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Seagrass seed‐based restoration has been developed in several places worldwide, but disturbance at the vulnerable initial stages of seedling recruitment has proved to be a major bottleneck to successful restoration. A detailed investigation of seagrass seedling survival and growth at the earliest stages of seedling development is an important contribution to developing techniques to improve seedling establishment and survival. Here, we investigated the early seedling development of Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa as well as quantifying the variation in seedling survival and development under different seed‐based restoration methods. Early seedling development was documented in indoor aquaria during the first month after fruit dehiscence. In the second ex situ experiment, we determined the effects of three different restoration methods (surface sowing, seedling planting, and planting inside a hessian bag) on seedling survival and development over the first 2 months of life. In the first experiment, a primary root with the first root hairs developed after 7 days. After 1 month, roots were 20–60 mm in length, firmly establishing the seedling into the sediment. Compared to surface sowing, seedling planting and hessian bag restoration treatments did not significantly affect survival for P. australis but increased seedling mortality in P. sinuosa, although growth was greater (shoot and root lengths were approximately 50 and 40% longer, respectively). These aquarium‐scale experiments suggest that planting methods would enhance seedling establishment at larger scales in some species, promoting restoration of damaged seagrass habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental risk of coastal sunscreen pollution and ocean warming to seagrass meadows seems to be greatly intensified in the Mediterranean basin, due to its semi-enclosed nature that limits water renewal and the high influx of tourists it receives every year. Both stress factors could be interacting synergistically, thus, contributing to the current decline of Posidonia oceanica meadows. Our study aimed to determine the response of P. oceanica to the combined effects of elevated seawater temperature and sunscreen addition in a short-term laboratory experiment, testing an environmentally relevant sunscreen concentration in Mallorca, Spain (20 mg L-1) and a control (0 mg L-1) with the ambient temperature in spring (15°C) and a worst-case scenario of estimated temperature increase by 2100 (ambient + 5°C). Sunscreen addition promoted net primary production rates in the seagrass under ambient temperature, possibly due to nutrient enrichment from the mixture. Alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) in young leaves was enhanced under increased temperature only. Early-warning signs of the impacts of combined elevated temperature with sunscreen exposure in P. oceanica were the drastic decrease in leaf chlorophyll concentrations and inhibition of the nitrogen fixation associated with rhizomes (more than 50%), along with greater oxidative stress biomarkers in leaves (i.e., catalase activity and polyphenols content) and APA in roots (4-fold increase). The current investigation has revealed how the negative effects of coastal sunscreen pollution in this seagrass species may be exacerbated under climate change factors, such as ocean warming, with possible implications in the nutrient cycling and photosynthetic process of the plant. Investigations focused on determining the impacts of these contaminants in P. oceanica meadows and their interaction with additional stress factors in the environment is of great relevance for the future management of this declining ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posidonia Oceanica (PO) is an endemic marine plant in the Mediterranean Sea. In an experimental study conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean, the effects of natural PO leaves on reducing the height of incident waves impacting a beach were measured. The transmission coefficient (Kt) was found to vary between 0.73 and 0.94, which is equivalent to a wave height decay of 6–27%. The results show that in their natural environment, free-floating dead PO leaves dissipate incoming wave energy and have the capacity to protect beaches against erosion. Further analysis in separate frequency bands showed that waves with periods between 4.5–6.2 s were more sensitive to PO leaves in terms of energy dissipation. The transmission coefficient for medium-period waves, calculated using the medium-frequency part of the wave spectrum, delivered a maximum transmission coefficient of 0.5, corresponding to a 50% decay in wave height due to PO leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalassochory, the dispersal of propagules through marine currents, is a key long‐distance dispersal (LDD) mechanism with implications for global biogeography and particularly for island colonization. The propagules of coastal plant species are generally assumed to be better adapted for sea dispersal than those of inland plants, but this hypothesis remains largely untested.We conducted experiments on four genera (Juniperus, Daucus, Ferula, and Pancratium) and compared traits among nine species with different habitats and distributions.Our results showed that Juniperus spp. and P. maritimum have strong thalassochorous potential within the Mediterranean Basin. Interestingly, we did not find a clear association on the thalassochorous potential of coastal versus inland species within all the tested genera, apart from P. maritimum compared with the endemic inland P. illyricum.These findings suggest that thalassochory may be a more common dispersal mechanism than previously assumed. The apparently weak link of dispersal syndrome with species ecology broadens the possibility of dispersal by the sea also for inland plants, although considered to be poorly salt‐tolerant. Moreover, our results reveal significant differences in sea dispersal between endemic and widespread species, but do not rule out an important role of thalassochory in shaping the distribution patterns of archipelago endemic flora. The presented method is largely replicable and could be used for further studies with a larger set of species to better delineate trends of sea dispersal syndrome among species with different ecology or dispersal traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematodes typically comprise the most abundant phylum in meiofaunal communities. We aim to characterize the specific ecological conditions that influence Nematoda communities in Posidonia oceanica grasslands focusing on three habitats: leaves, matte, and unvegetated adjacent sediment. We hypothesized that the constant flux of nutrients under the canopy would result in a higher concentration of metazoans compared to the unvegetated sediment outside; however, the hypothesis was not confirmed by the obtained results. The habitat heterogeneity played an important role in shaping the community, yielding a greater richness in the matte. The resource specificity of the leaves (microepiphytes) was also expected to shape the community by favoring nematodes capable of exploiting this resource (epistratum feeders with scraping-like structures), such as the family Chromadoridae that dominated this habitat. In addition, the high light exposure of the leaves explains the higher concentration of ocellated nematodes in this habitat. Organic carbon and nitrogen contents had an impact on the Nematoda community composition, meanwhile average grain size only affected the abundance of nematodes with elongated/filiform tails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although seagrasses are expected to thrive in future acidified oceans by overcoming low CO2 diffusion into plant tissues, the co‐occurrence of environmental stressors may affect their growth. Volcanic CO2 vents are often associated with toxic gases and metal‐rich fluids representing ideal sites to assess the effects of multiple stressors. We evaluated the response of Posidonia oceanica growing near shallow CO2 vents characterized by H2S spill‐out by comparing meadow structure and phenology to an area with no gas emissions. Seagrass descriptors at meadow, shoot and leaf level indicated that P. oceanica experienced stressful conditions at the vent area, in clear contrast to the flourishing features of P. oceanica previously described at CO2 vents with no evidence of toxic inputs. Furthermore, the reduction in both leaf δ34S and growth at the vent area indicates that sulfide intrusion occurs and affects seagrass growth performance, dampening the expected beneficial effects of high CO2 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean coastal cliffs are reservoirs of plant biodiversity, hosting vulnerable plant species particularly exposed to the risk of local extinction due to extreme abiotic conditions and climate changes. Therefore, studies aiming to understand the tolerance of cliff plant species to abiotic stresses are important to predict their long‐time persistence or to highlight inherent threats. We used an integrative approach including anatomical, physiological and phenotypic analyses on (a) seeds, (b) cotyledons of seedlings; and (c) young plants to assess whether the cliff species Brassica incana, can tolerate exposure to different seawater (SW: 25%, 50% and 100%) concentrations during the early stages of its life cycle. Seeds could germinate