bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molluscan species of minor commercial interest in Hellenic seas: Distribution, exploitation and conservation status
Authors: KATSANEVAKIS S. , LEFKADITOU E. , GALINOU-MITSOUDI S. , KOUTSOUBAS D. , ZENETOS A.
Published: May 2013

Recognising the need for data gathering at taxon level besides the taxa of commercial interest and those listed as endangered in the Protocol of the Barcelona Convention, but still exploited by Man, the present study attempts to gather and review the available scientific information on molluscs of minor commercial importance in order to assist in the adequate management and protection of their populations. Forty one species (18 gastropods, 13 bivalves, and 10 cephalopods) of minor commercial interest are treated in the present work with details on their biogeographic distribution, exploitation and conservation status in Hellas. Apart from a few species (e.g., Pinna nobilis, Lithophaga lithophaga, Donacilla cornea), and these only at a local scale, there is no population assessment in Hellenic seas. The existing legislation for eleven of these species is not enforced in practice, and seems insufficient to guarantee their conservation. It is suggested that targeted collection data, networked nationally and internationally, should be promoted so this invaluable source of biodiversity information can be accessed for conservation and planning purposes.
Additions to the annotated list of marine alien biota in the Mediterranean with special emphasis on Foraminifera and Parasites
Authors: ZENETOS A. , MERIC E. , VERLAQUE M. , GALLI P. , BOUDOURESQUE C.F. , GIANGRANDE A. , CINAR M.E. , BILECENOGLU M.
Published: May 2013

The present work is an update of the annotated list (ZENETOS et al., 2006) based on literature up to April 2008. Emphasis is given to ecofunctional/taxonomic groups poorly addressed in the annotated list, such as the foraminiferan and parasites, while macrophytes are critically reviewed following the CIESM Atlas (VERLAQUE et al., in press). Moreover, in this update the bio-geographic area addressed includes the Sea of Marmara.The update yields a further 175 alien species in the Mediterranean bringing the total to 903. As evidenced by recent findings, more and more previously known ‘casual’ aliens, are becoming established. Approximately 100 more species have become well established in the region, raising the number of established species to 496 versus 385 until 2005. In the period from January 2006 to April 2008 more than 80 published papers have resulted in the recording of 94 new aliens, which is interpreted as a new introduction every 9 days, a rate beyond the worst scenario.
On the finding of the Indo-Pacific fish Scomberomorus commerson in Rhodes (Greece)
Authors: CORSINI-FOKA M. , KALOGIROU S.
Published: May 2013

The occurrence of the Indo-Pacific fish Scomberomorus commerson was observed for the first time in the Hellenic waters of the SE Aegean Sea during the spring 2008. The record may represent a first indication of a population expansion of this alien species along the southern coasts of the Aegean Sea.
Lack of temporal variability in the benthos of a coastal brackish water lagoon in Greece
Authors: NICOLAIDOU A.
Published: May 2013

The benthic fauna was studied in the small, brackish water Mazoma Lagoon in the Amvrakikos bay.Benthic samples were collected at 10 stations at bimonthly intervals over a period of a year. Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and sediment organic carbon were also measured at the same time. The environmental parameters showed the expected seasonal variability but the benthic community, the structure of which was only related to plant biomass, did not. This lack of seasonality is attributed to the continuous reproduction of some abundant species and to species interactions.
Effects of waves and currents on the siltation problem of Damietta harbour, Nile Delta coast, Egypt
Authors: ABO ZED ABO BAKER.I.
Published: May 2013

This study evaluates the effect of prevailing dynamic factors on the sedimentation process in Damietta Harbour along the Nile delta coast of Egypt. The monitoring program spanned the period between 1978 and 1999 and included measurements of waves, currents and bathymetric profiles. The evaluation was based on determination of erosion and accretion rates, current regime, sediment transport, wave characteristics and wave refraction. Results revealed that the predominant wave direction from N-NW sector (86 %) throughout the year is responsible for generation of a longshore eastward current. Less frequent waves from the N-NE sector generate an opposing longshore westward current. The refraction pattern for the prevailing wave direction indicates that the harbour and its navigation channel are located within a divergence of wave orthogonal and in an accretion sediment sink area. The annual net rate of littoral drift on the western side of the harbour is about 1.43 * 105 m3 (accretion), while the annual net rate of littoral drift on the eastern side is about 2.54 * 105 m3 (erosion). Currents fluctuate tremendously in speed and direction, especially during the winter months. Hence, sediment transport takes place in offshore, eastward, and onshore directions. Progressive vector diagrams show that the largest near bottom offshore, onshore and easterly net drift occurs during summer, spring and winter respectively. The onshore sediment transport generated during spring and summer plays an important role in the redistribution of eroded sediments during the winter. The overall study of dynamic factors indicated that the harbour site is characterized by eastern, western, offshore and onshore sediment movements. Therefore, the north-south orientation of the navigation channel, with its depth greater than the surrounding area, interrupts sediment drift from different directions and reduces the current speed. Consequently, the sediments sink within the navigation channel from different directions. The sources of sediments contributing to the siltation process of the harbour and its navigation channels are mainly derived from the Rosetta promontory, Burullus beaches, Damietta promontory and from offshore and the dumping area.
Optimal sampling designs for large-scale fishery sample surveys in Greece
Authors: BAZIGOS G. , KAVADAS S.
Published: May 2013

