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Biogeographical transition zones are important areas to investigate evolutionary ecological questions, but long-term population monitoring is needed to better understand ecological processes that govern population variations in such edge environments. The southernmost Brazilian rocky reefs are the southern limit of distribution for 96% of the tropical ichthyofauna of the western Atlantic. The Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve is the only nearshore no-take marine-protected area (MPA) located in this transition zone. The main aim was to investigate how the populations of rocky reef fish species vary in density and biomass in space and over time, inside and outside the Arvoredo MPA. This study presents results based on a 9 year (2008-2017) underwater visual census monitoring study to evaluate the density and biomass of key fish species. Variations in density and biomass were detected for most species. Factors and mechanisms that may have influenced spatial variation are habitat structural complexity and protection from fisheries. Temporal variations, otherwise, may have been influenced by species proximity to their distributional limit, in synergy with density-dependent mechanisms and stochastic winter temperature oscillations. The MPAs harbour higher density and biomass for most species. Nonetheless, a prominent temporal decline in the recruitment of Epinephelus marginatus calls into question the continuous effectiveness of the MPA.

Sclerochronological approaches using fish otoliths provide a powerful and cost-effective means to evaluate fish responses to environmental variations in regions where there is a paucity of long-term data. We hypothesised that the dynamism in the environmental conditions associated with El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events in the Southern Atlantic Ocean would likely influence growth patterns and chemical records in fish otoliths. Hence, we developed a 46-year otolith increment-based growth chronology, and otolith chemical chronologies of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca for an iconic top predatory fish, the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus collected off the southern coast of Brazil. Using a set of increasingly complex mixed-effects linear models, our biochronological approach revealed the influence of intrinsic and large-scale environmental drivers on growth and otolith chemical composition of dusky grouper. In particular, the intensity of the Multivariate ENSO index (a measure of the status of ENSO and El Nino or La Nina conditions) was negatively associated with growth, with rapid drops in average growth evident in very strong El Nino events (1992–93, 1997–98, or 2015–16). Similar negative relationships between ENSO and Ba:Ca composition reflected variations in environmental histories of dusky groupers, a species that is mostly sedentary in coastal reefs, whilst no environmental effects were detected for Sr:Ca. Overall, identifying the drivers that underlie variations in fish growth is a crucial challenge for any conservation or fisheries interest species as population dynamics, persistence and sustainable harvesting are tightly linked to individual growth. The development of chemical chronologies provided insight towards relating otolith elemental variation to environmental conditions at multidecadal scales, encouraging further evaluations of individual and population-level fluctuations of otolith chemistry and environmental reconstructions.

12 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables, iEcology and conservation culturomics are two emerging research approaches that rely on digital data for studying ecological patterns and human-nature interactions. We applied data mining of videos published on YouTube related to recreational fishing of four species of groupers (family: Epinephelidae) in Italy between 2011 and 2017 to learn whether digital user-supplied data help uncover key spatio-temporal ecological patterns characteristic of the studied species. Our results support an ontogenetic deepening of the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) as revealed by a positive relationship between body mass and depth of captures declared in spearfishing videos. In addition, the data support a northward expansion of the white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) because the average latitude associated to the catch was found to be positively correlated with the years when the videos were uploaded on YouTube. Furthermore, the georeferenced data about the white grouper filled a knowledge gap in a well-established international occurrence records dataset. The approach presented here could help mitigating data deficiencies and inform about harvesting patterns shown by recreational anglers and spearfishers. Our work illustrates the value of digital data associated with recreational fishing for advancing fish and fisheries research. The approach can be broadened to larger spatial and temporal scales, and to different species, contributing to a better understanding of macroecological patterns, assessment and conservation of exploited species, and monitoring of recreational fisheries, VS is supported by a “Juan de la Cierva Incorporación” research fellowship (IJC2018-035389-I) granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. RC was partly supported by funding from the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS) and the University of Helsinki. MC acknowledges partial funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 869300 (FutureMares). RA received funding through the European Union (European Maritime and Fisheries Fund) and the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany) (Grants MV-I.18-LM-004, B 730117000069), and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Grants 01LC1826E and 033W046A), With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is a large epinephelid species that occurs in the eastern and south-western Atlantic and western Indian Oceans. Late maturity, protogynous hermaphroditism, site fidelity, and overfishing have all contributed to its demographic decline. Connectivity and demography within a broad sampling of dusky grouper populations throughout its distribution were assessed. To do so, genetic variation at 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci and a partial sequence of the mitochondrial control region (mtCR) were evaluated. Two major mtCR lineages with a sequence divergence of 1.6% were found. The magnitude of genetic differentiation for mtCR among north and south Atlantic and Indian Ocean populations was high, with ΦST = 0.528. DEST and results of discriminant analysis of principal component revealed significant microsatellite genetic differentiation between all collection areas. Significant pairwise DEST showed moderate (0.084) to very great (0.603) differentiation. The effective population size was low for all localities, ranging between 25 (Azores Archipelago) and 311 (Rio Grande do Sul). The overall effective population size was estimated as 299 (confidence interval = 215–412), and there was no evidence of strong or recent bottleneck effects. Local and regional genetic structuring among dusky grouper populations is the consequence of the species' site fidelity, distribution across multiple oceanographic boundaries, and probably also of sequential hermaphroditism that contributes to the intensity of random genetic drift. The spatial pattern of genetic structuring of dusky groupers is such that fisheries management and conservation of population genetic integrity will have to be pursued at the local and regional scales. São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Grant/Award Numbers: 2015/23.883-0, 2016/20.208-3, 2017/02.420-8; Hatch Program of the National Institute of food and Agriculture, U.S. Departament of Agriculture Experiment Station; Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/Brasil (CAPES). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Photoperiod is considered an environmental factor that influences reproduction and the growth processes of fish throughout the year. In the present study, we subjected dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus to different photoperiods in order to evaluate growth and survival. Juvenile dusky grouper were randomly distributed in twelve 100 L tanks containing four fish per aquarium. The fish were exposed to continuous light, normal photoperiod or continuous darkness for 50 days. Fish were fed 3% of their total biomass, twice a day, and the diet consisted of ground commercial dry pellets (42% crude protein, 12% humidity, 9% ether extract, 15% mineral matter, 4% crude fiber, 3.5% calcium and 3% vitamin C, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions). There was no mortality during the experiment. After 50 days, the best performance was found for exposure to continuous light (24 h artificial light). The final weight of the fish reared under continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to continuous darkness. The specific growth rate of the fish exposed to continuous light was significantly higher than that of the fish exposed to the natural photoperiod and to continuous darkness. Modifications to the photoperiod can be a key factor in increasing the efficacy of current production and the improvement of current aquaculture protocols.

