Article
Ecology
S. Sreelekshmi, Bijeesh Kozhikkodan Veettil, S. Bijoy Nandan, M. Harikrishnan
Summary: Mangrove forests, considered as highly productive ecosystems, are facing severe threats from both natural and anthropogenic factors, leading to significant decline. The state of Kerala in India has experienced a drastic loss of mangroves, with a lack of scientific information on the mangrove areas. Strengthened conservation measures and restoration programs are necessary to ensure long-term management and protection of these unique ecosystems.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandro Berlinches de Gea, Yann Hautier, Stefan Geisen
Summary: Biodiversity, both aboveground and belowground, is negatively affected by global changes such as drought or warming. This article highlights the need to understand the relationship between soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under the influence of interactive global change drivers. The results from scarce studies studying interactive effects range from antagonistic to additive to synergistic, indicating the importance of quantitatively accounting for the impacts of interactive global change drivers on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relationships.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Wang, Xiaolin Zhang, Hang Shan, Chaochao Lv, Wenjing Ren, Zihao Wen, Yuqing Tian, Benjamin Weigel, Leyi Ni, Te Cao
Summary: Eutrophication poses a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly for submerged macrophytes which have suffered decline. However, research has found that even under eutrophication stress, submerged macrophytes' species richness and functional diversity have positive effects on ecosystem functioning. Species richness is a reliable indicator of community biomass, while functional diversity explains higher coverage variability.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jakob Runge
Summary: Detecting and quantifying causal relations in ecosystem functioning is challenging and involves reasoning about underlying assumptions. A global study on grasslands highlights the importance of considering confounding, nonlinearity, and determinism in modern causal inference approaches in ecology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Gianalberto Losapio, Luisa Genes, Christopher J. Knight, Tyler N. McFadden, Lucas Pavan
Summary: Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem engineers are species that have a significant impact on ecological processes. However, their role is often overlooked and difficult to measure. Understanding ecosystem engineers is crucial for mitigating biodiversity loss and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dezhi Wang, Penghua Qiu, Bo Wan, Zhenxiu Cao, Quanfa Zhang
Summary: This paper presents a novel approach to map plant biodiversity in mangrove forests using satellite imagery and field plots. The results show that alpha- and beta-diversities account for different proportions of the total diversity, and the mapping accuracy varies among different satellite images. The red-edge and near-infrared spectral features are found to be informative for diversity mapping.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Ruhuddien Pandu Yudha, Yoga Septian Sugito, Meriadec Sillanpaa, Sandy Nurvianto
Summary: The mangrove ecosystem of Bintuni Bay in West Papua, Indonesia, covering more than 250,000 ha, is managed and harvested under strict sustainable forest management standards. Monitoring over a period of 10 years showed significant growth and recovery in secondary mangrove forests, with logging impacting plant biodiversity. However, fauna composition was not significantly affected, highlighting the potential for effective restoration of the ecosystem through appropriate environmental management programs.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Christopher J. Henderson, Ben L. Gilby, Edward Stone, Hayden P. Borland, Andrew D. Olds
Summary: This study examined the effects of natural and human landscape variables on fish inhabiting mangrove forests in 30 estuaries across Queensland, Australia. The extent of mangroves and seagrasses within an estuary, the distance to the estuary mouth, and the size of the estuary and catchment were found to be key factors influencing fish community structure. Maintaining natural estuarine seascapes closer to the mouth of estuaries, with lower levels of catchment urbanization, is important for preserving mangrove fish assemblages and their ecological functions.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maik Billing, Kirsten Thonicke, Boris Sakschewski, Werner von Bloh, Ariane Walz