when exposed to up to 50% SW. Seeds did not germinate in 100% SW, but could resume germination after washing with freshwater. Seed germination rate also decreased with increasing SW concentration. Exposure to SW decreased stomatal size and stomatal index of cotyledons and caused long‐lasting and severe damage to the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis. Photochemistry was also sensitive to SW in young plants, but the effect was lower than in cotyledons. This may involve a remodulation of chloroplast dimensions and activation of cellular metabolism. However, photochemical reactions limited photosynthesis at100% SW even after recovery from SW exposure. Our data show that B. incana has strong tolerance to seawater and shows clear signs of halophytic adaptation. Whilst seeds and juvenile plants are able to withstand SW, the seedling stage appears to be more sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses provide key ecological services in coastal marine and estuarine environments. Human activities and environmental changes affect seagrasses compromising their structure and functioning. In this context, seagrass restoration has become a worldwide priority to halt and reverse degradation and to recover ecosystem functionality and associated services. Here, we investigate the sexual reproduction of Posidonia oceanica by describing the flowering and fruiting process. Furthermore, we compare the structural (survival and shoot density) and functional (daily leaf production, DLP) descriptors of seedlings with those derived from a P. oceanica transplantation performed through cuttings to assess their feasibility as an integrative source of vegetal material for restoration purposes. Despite many initial flowers and fruits, a small number of mature fruits are produced, confirming the low reproductive success of the phanerogam. A comparison of structural and functional features showed that seedlings and cuttings showed similar survival and shoot density rates after more than 2 years. In addition, DLP showed that seedlings increased in leaf length over the study period, reaching a similar value registered by cuttings. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using seedlings in restoration efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of exploring P. oceanica reproductive ecology to better understand temporal and spatial variations in flowering, as well as fruiting success, at local and basin scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows provide an important nursery and feeding habitat for fish, globally. However, limited data exist on how these vegetated coastal ecosystems affect local fish stocks over longer time periods. By means of beach seine hauling with a bio‐monitoring seine net, we collected fish data in Kronborg Bay (Denmark) over 4 years. The bay contains both vegetated and bare sediment areas in close proximity to Kronborg Castle in Elsinore and is part of the Øresund strait; a dynamic marine environment linking the Baltic Sea with the inner Danish waters (Kattegat). We investigated the biodiversity and fish abundance in a healthy seagrass meadow and compared it with a bare adjacent sediment area. We show that seagrass is important for fish species like the Atlantic cod, the two‐spotted goby, and the broadnosed pipefish. The seagrass meadow harboured more fish species and higher biodiversity, while the number of individuals was higher in the adjacent bare sediment area as a result of high abundances of lesser sand eel. Pilou's evenness and the Shannon‐Wiener index showed 2–4‐fold higher biodiversity in the seagrass meadow. The seagrass meadow harboured about 35% more fish species than the bare adjacent sediment. The Atlantic cod was almost entirely found in the seagrass meadow, while lesser sand eel that showed an overall increase in abundance in both habitats, represented the largest proportion of the total number of fish individuals (up to about 60%) and was mostly found on the bare adjacent sediment. Species abundance was analysed for changes over time, where, for example the European plaice showed an increase in abundance over the 4‐year period of investigation. Seagrass meadows can thus be very important for the Atlantic cod population in the Øresund strait and generally for local fish productivity, abundance and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the global intensification of marine heatwaves has impacted several ecosystems and species, including the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. However, the scarcity of research in Eastern Mediterranean meadows, where historical and present thermal conditions differ from those of the Western Mediterranean, hampers our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding the species' response to elevated sea temperatures. Here, we studied flowering patterns of P. oceanica meadows (3–15 m depth) of the Greek seas and assessed their potential association with marine heatwaves, while also examining the effects on plant growth associated with the transition from vegetative to sexual reproduction. To do so, we reconstructed flowering patterns from 2007 to 2021 across 58 meadows using lepidochronology and estimated summer marine heatwave metrics and categories using satellite sea surface temperature. The results revealed that flowering, while sporadic in most meadows (mean flowering frequency: 0.15), it was triggered by strong (Category II) summer marine heatwaves and a cumulative intensity exceeding 30°C days. Nevertheless, flowering density was low (mean flowering density: 11 inflorescences m−2) and not fuelled by frequency, intensity, or duration of marine heatwaves. Despite the potential long‐term benefits of sexual reproduction, annual rhizome production of flowering shoots decreased 1.5‐fold for at least 2 yr postflowering. This study uncovers the susceptibility of Eastern Mediterranean P. oceanica meadows, akin to their western counterparts, to marine heatwaves induced stress and its effects on reproductive strategies, raising concerns about the prospective plant growth and reproductive fitness to the escalating trend in marine heatwaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quarry of the Sverdlov (Etalon) Factory stands out as a unique site in the northwest of the East European Plain since it exposes an almost complete Upper Pleistocene stratigraphic succession. Previous investigations have revealed a sequence of marine sediments deposited during the whole Mikulino Interglacial [Eemian, Marine Isotope Stage (MIS)5e], but the chronology of the Late Pleistocene deposits remains incomplete and requires further update. We present a study of the Middle–Upper Pleistocene units exposed in the Sverdlov Factory quarry by using geological methods, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and pollen analysis. The lower part of the Sverdlov Factory section comprises glaciomarine/glaciolacustrine varves, which accumulated during degradation of the Late Moscow (Late Saalian, Late MIS6) glaciation and correspond to pollen zone M1 (lower peak of Picea). They are covered by interglacial marine clayey silt that includes all Mikulino regional pollen zones M2–M8. According to a Bayesian model based on K‐rich feldspar luminescence ages, the interglacial marine deposition started 133 ± 8 ka ago and ended 109 ± 7 ka ago. The marine sediments are overlain by lacustrine silt with a K‐rich feldspar age of 119 ± 7 ka, lacustrine/alluvial sand with plant detritus formed 47–41 ka ago, and lacustrine sand and silt without organic matter accumulated ~39 ka ago. The upper part of the section is composed of subglacial till formed during the Late Valdai (Late Weichselian, MIS2) under the Scandinavian Ice Sheet and glaciolacustrine varved deposits of the Baltic Ice Lake. Two ages were acquired using quartz OSL from these varves, 16.9 ± 1.6 and 15.7 ± 1.0 ka, which are assumed to slightly overestimate the true age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows are known as hot spots for carbon accumulation, but there is limited field data on the variability of sediment accumulation across time and space. We developed a method to assess spatial and temporal heterogeneity in net sediment accumulation in seagrass meadows using small, inexpensive samplers, allowing for over 200 unique measurements across multiple transects within our study site. Using this method, we assessed sediment accumulation across seagrass meadow edges, and in varying weather conditions. We found the greatest accumulation of sediment 5 m outside of seagrass meadow edges, with sediment accumulation rates averaging just under 100 g m−2 day−1, though rates were highly variable. Carbon accumulation from settled sediment was generally greater outside of seagrass meadow edges than within the bed, especially at sites undergoing recent expansion. Measurements made during tropical storms showed both scouring of sediment away from sites, and increased accumulation, depending on site properties as well as individual tropical storm characteristics. In the storm that had a measurable storm surge, scouring of sediment was a more dominant mechanism, whereas deposition dominated in the storm that had high winds but no associated storm surge. Our data demonstrate the necessity of including measurements that characterize both spatial and meteorological variability to develop a more holistic understanding of the movement of sediment and particulate organic carbon associated with seagrass meadows, especially