Article
Fisheries
Raouia Ghanem, Jamila Ben Souissi, Jean-Baptiste Ledoux, Cristina Linares, Joaquim Garrabou
Summary: The study assessed for the first time the population structure and disturbance levels of the most common gorgonian in Tunisia, revealing significant differences in tissue injury and suggesting a low conservation status of the studied Tunisian populations. These data are crucial for understanding the conservation status of Eunicella singularis in Tunisia.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
N. Eda Topcu, I. Noyan Yilmaz, Cansu Saracogl, Tancrede Barraud, Bayram Oztuerk
Summary: The yellow gorgonian Eunicella cavolini, a Mediterranean endemic coral, has experienced population declines due to climatic anomalies. Major infrastructure projects on remote islands put healthy gorgonian communities at risk. Through collaboration with a local NGO, successful transplantation and extensive media coverage led to the declaration of the recipient area as a Marine Protected Area.
JOURNAL FOR NATURE CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Edoardo Casoli, Daniele Ventura, Gianluca Mancini, Sara Cardone, Fulvia Farina, Lorenzo Donnini, Daniela Silvia Pace, Richard Shaul, Andrea Belluscio, Giandomenico Ardizzone
Summary: The study conducted transplantations of Gorgonians in the Mediterranean Sea and found a high survival rate, with main losses attributed to detachment from the substrate. Monitoring showed similar growth and healing rates between transplanted and natural colonies, with epibiosis and necrosis events observed during summer.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
L. Vulis, A. Tejedor, H. Ma, J. H. Nienhuis, C. M. Broaddus, J. Brown, D. A. Edmonds, J. C. Rowland, E. Foufoula-Georgiou
Summary: In this study, a novel multiscale characterization of shorelines is introduced, which explains the relative influence of fluvial, wave, and tidal processes on delta formation and evolution. The characterization method automatically divides deltas into morphologically similar classes, known as delta morphotypes, and predicts the dominant forcing of each class. The study also shows the consistency between the inferred dominant forcings from shoreline structure and the estimated sediment fluxes, while recognizing the deviations caused by spatiotemporal heterogeneity in sediment fluxes.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marta Mammone, Christine Ferrier-Pages, Silvia Lavorano, Lucia Rizzo, Stefano Piraino, Sergio Rossi
Summary: Ecological profiling of non-native species is crucial for predicting their potential dispersal and invasiveness globally. In this study, Cassiopea jellyfish were found to have high photosynthetic performance and plasticity to adapt to changes in light exposure, indicating their potential to be successful invaders in a warming Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, differences in chlorophyll content and P:R ratio suggest potential impacts of different irradiance levels on the jellyfish's physiology.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. Gomez-Gras, N. Bensoussan, J. B. Ledoux, P. Lopez-Sendino, C. Cerrano, E. Ferretti, S. Kipson, T. Bakran-Petricioli, E. A. Serrao, D. Paulo, M. A. G. Coelho, G. A. Pearson, J. Boavida, I Montero-Serra, M. Pages-Escola, A. Medrano, A. Lopez-Sanz, M. Milanese, C. Linares, J. Garrabou
Summary: Understanding the factors that contribute to the sensitivity of benthic species to heat stress is crucial for predicting their vulnerability to climate change. This study investigates the response of the red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata to thermal stress at different scales and finds that while the species lacks overall thermotolerance, there is variation in thermotolerance within populations. These findings suggest that the species may have adaptive potential to future warming through standing genetic variation and/or environmentally-induced phenotypic variation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Luigi Piazzi, Fabrizio Atzori, Nicoletta Cadoni, Maria Francesca Cinti, Francesca Frau, Arianna Pansini, Federico Pinna, Patrizia Stipcich, Giulia Ceccherelli
Summary: The study investigated the impact of local gorgonian coral mortality on the coralligenous assemblage and found significant changes in the structure of the underwater ecosystem, particularly in species diversity and biological composition. The shift in the assemblage involved gradual changes in the main taxa, indicating that determining the specific causes of these transformations may be challenging.