The paper presents the quality problem of fishery statistics produced by the conducted land-based and sea-going, large scale sample surveys of the survey programme of the Institute of Marine Biological Resources of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (IMBR/HCMR) in Greece, and the optimality strategies developed in their sampling designs for the maximization of precision of the calculated sample estimates for a given cost of sampling.The optimality problems of the sampling designs of the individual large scale sample surveys are described, and the optimality solutions developed under the sampling variance structure are explained.The paper deals with the optimization of the following three large scale sample surveys: biological sample survey of commercial landings (BSCL), experimental fishing sample survey (EFSS), and commercial landings and effort sample survey (CLES).
On the occurrence of Bursatella leachii de Blainville, 1817 in Izmir Bay, Turkey
Authors: KAZAK M. , CAVAS L.
Published: May 2013

One of the well- established alien species in the eastern Mediterranean basin is Bursatella leachii, also known as a lessepsian immigrant. The present paper provides a contribution to Bursatella leachii’sdistribution in the Bay of Izmir, Turkish Aegean Sea.
On the establishment of two more alien mollusca (Chama aspersa Reeve, 1846 and Chama asperella Lamarck, 1819) in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: OVALIS P. , ZENETOS A.
Published: May 2013

The Indo-Pacific bivalvia Chama aspersa Reeve, 1846 and Chama asperella Lamarck, 1819 are recorded for the first time in Greek waters. These findings represent a considerable expansion in the eastern Mediterranean. Ship fouling is assumed as the most probable transportation means. However, natural dispersal via the Suez Canal is feasible as well.
A critical review of records of alien marine species from the Maltese Islands and surrounding waters (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: SCIBERRAS M. , SCHEMBRI P.J.
Published: May 2013

An updated list of alien marine species recorded from the Maltese Islands and surrounding waters, compiled from scientific and ‘grey’ literature and from authenticated unpublished reports to the authors, is presented. The listed species are classified in one of four categories as regards establishment status: established, casual, invasive and questionable. Doubtful records are listed as ‘?’. A total of 48 species, including nine dubious ones, are included in the list. Of the accepted records, 64% are established, of which 15.4% are invasive, 18% are casual and 18% are questionable. The most represented groups are molluscs (14 species), fish (13 species) and macrophytes (10 species). Six species are classified as invasive in Maltese waters: Lophocladia lallemandii, Womersleyella setacea, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea, Percnon gibbesi, Fistularia commersonii and Sphoeroides pachygaster; impacts of some of these species on local ecosystems are discussed. Since the early 1900s, there has been an increasing trend in the number of alien marine species reported from the Maltese Islands. Transportation via shipping and in connection with aquaculture, as well as the range expansion of Lessepsian immigrants, appear to be the most common vectors for entry, accounting for 20%, 11% and 32% respectively of the alien species included in this review. The general warming trend of Mediterranean waters and increasing marine traffic may be facilitating the spread of warm-water Atlantic and Indo-Pacific species to the central Mediterranean, including the Maltese Islands.
Marine fouling community in the Eastern harbour of Alexandria, Egypt compared with four decades of previous studies
Authors: RAMADAN SH.E. , KHEIRALLAH A.M. , ABDEL-SALAM KH.M.
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study is to compare the fouling communities between the years 1960 and 1999 in the Eastern harbour of Alexandria, Egypt and to study the main factors that may be controlling these communities. This comparison is based on monthly durations of panel immersion. By using roughened white polystyrene test panels (12.5x12.5 cm), monthly samples of marine fouling were collected from the harbour from October 1998 through September 1999. It is clear that a remarkable variation in number and diversity of fouling communities throughout the last four decades is evident. The minimum diversities were recorded during the studies of 1960 and 1970 (19 and 20 species respectively), while the maximum diversity (35 species) was achieved during the 1991 study. Moreover, a small shift among the four dominant groups (Polychaeta, Cirripedia, Bryozoa and Amphipoda) was noted during the four decades of the studies. The present comparison indicated that many factors may contribute to this variation, of which nutrient enrichment is the most important and the nature of the applied test panel is lees so.
Factors controlling marine fouling in some Alexandria Harbours, Egypt
Authors: RAMADAN SH.E. , KHEIRALLAH A.M. , ABDEL-SALAM KH.M.
Published: May 2013

The present work aims to relate the settlement of marine fouling organisms in three different harbours in Alexandria city which present a wide range of ecological/environmental variations. Theses are the Abu Qir, Eastern and El-Dekheila harbours. Monthly samples of marine fouling were collected from the three harbours by using white roughened polystyrene test panels (12.5x12.5 cm), as well as physicochemical, chemical and other biological data. Results were treated with multivariate statistical analysis (PCA). At the Abu Qir harbour, it was found that water temperature and salinity are the most important environmental factors controlling the temporal distribution of total fouling density, whereas water temperature and chlorophyll a are the most significant environmental factors controlling the total biomass. At the Eastern harbour it was demonstrated that ammonia and phosphate are the most significant environmental factors controlling the temporal distribution and total biomass of fouling organisms. Concerning El-Dekheila harbour, the total density and total biomass of fouling organisms were inversely correlated with the total zooplankton.
Additional records on the occurrence of alien fish species in the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: PERISTERAKI P. , LAZARAKIS G. , SKARVELIS C. , GEORGIADIS M. , TSERPES G.
Published: May 2013

