scholarly journals DNA BARCODING OF FISH SPECIES FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST OF ISRAEL

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. SHIRAK ◽  
LIOR DOR ◽  
E. SEROUSSI ◽  
M. RON ◽  
G. HULATA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Composite Likelihood ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Phylogeny Analysis ◽  
Geographic Origins ◽  
The Mediterranean

Accurately-classified genomic data in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) database is vital to the protection and conservation of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. The taxonomic classifications of 468 fish of 50 Mediterranean species were analyzed using the BOLD Identifier tool for variation in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Within species, nucleotide maximum composite likelihood was low with a mean of 0.0044±0.0008. Three presumptive species had significantly higher values e.g., Arnoglossus spp. (0.07), Torquigener flavimaculosus (0.013) and Boops boops (0.028). However, samples of Arnoglossus species were sub-classified into two groups that were finally identified as two different species e.g., Arnoglossus laterna and Arnoglossus thori. For the different species, BLAST searches against the BOLD database using our DNA barcoding data as the query sequences designated the most similar targets into groups. For each analyzed species, the similarity of the first and second threshold groups ranged from 95 to 99% and from 83 to 98%, respectively. Sequence based classification for the first threshold group was concordant with morphology-based identification. However, for 34 analyzed species (68%) overlaps of species between the two threshold groups hampered classification. Tree-based phylogeny analysis detected more than one cluster in the first threshold group for 22 out of 50 species, representing genetic subgroups and geographic origins. There was a tendency for higher conservation and lower number of clusters in the Lessepsian (Red Sea) migrant versus indigenous species.

scholarly journals Stochasticity in space, persistence in time: genetic heterogeneity in harbour populations of the introduced ascidianStyela plicata

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari-Carmen Pineda ◽  
Beatriz Lorente ◽  
Susanna López-Legentil ◽  
Creu Palacín ◽  
Xavier Turon
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Structure ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Nw Mediterranean

Spatio-temporal changes in genetic structure among populations provide crucial information on the dynamics of secondary spread for introduced marine species. However, temporal components have rarely been taken into consideration when studying the population genetics of non-indigenous species. This study analysed the genetic structure ofStyela plicata,a solitary ascidian introduced in harbours and marinas of tropical and temperate waters, across spatial and temporal scales. A fragment of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) was sequenced from 395 individuals collected at 9 harbours along the NW Mediterranean coast and adjacent Atlantic waters (> 1,200 km range) at two time points 5 years apart (2009 and 2014). The levels of gene diversity were relatively low for all 9 locations in both years. Analyses of genetic differentiation and distribution of molecular variance revealed strong genetic structure, with significant differences among many populations, but no significant differences among years. A weak and marginally significant correlation between geographic distance and gene differentiation was found. Our results revealed spatial structure and temporal genetic homogeneity inS. plicata, suggesting a limited role of recurrent, vessel-mediated transport of organisms among small to medium-size harbours. Our study area is representative of many highly urbanized coasts with dense harbours. In these environments, the episodic chance arrival of colonisers appears to determine the genetic structure of harbour populations and the genetic composition of these early colonising individuals persists in the respective harbours, at least over moderate time frames (five years) that encompass ca. 20 generations ofS. plicata.

scholarly journals Bryozoa from the Mediterranean coast of Israel

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 440 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. SOKOLOVER ◽  
P. D. TAYLOR ◽  
M. ILAN
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
1960S And 1970S ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Non Indigenous Species ◽  
The Impact