Assessing individuals’ abundance, residency (presence at a site within a certain period) and site fidelity (tendency to return to the same site in subsequent seasons or years) is crucial for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of spatial conservation/management measures regarding ecologically and socio-economically valuable species. Using underwater visual census (UVC) and photo-identification (photo-ID) techniques, we estimated the abundance, residency and site fidelity of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, at two protected sites within the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (Sardinia, Italy) in the summers of 2017–2018. The scope and spatio-temporal resolution of the study was extended by involving volunteer recreational divers in the photo collection. Grouper mean densities varied significantly across sampling dates, with a significant variability between the 2 years and the two investigated sites. At least 94 grouper visited the study sites in the summers of 2017–2018 based on the analysis of 968 high-quality photos using a semi-automated software to photo-identify individuals. Overall, the most frequently sighted grouper was recorded on 32 different days and 21 individuals (22%) identified in 2017 were re-sighted in 2018. The participation of volunteer recreational divers helped detect the inter-site (3.5–4 km apart) movements of a female and a male, supporting previous findings regarding the occurrence of reproduction-related movements. This study provides novel insights into the residency and site-fidelity patterns of the dusky grouper, and its small-scale movements probably related to reproduction. Specifically, we provide indications that effective protection from fishing should encompass the entire area used by grouper for reproductive movements.

Groupers are important components of coastal ecosystems as well as a valuable resource for fisheries. Their populations are known to be decreasing throughout the world primarily due to over-exploitation. However, even the basic data for an effective management strategy is lacking. Interviews of a representative sample of 113 fishers in Turkey in the northeastern Mediterranean were conducted with specific questions regarding fishing gears, periods and areas as well as best day's catch and the sizes of fishes caught. Fishermen recognized Epinephelus marginatus, E. aeneus, E. costae, Hyporthodus haifensis, Mycteroperca rubra and Polyprion americanus distributed in the area. “Endangered” E. marginatus and “Near Threatened” E. aeneus were the dominant species of the grouper fishery. Based on best days’ catch values and reported lengths of fish caught, the northern coasts of Iskenderun Bay were found to be important for both species. Demersal longliners, spearguns, traps, anglers and demersal trawlers were reported catching groupers in the study area. Artisanal fishermen, especially demersal longliners contributed the most to the grouper fishery. Fishing pressure were subject to seasonal fluctuations, with decreasing reported catches during summer when threatened groupers spawn. Finally, some critical aspects of fishery pressure were related to the removal of juveniles which may lead to reproduction loss. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd Rufford Foundation: 20449-1 This study was performed as a part of the project “Strongholds for Groupers in Iskenderun Bay: Defining Conservation Hotspots for Sustainability” granted by The Rufford Foundation with the grant number 20449-1 . We would like to thank Ayla Yıldırım for English proofreading. Appendix A

The dusky grouper is a large-bodied marine species usually associated with rocky substrates and reefs currently experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressures. Here, we critically evaluate studies conducted during the last few decades on this endangered species, focusing on its biology, ecology, behavior, stock structure and fisheries, and identify future research directions to fill current knowledge gaps. This species plays an important functional role in the rocky bottom habitats in which it lives, usually occupying the highest trophic levels and with the potential role as a keystone species in some ecosystems. It has a complex life cycle characterized by a high longevity, a slow growth rate and a monandric protogynous hermaphroditic mode of reproduction. The species also exhibits spawning aggregation behavior, which makes it more vulnerable to fishing activity. Aside from its ecological importance, this species has high commercial value for professional fishers and is also highly prized by recreational spearfishers. These biological features, associated with increasing fishing pressures throughout most of its geographical distribution, have led to Epinephelus marginatus being included since 2004 in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as Endangered. Despite a large amount of research being conducted on this species over the last five decades or so, using a number of different tools and techniques, key questions regarding its biology still remain unanswered. In terms of conservation and management plans designed to safeguard this endangered species, we identified the crucial need to improve fisheries landing statistics for the species and to increase the number of marine protected areas within its distribution beyond the Mediterranean Sea.

Vibriosis is a globally threatening bacterial disease affecting mariculture with high mortalities and severe economic losses. Isolation and Identification of different vibrio species were performed to a total number of one hundred moribund and freshly dead Solea aegyptiaca, Epinephelus marginatus and Mugil cephalus collected from Lake Qarun and Gulf of Suez. Phenotypic picture and molecular identification based on use of 16SrRNA gene sequence confirmed 44 strains as vibrio species. Further molecular identification of retrieved vibrio spp. using species specific primers for collagenase, ToxR and Vvh genes categorized 10 isolates belong to V. alginolyticus, 8 isolates belong to V. parahaemolyticus and 6 isolates belong to V. vulnificus. The total prevalence of vibriosis was 44% where the highest prevalence was recorded in Lake Qarun examined fishes.

Our study incorporated a comprehensive suite of parameters (i.e., body size, age, diet and trophic position) to investigate mercury concentration in dusky groupers Epinephelus marginatus. This study was carried out in rocky bottoms in littoral and neritic habitats along the Southern Brazilian coast. We also determined spatial variation in mercury concentrations in individuals inhabiting both zones, which may provide insights into how dietary differences or potential pollution sources affect bioaccumulation. A total of 244 dusky groupers was analyzed to determine total mercury concentrations. Our study revealed that when considering similar body sizes, individuals inhabiting littoral rocky habitats had higher concentrations of mercury probably due to proximity to pollution sources associated with human activities in the estuary and its drainage basin. Furthermore, large individuals (>650mm and >8years old) showed mercury contamination levels that are potentially harmful for this endangered fish species and above the acceptable limits for human consumption.

Groupers are highly targeted and vulnerable reef fishes. The effects of fishing pressure on the density of three reef fishes were investigated in 21 islands outside (n=15) and inside (n=6) a Marine Protected Area (MPA) at the Paraty Bay, Brazilian southeastern coast. Two valued groupers (Epinephelus marginatus and Mycteroperca acutirostris) and a non-target grunt (Haemulon aurolineatum) were studied. The total biomass of fish caught in each island was considered as a measure of current fishing pressure, while the island distance from the villages was considered as a measure of past fishing pressure. Fish densities were recordedin number and biomass. The biomass of M. acutirostris was inversely related to current fishing pressure, which did not affect the other two fishes. The density of E. marginatus increased with the island distance from one of the fishing villages, which indicated that past fishing may have had decreased the abundance of E. marginatus. Densities of the three fishes and fishing pressure did not differ between islands inside and outside the MPA. Data on fishing pressure, densities of groupers and coral cover were combined here to assign conservation scores to islands. A redefinition of MPA boundaries to reconcile fish conservation, fishing activities and fishers’ food security was proposed.

In this study, we used a historical collection of photographs taken by recreational fishers from 1940 to 2014, at the island of Gran Canaria, to show both a significant decrease in the mean total length of Epinephelus marginatus and a concurrent change in the composition of captures. Before 1980, the mean total length of fish caught and photographed was c. 100 cm, while after 2009 this was typically < 40 cm. Before 1980, the predominant captured species was E. marginatus (an apex predator), but currently the majority of catches are of omnivorous species, in particular the parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense and seabreams Diplodus spp. Overall, integration of these results indicates a qualitative and quantitative variation in captures of recreational fishers, probably as a sign of change in ecological balances and the overfished status of many target species.

