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Despite the widespread presence of anthropogenic microparticles (AMs) in beach sediments, research on their occurrence on Moroccan Mediterranean beaches is still limited. This study is the first report on AM pollution in four sandy beaches along the Tetouan coast (Morocco Mediterranean). The findings reveal an average AM concentration of 483.12 ± 157.04 AMs/kg of beach sediment. The most common AM types were fibers (75.54%) and fragments (24.06%). AMs were predominantly black, red, and blue, measuring between 0.1 and 1 mm. The evaluation of the anthropogenic microparticles pollution index (AMPI) and the coefficient of anthropogenic microparticles impact (CAMI) for the study area indicated a "very high abundance" of AMs and an "extreme" level of impact. The polymers identified in these areas included PS, PE, PP, and PET. Tourism, fishing, domestic activities, and poor solid waste management practices are the primary sources of AM pollution in this region. To protect Moroccan beaches, the implementation of a consistent plastic waste management strategy is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic litter is a global threat affecting all marine ecosystems. Utilizing digital media platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram we assessed the detrimental effects of marine plastic litter on the biodiversity of the Italian marine ecosystem. We noted that marine plastic litter had adverse consequences on marine reptiles, mammals, sea birds, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, including endangered and vulnerable marine species. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was the most recorded species found entangled in plastic litter. Our investigation revealed that abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear are the primary contributors to the entanglement of numerous marine species. The current study represents a preliminary step towards establishing databases that document records of entanglement, which may be useful in adopting new conservation measures in the Mediterranean geographical subareas. Our results emphasize the critical need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders and policymakers to effectively manage marine plastic litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by marine organisms in the environment is essential for understanding the threats posed by these pollutants. In this study, we assessed, for the first time, the presence of MPs in the digestive tracts of two fish species, Chelon auratus and Sardina pilchardus, as well as a bivalve species, Callista chione, in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, we calculated the polymeric hazard index (PHI) to verify the hazard level of isolated polymers. The results showed that all species ingested MPs, indicating a high level of MP pollution in this area. The MPs ingested were predominantly small (0.5–1 mm) and had a fiber-like shape. The results showed that PP and PET were the most abundant polymers ingested. The highest occurrence of MPs (100%) was found in C. chione and C. auratus, followed by S. pilchardus (72%). In C. chione, the average number of ingested MPs was 19.19 items per individual, while in C. auratus, the mean abundance of ingested MPs was 16.82 items per individual, and 9.64 items per individual in S. pilchardus. Moreover, the polymer hazard index showed that PET was in hazard level IV, while PP was in level III. Further studies are required in the Moroccan Mediterranean Sea to obtain a better evaluation of the occurrence, distribution, and impacts associated with MP pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents the first assessment of plastic waste within Posidonia spheroids on four sandy, Mediterranean beaches, each characterized by varying levels of anthropogenic influence. Fifty-five (68.7%) spheroids, out of eighty examined, included plastic litter. A total of 202 plastic items were isolated. Plastic abundance was 2.5 items/spheroid corresponding to 132 items per kilogram. The length of plastic items ranged from 0.1 to 50 mm. Fibers, tangled fibers and fragments were the most common shapes. The spheroids exhibited a substantial capacity for trapping plastic waste, with notable differences among the beaches. Our results underscore the significance of implementing a beach clean-up plan aimed at removing all spheroids to prevent them from disintegrating and releasing trapped plastic waste into the environment. Manual removal is recommended to safeguard the beaches, and this process should target all spheroids, regardless of their size. This study provides valuable insights that can inform marine litter monitoring programs, contribute to the development of tailored management measures, and support the implementation of specific action plans to mitigate Mediterranean microplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subtidal shell deposits of the edible bivalve Area none in the Strait of Messina (Central Mediterranean) were investigated and compared with an adjacent live population, testifying that dead and live populations were similar but distinct. The age--class structure of the two compared populations, whose lifespans ranged from 5 to 7 y, indicated that in this area unexploited Noah's ark stocks have generally low survival and recruitment. Shell morphometrics and size distributions suggested that the shell deposits were descriptive of the premortality population structure, as expected in a mass mortality episode. KEY WORDS: Arca noae, disease, bivalves, population structure, taphonomic processes, natural stocks, INTRODUCTION Noah's Ark Arca noae (Linnaeus, 1758) is an edible clam that is widely distributed in hard and detrital subtidal bottoms in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas and may [...]

