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The European Ocean Observing Community (EOOC) integrates inputs from diverse entities dedicated to comprehensively monitoring and forecasting oceanic phenomena in European Seas. With increasing climate and anthropogenic pressures, the urgency of ensuring the EOOC's preparedness to observe Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) is evident. This paper advocates for the adoption of a scoring approach designed to evaluate the readiness of the EOOC in observing and forecasting key ocean phenomena. The proposed scoring methodology can be applied at both European and potentially regional and/or national levels, and emerges as a transformative tool for scrutinizing the EOOC's capability to predict and monitor key ocean phenomena. Our findings, based on the application of the scoring approach, suggest that while the community demonstrates commendable readiness levels for certain oceanic phenomena, 83% remain in developing stages, oscillating between "Idea" and "Trial" readiness levels. A closer examination exposes critical shortages predominantly in the coordination and observational facets (Process), and data management and information products (Output). The implications of these identified gaps reach far beyond academic realms, profoundly affecting diverse sectors and societal resilience (e.g., energy sector). The suggested scoring approach serves as a clear call for strategic investments and heightened support for the European observing community. By adopting a regular and systematic scoring methodology, we not only measure progress at present but also pave the way for a resilient and future-ready EOOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of large‐scale biodiversity degradation in marine ecosystems has been reported worldwide, yet most research has focused on few species of interest or on limited spatiotemporal scales. Here we assessed the spatial and temporal changes in the taxonomic and functional composition of fish communities in European seas over the last 25 years (1994–2019). We then explored how these community changes were linked to environmental gradients and fishing pressure. We show that the spatial variation in fish species composition is more than two times higher than the temporal variation, with a marked spatial continuum in taxonomic composition and a more homogenous pattern in functional composition. The regions warming the fastest are experiencing an increasing dominance and total abundance of r‐strategy fish species (lower age of maturity). Conversely, regions warming more slowly show an increasing dominance and total abundance of K‐strategy species (high trophic level and late reproduction). Among the considered environmental variables, sea surface temperature, surface salinity and chlorophyll‐a most consistently influenced communities' spatial patterns, while bottom temperature and oxygen had the most consistent influence on temporal patterns. Changes in communities' functional composition were more closely related to environmental conditions than taxonomic changes. Our study demonstrates the importance of integrating community‐level species traits across multi‐decadal scales and across a large region to better capture and understand ecosystem‐wide responses and provides a different lens on community dynamics that could be used to support sustainable fisheries management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Ocean Observing Community (EOOC) integrates inputs from diverse entities dedicated to comprehensively monitoring and forecasting oceanic phenomena in European Seas. With increasing climate and anthropogenic pressures, the urgency of ensuring the EOOC’s preparedness to observe Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) is evident. This paper advocates for the adoption of a scoring approach designed to evaluate the readiness of the EOOC in observing and forecasting key ocean phenomena. The proposed scoring methodology can be applied at both European and potentially regional and/or national levels, and emerges as a transformative tool for scrutinizing the EOOC’s capability to predict and monitor key ocean phenomena. Our findings, based on the application of the scoring approach, suggest that while the community demonstrates commendable readiness levels for certain oceanic phenomena, 83% remain in developing stages, oscillating between “Idea” and “Trial” readiness levels. A closer examination exposes critical shortages predominantly in the coordination and observational facets (Process), and data management and information products (Output). The implications of these identified gaps reach far beyond academic realms, profoundly affecting diverse sectors and societal resilience (e.g., energy sector). The suggested scoring approach serves as a clear call for strategic investments and heightened support for the European observing community. By adopting a regular and systematic scoring methodology, we not only measure progress at present but also pave the way for a resilient and future-ready EOOC.

Invasive alien species are a major worldwide driver of biodiversity change. The current study lists verified records of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European marine waters until 2020, with the purpose of establishing a baseline, assessing trends, and discussing appropriate threshold values for good environmental status (GES) according to the relevant European legislation. All NIS records were verified by national experts and trends are presented in six-year assessment periods from 1970 to 2020 according to the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Altogether, 874 NIS have been introduced to European marine waters until 2020 with the Mediterranean Sea and North-East Atlantic Ocean hosting most of the introductions. Overall, the number of new introductions has steadily increased since 2000. The annual rate of new introductions reached 21 new NIS in European seas within the last six-year assessment period (2012–2017). This increase is likely due to increased human activities and research efforts that have intensified during the early 21st century within European Seas. As Europe seas are not environmentally, nor geographically homogenous, the setting of threshold values for assessing GES requires regional expertise. Further, once management measures are operational, pathway-specific threshold values would enable assessing the effectiveness of such measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing contemporary biodiversity crisis may result in much of ocean’s biodiversity to be lost or deeply modified without even being known. As the climate and anthropogenic-related impacts on marine systems accelerate, biodiversity knowledge integration is urgently required to evaluate and monitor marine ecosystems and to support suitable responses to underpin a sustainable future. The Census of Marine Life (CoML, 2000–2010) was the largest global research program on marine biodiversity. A decade after, and coinciding with the steep increase of digitalization of our society, we review existing findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR) biodiversity data coming from one of the most reliable online information systems: the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). We evaluate the completeness of available datasets with respect to the CoML benchmark, along with progresses in understanding spatial–temporal patterns of marine biodiversity in the European Seas in the last decades. Overall, we observe severe biases in available biodiversity data toward the north-western marine regions (particularly around the United Kingdom and the North Sea), the most recent years (with a peak in the number of reported occurrences in the 2010s) and the most conspicuous, abundant, and likely “appealing” taxa (e.g., crustaceans, echinoderms or fish). These biases may hamper research applications, but also global-scale data needs and integrative assessments required to support cost-effective progresses toward global biodiversity conservation. National to international joint efforts aimed at enhancing data acquisition and mobilization from poorly known regions, periods, and taxa are desirable if we aim to address these potential biases for the effective monitoring of marine ecosystems and the evaluation of ongoing impacts on biogeographic patterns and ecosystem functioning and services.