Summary: This study uses machine learning to analyze data and reveals the effects of functional tree trait diversity on the resistance of temperate forests to climate change. The findings show that functional tree trait diversity enhances forest resistance, with a particular emphasis on the importance of functionally diverse understorey trees.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wang Li, Wen-Yong Guo, Maya Pasgaard, Zheng Niu, Li Wang, Fang Chen, Yuchu Qin, Jens-Christian Svenning
Summary: Climate and human factors are the most important drivers of global forest structure, with human factors being dominant at the regional level. Uncertainties still exist regarding the pervasiveness of climate change and human activities on forests and how they will shape the future forest structure. Understanding the relative influences of climate and human activities is essential for predicting the role of forests in carbon cycling, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation strategies.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Regina Nobre, Stephanie Bouletreau, Fanny Colas, Frederic Azemar, Loic Tudesque, Nathalie Parthuisot, Pierre Favriou, Julien Cucherousset
Summary: The development of floating photovoltaics (FPV) to mitigate climate change has raised concerns about its potential ecological impacts on lake biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Current knowledge suggests that increased FPV cover may result in reduced light arrival, wind speed, and water temperature, but the cascading effects on biological and ecological processes remain unknown. FPV can alter individual regulatory processes, affecting primary production and energy transfer within lake food webs. Additionally, FPV can modify the thermal functioning and oxygenation of the water column, providing artificial habitats for organisms. These modifications can influence individual behavior, the composition of plant and animal communities, trophic interactions, and greenhouse gas balances. The impacts of FPV are context-dependent, varying across environmental conditions and industrial characteristics. Empirical quantifications based on robust designs are urgently needed to monitor these potential impacts.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andre S. Rovai, Robert R. Twilley, Edward Castaneda-Moya, Stephen R. Midway, Daniel A. Friess, Carl C. Trettin, Jacob J. Bukoski, Atticus E. L. Stovall, Paulo R. Pagliosa, Alessandra L. Fonseca, Richard A. Mackenzie, Aslan Aslan, Sigit D. Sasmito, Meriadec Sillanpaa, Thomas G. Cole, Joko Purbopuspito, Matthew W. Warren, Daniel Murdiyarso, Wolfram Mofu, Sahadev Sharma, Pham Hong Tinh, Pablo Riul
Summary: Mangrove wetlands have diverse tree communities spanning broad geographical gradients. The study found that factors such as latitudinal variation, allometric scaling relationships, and species composition do not significantly impact mangrove forest structure and biomass allocation. Regional climate and hydroperiod play a greater role in controlling biomass accumulation across global geographical gradients.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesco Polazzo, Talles Bruno Oliveira dos Anjos, Alba Arenas-Sanchez, Susana Romo, Marco Vighi, Andreu Rico
Summary: This study found that the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions is influenced by nutrients and pesticides, with different effects of pesticides under different nutrient conditions. Eutrophication can increase resistance to pesticides and promote the dominance of more resilient species. Stressor interactions can affect the recovery of community composition, and the correlation between biodiversity and ecosystem functions may shift under certain stress conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik S. Yando, Taylor M. Sloey, Farid Dahdouh-Guebas, Kerrylee Rogers, Guilherme M. O. Abuchahla, Stefano Cannicci, Steven W. J. Canty, Tim C. Jennerjahn, Danielle E. Ogurcak, Janine B. Adams, Rod M. Connolly, Karen Diele, Shing Yip Lee, Jennifer K. Rowntree, Sahadev Sharma, Kyle C. Cavanaugh, Nicole Cormier, Ilka C. Feller, Sara Fratini, Xiaoguang Ouyang, Alison K. S. Wee, Daniel A. Friess
Summary: The complexity of ecosystem status assessment is highlighted, with multiple interacting drivers and cumulative effects posing challenges for mitigation and rehabilitation efforts. A holistic evaluation of degradation is necessary through the consideration of multiple indicators for a better understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Rajiv Pandey, Jyoti Sharma, Rajat Singh, Monika Rawat, Himani Saklani, Pankaj Kumar Tomar, Laxmikant Tiwari, Indra Dutt Bhatt, Tara Chand, Nirmalya Bala, Vijender Pal Panwar, Teodoro Semeraro
