannella D., Gancitano V., and Vitale S.
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0106 biological sciences ,biology ,LED light ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Merluccius merluccius ,Catch comparison ,Gear selectivity ,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law ,Aquatic Science ,Nocturnal ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Rose shrimp ,Horse mackerel ,Deep water ,Fishery ,Mediterranean sea ,Hake ,Fisheries management ,Environmental science ,Undersized catch ,14. Life underwater ,Trachurus trachurus - Abstract
The effect of artificial lights mounted on the headrope trawl net on the catch of deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) was tested in a survey carried out on-board a commercial trawler off the SW Sicilian coast. A total of 18 repeated nocturnal hauls, alternating without (control) and with (test) LED lights (10 green and 10 white) according to the fishers’ setup, were conducted. Overall, the test net catch rates were not significantly higher than those of the control net (Kruskal-Wallis test, p > 0.05), except for P. longirostris (p < 0.05). Conversely, the two-tailed Kolmogorov–Smirnov test revealed statistical differences in the size structure of P. longirostris, M. merluccius, and T. trachurus between the test and control nets (p < 0.05). Using generalised linear mixed models, the test net was found to yield higher catches of undersized individuals of the three species and adults of P. longirostris than the control net. Our study results are discussed in the context of the exploitation and management of Mediterranean trawl fisheries.
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- 2021
21. What is in our seas? Assessing anthropogenic litter on the seafloor of the central Mediterranean Sea
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Gioacchino Bono, M. Di Lorenzo, Antonino Titone, Germana Garofalo, Vita Gancitano, F. Di Maio, Danilo Scannella, F. Fiorentino, Federico Quattrocchi, Daniela Massi, Michele Luca Geraci, Fabio Falsone, Valentina Lauria, Garofalo G., Quattrocchi F., Bono G., Di Lorenzo M., Di Maio F., Falsone F., Gancitano V., Geraci M.L., Lauria V., Massi D., Scannella D., Titone A., and Fiorentino F.
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010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Fishing ,010501 environmental sciences ,Fishing-related litter ,Plastic ,Toxicology ,Spatial distribution ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,Baseline ,Mediterranean Sea ,Animals ,Sicily ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Single-use litter ,Waste Products ,Material type ,General Medicine ,Pollution ,Seafloor spreading ,Strait of Sicily ,Environmental science ,Baseline, Fishing-related litter, Plastics, Single-use litter, Strait of Sicily ,Physical geography ,Plastics ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Abundance, composition, and distribution of macro-litter found on the seafloor of the Strait of Sicily between 10 and 800 m depth has been studied using data collected by bottom trawl surveys MEDITS from 2015 to 2019. Three waste categories based on the items use were considered: single-use, fishing-related and generic-use. Over 600 sampling sites, just 14% of these were litter-free. The five-years average density of seafloor litter was 79.6 items/km2 and ranged between 46.8 in 2019 and 118.1 items/km2 in 2015. The predominant waste type was plastic (58% of all items). Regardless of material type, single-use items were a dominant (60% of items) and widespread (79% of hauls) fraction of litter with a mean density of 48.4 items/km2. Fishing-related items accounted for 12% of total litter items. Percentage of dirty hauls and litter density increased with depth. Analysis of the relation density-depth indicates a progressive increase of litter density beyond depth values situated within the interval 234–477 m depending on the litter category. A significant decrease in litter density by categories was observed over the period. Patterns of spatial distribution at the higher depths (200–80 0m) resulted stable over the years. Density hotspots of fishing-related items were found where the fishing activity that uses fish aggregating devices (FADs) is practised and in the proximity of rocky banks. Single-use and generic-use objects densities were greater on the seafloor along main maritime routes than other areas. Comparisons between the percentage of hauls littered with anthropic waste from the mid-1990s against those in 2018–19 highlighted an increase of about 10.8% and 15.3% for single-use items and fishing-related items respectively, and a decrease of 18.6% for generic-use items. This study provides a snapshot of the current situation of littering in the central Mediterranean Sea and represents a solid baseline against which the effectiveness of current and future mitigation strategies of the litter impact on marine environment can be measured.