Marine plastic litter (MPL) is a growing global problem and its prevention requires public engagement and behavioral change. Statistics of public perceptions of MPL are scarce and hardly comparable due to varying definitions and interpretations of the concept. This study identifies and classifies relevant components of public perceptions of MPL based on a large-scale survey across eight European countries sharing three European seas (North Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea). High levels of concern about MPL were observed throughout the EU and water pollution and plastics in oceans were consistently ranked in the top four most worrisome environmental challenges of our time. Most of the respondents (70%) reported noticing MPL, which influenced knowledge and feelings of responsibility with regards to MPL. The general public held companies and consumers most responsible for cleaning up MPL. Self-responsibility to reduce MPL varies considerably across and within countries, with the highest scores being reported in Greece and the lowest in Netherlands. Public knowledge on the recyclability of plastics was low in all countries. At the marine region level, the lowest scores for concern, perceived consequences and personal responsibility to reduce the use of plastics were reported in the North Sea region, followed by the Baltic Sea region and the highest scores were recorded in the Mediterranean Sea region. Using these results, policy implications and possible intervention strategies are discussed, to improve and increase public awareness, understanding, engagement, and sense of responsibility to change lifestyles and purchasing behavior to prevent and reduce MPL.

Invasive alien species are a major worldwide driver of biodiversity change. The current study lists verified records of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European marine waters until 2020, with the purpose of establishing a baseline, assessing trends, and discussing appropriate threshold values for good environmental status (GES) according to the relevant European legislation. All NIS records were verified by national experts and trends are presented in six-year assessment periods from 1970 to 2020 according to the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Altogether, 874 NIS have been introduced to European marine waters until 2020 with the Mediterranean Sea and North-East Atlantic Ocean hosting most of the introductions. Overall, the number of new introductions has steadily increased since 2000. The annual rate of new introductions reached 21 new NIS in European seas within the last six-year assessment period (2012–2017). This increase is likely due to increased human activities and research efforts that have intensified during the early 21st century within European Seas. As Europe seas are not environmentally, nor geographically homogenous, the setting of threshold values for assessing GES requires regional expertise. Further, once management measures are operational, pathway-specific threshold values would enable assessing the effectiveness of such measures.

Marine citizen science is emerging with promising opportunities for science, policy and public but there is still no comprehensive overview of the current state in Europe. Based on 127 projects identified for the North Sea area we estimate there might be as much as 500 marine and coastal citizen science projects running in Europe, i.e., one marine citizen science project per ∼85 km of coastline, with an exponential growth since 1990. Beach-based projects are more accessible and hence most popular (60% of the projects), and the mean duration of the projects is 18–20 years. Current trends, topics, organizers, aims, and types of programme in terms of participation are presented in this overview. Progress in marine citizen science is specially enabled and promoted through technological developments. Recent technological advances and best practise examples are provided here, untapping the potential of smart mobile apps, do-it-yourself (DIY) technologies, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) web services.

Since 2007, the non-indigenous calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus marinus Sato, 1913 has been increasingly recorded in numerous European sites, spreading at an unexpectedly fast pace over a short time-span. This species presents specific biological and behavioural traits which make it of particular interest for ecological and applied research topics. On 29–30 January 2018, 29 scientists from nine European Countries established the EUROBUS (Towards a EURopean OBservatory of the non-indigenous calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus marinUS) Working Group (WG). This WG aimed at creating a European network of institutions and researchers working on the various aspects of the biology and ecology of P. marinus, with an open forum where sharing experience and know-how among WG participants. This brought to an updated distribution map of P. marinus in European waters, as well as to the identification of priority research lines and potential joint initiatives under the WGEUROBUS umbrella. This contribution, stemming from the experts participating at the WG, represents the manifesto of the current and future initiatives developed within WGEUROBUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European seas have a strong economic role both in terms of transport and tourism. Providing more knowledge, regarding the mean and extreme values of the wind and sea state conditions in the areas characterized by high maritime traffic, helps to improve navigational safety. From this perspective, six zones with high maritime traffic are studied. ERA5 database, a state-of-the-art global reanalysis dataset provided by ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), is used to assess the average values and the percentiles for the wind speed and the main wave parameters in the target areas considering the period 2001–2020. The main European routes and the extreme conditions along them as well as the areas characterized by high values of wind speed and high waves were also identified. A more comprehensive picture of the expected dynamics of the environmental matrix along the most significant shipping routes is useful because in this way the most dangerous areas could be avoided by ships for the safety of passengers and transported goods.