Summary: This paper estimates the vulnerability of various temperate forests in the Western Himalayas to climate change using different taxonomical indices based on primary data. The vulnerability assessment is done through the IPCC framework, considering exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Field data from 17 temperate forests in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, India were collected and analyzed. The most vulnerable forests to climate change in the area were identified. The proposed method provides a way to estimate forest vulnerability based on actual field data.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. Carugati, R. Melis, A. Cariani, A. Cau, V. Crobe, A. Ferrari, M. C. Follesa, M. L. Geraci, S. P. Iglesias, P. Pesci, F. Tinti, R. Cannas
Summary: Skates are difficult to identify due to their conservative body morphology, leading to taxonomic confusion and mislabelling. Accurate classification is crucial for reliable stock assessments and effective conservation plans, especially for endangered species.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giusy Catalano, Valentina Crobe, Alice Ferrari, Romano Baino, Daniela Massi, Antonino Titone, Cecilia Mancusi, Fabrizio Serena, Rita Cannas, Laura Carugati, Farid Hemida, Chiara Manfredi, Riccardo Melis, Giuseppe Scarcella, Letizia Sion, Marco Stagioni, Fausto Tinti, Alessia Cariani
Summary: The Mediterranean starry ray population in the Mediterranean Sea consists of three distinct units in the western, central-western, and central-eastern areas, with an admixture zone in the Strait of Sicily and the Ionian Sea. Analysis of rajid egg cases revealed the presence of more than one species in the admixture area, but predominantly egg cases laid by R. asterias.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Cau, Simone Franceschini, Davide Moccia, Pankaj A. Gorule, Blondine Agus, Andrea Bellodi, Rita Cannas, Laura Carugati, Danila Cuccu, Claudia Dessi, Martina F. Marongiu, Riccardo Melis, Antonello Mulas, Riccardo Porceddu, Cristina Porcu, Tommaso Russo, Maria Cristina Follesa
Summary: The analysis indicates that there is no temporal trend in the density and weight of seafloor macro-litter, but rather a spatial and bathymetric segregation of different litter categories. Different sources and physical features of macro-litter items lead to spatially segregated accumulation hotspots, with potential spots for future litter removal actions being shallower depths and closer to coastlines.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cinzia Corinaldesi, Sara Canensi, Laura Carugati, Marco Lo Martire, Francesca Marcellini, Ettore Nepote, Simona Sabbatini, Roberto Danovaro
Summary: The study investigated the impacts of microplastic pollution and organic enrichment on meiofaunal distribution and diversity in the Maldivian archipelago. It found that the effects were more significant in the anthropized island, with increased abundance of opportunistic nematodes and copepods. The coexistence of chronic organic enrichment and microplastics may significantly increase ecological impacts on meiofaunal assemblages.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Blondine Agus, Pierluigi Carbonara, Riccardo Melis, Rita Cannas, Laura Carugati, Jacopo Cera, Marilena Donnaloia, Antonello Mulas, Antonio Pais, Stefano Ruiu, Giuseppe Vinci, Danila Cuccu
Summary: An integrative approach combining morphological and genetic analyses was used for the first time to identify the species of Mediterranean samples belonging to the genus Tremoctopus. The study confirmed that the samples collected in Mediterranean waters are Tremoctopus violaceus. The research also provided detailed descriptions of morphometric and biological features, as well as age estimation of the samples.
Article
Biology
Laura Carugati, Davide Moccia, Lorenzo Bramanti, Rita Cannas, Maria Cristina Follesa, Susanna Salvadori, Alessandro Cau
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and demography of two hard-bottom octocorals in the Western Mediterranean Sea and explored their possible mutual influences when co-occurring. The results showed that populations dwelling in deeper habitats exhibited immature or disturbed demographic features, and the density of one species was positively correlated to that of the other. This study highlights the importance of further research to understand the inter-specific relationships in these vulnerable ecosystems.
Article
Biology
Davide Moccia, Laura Carugati, Maria Cristina Follesa, Rita Cannas, Pierluigi Carbonara, Antonio Pusceddu, Alessandro Cau
Summary: This study assessed the environmental status of seven black coral forests in the Mediterranean Sea. The results showed that different geomorphological settings and human activities have an impact on the environmental status of these forests. Most of the forests showed a high and good environmental status, while two forests had a moderate and poor status.