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- 2020
22. La scienza della pesca a tavola
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Sergio Vitale, Francesca Falco, Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Danilo Scannella, Vita Gancitano, and Sergio Ragonese
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Biologia marina ,Divulgazione scientifica ,Scienza della pesca - Abstract
Il documento "La scienza della pesca a tavola: ovvero perché il commissario Salvo Montalbano non troverà mai l’insalata verde di Posidonia nel menù della trattoria di Punta Secca"è stato presentato presso il Civic Center di Mazara del Vallo (TP,)il 6 dicembre 2019 in occasione dell’evento "Isola del Gusto". Questo lavoro nasce dall'idea degli autori di illustrareuna serie diesempi di relazione fra scienza e prodotti del mare, procedendo dalle forme di vita più semplici a quelle più complesse.  
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- 2020
- Full Text
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23. Microplastics and Alien Black Particles as Contaminants of Deep-Water Rose Shrimp (Parapenaeus longistroris Lucas, 1846) in the Central Mediterranean Sea
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Pasti Luisa, Maria Mancuso, Gioacchino Bono, Fabio Falsone, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, Michele Luca Geraci, Danilo Scannella, Vita Gancitano, Federico Di Maio, Francesca De Falco, Marta Gabriele, Bono, Gioacchino, Falsone, Fabio, Falco, Francesca, Di Maio, Federico, Gabriele, Marta, Gancitano, Vita, Geraci, Michele Luca, Scannella, Danilo, Mancuso, Maria, Okpala, Charle, and Luisa, Pasti
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Fishery ,Microplastics ,Mediterranean sea ,Environmental science ,Alien ,Contamination ,Rose shrimp ,Human health, crustacean, stomach content, Strait of Sicily, submarine volcanoes, shipping density ,Deep water - Abstract
The detection of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of marine organisms has been recognized as among a major detrimental consequence of global plastic pollution. The effect of bioaccumulation may be potentially dangerous for food web transfer and consequently for human health. Several observational studies have been carried out in a wide range of marine organisms, including decapod crustaceans, such as the shore crab and Norway lobster; however, no specific study has been assessed on the deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longistroris Lucas, 1846), an ecologically and commercially important Mediterranean crustacean. Based on this, we performed a preliminary study on the presence of microplastics in the GIT of 24 deep-water rose shrimp (DWRS) specimens, collected in the Strait of Sicily, which is among the most important fishing ground of the Mediterranean Sea. After the screening, 21% of DWRS GIT contained microplastics size range of 100 to 300 µm. Specifically, 20% of them were spherical fragments, 40% were fibres and another 40% were tangled masses of filaments. In all specimens, alien black particles (BPs) (mean diameter about 50 µm) were detected. Because the microscopical examination appeared not explanatory, different hypotheses could be formulated. We assume that these particles could be of either volcanoclastic particles (olivine – basalt phenocrysts or aggregates) related to historical/recent submarine volcanic activity that prevails in this fishing ground and or black carbon soot that had likely originated from the biomass burning and anthropogenic combustion sources, another harmful effect of the intense commercial and fishing traffic, characterising the central Mediterranean Sea.
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- 2020
24. Further records of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) in the Strait of Sicily
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Giacomo Sardo, Fabio Fiorentino, Danilo Scannella, Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Sergio Vitale, Falsone F., Scannella D., Geraci M.L., Vitale S., Sardo G., and Fiorentino F.
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0106 biological sciences ,Callinectes ,lcsh:QH1-199.5 ,lcsh:General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution ,010501 environmental sciences ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Spatial distribution ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,Blue crab ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,computer.programming_language ,Ecology ,biology ,Non-indigenous specie ,Decapoda ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Biodiversity ,Small scale fisherie ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Geography ,Non-indigenous species ,Harbour ,Trammel net ,Settlement (litigation) ,Portunidae ,computer ,Small scale fisheries - Abstract
Five specimens of the invasive American blue crab Callinectes sapidus were caught from October 2018 to December 2019 off the Mazara del Vallo harbour, Strait of Sicily. This note documents further records of the species in the Strait of Sicily and its settlement in the area. In addition, an update of the spatial distribution of C. sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea was provided.
