Article
Engineering, Marine
Joachim Langeneck, Vasileios Minasidis, Nikolaos Doumpas, Ioannis Giovos, Alexandros Kaminas, Periklis Kleitou, Francesco Tiralongo, Fabio Crocetta
Summary: This study reports unpublished data on five non-indigenous species and one neo-native species found in Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea. The data was mainly obtained through a citizen science project and contributes to the study of large-scale and well-defined distribution patterns of alien species spreading in the Mediterranean Sea.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Neus Ibanez, Carlos Gomez-Bellver, Paula Farelo, Josep Maria Montserrat, Samuel Pyke, Neus Nualart, Jordi Lopez-Pujol
Summary: Cities have higher percentages of alien species compared to non-urbanized areas due to their heterogeneous, disturbed habitats and multiple gateways for alien species introduction. The study focuses on Montjuic, the largest urban hill in Barcelona, and records 247 alien plant taxa within just 3.4 km(2), indicating its role as a hotspot for alien plants. The study suggests that Montjuic's alien flora may have been enriched through immigration from nearby areas, and it also acts as a source for the spread of alien plants.
Article
Biology
Paraskevi K. Karachle, Anthi Oikonomou, Maria Pantazi, Konstantinos Stergiou, Argyro Zenetos
Summary: The study analyzed the biological traits of fish species in the Mediterranean Sea and examined factors influencing the entry of non-indigenous and neonative species. The results provide a baseline for future research and offer a useful tool for planning protection measures for native Mediterranean fish.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dimitrios Damalas, Caterina Stamouli, Nikolaos Fotiadis, Maria Kikeri, Vasiliki Kousteni, Danai Mantopoulou-Palouka
Summary: Gyaros island has a partial Marine Protected Area (MPA) status that allows small-scale fishing with restrictions. An experimental fishing survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the MPA, and the results show higher species diversity and abundance within the protected area. However, there are concerns about the size of key predator species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marc Riera, Joan Pino, Yolanda Melero
Summary: The study aimed to investigate differences in range size, geographical distribution, and their relationship with environmental variables among alien species introduced through different pathways in Catalonia, Spain. Results showed that differences among pathways can be related to human aid and trait selection, while differences among taxonomic groups may be related to dispersal capacity. The spatial pattern of hotspots of alien species richness showed low congruence across pathways, with colonization and propagule pressure being the main drivers increasing alien species richness.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Francois Brischoux, Harvey B. Lillywhite, Richard Shine, David Pinaud
Summary: Species with wider geographical ranges tend to have higher physiological tolerances to environmental challenges, which may enable them to expand their range more easily. Physiological data can be useful in predicting a species' potential range size and vulnerability to anthropogenic disturbances.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Amy K. Henry, Cascade J. B. Sorte
Summary: Climate change is causing a reshuffling of Earth's biota, with species shifting their ranges to track suitable conditions, potentially impacting existing communities upon arrival of novel species. Evaluating the consequences of range shifts in coastal marine ecosystems using an impact assessment protocol developed for invasive species can support decisions about management. Approximately 50% of shifting coastal species have been found to have negative impacts in their expanded ranges, highlighting the importance of proactive management as range shifts continue to accelerate.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Stelios Katsanevakis, Sergej Olenin, Riikka Puntila-Dodd, Gil Rilov, Peter A. U. Staehr, Heliana Teixeira, Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Hans H. Jakobsen, Steen Wilhelm Knudsen, Anders Lanzen, Antonios D. Mazaris, Stefano Piraino, Hannah J. Tidbury
Summary: This review focuses on marine invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe, discussing the current state, proposing strategies to address the problem, and offering recommendations for enhanced management. It highlights the importance of data, standardization of monitoring methods, use of risk screening tools, prevention and control measures, the impact of climate change, and strategies for improved management.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nikola Koglin, Guido Meinhold
Summary: Exotic blocks of amphibolites and serpentinized peridotite were found in the southeastern part of Chios Island, Greece. Petrological and mineral chemical data were analyzed to determine their origin, metamorphic conditions, and age. The amphibolites were mafic rocks of enriched and normal mid-ocean ridge character, metamorphosed under upper amphibolite-facies conditions. U-Pb isotopic data from titanite suggested the age of metamorphism during oceanic lithosphere emplacement. The peridotite mainly contained lizardite, indicating low-grade metamorphic conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Radoslaw Witkowski, Marcin K. Dyderski, Marta Belka, Andrzej Mazur
Summary: This study used the MaxEnt algorithm to estimate suitable areas for the Gnathotrichus materiarius beetle in Europe, with predictions of an increase in suitable habitats. The species is likely to spread through the Balkans, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and Ukraine.