Recent records on the occurrence of the species Etrumeus teres, Siganus rivulatus, Stephanolepis diaspros, Sphoeroides pachygaster, Lagocephalus sceleratus, Fistularia commersonii and Siganus luridus are presented for the Aegean, Cretan and Libyan Seas and the new record of Upeneus moluccensis in the Cretan Sea is reported.
On the problem of Lessepsian migrations of zooplanktonic organisms
Authors: KOVALEV A.V.
Published: May 2013

The scientific evidence accumulated on the migrations that zooplankton make from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal was analyzed. A conclusion was reached that some of the zooplankton, e.g. copepods Pontellina plumata, Calocalanus pavoninus, Arietellus pavoninus, reported in the literature as immigrants from the Red Sea, may in fact come from the Atlantic. The assumption is based on the fact that these organisms occur both in the eastern and the western Mediterranean. They inhabit the Atlantic Ocean, the Gibraltar Strait and the adjoining seawater, but are absent from the Suez Canal.It can be presumed that some zooplankton species widespread in the world ocean entered the MediterraneanSea through the Gibraltar Strait and the Suez Canal.
Geological and oceanographic data determining the foreshore zone according to the Greek legislation
Authors: PEHLIVANOGLOU K.G. , RAPPOU M. , MARTSOUKOU M.
Published: May 2013

The available scientific field data of the marine and the coastal enviroment, (wind and wave field data, shallow area bathymetry, coastal area geomorphology and topography, etc.), in addition to deep and shallow wave prediction numerical modelling (by means of wind and bathymetry measurements), calculation of the nearshore wave height and maximum wave run up, were used to support the mapping of the innermost limit of the foreshore zone according to Greek legislation which defi nes that ‘the foreshore is the zone of land wetted by the highest however unexceptional sea wave run up’ and the Supreme Administrative Court standard case law. These methods were applied for two areas, which completely differ as regards the wind and the wave field, the geomorphological and topographical characteristics of the coastal area, suggesting different procedures for the determination of the innermost limit of the foreshore zone. The limits of the foreshore zones for both areas, resulting from the study, are compared to the limits set out by the authorised Administrative Commissions, which were published in the Official Gazette and also were applied by the local authorities for the management of the coastal area.
Westward advancement of Pseudonereis anomala (Polychaeta: Nereididae) in the Mediterranean Basin (Piraeus, Saronikos Bay, Aegean Sea)
Authors: KAMBOUROGLOU V. , NICOLAIDOU A.
Published: May 2013

This paper reports the establishment of the Lessepsian Pseudonereis anomala (Gravier, 1901) in its new locality in the port of Piraeus (Saronikos Bay) and provides additional information on its population. The mean densities of P. anomala ranged from 0 indiv./m2 to 382.5 indiv./m2 among the calcareous alga Corallina elongata. A variety of sizes (length of the head and fi rst ten chaetigerous segments) was observed ranging fromPseudonereis anomala; Saronikos Gulf; Polychaete; Immigrant. 1.3mm to 8.1mm. There are indications that P. anomala may compete with other species of Nereididae. Accepted in December 2006
Annotated list of marine alien species in the Mediterranean with records of the worst invasive species
Authors: ZENETOS A. , CINAR M.E. , PANCUCCI-PAPADOPOULOU M.A. , HARMELIN J.G. , FURNARI G. , ANDALORO F. , BELLOU N. , STREFTARIS N. , ZIBROWIUS H.
Published: May 2013

This collaborative effort by many specialists across the Mediterranean presents an updated annotated list of alien marine species in the Mediterranean Sea. Alien species have been grouped into six broad categories namely established, casual, questionable, cryptogenic, excluded and invasive, and presented in lists of major ecofunctional/taxonomic groups. The establishment success within each group is provided while the questionable and excluded records are commented in brief. A total of 963 alien species have been reported from the Mediterranean until December 2005, 218 of which have been classified as excluded (23%) leaving 745 of the recorded species as valid aliens. Of these 385 (52%) are already well established, 262 (35%) are casual records, while 98 species (13%) remain “questionable” records. The species cited in this work belong mostly to zoobenthos and in particular to Mollusca and Crustacea, while Fish and Phytobenthos are the next two groups which prevail among alien biota in the Mediterranean. The available information depends greatly on the taxonomic group examined. Thus, besides the three groups explicitly addressed in the CIESM atlas series (Fish, Decapoda/Crustacea and Mollusca), which are however updated in the present work, Polychaeta, Phytobenthos, Phytoplankton and Zooplankton are also addressed in this study. Among other zoobenthic taxa sufficiently covered in this study are Echinodermata, Sipuncula, Bryozoa and Ascidiacea. On the contrary, taxa such as Foraminifera, Amphipoda and Isopoda, that are not well studied in the Mediterranean, are insufficiently covered. A gap of knowledge is also noticed in Parasites, which, although ubiquitous and pervasive in marine systems, have been relatively unexplored as to their role in marine invasions. Conclusively the lack of funding purely systematic studies in the region has led to underestimation of the number of aliens in the Mediterranean. Emphasis is put on those species that are current or potential threats to the marine ecosystems, namely the Worst Invasive Alien Species providing their record across major groups.
Alien species on the coasts of Turkey
Authors: CINAR M.E. , BILECENOGLU M. , OZTURK B. , KATAGAN T. , AYSEL V.
Published: May 2013