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- 2020
25. An additional record of the non-indigenous species (NIS) Seriola fasciata from the southern coast of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea)
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Fabio Falsone, Sergio Vitale, Danilo Scannella, Michele Luca Geraci, Geraci, Michele Luca, Falsone, Fabio, Scannella, Danilo, and Vitale, Sergio
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Fishery ,Herkulske vrste ,Seriola fasciata ,biološka raznolikost ,prostorna rasprostranjenost ,Sicilijski tjesnac ,Geography ,Mediterranean sea ,Biodiversity ,Herculean species ,non-indigenous species ,biodiversity ,spatial distribution ,Strait of Sicily ,Oceanography ,Spatial distribution ,Indigenous ,Herculean species, non-indigenous species, biodiversity, spatial distribution, Strait of Sicily - Abstract
An additional record of the non-indigenous species (NIS) Seriola fasciata from the southern coast of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) is here described in this note. The catch record is the first in the area and confirms the key role of the area for NIS spreading. In addition, an updated map of its spatial distribution is provided as well as a discussion on the possible misidentification and competition with the native greater amberjack Seriola dumerili., U ovoj je bilješci opisan dodatni nalaz o vrsti Seriola fasciata s južne obale Sicilije (Sredozemno more). Ovaj nalaz je prvi na tom području i potvrđuje ključnu ulogu područja za širenje stranih vrsta (NIS). Osim toga, prikazana je ažurirana karta prostorne raspodjele vrste Seriola fasciata, kao i rasprava o mogućoj pogrešnoj identifikaciji i kompeticiji s vrstom Seriola dumerili.
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- 2020
26. Identification and characterization of trammel net métiers: A case study from the southwestern Sicily (Central Mediterranean)
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Francesco Colloca, Sergio Vitale, Danilo Scannella, Vita Gancitano, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Milisenda, Michele Luca Geraci, Gioacchino Bono, F. Di Maio, Fabio Fiorentino, Falsone F., Scannella D., Geraci M.L., Vitale S., Colloca F., Di Maio F., Milisenda G., Gancitano V., Bono G., and Fiorentino F.
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0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Mullus surmuletus ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,High variability ,Palinurus elephas ,Fishing ,Fisheries landings ,Aquatic Science ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,medicine ,14. Life underwater ,Mediterranean fisherie ,Fisheries landing ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Target species ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Small-scale fisheries ,Ecology ,Trammel of Archimedes ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Fishing tactics ,LPUE ,Seasonality ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Geography ,LPUEs ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Fishing tactic ,Mediterranean fisheries ,Small-scale fisherie - Abstract
The high variability of trammel fisheries, due to a marked seasonality in target species and fishing activities needs to be investigated with high spatial and temporal resolution. The present study focuses on trammel net fishery in southwestern Sicily (central Mediterranean Sea) identifying and characterizing the main metiers in relation to some key aspects of the fishery such as the target species, composition of landings, main fishing grounds and time of the year. For this purpose, a multivariate statistical approach based on landings and effort data of the Mazara del Vallo southwestern Sicily, Italy) trammel fleet in the period 2009–2013 was applied. A total of 153 different landed species and four different trammel net metiers were identified. These metiers showed differences in target species (i.e. Sepia officinalis, Palinurus elephas, Mullus surmuletus and a mix of species), fishing season, fishing grounds and dimension of fishing vessels. The metiers identified were significantly different in terms of total average landing per unit of effort (LPUE) with metier 1 targeting M. surmuletus, showing the highest average LPUE (2047 (192 s.e.) g*(h)−1*103 m net) and metier 2 targeting S. officinalis, exhibiting the lowest value (1175 (119 s.e.) g*(h)−1*103 m net). The study provides new knowledge on the dynamics of trammel fisheries in southwestern Sicily also showing that the complex nature of this peculiar fishery should be taken into account in any future sampling program aimed at the monitoring and management of artisanal fisheries in this area and more in general in the Mediterranean Sea.