Cryptosporidium , a zoonotic pathogen, is able to infect a wide range of hosts including wild and domestic animals, and humans. Although it is well known that some parasites are both fish pathogens and recognized agents of zoonosis with a public health impact, little information is available concerning the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in wild aquatic environments. To evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in commercially important edible marine fish in different European seas (English channel, North sea, Bay of Biscay, Celtic sea and Mediterranean sea), 1,853 specimens were collected as part of two surveys. Nested PCR followed by sequence analysis at the 18S rRNA gene locus was used to identify Cryptosporidium spp. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in sampled fish reached 2.3% (35 out of 1,508) in a first campaign and 3.2% (11 out of 345) in a second campaign. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of positive samples identified Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 10) and seven genotypes which exhibited between 7.3 and 10.1% genetic distance from C. molnari , with the exception of one genotype which exhibited only 0.5–0.7% genetic distance from C. molnari. Among 31 analyzed fish species, 11 (35.5%) were identified as potential hosts for Cryptosporidium. A higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in larger fish, in fish collected during the spring-summer period, and in those caught in the North East Atlantic. Pollachius virens (saithe) was the most frequently Cryptosporidium positive species. In fish infected by other parasites, the risk of being Cryptosporidium positive increased 10-fold (OR: 9.95, CI: 2.32–40.01.04, P = 0.0002). Four gp60 subtypes were detected among the C. parvum positive samples: IIaA13G1R1, IIaA15G2R1, IIaA17G2R1, and IIaA18G3R1. These C. parvum subtypes have been previously detected in terrestrial mammals and may constitute an additional source of infection for other animals and in particular for humans. Microscopical examination of histological sections confirmed the presence of round bodies suggestive of the development of C. parvum within digestive glands. We report herein the first epidemiological and molecular data concerning the detection of Cryptosporidium in edible marine fish in European seas surrounding France broadening its host range and uncovering potential novel infection routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the occurrence of extreme values of chlorophyll-a concentrations in European seas, using the satellite's OBGP MODIS AQUA v2018 dataset, for the 2003–2021 period. Two novel and complementary statistical indices based on the combination of the overall period's and the monthly 90th percentiles (P90 and mP90, respectively) are proposed: (i) the Extreme Highest exceedances (EH) include the observations with highest chlorophyll-a magnitudes in each location (larger than P90 and mP90); (ii) the Extreme Anomalous exceedances (EA) address the observations larger than mP90 but lower than P90, thus representing relevant anomalies during low phytoplankton growing seasons. Given the important differences of available observations per pixel, the EH and EA exceedances are normalized and also presented in percentage units. Although the occurrence of these indices greatly varies in time and space, the aggregated statistics and maps reveal some clear patterns: EH and EA have very distinct (almost complementary) seasonal and spatial distribution, EH prevail in mesotrophic and euphotic waters during the main interannual bloom season whilst EA are more abundant in oligotrophic waters out of the main seasonal bloom in each area. Both significant (p < 0.05) increasing and decreasing annual trends have been found in different European Seas. Overall, these EH and EA trends are reflecting the climate-driven physical and ecological changes in European Seas. Although these results and the conceptual and computational simplicity of these indices are encouraging, further ground truth testing is required to account for their uncertainties, mostly related to data representativeness and the performance of the chlorophyll-a estimation algorithms. [Display omitted] • EH and EA combine the overall period's and the monthly 90th percentile thresholds. • Their patterns are linked with the phytoplankton blooms intensity and phenology. • The occurrence of these indices greatly varies interannually and regionally. • Increasing trends of EH and EA occupy bigger areas. • Decreasing trends are found in areas recovering from very altered past situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the Data Unification and Altimeter Combination System (DUACS) Sentinel-3A altimeter data in the coastal area of the European seas is investigated through a comparison with in situ tide gauge measurements. The comparison was also conducted using altimetry data from Jason-3 for inter-comparison purposes. We found that Sentinel-3A improved the root mean square differences (RMSD) by 13% with respect to the Jason-3 mission. In addition, the variance in the differences between the two datasets was reduced by 25%. To explain the improved capture of Sea Level Anomaly by Sentinel-3A in the coastal band, the impact of the measurement noise on the synthetic aperture radar altimeter, the distance to the coast, and Long Wave Error correction applied on altimetry data were checked. The results confirmed that the synthetic aperture radar altimeter instrument onboard the Sentinel-3A mission better solves the signal in the coastal band. Moreover, the Long Wave Error processing contributes to reduce the errors in altimetry, enhancing the consistency between the altimeter and in situ datasets.