The compilation of data on alien species reported from the Turkish coasts yielded a total of 263 species belonging to 11 systematic groups, of which Mollusca had the highest number of species (85 species), followed by Crustacea (51), fishes (43) and phytobenthos (39). The Black Sea is represented by a total of 20 alien species, the Sea of Marmara by 48 species, the Aegean Sea by 98 species and the Levantine Sea by 202 species. The majority of aliens found in the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara were transported via shipping, whereas the Levantine coast is extensively subjected to Lessepsian migration. Benthic habitats (soft and hard substrata) comprise 76% of the total alien species and the pelagic environment is inhabited by thirty-nine species. Almost 50% of aliens collected from the Turkish coasts were found only at 0-10 m depth. Eight species occur at depths deeper than 100 m. The impacts of aliens on the benthic and pelagic ecosystems are presented.
Update of marine alien species in Hellenic waters
Authors: PANCUCCI-PAPADOPOULOU M.A. , ZENETOS A. , CORSINI-FOKA M. , POLITOU C.Y.
Published: May 2013

The list of marine alien species in Hellenic waters is updated taking into account new findings (published and unpublished data). According to the present work, the number of these species has increased from 90 (known until end 2003) to 128. Most of them are zoobenthic species followed by fish and macroalgae. An interannual analysis revealed an important increase of alien species during the last years. The study of their geographic distribution showed that their majority is present in the southeastern Aegean. More than 55% of them are well established, while about 40% are casual records. Their main pathway of introduction seems to be the Suez Canal followed by shipping, whereas the Straits of Gibraltar, aquaculture and the Straits of Dardanelles appear to play a less important role in their invasion of Hellenic waters. These findings are discussed considering environmental and anthropogenic factors.
Spatial and seasonal variability of fractionated phytoplankton biomass and primary production in the frontal region of the Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: VADRUCCI M.R. , CATALANO G. , BASSET A.
Published: May 2013

Spatial and seasonal patterns of variation of fractionated phytoplankton biomass and primary production and their relationships with nutrient concentrations were analyzed along an inshore - offshore gradient and in relation to the presence of a frontal system in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Sampling was carried out in winter and summer during four oceanographic cruises (June 1996 and 1997, February 1997 and 1998) as part of the PRISMA II project. Water samples for determining nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton biomass (as Chla) and primary production (as 14 C assimilation) were collected at five optical depths. Sampling stations were located along 2 or 4 parallel transects arranged perpendicularly to the shoreline and the frontal system. The transects were located at such a distance from the coast that the frontal system crossed them at their halfway point. Total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and total dissolved phosphorus concentrations (TDP) were 12.41 ± 3 .95 mM and 0.146 ± 0 .070 mM, respectively. The values in the two seasonal periods were similar, decreasing along the inshore-offshore gradient. Values for phytoplankton biomass and primary productionwere higher in the winter than the summer cruises, and decreased, in both seasonal periods, along the inshore / offshore gradient. Moreover, in both seasonal periods, picophytoplankton dominated both biomass and productivity, (56% and 44%, respectively) at stations beyond the frontal system, while microphytoplankton was more important at stations inside it (44% and 44%, respectively). Total phytoplankton biomass and primary production were directly related to nutrient concentrations. Regarding size classes, significant patterns of variation with nutrients were observed particularly for biomass. The results indicate that the size structure and function of phytoplankton guilds seem to be mediated by nutrient inflow, as well as by competitive interaction among size fractions.
Spatio-temporal distribution of the dominant Diatom and Dinoflagellate species in the Bay of Tunis (SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: DALY YAHIA-KEFI O. , SOUISSI S. , GOMEZ F. , DALY YAHIA M.N.
Published: May 2013

Microphytoplankton composition and its relationships with hydrology and nutrient distributions were investigated over 24 months (December 1993 - November 1995) in the Bay of Tunis ( SW Mediterranean Sea). A new index, the ‘Specific Preference Index’ (SPI) obtained by computing the median value of each parameter weighed by the numerical value of each species density was developed. Using this index, the relationships between each species and temperature, salinity and major nutrients were analysed. The distribution of chlorophyll a did not show a clear correlation with microplankton abundance suggesting that other factors contribute to chlorophyll concentration, such as smaller phytoplankton size fractions or detritus. The winter-spring diatom blooms did not show a regular pattern during both years. High nutrient inputs in late summer, associated with mild meteorological conditions, contributed to the development of a large diatom bloom in autumn 1995 where significant silicate depletion was witnessed. Generally, diatoms were more stenotherm than dinoflagellates in the Bay, whereas dinoflagellates were more stenohaline than diatoms. The statistical analyses showed that the two species, Bellerochea horologicalis , and Lithodesmioides polymorpha, var., tunisiense, appeared in a wide range of environmental conditions. An excess of phosphateversus nitrate appeared to be associated with red tides of, Gymnodinium spp, whereas Peridinium quinquecorne, showed the opposite. Phosphate concentrations appear to be crucial in this coastal environment, where diatom blooms are often limited by low silicate availability.
Inventory of inshore Polychaetes from the Romanian coast (Black Sea)
Authors: SURUGIU V.
Published: May 2013

