scholarly journals First report of a swordfish (Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758) beneath open-sea farming cages in the Western Mediterranean Sea.

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. ARECHAVALA-LOPEZ ◽  
D. IZQUIERDO-GOMEZ ◽  
P. SANCHEZ-JEREZ
Keyword(s):  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Adult Individual ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Ecological Changes ◽  
Open Sea ◽  
Fish Predators ◽  
Xiphias Gladius ◽  
First Time

An adult individual of swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) was reported for the first time aggregated at coastal Mediterranean fish-farm facilities. This record highlights the necessity to assess the potential ecological changes on wild fish assemblages by coastal farming activity, especially on this type of endangered large migratory fish predators, which might be taken into account for further management strategies.

Seasonal organization patterns of demersal assemblages in the Gulf of Lions (north-western Mediterranean Sea)

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 777-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Gaertner
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Gulf Of Lions ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Common Structure ◽  
Open Sea ◽  
The Common ◽  
North Western ◽  
Trawl Surveys

The seasonal organization patterns of demersal assemblages (fish and cephalopods) in the Gulf of Lions were investigated on the basis of a set of bottom trawl surveys. The use of Partial Triadic Analysis (PTA) provided a detailed representation of: (1) the common part of the spatial organization of demersal assemblages at seasonal scale; and (2) the seasonal variability of each species around this common structure. During the course of the study, demersal assemblages exhibited a strong seasonal stability in their organization patterns and only few species showed a strong seasonal variation in their spatial distribution. Demersal assemblages of the Gulf of Lions were structured primarily on the basis of a non depth coast–open sea gradient, which occurred from the coast to the midshelf region. The influence of depth on the structure of fish assemblages appeared to be only of limited importance and mainly restricted to the continental slope area. The PTA combined with contouring technics could be used to improve our knowledge of community structuring factors, and offers a theoretical framework to assess the reproducibility of multispecies structures.

Summer larval fish assemblages in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea)

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Giordano ◽  
Adriana Profeta ◽  
Barbara Busalacchi ◽  
Roberta Minutoli ◽  
Letterio Guglielmo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Larval Fish ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Tyrrhenian Sea ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Southern Tyrrhenian Sea

A new species of Buenia (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the western Mediterranean Sea, with the description of this genus

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4250 (5) ◽  
pp. 447 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCELO KOVAČIĆ ◽  
FRANCES ORDINES ◽  
ULRICH K. SCHLIEWEN
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Standard Length ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Head Length ◽  
Mitochondrial Coi ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Coi Barcoding ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Length

A new miniature gobiid species, Buenia massutii sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is described from the circalittoral bottom off the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial COI-barcoding fragment supports its species-level distinctiveness and the monophyly of the genus Buenia. A description and diagnosis of the genus Buenia is for the first time provided. Material of the new species was collected in 57–67 m depth from beam trawl samples carried out on red algae beds. The traits that differentiate the new species from two congeneric species are: anterior oculoscapular canal only semiclosed with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, ρ and additional pores and open furrows from interorbital part to pore ρ; posterior oculoscapular canal absent; suborbital row c with 5 papillae; scales in lateral series 26–28; pectoral fin rays 16; the second spine of the first dorsal fin the longest, reaching to or behind posterior end of the second dorsal fin in males when folded down; pelvic fin anterior membrane one sixth or less of length of spinous ray in midline depth; head length 31.2–32.5% of standard length; eye 32.8–35.7% of head length; caudal fin length 21.5–24.0% of standard length. 

scholarly journals Reproductive aspects of the velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax (Condrichthyes: Etmopteridae), from the central western Mediterranean sea. Notes on gametogenesis and oviducal gland microstructure.

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. PORCU ◽  
M. F. MARONGIU ◽  
M. C. FOLLESA ◽  
A. BELLODI ◽  
A. MULAS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Sexually Dimorphic ◽  
Oviducal Gland ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sperm Storage Tubules ◽  
First Time

In this paper, the reproductive biology of the velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax was analyzed in Sardinian waters (central western Mediterranean). This species was sexually dimorphic with females growing to a larger size than males. Marked sexual dimorphism in size was also observed along the vertical gradient. Histological analysis of gonads was very useful in assigning macroscopical maturity stages. The investigation on the microstructure of oviducal gland (OG) highlighted four morphofunctional zones with mucous and/or proteic secretions according to the zone and to their specific functions and development. Sperm in the OG was found for the first time in E. spinax. The localization of sperm storage tubules deeper in OG suggested long-term sperm storage, which is in agreement with the long reproductive cycle described. This species matured late, specifically at 80.7% and 79% at the maximum observed size for females and males respectively. Mature specimens were found throughout the year with pregnant females observed in winter and autumn. A low fecundity was observed with a mean ovarian fecundity of 16.5 mature follicles.

