Article
Plant Sciences
Viviana Pena, Tamara Ruiz de Gauna Torres
Summary: Lithophyllum stictiforme contributes to Mediterranean coralligenous concretions and has been found in the Atlantic Iberian Peninsula as well. Recent studies revealed a complex of cryptic species in the Mediterranean Sea, while a new species Lithophyllum artabricum was described in the Atlantic Iberian region. Molecular and morphological data supported the differentiation of the Atlantic Iberian collections from the Mediterranean L. stictiforme complex.
CRYPTOGAMIE ALGOLOGIE
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tom L. Jenkins, Marie-Laure Guillemin, Cornelia Simon-Nutbrown, Heidi L. Burdett, Jamie R. Stevens, Viviana Pena
Summary: Genomic analysis revealed that maerl beds of P. calcareum in the north-east Atlantic are geographically structured due to limited dispersal potential and connectivity. Unique genetic diversity of P. calcareum in the Fal Estuary, south-west England, was shaped by geographical isolation and lack of gene flow with other populations, separate from closely related species. Preserving the accumulated genetic diversity of P. calcareum is crucial for enhancing resilience to climate and environmental changes, requiring conservation management at a site-by-site level in western Europe.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
L. Piazzi, F. Pinna, G. Ceccherelli
Summary: This study examines the interaction between crustose coralline algae and epibiont assemblages in their habitat through manipulative experiments. The results demonstrate the important role of crustose coralline algae in enhancing biodiversity and emphasize the need for their conservation.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Manoela B. Lyra, Ricardo G. Bahia, Michel B. Jesionek, Rodrigo T. Carvalho, Fernando C. Moraes, Adele S. Harvey, Renato C. Pereira, Fabiano Salgueiro, Leonardo T. Salgado
Summary: The aim of this study was to elucidate the taxonomy of common but overlooked epiphytic coralline algae from the Abrolhos Archipelago in Brazil. Two thin epiphytic coralline species were recorded, including a new species of Lithophyllum and Hydrolithon farinosum. Molecular analysis confirmed the classification of the new Lithophyllum species and discussed the global distribution of Hydrolithon farinosum.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Sofia Paz-Sedano, Jose Francisco Martin Alvarez, Terrence M. Gosliner, Marta Pola
Summary: Trapania is the second largest genus in the family Goniodorididae, mainly found in the Indo-Pacific waters. However, the taxonomic characteristics of Trapania species have been uncertain, and this study performs a morphological and molecular revision of the East Atlantic-Mediterranean species, suggesting an overestimation of species richness in this region.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicholas F. L. Vale, Juan C. Braga, Alex C. Bastos, Fernando C. Moraes, Claudia S. Karez, Ricardo G. Bahia, Luis A. Leao, Renato C. Pereira, Gilberto M. Amado-Filho, Leonardo T. Salgado
Summary: This study investigated the formation and distribution of Rhodolith beds on the Brazilian continental shelf off the Sergipe-Alagoas Coast. Different types of Rhodoliths were found on the seabed at different depths and substrates, and their classification and ages were determined.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julio A. Diaz, Sergio Ramirez-Amaro, Francesc Ordines
Summary: The study identified 19 sponge species at the seamounts in the Mallorca Channel, including 3 new species and a new genus. Identification was done through morphological and molecular character analysis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesco Tiralongo, Rosario Badalamenti, Vincenzo Arizza, Laura Prieto, Sabrina Lo Brutto
