bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diatoms and bacteria diversity: study of their relationships in the Southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: CAROPPO C. , STABILI L. , CAVALLO R.A.
Published: May 2013

In the Southern Adriatic Sea (Italian coasts) bacterial and diatom diversity was studied over an annual cycle and the relationships between these two microbial components were analyzed. As regards the culturable heterotrophic bacteria, Aeromonas was the predominant genus among the Gram-negative bacteria. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae, Cytophaga, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacterand Photobacteriumwas also remarkable. Flexibacter, Moraxella, Chromobacterium, Flavobacteriumand Vibriowere present at less than 5%. Of the 92 diatom species determined, 16 were the most abundant representing the 96% of this phytoplankton group. The results obtained demonstrated that several bacterial genera were significantly related to the most abundant and representative diatoms ( Chaetocerosspp., Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissimaand Rhizosoleniaspp.).
Analysis Of Macrobenthic Community Structure In Relation To Different Environmental Conditions In Three Harbours In The North Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy). Preliminary Study
Authors: BEDINI R. , CANALI M.G. , CAPPAGLI M.
Published: May 2013

Studies on benthic communities are being widely used in monitoring pollution effects, using both the methodologies provided from the national laws in various countries and experimental innovative methodologies of research. We have carried out a preliminary study on macrobenthic communities (zoobenthos and phytobenthos) in three harbours, one of which (Piombino) receives wastewater from industry and is also subject to heavy shipping traffic. The other two (Porto Santo Stefano and Portoferraio) enjoy great tourist traffic but no industrial waste, and they have been selected in order to find possible differences between populations of animals present in unpolluted and polluted areas. The results show that there are no outstanding differences in the sessile and sedentary bentological population parameters of the studied harbours. We probably do not have an adequate historical data set of the species living in the study areas to detect the effects of pollution, and the sessile living animal species we found may have adapted to the current situation, since living species typical of very clean waters were found.
Epiphytic Communities On Posidonia Oceanica (L.) Delile Leaves Along The North Tyrrhenian Coasts (N.W. Mediterranean Sea, Italy)
Authors: BEDINI R. , CANALI M.G. , BERTUCCELLI M.
Published: May 2013

The structure of epiphytic communities was studied from February to November 2000 at three different levels (upper limit, lower limit, central zone) in depth (- 5 to – 26 m) in five Posidonia oceanica(L.) Delile 1813 Tuscany coast meadows: Rosignano, San Vincenzo, Piombino, Punta Ala, Portoferraio (Isle of Elba). The study was focused on leaf epiphytes and epifauna. Three shoots in three plots were collected randomly in each area (nine shoots per area) in each site of each meadow. A quantitative description of the epiphytes and epifauna was carried out, regarding the three groups: Algae, Hydroids and Bryozoans, both on the outer and the inner surfaces of the leaf blade. The dynamics of communities of the leaf-stratum along a bathymetric gradient showed a seasonal variation characterized by the highest richness of epiphytes mainly in the upper limit, especially in early spring. Significant differences were demonstrated for the epiphytic communities of the external leaf-stratum both on the upper and the central limit of the studied meadows.
Distribution of α amylase along the alimentary tract of two Mediterranean fish species, the parrotfish Sparisoma cretense L. and the stargazer, Uranoscopus scaber L
Authors: PAPOUTSOGLOU E.S. , LYNDON A.R.
Published: May 2013