Article
Biology
Cristina Porcu, Laura Carugati, Andrea Bellodi, Pierluigi Carbonara, Alessandro Cau, Danila Cuccu, Faustina Barbara Cannea, Martina Francesca Marongiu, Antonello Mulas, Alessandra Padiglia, Noemi Pascale, Paola Pesci, Maria Cristina Follesa
Summary: This study analyzed the reproductive parameters of the European spiny lobster in two fully protected areas in Sardinia, Italy. The results showed that the population inside the protected areas had higher egg production over time, indicating the positive impact of the restocking program. The study highlights the importance of protected areas in fisheries management and conservation planning.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonello Mulas, Simone Sbaraglia, Andrea Bellodi, Isabella Bitetto, Pierluigi Carbonara, Laura Carugati, Alessandro Cau, Martina Francesca Marongiu, Noemi Pascale, Cristina Porcu, Walter Zupa, Maria Cristina Follesa
Summary: The effectiveness of restocking programs in FPAs can be influenced by the movement behavior of the species being protected. Through analyzing the movement of tagged Palinurus elephas specimens in FPAs surrounding Sardinia, it was found that individuals progressively traveled greater distances with increasing release distance, but mobility decreased and became more chaotic for larger release distances. Establishing a threshold limit for release distance can help design FPAs that preserve a portion of individuals within the borders while also allowing for spillover into commercial areas.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Riccardo Melis, Laura Vacca, Alessia Cariani, Laura Carugati, Charis Charilaou, Simone Di Crescenzo, Alice Ferrari, Maria Cristina Follesa, Cecilia Mancusi, Valentina Pinna, Fabrizio Serena, Letizia Sion, Fausto Tinti, Rita Cannas
Summary: The thornback ray is the most important chondrichthyan in terms of landings in the Mediterranean Sea. Genetic diversity information should be considered in fisheries management and conservation policies. Microsatellite markers were used to study the genetic features of thornback ray populations, revealing significant genetic differences between Mediterranean and Atlantic rays, as well as within the Mediterranean Sea.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
S. Salvadori, F. Deidda, L. Carugati, R. Melis, E. Costa, M. Sibiriu, E. Coluccia
Summary: In this study, we used two-color FISH technique to describe the chromosomal location of major (45S rDNA) and minor (5S rDNA) ribosomal gene families in several lobster species. We found that the major ribosomal family is located in multiple sites per chromosome set, with Nephrops norvegicus having the highest number reported so far. The minor ribosomal genes were found to be syntenic with one major ribosomal cluster in N. norvegicus. Additionally, we identified the telomeric repeat sequence (TTAGG) (n) in the studied species and observed its colocalization with 45S ribosomal sequences in Homarus gammarus.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Riccardo Melis, Laura Vacca, Alessia Cariani, Laura Carugati, Alessandro Cau, Charis Charilaou, Simone Di Crescenzo, Alice Ferrari, Maria Cristina Follesa, Farid Hemida, Sarah Helyar, Sabrina Lo Brutto, Letizia Sion, Fausto Tinti, Rita Cannas
Summary: This study used microsatellite markers to analyze the population genetics of the small-spotted catshark. Significant genetic differences were found between geographic populations in the Mediterranean Sea and between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. The results also suggest that the Strait of Gibraltar does not represent a complete barrier to the exchange of individuals between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Stara, Riccardo Melis, Andrea Bellodi, Maria Cristina Follesa, Carlo Corradini, Laura Carugati, Antonello Mulas, Michela Sibiriu, Rita Cannas
Summary: This study analyzed 270 specimens of Spatangidae trawled in the Sardinian seas to identify diagnostic characters at the genus level and distinguish two distinct forms within the studied material. Based on morphological and genetic analysis, most individuals were classified as Spatangus purpureus, while a few were similar to Spatangus raschi. Based on the differences, the authors propose to maintain the genus Spatangus and establish the new genus Propespatagus to include other species previously classified as Spatangus. These findings contribute to taxonomic clarification and species identification in the Mediterranean region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Riccardo Melis, Simone Di Crescenzo, Alessia Cariani, Alice Ferrari, Valentina Crobe, Andrea Bellodi, Antonello Mulas, Laura Carugati, Elisabetta Coluccia, Maria Cristina Follesa, Rita Cannas
Summary: This study focused on three species of electric rays in the Mediterranean Sea, and found that the population in Sardinia has high genetic diversity and should be prioritized for conservation. The study also confirmed the presence of only the three species in the investigated area, but suggested the possibility of cryptic species in other regions and genera/families.
Article
Fisheries
Margherita Toma, Marzia Bo, Riccardo Cattaneo-Vietti, Simonepietro Canese, Martina Canessa, Rita Cannas, Frine Cardone, Laura Carugati, Alessandro Cau, Giuseppe Corriero, Maria Cristina Follesa, Maria Mercurio, Silvestro Greco, Franco Andaloro, Giorgio Bavestrello
Summary: An analysis of ROV dives along the Italian coasts revealed the current distribution and habitat preferences of the red coral species Corallium rubrum. The species is widespread, with higher abundance in Sardinia. It prefers depths between 75 m and 125 m, and thrives in habitats dominated by crustose coralline algae.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