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe) is an ecologically and commercially important fish species of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal rocky habitats. Despite records of didymozoid infections in several grouper species, the identification and pathogenesis of these parasites in E. marginatus are lacking. The aim of this study is to characterize the didymozoids of E. marginatus, particularly their mechanisms of infection and histopathological features. Dusky groupers (n = 205) were caught off Majorca Island (western Mediterranean Sea) and examined for parasites. Of the fish sampled, 45% were infected with white and yellow didymozoid capsules and brown nodules, found on the gills and pseudobranchs. Parasite abundance had a strong positive relationship with the fish length; only fish larger than 20 cm were infected, suggesting infection via consumption of an intermediate host, for which E. marginatus size was a limiting factor. The capsules contained two convoluted viable adult trematodes, identified as Didymodiclinus sp., in close contact with host capillary vessels, with no evidence of the tissue inflammatory response. Conversely, nodules containing degraded parasites were surrounded by an intense inflammatory infiltrate. The findings suggest that Didymodiclinus sp. have the potential to evade the host's immune system by inhibiting the inflammatory response.

Describing the spatial patterns of benthic coastal habitats and investigating how those patterns affect the ecology of inhabiting species is a main objective of seascape ecology. Within this emerging discipline spatial scale is a principal topic. Different spatial scales inform on different characteristics of the habitat and therefore the relation between species and their habitats would be better defined when observed at multiple levels of spatial scale. Here we apply a multiscale seascape approach to investigate the habitat preferences of juvenile and adult individuals of dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) in a Mediterranean marine protected area. Results show that the information obtained at different spatial scales is complementary, improving our capability to identify the preferred habitats and how it changes throughout ontogeny. These results show the relevance of implementing multiscale seascape ecology approaches to investigate the species-habitat relationships and to improve management and conservation of necto-benthic endangered top predators.

Coastal nursery habitats are essential for the renewal of adult fish populations. We quantified the availability of a coastal nursery habitat (shallow heterogeneous rocky bottoms) and the spatial variability of its juvenile fish populations along 250 km of the Catalan coastline (France and Spain). Nurseries were present in 27% of the coastline, but only 2% of them benefited from strict protection status. For nine taxa characteristic of this habitat, total juvenile densities varied significantly between nursery sites along the coastline, with the highest densities being found on the northern sites. Recruitment level (i.e. a proxy of nursery value) was not explained by protection level, but it was moderately and positively correlated with an anthropization index. Patterns of spatial variations were taxa-specific. Exceptional observations of four juveniles of the protected grouper Epinephelus marginatus were recorded. Our data on habitat availability and recruitment levels provides important informations which help to focus MPA management efforts.

The dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, is a potential species for aquaculture production although the limited number of males kept in captivity has been the cause of some constraints in its production. Sperm cryopreservation emerged as a solution for this problem. However, spermatozoa can be severely affected by freezing/thawing processes and poor sperm quality is a limiting factor in reproduction success. The present study aimed at evaluating two main aspects in the design of a cryopreservation protocol-extender additives (taurine, glucose, cholesterol, BSA) and sperm containers (0.5 mL straws, 2 mL cryovials and 5 mL macrotubes). Sperm quality was assessed through the evaluation of the percentage of motile cells, viable cells, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis. Some specific techniques, such as Caspase 3/7 detection, which provides information on membrane integrity and cell death, detecting early and late apoptotic and necrotic events, were required to establish an optimized cryopreservation protocol for this species. Taurine was the most suitable cryopreservation additive in terms of viable cells and cholesterol presented the highest percentage of necrotic cells in this study. Caspase 3/7 assay enabled us to detect necrotic damage induced by cryopreservation. Statement of relevance: The development of reproductive tools in dusky grouper, a potential species for aquaculture production, emerges as important tool to decrease the number of wild males maintained in captivity. A cryopreservation protocol was previously described for this species although several constraints in terms of sperm quality were detected. Our work provided new evidences that cryopreservation protocols can be improved through the addition of certain additives and use of appropriate sperm containers. Specific sperm analysis was crucial to identify and establish the most suitable conditions for breeders management and species conservation purposes. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. European Social Fund [IF/00482/2014/CP1217/CT0005] Operational Programme Human Potential Foundation for Science and Technology of Portugal (FCT) POCTEP programme under the European territorial cooperation objective [0251_ECOAQUA_5_E] European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Portugal Spain [CCMAR/SC/BPD/09/2016]

International audience; Aim To study the combined effects of climate change on connectivity between marine protected areas (MPAs) and larval supply to the continental shelf. Location The Mediterranean Sea, where sea surface temperatures are expected to strongly increase by the end of the 21st century, represents an archetypal situation with a dense MPA network but resource overexploitation outside. Methods Using an individual-based mechanistic model of larval transport, forced with an emission-driven regional climate change scenario for the Mediterranean Sea, we explored the combined effects of changes in hydrodynamics, adult reproductive timing and larval dispersal on the connectivity among MPAs and their ability to seed fished areas with larvae. Results We show that, over the period 1970–2099, larval dispersal distances would decrease by 10%, the continental shelf area seeded with larvae would decrease by 3% and the larval retention fraction would increase by 5%, resulting in higher concentration of larvae in smaller areas of the continental shelf. However, connectance within the MPA network would increase by 5% as more northern MPAs would become suitable for reproduction with increasing temperatures. We also show that the effects of changes in adult reproductive timing and larval dispersal on connectivity patterns are additive. Main conclusions Climate change will influence connectivity and the effectiveness of MPA networks, and should receive more attention in future conservation planning and large-scale population dynamics.

Groupers are large-bodied fishes with broad global distribution and commercial and ecological importance. Many grouper species are endangered, but information on trophic ecology of groupers outside the Mediterranean Sea is limited. We integrated stomach contents analyses (SCA) and stable isotope analyses (SIA) to test the hypotheses that diets of dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus differ between littoral and neritic zones in the southwestern Atlantic, but exhibit similar ontogenetic shifts in prey size and consumption of fishes. SCA were dominated by fishes, crabs, and shrimp and differed significantly between habitats, but prey size and consumption of fishes increased with grouper body size at both sites. Grouper stable isotope ratios were similar between sites and among size classes, but integrating SCA and SIA distinguished ingested versus assimilated dietary components, improved dietary resolution, and provided a more comprehensive assessment of grouper in the food webs. Dusky grouper integrate benthic and pelagic trophic pathways, as well as estuarine and marine food webs via consumption of migratory prey. Our findings have applications to other threatened grouper populations, for example, in managing fragmented populations or for reserve designs considering inclusion of artificial substrates as grouper habitat, and more broadly for approaches examining trophic ecology of generalist predators.