There is very little information available for the only Mediterranean species of parrotfish ( Sparisoma cretense) and its feeding habits, especially since most other parrotfish species are associated with coral reefs. The same lack of information is true for another fish species, the stargazer ( Uranoscopus scaber), which is carnivorous, and important for local fisheries in the Mediterranean. Comparative information is presented concerning the digestive activity and capacity for alpha amylase for these species with completely different feeding strategies, as well as main location(s) of carbohydrate digestion along their digestive tract. Alphaamylase activity and capacity is significantly higher in S. cretensethan U. scaber(p<0.05). Activity in S. cretense is very high, comparable to levels reported for carp and tilapia. It is similar in anterior and posterior intestine, however, the posterior intestine comprises a more important role in alpha amylase capacity. In U. scaber, activity is present in pyloric caeca and intestine. Levels are very low, comparable to levels reported for other benthic marine carnivores. There is no difference between activities in intestine and pyloric caeca. However, activity is higher in the anterior part of the intestine, lower in the posterior intestine and absent in the stomach. Such information is thought to be beneficial for improving knowledge on the biology of the examined species, and the physiology of nutrition, as well as for assisting towards understanding these processes in other, more valuable species for aquaculture. Also, the possibility of using the stargazer alimentary tract, especially its pyloric caeca as a model system is discussed.
Consumer Attitude Towards Shellfish In The Greek Market: A Pilot Study
Authors: BATZIOS CH. , ANGELIDIS P. , MOUTOPOULOS D.K. , ANASTASIADOU CH. , CHRISOPOLITOU V.
Published: May 2013

During the last decade, the Greek shellfish industry has experienced significant changes affecting both the market demand and the availability of the end products. Although, shellfish and seafood in general have been promoted as healthy food by marketing boards and private seafood companies in many countries all over the world, no attention has been paid so far to analysing the Greek consumer’s purchasing behaviour and attitudes towards the shellfish market. This paper presents the results of the first survey in this field of research, which was carried out in northern Greece (area of Katerini and Greater Thessaloniki) from January to March 2002. A randomly selected sample of 400 consumers filled in a questionnaire, which covered basic marketing aspects of shellfish consumption such as choice, purchase, reasons for consuming shellfish, confidence in shellfish hygiene certification, media influence, etc. Data analysis includes descriptive statistics, as well as chi-square (― 2 ) tests (crosstabulation) to examine possible relations between consumers’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics and shellfish marketing aspects. Analyses of the results have shown that the majority of Greek consumers prefer the exploitable to cultured shellfish and in general do not eat shellfish often. They prefer the traditional fish shops for purchasing shellfish and consume them mainly in summer. The strongest reason to buy shellfish is their taste, while freshness is considered as the most important criterion when deciding to buy shellfish. Moreover, the vast majority of the consumers prefer a certification of quality, trust the confirmation provided by the veterinary authorities, but do not prefer ready-to-eat shellfish. Results revealed that consumers’ behaviour and attitudes vary considerably according to their demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The results of this study could prove to be helpful for decision makers towards a more rational planning of production and improvement of distributing roots, which in turn would improve product quality and promote shellfish consumption.
Seasonal changes in population of the Amphipod Gammarus aequicauda (Martynov, 1931)
Authors: PRATO E. , BIANDOLINO F.
Published: May 2013

Monthly collections were made for one year (March 2001 to February 2002) in Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian sea, Italy), in order to establish the seasonal fluctuations of a population of Gammarus aequicauda (Crustacea, Amphipoda). Variations in the population structure, sex ratio and fecundity were studied. The population comprised all stages of the life cycle all year round, thus showing continuous reproduction. Size differences between males and females occurred throughout the year with males being larger than females. The recruitment of juveniles into the population occurred particularly in autumn-winter. Females consistently predominated in numbers over males during winter months. Female cephalic length was positively correlated with eggs number.
Decapoda and Stomatopoda (Crustacea) of Rodos island (Greece) and the Erythrean expansion NW of the Levantine sea
Authors: KEVREKIDIS K. , GALIL B.S.
Published: May 2013