ABSTRACT The fan mussel Pinna nobilis is threatened by several anthropogenic disturbances that are only partially mitigated by current conservation measures. In the Faro Lake Natural Reserve, the fan mussel [...]

Polystyrene (PS) is the most widely used plastic polymer. It is mainly used to produce disposable products. Due to its resistance to degradation, PS can remain in the environment for a long time. Its mechanical, physical and biological actions determine the release of smaller fragments, which are able to penetrate organisms and accumulate in target organs. Fertilized Danio rerio eggs were exposed to concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/L of fluorescent, amino-modified polystyrene nanoplastics (nPS-NH2) with diameters of 100 and 50 nm for 96h, according to OECD guidelines (2013). Uptake, biodistribution, toxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis were evaluated; moreover, we carried out a simulation to study the interactions between nPS-NH2 and defined regions of three receptors: STRA6, Adgrg6 and CNTN4/APLP2. We demonstrated that after being internalized, nPS-NH2 could reach the head and bioaccumulate, especially in the eyes. Moreover, they could lead to oxidative stress and apoptosis in the several regions where they bioaccumulated due to their interaction with receptors. This study confirmed the danger of nanoplastic wastes released in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Microplastics are ubiquitous particles with dimensions less than 5 mm. In the marine environment, due to their small size, they can be ingested by organisms. The purpose of this review is to describe the negative effects related to the ingestion of microplastics in wild marine organisms. At the moment, few effects caused by the ingestion of microplastics in wild marine organisms are known. The present review provides detailed information on the adverse effects of MPs on wild marine organisms, including tissue damage, fish condition, oxidative stress, immune toxicity, and genotoxicity. A bibliometric analysis was carried out on CiteSpace (version 6.1.R3) (Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA) to verify how many papers studied the effects on wild marine species. The results showed a total of 395 articles, but only 22 really presented data on the effects or impacts on marine biota, and of these, only 12 articles highlighted negative effects. This review shows that the observed effects in wild organisms were less severe and milder than those found in the experimental conditions. The knowledge of negative effects caused by direct ingestion of microplastics in wild animals is still limited; more efforts are necessary to fully understand the role of MPs and the adverse effects on wild marine organisms, the ecosystem, and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Previous analyses of marine fish species richness based on presence‐absence data have shown changes with latitude and average species size, but little is known about the underlying processes. To elucidate these processes we use metabolic, neutral and descriptive statistical models to analyse how richness responds to maximum species length, fish abundance, temperature, primary production, depth, latitude and longitude, while accounting for differences in species catchability, sampling effort and mesh size. Data: Results from 53,382 bottom trawl hauls representing 50 fish assemblages. Location: The northern Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Guinea. Time period: 1977–2013. Methods: A descriptive generalized additive model was used to identify functional relationships between species richness and potential drivers, after which nonlinear estimation techniques were used to parameterize: (a) a 'best' fitting model of species richness built on the functional relationships, (b) an environmental model based on latitude, longitude and depth, and mechanistic models based on (c) metabolic and (d) neutral theory. Results: In the 'best' model the number of species observed is a lognormal function of maximum species length. It increases significantly with temperature, primary production, sampling effort, and abundance, and declines with depth and, for small species, with the mesh size in the trawl. The 'best' model explains close to 90% of the deviance and the neutral, metabolic and environmental models 89%. In all four models, maximum species length and either temperature or latitude account for more than half of the deviance explained. Main conclusions: The two mechanistic models explain the patterns in demersal fish species richness in the northern Atlantic almost equally well. A better understanding of the underlying drivers is likely to require development of dynamic mechanistic models of richness and size evolution, fit not only to extant distributions, but also to historical environmental conditions and to past speciation and extinction rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the first report of the leech, Pontobdella muricata (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The leech was found on the brown ray, Raja miraletus (Linnaeus 1758), and on the spotted ray, Raja montagui (Fowler, 1910), caught by trawling during autumn 2014. Complete sequence of 18S rRNA gene, COI mitochondrial gene and partial sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene corroborate the determination based on morphological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 67 European hake Merluccius merluccius were examined to highlight the ingestion of microplastics in the Tyrrhenian Sea. In all samples, 31 black fibres were found in the stomach contents corresponding to 46.3% of the specimens. The data presented here could be important for the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive in Mediterranean waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovering of Peristedion cataphractum otoliths collected between 1991 and 1992 from specimens sampled off the southern coasts of Sicily has allowed a direct ageing and growth estimation to be compared with the length based method estimates produced in successive years. Overall, 855 left otoliths (sagittae) were recovered, measured, and read as a whole surface. The core and rings distances were also measured to perform back-calculation. The otolith length-body length relationships were allometric. Back-calculated lengths at age were in agreement with the lengths estimated with otolith readings. Present results showed a good congruency between otoliths and length based method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective--To validate the use of radiography to determine the length of sagittal otoliths in intact bogue (Boops boops; a sparid fish [commonly called sea bream]). Sample--52 bogue cadavers. Procedures--Weight and standard lengths (from the tip of the snout to the caudal end of the last vertebra) of fish were measured. The radiographic beam was centered over the postorbital area, and images were obtained via ventrodorsal, 30° right dorsal-left ventral oblique, and 30° left dorsal-right ventral oblique projections. Otoliths were removed from the fish; sagittae were measured directly and on radiographic images by use of a vernier caliper. The relationship between direct and radiographic measurements of sagittal otoliths was calculated. Results--Paired sagittal, lapillus, and asteriscus otoliths were identified. Sagittal otoliths were comma-shaped on ventrodorsal projections; in oblique projections, they appeared ovoid and pairs of otoliths were located in the same dorsal plane. Radiographic length of sagittal otoliths was significantly correlated with directly measured length, and radiographic measurements were not significantly different between ventrodorsal and oblique radiographic projections. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Radiographic examination of sagittae was useful to determine the length of sagittal otoliths and, consequently, the fish length. In ecological applications, the radiographic measurement of sagittal otolith length may be useful for studies on the aquatic diet of organisms (fish, pinnipeds, and marine birds) because it allows for quick back-calculation to the size of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branchiuran parasite Argulus vittatus (Crustacea: Branchiura: Argulidae) was collected from the pectoral fin of the axillary bream Pagellus acarne, comber Serranus cabrilla, and greater amberjack Seriola dumerili from the northern coasts of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea), Italy. Pagellus acarne, Serranus cabrilla, and Seriola dumerili are new hosts for A. vittatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The African armoured searobin, Peristedion cataphractum, is a medium sized, gregarious, demersal fish distributed in the Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Once considered abundant in all the Mediterranean basins, nowadays the species represents an appreciable by-catch of bottom trawlers only in limited areas. The aim of the present was to perform a synthetic analysis of the distribution, abundance, and biological traits of this poorly investigated species. Materials and Methods. This paper is based on the information recovered from the available “grey” data sources as well as on new original data gathered in 13 experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out off the southern coasts of Sicily from 1994 to 2005. Data recovering and processing regarded distribution, abundance, sex ratio, maturity condition, length structure, and its evolution in time, and growth estimation. Results. The specimens of P. cataphractum were present in all investigated areas, with highest abundance in the eastern grounds, between 50 and 800 m, showing a preference for the upper slope (201–500 m). Sexed specimens were almost equally distributed between females and males (overall sex ratio, Sr, between 0.49 and 0.54). Recruits (80–130 mm total length, TL) occurred continuously from September to March, with a peak from late December thru March. The size at onset of sexual maturity (Lm at 50%) was achieved at 191 and 212 mm for females and males, respectively. Growth was evaluated (sex combined) by applying length based methods (LBMs); up five significant modal components were evidenced, the first 2–3 well distinguished. Two sets of the special von Bertalanffy function were derived reflecting juveniles/adult (L∞ = 380 mm, Ky–1 = 0.34 and t0y = –0.76) and adults (L∞ = 313 mm, Ky–1 = 0.28 and t0y = –0.99) growth trajectories. Conclusion. The review performed in the frames