as meadow area becomes increasingly fragmented with human activity and global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical seagrass ecosystems are predicted to be impacted by droughts and floods of increasing severity and frequency as the climate changes. Hyposalinity events alter seagrass composition and challenge resilience, yet understanding of the response mechanisms is incomplete but necessary for predicting outcomes. Hyposalinity stress response mechanisms in Halodule wrightii (shoal grass), a seagrass with wide salinity tolerance, were examined in mesocosm experiments by measuring monovalent and divalent ions, free amino acid (FAA) concentrations, and the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) indicator of lipid peroxidation. Two progressive, 3-step treatments, to moderate and extreme hyposalinity endpoints S15 and S5 were compared. Concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl− decreased two to threefold with greater hyposalinity. Proline, the most abundant FAA initially, progressively decreased with increasing hyposalinity as asparagine became dominant. Glutamine and serine increased significantly, and all four FAA exhibited consistent patterns of change. Results are consistent with proline's role as osmolyte and regulator, and suggest that asparagine mobilizes or stores N, possibly due to another limiting nutrient. TBARS changed transiently at intermediate salinities, but were not significantly different at hyposalinity endpoints indicating that H. wrightii may have already reached stress equilibrium. Prolonged hyposalinity events may have consequences for seagrass resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate change, necessitating restoration efforts such as cutting transplantation. Understanding the complex interactions between plant morphology and physiology is crucial for designing robust restoration strategies and assessing the success of transplantation and recovery processes. A pilot transplantation experiment with the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile was conducted in Northwestern Corsica (Calvi, France) to evaluate the feasibility of meadows degraded due to boat anchoring. The effects of the cuttings' origin and transplanting depth were investigated. The establishment success of transplanted fragments was assessed by investigating the photo-physiological parameters, carbohydrate content, and biometric parameters of both transplanted and control plants one year after transplantation at depths of 20 and 28 m. After one year, there was a high survival rate (90%) of the transplants, but their leaf surface area and biomass were significantly reduced compared to the control plants. Photosynthetic activity remained consistent between both depths, emphasizing the ability of P. oceanica cuttings to acclimate to a new light environment in a relatively short period of time (<3 months). Furthermore, light-harvesting pigments, photoprotective pigments, and carbohydrate concentration were greater at the deeper sites. This implies that transplantation at greater depths might be more effective. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to enhance our understanding of the relationship between photosynthesis and the overall health of the plant. This study emphasizes the essential integration of morphological and physiological investigations to offer an ecologically meaningful understanding of how marine ecosystems respond to various restoration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a climate-sensitive and ecologically fragile area. Studying drought and its effects on vegetation over the TP is of great significance for ecological conservation. However, there were large uncertainties in previous studies on the drought characteristics and their impacts on alpine vegetation in this region. This study explored the drought changes and their impacts on alpine vegetation during the growing season over the TP in 1982–2018. The results showed that the TP has experienced a wetting trend in most regions of the TP. Correspondingly, the vegetation has become greener in most areas. The wetting and drying trend in the growing season changed around 1995. Before 1995, the TP experienced an overall drying trend with a spatial pattern of a drying trend in the northern regions and a wetting trend in the southern regions, while it showed an overall wetting trend after 1995, with a reversed spatial pattern to that before 1995. After 1995, wetting and drying trends affected the vegetation in 61% of the TP. However, before 1995, the NDVI presented an increasing trend in most areas of the TP under a drying trend. Therefore, a drying trend was not the primary factor affecting vegetation growth in this period. Instead, changes in the cryosphere induced by warming could be the main factor. In addition, the distribution of vegetation across the TP was primarily influenced by drought intensity, which had the greatest impact on sparse vegetation, followed by meadow and grassland. This study enhances our understanding of the impact of drought changes on alpine vegetation on the TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mongolian herder households maintain the health and condition of their livestock by adapting to the characteristics of the local vegetation distribution. Thus, predicting future vegetation changes is important for stable livestock grazing and sustainable rangeland use. We predicted the distributional extent of rangeland vegetation, specifically desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe communities, for the period 2081–2100, based on vegetation data obtained from a previous study. Rangeland vegetation data collected in Mongolia (43–50° N, 87–119° E) between 2012 and 2016 (278 plots) were classified into community types. Species distribution modeling was conducted using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. Distribution data for desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe communities were used as objective variables, and bioclimatic data obtained from WorldClim were used as explanatory variables. CMIP6-downscaled future climate projections provided by WorldClim were used for future prediction. The area under the curve values for the desert steppe, steppe and meadow steppe models were 0.850, 0.847 and 0.873, respectively. Suitable habitat was projected to shrink under all scenarios and for all communities with climate change. The extent of reduction in potential suitable areas was greatest for meadow steppe communities. Our results indicate that meadow steppe communities will transition to steppe communities with future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic seagrass from the mediterranean that provides key ecosystem services. A protected species, its presence is regressing due to anthropogenic pressures, some associated to the tourism economy that much of the Mediterranean coast depends on. In 1992, the European Union declared it a priority habitat, and since the early 2000s, it has occupied a central space in marine conservation debates in the Balearic Islands. Popularly known as Posidonia, this seagrass went from being considered dirt that ruined virgin Balearic beaches to become an emblematic species. This article takes this U-turn in policy and public perception as a study case to think of knowledge-making practices and restoration initiatives as a form of environmental care. The relational, situated and affective character of care ethics helps to understand the human and ecological labour embedded in knowledge-making and restoration practices and its inevitable engagement with the Balearic tourism industry. Drawing on those engagements, I reflect on environmental care practices of knowledge-making and restoration, arguing that they emerge ambivalently: they challenge management logics based on economic rationales while forced to develop and coexist inside those same rationales. I conclude by arguing that developing care-centric narratives for environmental conservation and restoration is essential to continue promoting more-than-human aquatic relations in which the needs of others are the ethical basis for action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Washed and unwashed P. oceanica wastes were pyrolyzed using TG-MS. • Its natural detrital inorganic matter affects its pyrolysis substantially. • O release and HCOOH formation were probably promoted by AAEMs and Fe 2 O 3. • SO 2 /HCl release decreases, due to carbonates and alkali metal chloride presence. • Depending on the purpose, the interest of P. oceanica washing should be studied. Significant quantities of Posidonia oceanica deposit on some beaches and coastlines every year, which generates high costs associated with the disposal of this waste. Pyrolysis may be an adequate way for its valorization. However, it would imply to know how the process takes place and if the removal of its natural detrital inorganic matter (epiphytes, marine salt and sand) is necessary, which are the objectives of this research. Pyrolysis by thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry was carried out on both the washed and unwashed samples. During this waste pyrolysis, the following occurs: (i) the high alkali metal chloride content promotes fragmentation reactions of carbohydrates and O formation, which increases HCOOH intensities at temperatures between 250 and 360 °C; (ii) from 500 °C to 650 °C, Fe 2 O 3 and decomposition of carbonates seem to be involved in reactions that produce O release and steam and CO 2 reforming of hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds with H 2 generation; (iii) from 650 °C to 750 °C, Fe 2 O 3 , high alkali metal content and carbonate decomposition generate char gasification, an increase in O release, SO 2 capture and HCOOH formation. In general, the abundance of inorganic matter (chlorides, carbonates, etc.) minimizes the release of various compounds during pyrolysis, including SO 2 and HCl, while increasing HCOOH production. Thus, this high content of inorganic matter may represent an advantage for its pyrolysis, producing value-added chemical products with a reduced environmental impact. Therefore, this study may be the starting point for defining the optimal pyrolysis conditions for this waste valorisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated compounds present in the invasive grass Hordeum murinum L. subsp. murinum and tested the allelopathic potential of this plant against common meadow species Festuca rubra L. and Trifolium repens L. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) performed separately on the ears and stalks with leaves of wall barley revealed 32 compounds, including secondary metabolites, that may play an important role in allelopathy. Two compounds, N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and diphenylsulfone (DDS), were described for the first time for wall barley and the Poaceae family. The presence of 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one (TMP) has also been documented. Aqueous extracts of H. murinum organs (ears and stalks with leaves) at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% were used to evaluate its allelopathic potential. Compared to the control, all extracts inhibited germination and early growth stages of meadow species. The inhibitory effect was strongest at the highest concentration for both the underground and aboveground parts of the seedlings of the meadow species tested. Comparing the allelopathic effect, Trifolium repens proved to be more sensitive. In light of the results of the study, the removal of wall barley biomass appears to be important for the restoration of habitats where this species occurs due to its allelopathic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, coastal protection from erosion, and sustained biodiversity and fisheries thereby improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of coastal communities. The erosion of millenary deposits of intertwined roots and rhizomes of Posidonia results in the formation of three-dimensional structures named escarpments that constitute a biogenic reef habitat. However, the natural history of seagrass escarpments including their formation processes and their role as habitat for reef fauna and flora remains poorly understood. This research located and characterized Posidonia oceanica escarpments in Menorca (Balearic Islands) and compared structural complexity and fish assemblages among seagrass escarpments, seagrass meadows, rocky substrates and bare sand with emphasis on its role as habitat and shelter for typical rocky fish. Fish abundance and biomass were similar between seagrass escarpments and rocky substrates (P > 0.05), but significantly lower in seagrass meadows (P < 0.001). The large number of caves found along seagrass escarpments provide shelter to fish, including species only associated to rocky substrates. Seagrass meadows form a rather homogenous habitat within their canopy, but the presence of seagrass escarpments enhances habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity along with fish abundance and biomass at the seascape level. This study enhances understanding on the ecological importance of seagrass escarpments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense human pressures in the Anthropocene epoch are causing an alarming decline in marine coastal ecosystems and an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. This situation underscores the urgency of making ecological restoration a global priority to recover degraded ecosystems. Meadows of the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica have lost more than half of their original extent in the last century, necessitating immediate conservation and management measures, supported by active restoration interventions. This paper explores new opportunities and provides specific recommendations to enhance restoration as a fundamental strategy for reversing the decline of P. oceanica ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea. When a return to a historical pristine reference condition may not be feasible in the short term or desirable given current environmental conditions and uncertainty, transplanting the tolerant and fast-growing seagrass species Cymodocea nodosa could facilitate natural recolonization. This would occur through secondary ecological succession, benefiting the sensitive and slow-growing species P. oceanica. Future global and local efforts should primarily focus on proactive management to prevent further alterations by planning appropriate conservation measures in a timely manner to mitigate and reverse global changes. As a secondary step, restoration programs can be implemented with a focus on 'target-oriented' rather than 'reference-oriented' conditions, aiming to establish ecosystems capable of sustaining the future rather than replicating the historical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal marine heatwaves have destructive and lasting impacts on foundational species and are increasing in frequency, duration, and magnitude. High atmospheric temperatures are often associated with marine heatwaves (MHW) which are defined as 5 days of water temperatures above a seasonally varying 90th percentile threshold. In this study, we consider the prevalence of MHW propagation into surficial sediments to cause sediment heatwaves (SHW). Within a shallow, subtidal seagrass meadow in Virginia, USA, sediment temperature was measured at hourly intervals at a depth of 5 cm between June 2020 and October 2022 at the meadow edge and central meadow interior. The observed sediment temperature along with a 29-year record of water temperature and water level was used to develop a sediment temperature model for each location. Modeled sediment temperatures were used to identify sediment heatwaves that may thermally stress belowground seagrass. At both meadow locations, sediment heatwave frequency increased at a rate twice that of MHWs in the average global open ocean, coinciding with a 172% increase in the annual number of SHW days, from 11 to 30 days year−1 between 1994 and 2022. Sediment heatwaves at both meadow locations co-occurred with a MHW 79–81% of the time, with nearly all SHWs having a zero day lag. The top 10% most extreme MHWs and SHWs occurred between November and April when thermal stress to seagrass was unlikely. In June 2015, a SHW co-occurred with an anomalously long duration MHW that was associated with a 90% decline in seagrass from this system, suggesting that SHWs may have contributed to the observed seagrass loss. These results document heatwave propagation across the pelagic-sediment interface which likely occur broadly in shallow systems with impacts to critical coastal ecosystem processes and species dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutualistic network of plant–pollinator also involves interspecific pollination caused by pollinator sharing. Plant–pollinator networks are commonly based on flower visit observations, which may not adequately represent the actual pollen transfer between co‐flowering plant species. Here, we compared the network structure of plant–pollinator interactions based on flower visits (FV) and pollen loads (PL) on the bodies of pollinators and tested how the degree of pollinator sharing in the two networks affected heterospecific pollen transfer (HPT) between plant species in a subalpine meadow. The FV and PL networks were largely overlapped. PL network included more links than FV network. The positions of plant and pollinator species in the FV and PL networks were positively correlated, indicating that both networks could detect major plant–pollinator interactions. The degree of pollinator sharing, based on either the FV or the PL network, positively influenced the amount of heterospecific pollen transferred between plant species pairs. However, the degree of pollinator sharing had a low overall explanatory power for HPT, and the explanatory powers of the FV and PL networks were similar. Overall, our study highlights the importance of FV and PL for understanding the drivers and outcomes of plant–pollinator interactions, as well as their relevance to HPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stranding of Sargassum seaweed on the Caribbean archipelago beaches constitutes real socio-economic, ecological and health problems. Météo-France currently operates a model of Sargassum drift forecast (called MOTHY) forced by ocean currents from the global analysis and forecasting system GLO12 at 1/12 ° (∼9 km over the Caribbean) operated by Mercator Ocean International (MOi). In order to improve the Météo-France drift forecast, MOi has developed a regional high-resolution ocean forecasting system CAR36 at 1/36 ° (∼3 km) centred in the Caribbean archipelago region. In addition to a finer spatial resolution, this system was designed to resolve higher-frequency signals such as the tidal forcing and to use hourly atmospheric forcing including