Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrzej Pisera, Vasilis Gerovasileiou
Summary: Desmas-bearing demosponges known as lithistids have heavily silicified skeleton and are typically found in bathyal environments of warm and tropical areas, but may also occur in certain shallow marine caves. This study reports the presence of two lithistid species in the north-eastern Mediterranean marine caves, with an unexpected association between lithistids and freshwater springs leading to their development. Age estimation suggests that the large populations of lithistids discovered in the caves could be as old as 769-909 years, having colonized the caves from adjacent deep-water areas after the last glaciation.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Periasamy Rengaiyan, Baban Ingole
Summary: Deep-sea sponges play a vital role in benthic ecosystems by filtering suspended organic matter and providing suitable habitats. A study of cladorhizid sponges from the Central Indian Ridge reveals unique and regionally endemic benthic habitats.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caterina Longo, Guadalupe Gimenez, Francesco Miscioscia, Giuseppe Corriero
Summary: Submerged and semi-submerged marine caves are important habitats for preserving biodiversity in the Mediterranean. A study in Apulia, Italy, revealed the presence of 145 sponge species in marine caves, with the Tremiti archipelago, Adriatic coast of Bari, and the Salento Peninsula being the best studied areas. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research on sponge fauna in many marine caves along the Apulian coast.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andreu Santin, Jordi Grinyo, Maria Jesus Uriz, Claudio Lo Iacono, Josep Maria Gili, Pere Puig
Summary: Cold-water coral reefs (CWC) in the Mediterranean Sea are considered biodiversity hotspots, with sponge fauna within these habitats being poorly explored. The study provides new insights on sponge fauna associated with CWC in the Mediterranean, including the discovery of new species. While Mediterranean CWC appear as poriferan biodiversity hotspots, the current diversity values only represent a small fraction of the actual fauna.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
M. Canessa, G. Bavestrello, E. Trainito, C. N. Bianchi, C. Morri, A. Navone, R. Cattaneo-Vietti
Summary: Coralligenous reefs in the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by a rich species diversity and habitat heterogeneity, with crustose coralline algae and sponges dominating on granitic substrates. In the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, communities developing on isolated granitic outcrops are mainly composed of sponges, with increasing animal dominance at depth. The distinctive lack of typical biogenic hard substrate made by coralline algae and uneven distribution of gorgonians make these circalittoral communities unique in the Mediterranean.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Huynh Nguyen Khanh Tran, Min Jin Kim, A-Young Shin, Le Viet Ha Tran, Jihoon Lee, Yeon-Ju Lee
Summary: Ten new norterpene alkaloids, coscinoderines A-J (1-10), were isolated from the marine sponge Coscinoderma bakusi. Each coscinoderine contains a 1,2,5-trisubstituted pyridinium moiety bearing a terpene unit at the C-2 position. The structures were determined using NMR and HRMS data, and the absolute stereochemistry of compound 4 was confirmed by comparing calculated and measured ECD spectra. The discovery of these coscinoderines expands the range of pyridinium alkaloids found in marine sponges.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Raluca Ioana Bancila, Stelios Katsanevakis, Argyro Zenetos
Summary: This study provides an updated and validated list of introduced species in marine caves of the Mediterranean Sea, revealing a doubling in the number of introduced species in the past eight years. The eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Levantine and Aegean ecoregions, has the highest number of introduced species, mostly originating from the Indo-Pacific. Most introduced species are found at the entrance and in the semi-dark zone of caves. Although data on the impact of introduced species on marine cave biodiversity is lacking, the results highlight the need for continuous inventorying and monitoring given their high species richness and population explosions of some alien fish in the region.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liron Goren, Tal Idan, Sigal Shefer, Micha Ilan
Summary: Polychaetes are common marine organisms, with stable, diverse and specialized communities living in sponges. Studies show that the trophic structure of sponge-associated polychaetes is consistent across the entire Mediterranean, with taxonomically related species forming these communities. These results indicate a well-adapted, non-transient assembly of polychaetes in sponges.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kylie Hesp, Jans M. E. van der Heijden, Stephanie Munroe, Detmer Sipkema, Dirk E. E. Martens, Rene H. H. Wijffels, Shirley A. A. Pomponi
Summary: In this study, the first continuous marine sponge cell line derived from G. barretti was established. It was found that G. barretti cells cultured in OpM1 medium grew more rapidly and to a higher density than in M1 medium. This breakthrough overcomes a major obstacle in the production of biopharmaceuticals with sponge cells at industrial scale for decades.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia De Marchi, Monia Renzi, Serena Anselmi, Carlo Pretti, Elisa Guazzelli, Elisa Martinelli, Alessia Cuccaro, Matteo Oliva, Michele Magri, Fabio Bulleri
Summary: This study assessed the uptake of polyethylene microplastics (MPs) by Mediterranean sponges and their effects on key biological processes. The results revealed that the time of exposure is a key factor influencing the toxicity of MPs in sponges, and sponges may serve as potential bioindicators for MP pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Gustavo A. Ramirez, Rinat Bar-Shalom, Andrea Furlan, Roberto Romeo, Michelle Gavagnin, Gianluca Calabrese, Arkadiy I. Garber, Laura Steindler