The Decapoda and Stomatopoda (Crustacea) of the sublittoral zone of Rodos island were studied between 1995 and 2000. Twenty-five sites, at depths ranging from the intertidal to 119 m, were sampled. Three species of stomatopods and 52 species of decapods were identified, bringing the number of decapods known from Rodos to 83. One Stomatopode and nineteen decapods, though previously known from the Aegean Sea, are new records for Rodos. The presence of seven species of Erythrean origin testify to a trend of increasing tropicalization of the area. A remarkable number of Erythrean taxa (fish, Crustacea, Mollusca, Polychaeta) have been established in Rodos, the Dodecanese and the southern Aegean Sea, whereas few reached the northern Aegean and the Ionian Seas. The expansion of the Erythrean species NW of the Levantine Sea is discussed.
Growth, Mortality And Yield Per Recruit Of Bogue, Boops Boops (L.), From The Egyptian Mediterranean Waters Off Alexandria
Authors: ALLAM S.M.
Published: May 2013

Age and growth of Boops boops(L.) from the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria were estimated from scales. No significant difference in growth was found between male and female. Back-calculated lengths at annulus formation for combined sex were 10.97, 14.03, 16.39, 18.56 and 20.51cm TL. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L ‡ = 31.68 cm, K = 0.1531 year -1 and t Ζ = -1.7838.The length-weight relationship was W = -2.1548L 3.1031 . Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were 1.283, 0.458 and 0.824 year -1 respectively. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.464. A Beverton-Holt yieldper- recruit model indicated that the maximum yield-per-recruit was 21.06 g when fishing mortality was 2.4 and the current fishery harvests approximately 95% of the potential yield.
Development of a two-layer mathematical model for the study of hydrodynamic circulation in the sea. Application to the Thermaikos gulf
Authors: DODOU M.G. , SAVVIDIS Y.G. , KRESTENITIS Y.N. , KOUTITAS C.G.
Published: May 2013

A two-layer hydrodynamic model for stratified flows has been developed and applied to the study of the sea water circulation in the Thermaikos Gulf (North Aegean Sea in the east Mediterranean Sea). The model was based on the finite differences method. The wind and Coriolis forces applied to a stratified basin (with initial density differences ΆΪ/Ϊ = 5ς) constituted the basic factors for the study of the circulation in the gulf, corresponding to the stratification conditions. The findings of the model, concerning the basic pattern of circulation in the gulf, were in accordance with in situ data collected in previous studies of the area. Furthermore, the application of the model allowed for the tracking and recognition of the regions of upwelling in the gulf, which were related to the prevailing wind conditions. For the integration of the research, the study was complemented with runs of a two dimensional – depth averaged- model which corresponded to nonstratified conditions. Comparisons and evaluation of the results of the simulations close the study.
Taxonomic notes on Protoperidinium (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) species in the Thermaikos Bay (North Aegean Sea, Greece)
Authors: EVAGELOPOULOS A.
Published: May 2013

The thecal morphology and plate pattern of fourteen species of the genus Protoperidinium, found in the inner Thermaikos Bay (North Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) during the period 1989-1992, are described and discussed. These species are: P. depressum, P. oceanicum, P. oblongum, P. claudicans, P. punctulatum, P. conicum var. concavum ?, P. cf. obtusum, P. sp., P. brochi, P. divergens, P. curtipes, P. oviforme, P. pallidum and P. diabolus. Among the fourteen species, P. cf. obtusum and P. sp. are the most interesting from a taxonomic point of view. The morphology of the theca of each species combines features attributed in the current literature to two different species, P. obtusum and P. leonis. These features concern primarily the shape of the 1' plate and the morphology of the hypotheca. As a consequence of my findings, I believe that the morphology of the 1’ plate and the sculpture of the epitheca may be too variable to be used to distinguish between P. obtusum and P. leonis. We also believe that P. obtusum, P. leonis as well as P. striatum require further clarification of their diagnostic characters. Taxa of similar morphology to P. sp. have been recorded in the literature and they may represent a new Protoperidinium taxon.
Annual cycle of the microzooplankton communities in the waters surrounding the Palm Island Nature Reserve (north Lebanon), with special attention to tintinnids
Authors: ABBOUD-ABI SAAB M.
Published: May 2013