Article
Biology
D. Gomez-Gras, C. Linares, A. Lopez-Sanz, R. Amate, J. B. Ledoux, N. Bensoussan, P. Drap, O. Bianchimani, C. Marschal, O. Torrents, F. Zuberer, E. Cebrian, N. Teixido, M. Zabala, S. Kipson, D. K. Kersting, I Montero-Serra, M. Pages-Escola, A. Medrano, M. Frleta-Valic, D. Dimarchopoulou, P. Lopez-Sendino, J. Garrabou
Summary: In a Mediterranean marine protected area, habitat-forming octocoral populations impacted by a severe marine heatwave in 2003 have not recovered after 15 years, facing collapse trajectories that may have been hindered by recurrent marine heatwaves. This highlights the significant risk recurrent marine heatwaves pose for the long-term integrity and functioning of emblematic temperate reefs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Enrico Montalbetti, Sofia Cavallo, Annalisa Azzola, Simone Montano, Paolo Galli, Monica Montefalcone, Davide Seveso
Summary: The red gorgonian Paramuricea clavata plays important roles in the Mediterranean Sea by enhancing habitat biodiversity and functioning as a fundamental ecosystem engineer. However, this species is endangered due to climate change-related stressors, such as mucilage events, which cause significant damage and mortality. This study investigated the cellular responses of mucilage-colonized P. clavata specimens, revealing that mucilage affects cellular oxidative status and lipid cell membranes. The up-regulation of antioxidant mechanisms may serve as a defense against harmful conditions caused by mucilage overgrowth. The analysis provides new insights into the cellular and molecular responses of gorgonians to stress sources that are likely to worsen in a climate change scenario.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Orenes-Salazar, Pedro Clemente Navarro-Martinez, Juan Manuel Ruiz, Jose Antonio Garcia-Charton
Summary: This study evaluated the long-term response of the habitat-forming octocoral Eunicella singularis to recurrent marine heatwaves in a Mediterranean marine protected area. The study found that two mass-mortality events in 2007 and 2018 dramatically disrupted the local gorgonian population. Furthermore, continuous marine heatwaves from 2014 to 2021 caused significant accumulated damage and decreased resilience.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Padron, M. Milhes, A. Delcamp, E. Guichoux
Summary: A set of SNP markers was developed from the transcriptome of the gorgonian Leptogorgia sarmentosa, with 153 polymorphic SNPs successfully genotyped. These newly developed loci will be valuable tools for population genetics studies of one of the most ubiquitous gorgonian species in the Mediterranean Sea.
CONSERVATION GENETICS RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stefania De Domenico, Gianluca De Rinaldis, Marta Mammone, Mar Bosch-Belmar, Stefano Piraino, Antonella Leone
Summary: This study investigates the biochemical characteristics of Cassiopea andromeda, a jellyfish species that hosts dinoflagellate symbionts. The research finds that these symbionts produce bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties and other beneficial biological activities. The study applies a fractionation method to separate the different components of the jellyfish, with the oral arms being found to contain more symbionts and pigments. These findings suggest that C. andromeda-dinoflagellate holobiont could be a promising source of bioactive compounds for various biotechnological applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Marchini, Valentina Fossati, Martina Cerpelloni, Erik Caroselli, Giuseppe Falini, Zvy Dubinsky, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: This study fills the knowledge gap about the reproductive biology of a widespread Mediterranean and Northern Atlantic coral, providing detailed information on its sexual characteristics, gametogenesis, and reproductive cycle.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Marcio A. G. Coelho, Gareth A. Pearson, Joana R. H. Boavida, Diogo Paulo, Didier Aurelle, Sophie Arnaud-Haond, Daniel Gomez-Gras, Nathaniel Bensoussan, Paula Lopez-Sendino, Carlo Cerrano, Silvija Kipson, Tatjana Bakran-Petricioli, Eliana Ferretti, Cristina Linares, Joaquim Garrabou, Ester A. Serrao, Jean-Baptiste Ledoux
Summary: This study found clear differentiation between Atlantic and Mediterranean lineages of the octocoral genus Paramuricea previously identified as P. clavata. Additionally, it identified a potential speciation event within the Atlantic population of P. cf. grayi involving two color morphotypes. These findings have important implications for conservation planning and validate the usefulness of phylotranscriptomics in resolving evolutionary relationships in octocorals.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Nuria Viladrich, Lorenzo Bramanti, Georgios Tsounis, Martina Coppari, Carlos Dominguez-Carrio, Audrey Pruski, Sergio Rossi
Summary: The energy consumption of lecithotrophic larvae affects their performance, with different species showing varying levels of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) consumption. The larvae of Corallium rubrum consume the most FFA, followed by Eunicella singularis, and Paramuricea clavata. These differences in FFA consumption may explain the larval behavior and survival rates of the species.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
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
Evolutionary Biology
Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez, Jim Drewery
Summary: This study reclassifies specimens of the Umbellula genus through molecular phylogenetic analysis, resulting in the description of a new family, two new genera, and a new species. Molecular analyses validate the separation of certain morphological features and reveal previously unknown species relationships.