Article
Entomology
Michele Ricupero, Antonio Biondi, Agatino Russo, Lucia Zappala, Gaetana Mazzeo
Summary: This study reports the first presence of an invasive polyphagous mealybug in Italian solanaceous crops, potentially originating from Asia. This poses a potential threat to the tomato production industry in Europe and efforts should be made to prevent its uncontrolled spread.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Periklis Kleitou, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Ioannis Savva, Demetris Kletou, Margarita Hadjistylli, Ernesto Azzurro, Stelios Katsanevakis, Charalampos Antoniou, Louis Hadjioannou, Niki Chartosia, Maria Christou, Yiannis Christodoulides, Ioannis Giovos, Carlos Jimenez, Sonia Smeraldo, Sian E. Rees
Summary: The EU Regulation 1143/2014 aims to control Invasive Alien Species, with only one marine species listed. The recent invasion of lionfish in the Mediterranean has had profound impacts on fisheries and biodiversity, yet the process to include them on the EU IAS list is ongoing. There is an urgent need to improve the regulation and risk assessment process to protect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isavela N. Monioudi, Adonis F. Velegrakis, Dimitris Chatzistratis, Michalis I. Vousdoukas, Christos Savva, Dandan Wang, Gerald Bove, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Dominik Paprotny, Oswaldo Morales-Napoles, Antonis E. Chatzipavlis, Thomas Hasiotis, Evangelia Manoutsoglou
Summary: This study assesses beach erosion at the regional scale caused by storm events under Climate Change. It records the attributes of Cypriot beaches using satellite imagery, models sea levels and waves under different climate scenarios, and estimates beach retreat using morphodynamic models. The study finds that Cypriot beaches will face severe erosion in the future, requiring urgent adaptation measures.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zulema Nunez-Tobajas, Juan Carlos Senar, Ruth Rodriguez-Pastor, Jose G. Carrillo-Ortiz, Laura Cardador
Summary: As population density increases, individuals start using sub-optimal resources to compensate for the limitation of the preferred ones. However, shifts in nesting resource selection can occur during biological invasions.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mirko Di Febbraro, Luciano Bosso, Mauro Fasola, Francesca Santicchia, Gaetano Aloise, Simone Lioy, Elena Tricarico, Luciano Ruggieri, Stefano Bovero, Emiliano Mori, Sandro Bertolino
Summary: Citizen science initiatives are being used to model the distribution of alien species, but only a few studies have evaluated the contribution of integrating citizen science data with scientifically structured surveys. This study compared the ability of citizen science data and scientific surveys, as well as their integration, to capture the realized niche and predict future invasion risk of 13 invasive alien species in Italy. The findings showed that citizen science data can be valuable in predicting future spread of invasive alien species, but it may also affect the niche quantification and prediction for species poorly known to citizen scientists or in local contexts.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aggeliki Doxa, Vasiliki Almpanidou, Stelios Katsanevakis, Ana M. Queiros, Kristin Kaschner, Cristina Garilao, Kathleen Kesner-Reyes, Antonios D. Mazaris
Summary: Given the accelerating rate of biodiversity loss, prioritizing marine areas for protection is a major conservation challenge. The three-dimensionality of marine life and ecosystems adds complexity to spatial conservation plans. This study developed a depth-specific prioritization analysis that considers future distribution of species and climate-driven changes to identify important areas for conservation, emphasizing the significance of deep seas as priority areas.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simonetta Fraschetti, Erika Fabbrizzi, Laura Tamburello, Maria C. Uyarra, Fiorenza Micheli, Enric Sala, Carlo Pipitone, Fabio Badalamenti, Stanislao Bevilacqua, Jordi Boada, Emma Cebrian, Giulia Ceccherelli, Mariachiara Chiantore, Giovanni D'Anna, Antonio Di Franco, Simone Farina, Sylvaine Giakoumi, Elena Gissi, Ivan Guala, Paolo Guidetti, Stelios Katsanevakis, Elisabetta Manea, Monica Montefalcone, Maria Sini, Valentina Asnaghi, Antonio Calo, Manfredi Di Lorenzo, Joaquim Garrabou, Luigi Musco, Alice Oprandi, Gil Rilov, Angel Borja
Summary: The study aimed to assess the environmental status of Mediterranean ecosystems, especially the impact of Marine Protected Areas on achieving Good Environmental Status. Results showed that most MPAs in the Western Mediterranean are in good/high status, but the overall environmental status is moderate, with macroalgal forests in poor condition.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Riccardo Virgili, Valentina Tanduo, Stelios Katsanevakis, Francesco Terlizzi, Guido Villani, Angelo Fontana, Fabio Crocetta
Summary: This study investigates the taxonomic composition, distribution pattern, and cover of ascidians in the Miseno Lake, a marine reserve in the central-western Mediterranean Sea. The results reveal the Miseno Lake as a major hotspot of non-indigenous and cryptogenic ascidians. DNA barcoding confirms the identification of multiple taxa and identifies a new clade within the Distaplia bermudensis species complex. The analysis also shows the relationship between the abundance of non-indigenous species and the availability of hard substrates, depth, and water body connectivity. This study provides a baseline for evaluating future shifts in ascidian communities and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of non-indigenous species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anastasia Chatzimentor, Aggeliki Doxa, Stelios Katsanevakis, Antonios D. D. Mazaris
