The invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus thermal response: Predicting metabolic suitability maps under future warming Mediterranean scenarios
One of the consequences of climate change and globalization is the recent proliferation of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, C. sapidus thermal tolerance was investigated through experiments based on species metabolic response (measuring respiration rates) to a wide temperature range. Based on metabolic rates, Thermal Habitat Suitability (THS) maps were performed on current and futures temperature conditions in the Mediterranean Sea. Thermal Performance Curve showed a CTmax at 40°C and an optimum at 24°C. Respiration rate increased between 12°C and 24°C and decreased until 30°C. At the highest temperatures (> to 30°C) a pointed increa…
Predicting the current and future global distribution of the invasive freshwater hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbii
AbstractThe freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii is one of the most widespread invasive species, but its global distribution remains uncertain due to ephemeral appearances and general lack of information in various aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to map current and future distributions (2050 and 2100) using Species Distribution Models allowing to visualize the habitat suitability and make projections of its changes under potential climate change scenarios. Except in Oceania where the range decreased, an expansion of C. sowerbii was projected during the next century under modeled future scenarios being most intensive during the first half of the century. The present st…
An assessment of regulation, education practices and socio-economic perceptions of non-native aquatic species in the Balkans
Alongside climate change, the introduction of non- native species (NNS) is widely recognized as one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity and human wellbeing. Non-native species and biodiversity are generally low priority issues on the political agendas of many countries, particularly in European countries outside the European Union (EU). The objectives and tasks of this study were to address the policy regulation, education level, education practices, and socioeconomic perceptions of NNS in the Balkans. A questionnaire based survey was conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Turkey (Balkan EU candidate and potential candidate members), in Croatia…
Mapping the global distribution of the freshwater hydrozoan Craspedacusta sowerbii
The invasive freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii (Limnomedusae, Olindiidae) is native to East Asia and since the end of the 19th century, was observed in Europe, then in North America, and across the globe. In recent decades, reports of C. sowerbii have drastically increased in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Asia, and parts of Africa. However, the worldwide distribution of C. sowerbii remains poorly documented due to the lack of information in various aquatic environments. This dataset globalises the occurrences of this species from an extensive literature review and database review. Information extracted from the literature/database were organised and synthesised accor…