INVERTEBRATE SYSTEMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study describes and illustrates a previously described species and a new species belonging to the recently described sea pen genus Alloptilella Li, Zhan & Xu, 2021 based on morphological and molecular analyses. The two species, Alloptilella moseleyi comb. nov. (Kolliker, 1880) and Alloptilella williamsi sp. nov., share similarities with the type species in overall appearance but differ in polyp leaf placement, coloration, and spicular features. Alloptilella williamsi sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Marina Biel-Cabanelas, Andreu Santin, Mireia Montasell, Janire Salazar, Patricia Baena, Nuria Viladrich, Maria Montseny, Guillem Corbera, Stefano Ambroso, Jordi Grinyo
Summary: Although limited information is currently available about Astrospartus mediterraneus, an unusually high abundance of this basket star was observed in the Cap de Creus area, causing interference with local artisanal fisheries. This study aimed to elucidate the abundance, distribution, size, and structure of A. mediterraneus populations, as well as to evaluate its potential impact on artisanal fisheries' performance.
CONTINENTAL SHELF RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Florian Lueskow, Maarten Boersma, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez, Evgeny A. Pakhomov
Summary: This study examined the organic content, elemental composition and energy content of freshwater hydrozoan jellyfish and compared them with their marine counterparts and other co-occurring zooplankton. Molecular analysis revealed two closely related sequences in North America. The results showed that freshwater jellyfish are stoichiometrically and energetically different from marine jellyfish, highlighting their higher importance in freshwater food webs.
JOURNAL OF PLANKTON RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Francisco J. Garcia-Cardenas, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: This study investigates the reproductive biology of Pteroeides spinosum, a pennatulacean species found in the NW Mediterranean Sea. The species was found to be gonochoric with a bimodal distribution of oocytes and a unimodal distribution of spermatocysts. No hermaphroditism or internal fertilization was observed in the colonies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez, Jim Drewery, Gary C. Williams
Summary: This study provides a morphological and molecular examination of the sea pen genus Gyrophyllum and re-confirms its taxonomic placement. It suggests the placement of Gyrophyllum in a separate family and resolves the nomenclatural uncertainty. It also re-evaluates the distinguishing characteristics between two species within the genus.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TAXONOMY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francisco J. Garcia-Cardenas, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: In this study, we aim to determine the biogeographical distribution of sea pens, including recently described species. We also assess the diversity and faunistic affinities among pennatulaceans in the world's oceans and examine the level of faunistic isolation between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic. Lastly, we contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the hypothetical oldest diversification center of sea pen lineages.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandra Martines, Giulia Furfaro, Michele Solca, Maurizio Muzzi, Andrea Di Giulio, Sergio Rossi
Summary: Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine fauna and human health. Further research is needed to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in marine sediments and their interaction with benthic detritivore species. The Mediterranean Sea, particularly the Salento peninsula, provides a valuable natural laboratory for studying microplastic dispersion events.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Manuel M. Gonzalez-Duarte, Cesar Megina, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: Through the study of new and abundant materials collected in Ceuta, southern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, we have refined the morphological diagnosis of Eudendrium capillaroides Schuchert, 2008. It is characterized by small monosiphonic colonies, a dense ring at the base of the hydranth, and a preference for growing on other hydroids. Molecular analysis was also conducted to assess its status within the genus Eudendrium and its similarity to E. capillare. Accurate description of tiny, inconspicuous, and/or cryptic species is important for estimating global marine diversity and understanding marine communities.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Esperanza Cano-Sanchez, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: In this study, specimens of the pycnogonid genus Colossendeis collected during a research cruise in the Antarctic were examined. Thirteen species were identified, including two new species. The taxonomic status of all species was discussed and a cluster analysis was conducted based on morphological characters.
MARINE BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jordi Grinyo, Jacopo Aguzzi, Ellen Kenchington, Corrado Costa, Ulrike Hanz, Furu Mienis
Summary: This study used high-temporal resolution imaging and environmental data to investigate the dynamics and behavior of the Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) in the Sambro Bank Sponge Conservation Area for 10 months. The study found that the behavior and abundance of S. fasciatus in this area are influenced by near-bed environmental conditions, with structural complexity provided by sponges positively affecting their presence. This study provides new insights into the dynamics and behavior of this threatened species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Maria Carla Benedetti, Lorenzo Bramanti, Giovanni Santangelo
Summary: This study investigates the recruitment process of the red coral in the Mediterranean. The red coral reproduces in summer, and the settled larvae can be observed in autumn. The study finds that the recruitment density and distribution of the red coral are influenced by geographical location and substrate.
OCEANS-SWITZERLAND
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Francisco J. Garcia-Cardenas, Pablo J. Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: Sea pens are important structural species in soft bottom benthic communities. This study investigated the age, growth rates, and reproductive traits of Anthoptilum murrayi in the northeastern Atlantic. The results showed a correlation between growth and reproduction, indicating that larger colonies of A. murrayi may be older and produce more offspring.
MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