A survey conducted in inshore waters along the Romanian coast of the Black Sea from 1994 to 2000, yielded 24 polychaete species belonging to 10 families as follows: Polynoidae (2), Phyllodocidae (2), Syllidae (3), Nereididae (5), Spionidae (5), Capitellidae (3), Nerillidae (1), Sabellidae (1), Serpulidae (1), and Spirorbidae (1). Polydora websteri (Hartman, 1943) is a new record for the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. P. cornuta (Bose, 1802) is first recorded in the Black Sea. Additionally, two other species, namely Harmothoe imbricata (Linnaeus, 1767) and Typosyllis hyalina (Grube, 1863), are new to the Romanian fauna. The systematic position of some species is discussed. The information on geographical distribution within the Mediterranean region of species found is also provided.
Increasing Polychaete diversity as a consequence of increasing research effort in Greek waters: new records and exotic species
Authors: SIMBOURA N. , ZENETOS A.
Published: May 2013

The increasing diversity of the Greek Polychaete fauna over the last seven decades, as illustrated graphically, shows an increasing trend which is proportionately related to the research effort exerted. Ongoing research activities mainly in the depths of the N. Aegean Sea, as a result of which 13 new records have been added to the Greek Polychaete fauna, confirming the above statement. The new species records are presented along with their geographical distribution and habitat. According to the latest checklist of the Greek Polychaeta, 753 species of Polychaetes have been recorded in Greek waters. Finally, it should be noted that 6 Lessepsian migrants and 16 species have been recorded in the Mediterranean for the first time. Their distribution within Greece and worldwide is given and their presence in Greek waters is discussed.
Glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) growth in a recirculating system
Authors: ANGELIDIS P. , POURNARA I. , PHOTIS G.
Published: May 2013

On a commercial eel farm, which uses a recirculation system, 400,000 glass eels were farmed for a period of 328 days at 20o – 23o C. The physicochemical parameters of the farm water were kept at normal conditions during the experiment. The NO 2 was kept between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/l. By the end of the experiment, 4,582 kg of fish feed were consumed and 2,939 kg of eels were produced (177,523 eels with mean final individual body weight of 16.6g and mean food conversion ratio of 1.625). The glass eels showed a high variability in their capacity to grow.
Crustacean fishery with bottom traps in an area of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: species composition, abundance and biomass
Authors: CASTRIOTA L. , FALAUTANO M. , ROMEO T. , FLORIO J. , PELUSI P. , FINOIA M.G. , ANDALORO F.
Published: May 2013

The north-eastern coast of Sicily is characterized by deep, steep bottoms, not easily exploitable by trawl fishery. In this area few fishermen use bottom traps to catch shrimps and Norway lobsters. Our studies were aimed at identifying the species’ composition, abundance and biomass of crustaceans exploitable by bottom traps in this area. Monthly samples over one year were obtained from two lines of 30 baited traps each, at depths between 100 and 500 m. One line was placed in an area usually exploited by this fishery; the other line was used in the unexploited deepest bottoms. Trapped specimens were counted and weighed. ANOVA test, post hoc multiple comparisons and Student’s t test were applied on abundance and biomass data, for testing differences between areas, among seasons and species. During 22 fishing days, 23 species characteristic of the bathyal mud assemblage were caught, 8 of which were not considered commercial. Plesionika edwardsii was the most important species, recorded in the whole bathymetric range investigated; Nephrops norvegicus was significantly higher in terms of biomass in the unexploited area. The discard, of slight importance, was mostly represented by the crab Liocarcinus depurator. Spring season yielded the best catches in both areas, showing the highest values for both abundance and biomass
Salmoneus kekovae, a new species of alpheid shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from the south-western coast of Turkey
Authors: GRIPPA G.
Published: May 2013

A new species of Salmoneus collected in Turkish waters is described. It appears to live in burrows associated with gobiid fish or thalassinidean decapods, as do other species in the genus. Previously, twenty Salmoneus species have been recognised worldwide, two of which are known from the Mediterranean. Some morphological features are discussed in order to determine their taxonomic value. A table summarises the geographical distribution of the 21 species currently recognised.
Key For The Identification Of Mediterranean Brachyuran Megalopae
Authors: PESSANI D. , TIRELLI T. , FLAGELLA S.
Published: May 2013