Abstract The European Atlas of the Seas is a web-based coastal and marine information system, originally aimed at the general public, but capable also of supporting non-specialist professionals in addressing environmental matters, human activities and management policies related to the sea. It is based on a combination of data (and metadata), which present a snapshot of both natural and socio-economic elements of coastal and marine regions in the European Union and its Outermost Regions. The first idea of a European Atlas of the Seas was set forward in 2007 with the launch of the Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union. Early work on the Atlas was conducted by the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs of the European Commission, while further development of system architecture, data collection, map services and descriptive text was assigned in 2013 to the Joint Research Centre, with the aim to offer new services and features, as well as the interaction with other available information tools. The present European Atlas of the Seas consists of background data layers designed to be displayed as map backdrop, as well as a number of thematic data layers, classified under 8 main categories: geography, nature, tourism, security and safety, people and employment, transport and energy, governance and European policies, fisheries and aquaculture. These can be used to compose customized maps, as user-defined ad hoc indicators, and to probe them with tools such as product-to-product correlations, or time series visualisation. Non-specialist professional users can use such analysis and interpretation capabilities to couple data into ecological and socio-economic indicators for a wide range of applications. The thematic map collection provided a common baseline that can be used by Member States of the European Union in getting started with the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive requirements. As this is seen as a pre-requisite for Blue Growth, the European Atlas of the Seas will help the sustainable use of marine ecosystem services and resources. Highlights • The paper describes the recent, novel, marine (environmental) and maritime (socio-economic) European Atlas of the Seas. • This web-based information system deals with a holistic view of the European Seas, in support of Maritime Spatial Planning. • Non-specialist users may access complex scientific data in graphical form, without the need to transfer or process anything. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Atlas of the Seas offers a snapshot of environmental and socio-economic features that characterize the coastal and marine environment. The latest release (Version 4) addresses the public in general, but also non-specialist experts involved with environmental issues, human activities or policies related to Europe’s coasts and seas. The information content of the Atlas comprises a series of geographical layers, subdivided in “background maps”, “thematic maps” (i.e. maritime Europe, natural setting, sea bottom, sea level rise, security, transport, tourism, energy, wind, fisheries and fish consumption) and “do-it-yourself maps” (dealing with marine knowledge, nature and environment, socio-economics, fisheries, aquaculture, transport, energy, sea bed mining, coastal tourism, Maritime Spatial Planning, integrated maritime surveillance, and international ocean governance). All maps follow consistent cartographic rules and can be extracted for external use. The Atlas database is updated regularly, but historical data remain accessible after the updates, so that time series may be constructed. Tools for map exploration and combination can be used to combine together more layers, providing professional users with analysis and interpretation capabilities, to couple data into graphical indicators. The Atlas aims to supports also policy making, on marine environment, maritime issues and economic sectors, both within and outside the European Institutions (e.g. on Common Fisheries Policy or Maritime Spatial Planning). Further, it expands the same support to near-coastal issues and matters related to land-sea interactions. The web application for accessing Atlas contents offers links to other Marine Information Systems, and is available to a broad audience from computers, tablets and mobile devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor access to data on the marine environment is a handicap to government decision-making, a barrier to scientific understanding and an obstacle to economic growth. In this light, the European Commission initiated the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) in 2009 to assemble and disseminate hitherto dispersed marine data. In the ten years since then, EMODnet has become a key producer of publicly available, harmonised datasets covering broad areas. This paper describes the methodologies applied in EMODnet Geology project to produce fully populated GIS layers of seabed substrate distribution for the European marine areas. We describe steps involved in translating national seabed substrate data, conforming to various standards, into a uniform EMODnet substrate classification scheme (i.e., the Folk sediment classification). Rock and boulders form an additional substrate class. Seabed substrate data products at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:1 million, compiled using descriptions and analyses of seabed samples as well as interpreted acoustic images, cover about 20% and 65% of the European maritime areas, respectively. A simple confidence assessment, based on sample and acoustic coverage, is helpful in identifying data gaps. The harmonised seabed substrate maps are particularly useful in supraregional, transnational and pan-European marine spatial planning.

Cryptic species are an important concept of modern biodiversity studies and a potential basis for immensely increasing the amount of biological diversity worldwide; however, the conceptual grounds of cryptic species still need to be refined. Here, using a remarkable example from marine invertebrates, the case of a species complex of common large-sized nudibranchs of the genus Dendronotus in European waters is presented, which is relevant for the ongoing cryptic species discussion. Based on extensive sampling in the seas of Northern Hemisphere from United Kingdom to the Sea of Japan, a morphological and molecular framework is constructed for understanding the diversity of European Dendronotus nudibranchs. The present study discovered notable multilevel character diversity within the common Dendronotus 'frondosus' species complex. This implies the highest degree of variation of external characters with parallel colour patterns among different species and significantly constrained conservatism of internal characters. The molecular data are congruent with the stable differences in the internal features and confirm the presence of three distinct species in this complex. While two species were already known, the third species is evidently new, based on morphological and molecular evidence and is described here as Dendronotus europaeus sp. n. In the light of multilevel character diversity, the general problem of plausibility