Temporal variability of wild fish assemblages associated with a sea-cage fish farm in the south-western Mediterranean Sea

2007 ◽  
Vol 72 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 299-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Valle ◽  
Just T. Bayle-Sempere ◽  
Tim Dempster ◽  
Pablo Sanchez-Jerez ◽  
Francisca Giménez-Casalduero
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Fish Farm ◽  
Wild Fish ◽  
The South ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sea Cage ◽  
Cage Fish

scholarly journals Molecular and Biological Analysis on Ommastrephes caroli Findings in the Central Western Mediterranean Sea (Sardinian Waters) Including First Age Investigation Using Eye Lenses and Beaks

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blondine Agus ◽  
Laura Carugati ◽  
Andrea Bellodi ◽  
Rita Cannas ◽  
Alessandro Cau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Coi Sequences ◽  
Size And Morphology ◽  
First Time

Molecular identifications based on two mitochondrial markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I -COI- and 16S ribosomal RNA gene -16S-) have been implemented to confirm the morphological identification of eight specimens collected in the Central western Mediterranean. Molecular data show they belonged to a recently resurrected species of the genus Ommastrephes, i.e., O. caroli, known to be distributed in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Despite this, molecular analyses of COI sequences evidenced the presence of potential genetic differentiation between Mediterranean and Atlantic samples, highlighting the need for further studies, with more individuals to investigate the connectivity between individuals living in the two areas. Furthermore, morphological, biometric and reproductive features here reported, could be useful in evaluating possible distinctive biological features between the Mediterranean and Atlantic individuals. Female mature size was larger than the male. The relationships obtained between the beak measurements and body sizes (DML; TW) were better described by a power model. Asynchronous oocytes development with relatively small oocytes (0.05–1.10 mm) and a protracted intermittent spawning with active feeding were observed. This study also reported for the specie O. caroli the first data on the potential fecundity estimated (840061 oocytes), the oviducal load (90000 ripe oocytes) as well as the number of seminal receptacles and the size and morphology of the spermatangia found in the buccal mass of all mated females. Even if on a low sample size, beaks and eye lenses were used for the first time in O. caroli for age estimation. The statistically significant relationship found between increments counted in eye lenses and beaks highlighted the reliability of the lenses to estimate age in O. caroli, even if further studies will be needed for its validation. Assuming a daily increment for both structures, a mean life span of about 12–13 months was estimated for both sexes, which is consistent with the sexual maturity condition observed in all the samples and the semelparity known for cephalopods coleoids.

scholarly journals First detection of Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora, Bolinopsidae) in Sardinia (S’Ena Arrubia Lagoon, Western Mediterranean): a threat for local fishery and species recruitment

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 714 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. DICIOTTI ◽  
J. CULURGIONI ◽  
S. SERRA ◽  
M. TRENTADUE ◽  
G. CHESSA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Anguilla Anguilla ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Mnemiopsis Leidyi ◽  
European Eel ◽  
Fishing Activity ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
First Time

The invasive comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi is a lobate ctenophore native of coastal and estuarine waters of the temperate western Atlantic Ocean. In the last decades this species has expanded its range of distribution, colonizing marine and transitional environments in Europe. In October 2015, during a survey fishing the European eel Anguilla anguilla in Sardinia (western Mediterranean), a massive bloom of this specie was observed in the eutrophic S’Ena Arrubia Lagoon for the first time. In November 2015, sampling was conducted at three stations in the lagoon and in a fyke net, in order to estimate the abundance of M. leidyi and to determine its impact on the fishing activity. The results showed an abundance of 2.83 ctenophores m-3. Specimens were all adults, measuring 18 - 62 mm total length. The abundant number of ctenophores (6837 individuals per fyke net) damaged fishing operations, reducing catches and affecting the performance of fishing gears. Since there is no effective mechanical, chemical or biological method to counter M. leidyi, the short term economic damage may be approached by new management measures of fisheries. In addition, other actions against the recurring of M. leidyi invasion, can include management strategies, in particular those finalized to reduce the high trophic state of the lagoon. 