the inverse barometer effect. Here the added value of the CAR36 system relative to GLO12 is evaluated with particular focus on the reproduction of meso- and sub-mesoscale structures representing key features of the Caribbean region dynamics and therefore Sargassum transport. The realism of the local dynamics was examined with standard statistical validation diagnostics using satellite data (sea surface height, sea surface temperature, Sargassum detection) and drifting buoys, together with more process-oriented diagnostics such as eddy detection and tracking across the domain. GLO12 and CAR36 hindcast simulations were compared over the year 2019. CAR36 showed marginally better scores using OceanPredict diagnostics (https://oceanpredict.org/ , last access: 10 April 2024). The dynamics of a westward-propagating North Brazil Current (NBC) eddy from its entry into the domain to its dissipation were found to be more realistic in CAR36, especially at the end of its lifetime when it collides with the Caribbean archipelago. The transfer of kinetic energy from the eddy dissipating westward into the Caribbean Sea was diagnosed as more pronounced for CAR36, corresponding to filamentary structures crossing the Caribbean archipelago and resulting in part from the friction of the NBC eddy along the islands to the east. Using detection from satellites, aggregation of Sargassum around eddies or along filaments suggests that CAR36 should improve the algae drift forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effect of trace element (TE) release from fish farms on seagrass Posidonia oceanica, we compared TE concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) in shoots near fish cages (Station 'Cage') with those away from them (Station 'Control') in two fish farm facilities (Site 1 and Site 2, North Aegean Sea, Greece). We assessed the present (i.e., 2021, year of sampling) and past (reconstructed period 2012–2020) accumulation of TEs using the living compartments (leaf blades, sheaths, rhizomes, roots, epiphytes) and the dead sheaths, respectively. We also assessed possible seagrass degradation by reconstructing past rhizome production. P. oceanica rhizome production at the 'Cage' stations was up to 50% lower than at the 'Control' stations. Most TE concentrations were higher at 'Cage' stations, but the differences often depended on the seagrass living compartment. Significant differentiation between 'Cage' and 'Control' stations was observed based on the TE concentrations of the dead sheaths during 2012–2020. The contamination level at the 'Cage' stations was mostly moderate in Site 1 and low in Site 2, during the reconstructed period, while an increasing contamination trend was found for certain potential phytotoxic TEs (As, Cu, Cd, Mo, V). Our results emphasize the need for the aquaculture industry to work towards a more ecologically aware approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses are undergoing widespread loss due to anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Since 1960, the Mediterranean seascape lost 13–50% of the areal extent of its dominant and endemic seagrass-Posidonia oceanica, which regulates its ecosystem. Many conservation and restoration projects failed due to poor site selection and lack of long-term monitoring. Here, we present a fast and efficient operational approach based on a deep-learning artificial intelligence model using Sentinel-2 data to map the spatial extent of the meadows, enabling short and long-term monitoring, and identifying the impacts of natural and human-induced stressors and changes at different timescales. We apply ACOLITE atmospheric correction to the satellite data and use the output to train the model along with the ancillary data and therefore, map the extent of the meadows. We apply noise-removing filters to enhance the map quality. We obtain 74–92% of overall accuracy, 72–91% of user's accuracy, and 81–92% of producer's accuracy, where high accuracies are observed at 0–25 m depth. Our model is easily adaptable to other regions and can produce maps in in-situ data-scarce regions, providing a first-hand overview. Our approach can be a support to the Mediterranean Posidonia Network, which brings together different stakeholders such as authorities, scientists, international environmental organizations, professionals including yachting agents and marinas from the Mediterranean countries to protect all P. oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean Sea by 2030 and increase each country's capability to protect these meadows by providing accurate and up-to-date maps to prevent its future degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass and macroalgae beds are key blue carbon ecosystems in the ocean. However, coastal development and climate change are sparking a growing concern about the vulnerability of sediment organic carbon (OC) to remineralization after macrophyte perturbation. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the potential of long-term remineralization of sediment OC stocks (1 year) in coastal vegetated habitats (i.e., seagrasses Zostera noltei and Cymodocea nodosa, macroalgae Caulerpa prolifera and unvegetated sediment) after complete disturbance of macrophyte meadows under conducive conditions to microorganisms growth (i.e., oxygen saturated, non-nutrient limitation, turbulence and dark). Leached dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from particulate organic carbon (POC) remineralization, carbonate dissolution and photo-reactivity of long-term persistent DOC were also evaluated. Our results evidenced that, sediment OC from Z. noltei and unvegetated habitats were entirely remineralized to CO2. However, sediment OC from C. nodosa and C. prolifera communities exhibited a significant fraction of recalcitrant OC, and therefore, a 42 and 46% of the sediment OC still remained after 1 year of culture, respectively. POC remineralization released relevant amounts of both labile and recalcitrant DOC, which showed low photo-reactivity. Finally, we discuss that the main argument to promote management, monitoring, and restoration programs for macrophytes is usually based on their sediment OC deposit, which favor larger species. The study presented here adds arguments to also include small macrophyte species, since their sediment OC may be highly labile and entirely remineralized to CO2 once these habitats are disturbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the cultivation of Ulva fenestrata in a land-based aquaculture system, the colonisation of the water tanks' surfaces and eventually the macroalgal biomass by the biofouling diatom Fragilariopsis oceanica compromises the production process. Since germanium dioxide (GeO2) is an effective growth inhibitor of diatoms, this study aimed to understand how it affects the presence of F. oceanica and the photosynthesis and growth of U. fenestrata as a primary parameter contribution to the biomass production. A toxicological dose-response experiment showed that the diatom's growth was inhibited at the low GeO2 concentration of 0.014 mg l−1. In contrast, the photosynthetic performances and growth rates of U. fenestrata remained unaffected under a wide GeO2 concentration range (0.022–2.235 mg l−1) in small- and large-scale experiments in 1-l glass beakers and 100-l Plexiglass water tanks, respectively. In the latter, the diatom density in the tanks was reduced by 40 %. The costs arising from the use of GeO2 can range between €2.35 and €8.35 kg−1 fresh weight of produced U. fenestrata biomass under growth conditions resulting in growth rates of 20 and 11.5 % d−1, respectively. GeO2 is an effective agent to control biofouling diatoms such as F. oceanica during the land-based biomass production of U. fenestrata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of meadow vegetation in areas with different ages of experimental spring burnout (from 1 to 12 years ago) was studied in the Tomsk region for 3 years. On experimental plots of 1 m2 and 100 m2 (small- and middle-scale levels, respectively), the dynamics of species richness, total projective cover of vegetation, and aboveground phytomass reserves were characterized, and the structure of communities was analyzed. It was revealed that a single fire in the spring significantly reduces species richness for small-scale plots and increases the total projective cover for middle-scale plots. Structural differences from control plots can be traced from 1 to 4 years for different characteristics. The effects of fire are more prominent for small-scale plots. To suppress tree growth and maintain the existence of meadows, grass fires seem to be a less effective practice than mowing. At the same time, the results obtained potentially allow us to consider prescribed burning as a tool for maintaining the stability of meadow plant communities in the south of Western Siberia, preventing them from becoming overgrown with tree undergrowth, in cases with a controlled frequency of burning and the use of appropriate fire safety measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ligurian Sea (NW Mediterranean) has been a focal point for numerous interventions aimed at restoring Posidonia oceanica meadows. The success of pioneer restoration actions in France during the 1970s stimulated similar initiatives across the Mediterranean Sea. Early attempts in the Ligurian Sea were implemented in 1993 and 1996 on limited seabed areas (i.e., tens of square meters) at the two coastal sites of