In this work, we report for the first time the associationbetween two cryptobenthic fish, Lepadogaster candolii and Parablennius rouxi, and the Mediterranean moray, Muraena helena. The nature of these associations and the importance of citizen science and social network in marine biology are discussed. Other associations with two relatively large fishes (Conger conger and Epinephelus marginatus) emerged during the study.

This study assessed the role of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa by evaluating retention versus ‘spillover’ of exploited fishery species that were tagged in a 400 km2 no-take zone of the MPA. From April 2006 to July 2010, 2 124 fish comprising 36 species were tagged in the MPA, with an overall recapture rate of 23%. Findings for four important species (Polysteganus praeorbitalis, Chrysoblephus puniceus, Epinephelus andersoni and Epinephelus marginatus) are presented. Recapture rates ranged from 8% to 60% and time-at-liberty from 0 to 1 390 d. Individuals of all four species displayed highly localised station-keeping behaviour. For all four species, the 95th percentile of intra-study site movements was

International audience; Due to their geographic isolation, biotas of oceanic islands are likely influenced by episodic long distance dispersal events, but such observations are scarce. In June 2012, fishermen from Réunion Island caught an unknown specimen of grouper, identified as dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834). This was highly unexpected considering the large distance of its closest verified occurrence (South Africa, ∼2500 km). To identify the origin of this specimen and the mechanisms driving this potential long distance colonization, we combined genetic analyses and hydrodynamic connectivity modeling approaches. Molecular markers and samples from various locations across the distribution range resulted in the identification of three putative source populations. The Réunion specimen clustered genetically with South Africa. The estimated spawning period in relation to the connectivity modeling of larvae showed no possible direct connection between South Africa and Réunion. However, connectivity was predicted through intermediate stepping stone populations likely located around the southern tip of Madagascar, where the occurrence of the species has yet to be verified. The results further highlight the potential role of the cyclone Bingiza (February 2011) in the connection between Madagascar and Réunion. This shows that cyclones may be an important driver in long distance colonization of oceanic islands.

An Edwardsiella sp. was isolated from the kidney of diseased groupers (Epinephelus aeneus and E. marginatus) cultured in Eilat (Israel, Red Sea). Affected fish presented a severe suppurative nephritis with large abscesses occasionally spreading into the surrounding musculature. Biochemical profiles and phenotypic comparisons failed to provide a clear identification to the species level, and genetic analysis of the 16S subunit failed to discriminate between Edwardsiella piscicida, E. tarda and E. ictaluri. Analysis of the gyrB gene, however, placed the grouper isolates into the E. piscicida-like group, a newly recognized taxon which also encompasses the non-motile strains previously classified as atypical E. tarda. Initial genomic analysis revealed the presence of the Edwardsiella type 3 secretion system (T3SS) but also revealed a pathogenicity island encoding a second T3SS with homology to the locus of enterocyte effacement of Escherichia coli. Further analysis revealed 3 different type 6 secretion systems that were also present in all sequenced isolates of Edwardsiella piscicida-like strains. Based on estimated DNA-DNA hybridization values and the average nucleotide index, the grouper strain fits into the E. piscicida-like phylogroup described as E. anguillarum sp. nov. The peculiarities associated with this isolate and the association of other conspecific piscine isolates from multiple marine and brackish water species suggest a link of the entire E. piscicida-like phylogroup to the marine environment.

Protection inside marine reserves and the desired ‘reserve effect’ depend directly on the home rangeand sedentary behaviour of fishes throughout their lives. Benthic territorial predators are typically seenas major candidates to beneficiaries, but empirical evidence of short-versus long term residency is stillsurprisingly rare. We studied the inter-annual patterns of site fidelity and finer scale movements in twoof the most abundant benthic predators of the NE Atlantic coastal reefs, the dusky grouper (Epinephelusmarginatus) and the blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda), using passive acoustic telemetry inside andaround a small marine reserve in the Azores islands, central North Atlantic. Individuals of both speciesresided in the reserve year-round, occupying stable core activity areas within relatively small homeranges. Groupers were detected nearly every day (n = 11, median = 5.0 years) while combers were stilldetected in 2/3 of the days (n = 9, median = 2.0 years). Some dusky groupers underwent daily short-rangeforays during the summer, most probably related to spawning events, whereas combers appeared toforay for longer periods with no direct relation with reproductive activity. The two species also contrastin their diel pattern, strictly diurnal in the comber but crepuscular in the grouper. This study evidencesthat even small reserves within the size range of most coastal reserves can accommodate the multiple-scale patterns of space use of exploited benthic territorial species, and promote the recovery of theirlocal exploited populations in the long-term via the ‘reserve effect’ and, potentially, via the ‘larval export’effect. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Artisanal fisheries are frequently considered as a sustainable activity compatible with the conservation objectives of marine protected areas (MPAs). Few studies have examined the impacts of these fisheries on the reproductive potential of exploited fish species within the marine reserves. This study evaluated the potential impact of artisanal fishing on the reproduction of coastal fish species in a Mediterranean MPA through onboard sampling from January 2008 to December 2010. Eleven sex-changing fish species constituted an important part of the catch (20% overall and up to 60% of the total gill net catch) and, in five of them, most individuals were of one sex. Artisanal fishing can negatively affect the sustainability of those coastal fishes showing sex reversal, particularly the protogynous ones such as Diplodus cervinus and Epinephelus marginatus, as well as the species with complex mating systems (e.g. some sparids, labrids and scorpaenids). In all species the average size for the individuals captured was above the minimum landing size (where this exists), but in four species (Conger conger, Diplodus puntazzo, Sphyraena spp. and Sparus aurata) it was below the size of first maturity (L50). Results show that sex and size selection by artisanal fishing not only can have an impact on the reproduction of coastal fish species but may also be exacerbating rather than reducing the impact of fishing on coastal resources. Thus, new management actions need to be urgently implemented in the MPAs where artisanal fisheries are allowed to operate in order to protect the reproductive potential of these species, particularly those showing a complicated reproductive strategy.