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- 2020
27. New records of two uncommon species, calappa tuerkayana pastore, 1995 (Decapoda, calappidae) and parasquilla ferrussaci (roux, 1828) (stomatopoda, parasquillidae), from the strait of sicily (central mediterranean sea)
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Sergio Vitale, Danilo Scannella, Fabio Falsone, Michele Luca Geraci, Giacomo Sardo, Sardo G., Geraci M.L., Scannella D., Falsone F., and Vitale S.
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Shamefaced crab ,Parasquillidae ,Crustacean ,01 natural sciences ,Mediterranean sea ,Common species ,lcsh:Zoology ,Distribució espacial ,Spatial distribution ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Trawl fisheries ,biology ,Crustacis ,Decapoda ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Calappidae ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Calappa ,biology.organism_classification ,Mantis shrimp ,Pesca d’arrossegament ,Galeres ,Geography ,040102 fisheries ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Humanities - Abstract
espanolEl cangrejo calapido Calappa tuerkayana (Pastore, 1995) y la galera Parasquilla ferussaci (Roux, 1828) son dos especies de crustaceos escasamente reportadas en el mar Mediterraneo. En noviembre de 2018 se recolectaron dos ejemplares de C. tuerkayana y un ejemplar de P. ferussaci (Roux, 1828) en un estudio realizado mediante pesca de arrastre en aguas de Mazara del Vallo (canal de Sicilia), sobre un fondo blando a una profundidad aproximada de 132 y 145 m, respectivamente. Este trabajo refiere el registro mas septentrional de C. tuerkayana en el canal de Sicilia y confirma la presencia de P. ferussaci en esta misma area. Presenta asimismo una actualizacion de la distribucion de estas especies de crustaceos en el mar Mediterraneo. catalaEl cranc calapid Calappa tuerkayana (Pastore, 1995) i la galera Parasquilla ferussaci (Roux, 1828) son dues especies de crustacis escassament reportades al mar Mediterrani. El mes de novembre de 2018 es van recol·lectar dos exemplars de C. tuerkayana i un exemplar de P. ferussaci (Roux, 1828) en un estudi fet mitjancant pesca d’arrossegament en aigues de Mazara del Vallo (canal de Sicilia), sobre un fons tou a una profunditat aproximada de 132 i 145 m, respectivament. Aquest treball refereix el registre mes septentrional de C. tuerkayana al canal de Sicilia i confirma la presencia de P. ferussaci en aquesta mateixa area. Tambe presenta una actualitzacio de la distribucio d’aquestes especies de crustacis al mar Mediterrani. EnglishThe shamefaced crab Calappa tuerkayana Pastore, 1995 and the mantis shrimp Parasquilla ferussaci (Roux, 1828) are two crustacean species rarely reported in the Mediterranean Sea. In December 2018, two specimens of C. tuerkayana and one specimen of P. ferussaci were collected on a soft bottom at about 132 and 145 m depth during a trawl survey off Mazara del Vallo harbour (Strait of Sicily). This note reports the northernmost record of C. tuerkayana in the Strait of Sicily and confirms the occurrence of P. ferussaci in the same area. An update of the spatial distribution of these crustacean species in the Mediterranean Sea is also presented.
- Published
- 2020
28. Preliminary study on the biological traits of the Por’s goatfish Upeneus pori (Chordata: Actinopterygii) off the southern coast of Lampedusa Island (Central Mediterranean)
- Author
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Michele Luca Geraci, F. Di Maio, Danilo Scannella, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Milisenda, Francesco Colloca, F. Fiorentino, Pietro Rizzo, Sergio Vitale, Geraci M.L., Scannella D., Falsone F., Colloca F., Vitale S., Rizzo P., Di Maio F., Milisenda G., and Fiorentino F.