of the presently reported study helped to propose a plausible life history of the investigated stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue-mouth, Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) (Pisces: Scorpaenidae), is a scorpionfish widespread in the whole Mediterranean basin, where it plays an important ecological role in deep-sea fish communities. The depauperation of this large-size sedentary and slow-growing fish can be an index of overexploitation. This species is found throughout all Italian seas; the juveniles are mainly located around 150–300 m depth, whereas the adult specimens are spread over a wider depth range from 200 m to as deep as 1000 m. The abundance in number and weight, the spatial distribution, the population structure, the growth and the recruitment pattern of H. dactylopterus were analysed in this study. The present paper integrates data from 11 bottom trawl surveys carried out in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean) along Calabrian and Sicilian coasts, within the framework of the MEDITS Project. A total of 1412 specimens of H. dactylopterus weighting 20.051 kg were caught. The species appeared in 40% of the 296 hauls analysed, throughout the whole depth range surveyed. The highest values of frequency of occurrence (>67%) were obtained in the slope, whereas in the shelf they fell to around 16%. On the continental shelf the species was found between 106 and 196 m depth, and in the slope between 400 and 645 m. The highest mean density index (N·km−2) value was obtained in the 100–200 m depth stratum, whereas the highest mean biomass index (kg·km−2) value was recorded in the deeper 200–500 m stratum. The length distribution of the specimens ranged between 2.5 and 24.5 cm. From the Von Bertalanffy growth model the following parameters for the whole population were obtained: L ∞: 30 cm; K: 0.16 year−1; t0: −0.02. The sampled population is composed mainly of the young-of-the-year fraction, which can reach up to 98% of the whole catch. Recruits (age 0+) and juveniles (age up 4 years) are limited to waters shallower than 500 m, whereas adults are present below this depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Previous studies on fish and marine mammals support the hypothesis that marine species harbor antibiotic resistance and therefore may serve as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistance genetic determinants. The aim of this study was to assess the resistance to antimicrobial agents of Gram negative strains isolated from loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Oral and cloacal swabs from 19 live-stranded loggerhead sea turtles, with hooks fixed into the gut, were analyzed. The antimicrobial resistance of the isolates to 31 antibiotics was assessed using the disk-diffusion method. Conventional biochemical tests identified Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia spp., Providencia spp., Morganella spp., Pantoea spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Shewanella spp. Highest prevalences of resistance was detected to carbenicillin (100%), cephalothin (92.6%), oxytetracycline (81.3%) and amoxicillin (77.8%). The isolates showing resistance to the widest range of antibiotics were identified as Citrobacter freundii, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, antibiotic resistant bacteria reflect marine contamination by polluted effluents and C. caretta is considered a bioindicator which can be used as a monitor for pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, 45 (10 whole specimens and 35 frozen claws) frozen samples of Portunus pelagicus imported into Sicily (Italy) from the west coast of Africa were examined to assess their bacteriological characteristics and suitability for consumption. Bacteriological examination was performed on two subsamples for each whole crab. The first was the body and claw muscle; the second was a pool of viscera and gills. In the case of frozen claws, each muscle claw was a sample. An aerobic plate count at 30°C (mesophilic aerobic plate count [MAPC]) and 18°C (psychrotrophic aerobic plate count [PAPC]) for 3 days, sulfite-reducing anaerobes, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Aeromonas spp. were enumerated. Detection of halophilic Vibrio spp. was also performed using salt polymixin broth as an enrichment medium and thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar as a selective medium; a further morphological and biochemical identification of suspected colonies was performed. The bacterial load of muscle and viscera and gills was low. The MAPC ranged from 0.78 to 3.26 log CFU/g, and the PAPC ranged from 0.48 to 2.41 log CFU/g. Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., sulfite-reducing anaerobes, and E. coli were never isolated from muscles or viscera and gills. In contrast to the findings of others, this study showed good bacteriological quality of crabs imported into Sicily from the west coast of Africa. This study also demonstrated the positive influence of the characteristics of environment of origin and postharvest handling hygiene; these parameters could be useful in the context of the application of the hazard analysis critical control point system to this production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]