Summary: Rapid anthropogenic climate change is increasing the threat of extinction for threatened biodiversity. The vulnerability of native species to climate change depends on their exposure and specific ecological characteristics. A systematic risk assessment of threatened marine populations in the Mediterranean Sea is lacking. This study combines exposure to increased sea temperature and intrinsic vulnerability to evaluate the risk of climate change for 90 threatened marine species. The results show that 25% of the threatened marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea is under elevated climate risk, with key vulnerability traits identified.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Nikolas Michailidis, Niki Chartosia, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: We used Ecopath with Ecosim to analyze and predict the impact of different fishing scenarios on the structure and functioning of the Cyprus shelf ecosystem. The results showed that changes in fishing mortality had significant effects on the biomass and catch of large pelagic fishes, while demersal fishes responded differently. Invasive lionfish and pufferfishes were greatly affected by increased fishing mortality but could quickly recover when mortalities returned to normal. The simulations highlighted the importance of holistic scientific advice for fisheries management and the uncertainties introduced by ecosystem complexity.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Athanasios Nikolaou, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: A review of literature was conducted to examine the occurrence of marine global and local extinctions and the factors driving them, following PRISMA-EcoEvo guidelines. The study utilized data from the IUCN Red List to enhance the findings. Local extinctions were observed for 717 species, with 18 species being globally extinct. Most extinctions occurred on localized and sub-ecoregion scales. Different taxonomic groups had different drivers of extinction, with high mobility taxa primarily driven by overexploitation and low mobility taxa affected by pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. The majority of extinctions were reported in the Temperate Northern Atlantic and the Central Indo-Pacific. Overexploitation was historically the main driver of marine local extinctions, but in recent decades, climate change, pollution, and climate variability have become dominant factors. Half of the reported extinctions were for species that had not been assessed by the IUCN Red List, and 16% were species in threatened categories. Global extinctions in the marine environment were mainly due to overexploitation, followed by invasive species, habitat destruction, trophic cascades, and pollution. The reliability of the reported extinctions was generally low, highlighting the need for improved monitoring. Enhanced conservation and restoration efforts are urgently required to prevent further biodiversity loss.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michail Ragkousis, Maria Sini, Nikoletta Koukourouvli, Argyro Zenetos, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: The Greek Seas have a significant presence of alien species, with at least 242 reported species, three-quarters of which are established and with an increasing rate of introduction. Some of these species are highly invasive and have severe impacts on native ecosystems. Understanding their distribution is crucial for effective management.
Article
Biology
Athanasios Nikolaou, Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Gil Rilov, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: This study examines the distribution and status of macroalgal communities in the Mediterranean Sea. Invasive herbivorous fish are pushing canopy algae towards shallow waters in the South Aegean and Levantine Sea, while native sea urchins have become rare. In the North Aegean, native sea urchins still exert grazing pressure on macroalgal forests.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eleni Kytinou, Yiannis Issaris, Maria Sini, Maria Salomidi, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: The study introduces and tests a novel ecosystem-based ecological evaluation index for shallow rocky reefs in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The index focuses on specific species across various trophic levels and data is collected through non-destructive diving surveys. Two versions of the index were developed and correlations with environmental factors were assessed. The results indicated a concerning ecological status in the studied area, with extensive coverage of ephemeral macroalgae and absence of important indigenous species.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonios D. Mazaris, Charalampos Dimitriadis, Maria Papazekou, Gail Schofield, Aggeliki Doxa, Anastasia Chatzimentor, Oguz Turkozan, Stelios Katsanevakis, Aphrodite Lioliou, Sara Abalo-Morla, Mustapha Aksissou, Antonella Arcangeli, Vincent Attard, Hedia Attia El Hili, Fabrizio Atzori, Eduardo J. Belda, Lobna Ben Nakhla, Ali A. Berbash, Karen A. Bjorndal, Annette C. Broderick, Juan A. Caminas, Onur Candan, Luis Cardona, Ilija Cetkovic, Nabigha Dakik, Giuseppe Andrea de Lucia, Panayiotis G. Dimitrakopoulos, Salih Diryaq, Costanza Favilli, Caterina Maria Fortuna, Wayne J. Fuller, Susan Gallon, Abdulmaula Hamza, Imed Jribi, Manel Ben Ismail, Yiannis Kamarianakis, Yakup Kaska, Kastriot Korro, Drosos Koutsoubas, Giancarlo Lauriano, Bojan Lazar, David March, Adolfo Marco, Charikleia Minotou, Jonathan R. Monsinjon, Nahla M. Naguib, Andreas Palialexis, Vilma Piroli, Karaa Sami, Bektas Sonmez, Laurent Sourbes, Dogan Sozbilen, Frederic Vandeperre, Pierre Vignes, Michail Xanthakis, Vera Kopsel, Myron A. Peck