Summary: Methanotrophic bacteria from the candidate phylum Binatota have been found in oxygenated shallow-water marine sponges, where methane is synthesized via two independent pathways involving methylamine and methylphosphonate transformations. Methylphosphonate may come from seawater filtered by the sponge host, while methylamines may be generated from sponge cell debris by different microbial lineages. Additionally, pigment-producing methanotrophs affiliated with Binatota may provide a photoprotective function and participate in the C-1 metabolic loop involving the sponge host and associated microbial community.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Eleonora Tassara, Boaz Orel, Micha Ilan, Dario Cavallo, Andrea Dodero, Maila Castellano, Silvia Vicini, Marco Giovine, Marina Pozzolini
Summary: This study investigates the molecular and chemical-physical properties of collagen extracted from Chondrosia reniformis sponges collected in different seasons to evaluate the potential impact of sea temperature. The results show that collagen fibrils extracted from samples at 17 degrees C have lower lysyl-hydroxylation level, thermal stability, and protein glycosylation level compared to those extracted from samples at 27 degrees C. Membranes made from 17 degrees C fibrils exhibit higher stiffness than those made from 27 degrees C fibrils. The differences in collagen properties are important in guiding the use of the biomaterial.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xueyan Xiang, Davide Poli, Bernard M. Degnan, Sandie M. Degnan
Summary: This study compares the effectiveness of poly(A)-RNA-Seq and rRNA-depleted-RNA-Seq in capturing gene expression in the holobiont of the marine demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica. While both methods showed no significant difference in the host sponge transcriptomes, rRNA-depleted-RNA-Seq outperformed poly(A)-RNA-Seq in capturing symbiont transcriptomes. The results suggest that rRNA-depletion is an effective method for simultaneous gene expression profiling of both host and symbionts in holobiont studies.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Do Thi Trang, Bui Huu Tai, Dan Thi Thuy Hang, Pham Hai Yen, Nguyen Xuan Nhiem, Phan Van Kiem
Summary: Four new aaptamine alkaloids were isolated from the sponge Aaptos, showing significant cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines. One of the compounds exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity among them.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Michail Ragkousis, Markos Digenis, Marcelo Kovacic, Stelios Katsanevakis, Vasilis Gerovasileiou
Summary: This study reveals the scarcity of data on the distribution and ecology of cryptobenthic fish in marine caves of the Mediterranean Sea, and presents new records of eight rarely reported species. Complementary citizen science data and in situ observations were used to fill distribution gaps, demonstrating that cryptobenthic mobile species in understudied cryptic habitats are more common than previously thought in the Mediterranean Sea.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Pierre Chevaldonne, Joan Ll Pretus
Summary: Thirty years after its initial discovery, the marine cave stenopodid shrimp Odontozona addaia is reported for the second time, with new specimens found in marine caves in southern France. Morphological variability and DNA sequences suggest that the closest relatives of O. addaia are Odontozona meloi from the western Atlantic and Odontozona minoica from the eastern Mediterranean, although further research is needed to resolve their relationship.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iga-Maria Nestorowicz, Frederico Oliveira, Pedro Monteiro, Luis Bentes, Nuno Sales Henriques, Ricardo Aguilar, Barbara Horta e Costa, Jorge M. S. Goncalves
Summary: The study analyzed data from a ROV survey in the upper Sao Vicente Submarine Canyon in Portugal, identifying 13 potential priority habitats, including four coral gardens and one deep-sea sponge aggregation that align with OSPAR definitions of priority habitats. Depth was found to be a crucial factor in habitat distribution, followed by relief and substratum.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Bruno Almon, Jose A. Cuesta, Christoph D. Schubart, Lisa Armenia, J. Enrique Garcia-Raso
Summary: Examination of material and molecular analysis revealed the presence of multiple species within the common diogenid hermit crab Diogenes pugilator. Three species were recognized, including redescribed D. pugilator, resurrected D. curvimanus, and a newly described Diogenes armatus sp. nov. The study also suggests the existence of additional unknown species within the D. pugilator species complex.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Fernando Tuya, Ricardo Aguilar, Fernando Espino, Nestor E. Bosch, Eva K. M. Meyers, David Jimenez-Alvarado, Jose J. Castro, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Ricardo Haroun
Summary: Through a study in the Canary Islands, it was found that different islands have an impact on the distribution and abundance of batoids, likely related to insular shelf area, availability of habitats, and the proximity to nearby continents. Significant variations in population abundance among islands suggest that whole archipelago management strategies are unlikely to effectively protect these species, necessitating individual island-specific management plans and focused research to fill data gaps.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
A. De la Torriente Diez, J. M. Gonzalez-Irusta, A. Serrano, R. Aguilar, F. Sanchez, M. Blanco, A. Punzon
Summary: The study assessed the impact of fishing activities on benthic communities, finding varying degrees of disturbance to benthic habitats, with biogenic habitats showing greater sensitivity. Trawling and longlining were identified as the main fishing methods, with different habitats exhibiting varying levels of sensitivity to these activities.