of the distinction and practical usage of the terms 'cryptic' and 'pseudocryptic' species is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dab ( Limanda limanda ) and haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus) were collected from coastal and offshore locations in the Baltic (dab only), North Sea (haddock from one location only) and Iceland. Blood was analysed for DNA strand breaks using the comet assay and liver samples for DNA adduct concentrations. DNA strand breaks were at background levels in dab from the two Iceland locations and from the Dogger Bank. The highest levels were observed in dab from the Firth of Forth, Ekofisk and the German Bight. Hepatic DNA adducts in dab were highest at Ekofisk, in the Baltic and Dogger Bank, below detection limit in dab from Iceland and low in dab from the Firth of Forth and German Bight. There was large variation in DNA strand breaks between locations and individuals for haddock, particularly from Iceland. Adduct concentrations were elevated in haddock from both Iceland and the Firth of Forth. A general linear model (GLM) suggested that, in addition to location, the size of dab and its general condition contributed to explaining the observed variability in DNA strand breaks. A GLM for adducts in dab similarly allocated most of the variability to location, but with a possible contribution from CYP1A activity. There were no apparent differences between male and female dab for any of the methods. There was no obvious relationship between strand breaks and adducts in the same fish although dab from Ekofisk and Iceland had respectively high and low responses using both methods. The results from this large-scale study showed pollution-related genotoxicity for dab, that fish blood samples can be conserved prior to comet analyses and that there are clear species differences in genotoxic responses even when collected at the same location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a full assessment of results from ICON, an international workshop on marine integrated contaminant monitoring, encompassing different matrices (sediment, fish, mussels, gastropods), areas (Iceland, North Sea, Baltic, Wadden Sea, Seine estuary and the western Mediterranean) and endpoints (chemical analyses, biological effects). ICON has demonstrated the use of a framework for integrated contaminant assessment on European coastal and offshore areas. The assessment showed that chemical contamination did not always correspond with biological effects, indicating that both are required. The framework can be used to develop assessments for EU directives. If a 95% target were to be used as a regional indicator of MSFD GES, Iceland and offshore North Sea would achieve the target using the ICON dataset, but inshore North Sea, Baltic and Spanish Mediterranean regions would fail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerosol products associated with the ocean colour missions SeaWiFS andMODIS (both Aqua and Terra) are assessed with AERONET field measurementscollected in four European marginal seas for which fairly large uncertainties inocean colour in-water products have been documented: the northern Adriatic, theBaltic, Black and North Seas. On average, more than 500 match-ups are foundfor each basin and satellite mission, showing an overall consistency of validationstatistics across the three missions. The median absolute relative differencebetween satellite and field values of aerosol optical thickness τaat 443 nm varies from 12% to 15% for the three missions at the northernAdriatic and Black Sea sites, and from 13% to 26% for the Baltic and North Sea sites. It is in the interval 16-31% for the near-infrared band. The spectral shape of τaiswell reproduced with a median bias of the Ängström exponent varyingbetween -15% and +14%, which represents a clear improvement with respectto previous versions of the atmospheric correction scheme. These results showthat the uncertainty associated with τa in the considered coastalwaters of the European marginal seas is comparable to global validationstatistics

In the framework of the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN; http://easin.jrc.ec.europa.eu/), an inventory of marine alienspecies in Europe was created by critically reviewing existing information in 34 global, European, regional and national databases. In total, 1369 marine alien species have been reported in the European seas (including 110 cryptogenic and 139 questionable species); this is a substantial increase from the 737 species previously reported in 2009 based on the DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe; http://www.europe-aliens.org) dataset. Most of the reported species were invertebrates (63.3%), followed by chromists (13.7%), vertebrates (11.6%), and plants (10.1%). Mollusca is the most numerous phylum, followed by Arthropoda, Chordata, and Annelida. Thecountries with the highest reported numbers of marine alien species were Israel, Turkey, Italy, France, Egypt and Greece. A reporting bias is evident as efforts for monitoring and reporting alien species vary among countries.

Discards are the portion of animal and plant material in the catch that is dumped back at sea. The Common Fisheries Policy plan proposed by the European Commission for 2014-2020 presents a controversial goal: to enforce the landing of fishing discards as a measure to encourage their reduction. This historical and political decision will shape the future of the fishing exploitation in European Seas. Discards generated by European fleets are not negligible, and its reduction is an ecological, socioeconomical and moral imperative. However, it must be achieved through the reduction in discards at source and the promotion of selective and non-destructive gears. We argue it is doubtful that this discard ban will result in an effective reduction of discards. The proposed measure may, in fact, negatively affect ecosystems at all levels of biological hierarchy by disregarding the Ecosystem- Based Approach to Fisheries and the Precautionary Principle. It could negatively impact several species by increasing fishing mortality, also commercial species if discards are not accounted in the total allowable catch. Communities preying on discards will likely be affected. The role discards currently play in the energy turnover of current ecosystems will be modified and should be fully evaluated. The landing of discards will likely generate new markets of fishmeal due to the growing demands for marine living resources. The ban will require substantial public investment to deal with technical problems on board and to control and enforce. Therefore, this measure should be only implemented after rigorous scientific and technical studies have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Atlas of the Seas is a web-based information system aimed at the general public, but it is also capable of supporting selected nonspecialist professionals in addressing environmental issues, human activities, and policies related to the coast and sea. It includes a collection of maps and associated fact sheets based on data originating primarily from the European Commission and its agencies, which present a snapshot of