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,bio-invasion ,Biodiversity ,Goatfish ,01 natural sciences ,lcsh:Zoology ,lcsh:QL1-991 ,Lampedusa ,Upeneus pori ,biodiversity ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Actinopterygii ,Lessepsian specie ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,biology.organism_classification ,Strait of Sicily ,Fishery ,Indian ocean ,Lessepsian species ,Geography ,040102 fisheries ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Animal Science and Zoology ,tropicalisation - Abstract
One hundred and six specimens of the Por’s goatfish, Upeneus pori Ben-Tuvia & Golani (1989), a Lessepsian species native to the Western Indian Ocean, were collected from bottom trawlers’ catches from 2012 to 2016 on the deep shelf off the southern coast of Lampedusa Island (Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea). Since it first appeared in Iskenderun Bay (Turkey) in 1950, the Por’s goatfish has quickly spread in Levantine Sea waters to become a commercial species used by local fisheries, while continuing its range expansion along the south-eastern coasts of the Mediterranean. Because the Strait of Sicily currently represents the westernmost sector of this species distribution area, it might serve as a stepping-stone for this species’ expansion in the western basin of the Mediterranean. Supporting this hypothesis was our finding of specimens with post-spawning gonads. The pattern of westward expansion by the Por’s goatfish in the Mediterranean Sea and its settlement in the Strait of Sicily are discussed in relation to the warming trend over the last 30years.
- Published
- 2018
29. Corrigendum 'Adverse effects of plastic ingestion on the Mediterranean small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)' [Mar. Environ. Res. 155 March 2020 104876]
- Author
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Carmela Vaccaro, Gioacchino Bono, Cristina Munari, Annalaura Mancia, Michele Luca Geraci, Alberto Cavazzini, Tatiana Chenet, Michele Mistri, and Luisa Pasti
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,biology ,Zoology ,Ingestion ,Spotted catshark ,Scyliorhinus canicula ,General Medicine ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,Pollution - Published
- 2021
30. Occurrence of two rare species from order Lampriformes: Crestfish Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809) and scalloped ribbonfish Zu cristatus(Bonelli, 1819) in the northern coast of Sicily, Italy
- Author
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Fabio Falsone, Mar Bosch-Belmar, Gioacchino Bono, Michele Luca Geraci, Salvatore Gancitano, Danilo Scanella, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, G.B Giusto, Falsone F., Geraci M.L., Scannella D., Okpala C.O.R., Giusto G.B., Bosch-Belmar Mar, Gancitano S., and Bono G.
- Subjects
Meristic features ,0106 biological sciences ,Lampriformes ,Crestfish ,Vertebrae ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Rare species ,Lophotus lacepede ,Zoology ,02 engineering and technology ,Scalloped ribbonfish ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Oceanography ,biology.organism_classification ,01 natural sciences ,Geography ,Growth ring ,0210 nano-technology - Abstract
The bony fish Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809) and Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) are the two species rarely recorded within the Mediterranean basin, usually reported as accidentally captured in depth (mesopelagic) fishing operations. In the current work, we present the first record of L. lacepede and Z. cristatus in fishing catches from southwestern Tyrrhenian Sea. Moreover, in order to improve existent biological/ ecological knowledge, some bio-related aspects such as feeding aspect, sexual maturity and age estimate have been discussed.