scholarly journals Sponges of Western Mediterranean seamounts: new genera, new species and new records

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11879
Author(s):  
Julio A. Díaz ◽  
Sergio Ramírez-Amaro ◽  
Francesc Ordines
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
First Record ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Balearic Islands ◽  
Sampling Device ◽  
Great Opportunity ◽  
The North ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

Background The seamounts Ses Olives (SO), Ausias March (AM) and Emile Baudot (EB) at the Mallorca Channel (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean), are poorly explored areas containing rich and singular sponge communities. Previous works have shown a large heterogeneity of habitats, including rhodolith beds, rocky, gravel and sandy bottoms and steeped slopes. This diversity of habitats provides a great opportunity for improving the knowledge of the sponges from Mediterranean seamounts. Methods Sponges were collected during several surveys carried out by the Balearic Center of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography at the Mallorca Channel seamounts. Samples were obtained using a beam-trawl, rock dredge and remote operated vehicle. Additional samples were obtained from fishing grounds of the Balearic Islands continental shelf, using the sampling device GOC-73. Sponges were identified through the analysis of morphological and molecular characters. Results A total of 60 specimens were analyzed, from which we identified a total of 19 species. Three species and one genus are new to science: Foraminospongia balearica gen. nov. sp. nov., Foraminospongia minuta gen. nov. sp. nov. and Paratimea massutii sp. nov. Heteroxya cf. beauforti represents the first record of the genus Heteroxya in the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, this is the second report of Axinella spatula and Haliclona (Soestella) fimbriata since their description. Moreover, the species Petrosia (Petrosia) raphida, Calyx cf. tufa and Lanuginella pupa are reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. Petrosia (Strongylophora) vansoesti is reported here for the first time in the western Mediterranean Sea. Haliclona (S.) fimbriata is reported here for the first time in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Hemiasterella elongata is reported here for the second time in the Mediterranean Sea. The species Melonanchora emphysema, Rhabdobaris implicata, Polymastia polytylota, Dragmatella aberrans, Phakellia ventilabrum and Pseudotrachya hystrix are reported for first time off Balearic Islands. Following the Sponge Barcoding project goals, we have sequenced the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and the 28S ribosomal fragment (C1–D2 domains) for Foraminospongia balearica sp. nov., Foraminospongia minuta sp. nov., H. cf. beauforti and C. cf. tufa, and the COI for Paratimea massuti sp. nov. We also provide a phylogenetic analysis to discern the systematic location of Foraminospongia gen. nov., which, in accordance to skeletal complement, is placed in the Hymerhabdiidae family. A brief biogeographical discussion is provided for all these species, with emphasis on the sponge singularity of SO, AM and the EB seamounts and the implications for their future protection.

Spatial variations of phytoplankton community structure in a highly eutrophicated coast of the Western Mediterranean Sea

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 313-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Soler Torres ◽  
J. G. del Río
Keyword(s):  
Phytoplankton Community ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Western Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Open Sea ◽  
Southern Side ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Pinedo is a small beach placed at the southern side of Valencia (Eastern Spain). This coastal area has became highly eutrophicated because of the discharge of a large flow of urban wastewaters at the shore line. In order to assess the environmental impact of a new sea outfall and to study the phytoplankton and nutrients dynamics of this eutrophicated system a broad survey was conducted between May 1989 and April 1990. Physical and chemical parameters were measured through a transect laying between the wastewater discharge point and the open sea. In this paper we report preliminary results about the variations observed in the phytoplankton community along this sharp environmental gradient. Three main zones with particular phytoplankton structure appear well differentiated. The first is an inshore zone very influenced by continental loadings where brackish and polluted waters were found. Phytoplankton shows relatively low numbers being dominated by Chlorophyceae and a few other eurihaline species. An intermediate zone has salinities close to sea water but nutrient concentrations are high enough to allow maximum development of phytoplankton, which reaches its highest abundance and diversity values. Diatoms, dinoflagellates and some flagellates (Prymnesiophyceae and Cryptophyceae) dominate the eukaryotic community of this zone. Gradual impoverishment of sea water is accompanied by a rapid decrease of phytoplankton biomass, which is reduced to scarce flagellates populations at the open sea stations.

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