The distribution, abundance and annual cycle of microzooplankton communities have been studied monthly at five sampling stations in the north Lebanon, covering both neritic and oceanic waters in the vicinity of small islands situated 5 km offshore.In general, the density of microprotozoans, except for ciliates, increased from the coastal towards the offshore area, with stations situated near the islands being similar to the offshore rather than to the coastal ones. The microprotozoan species showed their highest numbers in late autumn and early winter. Foraminifera abundance ranged from 20 to 3390 inds.m -3 (mean= 549) whereas Acantharia abundance was highest in spring and ranged from 0 to 2608 inds.m -3 (mean 259). The Polycistina had their highest numbers in late winter, which ranged from 0 to 6024 inds.m -3 (mean= 740). The Heliozoa were abundant in late autumn with numbers ranging from 0 to 5165 inds.m -3 (mean= 555). The annual cycle of Tintinnids at all the stations was bimodal with a principal peak in October-November and another one in May, while minimum numbers were recorded in August-September. A succession of populations was observed all year round with a density ranging between 344 and 38986 inds.m -3 (mean = 10878). Ninety different species of Tintinnids were recorded. The diversity index varied between 0.19 and 4.15. It was concluded that there was a large-scale gradient in seasonal diversity which could be related to the annual average sea surface temperature and to the development of the vertical thermic structure.
Use of biodiversity hotspots for conservation of Marine Molluscs: a regional approach
Authors: BEDULLI D. , BASSIGNANI F. , BRUSCHI A.
Published: May 2013

A method to define biodiversity hot spots as regards marine molluscs is proposed. Species richness of Italian marine molluscs is analysed by means of data collected by members of the Italian Malacological Society. Data are ordered in the database ‘Census of Italian Marine Molluscs’ available on the Internet. The Census contains about 20.000 records concerning 901 species sampled in 663 localities around all the Italian coasts. The records are divided into 59 lots; for each lot we formulate an index of species richness not related to the sampling effort. This index shows a positive correlation with the environmental diversity and with the proportion of hard substrates on the sea bottom. In the lots we assess the distribution of species worth of protection (according to literature) and of most rare species. Combining these data with the distribution of lots with higher values of species richness index, we identify hot spots available for conservation.
Determination of Hydrocarbons in Bivalves from the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast
Authors: EL-SIKAILY A. , KHALED A. , EL NEMR A. , SAID T.O. , ABD-ALLAH A.M.A.
Published: May 2013

In order to assess contamination of aliphatics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, two different species of bivalves (Modiolus auriculatus and Donax sp.) were collected in April 2000 in about twenty locations along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt from El-Mex to Bardaweel (about 500 km). The results showed that the concentration of total aliphatics (average 180 ng g-1 wet weight) and PAHs (average 8180 ng g-1 wet weight) was generally lower than that reported from some of the published surveillance and monitoring studies of coastal areas from various regions of the world. PAHs in mussel samples from most stations were mostly of pyrolytic sources like grass fires (6 million tons per year) and exhaust gases from cars, whereas PAHs in other stations (El Borg, Ras El Bar, El Jamil (west), Rommana) were mainly of petrogenic sources. However, other pollution sources are involved.
Age determination and growth of leaping mullet, (Liza saliens R.1810) from the Messolonghi Etoliko lagoon (western Greece)
Authors: KATSELIS G. , KOUTSIKOPOULOS C. , KASPIRIS P.
Published: May 2013

This study is the first detailed work on the age and growth of the leaping mullet (Liza saliens, Risso 1810) in the central Mediterranean. During the period 1991-1995 the age and growth of leaping mullet from the Messolonghi -Etoliko lagoon system (western Greek coast) were studied. Age and growth determinations were based upon otolith samples taken from 537 fish. Marginal increment analysis was used to validate age determination. Annulus formation took place around November each year. The back-calculated lengths at age estimated from the otoliths showed no differences between sub-areas of the lagoon system and the recorded limited between-years variability showed no persistent temporal pattern. The maximum age of leaping mullet in the Messolonghi - Etoliko lagoon was 5 years for males and 6 years for females. The von Bertalanffy equation (L‡=32.99±1.25 cm, k=0.258 ±0.017 year-1, t0=-0.47±0.04 year) accurately describes the growth of the total length of leaping grey mullet for all life stages (fry, juveniles and adults). A large spread and length overlap characterized the age groups. The estimated Length-Weight relationships were common for the two sexes (W=0.0079L3.01).
Hydrology and circulation in the North Aegean (eastern Mediterranean) throughout 1997 and 1998
Authors: ZERVAKIS V. , GEORGOPOULOS D.
Published: May 2013