Sori and Rapallo (Liguria, NW Italy). No further initiatives have been reported for the Ligurian Sea until 2022. In that year, a large-scale restoration project, which uses biodegradable mats coupled with metal mesh, began in Liguria. Different levels of anthropogenic pressure and wave exposure characterize the three investigated locations: (1) Portofino, on the eastern Liguria and on the border with the Portofino Marine Protected Area; (2) Bergeggi in the central Liguria and within the Isola di Bergeggi Marine Protected Area; and (3) Sanremo in the western Liguria, without any formal protection. Despite recent setbacks caused by severe storms in late 2023, which particularly damaged the Portofino site, ongoing monitoring revealed promising survival rates. Most notably, the site in Bergeggi displayed a 90% survival rate in September 2023. Although challenges to restore P. oceanica beds persist, such as mitigating damages caused by unpredictable events, this extensive re-implantation initiative offers the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of new basin-scale restoration strategies. This approach marks an important step in the conservation of Posidonia oceanica habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient enrichment often alters the biomass and species composition of plant communities, but the extent to which these changes are reversible after the cessation of nutrient addition is not well‐understood. Our 22‐year experiment (15 years for nutrient addition and 7 years for recovery), conducted in an alpine meadow, showed that soil nitrogen concentration and pH recovered rapidly after cessation of nutrient addition. However, this was not accompanied by a full recovery of plant community composition. An incomplete recovery in plant diversity and a directional shift in species composition from grass dominance to forb dominance were observed 7 years after the nutrient addition ended. Strikingy, the historically dominant sedges with low germination rate and slow growth rate and nitrogen‐fixing legumes with low germination rate were unable to re‐establish after nutrient addition ceased. By contrast, rapid recovery of aboveground biomass was observed after nutrient cessation as the increase in forb biomass only partially compensated for the decline in grass biomass. These results indicate that anthropogenic nutrient input can have long‐lasting effects on the structure, but not the soil chemistry and plant biomass, of grassland communities, and that the recovery of soil chemical properties and plant biomass does not necessarily guarantee the restoration of plant community structure. These findings have important implications for the management and recovery of grassland communities, many of which are experiencing alterations in resource input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warming as well as species introductions have increased over the past centuries, however a link between cause and effect of these two phenomena is still unclear. Here we use distribution records (1813–2023) to reconstruct the invasion histories of marine non‐native macrophytes, macroalgae and seagrasses, in the Mediterranean Sea. We defined expansion as the maximum linear rate of spread (km year−1) and the accumulation of occupied grid cells (50 km2) over time and analyzed the relation between expansion rates and the species' thermal conditions at its native distribution range. Our database revealed a marked increase in the introductions and spread rates of non‐native macrophytes in the Mediterranean Sea since the 1960s, notably intensifying after the 1990s. During the beginning of this century species velocity of invasion has increased to 26 ± 9 km2 year−1, with an acceleration in the velocity of invasion of tropical/subtropical species, exceeding those of temperate and cosmopolitan macrophytes. The highest spread rates since then were observed in macrophytes coming from native regions with minimum SSTs two to three degrees warmer than in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, most non‐native macrophytes in the Mediterranean (>80%) do not exceed the maximum temperature of their range of origin, whereas approximately half of the species are exposed to lower minimum SST in the Mediterranean than in their native range. This indicates that tropical/subtropical macrophytes might be able to expand as they are not limited by the colder Mediterranean SST due to the plasticity of their lower thermal limit. These results suggest that future warming will increase the thermal habitat available for thermophilic species in the Mediterranean Sea and continue to favor their expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a retraction notice for an article titled "Promise and performance of agricultural nutrient management policy: Lessons from the Baltic Sea." The article was published in the journal Ambio in 2022. The retraction notice states that the article has been retracted and provides a link to the retraction notice on the Frontiers in Marine Science website. The summary does not provide any information about the content of the retracted article or the reasons for its retraction. [Extracted from the article]

A five-year of monitoring (2018-2022) of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta nests in "Pozzolana di Ponente" beach on Linosa Island (Pelagie Archipelago, Italy) is here reported. To explore how temperatures affect the hatching success and the possible occurrence of any malformation in hatchlings, incubation temperature values were recorded using data loggers positioned at depths of 5 and 35 cm (for each nest) from the surface, approximately 0.5 m from the nest chamber. The obtained results highlighted important issues related to the success of hatching and the incidence of body anomalies. The temperatures recorded at different depths near the nests (5 and 35 cm) in some periods of incubation of the eggs were above optimal development temperature (i.e., ~33°C), causing high mortality rates, especially during the first two years of the survey (2018-2019). In the next three years (2020-2022), the implementation of shading cover cloths of the nests increased the survival rate and decreased the incidence of malformed individuals. Furthermore, atmospheric temperature data were extrapolated from the "Copernicus Climate Change" web service and included in our analyses to assess any changes over the timeframe analysed. Over five years (2018-2022), the average atmospheric temperature increased slightly by 1.7°C. In light of global warming, the implementation of effective and low-cost mitigation activities, such as the use of shade cloth covers to protect the nests from overheating, should be considered a suitable conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florida's Big Bend in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico contains the second-largest contiguous seagrass meadow in the continental United States, providing numerous ecosystem functions and services, including carbon cycling and storage. We present 21 years of mapping data and 13 years of annual in-water monitoring that reveal extensive declines in area, species frequency of occurrence (FO), and percent cover of seagrass. Seagrass area declined by 15% to 85,170 ha in 2022. Subregions in the southern Big Bend experienced extensive seagrass losses of 90–100%. North of the Steinhatchee River, the Northern Big Bend contained 85% of the total seagrass area and experienced losses of only 8.4%. The FO of seagrass and bare quadrats exhibited similar trends to areal coverage. The lowest FO along with complete loss of species was observed near the mouth of the Suwannee River. At a distance from the Suwannee River, FO also declined, but no species were lost. In the remainder of the Big Bend, FO remained stable except for short-term reductions in 2013–2014, which were likely related to anomalously high runoff from rainfall and tropical storm activity. Mean percent cover, however, declined throughout Big Bend, reaching minimal levels in 2014, with little to no recovery through 2019. The persistence of low percent cover may increase vulnerability of beds to continuing areal losses, but the persistence of seagrass species at a distance from the Suwannee River mouth may allow recovery if environmental conditions improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the interactions between wave-induced velocities and seagrass meadows has been conducted based on the large-scale CIEM wave flume data. Incident irregular wave trains act on an initial 1:15 sand beach profile with measurement stations from the offshore of a surrogate meadow until the outer breaking zone, after crossing the seagrass meadow. The analysis considers variability and peaks of velocities, together with their skewness and asymmetry, to determine the effects of the seagrass meadow on the near bed sediment transport. Velocity variability was characterized by the standard deviation, and the greatest changes were found in the area right behind the meadow. In this zone, the negative peak velocities decreased by up to 20.3%, and the positive peak velocities increased by up to 11.7%. For more onshore positions, the negative and positive peak velocities similarly decreased and increased in most of the studied stations. A progressive increase in skewness as the waves passed through the meadow, together with a slight decrease in asymmetry, was observed and associated with the meadow effect. Moving shoreward along the