- Published
- 2017
31. First report of Northern brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 in Strait of Sicily
- Author
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Danilo Scannella, G.B Giusto, Fabio Falsone, Francesco Colloca, Bruno Zava, Gianni Insacco, Carlo Froglia, Michele Luca Geraci, and Fabio Fiorentino
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Ecology ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Alien species ,Distribution ,Mediterranean ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Shrimp ,Fishery ,Geography ,Ecological corridor ,Penaeus ,Ballast water ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Four specimens of the northern brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891, a West Atlantic species, were unexpectedly caught by bottom trawlers along the South coast of Sicily between Porto Empedocle and Mazara del Vallo (Central Mediterranean). The dispersal and transport of shrimp eggs and larvae via surface water circulation is suggested as the likely cause of its rapid westward spread since its first appearance in the Gulf of Antalya (Turkey) in 2009. The settlement of P. aztecus in Mediterranean coastal habitats may result in competition with the native caramote prawn Penaeus kerathurus (Forskål, 1775). Some aspects of the species geographical distribution in Mediterranean are briefly discussed in relation to the circulation pattern of surface waters.
- Published
- 2017
32. Lipid oxidation kinetics of ozone-processed shrimp during iced storage using peroxide value measurements
- Author
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C.J. Schaschke, Gioacchino Bono, Charles Odilichukwu R. Okpala, Michele Luca Geraci, Sergio Vitale, and Giacomo Sardo
- Subjects
Ozone ,Induction period ,Kinetics ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040401 food science ,Biochemistry ,Peroxide ,Shrimp ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,0404 agricultural biotechnology ,Reaction rate constant ,chemistry ,Lipid oxidation ,Peroxide value ,Food Science ,Nuclear chemistry - Abstract
In this research, in situ generated ozone exposure/wash cycles of 1, 3, and 5 min applied to shrimp samples either before (BIS) or during iced storage (DIS) has been used to study the lipid oxidation kinetics using the peroxide values (PV). The induction period (IP) as well as PV at end of the IP (PV IP ) have been obtained. The rate constants ( k ) as well as half-lives ( t 1/2 ) of hydroperoxides formation for different oxidation stages were calculated. The results showed that both IP and PV IP were lower with BIS (IP between 4.35±0.09 and 5.08±0.23 days; PV IP between 2.92±0.06 and 3.40±0.18 mEq kg −1 ) compared with DIS (IP between 5.92±0.12 and 6.14±0.09 days; PV IP between 4.49±0.17 and 4.56±0.10 mEq kg −1 ). The k value for DIS seemed to be the greater compared to BIS. In addition, whilst decreases and increases in t 1/2 were found at propagation, respectively, for BIS and DIS, decreases and increases were only found at the induction of oxidation stage(s) for BIS. Further, the PV of ozone-processed samples would fit first order lipid oxidation kinetics independent of duration of ozone exposures. For the first time, PV measurements and fundamental kinetic principles have been used to describe how increasing ozone exposures positively affects the different oxidation stages responsible for the formation of hydroperoxides in ozone-processed shrimp.
- Published
- 2016
33. Dolphin-Fisheries Interactions: An Increasing Problem for Mediterranean Small-Scale Fisheries
- Author
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Danilo Scannella, Sergio Vitale, Fabio Falsone, Giacomo Sardo, and Michele Luca Geraci
- Subjects
Fishery ,Mediterranean climate ,Geography ,Scale (ratio) - Published
- 2019
34. British sharks in Sicily: records of long distance migration of tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) from North-eastern Atlantic to Mediterranean Sea
- Author
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Gioacchino Βονο, Sergio Vitale, Danilo Scannella, Giusto Batista, Fabio Falsone, Manfredi Di Lorenzo, Michele Luca Geraci, and Francesco Colloca
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Environmental Engineering ,Sharks migration ,Galeus ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,Body weight ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Latitude ,Galeorhinus galeus ,Mediterranean sea ,Tagging ,Mediterranean Sea ,central Mediterranean Sea ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,biology ,Shark migrations ,Tope shark ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Pregnant female ,biology.organism_classification ,Fishery ,Geography ,Period (geology) - Abstract
This study presents data of two adult female tope sharks, Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus 1758) that were tagged in the northeast Atlantic and recaptured in the central Mediterranean Sea. The sharks were tagged in Scotland in 2009 and Ireland in 2015 and were recaptured off the south coast of Sicily in 2014 and 2017, respectively. The specimen captured in Scotland was a female with an initial total body length of 175 cm, which grew 37 cm and gained about 10 kg on recapture (5.4 years later, or 1967 days). The specimen captured in Ireland was a pregnant female that grew 14 cm between captures (spanning 248 days), with an estimated age of 15-17 years. The growth rate of the two specimens was 6.8 and 7.8 cm year, respectively. This growth rate was faster than the annual increments previously suggested for adults of this species. Previous tope shark recapture records in the Mediterranean Sea were limited to the Alboran Sea, coast of Valencia, and the coast of Algeria. Thus, the records for the two females in the current study provided the first evidence of long distance entrance of the north-east Atlantic tope shark in the Mediterranean Sea. Genetic data are required to establish the connectivity of the population across the north-east Atlantic and Mediterranean, along with the identification of factors driving the migration of females from the north-east Atlantic to lower latitudes.
