0000000000172596
AUTHOR
M. Cristina Mangano
Moving Toward a Strategy for Addressing Climate Displacement of Marine Resources: A Proof-of-Concept
Realistic predictions of climate change effects on natural resources are central to adaptation policies that try to reduce these impacts. However, most current forecasting approaches do not incorporate species-specific, process-based biological information, which limits their ability to inform actionable strategies. Mechanistic approaches, incorporating quantitative information on functional traits, can potentially predict species- and population-specific responses that result from the cumulative impacts of small-scale processes acting at the organismal level, and can be used to infer population-level dynamics and inform natural resources management. Here we present a proof-of-concept study…
The role of two non-indigenous serpulid tube worms in shaping artificial hard substrata communities: case study of a fish farm in the central Mediterranean Sea
Understanding the spread and establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS) is one of the primary areas of focus in bioinvasion science and is essential for generating appropriate management strategies in aquaculture. Here we investigated the role of 2 non-indigenous serpulid tube worms (Hydroides elegans and H. dirampha) in shaping the hard substrata communities around a fish farm in the Strait of Sicily over 1 yr (June 2014-June 2015), at 3 mo intervals (September and December 2014, March and June 2015). The mean density values of serpulids were significantly different at each sampling time. The density of serpulids on submerged panels showed a peak in spring (March 2015, after 9 mo) and d…
Temporal and spatial patterns of trawl fishing activities in the Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea, GSA17)
Abstract Trawl fishing activities have occurred for centuries on large spatial scale in the entire Mediterranean Sea, and today they are considered as one of the main and widespread causes of anthropogenic disturbance and habitat alteration in the marine environment. In order to delineate when, where and how marine ecosystems have been perturbed and to implement ecosystem-based management strategies, the identification and investigation of the spatial and temporal distribution of fishing effort and the fleet dynamics play a key role. In this context, Geospatial Technologies such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS) could represent a useful tool. The aim of the present work is to rec…
The author's reply to N.R. Haddaway.
Abstract In this reply we respond to the commentary of Dr. Haddaway addressed in searching for pitfalls in our systematic mapping exercise “Collating science-based evidence to inform public opinion on the environmental effects of marine drilling platforms in the Mediterranean Sea” recently published in Journal of Environmental Management (Mangano, M.C. and Sara, G. 2017. Journal of Environmental Management 188: 195–202). We discussed each so called “pitfalls” and, in our opinion, the main cornerstones of systematic map – SM (repeatability, comprehensiveness, transparency, traceability, quality, generalizability) are safe guaranteeing the “gold standard” required by this technique. Where nee…
MULTIPLE CLIMATE-DRIVEN CASCADING ECOSYSTEM EFFECTS AFTER THE LOSS OF A FOUNDATION SPECIES
Abstract Climate change is evolving so fast that the related adverse effects on the environment are becoming noticeable. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore and understand the effects generated by multiple extreme climatic events (MECEs) on marine ecosystem functioning and the services provided. Accordingly, we combined long-term in-situ empirical observations in the Mediterranean Sea with a mesocosm manipulation to investigate the concurrence of increasing temperature and hypoxia events. By focussing on a foundation mussel species, we were able to detect several cascade events triggered by a mass mortality event caused by stressful temperature and oxygen conditions, and resulting in a…
Functional role of biofouling linked to aquaculture facilities in Mediterranean enclosed locations
Biofouling is generally considered a serious threat for human coastal activities such as aquaculture, and the ecological role of fouling organisms associated with fish-farm cages remains one of the most debated topics in the ecological field. However, although biofouling may cause significant problems related to human health, environmental impact and financial losses, in the past decade there has been an increasing interest in developing methods to promote the growth of biofouling on artificial structures as a strategy to mitigate human impacts and reduce the organic enrichment caused by net-cage fish farming. Here we investigated the filtration activity of biofouling assemblages colonizing…
Microplastics and the functional traits of fishes: A global meta‐analysis
Over the years, concern about the effects of microplastics has grown. Here, we answered the main question “What are the impacts of microplastics on the functional traits of fish species?” through a meta-analysis. The general impact of microplastic exposure on the functional traits of fishes and specifically on eight variables, namely, behaviour, development, fecundity, feeding, growth, health, hatching and survival was explored. Subgroup analyses were performed to detect correlations between the impact of microplastics and the following factors: species, life stage, habitat, water column habitat, day of exposure to microplastics and microplastic size, type and shape. A meta-regression analy…
Dynamic Energy Budget provides mechanistic derived quantities to implement the ecosystem based management approach
Abstract The on-going climate change threats are rapidly growing at both global and local scales, affecting ecosystems, societies and economies by altering natural distribution and productivity of key commercial species. Although the ecosystem based management (EBM) focuses on ecosystem equilibria, to provide realistic management measures for important activities at sea such as fisheries and aquaculture, there is a need of quantities; mechanistic approaches are suggested as reliable solutions. Here, a Dynamic Energetic Budget (DEB) application studies the link between environmental change (temperature forecasted increasing scenario in a context of COP 21 [Paris climate conference Agreement]…
Integrating multiple stressors in aquaculture to build the blue growth in a changing sea
Fisheries currently represent the main source of animal protein intake worldwide, although catches of most commercial species are at or beyond maximum sustainable yields. Increasing production would require an excess of exploitation levels and aquaculture is expected to become crucial in sustaining a growing seafood demand. Nonetheless, many threats are expected to affect aquaculture and the increased production must evolve in a way that minimizes environmental and socio-economic impacts. The claimed sustainable development of human activities at sea (blue growth and economy) seeks for new joint analyses and solutions at (trans-)national systemic level should be planned and applied. To meet…
Downscaling hydrodynamics features to depict causes of major productivity of Sicilian-Maltese area and implications for resource management
Abstract Chlorophyll- a ( CHL-a ) and sea surface temperature ( SST ) are generally accepted as proxies for water quality. They can be easily retrieved in a quasi-near real time mode through satellite remote sensing and, as such, they provide an overview of the water quality on a synoptic scale in open waters. Their distributions evolve in space and time in response to local and remote forcing, such as winds and currents, which however have much finer temporal and spatial scales than those resolvable by satellites in spite of recent advances in satellite remote-sensing techniques. Satellite data are often characterized by a moderate temporal resolution to adequately catch the actual sub-gri…
Measuring the effects of temperature rise on Mediterranean shellfish aquaculture
Abstract Shellfish aquaculture represents a worldwide valuable segment of the aquaculture market, spreading along the Mediterranean coasts, and is sensitive to the still unforeseen, poorly-known effects of climate change. Threats due to temperature rise can threaten the deployment and development of this sector, up until now recognised as the best candidate to mitigate the effects of fishery overexploitation. Here, we investigate the effects of temperature increase on the model species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, measuring outcomes from valve fragility (thickness) and condition index. Evidence of a reduction in the thickness of valves and the modulation condition of the mussels along with t…