profile, the values of skewness and asymmetry increased progressively relative to the position of the main sandbar. The megaripple-like bedforms appeared earlier when the meadow was present due to the higher skewness, showing a belated development in the layout without the meadow, when skewness increased further offshore due to the proximity of the breaker sandbar. To assess the sediment transport capacity of a submerged meadow, the SANTOSS formula was applied, showing that in front of the meadow, there was a higher sediment transport capacity, whereas behind the meadow, that capacity could be reduced by up to 41.3%. In addition, this formula was able to produce a suitable estimate of sediment transport across the profile, although it could not properly estimate the sediment volumes associated with the bedforms generated in the profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows form highly productive and diverse ecosystems in coastal areas worldwide, where they are increasingly exposed to ocean acidification (OA). Efficient nitrogen (N) cycling and uptake are essential to maintain plant productivity, but the effects of OA on N transformations in these systems are poorly understood. Here we show that complete N cycling occurs on leaves of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica at a volcanic CO2 vent near Ischia Island (Italy), with OA affecting both N gain and loss while the epiphytic microbial community structure remains largely unaffected. Daily leaf-associated N2 fixation contributes to 35% of the plant's N demand under ambient pH, while it contributes to 45% under OA. Nitrification potential is only detected under OA, and N-loss via N2 production increases, although the balance remains decisively in favor of enhanced N gain. Our work highlights the role of the N-cycling microbiome in seagrass adaptation to OA, with key N transformations accelerating towards increased N gain. A stable isotope study reveals that complete nitrogen cycling takes place on the leaves of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Ocean acidification influences nitrogen gain and loss, while the structure of the epiphytic microbial community remains largely unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass and seaweed meadows hold a very important role in coastal and marine ecosystems. However, anthropogenic impacts pose risks to these delicate habitats. This paper analyses the multitemporal impact of the construction of the largest industrial port in the Canary Islands, near the Special Area of Conservation Natura 2000, on Cymodocea nodosa seagrass meadows (sebadales) of the South of Tenerife, in the locality of Granadilla (Canary Islands, Spain). Very-high-resolution WorldView-2 multispectral satellite data were used for the analysis. Specifically, three images were selected before, during, and after the construction of the port (2011, 2014, and 2022, correspondingly). Initially, advanced pre-processing of the images was performed, and then seabed maps were obtained using the machine learning K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) supervised classification model, discriminating 12 different bottom types in Case-2 complex waters. The maps achieved high-quality metrics with Precision values of 85%, 81%, and 80%, recall of 76%, 77%, and 77%, and F1 scores of 80%, 79%, and 77% for 2011, 2014, and 2022, respectively. The results mainly show that the construction directly affected the seagrass and seaweed habitats. In particular, the impact of the port on the meadows of Cymodocea nodosa, Caulerpa prolifera, and maërl was assessed. The total maërl population was reduced by 1.9 km2 throughout the study area. However, the Cymodocea nodosa population was maintained at the cost of colonizing maërl areas. Furthermore, the port sedimented a total of 0.98 km2 of seabed, especially Cymodocea nodosa and maërl. In addition, it was observed that Caulerpa prolifera was established as a meadow at the entrance of the port, replacing part of the Cymodocea nodosa and maërl areas. As additional results, bathymetric maps were generated from satellite imagery with the Sigmoid model, and the presence of a submarine outfall was, as well, presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extraction of thylakoids is an essential step in studying the structure of photosynthetic complexes and several other aspects of the photosynthetic process in plants. Conventional protocols have been developed for selected land plants grown in controlled conditions. Plants accumulate defensive chemical compounds such as polyphenols to cope with environmental stresses. When the polyphenol levels are high, their oxidation and cross-linking properties prevent thylakoid extraction. Results: In this study, we developed a method to counteract the hindering effects of polyphenols by modifying the grinding buffer with the addition of both vitamin C (VitC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG4000). This protocol was first applied to the marine plant Posidonia oceanica and then extended to other plants synthesizing substantial amounts of polyphenols, such as Quercus pubescens (oak) and Vitis vinifera (grapevine). Native gel analysis showed that photosynthetic complexes (PSII, PSI, and LHCII) can be extracted from purified membranes and fractionated comparably to those extracted from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, total protein extraction from frozen P. oceanica leaves was also efficiently carried out using a denaturing buffer containing PEG and VitC. Conclusions: Our work shows that the use of PEG and VitC significantly improves the isolation of native thylakoids, native photosynthetic complexes, and total proteins from plants containing high amounts of polyphenols and thus enables studies on photosynthesis in various plant species grown in natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the data received from the research experiment conducted with bird's-foot-trefoil, red clover and sainfoin, fertilized with humate fertilizers on the territory of the experimental field of Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture -- Troyan during the period 2013-2015, correlation dependencies and regression equations were constructed. A positive correlation dependence was established between: the phosphorus content and the height of fertilizer meadows with legumes (r = 0.90); the content of nitrogen-free extractable substances and the relative share of the stems (r = 0.86); and the crude protein and the percentage share of leaves (r = 0.80). This proves the positive effect of fertilizing with boron and molybdenum humate on growth and development of legumes, the accumulation of nutrients in the forage. The regression equations derived prove the possibility of predicting the crude protein content from the share of leaves in the grass stand (R² = 0.64), the phosphorus content from the height of the stems (R² = 0.81) and of the nitrogen-free extractable substances from the relative share of the stems (R² = 0.75), in the grass stands. Two-factor analysis of variance showed the high impact of the conditions of the year (η = 68.69) on the dry matter yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impacts of global warming on the reproductive efforts of Posidonia oceanica, a key seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. By analyzing data from five areas in Sardinia in February 2023, we have investigated the relationship between thermal descriptors and P. oceanica flowering and fruiting variables. In fact, whether climate change has been affected the distribution of seagrasses by changing their reproductive efforts is still controversial and our findings contribute to this ongoing debate, highlighting a noticeable increase in reproductive events potentially affected by rising temperature. Overall, mean summer sea surface temperature (SST) was positively associated to inflorescence density, presence of living fruits and fruit size; living fruits and fruit size were also influenced positively by the maximum SST within 3 months before sampling (November–February). Both flowering and fruiting were negatively affected by the maximum SST within 1 month before inflorescence observation and mean winter SST, respectively, suggesting that P. oceanica reproductive effort depends on the duration and the temporal context in which the anomaly occurs. However, the high variability between meadows of the same area highlights the need of future studies to focus on the uncertainties related to local factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nubecularia bioherms represent unique bioconstructions that are restricted to the upper Serravallian of the Paratethys and have been reported since the 19th century. They occur in the Central Paratethys in the late Sarmatian and the Eastern Paratethys in the Bessarabian both regional stages of the respective Paratethyan areas. In this study, several locations in the Vienna and Styrian basins of the Central Paratethys were studied out of which four localities were documented in detail (Wolfsthal, Maustrenk, St. Margarethen—Zollhaus, Vienna—Ruzickagasse) to reconstruct their sedimentary setting, their internal composition, and their indications of environmental parameters. The detailed studies included logging of outcrop sections, petrographic, facies and biotic analyses of polished slabs and thin sections and also cathodoluminescence analyses. These concluded that these bioconstructions are not only composed