- Published
- 2019
35. The occurrence of norwegian skate, dipturus nidarosiensis (Elasmobranchii: Rajiformes: Rajidae), in the strait of sicily, central mediterranean
- Author
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Fabio Falsone, F. Di Maio, Sergio Vitale, Danilo Scannella, M. Di Lorenzo, Michele Luca Geraci, Fedi Serena, Francesco Colloca, Geraci M.L., Di Lorenzo M., Falsone F., Scannella D., Di Maio F., Colloca F., Vitale S., and Serena F.
- Subjects
Mediterranean climate ,Elasmobranch ,biology ,Rajiformes ,Dipturus nidarosiensis ,Biodiversity ,Norwegian ,Aquatic Science ,biology.organism_classification ,Elasmobranchs ,language.human_language ,Fishery ,First record ,Mediterranean sea ,Geography ,Elasmobranchii ,language ,Mediterranean Sea ,Deep-water species ,Deep-water specie ,Skate - Abstract
This short note describes the first record of the Norwegian skate, Dipturus nidarosiensis (Storm, 1881), in the Strait of Sicily. A male specimen of 95.6 cm total length and 3466 g weight was caught on December 2017 during a bottom trawl survey at a mean depth of 551 m. Information on biometric, sexual maturity, stomach content, and age estimation were provided. This finding confirms the occurrence of the species in the Strait of Sicily, previously suggested by the record of an empty egg case in 2015, thus contributing to the knowledge on the distribution of the species in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Published
- 2019
36. Adverse effects of plastic ingestion on the Mediterranean small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
- Author
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Gioacchino Bono, Michele Luca Geraci, Annalaura Mancia, Michele Mistri, Alberto Cavazzini, Carmela Vaccaro, Luisa Pasti, Cristina Munari, Tatiana Chenet, Mancia A., Chenet T., Bono G., Geraci M.L., Vaccaro C., Munari C., Mistri M., Cavazzini A., and Pasti L.