The protection of exploited species offered by marine reserves is maximised if individual fish live within the boundaries of the reserve for most of their lives. The direct benefit of this protection, the so called ‘reserve effect’, is the build-up of biomass through an increase in individual numbers and size. This effect can take several years depending on the life history traits of the target species. However, empirical studies on individual fish spatial behaviour at temporal scales long enough to be compatible with that of invoking the reserve effect are still virtually lacking. We studied the inter-annual patterns of habitat use of the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), an endangered reef fish predator, using passive acoustic telemetry inside and around a small marine reserve in the Azores, mid-north Atlantic. All 11 individuals resided in the reserve year-round for up to 5 years. During these periods, fish were detected nearly every day and utilised stable core activity areas. Two smaller fish apparently abandoned the area after some time, probably relocating outside the reserve. Our results indicate that even small marine reserves can promote the long-term recovery of some endangered species if the long-term behaviour (i.e. site fidelity) of individuals is appropriate. This result bears direct implications for most existing coastal marine reserves, given that they fall into the small size range and many overexploited reef fish species may be highly site attached.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have the potential to enhance the long-term sustainabil- ity of coastal resources, and the artisanal fisheries which depend on them. However, recreational fisheries, which are increasing their impacts on coastal resources worldwide, may reduce the bene- fits that MPAs provide to declining artisanal fisheries. Here we used the Bonifacio Straits Natural Reserve (BSNR) Corsica as a study case to simulate the combined effects on coastal resources of arti- sanal and recreational fishing efforts. The BSNR ecosystem was modelled using mass-balance mod- elling of trophic interactions. This model was compared to another built on a non-protected area from the same region. We aggregated fishing fleets into artisanal and recreational categories, and we sim- ulated various combinations of fishing effort over a 20 yr dynamic simulation using Ecosim. We showed that fishing activities have an additional top-down effect on the food web and that they decrease the targeted group's biomass, such as piscivorous species. We found, for some trophic groups, non-trivial patterns of biomass variation through trophic cascades. Our trophic approach revealed that some groups may suffer a biomass decrease when MPAs are set or enforced, due to the combined effect of artisanal and recreational fisheries. Overall, our results illustrate the value of mod- elling to manage MPAs, as a complementary tool to surveys. Models provide the opportunity to anti- cipate the potential consequences, at the ecosystem level, of socio-political decisions that aim to sustain coastal resources while managing artisanal and recreational fisheries.

Demersal fishes have complex life cycles that involve an ontogenetic change in morphology, physiology, and behavior, as their pelagic larval stages colonize benthic habitats. The developmental transition between larvae and juveniles leads to very complex processes of morphogenesis and differentiation. These processes primarily determine changes in external morphology, which is shaped by selective pressures to optimize performance for basic activities such as swimming, escape from predators, and feeding. Fishes have provided fertile grounds for ecomorphological investigations throughout ontogeny, as the role of changing morphology in inducing ontogenetic niche shifts is not always clear. In this framework, some studies have demonstrated that certain species undergo gradual changes, whereas other species experience threshold effects in their ecomorphological relationships during ontogeny. In this study, the intraspecific allometry of the dusky grouper was examined. Geometric morphometric tools were used to quantify shape changes through the development, and a modular approach was also applied to analyze the pattern of covariation between three distinct blocks (head, trunk, and tail). For this purpose, a two-block Partial Least Square was computed. This method reveals that the pattern of changes in the overall body shape is the result of the modularized changes of these blocks.

Diplectrum formosum (the sand perch), Diplectrum radiale (the aquavina), Epinephelus marginatus (the dusky grouper) and Mycteroperca acutirostris (the comb grouper) are four sympatric serranid of remarkable ecological and commercial importance. This study investigated the feeding of these four species in the São Sebastião Channel, São Paulo State (southeastern Brazil), comparing their diet, habitat utilization and morphological features related to foraging. These four serranids are opportunistic visual predators that use a total of nine different tactics to capture their preys, feed mostly on crustaceans during the day and twilight, and keep stationary and quiescent at night. The ecomorphological study was conducted to test its predictive value to infer lifestyles. It was verified that such analysis should be used carefully and must be complemented by field observations. Although morphologically and behaviorally very similar, D. formosum and D. radiale showed different preferences to the substratum type used by large individuals, which are exclusively sit-and-wait predators. On the other hand, E. marginatus displayed more sedentary habits than M. acutirostris, the most versatile predator from the studied species. The studied species of Diplectrum and E. marginatus can be regarded as benthic serranids, while M. acutirostris could be viewed as a nektobenthic species. Diplectrum formosum, Diplectrum radiale (micholes-da-areia), Epinephelus marginatus (garoupa-verdadeira) e Mycteroperca acutirostris (badejo-mira) são quatro espécies simpátricas que pertencem à família Serranidae, de reconhecida importância ecológica e comercial. Este estudo analisou a alimentação destas quatro espécies de peixes no Canal de São Sebastião, Estado de São Paulo (sudeste do Brasil), comparando suas dietas, o uso do habitat e algumas características morfológicas relacionadas ao comportamento alimentar e a distribuição vertical na coluna d'água. Estes quatro serranídeos são predadores oportunistas que utilizam um total de nove táticas diferentes para capturar suas presas, alimentando-se principalmente de crustáceos durante o dia e crepúsculo, e permanecendo estacionários e inativos durante a noite. Um estudo ecomorfológico foi empregado para testar seu valor preditivo. Foi verificado que tal abordagem deve ser utilizada com cautela e sempre complementada com observações diretas no ambiente. Apesar de morfologicamente e comportamentalmente muito semelhantes, D. formosum e D. radiale mostraram divergências com relação ao tipo de substrato preferido pelos maiores indivíduos, que são exclusivamente predadores de espreita. Por outro lado, E. marginatus mostrou possuir hábitos de vida mais sedentários do que M. acutirostris, o mais versátil predador dentre as espécies estudadas. As espécies de Diplectrum estudadas, assim como E. marginatus, podem ser classificadas como serranídeos bentônicos, enquanto que M. acutirostris pode ser classificada como uma espécie nectobentônica.

A major challenge in ecological modeling of complex living system, is the integration of different models that describe the same phenomenon at different levels (physiological and ecological levels). The multi-agent paradigm provides an intuitive approach to model and simulate individual metabolism (Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model) and sexual behavior (Sex allocation model) and connect them to population-level proprieties. In this work, we model the energetic and sexual behavior of hermaphrodite species to determine the optimal size of sex change. For this purpose, we consider population dynamics and individuals evolutionary traits. Sex change size is seen as an emerging traits from both the set of intra-individual physiological traits, and inter-individual interactions. We develop an evolutionary individual-based model implementing these two models with a simple genetic algorithm to determine the optimal sex change size. The model description follows the ODD (Overview, Design concepts, Details) protocol, it is simulated with NetLogo platform and it is parametrized for Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). For this hermaphrodite species, both growth and maturation predicted by the model fit well with field observations.