Based on larval literature, an identification key has been constructed for the megalopae of 55 species of Mediterranean Brachyura. This key is based mainly on external morphological characteristics visible, by using a microscope, limiting the necessity for dissection of specimens. Characteristics used include presence/absence of ornamentation on the carapace, number of abdominal somites, number and position of setae and/or spines on antennula, antenna, pereiopods and structure of uropods, etc. Partial dissection is only required to count the setae on the scaphognathite margin. Using the above characters, it is also possible to gather almost all the families into groups. However, the megalopae of Portunidae as well as those of the three species of Brachynotus genus are similar to each other and their identification at a specific level requires the use of features somehow variable and difficult to count. In the Majidae, the megalopae of 14 species are already known. The complexity of morphological characters typical of this family makes it difficult to define characters common to all spider crab megalopae. Nevertheless, the key may be an aid for carcinology studies, especially those including sorting and identification of megalopae from plankton samples.
Morphometric aspects of Scyllarides latus
Authors: ROMEO T. , FLORIO G. , LENTINI F. , CASTRIOTA L. , FALAUTANO M. , CONSOLI P. , PELUSI P. , GRECO S.
Published: May 2013

The slipper lobster, Scyllarides latus (Latreille, 1803), is the only representative species of the genusScyllarides in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we examined some biological aspects of this species sampled in the Straits of Messina. The specimens were sexed, measured and weighed. The relationships between body measurements (length and width of the carapace, antennal length) and length-weight relationship were calculated. Furthermore, the correlation matrix (Pearson’s coefficient) was calculated. Two hundred specimens were collected, ranging in size from 81 to 305 mm in total length, and between 21 and 1490 g in weight. A rare juvenile of 39 mm CL was recorded. A sex ratio of 1:1 was found. The carapace length – weight relationship was almost isometric. The wide size range sampled and the presence of a juvenile, indicate an interesting habitat for studying the presence and growth of Scyllarides latus in the Straits of Messina.
Towards a national adaptation strategy in view of climate changes
Authors: DOUKAKIS E.
Published: May 2013

The continuously increasing emissions of CO2 and Methane result in the enhanced greenhouse effect. The IPCC assessments for the 21st century refer to a 3oC increase in temperature and 50 cm rise in sea level on average. It is therefore understood that every nation must create a National Adaptation Strategy to face the impacts of the forthcoming climate changes. For Greece, an adaptation plan should include:The vulnerability index of the coastal regions according to the national development plan.The determination of the procedures towards adaptation in view of climate changes.The determination of the national criteria to face extreme phenomena due to anthropogenic climate changes.The technical and legal action plans.The responsibility of the various public sectors to overcome gaps or overlaps in the actions to mitigate the impact andThe general national adaptation principles.The presentation analyses all the above concepts and proposes specific guidelines to formulate a Greek National Adaptation Strategy to mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic climate changes.
Speciation and spectrophotometric determination of uranium in seawater
Authors: KONSTANTINOU M. , PASHALIDIS I.
Published: May 2013

A series of ion-exchange and extraction procedures for the separation of uranium from seawater samples and subsequent spectrophotometric determination of uranium in seawater by means of arsenazo(III) is described. According to the measurements performed by means of traced samples at every stage of separation, the yield of the pre-analytical procedures is generally over 90% and the separation of uranium very selective. The mean uranium concentration in seawater samples collected from five different coastal areas in Cyprus was found to be 3.2 ± 0.2 & micro; g L-1. Uranium in seawater is stable in its hexavalent oxidation state and UO2 (CO3)34- is the predominant species under normal coastal conditions (pH ≥ 8, EH ≥ 0.35 mV, 1 atm and 0.03% CO2).
The biology and ecology of juvenile pilotfish (Naucrates ductor) associated with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in eastern Mediterranean waters
Authors: VASSILOPOULOU V. , SIAPATIS A. , CHRISTIDES G. , BEKAS P.
Published: May 2013

The pilotfish (Naucrates ductor) is an epipelagic oceanic species, whose 0-group specimens tend to aggregate below flotsam, constituting a principal by-catch of the western Mediterranean FAD fishery. During a one-year survey sampling, monthly experimental hauls using surrounding nets were conducted at sites in south Peloponnesian waters, where FADs were moored; during the summer-early autumn months bongo tows were also carried out. 0-group pilotfish appeared beneath FADs from mid-summer till early winter and the total length of the collected specimens ranged between 120 and 330 mm. Pilotfish larvae, measuring 2.0- 3.9 mm, were found at FAD sites in mid-summer and in early autumn. The age of juvenile specimens, determined by counting daily increments on their sagittae, ranged between 50-141 increments (days) for males, and 51-131 increments (days) for females. The predicted asymptotic length was found to be 412.3mm TL for males and 435.2 mm TL for females. The onset of sexual maturity appeared to occur when specimens were a few months old. Stomach content analysis suggested that the diet of 0-group pilotfish associated to FADs in Greek waters depended mainly on decapod larvae, hyperiid amphipods, and alciopid polychaetes.
The removal of trace metals at the wastewater treatment plant of Psyttalia
Authors: FIRFILIONIS G. , PARASKEVOPOULOU V. , VILIOTI G. , DASSENAKIS M.
Published: May 2013