key natural and socio-economic elements of the coastal and marine regions of the European Union. It provides a suite of basic instruments for map analysis and data combination to derive ad hoc maritime indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The European Union lacks a comprehensive framework to address the threats posed by the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS). Current efforts are fragmented and suffer substantial gaps in coverage. In this paper we identify and discuss issues relating to the assessment of spatial and temporal patterns of introductions in European Seas (ES), based on a scientifically validated information system of aquatic non-indigenous and cryptogenic species, AquaNIS. While recognizing the limitations of the existing data, we extract information that can be used to assess the relative risk of introductions for different taxonomic groups, geographic regions and likely vectors. The dataset comprises 879 multicellular NIS. We applied a country-based approach to assess patterns of NIS richness in ES, and identify the principal introduction routes and vectors, the most widespread NIS and their spatial and temporal spread patterns. Between 1970 and 2013, the number of recorded NIS has grown by 86, 173 and 204% in the Baltic, Western European margin and the Mediterranean, respectively; 52 of the 879 NIS were recorded in 10 or more countries, and 25 NIS first recorded in European seas since 1990 have since been reported in five or more countries. Our results highlight the ever-rising role of shipping (commercial and recreational) as a vector for the widespread and recently spread NIS. The Suez Canal, a corridor unique to the Mediterranean, is responsible for the increased introduction of new thermophilic NIS into this warming sea. The 2020 goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy concerning marine Invasive Alien Species may not be fully attainable. The setting of a new target date should be accompanied by scientifically robust, sensible and pragmatic plans to minimize introductions of marine NIS and to study those present. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We present a review of our work on data acquired by GEOSTAR-class (GEophysical and Oceanographic STation for Abyssal Research) observatories deployed at three EMSO (European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and water-column Observatory; http://www.emso-eu.org) sites in southern European waters where strong geo-hazards are present: the Western Iberian Margin, the Western Ionian Sea, the Marmara Sea, and the Marsili basin in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A procedure for multiparameter data quality control is described. Then we explain why the seafloor is an interesting observation point for geophysical parameters and how it differs from land sites. We consider four interesting geophysical phenomena found at the EMSO sites that are related to geo-hazard. In the first case, we show how unknown seismicity and landslides in the Western Ionian Sea were identified and roughly localised through a single-sensor analysis based on the seismometer. In the second case, we concentrate on the problem of near-coast tsunami generation and describe a Tsunami Early Warning Detection (TEWD) system, tested in the Western Iberian Margin and currently operating in real time at the Western Ionian site. In the third case, we consider two large volcanoes in the central Mediterranean area, Mt. Etna and the Marsili seamount. Signals from the seismometer and gravimeter recorded at the seafloor at 2100m b.s.l. show various phases of Mt. Etna's 2002–2003 eruption. For the less-known Marsili we illustrate how several indicators coming from different sensors point to hydrothermal activity. A vector magnetometer at the two volcanic sites helps identify the magnetic lithospheric depth. In the fourth and final case, we present a multiparameter analysis which was focused on finding possible correlations between methane seepage and seismic energy release in the Gulf of Izmit (Marmara Sea). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A brief report highlights the progress made during the 1st phase of the EMODnet-Geology Project (2009-2012). The project aims to bring togheter marine geological information from the European seas. All public available data on the sea-bed sediments, seafloor geology, geological boundaries and faults, rate of coastal erosion and sedimentation, geological events and event probabilities, seismic profiles; and minerals including aggregates, oil and gas have been compiled into the map layers at 1:1 million scale stored on the OneGeology-Europe portal (http://www.onegeology-europe.org/home.html). The project area covered the Baltic Sea, Greater North Sea and Celtic Sea; however, the EC have extended the geographical area of the programme to include, for example, the Mediterranean and Black seas, and have increased the resolution of compiled information to 1:250 000 scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Northern Hemisphere has been warmer since 1980 than at any other time during the last 2000years. The observed increase in temperature has been generally higher in northern than in southern European seas, and higher in enclosed than in open seas. Although European marine ecosystems are influenced by many other factors, such as nutrient enrichment and overfishing, every region has shown at least some changes that were most likely attributable to recent climate change. It is expected that within open systems there will generally be (further) northward movement of species, leading to a switch from polar to more temperate species in the northern seas such as the Arctic, Barents Sea and the Nordic Seas, and subtropical species moving northward to temperate regions such as the Iberian upwelling margin. For seas that are highly influenced by river runoff, such as the Baltic Sea, an increase in freshwater due to enhanced rainfall will lead to a shift from marine to more brackish and even freshwater species. If semi-enclosed systems such as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea lose their endemic species, the associated niches will probably be filled by species originating from adjacent waters and, possibly, with species transported from one region to another via ballast water and the Suez Canal. A better understanding of potential climate change impacts (scenarios) at both regional and local levels, the development of improved methods to quantify the uncertainty of climate change projections, the construction of usable climate change indicators, and an improvement of the interface between science and policy formulation in terms of risk assessment will be essential to formulate and inform better adaptive strategies to address the inevitable consequences of climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Onega Bay is the largest bay in the White Sea, characterised by shallow depth, a range of sediment types and strong tidal currents. All these factors provide conditions for high species richness and biomass. This study reviews data from three surveys of sublittoral macrobenthos undertaken by Russian institutes: the benthic survey covering the