The combination of two research projects offered us the opportunity to perform a comprehensive study of the seasonal evolution of the hydrological structure and the circulation of the North Aegean Sea, at the northern extremes of the eastern Mediterranean. The combination of brackish water inflow from the Dardanelles and the sea-bottom relief dictate the significant differences between the North and South Aegean water columns. The relatively warm and highly saline South Aegean waters enter the North Aegean through the dominant cyclonic circulation of the basin. In the North Aegean, three layers of distinct water masses of very different properties are observed: The 20-50 m thick surface layer is occupied mainly by Black Sea Water, modified on its way through the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles. Below the surface layer there is warm and highly saline water originating in the South Aegean and the Levantine, extending down to 350-400 m depth. Below this layer, the deeper-than-400 m basins of the North Aegean contain locally formed, very dense water with different θ /S characteristics at each subbasin. The circulation is characterised by a series of permanent, semi-permanent and transient mesoscale features, overlaid on the general slow cyclonic circulation of the Aegean. The mesoscale activity, while not necessarily important in enhancing isopycnal mixing in the region, in combination with the very high stratification of the upper layers, however, increases the residence time of the water of the upper layers in the general area of the North Aegean. As a result, water having out-flowed from the Black Sea in the winter, forms a separate distinct layer in the region in spring (lying between “younger” BSW and the Levantine origin water), and is still traceable in the water column in late summer.
North-eastern Aegean sea: an effort to estimate steady-state N & P budgets during September 1998
Authors: KRASAKOPOULOU E. , ZERVAKIS V. , SOUVERMEZOGLOU E. , GEORGOPOULOS D.
Published: May 2013

The north-eastern Aegean sea, characterised by a complex topographical structure, is the area where highly saline waters of Levantine and South-Central Aegean origin are diluted by the outflowing through the Dardanelles of less saline waters of Black Sea origin and by river runoff from the Greek and Turkish mainland. Salinity and nutrient data collected during the INTERREG-I project are used to develop budget calculations and empirical models according to the LOICZ biogeochemical modelling guidelines. The results of the study indicate that the dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes imported into the NE Aegean through the Dardanelles are less important than it was believed in the past. Overall, the system acts as a net sink of DIN and DIP, as well as being a net producer of organic matter, as primary production exceeds respiration. Moreover, the system appears to fix more nitrogen than is lost through denitrification.
Dissolved and Suspended Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the North Aegean Sea
Authors: HATZIANESTIS I. , SKLIVAGOU E.
Published: May 2013

The distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were investigated in the seawater of the North Aegean Sea. The measured PAH concentrations in SPM are generally considered as elevated for open sea waters and were evenly distributed in the area. Their levels in the dissolved phase (1.6-33.0 ng/l) were much higher than those encountered in the corresponding particulate phases (0.04-10.2 ng/l). The PAH patterns in both phases were dominated by the three ring aromatics and their alkylated derivatives, reflecting a predominant contribution of fossil hydrocarbons probably related to ship traffic, whereas no significant inputs from the rivers outfalling in the area were detected. In bottom waters PAH values were generally lower, whereas a higher depletion of the petroleum PAH in comparison with the pyrolytic ones according to depth was observed.
Use of algae for monitoring of heavy metals in the River Vardar, Macedonia
Authors: LEVKOV Z. , KRSTIC S.
Published: May 2013