Summary: This study reviewed the occurrence of Portuguese man-of-war (Physalia physalis) in the Mediterranean Sea by searching records from various sources. The results showed early records of the species in the western Mediterranean, with no presence in the eastern area. Due to the potential threat to human health and marine tourism activities, the study proposed a risk classification system to guide swimmers.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Liliane Boukhdoud, Carole Saliba, Lillian D. Parker, Nancy Rotzel McInerney, Ghiwa Ishak Mouawad, Mariane Kharrat, Rhea Kahale, Tony Chahine, Jesus E. Maldonado, Magda Bou Dagher-Kharrat
Summary: The Mediterranean region is a hotspot for biodiversity, with Lebanon being a hub for Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) biodiversity. The use of DNA barcoding is essential for accurate species identification and conservation efforts, as seen in the creation of a reference library for mammals and plants in the EMR.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Sabrina Lo Brutto, Andrea Calascibetta, Gianni Pavan, Gaspare Buffa
Summary: This study focused on the extent of cetacean strandings in Italy, particularly on Sicily Island, with around 20 carcasses reported annually. Italy's coastline has seen over 4880 stranding events, with approximately 15% occurring on Sicily Island.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Rafael Banon, Alejandro de Carlos
Summary: This study reviewed the non-native Kyphosus species in Galician waters based on morphological and molecular characteristics, indicating a higher abundance of K. vaigiensis possibly due to its greater mobility. DNA barcoding confirmed the distribution of K. vaigiensis in Galicia and emphasized the importance of monitoring non-indigenous species in the context of global warming.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alfredo Garcia-de-Vinuesa, Montserrat Demestre, Josep Lloret
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of different habitat types on the fatty acid profile of red mullet and their prey. Results showed that red mullet in maerl or crinoid beds had higher concentrations of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to those in muddy bottoms. Muddy bottoms, on the other hand, had higher concentrations of certain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). There were significant differences in the fatty acid profiles of infauna between maerl, crinoid, and muddy habitats. These findings support the use of fatty acids as indicators of habitat quality and trophic markers.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ricardo Lopez-Alonso, Omar Sanchez, Esteban Pascual-Parra, Yaisel J. Borrell, Javier Martinez-Perez, Andres Arias
Summary: Recent climate and oceanographic changes have led to an increase in tropical-subtropical species in the Cantabrian Sea. This study presents new records of Plicopurpura patula and Monoplex parthenopeus, which are the northernmost distribution of these species in the Atlantic Ocean. The authors propose both species as potential bioindicators of tropicalization in the North Atlantic waters based on morphological and molecular characteristics.
JOURNAL OF SEA RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Mauricio Romulo Fernandes, Fabiano Salgueiro, Thiago Silva de Paula, Gisele Lobo-Hajdu, Alexandre Dias Pimenta
Summary: The Marshallora nigrocincta species complex in the western Atlantic consists of six lineages, including distinct species from the United States, Colombia, and Brazil. Genetic distances vary among these species, and further research is needed to describe the undescribed species within the complex.
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Angela G. Bartolo, Gabrielle Zammit, Eleni Kytinou, Frithjof Christian Kupper
Summary: The study identified and described a new species, Laurencia mediterranea, within the Laurencia complex using an integrative systematics approach. The new species showed distinct morphological characteristics and a separate genetic cluster, highlighting the importance of genetic sequences in macroalgal biodiversity research. This approach could be particularly useful in cases where biogeography is relevant and limited sequence data are available in online DNA libraries.