entire Onega Bay in 1952; the survey performed in the northern part of the area in 1981/90, and a study carried out in 2006 in the eastern part of the bay. In total, data from 107 stations were analysed. The data in different surveys were collected by different grab types. The datasets of both 1981/90 and 2006 overlap the 1952 survey area. The pattern of biomass distribution was consistent between the years of survey and was characterised by the low biomass at the northern periphery of the bay and the highest biomass observed in the coastal waters of the Solovetsky Islands. Bivalves and cirripeds (mostly Modiolus modiolus, Arctica islandica, Balanus balanus and Verucca stroemia) dominated in biomass. Neither the biomass share of dominant species nor the frequency of occurrence of several common species in these groups changed markedly between 1952 and 1981/90. Although the results of the 2006 survey appear somewhat different from the patterns of previous years, this does not indicate major changes in the benthic communities, because the survey in 2006 was designed in a different way and its overlap with the 1952 survey was minimal. However, the dominant species (by biomass) - A. islandica, M. modiolus and V. stroemia- held their leading positions. Results of the multidimensional scaling analysis based on the biomass data for all taxa encountered in the 1952 survey indicate considerable mixing of the samples from all surveys. This may be interpreted as the absence of major shifts in the sublittoral communities of the macrobenthos of Onega Bay at decadal scale. This kind of stability may be explained by an oceanographical regime resilient to climate variation and a relatively low anthropogenic environmental impact when compared to other shallow European seas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a Project aimed at the collection and harmonization in European Seas of existing data, to be represented on digital maps freely available through a dedicated portal (https://www.emodnet.eu/en). It is subdivided into Lots concerning Bathymetry, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Seabed Habitats and Human activities. Data displayed on the Portal are harmonized at different scales. The EMODnet Geology Lot is realized by a Consortium of European Geological Surveys covering all of the European Seas. It includes information on seafloor sediments grainsize, sedimentation rates, Quaternary geology, pre-Quaternary geology and stratigraphy, geomorphology, coastal behaviour, geological events, mineral resources. The sources of data are all pre-existing data in literature which also include cartography, databases, national and European projects. All these data were processed in order to produce digital cartography distributed as WMS services on the EMODnet Geology Portal (http://www.emodnet-geology.eu/). As partner of the EMODnet Geology Consortium, the Geological Survey of Italy provides data to the Project, mainly relying on the comprehensive database complementing the Italian Geological Maps at 1:50,000 scale realized within the CARG mapping Project. Moreover, the Geological Survey of Italy coordinates the "Geological events and probabilities" Work Package n.6 (WP6), which aims to identify and map significant geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic centers, submarine landslides, tsunamis, fluid emissions and Quaternary faults. Geological events are collated into layers subdivided by type of event and organized as shapefiles according to their geometric primitives (polygons, points, lines). Each occurrence is complemented, where available, by a comprehensive and detailed pattern of Attributes for each feature in order to represent their diverse characteristics, deriving also from the different geological settings of European sea areas. Datasets are elaborated according to guidelines provided by the WP coordinator after thorough discussion with all partners, aimed at identifying parameters to be used to characterize events and addressed to achieve the best degree of harmonization and standardization according to the European INSPIRE Directive. The realization of the digital cartography of WP6 has been divided into several phases:. - elaboration of Guidelines and preparation of the instructions and technical specifications on how to supply GIS layers; during this step the parameters that should be used to characterize events were identified together with any additional relevant information. Particular attention has been devoted to the definition of the Attribute tables - systematic collection of basic data, visualization and identification of any area without data - generalization. Maps are generalized at the scale of representation established for each phase of the Project. Datasets consist of shapefiles representing each type of event at 1:250,000 scale in EMODnet Geology 2 and at 1:100,000 scale and more detailed in the following phases - harmonization of data according to the specifications contained in the guidelines - data processing, compilation and structuring of shapefiles in European-wide layers - update, correction and implementation of files after review by partners The amount of existing data is considerable: 3,000 records of landslides occurrences, more than 1,000 volcanic structures, almost 3,500 fluid emission areas, more than 500 tsunami events and more than 15,000 records of Quaternary faults have been entered into the database. Concerning earthquakes a link is provided to the Seismic Portal (www.seismicportal.eu), although additional data (approximately 3,000 entries) have also been recorded. Information gathered during the Project, including metadata, is displayed on the Portal. Each occurrence reported must be complemented by the appropriate reference; additional information, including the names of specific features, can also be provided if available. Submarine slides have been characterized by type of movement, material involved (lithology), volume, thickness, slope, age and source area. Terms adopted for type description were mainly obtained from Varnes (1978) also cited in the INSPIRE data specification on Natural Risk Zones. Volcanic centers were complemented by information on their morphological and activity types, age of activity, chemical composition, eruption frequency, height, volcanic district and the presence of fluid emissions. The Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is also relevant, if available; in this case the age of its reference eruption is required (VEI age). The layer regarding tsunamis was subdivided into two shapefiles, one reporting locations of events which originated a tsunami and another one reporting the coasts affected by a tsunami, to be compiled only in case of unknown origin. Attributes listed for tsunamis are: date, type, cause, run-up, intensity, affected coast. Fluid emissions have been classified according to the process that generates them or based on the associated materials of geological or biological derivation. Morphological types have also been considered since features are related to erosional or depositional processes as well as to the composition and escaping mechanisms of the fluid. Tectonics was also considered relevant for the Geological