The impact of global warming on the composition of marine biotas is increasing, underscoring the need for better baseline information on the species currently present in given areas. Little is known about the bryozoan fauna of Israel; the most recent publication concerning species from the Mediterranean coast was based on samples collected in the 1960s and 1970s. Since that time, not only have the species present in this region changed, but so too has our understanding of bryozoan taxonomy. Here we use samples collected during the last decade to identify 47 bryozoan species, of which 15 are first records for the Levantine basin. These include one new genus and species (Crenulatella levantinensis gen. et. sp. nov.), two new species (Licornia vieirai sp. nov. and Trematooecia mikeli sp. nov.), and two species that may be new but for which available material is inadequate for formal description (Reteporella sp. and Thalamoporella sp.). In addition, Conopeum ponticum is recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Non-indigenous species make up almost one-quarter of the 47 species identified. All of the non-indigenous species are native to tropical and subtropical regions, implying a change of the Levant bryozoan biota from a temperate to a more tropical state, probably related to both higher temperature and salinity and to the opening of the Suez Canal connecting the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.  

scholarly journals Checklist of seaweeds of Al-Hoceima National Park of Morocco (Mediterranean Marine Protected Area)

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 91-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanaa Moussa ◽  
Mustapha Hassoun ◽  
Ghizlane Salhi ◽  
Hanaa Zbakh ◽  
Hassane Riadi
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Green Alga ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
National Park ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Al Hoceima

Abstract The Mediterranean basin is a marine biodiversity hot spot. Despite this, the macroalgal diversity of the Mediterranean Sea is still not fully known, especially in the Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) including, Al-Hoceima National Park of Morocco (PNAH). This paper provides the first comprehensive checklist of the seaweeds of PNAH, based chiefly on our own original collections, and complimented by literature records. Using present-day taxonomy, the total number of taxa at both specific and infraspecific levels currently accepted   is 306 taxa with 207 Rhodophyta (39 families), 51 Ochrophyta (13 families) and 48 Chlorophyta (12 families). Ninety five of these species were not found in our samples, 93 were new to the PNAH, and the taxonomic identity of 26 taxa was amended. From the totality of taxa, ten species were reported for the first time from Morocco: 9 Rhodophyta and one green alga. Furthermore, 12 others species (10 red, 1 brown and 1 green alga) are new records for the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. Besides this, confirmed records are mentioned for 20 species, whether in Africa, in Morocco or in the Moroccan Mediterranean coast. This accessible checklist to the international community could serve as an infrastructure for future algal investigations of the taxa in this Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance. Key words: Al-Hoceima National Park, Checklist, Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas, Morocco, Seaweeds. Resumen Lista de algas marinas del Parque Nacional de Alhucemas en Marruecos (Área Marina Protegida del Mediterráneo) La cuenca del Mediterráneo es un Hot Spot de biodiversidad marina. Aún así, la diversidad de macroalgas del Mediterráneo no está plenamente conocida, especialmente en las Áreas Marinas Protegidas del Mediterráneo (AMP) incluido el Parque Nacional de Alhucemas en Marruecos (PNAH). Este documento proporciona la primera lista exhaustiva de las algas marinas del PNAH. Usando la taxonomía actual, el número total de taxones a niveles específicos y infraespecíficos actualmente aceptados es de 306 taxones con 207 Rhodophyta (39 familias), 51 Ochrophyta (13 familias) y 48 Chlorophyta (12 familias). Noventa y cinco de estas especies no se encontraron en nuestras muestras, 93 eran nuevas en el PNAH y se modificó la identidad taxonómica de 26 taxones. De la totalidad de las macroalgas, 10 especies (9 Rhodophyta y 1 Ulvophyceae) fueron registradas por primera vez desde Marruecos. Además, 12 otras especies (10 Rhodophyta, 1 Phaeophyceae y 1 Ulvophyceae) son nuevos registros para la costa mediterránea de Marruecos. También, se mencionan los registros confirmados de 20 especies, ya sea en África, en Marruecos o en la costa mediterránea marroquí. Esta lista de algas accesibles a la comunidad internacional podría servir como una infraestructura para futuras investigaciones algales de los taxones en esta zona especialmente protegida de importancia para el Mediterráneo. Palabras clave: Parque Nacional de Alhucemas, Lista de algas, Áreas Marinas Protegidas del Mediterráneo, Marruecos, Algas marinas. 