Article
Plant Sciences
So Young Jeong, Wendy A. Nelson, Judith E. Sutherland, Viviana Pena, Line Le Gall, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Boo Yeon Won, Tae Oh Cho
Summary: The coralline algal genus Corallinapetra is monospecific and distinct from other families and orders within the Corallinophycidae. DNA analysis supports the establishment of a new family and order for Corallinapetra, and the reassignment of L. gabrielii to Corallinapetra. Additionally, comparison of molecular data confirms the placement of L. muelleri within the Hapalidiales.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tom L. Jenkins, Marie-Laure Guillemin, Cornelia Simon-Nutbrown, Heidi L. Burdett, Jamie R. Stevens, Viviana Pena
Summary: Genomic analysis revealed that maerl beds of P. calcareum in the north-east Atlantic are geographically structured due to limited dispersal potential and connectivity. Unique genetic diversity of P. calcareum in the Fal Estuary, south-west England, was shaped by geographical isolation and lack of gene flow with other populations, separate from closely related species. Preserving the accumulated genetic diversity of P. calcareum is crucial for enhancing resilience to climate and environmental changes, requiring conservation management at a site-by-site level in western Europe.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Joseph L. Richards, William E. Schmidt, Suzanne Fredericq, Thomas Sauvage, Viviana Pena, Line Le Gall, Luz Elena Mateo-Cid, Angela Catalina Mendoza-Gonzalez, Jeffery R. Hughey, Paul W. Gabrielson
Summary: This study utilized morpho-anatomy and DNA sequence analysis to identify a species of nongeniculate coralline algae, and discovered two new species. The research also revealed that the identified species currently inhabits mesophotic rhodolith beds in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico and other Caribbean regions.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Frederico T. S. Tamega, Beatriz N. Torrano-Silva, Mariana Cabral Oliveira, Paula Spotorno-Oliveira, Savio H. Calazans, Edgar Francisco Rosas-Alquicira, Ricardo Coutinho, Viviana Pena
Summary: This study identified the species composition of geniculate coralline algae in the subtidal beds of Arraial do Cabo Bay through morpho-anatomical and molecular analyses, and discovered a new species of Jania.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Christopher E. Cornwall, Ben P. Harvey, Steeve Comeau, Daniel L. Cornwall, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Viviana Pena, Shigeki Wada, Lucia Porzio
Summary: The majority of coralline algae experienced negative impacts like reduced abundance, calcification rates, and pH declines in response to ocean acidification (OA) in laboratory experiments or at naturally elevated CO2 sites. However, there were inconsistent physiological responses of coralline algae to simulated OA, with calcification/growth being the most frequently measured parameters.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aki Kato, Daniela Basso, Annalisa Caragnano, Graziella Rodondi, Line Le Gall, Viviana Pena, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Masasuke Baba
Summary: After analyzing morpho-anatomical data and DNA sequences, it was discovered that the so-called "Lithophyllum okamurae" actually consisted of two species, Lithophyllum okamurae and a new cryptic species named L. neo-okamurae. These two species share similarities in morphology but can be distinguished by specific characteristics.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jeffery R. Hughey, Viviana Pena, Paul W. Gabrielson
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of the genetic markers and organellar genome structure of the marine red alga Synarthrophyton patena. The results show high similarity between its plastid genome and mitogenome with other related species. Phylogenetic analysis confirms the classification status of S. patena and provides important insights for future taxonomic studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadine Schubert, Viviana Pena, Vinicius W. Salazar, Paulo A. Horta, Pedro Neves, Claudia Ribeiro, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Fernando Tuya, Fernando Espino, Kathryn Schoenrock, Laurie C. Hofmann, Line Le Gall, Rui Santos, Joao Silva
Summary: The study investigates the photosynthetic and calcification mechanisms of different species of Atlantic rhodoliths, finding significant differences and influences from local environmental conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ines Perez-Peris, Sandra Navarro-Mayoral, Marcial Cosme de Esteban, Fernando Tuya, Viviana Pena, Ignacio Barbara, Pedro Neves, Claudia Ribeiro, Antonio Abreu, Jacques Grall, Fernando Espino, Nestor Echedey Bosch, Ricardo Haroun, Francisco Otero-Ferrer
Summary: This study examined the impact of depth on the size and morphology of calcareous red macroalgae structures (rhodoliths) and the abundance of associated flora and fauna. The findings revealed that depth typically influenced the size and shape of rhodoliths, with larger nodules found at intermediate and deep depths. The biomass of attached macroalgae (epiphytes) also increased with depth. The study concluded that the morphology of rhodoliths and associated epibionts were primarily influenced by depth, regardless of latitude.
