Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark R. Payne
Summary: A recent analysis of fish population data in Europe and North America has revealed an alarming increase in the occurrence of marine heatwaves, challenging our previous understanding of their ecological implications.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kathryn E. Smith, Michael T. Burrows, Alistair J. Hobday, Alex Sen Gupta, Pippa J. Moore, Mads Thomsen, Thomas Wernberg, Dan A. Smale
Summary: Research shows that marine heatwave events not only significantly impact ecosystem services, but also cause substantial economic losses to human societies. However, biological responses to marine heatwaves can also bring opportunities for interaction with the ocean.
Article
Biology
S. L. Hamilton, V. R. Saccomanno, W. N. Heady, A. L. Gehman, S. Lonhart, R. Beas-Luna, F. T. Francis, L. Lee, L. Rogers-Bennett, A. K. Salomon, S. A. Gravem
Summary: The prevalence of disease-driven mass mortality events is increasing, with poorly resolved understanding of spatial variation in magnitude, timing, and triggers. A study on sea star wasting disease found that it affected the sunflower sea star more severely in the southern half of its range, leading to population declines and a lack of evidence for recovery. Temperature became more important in predicting the sea star distribution post-outbreak, indicating an interaction between disease severity and warmer waters in affecting outbreak severity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Mehmet Ozturk, Yalcin Yuksel
Summary: Long-term water level data from 18 tide gauge stations were used to analyze tidal and non-tidal oscillations in four different seas along the Turkish coasts. The analysis revealed regional differences in tidal patterns and water level fluctuations. The Sea of Marmara had mainly diurnal and semi-diurnal tides, while the Black, Aegean, and Levantine Seas had higher semi-diurnal peaks. The importance of meteorological and hydrological factors in masking tidal forces was also observed.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Caroline K. Glidden, Laurel C. Field, Silke Bachhuber, Shannon M. Hennessey, Robyn Cates, Lesley Cohen, Elin Crockett, Michelle Degnin, Maya K. Feezell, Heather K. Fulton-Bennett, Devyn Pires, Brittany N. Poirson, Zachary H. Randell, Erick White, Sarah A. Gravem
Summary: The incidence of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife populations, especially in marine environments, has been increasing. The management strategies used for terrestrial diseases may not be effective in marine habitats due to fundamental differences between the two systems. This article highlights the challenges and opportunities in wildlife disease management in marine environments, evaluates the application of common disease management strategies in marine and terrestrial systems, and recommends actions for better management of marine wildlife diseases.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Melih Ertan Cinar, Murat Bilecenoglu, Melunet Baki Yokes, Harun Guclusoy
Summary: The mass mortality event of Pinna nobilis in the south Marmara Islands in spring 2021 may be related to an epidemic disease or catastrophic mucilage event. The population density of Pinna nobilis in the area is low, with both dead and alive individuals present, indicating limited recent recruitment.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Zoi Pataki, Dimitra Kitsiou
Summary: This paper presents a methodology for ranking and evaluating conflicts in the marine environment using a combination of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Multiple Criteria Analysis (MCA). The Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, is used as a case study area. The methodology involves the development of a geospatial database, the creation of a conflict matrix, the identification of conflicting activities, and the application of MCA for evaluating conflict intensity. Suggestions for supporting effective MSP in the study area are also made.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Chimienti, Michela Maiorca, Markos Digenis, Dimitris Poursanidis
Summary: Octocoral forests created by the yellow sea fan Eunicella cavolini and the red sea fan Paramuricea clavata were studied in the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades (Aegean Sea, Greece) to assess their conservation status and the occurrence of stressors. The coral populations showed signs of stress, possibly due to global warming and fishing impacts, which may impair the habitats in the future. Local conservation actions could help mitigate the anthropogenic impacts and enhance habitats' resilience.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sotirios Karavoltsos, Aikaterini Sakellari, Manos Dassenakis, Evangelos Bakeas, Michael Scoullos
Summary: Seasonal variations in concentrations of trace metals were observed in the sea surface microlayer and sub-surface water in coastal areas of the Aegean sea, with metal enrichment factors differing between dissolved and suspended particulate metals. The enrichment of metals in the surface microlayer is governed by complex physicochemical and biological processes, influenced by factors such as atmospheric deposition and metal dissolution.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Ugur Karadurmus, Mustafa Sari
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution of the fan mussel population in the Gulf of Erdek. The results indicate that the density and structure of the mussels are influenced by benthic habitats, depth range, and exposure levels. The presence of many alive juveniles highlights the potential for the sustainability of the population.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francesco Mugnai, Emese Meglecz, Federica Costantini, Marco Abbiati, Giorgio Bavestrello, Fabio Bertasi, Marzia Bo, Maria Capa, Anne Chenuil, Marina Antonia Colangelo, Olivier De Clerck, Jose Miguel Gutierrez, Loretta Lattanzi, Michele Leduc, Daniel Martin, Kenan Oguz Matterson, Barbara Mikac, Laetitia Plaisance, Massimo Ponti, Ana Riesgo, Vincent Rossi, Eva Turicchia, Andrea Waeschenbach, Owen S. Wangensteen
Summary: The study presents the current status of marine animal species globally, comparing data from the past decade and identifying disparities in COI barcoding coverage between different geographic regions and phyla. Barcoding coverage varies among different Large Marine Ecosystems and phyla, with some phyla like Porifera, Bryozoa, and Platyhelminthes being underrepresented compared to others. The increase in barcoded marine species from 9.5% to 14.2% over the past decade highlights the need for concrete collaborative efforts to expand animal barcoding libraries in the marine realm for the future.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lane M. Atmore, Magie Aiken, Fabricio Furni