The study of mucosal surfaces, and in particular the fish skin and its secreted mucus, has been of great interest recently among immunologists. Measurement of the viscosity and other physico-chemical parameters (protein concentration, pH, conductivity, redox potential, osmolality and density) of the skin mucus can help to understand its biological functions. We have used five marine species of teleost: gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), shi drum (Umbrina cirrosa L.), common dentex (Dentex dentex L.) and dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus L.), all of them with commercial interest in the aquaculture of the Mediterranean area. Mucus showed a direct shear- and temperaturedependent viscosity, with a non-Newtonian behavior, which differed however between two groups: one with higher viscosity (D. labrax, U. cirrosa, D. dentex) and the other with lower viscosity (S. aurata, E. marginatus). In addition, there was a clear interrelation between density and osmolality, as well as between density and temperature. Taking into account that high values of viscosity should improve the barrier effect against pathogens but low values of viscosity are needed for good locomotion characteristics, our results may help elucidate the relationship between physico-chemical and biological parameters of skin mucus, and disease susceptibility., SI

The caves have a significant economic importance in their role as tourist attraction and are of great importance for the presence of some rare species. The fauna identification in the “Grotta del Maresciallo” cave, situated in the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, started in march 2013 by a visual census and molecular approach. The studies allowed to detect 12 classes, 46 families, 47 species with their ecological niches, and the percentage contribution of each group to the Mediterranean marine cave diversity. Furthermore, we report the presence of two thermophilic species, as the star coral, Astroides calycularis (Pallas, 1766) and the goldblotch grouper, Epinephelus costae (Steindachner, 1878); the tropical species, the ringneck blenny Parablennius pilicornis (Cuvier, 1829); the endangered species, the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) included in the IUCN Red List; the rare species, the black brotula Grammonus ater (Risso, 1810), and some uncommon species such as the golden coral shrimp, Stenopus spinosus (Risso, 1826) and the spotted bumblebee shrimp, Gnatophillum elegans (Risso, 1816). Species of economic and medical interest were also recorded. In a DNA barcoding approach, Neighbour Joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree of 25 mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I species sequences, indicates that COI gene is suitable for an unambiguous identification. This first geological and biological attempt at the Marine Area of the “Grotta del Maresciallo” provides useful indications to focus future investigations, and may become a potential management tool for local administrations to protect these habitats.

Marine protected areas (MPA) produce a positive effect on fish populations, but this may be difficult to identify due to the high temporal variability of populations. Meta-analysis is an option for analysing data from different sources and sampling designs and it can address problems related to temporal and spatial variability in fish populations. We analysed fish abundance data from visual counts conducted in summer, from 1996 to 2002, in the MPA of Tabarca (Alicante, Spain). The results showed an overall positive effect of protection at the species and family levels. Overall abundance of fishes inside the reserve was, on average, 1.22 times higher than outside the reserve boundaries. Positive effect of protection was found for Boops boops, Diplodus annularis, Diplodus cervinus, Epinephelus marginatus, Epinephelus costae and Epinephelus aenus. Species of Labrids were not affected by protection, except for Thalassoma pavo and Symphodus ocellatus. Meta-analysis of temporal data allows evaluation of the protection MPA provide and is particularly useful when data sources have different experimental designs or sampling programs. The Tabarca MPA has benefited fish populations by increasing their abundance and we suggest that meta-analysis is a complementary tool for the management of MPAs.

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus pair spawns in summer in the NW Mediter- ranean. Only a few spawning sites have been identified, mostly in marine reserves. Because the dusky grouper is vulnerable to fishing, there is a need to identify and predict the occurrence of spawning for conservation purposes. To gain insight into the temporal patterns of dusky grouper spawning, we monitored a reproductive population in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, Catalonia, from 1996 to 1999. We observed 44 successful spawning events. At a monthly scale, the highest reproductive activity occurred in August, when surface temperatures were at a maximum (monthly average of 24 to 25°C), and during days with 14 daylight hours, 2 mo after the summer solstice (21 to 22 June). At a daily scale, the greatest number of spawns occurred when the surface temperature was highest (25 to 26°C) and the temperature at 20 m was 17 to 19°C, during anticyclonic conditions, and when tidal amplitude and wave height were largest. Spawning occurred during all moon phases, although it was more frequent during the new moon and the first quarter. Reproductive males did not show sustained spawning activity during consecutive days and had an average spawning rate of 1.5 spawns d -1 . All spawning occurred at dusk, between 1 h before and 30 min after sunset. There was no population-wide synchronicity of spawning, since we never observed all monitored males spawn- ing within the same day. These results should allow researchers to predict the temporal occurrence of dusky grouper spawning elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

The occurrence of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus in northern Patagonian Gulfs San Matías and Nuevo, Argentina, is recorded. This finding represents the southernmost record of the species for the southern hemisphere. Fil: Irigoyen, Alejo Joaquin. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; Argentina Fil: Galvan, David Edgardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina Fil: Venerus, Leonardo Ariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina

The presence of 'vagrants' of the eastern Atlantic surgeonfish Acanthurus monroviae is confirmed for the south-eastern coast of Brazil. Three other species, Aulostomus strigosus (Aulostomidae). Parablennius pilicornis (Blenniidae) and Epinephelus marginatus (Serranidae) have apparently also crossed the Atlantic from east to west, whereas the great majority of 'amphi-Atlantic' species appears to have their origin in the western Atlantic.

Fish assemblages of three shallow marine caves from the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, SE Italy) were investigated in July 2000. Data were collected in situ by using visual census. A total of nineteen fish species were recorded inside the caves. The species richness generally displayed a similar pattern in all three caves, decreasing from the entrance towards the innermost sections, whereas the patterns of total fish abundance differed among caves. Apogon imberbis (mainly represented by juveniles) was the most important species in terms of number of individuals (accounting for more than 85% of the censused fish) and showed a fairly even distribution inside the investigated caves. Without the numerical contribution of A. imberbis, fish abundance decreased from the entrance to the inner sections and this pattern was common to all three caves. Juvenile fishes of economic interest (e. g., Diplodus vulgaris and Epinephelus marginatus) were also recorded inside. The present study suggests that: (1) environmental constraints could affect distribution patterns in fish species richness and in the abundance of several fish along the axis of “blind caves” (with a single entrance), as already observed for sessile benthos and plankton assemblages; (2) shallow marine caves of the Salento Peninsula could exert the role of refuge and/or nursery for some littoral fish species during the adult and/or juvenile stages of their life histories.

In the period February 1989 to December 1998, the fish population on the Loano artificial reef (Ligurian Sea, Italy) was visually censused almost on a monthly basis (105 censuses). A total of 44 taxa were identified. Over the 10 years, species richness per census and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index gradually increased. The progressive evolution of the community has shown both the appearance of new species (Phycis phycis, Epinephelus marginatus, Muraena helena, Parablennius gattorugine) and the disappearance of others (Gobius cruentatus). Some species typical of hard substrata (Apogon imberbis, Scorpaena notata, Serranus cabrilla) have gradually increased in density over the 13 years since construction of the reef, indicating that stabilization of the community is a slow and long-term process. Copyright 2002 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The diet of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus, from the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean, consisted primarily of crustaceans, molluscs and fishes, but diet composition varied with body size. The smaller dusky groupers (

As a top-level predator, the brown grouper Epinephelusmarginatus can play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of hard-bottom ecosystems. However, to fulfil this role, the species must have a sufficient population density and a wide size range. The presence of such a "healthy" grouper population is one of the known benefits of the protection measures applied to marine protected areas. The availability, in marine reserves, of areas suitable for settlement and recruitment of early juveniles can contribute to preserving a well-structured population. Thus, knowledge of microhabitats preferred by juvenile groupers is an important step in locating, within protected or not yet protected areas, nursery sites that might need a specific protection regime. The aim of the present work was to evaluate habitat and microhabitat preferences of juvenile E. marginatus, in comparison with two other serranids of comparable size, Serranuscabrilla and S. scriba, in the marine reserve of Ustica Island (SW Mediterranean). At different sites, located along the shallow coastal area of the reserve, 329 individuals of the three serranid species were visually surveyed by means of skin- or SCUBA-diving in June 1999. The location of each encountered fish was characterised by both biotic and abiotic variables evaluated at two spatial scales. In order to assess interspecific differences in the use of the spatial environment, the results were analysed by correspondence analysis. According to observations on a small spatial scale, juvenile groupers showed a preference for cavities and recesses, in clear contrast with both Serranus species. When out of such sheltered places, juvenile groupers avoided visually exposed locations (convex substrates and very large visual fields), preferring flat or sub-horizontal rocky substrates. Conversely, S. scriba, and especially S. cabrilla, chose rather open microhabitats (flat to convex substrates, with large to very large visual fields). On a larger spatial scale, brown groupers and the two other serranids showed no marked differences in their habitat preferences.