The present study investigates the levels of trace metals in the input and output of the Psyttalia wastewater treatment plant, as well as the removal of the various trace metal forms (dissolved, particulate) during primary sedimentation. The trace metals determined were: Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni. The experimental procedure included the collection and analysis of inflow and outflow samples. Dissolved and particulate forms were separated by filtration through 0.45 and 8 Μm Millipore filters and trace metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicate that particulate matter consists mainly of large particles (> 8 µ m ) and the sedimentation process is more effective in their removal in contrast to smaller particles. The removal of trace metals during primary sedimentation follows the decreasing sequence: Particulate metal in large particles > Particulate metal in small particles > Dissolved metal. Concerning the various metals the removal follows the sequence: Pb ~= Cu>Zn ~= Cr>Cd>Ni. The quantities of trace metals that are discharged to the sea through the outflow pipes of the Psyttalia treatment plant follow the decreasing sequence: Zn >> Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cd.
Occurrence of the lessepsian species Portunus pelagicus (Crustacea) and Apogon pharaonis (Pisces) in the marine area of Rhodes Island
Authors: CORSINI-FOKA M. , KONDILATOS G. , ECONOMIDIS P.S.
Published: May 2013

A large number of Red Sea species are colonizing the eastern Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, mainly following the Anatolian coasts and spreading westwards. Portunus pelagicus is one of the most common Red Sea swimming crabs, first recorded in the Levantine Basin in 1898. Four specimens of P. pelagicus were collected in different marine areas of Rhodes Island from 1991 to 2000, while three specimens of the lessepsian fish Apogon pharaonis, first recorded in the Mediterranean in 1947, were caught during 2002 in the NW coast of Rhodes. The sub-tropical character of the marine area around Rhodes seems to facilitate the propagation of lessepsian species. These migrants have reached the island at different velocity and degree of establishment of their populations. The occurrence of the blue swimmer crab P. pelagicus and of the bullseye cardinal fish A. pharaonis increases the number of the decapod Crustacea and fish species of Red Sea origin observed in Greek waters.
Cross-shore profile and coastline changes of a sandy beach in Pieria, Greece, based on measurements and numerical simulation
Authors: PROSPATHOPOULOS A.M. , SOTIROPOULOS A. , CHATZIOPOULOS E. , ANAGNOSTOU CH.
Published: May 2013

In the present work, the changes of cross-shore profile and the coastline of a sandy beach in Pieria, Greece, are studied by using topographic profiles, sediment analysis and a numerical simulation model. The work is motivated by the considerable erosion problems caused to an extended portion of the coast north of the studied area due to the construction of a craft shelter, and its scope is two-fold: to help in understanding the dynamics of the beach based on results of the field work and to proceed a step further, studying the responses of this beach by numerical simulation, utilizing the topographic and sediment field data and measured wave data. The study of the cross-shore profiles, as well as the sediment analysis of the samples obtained along the profiles, revealed the morphological features of the coast under study and provided information concerning the dynamic zones in each profile. The sediment grain size reduces from south to north, following the direction of the longshore currents generated in the area. The results of the numerical simulation concerning the coastline evolution are found to be in agreement with the qualitative estimations and visual observations of existing coastal changes to the broader area.
Determination of radionuclides in Mytilus galloprovicialis by Alpha And Gamma-Spectroscopy
Authors: FLOROU H. , KEHAGIA K. , CHALOULOU CH. , KOUKOULIOU V. , LYKOMITROU CH.
Published: May 2013

The natural radionuclides 238U ,234Th, 40K and the main man-made 137Cs, have been studied in Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) sampled in the Thermaikos gulf – North Aegean Sea, considered as a bioindicator for radiological assessment in the Mediterranean. The ratio 234U/238U has also been determined. In terms of 137Cs, the activity concentrations in seawater from the studied area have been measured as well, and the concentration factors of 137Cs in Mytilus galloprovincialis are given as a parameter of the organism response to radioactive pollution.
An underwater sensing system for monitoring radioactivity in the marine environment
Authors: TSABARIS C. , THANOS I.
Published: May 2013

We describe a set up and an application for an autonomously working, radioactivity sensing instrument, usable in seawater and river environments. The system is based on a N aI scintillator with the appropriate specifications for use in the marine environment and for real time acquisition. It is simple, stable for long - term monitoring, and of low consumption. Many tests were carried out for the linearity and the stability of the electronics. The investigation of energy resolution and energy calibration of the sensor was performed in the laboratory using various reference point radioactive sources. The system was also deployed in a water tank in order to measure background radiation in the water and low volumetric activity of 137Cs (17 Bq/m3). Appropriate software identifies qualitatively the low level137Cs contribution to the measured γ-ray spectrum.
Delimitation of the warm and cold period of the year based on the variation of the Aegean sea surface temperature
Authors: MAVRAKIS A. , LYKOUDIS S. , THEOHARATOS G.
Published: May 2013

Knowledge of the warm and cold season onset is important for the living conditions and the occupational activities of the inhabitants of a given area, and especially for agriculture and tourism. This paper presents a way to estimate the onset/end of the cold and warm period of the year, based on the sinusoidal annual variation of the Sea Surface Temperature. The method was applied on data from 8 stations of the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service, covering the period from 1965-1995. The results showed that the warm period starts sometime between April 28th and May 21st while it ends between October 27th and November 19th in accordance with the findings of other studies. Characteristic of the nature of the parameter used is the very low variance per station – 15 days at maximum. The average date of warm period onset is statistically the same for the largest part of the Aegean, with only one differentiation, that between Kavala and the southern stations ( Thira and Heraklion).
Measurements of biochemical markers of pollution in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal areas of the Saronikos Gulf (Greece)
Authors: TSANGARIS C. , STROGYLOUDI E. , PAPATHANASSIOU E.
Published: May 2013