events WP. Only faults active during the Quaternary were taken into account. It is necessary to specify whether they are buried or crop out as well as their type and age. Most of the terms adopted are listed within the INSPIRE data specification on Geology. Based on landslides data gathered within WP6 and on information available from the EMODnet Bathymetry Portal (https://www.emodnet-bathymetry.eu/), a map of susceptibility to submarine landslides has been developed using the maximum entropy model. Interoperability of data was one of the objectives pursued by the Project, in order to provide more complete, correct and reliable information and facilitate the exchange and reuse of data even among non-homogeneous systems. Besides combining these harmonized and standardized datasets, it might be possible to develop additional thematic maps that could support further research, as well as the planning and management of submerged areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the spatial and temporal scales at which planktonic organisms are genetically structured. A previous study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the holoplanktonic chaetognath Sagitta setosa revealed strong phylogeographic structuring suggesting that Northeast (NE) Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea populations are genetically disjunct. The present study used a higher sampling intensity and a combination of mitochondrial and four microsatellite markers to reveal population structuring between and within basins. Between basins, both marker sets indicated significant differentiation confirming earlier results that gene flow is probably absent between the respective S. setosa populations. At the within-basin scale, we found no evidence of spatial or temporal structuring within the NE Atlantic. In the Mediterranean basin, both marker sets indicated significant structuring, but only the mtDNA data indicated a sharp genetic division between Adriatic and all other Mediterranean populations. Data were inconclusive about population structuring in the Black Sea. The levels of differentiation indicated by the two marker sets differed substantially, with far less pronounced structure detected by microsatellite than mtDNA data. This study also uncovered the presence of highly divergent mitochondrial lineages that were discordant with morphology, geography and nuclear DNA. We thus propose the hypothesis that highly divergent mitochondrial lineages may be present within interbreeding S. setosa populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European seas have a strong economic role both in terms of transport and tourism. Providing more knowledge, regarding the mean and extreme values of the wind and sea state conditions in the areas characterized by high maritime traffic, helps to improve navigational safety. From this perspective, six zones with high maritime traffic are studied. ERA5 database, a state-of-the-art global reanalysis dataset provided by ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), is used to assess the average values and the percentiles for the wind speed and the main wave parameters in the target areas considering the period 2001–2020. The main European routes and the extreme conditions along them as well as the areas characterized by high values of wind speed and high waves were also identified. A more comprehensive picture of the expected dynamics of the environmental matrix along the most significant shipping routes is useful because in this way the most dangerous areas could be avoided by ships for the safety of passengers and transported goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reviews existing legal, institutional and policy tools and frameworks, relevant to the introduction and adoption of new marine litter clean-up technologies in two regional European seas, the Mediterranean and the Baltic. A combination of desk studies in six countries bordering the Baltic (Estonia, Germany, Sweden) and the Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, Tunisia), and interviews with experts and stakeholders, is used to identify key drivers and barriers to the adoption and diffusion of marine litter technologies. The main conclusion of the study is that the most influential pieces of legislation relevant to marine litter management are top-down EU policies, often forming the basis of regional and national plans. Moreover, the study finds that several drivers of marine litter technologies may at the same time be critical barriers. These factors include public awareness, consumer behaviour, enforcement of legislation, and the rise of SMEs engaged in recycling and eco-labelling of marine litter. • Existing legal and policy frameworks for marine litter management are analysed. • Marine litter management in European seas is based on post-pollution remedies. • European legislation and Regional Action Plans are key drivers. • Lack of financial resources is a barrier to adopt marine litter technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of wave resource assessment, the description of wave climate is usually confined to significant wave height and energy period. However, the accurate joint description of both linear and directional wave energy characteristics is essential for the proper and detailed optimization of wave energy converters. In this work, the joint probabilistic description of wave energy flux and wave direction is performed and evaluated. Parametric univariate models are implemented for the description of wave energy flux and wave direction. For wave energy flux, conventional, and mixture distributions are examined while for wave direction proven and efficient finite mixtures of von Mises distributions are used. The bivariate modelling is based on the implementation of the Johnson–Wehrly model. The examined models are applied on long-term measured wave data at three offshore locations in Greece and hindcast numerical wave model data at three locations in the western Mediterranean, the North Sea, and the North Atlantic Ocean. A global criterion that combines five individual goodness-of-fit criteria into a single expression is used to evaluate the performance of bivariate models. From the optimum bivariate model, the expected wave energy flux as function of wave direction and the distribution of wave energy flux for the mean and most probable wave directions are also obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the proceedings of the vote by the International Commission for Zoological Nomenclature on the proposal by Ozdikmen et al to remove homonymy between the family group name Amphiporidae Rukhin, 1938, phylum Porifera, class Stromatoporoidea, order Amphiporida, and Amphiporidae McIntosh, 1873, phylum Nemertia, class Hoplonemertea, by emending the spelling of the stem of Amphipora Schulz, 1883 to Amphipora to give Amphiporaidae. The Commission ruled that the stem of the generic name Amphipora Schulz, 1883 is Amphipora and that the name Amphipora Schulz, 1883, type species by original designation Caunopora ramosa Phillips, 1841 be placed on the official list of generic names. It also ruled to place the name ramosa Phillips, 1841 in the official list of specific names.