Aiming to resolve some of the problems regarding monitoring of heavy metals in rivers using Cladophora glomerata and epilithic algal communities, a year’s survey of Co, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn has been conducted on the river Vardar, FY Republic of Macedonia. Obtained results and statistical analysis clearly point out the well documented possibility of using epilithon (basically diatom communities) as a monitoring tool, since correlation patterns for epilithon are either better or the same as those for Cladophora, while at the same time epilithon is much more reliable for monitoring, especially in cases when no other plant material can be obtained.
Stock assessments of the Black Sea anchovy during the period 1979-1993
Authors: PRODANOV K.B. , STOYANOVA M.D.
Published: May 2013

The stock assessments of the Black Sea anchovy during the period 1979-1993 were made by Age- and Length-structured VPA. According to the obtained results, the initial anchovy exploited biomass varied from 1421.3 (1979) to 243.3 thousand tons (1990). In 1979 the mean exploited biomass was 1036.5 thousand tons. Both assessments are very close because the mean biomass at F=0.5 has to be 73.71% from the initial one.The comparatively low level of fishing activity from 1968-1977 (mean value of F was 0.2407) and the increase in Black Sea productivity predetermined the increase in anchovy biomass during the period 1979-1983. This rise in productivity of the Black Sea implies higher values of the anchovy exploited biomass, but this did not occur due to the increased fishing mortality upon the anchovy, which kept its abundance and biomass at considerably lower levels. The mean value of F was 0.7348 during the period 1983-1986 and reached 1.2487 in 1987-1988.The mean anchovy biomass in 1991 and 1992 was 179.1 and 314.0 thousand tons. In the same years the initial anchovy biomass was 430.5 and 592.1 thousand tons. The mean value of the fishing mortality coefficient in 1991 and 1992 was 0.3889 and 0.6353, respectively. Consequently, the decrease of fishing mortality during the specified years was o
Spatial analysis of hydrological and phytoplanktonic data of the Bay of Tunis. Multivariate cartography
Authors: HAMADOU R.B. , IBANEZ F. , SOUISSI S. , CATHELINEAU A.C.
Published: May 2013

A method of cartography originally used in geology was adapted to generate regionalization and to obtain 2-D maps of multivariate marine data. The ecological purpose of the method is to divide the studied area through homogeneous regions presenting common multivariate characteristics. Firstly, transformation was applied to the original matrix of hydrological parameters in order to satisfy the condition of multinormality. Then, associative analysis was used in order to produce an easy to interpret partition of sites. The level of heterogeneity between each station and the properties of each group was assessed by measuring the Bayesian probabilities. These conditional probabilities measure the chance that each site has of belonging to a predefined group of sites. Based on the geographical positions of the stations, the probability values for each group of stations were mapped using kriging interpolation algorithm. The obtained maps of iso-probabilities for the different groups of stations were used to define homogenous zones on a single map. Including the phytoplanktonic dataset afterwards, the indicator species were identified for each zone.This multivariate analysis was applied to a hydrological and phytoplanktonic dataset of the Bay of Tunis. Measures at surface were made at 17 stations, sampled monthly over 2 years. The results illustrated a partition of the bay considering four groups, two coastal and two central groups of stations. The importance of the inshore influence was demonstrated in the setting up of such a regionalization through the inflow of alluvium and other products of coastal activities. The significant presence of the toxic phytoplanktonic community in the bay suggests the need to institute a monitoring program.
Plio-Quaternary history of the Turkish coastal zone of the Enez-Evros Delta: NE Aegean Sea
Authors: ALPAR B.
Published: May 2013