Alterations in a number of biochemical parameters in marine organisms represent specific markers of exposure to particular classes of contaminants. They are used as tools for the detection and monitoring of pollution. In this study, two biochemical markers of pollution, metallothionein (MT) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured in indigenous and transplanted mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from coastal areas within the Saronikos Gulf subject to high anthropogenic activities. Biannual measurements of the two biomarkers in indigenous mussel populations for two years revealed no significant differences among stations representing a pollution gradient. Limited differences in MT levels were only found between mussel populations transplanted at lesser and more impacted stations. Both biomarkers showed a variation with respect to the season of sampling, whilst during the second year of measurements a concomitant increase in metallothionein content with a decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity was noted. Our results indicate that the applied biochemical markers in indigenous mussel populations do not reflect the type of pollution in the Saronikos Gulf to a degree that can be used for pollution monitoring in the area.
Brood stock formation of the hermaphrodite finfish species Pagellus erythrinus (common Pandora) from fish reared in captivity
Authors: KLAOUDATOS S.D. , KLAOUDATOS D.S.
Published: May 2013

Formation of brood stock is considered to be one of the most important operations in order to acquire eggs and fry from any promising candidate finfish species for aquaculture production. The sex reversal observed in hermaphrodite species adds to confusion and creates additional complications in forming a brood stock. The present study describes the efforts and the results of the brood stock formation of the hermaphrodite finfish species Pagellus erythrinus (common Pandora) from individuals aged between 4 and 5 years (TL>300mm) reared in floating cages. Six groups were formed (50 fish/group) in all of which females were present comprising 20 to 40% of the population. The presence of females was in contrast to the literature, which reported that sex reversal of the common Pandora is complete in naturally occurring populations with the absence of females in sizes of a total length greater than 220mm, indicating that in captivity sex reversal is not complete for this species. Four of the groups formed spawned under natural environmental conditions without hormonal treatment and the other two groups were administered a different dosage (250 and 500 IU/kg) of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) to induce spawning. The reproductive period started in the middle of May and ended at the beginning of July and spontaneous spawning occurred in all groups. Egg release lasted for a mean period of one month for the groups that spawned without hormonal treatment with no significant difference in the number of viable eggs between groups. The groups that spawned under hormonal treatment released eggs for a period of six and seven days, for the group that spawned under the high and low hormonal treatment, respectively, with no significant difference in the number of viable eggs between them. The hormonal induced spawning resulted in egg release within a short period of time ideal for a hatchery. However, the number of viable eggs produced was significantly lower compared to the number of viable eggs produced from groups that spawned without hormonal treatment.
Chemical-physical and ecological characterisation in the environmental project of a polluted coastal area: the Bagnoli case study
Authors: BERGAMIN I. , ROMANO E. , GABELLINI M. , AUSILI A. , CARBONI M.G.
Published: May 2013

The Bagnoli Bay (southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Naples, Italy) has been impacted for about one century by heavy anthropogenic pollution due to an important steel plant. A multidisciplinary environmental research, aimed at the reclamation of the marine contaminated area, was planned in order to evaluate, through quantitative data, the chemical-physical and ecological characteristics of marine sediments; the latter ones are strictly related to the composition and structure of benthic foraminiferal assemblages. A comprehensive statistical approach, considering all data, was attempted in order to single out the influence of pollutants on the single species distribution. The results show strong heavy metal pollution (Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in the vicinity of the industrial plant. Many foraminiferal species (Haynesina germanica, Miliolinella subrotunda,Quinqueloculina parvula), have a good tolerance to some trace metals while, Bulimina sublimbata, Elphidiummacellum and Miliolinella dilatata show a good tolerance to PAHs pollution.
Radioactivity Distribution In Surface And Core Sediment Of The Central Part Of The Algerian Coast: An Estimation Of The Recent Sedimentation Rate
Authors: NOUREDDINE A. , BENKRID M. , HAMMADI A. , BOUDJENOUN R. , MENACER M. , KHABER A. , KECIR M.S.
Published: May 2013

Sediment core samples and marine surface sediments of identical composition, mostly muddy, were collected using a Van Veen type grab and a box corer on board the M.S. Benyahia research vessel (ISMAL), along the Algerian littoral, between Algiers (36Ζ49.9 N/ 03Ζ 02.3 E) and Cherchell (36Ζ 39.4 N/ 02Ζ 12.4 E), during a sampling cruise in September 1997. The samples were analysed to determine the activity concentration of natural radionuclides (uranium and thorium series and 40 K as well) and artificial radionuclides ( 137 Cs and Pu isotopes), using a direct gamma spectrometry for gamma emitters and radiochemical separations and alpha spectrometry for alpha emitters. The horizontal and vertical distribution of the examined radionuclides were studied in the surface and core samples and an effort to estimate the sedimentation rate was attempted.The measured values range was: 17 - 26 Bq/Kg dry for uranium series radioisotopes, 18 – 32 Bq/Kg dry for thorium series radioisotopes, 311 - 690 Bq/Kg dry for 40 K, 0.4 - 11 Bq/Kg dry, for 137 Cs and 0.4 – 1.0 Bq/Kg dry for 239 + 240 Pu.