Summary: Recent research suggests that human impacts on marine ecosystems have a longer history than previously thought, and it is important to adopt a threshold framework to understand these interactions, considering system-wide changes in human culture, ecosystem dynamics, and molecular evolution. Research approaches should focus on exploring past thresholds and providing key insights for future adaptation. It is crucial to contextualize research efforts within a framework that recognizes human society as integral to ecology and evolution in order to achieve ecological and societal goals for the future.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Silvia Pace, Greta Panunzi, Antonella Arcangeli, Stefano Moro, Giovanna Jona-Lasinio, Sara Martino
Summary: Assessing the distribution of marine apex-predators is crucial for understanding community interactions and setting management goals. This study investigated the distribution patterns of the common bottlenose dolphin in the Mediterranean Sea using different data sources and statistical models. The results showed that depth, slope, and temperature significantly influenced the encounters with dolphins, while chlorophyll-a concentration had no significant effect. The study also revealed the persistent presence of dolphins in the study area throughout winter and summer, indicating their adaptability to different seasonal conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Jacob J. Capelle, Ainhoa Blanco Garcia, Pauline Kamermans, Marc Y. Engelsma, Henrice M. Jansen
Summary: Two mass mortality events of marine mussels occurred in the Oosterschelde, the Netherlands, in 2015/2016 and 2019, significantly impacting mussel production. The distinct course of events led to severe mussel losses, but no single definitive cause could be identified, highlighting the need for further research to understand these mortality events.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Ugur Karadurmus, Mustafa Sari
Summary: In April 2021, there was a massive marine mucilage bloom in the Sea of Marmara, causing mass mortality of marine invertebrates. The bloom had a devastating effect on pelagic fishes and crustaceans, impacting them through suffocation or lack of oxygen. The study also found that the lack of wave action and tidal currents played a role in the spread of mucilage.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Fikret Ondes, Vahdet Unal, Hakan Ondes, Ana Gordoa
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Filiz Kucuksezgin, L. Tolga Gonul, Idil Pazi, Bahar Ubay, Harun Guclusoy
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2020)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Fikret Ondes, Onur Karadal
Article
Fisheries
Harun Guclusoy, Fikret Ondes, Zafer Tosunoglu
ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
Melih Ertan Cinar, Murat Bilecenoglu, Mehmet Baki Yokes, Harun Guclusoy
Summary: The south Marmara Islands serve as a refuge for Pinna nobilis, with healthy populations and a diverse community of species utilizing the shells for substrate or refuge. The region has not been affected by the epidemic that devastated populations in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting the importance of this area for conserving the species.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Melih Ertan Cinar, Murat Bilecenoglu, Melunet Baki Yokes, Harun Guclusoy
Summary: The mass mortality event of Pinna nobilis in the south Marmara Islands in spring 2021 may be related to an epidemic disease or catastrophic mucilage event. The population density of Pinna nobilis in the area is low, with both dead and alive individuals present, indicating limited recent recruitment.
MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ezgi Saydam, Harun Guclusoy, Zafer Ali Kizilkaya
Summary: The Mediterranean monk seal, categorized as Endangered, faces severe threats due to habitat degradation. Limited marine caves suitable for resting and pupping hinder the recovery of the monk seal population on the Turkish coast and nearby Greek islands. Researchers built an artificial ledge in a cave and monitored seal usage through camera traps, finding that it could provide habitat for this species.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Fikret Ondes, Vahit Alan, Michel J. Kaiser, Harun Guclusoy
Summary: This study provides information on the distribution and density of the invasive sea urchin Diadema setosum in the Aegean and Levantine coasts of Turkey. The results indicate that this species is more prevalent in the southern coast and reaches its highest densities in rocky habitats at depths of 0-5 m. Its population has increased dramatically in the past year, posing a threat to the Mediterranean due to potential grazing and bioerosion effects.
MARINE ECOLOGY-AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Fikret Öndes, Vahdet Ünal
Summary: This study examines the catch composition and CPUE of indigenous and non-indigenous species in the longline and trammel net fisheries along the Mediterranean coasts of Turkiye. The results show that over 90% of the catch composition in the trammel net fishery consists of non-indigenous species, while indigenous species are more common in longline fishing. However, non-indigenous species, such as Lagocephalus sceleratus and Lagocephalus suezensis, still have relatively high catch ratios. The study also reveals seasonal differences in the CPUE of non-indigenous species.
ACTA ICHTHYOLOGICA ET PISCATORIA
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ezgi Saydam, Harun Guclusoy
Summary: The first cave-monitoring studies conducted on Mediterranean monk seals in Gokova Bay on the southwest coast of Turkiye used camera traps in five marine caves between 2017 and 2021. The visual data obtained from these studies revealed the seasonal and diel cave use of the seals and identified the individual seals using the caves. The characteristics of the identified caves were recorded to examine correlations with monthly cave use by the monk seals, and various variables were analyzed to forecast the seals' cave preferences.
Article
Fisheries
Guzel Yucel-Gier, Guven Kocak, Baris Akcali, Tarik Ilhan, Muhammet Duman
TURKISH JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
(2020)