Summary: As climate-related impacts threaten marine biodiversity globally, it is important to adjust conservation efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. Translating scientific knowledge into practical management is often complicated due to resource, economic and policy constraints, generating a knowledge-action gap. However, this study in the Mediterranean region demonstrates successful convergence of perceptions among key actors regarding prioritizing adaptation and mitigation measures for marine turtle conservation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Dimitra Marmara, Stelios Katsanevakis, Maria-Violetta Brundo, Francesco Tiralongo, Sara Ignoto, Evangelia Krasakopoulou
Summary: This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis on the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by marine organisms. It reveals that fishes are the most frequently examined group, with a wide range of ingestion quantities. Soft tissue studies of gastropods, bivalves, crustaceans, and echinoderms are also reported. The most frequently found characteristics of MPs are fibrous, less than 1 mm in size, black in color, and composed of polyethylene. The study highlights the importance of adopting harmonized methodological protocols to effectively address the issue of MPs.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Stelios Katsanevakis, Sergej Olenin, Riikka Puntila-Dodd, Gil Rilov, Peter A. U. Staehr, Heliana Teixeira, Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Hans H. Jakobsen, Steen Wilhelm Knudsen, Anders Lanzen, Antonios D. Mazaris, Stefano Piraino, Hannah J. Tidbury
Summary: This review focuses on marine invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe, discussing the current state, proposing strategies to address the problem, and offering recommendations for enhanced management. It highlights the importance of data, standardization of monitoring methods, use of risk screening tools, prevention and control measures, the impact of climate change, and strategies for improved management.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Maria Sini, Michail Ragkousis, Argyro Zenetos, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: Human activities and interventions can introduce alien species to new ecosystems beyond their natural geographical range, negatively impacting native biodiversity. This study assessed the cumulative impacts of invasive species on marine habitats in the heavily affected Aegean Sea. Coastal areas were more impacted than the open sea, with the South Aegean experiencing stronger impacts. Shallow hard substrates were the most impacted habitat type, and the most impactful species varied depending on the habitat and impact indicator used. This study provides important information for managing biological invasions and mitigating their impacts in the Aegean Sea.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luna M. van der Loos, Quinten Bafort, Samuel Bosch, Enric Ballesteros, Ignacio Barbara, Estibaliz Berecibar, Aurelie Blanfune, Kenny Bogaert, Silke Bouckenooghe, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Juliet Brodie, Ester Cecere, Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Aschwin H. Engelen, Karl Gunnarson, Soha Hamdy Shabaka, Razy Hoffman, Vivian Husa, Alvaro Israel, Mart Karremans, Jessica Knoop, Line Le Gall, Christine A. Maggs, Frederic Mineur, Manuela Parente, Frank Perk, Antonella Petrocelli, Conxi Rodriguez-Prieto, Sandrine Ruitton, Marta Sanson, Ester A. Serrao, Adriano Sfriso, Kjersti Sjotun, Valerie Stiger-Pouvreau, Gwladys Surget, Ergun Taskin, Thierry Thibaut, Konstantinos Tsiamis, Lotte Van de Weghe, Marc Verlaque, Frederique Viard, Sofie Vranken, Frederik Leliaert, Olivier De Clerck
Summary: Effective monitoring of non-indigenous seaweeds is important, but there is still uncertainty about the status of many species. This study analysed the status of presumed non-indigenous seaweed species in the Mediterranean Sea, Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and Macaronesia. A list of 140 undisputed non-indigenous species was produced, while the status of 87 species remained unclear. The study also found significant variation in the diversity of non-indigenous species between geographic regions. The current measures and policies are insufficient to battle the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species in the study area.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Valentini Stamatiadou, Antonios Mazaris, Zisis Mallios, Stelios Katsanevakis
Summary: This study assesses the economic importance and spatial distribution of recreational diving in the Aegean Sea. The value of recreational diving as an ecosystem service is estimated at euro154.3 million annually, with euro4.3 million for biodiversity conservation, euro135 million for divers' expenditures, and euro15 million for diving centers' revenues. The distribution of diving value is determined by divers' criteria for selecting dive sites. Recreational diving is crucial for the Aegean coastal communities and should be integrated into conservation strategies and marine spatial planning.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2023)