We propose a new graphical approach to the analysis of multi-temporal morphological and ecological data concerning the life history of fish, which can typically serves models in ecomorphological investigations because they often undergo significant ontogenetic changes. These changes can be very complex and difficult to describe, so that visualization, abstraction and interpretation of the underlying relationships are often impeded. Therefore, classic ecomorphological analyses of covariation between morphology and ecology, performed by means of multivariate techniques, may result in non-exhaustive models. The Self Organizing map (SOM) is a new, effective approach for pursuing this aim. In this paper, lateral outlines of larval stages of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) and dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) were recorded and broken down using by means of Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA). Gut contents of the same specimens were also collected and analyzed. Then, shape and trophic habits data were examined by SOM, which allows both a powerful visualization of shape changes and an easy comparison with trophic habit data, via their superimposition onto the trained SOM. Thus, the SOM provides a direct visual approach for matching morphological and ecological changes during fish ontogenesis. This method could be used as a tool to extract and investigate relationships between shape and other sinecological or environmental variables, which cannot be taken into account simultaneously using conventional statistical methods.

Groupers species are extremely vulnerable to overfishing and many species are threatened worldwide. In recent decades, Mediterranean groupers experienced dramatic population declines. Marine protected areas (MPAs) can protect populations inside their boundaries and provide individuals to adjacent fishing areas through the process of spillover and larval export. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of six marine reserves in the Western Mediterranean Sea to protect the populations of three species of grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, Epinephelus costae and Mycteroperca rubra, and to understand in which circumstances MPAs are able to export biomass to neighbouring areas. All the studied MPAs, except one where no grouper was observed, were able to maintain high abundance, biomass and mean weight of groupers. Size classes were more evenly distributed inside than outside MPAs. In two reserves, biomass gradients could be detected through the boundaries of the reserve as an indication of spillover. In some cases, habitat structure appeared to exert a great influence on grouper abundance, biomass and mean individual weight, influencing the gradient shape. Because groupers are generally sedentary animals with a small home range, we suggest that biomass gradients could only occur where groupers attain sufficient abundance inside MPA limits, indicating a strongly density-dependent process. This work was developed in the framework of the EC Project BIOMEX (QLRT-2001-0891). The authors express thanks to the National Council for Technology and Science Development (CNPq-MCT, Brazil, for Brazilian acronym) from the Ministry of Science of Brazil for giving personal financial support to CWH (Proc: 200630/2008-3), and to the Fundación BBVA (Foundation of Bilbao-Viscaya Bank, Spain) for additional support.

Demographic data and gonad histology confirmed that the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is a protogynous hermaphrodite that follows a monandric pathway to sexual development. Females reached first sexual maturity at 36.7 cm L S and estimated mean length at first maturity (L 50 ) was 43.8 cm L S for females and 81.3 cm L S for males. Adult sex ratios during the reproductive period were c. 3.5: 1 females to males. Females exhibited group-synchronous ovarian development and multiple ovulation occurred over the spawning period. Gonads were ripe from early May and spawning occurred from June until early September. The size of ripe testes (0.6% W) indicated strong oligospermy and suggested a mating system with no sperm competition. Sexual transition was protogynous involving regression of ovarian tissue and proliferation of testicular tissue in the gonads. Transitional individuals occurred from May through November and accounted for 9% of sampled adult population. Sex change occurred in fish 69-93 cm (L S ) long and the size distributions of males and females overlapped over 27% of the L S range Special zones were recognized as gathering areas for sexually mature dusky groupers during the reproductive period.

10 páginas, 4 figuras, 2 tablas, 1 apéndice., Based on 19 y of visual census data from the Medes Islands MPA (NW Mediterranean), this study analyzes the carrying capacity (K) and population recovery time of six species of fish strongly affected by harvesting pressure along the Mediterranean coast. Three of these species (Epinephelus marginatus, Diplodus cervinus and Dicentrachus labrax) have practically reached carrying capacity in the Medes Islands MPA, while others are still approaching population stabilization (Sciaena umbra) or are still increasing in biomass (Dentex dentex). The one exception to these trends is S. aurata, which tended to decrease inside the MPA, probably due to fishing just outside its borders. These results confirm that fish populations may require decadal time scales to recover from exploitation, both in terms of total abundance (21 to 29 y to exceed 95% K) as well as total biomass (25 to 35 y), and that rates of recovery differ between species (13 to 31 y). The recovery and saturation observed within the no-take zone contrasts with results obtained in the partially protected buffer area and the peripheral area open for fishing, which show much lower biomass values. In general, the spillover from the MPA is very moderate, and its effects extend only to the partially protected area., This study was mostly funded by the ‘‘Direccio´ General de Pesca Marı´tima’’, the ‘‘Departament de Medi Natural’’ of the ‘‘Generalitat de Catalunya’and partially funded by the 87844 (COCONET) of the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