of the foraminifer Nubecularia but represent a complex mixture and interrelationships of Nubecularia, serpulids and microbial carbonate. Four boundstone types can be differentiated: Nubecularia boundstone, Nubecularia‐coralline algal boundstone, stromatolitic/thrombolitic boundstone and serpulid‐nubeculariid‐microbial boundstone. The first 3 types are characteristic of specific localities; the fourth type occurs in all studied locations and represents the terminal association on top of the three other types. The three basal boundstones are predominantly of columnar growth form irrespective of dominance of Nubecularia, coralline algae or microbial carbonate, and the terminal boundstone is widely irregularly organized. The general depositional environment is characterized by cross‐bedded oolitic grainstones with abundant quartz grains, miliolid foraminifers and mollusks. Intercalated are microbial carbonates mostly stromatolites but also thrombolites. This indicates a general high water energy environment interrupted by more calm periods when the microbial carbonate was built. The 3 basal types of bioconstructions are interpreted to reflect decreasing food supply and/or oxygenation from Nubecularia over Nubecularia‐coralline algal to stromatolitic/thrombolitic boundstone. The serpulid‐nubeculariid‐microbial boundstone reflects an internal succession with a decrease of the same parameters. Water depth is considered very shallow ranging from 0 to a few meters, and salinity was normal marine to hypersaline. The reconstructed paleoenvironment with dominating oolite shoals and seagrass meadows was not restricted to the Central Paratethys but extended over the entire Paratethys and represented the largest oolite facies area of the entire Cenozoic! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses provide various ecosystem functions in coastal areas of the world. In the Mediterranean Sea, Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species threatened by several activities despite being protected by national and international laws. Currently, several transplanting initiatives have been carried out using different methods, among which those including seeds and seedlings are considered the most ecological and low‐cost ones. Beach‐cast fruits and seeds can be found in spring and their appearance can easily be reported, through a citizen science approach, by the community. One of the obstacles in using these methods is identifying the best substrate in which to place P. oceanica seeds to facilitate root adhesion of the seedlings prior to their transplantation into the sea. In the present study, we analyzed, using a 3D surface optical microscope, the roughness of natural rocks to identify the availability of specific roughness ranges suitable for adhesion and root anchoring of P. oceanica seedlings. Conventional roughness parameters and roughness power spectral density were calculated for the inner and outer surfaces of 9 different rock samples. Among the rock samples examined, the calcarenitic ones and in particular marsala calcarenite, due to the presence of the "ideal roughness for seedlings" can be considered one of the best consolidated substrates to be used for the construction of ad hoc devices on which plantlet of P. oceanica can grow for the purpose of restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal marine areas are threatened by different forms of pollution, among which potentially toxic elements (PTEs) represent a primary hazard. In this study, 16 Mediterranean macroalgae colonizing the upper eulittoral and infralittoral zones were studied for their PTE accumulation capabilities in order to identify possible biomonitors that could replace the use of Posidonia oceanica, a protected species. To achieve this objective, macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, S), micronutrients (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Si, V, Zn) and non-essential elements (Cd, Pb) were analyzed in the thalli of different algal species, the leaves of P. oceanica and in sediments collected from six sampling sites along the Cilento coast (Campania, Italy), all characterized by different anthropogenic pressures. For sediments, a sequential extraction of PTEs to evaluate their bioavailability profile was also carried out together with the analysis of mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, pH and organic matter content. Macrophytes, belonging to different divisions (six Rhodophyta, four Chlorophyta, six Heterokontophyta, one Embryophyta), are characterized by different PTE concentrations, with a few ones being characterized by an even accumulation response toward the different PTEs. One of these, the brown alga Dictyota spiralis, is able to accumulate PTEs in concentrations similar to P. oceanica and provides more accurate concentration gradients, highlighting clear pollution scenarios that were overlooked using P. oceanica only. Therefore, D. spiralis is a useful PTE biomonitor of coastal marine ecosystems and a suitable replacement for P. oceanica, also featuring the possibility of being employed in active biomonitoring applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of mapping underwater environments, Posidonia Oceanica (PO) is a fundamental indicator for environmental monitoring and related studies and analyses for climate change. The POSEIDON project aims to study, develop and test new methodologies to provide knowledge, as well as ultra-high-resolution (UHR) and beyond ultra-high-resolution (BUHR) mapping and monitoring data for the conservation of the PO and related meadows and banquettes in the Mediterranean area. The project is funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and stems from the recommendation of international organizations (European Environmental Directives, Mediterranean PO Network, International Partnership for Blue Carbon, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO in the Save the Wave project). Starting from new integrated survey methods and legacy data, the PO, ichthyofauna and seagrass banquettes will be mapped to understand their evolution and extract indicators and useful trends. Furthermore, the produced information will be stored and shared in a webGIS and a dedicated app to prevent unexpected damages during sailing or other activities. POSEIDON will use imaging sensors (RGB and multi/hyperspectral cameras) to extract information. With specific lighting equipment for significant water depths, these sensors will be conducted (by scuba divers or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) next to the object to acquire BUHR data. Finally, to monitor the fauna (fish, other species, invertebrates), terrestrial and underwater videogrammetry will be applied using mono and stereo-cameras with object detection algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding animals' selection of microhabitats is important in both ecology and biodiversity conservation. However, there is no generally accepted methodology for the characterization of microhabitats, especially for vegetation structure. We studied microhabitat selection of three Vipera snakes by comparing grassland vegetation structure between viper occurrence points and random points in three grassland ecosystems: V. graeca in mountain meadows of Albania, V. renardi in loess steppes of Ukraine and V. ursinii in sand grasslands in Hungary. We quantified vegetation structure in an objective manner by automated processing of images taken of the vegetation against a vegetation profile board under standardized conditions. We developed an R script for automatic calculation of four vegetation structure variables derived from raster data obtained in the images: leaf area (LA), height of closed vegetation (HCV), maximum height of vegetation (MHV) and foliage height diversity (FHD). Generalized linear mixed models revealed that snake occurrence was positively related to HCV in V. graeca, to LA in V. renardi and to LA and MHV in V. ursinii, and negatively to HCV in V. ursinii. Our results demonstrate that vegetation structure variables derived from automated image processing significantly relate to viper microhabitat selection. Our method minimizes the risk of subjectivity in measuring vegetation structure, enables the aggregation of adjacent pixel data and is suitable for comparison of or extrapolation across different vegetation types or ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Carpentaria and Torres Strait in north‐eastern Australia support globally significant seagrass ecosystems that underpin fishing and cultural heritage of the region. Reliable data on seagrass distribution are critical to understanding how these ecosystems are changing, while managing for resilience. Spatial data on seagrass have been collected since the early 1980s, but the early data were poorly curated. Some was not publicly available, and some already lost. We validated and synthesized historical seagrass spatial data to create a publicly available database. We include a site layer of 48,612 geolocated data points including information on seagrass presence/absence, sediment, collection date, and data custodian. We include a polygon layer with 641 individual seagrass meadows. Thirteen seagrass species are identified in depths ranging from intertidal to 38 m below mean sea level. Our synthesis includes scientific survey data from 1983 to 2022 and provides an important evidence base for marine resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]