scholarly journals A Preliminary inventory of alien and cryptogenic species in Monastir Bay, Tunisia: spatial distribution, introduction trends and pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 616 ◽  
Author(s):  
SAHAR CHEBAANE ◽  
JUAN SEMPERE-VALVERDE ◽  
SAHBI DORAI ◽  
ADNEN KACEM ◽  
YASSINE RAMZI SGHAIER
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Monitoring Programs ◽  
Risk Areas ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Cryptogenic Species

The Mediterranean Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot under threat. One of the major impacts on its biological resources and services comes from the invasiveness of non-indigenous species (NIS). Nevertheless, NIS monitoring programs in the south basin of the Mediterranean Sea are in an early implementation stage. This study aims to describe NIS and cryptogenic species distribution in Monastir Bay (Tunisia) and to identify risk areas for the introduction and spread of invasive species, providing a baseline for future monitoring programs. To this end, a series of Rapid Assessment Surveys were carried out to identify NIS and cryptogenic species in one marina, five fishing ports, two aquaculture farms and the Special Conservation Area of the Kuriat islands. 24 species were found, of which 11 constitute new records for Monastir Bay, which represent a 33.3% of the total NIS reported in this Bay. Assemblages differed between substrata types, being NIS more abundant in artificial than in natural substrata. Regarding locations, Cap Monastir Marina was the most invaded site, the most transited by vessels and the only one visited by international sailing. Hence, this marina constitutes the main risk area to be monitored, although the fishing ports and fishing farms in the semi-enclosed coastal lagoon of Monastir Bay can also be considered as risk areas. Nevertheless, more research effort is needed in Monastir Bay in order to update the records of NIS and cryptogenic species and increase insight on the ecological evolution of these species and their related impacts on natural communities and marine resources.

scholarly journals Tracking Marine Alien Macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea: The Contribution of Citizen Science and Remote Sensing

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Mannino ◽  
Flavio Borfecchia ◽  
Carla Micheli
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Time Changes

The accelerating rate of the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) and the magnitude of shipping traffic make the Mediterranean Sea a hotspot of biological invasions. For the effective management of NIS, early detection and intensive monitoring over time and space are essential. Here, we present an overview of possible applications of citizen science and remote sensing in monitoring alien seaweeds in the Mediterranean Sea. Citizen science activities, involving the public (e.g., tourists, fishermen, divers) in the collection of data, have great potential for monitoring NIS. The innovative methodologies, based on remote sensing techniques coupled with in situ/laboratory advanced sampling/analysis methods for tracking such species, may be useful and effective tools for easily assessing NIS distribution patterns and monitoring the space/time changes in habitats in order to support the sustainable management of the ecosystems. The reported case studies highlight how these cost-effective systems can be useful complementary tools for monitoring NIS, especially in marine protected areas, which, despite their fundamental role in the conservation of marine biodiversity, are not immune to the introduction of NIS. To ensure effective and long-lasting management strategies, collaborations between researchers, policy makers and citizens are essential.

Geographic distribution of Astroides calycularis (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) as a baseline to assess future human impacts on the Southern Iberian Peninsula

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 1181-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Terrón-Sigler ◽  
David León-Muez ◽  
Patricio Peñalver-Duque ◽  
Rafael Gálvez-César ◽  
Free Espinosa Torre
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Marine Biodiversity ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
The South ◽  
Bioindicator Species ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
The Mediterranean

Human activities have increasingly affected biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. Data on the distribution and abundance of species allows researchers to assess the possible degradation of wild populations. These data could act as a baseline to assess the magnitude of the effects of human activities on a bioindicator species. The distribution and relative abundance of the south-western populations of the endemic Astroides calycularis in the South Iberian Peninsula were studied to establish a baseline for future studies. The rocky shoreline was studied at a depth range of 0–12 m, including more than 650 km of Spain's Andalusian coastline. The species was present in 135 of the 585 dive points sampled. ANOVA analysis showed differences in depth in the four provinces studied, and there was no interaction between the two factors. As human activities on the Mediterranean coast are reducing the A. calycularis populations, a baseline on marine populations is greatly recommended for monitoring, assessment, and management studies, especially for endangered or bioindicator species. This baseline could be useful as a reference tool to assess the effects of human activities on marine biodiversity, including global change.