The Enez-Evros Delta, NE Aegean Sea, is located in one the most important wetlands in the world with its sandy offshore islands, abandoned channel mouths, sand-dunes, shoals, marshlands, saline lagoons and saltpans. It comprises very well developed sedimentary units and a prodelta lying on an older submarine delta. The present day elevations of the middle-late Pleistocene marine terraces indicate a regional tectonic uplift in the area. Due to lack of geophysical and bore hole data and partly due to its strategic position, the structural and stratigraphic features of the submarine extension of the delta are not known in detail. In this paper, Plio-Quaternary history of this delta and its submarine part on the Turkish shelf was explored by using high-resolution shallow reflection seismic profiles. The delta is formed by the alluvial deposits of the Enez-Evros River and shaped by their interaction with the sea. It takes place in front of a large and protected ancient bay which was filled rapidly over millennia. The sediments in the plateau off the river are principally pro-deltaic with muddy areas near the river mouths changing to muddy sand further out. The sea-level changes in Plio-Quaternary were characterised by three different seismic stratigraphic units on the folded Miocene limestone basement. In the late Pleistocene, the shelf area over an Upper Miocene basement was flooded during the Riss-Würm interglacial period, exposed in the Würm glacial stage, and flooded once again during the Holocene transgression.
Coastline changes in relation to longshore sediment transport and human impact, along the shoreline of Kato Achaia (NW Peloponnese, Greece)
Authors: POULOS S. , CHRONIS G.
Published: May 2013

Coastal configuration depends upon the equilibrium between available sediment budget and prevailing nearshore wave and current conditions. Human activities often disturb this natural equilibrium by altering the sources of beach material and littoral drift pattern. In the coastal zone of NW Peloponnese, an essentially tideless environment, the oblique approach of wind-induced waves implies an overall longshore drift from east to west. On an annual basis, the potential longshore sediment transport rates at the different sections of the study area (Kato Achaia) is estimated to vary between 0.02 10-3 m3/s and 5 103 m3/s and to fluctuate seasonally. The construction of a port and the extraction of aggregates from the R. Peiros have changed significantly the pattern of sediment transport inducing dramatic changes on coastline configuration; thus, the part of the coastline west to the port had retreated as much as 70 m eliminating a touristic beach, while the entrance of the port was silted inhibiting navigation. Coastal engineering measures, such as modification of port-breakwaters and construction of groins have had only minimal contribution in beach recovery. Hence, coastal management plans should consider this dynamic equilibrium and protect the natural coastal system from the arbitrary human activities.
Cost-effective reduction of eutrophication in the Gulf of Kalloni (Island of Lesvos, Greece)
Authors: ZANOU B. , KOPKE A.
Published: May 2013

This study presents a cost-effective analysis by comparing the costs of measures (options) to improve the quality of bathing waters in the Gulf of Kalloni (island of Lesvos, Greece) in order to reduce the anthropogenic eutrophication in the coastal water of the Kalloni Gulf.The Gulf of Kalloni is a semi-enclosed gulf (115 km2) which receives municipal wastewater, agricultural activity drainage, and at times sewage from olive oil plants processing the local olives harvest. The area of study consists of the coastal waters and the river basin of which water run-off drains into the gulf. Four options are comparable in their environmental effectiveness to reduce eurtophication damages which are: municipal wastewater treatment plant, construction of dams, organic farming plus training and olive oil wastewater treatment plant.
Dynamics of macrozoobenthos in the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coastal and open-sea areas
Authors: STOYKOV S. , UZUNOVA S.
Published: May 2013

The paper presents results of analysis of 96 macrozoobenthic samples, collected on a seasonal basis in Bourgas Bay and in open-sea areas offshore Cape Emine (Bulgarian Black Sea) in 1996 and 1998. In total 96 taxa were established, distributed in four groups: Polychaeta, Mollusca, Crustacea and “Diversa”. The average density of populations was 1756 ind.m-2 with a predominating abundance of Polychaeta species. The average biomass estimated was 183.02 g.m-2, formed mainly by representatives of Mollusca. The latter species were measured together with the shells, which appraised their individual weights. Seven of the species found had a coefficient of constancy more than 50%. These were the most adapted species to the environmental conditions of the investigated areas. The quantitative and qualitative assessments in this study demonstrate an increasing tendency in the parameters obtained (density, biomass, species diversity) in comparison with previous investigations in the early 1990-s, when intensive anthropogenic influence was widely perceived to misbalance the Black Sea ecosystem.The method of Warwick (1986) applied to characterize the water quality of the studied areas allowed us to define them as rather clean or moderately polluted aquatories.
Mediterranean climate variability during the Holocene
Authors: CASFORD J.S.L. , ABU-ZIED R. , ROHLING E.J. , COOKE S. , BOESSENKOOL K.P. , BRINKHUIS H. , DE VRIES C. , WEFER G. , GERAGA M. , PAPATHEODOROU G. , CROUDACE I. , THOMSON J. , LYKOUSIS V.
Published: May 2013

