0000000000255279
AUTHOR
M. Gristina
Spatio-temporal composition of discard associated with the deep water rose shrimp fisheries (Parapenaeus longirostris, Lucas 1846) in the south-central Mediterranean Sea
Discarding in fisheries is the fraction of the total catch brought on board and returned to the sea dead or alive for legal or economic reasons. The reduction of discard is one of the main objectives of the European Common Fishery Policy. This study aimed to improve the current knowledge of the discard associated with the deep-water rose shrimp (DPS) fisheries in the south-central Mediterranean Sea. We analyzed data collected from January 2009 to December 2013. Multivariate data analysis and generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to assess the spatio-temporal composition of the discard (which represented 36% of the total catch) and factors influencing its distribution. Multiple analys…
Meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs: the role of macroalgae in increasing habitat size and complexity
We present the first dataset of meiofauna associated with vermetid reefs (biogenic constructions of Mediterranean intertidal habitat) in two areas along the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. The vermetid reefs are characterized by a horizontal extension from the shore towards the open sea and can be divided into three zones (the inner margin, the cuvette zone and the outer margin) which differ in hydrodynamic features. We studied the spatial distribution of meiofauna along the horizontal axis of the vermetid reefs, investigating the communities inhabiting the sediment inside cuvettes (shallow pools inside the “cuvette zone”) located between the inner and the outer margins of the reefs. We ob…
In situ behavior of wild long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier, 1829
The study of behavior is one of the fundamental aspects of conservation biology. While for animals such as mammals there are well-defined protocols that have been applied for a long time, for marine animals, and fish in particular, studies are available for a limited number of species. The behavior of seahorses, for example, is poorly studied and in this work, we made a first attempt of using video recordings to analyze behavior of these endangered species in Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Southern Italy). The study presents preliminary data on behavioral activities and their comparisons among different life stages of Hippocampus guttulatus, namely females, males, and juveniles. Juveniles and fema…
Ocean acidification affects fish spawning but not paternity at CO2 seeps
Fish exhibit impaired sensory function and altered behaviour at levels of ocean acidification expected to occur owing to anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions during this century. We provide the first evidence of the effects of ocean acidification on reproductive behaviour of fish in the wild. Satellite and sneaker male ocellated wrasse ( Symphodus ocellatus ) compete to fertilize eggs guarded by dominant nesting males. Key mating behaviours such as dominant male courtship and nest defence did not differ between sites with ambient versus elevated CO 2 concentrations. Dominant males did, however, experience significantly lower rates of pair spawning at elevated CO 2 levels. Despite the hig…
Impiego dei BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) per la valutazione del popolamento ittico nell'area marina protetta Capo Gallo-Isola delle Femmine (Palermo)
A Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) system was used to assess fish assemblages on detritic bottoms (40 m) inside and outside the Capo Gallo - Isola delle Femmine MPA. Our study investigated the suitability of Baited Remote Underwater Video to describe fish (relative) abundance and diversity between sites at different protection levels. The fish assemblages relative abundance and species richness significantly differed between the three different location (A, B e CTL) considered. The largest difference occurred at CTL site position outside the MPA, where 2-fold increase in the number of species was recorded relative to the A and B sites.