Article
Zoology
Bruno Almon, Jacinto Perez-Dieste, Alejandro de Carlos, Rafael Banon
Summary: Infestations by shell-boring polychaetes pose a serious threat to the king scallop exploitation in Galicia, potentially causing economic losses.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Bruno Almon, Jose A. Cuesta, J. Enrique Garcia-Raso
Summary: A new hermit crab species, Diogenes erythromanus sp. nov., and a morphologically similar species, Diogenes arguinensis sp. nov., are described and illustrated based on specimens from the Mediterranean coasts and Mauritanian waters. Molecular phylogenetic analysis supports their distinctness and suggests a closer relationship to tropical species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
Marie Grenier, Tal Idan, Pierre Chevaldonne, Thierry Perez
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Bruno Almon, Jose A. Cuesta, J. Enrique Garcia Raso
Summary: This study identified a new undescribed species of hermit crab, Pagurus pectinidactylus, found in the collections of the Oceanographic Institute of Cadiz. The new species is characterized by a well-developed toothless pectinate masticatory border in the left cheliped. Molecular phylogenetic analyses support its distinct classification.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Bruno Almon, Eva Garcia-Isarch, Jose A. Cuesta, Enrique Garcia-Raso
Summary: The unique colour patterns of hermit crab species in the Iberian Peninsula and nearby areas were studied using live specimens. The study demonstrates that these live colour patterns are useful for distinguishing species in the studied region. Previous studies have rarely documented colour information due to difficulties in obtaining live specimens. This study provides a complete key for identifying species based on colour patterns and is the first attempt at creating a tool for field work. Further research is needed to supplement and update this information, especially for rare or difficult to observe species.
Article
Zoology
Nicole Boury-Esnault, Gerard Bellan, Denise Bellan-Santini, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Pierre Chevaldonne, Alrick Dias, Daniel Faget, Jean-Georges Harmelin, Mireille Harmelin-Vivien, Christophe Lejeusne, Thierry Perez, Jean Vacelet, Marc Verlaque
Summary: In the mid-19th century, Marseille became a center of interest for European scientists in marine natural sciences. The first Zoology Laboratory was established in 1868, followed by the creation of the Station Marine d'Endoume in 1889. This institution has survived wars and continues to exist today. An inventory of taxa described by scientists from the Station Marine d'Endoume was compiled and arranged in a public database. The study shows how taxonomic descriptions contributed to scientific knowledge and discusses trends in taxonomic and naturalistic research based on the institution's experience.
Article
Biology
Rafael Banon, Bruno Almon, Sonia Rabade, Maria Berta Rios, Alejandro de Carlos
Summary: In this study, DNA sequences from public repositories were analyzed to determine the taxonomic composition of the genus Magnisudis and its relationships within the family Paralepididae. The specimen captured near the Galician coast was identified as Magnisudis atlantica, and its feeding and reproductive phases were studied. The results provide new biological and taxonomic data for understanding these poorly characterized deep-water species and demonstrate the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for identifying and characterizing genetic differences in deep-sea fishes.
Proceedings Paper
Instruments & Instrumentation
Francesco Mastrototaro, Federica Montesanto, Andrea Tursi, Ricardo Aguilar, Giovanni Chimienti
Summary: Analysis of samples and in-vivo underwater images of two sea urchin species, Cidaris cidaris and Stylocidaris affinis, allowed for the collection of biometric parameters, with the ratio between diameter of the dermal skeleton and length of the primary spines proving to be a useful tool for discrimination and specific identification of these similar species from video analysis.
2021 IEEE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON METROLOGY FOR THE SEA (METROSEA 2021)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Instruments & Instrumentation
Giovanni Chimienti, Ricardo Aguilar, Michela Maiorca, Francesco Mastrototaro
Summary: This study discovered a forest of whip coral Ellisella flagellum at the Aeolian Archipelago and assessed the population structure of the species using image analysis. A new method for estimating coral colony height based on their width was presented.
2021 IEEE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON METROLOGY FOR THE SEA (METROSEA 2021)
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Andreu Santin, Ricardo Aguilar, Okan Akyol, Cenkmen Ramazan Begburs, Laure Benoit, Giovanni Chimienti, Fabio Crocetta, Cem Dalyan, Antonio De La Linde Rubio, Branko Dragicevic, Jakov Dulcic, Gianni Giglio, Onur Gonulal, Turhan Kebapcioglu, Nur Bikem Kesici, Sotiris Kiparissis, Vasiliki Kousteni, Emanuele Mancini, Francesco Mastrototaro, Thomas Menut, Federica Montesanto, Panagiota Peristeraki, Dimitris Poursanidis, Julien P. Renoult, Luis Sanchez-Tocino, Emilio Sperone, Francesco Tiralongo
Summary: This article presents new records of 17 taxa belonging to five different phyla, extending from the Alboran Sea to the Levantine Sea. These records highlight the biodiversity and distribution patterns of marine species in the Mediterranean region.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)