- Subjects
Macroplastic ,0106 biological sciences ,Mediterranean climate ,Microplastics ,Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell ,Zoology ,Aquatic Science ,Oceanography ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,NO ,Eating ,Immune system ,Mediterranean sea ,Small-spotted catshark ,μ-Raman spectroscopy ,Mediterranean Sea ,Animals ,Immunity, Macroplastics, Small-spotted catshark, μ-Raman spectroscopy ,Ingestion ,Sicily ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,Microplastic ,Immunity ,Macroplastics ,Scyliorhinus canicula ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,Pollution ,Gastrointestinal Contents ,Catshark ,Immunoglobulin M ,Liver ,Sharks ,Plastic pollution ,Plastics ,Spleen ,Water Pollutants, Chemical ,Environmental Monitoring - Abstract
Plastics are widely diffused in the oceans and their ingestion by marine organisms is raising concern for potentially adverse effects. The risk of harmful interactions with marine plastic pollution depends on the biology of the species as well as the distribution and abundance of the different plastic types. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of plastic ingestion by the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), one of the most abundant elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea. The expression levels of genes indicative of total immune system function were analyzed to gather preliminary data for further investigation of any potential correlations between plastic presence and immune activation. One hundred catsharks were collected during the Spring 2018 in two geographic locations in the southern region of the central Mediterranean Sea: 1) near Mazara del Vallo, SW Sicily and 2) near Lampedusa island, Italy's southernmost. Standard measurements were recorded for each specimen and its organs and sex was determined. The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was preserved for plastic detection and identification. Where present, plastics (macro- and micro-) were characterized in terms of size, shape and polymer typology through microscopy and μ-Raman spectroscopy. Spleen from a subset of thirty samples was preserved for RNA extraction, then used to quantify by real time PCR the transcripts of T cell receptor beta (TCRB), T cell receptor delta (TCRD) and IgM genes. The results indicated that ingestion of plastic is widespread, with microplastics (MP, from 1 μm to 1 cm) in approximately 18% of the specimens collected. A significant increase in the expression of TCRB, TCRD and IgM was observed in the spleen of MaP + specimens from Mazara del Vallo waters, in parallel with 67% increase in liver weight. While the presence of MP alone is not enough to induce a strong activation of the immunity, some type of plastics falling into the MaP category may be more toxic than others and crucial in the activation of the immune response. The results of this study represent a first evidence that plastic pollution represents an emerging threat to S. canicula, the Mediterranean food web and human consumers.
- Published
- 2020
37. Age structure of spawners of the axillary seabream, Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), in the central Mediterranean Sea (Strait of Sicily)
- Author
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Fabio Falsone, Sergio Vitale, F. Di Maio, Danilo Scannella, Michele Luca Geraci, Francesco Colloca, F. Fiorentino, Pietro Rizzo, and F.Di Maio, M.L.Geraci, D. Scannella, F. Falsone, F. Colloca, S. Vitale, P.Rizzo, F.Fiorentino
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,Ecology ,Age structure ,Range (biology) ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Zoology ,Effective management ,Class iii ,Aquatic Science ,Biology ,01 natural sciences ,Spawning aggregationSexual inversionHermaphroditismProtandric speciesMaturity at age ,Mediterranean sea ,Pagellus acarne ,Animal Science and Zoology ,14. Life underwater ,Reproduction ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,media_common - Abstract
An unusual catch of mature specimens of Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827) off the south coast of Sicily (Quadro Bank, central Mediterranean Sea) on October 2016 allowed to improve the ongoing knowledge on the age structure of spawners and other reproductive aspects of the species. A sample of 104 (32 female and 72 male) specimens was examined. Females showed size (range TL 1 = 20.5 to 25.5 cm; mean length = 22.3 ± 1.2 cm) longer than males (range TL = 16.5 – 23.5 cm; mean length = 20.0 ± 1.8 cm). About 94% of females and 88% of males were mature. The pooled sex LWR 2 was W 3 (g) = 0.003 TL 3.5207 . The age structure estimated by sagittae readings ranged from age class III to VII in females and II to VI in males with a prevalence of age class VI and IV for females and males, respectively. The precision of age estimates was tested by applying both the APE 4 and the mean CV 5 . Our record suggests that the Quadro Bank is an EFH 6 for P. acarne. Knowing when and where adults aggregate for reproduction, is a prerequisite to develop effective management measures to preserve the replacement capability of exploited stocks and pursue sustainable fisheries strategies.
- Published
- 2020
38. A Tale on the Demersal and Bottom Dwelling Chondrichthyes in the South of Sicily through 20 Years of Scientific Survey
- Author
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Fabio Falsone, Sergio Ragonese, Michele Luca Geraci, DaniloScannella, Sergio Vitale, and Giacomo Norrito
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,Fishery ,Geography ,biology ,010604 marine biology & hydrobiology ,biology.organism_classification ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Chondrichthyes ,GeneralLiterature_REFERENCE(e.g.,dictionaries,encyclopedias,glossaries) ,Demersal zone - Published
- 2017
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