In this study, we used microsatellite markers to examine the genetic structures of Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) and Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) populations collected from artisanal fishing sites along a stretch of coastline in southeastern Brazil. Based on F-statistics, there was no significant genetic differentiation evident in any C. undecimalis samples (FST=0.012). However, Bayesian clustering, principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) results suggested that there were most likely two clusters, with no relation to geographic areas. The bottleneck results showed no significant values and the effective population sizes (Ne) for the two genetically differentiated groups were large and similar. In contrast, for E. marginatus populations, the microsatellite loci showed no population subdivisions. The FST value was low and non-significant (FST=0.008), a Bayesian analysis indicated one cluster, and a PCA showed that all samples from different geographical sites shared the same genetic structure. The bottleneck results exhibited significant differences, and a low Ne was observed. The results of the genetic study of these two species along the southeastern Brazilian coast suggest that the distinct genetic structure of each species should be taken into account as management units for the conservation of their genetic diversities. En este estudio se han utilizado marcadores microsatélites para examinar la estructura genética de Centropomus undecimalis (Bloch, 1792) y Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) en localidades de pesca artesanal localizadas a lo largo de la costa del sudeste de Brasil. Los estadísticos de diferenciación poblacional (F-statisctics) no presentaron diferenciación genética entre las muestras de C. undecimalis (FST=0.012). Sin embargo, los resultados de los análisis basados en clústeres bayesianos, componentes principales (PCA) y análisis discriminante de componentes principales (DAPC) sugieren la posible presencia de dos clústeres diferenciados genéticamente, pero sin ninguna relación con las áreas geográficas. Los resultados del análisis de cuello de botella poblacional no son significativos con valores de tamaño efectivo poblacional (Ne) elevados y similares entre los dos clústeres. Por el contrario, en E. marginatus, los análisis basados en microsatélites no muestran ningún patrón de subdivisión genética. El valor de FST es bajo y no significativo (FST=0.008), el análisis Bayesiano indicia un solo clúster y el PCA determina que todas las muestras de las diferentes localidades geográficas comparten la misma estructura genética. El análisis de cuello de botella muestra diferencias significativas con la observación de una baja Ne. Los resultados de los análisis genéticos en estas dos especies a lo largo de la costa sudeste de Brasil sugieren diferentes estructuras genéticas para cada especie y estos resultados deben tenerse en consideración para la estipulación de las medidas de conservación de la diversidad genética.

The objective of this study is to describe the genetic population structure and demographic history of the endangered marine fish, Epinephelus marginatus, within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone for the purpose of localised conservation planning. Epinephelus marginatus is a long-lived, sedentary, reef-associated protogynous hermaphrodite with high com- mercial and recreational value that is at risk of extinction throughout its global distribution. Based on global trends, population substructuring and gaps in local knowledge this has led to an increased interest in evaluation of local stock. Assessment of Maltese demography was based on historical and contemporary catch landings data whilst genetic population structure and regional connectivity patterns were evaluated by examining 175 individuals collected within the central Mediterranean region between 2002 and 2009 using 14 nuclear microsatellite loci. Demographic stock assessment of Maltese E. marginatus’ revealed a 99% decline in catch landings between 1947 and 2009 within the Fisheries Management Zone. A contemporary modest mean size was observed, 3 ± 3 kg, where approximately 17% of the population was juvenile, 68% female/sex-changing and 15% were male with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1:5. Genetic analysis describes the overall population of E. marginatus’ within the Fisheries Management Zone as decreasing in size (ƟH = 2.2), which has gone through a significant size reduction in the past (M = 0.41) and consequently shows signs of moderate inbreeding (FIS = 0.10, p < 0.001) with an estimated effective population size of 130 individuals. Results of spatially explicit Bayesian genetic cluster analysis detected two geographically distinct subpopulations within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone and that they are connected to a larger network of E. marginatus’ within the Sicily Channel. Results suggest conservation management should be designed to reflect E. marginatus’ within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone as two management units., peer-reviewed

This study aimed at identifying and quantifying the parasites of wild and cultured dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus. During a year and thereby all four seasons, 20 wild and 20 cultured groupers were examined for the presence of parasites, except in the last season, in which 19 wild and 20 cultured fish were examined, totalling 159 groupers analysed from Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil. Prevalence, mean intensity of infection, mean abundance and mean relative dominance were calculated. Five species of parasites were identified in fish from both origins: Pseudorhabdosynochus beverleyburtonae (Monogenea), Neobenedenia melleni (Monogenea), Pseudempleurosoma sp. (Monogenea), Helicometrina nimia (Digenea) and larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda). The prevalence of ectoparasites, in most cases, was higher than endoparasites. The most abundant parasite was the monogenea Pseudorhabdosynochus beverleyburtonae in both wild and cultured fish, along all seasons. Neobenedenia melleni was observed in wild and cultured fish in all seasons, with a gradual increase in the number of parasites from the coldest to the hottest seasons, with the highest prevalence and mean intensity in the summer. Helicometrina nimia was found in all seasons in both wild and cultured fish, except for summer, where its presence was detected only in wild fish. Pseudempleurosoma sp. and larvae of Contracaecum sp. showed low prevalence occurring in wild and cultured fish in the autumn and spring, respectively. This study revealed high intensities of potentially pathogenic parasites that could favour disease outbreaks in culture conditions.

13 pages, 8 figures, 3 tables, We assessed the linkages between environmental variables and the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of larval abundance of coastal fish assemblages within and outside the Medes Islands marine protected area (MPA; NW Mediterranean) to explore possible fisheries effects such as larvae export of the latter. We analyzed small-scale fish larvae distribution of 28 representative taxa from the rocky fish assemblage and combined the former in different groups with the help of cluster analysis. Further we assessed the influence of selected abiotic variables on group and species distributions using Generalized Additive Models (GAM’s). We found a high level of variability in the response of larvae groups and species to environmental variables over the two studied periods (spring and summer); depth and habitat of the adults being the most important factors. In addition, distance to the MPA was found as an important variable in defining the location of larvae of strictly coastal species. Our results provided evidence of larval export of three commercial species affected by the MPA (Epinephelus marginatus, Pagellus erythrinus and Scorpaena porcus). Thus our study contributes to the few empirical assessments of larvae export from MPAs and adds to the understanding of the functioning of MPAs as fisheries management tools. Nevertheless, in the future integrated assessments of fisheries effects of MPAs are required that measure the effect of larvae and biomass export on increased fishing yield while taking into account fishing effort dynamics, The authors would like to thank the European Commission for financial support, in particular through projects, BIOMEX (QLRT-2001-00891), EMPAFISH (STREP/006539)

8 páginas, 3 tablas, 3 figuras., The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is a popular and commercial fish and it is seen as a flag species for conservation purposes and for the establishment of coastal Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean region. Due to many years of over-exploitation combined with its site fidelity and sex change behaviour it has been declared endangered by the IUCN red list. Herein we analysed the genetic structure of the dusky grouper within the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters using 11 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. E. marginatus showed a weak but significant genetic population structure and was not panmictic throughout the studied range. Genetic differentiation between the central-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean basin was putatively based on present and historical events. Samples from Algeria were significantly differentiated from other Mediterranean localities, probably due to historical and present oceanographic processes forming a complex pattern of retention and advection on the West African Mediterranean coast. Based on these results, we propose three different management or conservation units: Senegal (central-eastern Atlantic), the West African Mediterranean coast (Algeria) and the rest of the Mediterranean locations, which are not significantly differentiated, although, clustering of locations with Atlantic water influence is observed. We suggest a Mediterranean-wide network of interconnected Marine Protected Areas, taking genetic information into account, as an essential conservation and management tool for the protection and long-term survival of the endangered dusky grouper., This work was partially funded by the Spanish Ministry from Science and Innovation through projects GRACCIE (C5D2007-0067), MARMOL (CICYT-CTM2007-66635-C02-01) and BIOCON08-187 (FBBVA). The authors are part of the research group 2009SGR-636, 2009SGR-665 of the Generalitat de Catalunya. [RH]