scholarly journals The current state of DNA barcoding of macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea: presently lacking but urgently required

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela G. Bartolo ◽  
Gabrielle Zammit ◽  
Akira F. Peters ◽  
Frithjof C. Küpper
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Biodiversity Monitoring ◽  
Current State ◽  
Dna Libraries ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Non Indigenous Species

AbstractThis review article explores the state of DNA barcoding of macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea. Data from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) were utilised in conjunction with a thorough bibliographic review. Our findings indicate that from around 1124 records of algae in the Mediterranean Sea, only 114 species have been barcoded. We thus conclude that there are insufficient macroalgal genetic data from the Mediterranean and that this area would greatly benefit from studies involving DNA barcoding. Such research would contribute to resolving numerous questions about macroalgal systematics in the area and address queries related to biogeography, especially those concerned with non-indigenous species. It could also possibly result in the development and application of better, cost-effective biodiversity monitoring programmes emanating from UN conventions and EU Directives. One possible way of achieving this is to construct DNA libraries via sequencing and barcoding, subsequently enabling better cost-effective biodiversity monitoring through environmental DNA metabarcoding.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) Along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
Özgür Güçlü ◽  
Bülent Bozdoğan
Keyword(s):  
Microsatellite Loci ◽  
Geographic Distance ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Genetic Variations ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Genetic Diversity And Structure ◽  
Polymorphic Microsatellite ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Nile soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is distributed between Dalyan and Samandağ throughout the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. The Mediterranean subpopulation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle is listed as critically endangered in the IUCN Red List Categories. This investigation aimed to determinate levels of genetic variations and patterns of genetic structures among Mediterranean populations in Turkey by using T. triunguis-specific microsatellite primers. A total of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci were studied among samples of 121 individuals collected from five populations in Turkey. Of 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci used, 3 new were identified in this study. The genetic differentiation among the 5 studied populations of T. triunguis was significant (p 0.001). The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variations occurred mainly within populations (89.7%) rather than among populations (10.3%). Structure analysis showed presence of two main groups among the Mediterranean T. triunguis populations. However genetic variations among populations were not correlated with geographic distance between the locations. Analysis of data showed that one of the populations (Dalyan) had undergone a bottleneck effect. Migration analysis indicates that T. triunguis migrates between five Mediterranean populations in Turkey. We concluded that based on our results the status of ‘critically endangered’ of T. triunguis should be maintained. Long term population genetic survey studies should be undertaken and changes in habitats of T. triunguis populations, as well as their population size and structure should be monitored for each population to be able to establish a clear strategy for protection of T. triunguis.

The formation of the Egyptian Arabic dialect area

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Behnstedt ◽  
Manfred Woidich
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Dialect Contact ◽  
Historical Information ◽  
Egyptian Arabic ◽  
Transitional Area ◽  
The Mediterranean

This chapter deals with the sedentary dialects of Egypt, excluding the bedouin dialects of Sinai and the Libyan bedouin dialects on the Mediterranean coast. It attempts to combine historical information on the settlement of Arabic tribes in Egypt with accounts of present-day Egyptian dialects and those of the regions from which those tribes came, initially Yemen and the Levant, later Hejaz, and then the Maghreb. The diversity of the Egyptian Arabic dialect area is partly explained by external factors, namely different layers of arabization over centuries. It is also explained by internal factors, namely dialect contact, which implies phenomena such as hyperdialectisms. Egypt is seen as a dialect area in its own right, but one that shows phenomena of a transitional area between the Arab East and West. A case study of Alexandria deals with dialect death. The role of substrata is discussed, but is considered negligible.

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