Article
Plant Sciences
Paul W. Gabrielson, Gavin W. Maneveldt, Jeffery R. Hughey, Viviana Pena
Summary: Phylogenetic analyses of rbcL gene sequences and concatenated rbcL, psbA, and nuclear SSU rRNA gene sequences identified Lithothamnion muelleri and three other southern Australian species as the generitype of the genus Lithothamnion. Cold water boreal species previously classified in Lithothamnion were transferred to the newly described genus Boreolithothamnion, with B. glaciale as the generitype. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using phylogenetic analyses to understand and correctly classify non-geniculate corallines based on morpho-anatomical characters.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Paul W. Gabrielson, Jeffery R. Hughey, Viviana Pena, Joseph L. Richards, Gary W. Saunders, Brenton Twist, Tracy Farr, Wendy A. Nelson
Summary: To resolve the uncertainty around taxonomic classification of Sporolithon species, targeted PCR sequencing was conducted on historical and recently collected specimens. The results confirmed the existence of distinct species and identified previously misclassified specimens. DNA sequencing of type specimens of coralline species was shown to be the most reliable method for accurate naming.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fernando Tuya, Nadine Schubert, Julio Aguirre, Daniela Basso, Eduardo O. Bastos, Flavio Berchez, Angelo F. Bernardino, Nestor E. Bosch, Heidi L. Burdett, Fernando Espino, Cindy Fernandez-Garcia, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Patrick Gagnon, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Ricardo Haroun, Laurie C. Hofmann, Paulo A. Horta, Nicholas A. Kamenos, Line Le Gall, Rafael A. Magris, Sophie Martin, Wendy A. Nelson, Pedro Neves, Irene Olive, Francisco Otero-Ferrer, Viviana Pena, Guilherme H. Pereira-Filho, Federica Ragazzola, Ana Cristina Rebelo, Claudia Ribeiro, Eli Rinde, Kathryn Schoenrock, Joao Silva, Marina N. Sissini, Frederico T. S. Tamega
Summary: Global marine conservation is hindered by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, which limits progress towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds, despite their global ecological importance and numerous ecosystem functions, remain disproportionately understudied compared to other coastal ecosystems. The lack of information about these habitats and their ecosystem services hampers effective conservation measures, especially considering the severe pressures and threats they face. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize research on rhodolith beds, combat degradation, and protect biodiversity for the future.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sofie Vranken, Marine Robuchon, Stefanie Dekeyzer, Ignacio Barbara, Inka Bartsch, Aurelie Blanfune, Charles-Francois Boudouresque, Wim Decock, Christophe Destombe, Bruno de Reviers, Pilar Diaz-Tapia, Anne Herbst, Romain Julliard, Rolf Karez, Priit Kersen, Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield, Ralph Kuhlenkamp, Akira F. Peters, Viviana Pena, Cristina Pineiro-Corbeira, Fabio Rindi, Florence Rousseau, Jan Rueness, Hendrik Schubert, Kjersti Sjotun, Marta Sanson, Dan Smale, Thierry Thibaut, Myriam Valero, Leen Vandepitte, Bart Vanhoorne, Alba Verges, Marc Verlaque, Christophe Vieira, Line Le Gall, Frederik Leliaert, Olivier De Clerck
Summary: The study focuses on analyzing the biological and ecological traits of European seaweeds and organizing the data within a standardized framework. A trait database containing 45,175 records for 21 traits was created, providing valuable information for future research on seaweed diversity, evolution, and response to global changes. The data are publicly accessible and will contribute to the development of ecosystem models and marine conservation policies.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Plant Sciences
Viviana Pena, David Belanger, Patrick Gagnon, Joseph L. Richards, Line Le Gall, Jeffery R. Hughey, Gary W. Saunders, Sandra C. Lindstrom, Eli Rinde, Vivian Husa, Hartvig Christie, Stein Fredriksen, Jason M. Hall-Spencer, Robert S. Steneck, Kathryn M. Schoenrock, Janne Gitmark, Ellen Sofie Grefsrud, Marc B. Angles d'Auriac, Erwann Legrand, Jacques Grall, Thomas M. Mumford, Nicholas A. Kamenos, Paul W. Gabrielson