We present a study on four high sedimentation-rate marine cores with suppressed bioturbation effects, recovered along the northern margin of the eastern Mediterranean. We demonstrate that this region, central to the development of modern civilisation, was substantially affected throughout the Holocene by a distinct cycle of cooling events on the order of 2o C. In the best-preserved cases the onset of these events appears particularly abrupt, within less than a century. The cooling events typically lasted several centuries, and there are compelling indications that they were associated with increased aridity in the Levantine/NE African sector (Rossignol-Strick, 1995; 1998; Alley et al., 1997; Hassan, 1986; 1996; 1997a,b; McKim Malville et al., 1998). Several of these episodes appear coincident with cultural reorganisations, with indigenous developments (eg. cattle domestication, new technologies) and population migrations and fusion of peoples and ideas (Hassan, 1986; 1996; 1997a,b; McKim Malville, 1998). We infer that climatic events of a likely high-latitude origin (O’Brien et al., 1995; Bond et al., 1997; Mayewski et al., 1997; Alley et al., 1997) caused cooling and aridity in and around the eastern Mediterranean via a direct atmospheric link, and therefore played an important role in the development of modern civilisation.
Zooplankton of the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean: Similarities and dissimilarities
Authors: KOVALEV A.V. , MAZZOCCHI M.G. , SIOKOU I. , KIDEYS A.E.
Published: May 2013

A synthesis of data on abundance and biomass of zooplankton in the Eastern Mediterranean (EMED) and the Black Sea shows major differences in the composition and structure of pelagic communities in the two basins. Few Mediterranean planktonic animals have invaded and acclimatised in the Black Sea. The great bulk of Black Sea species is represented by coastal inhabitants that spread throughout the whole basin. This process has been called “neritization” of the Black Sea fauna. Peculiarities in zooplankton assemblages of the Black Sea have been further strengthened over the last few decades due to increasing eutrophication and the massive invasion of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. The relative contribution of copepods, cladocerans, chaetognaths, and appendicularians to total zooplankton biomass has notably decreased , whereas gelatinous groups (mainly represented by Mnemiopsis and Aurelia aurita) contributed up to 99% of total wet weight in 1995 in the Black Sea.The basic features of planktonic fauna in the Black Sea are mainly due do the geo-morphological characters of the basin and the limited exchanges with the EMED, that are confined to the surface-subsurface layers in the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits. However, the dramatic changes that recently occurred in the structure of zooplankton assemblages seem to have been caused by heavy anthropogenic impact on the pelagic system.
Occurrence of Acartia tonsa Dana in the Black Sea. Was it introduced from the Mediterranean?
Authors: GUBANOVA A.
Published: May 2013

It was reported for the first time that Acartia tonsa was present in the Black Sea as early as in 1976. A.tonsa was found in the Mediterranean Sea in 1985. So, this copepod was initially introduced to the Black Sea and did not invade here from the Mediterranean. Probably A.tonsa was transferred to the Black Sea with ship's ballast water from some other region of the World Ocean. Differences in seasonal dynamics and size structure of A.clausi and A.tonsa in the Bay of Sevastopol in 1976 are discussed.
Sea level changes along the Turkish coasts of the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: ALPAR B. , DOGAN E. , YUCE H. , ALTIOK H.
Published: May 2013

Short, tidal, subtidal, seasonal, secular sea-level variations, sea-level differences and interactions between the basins have been studied, based on the data collected at some permanent and temporary tide gauges located along the Turkish coasts, mostly along the Straits connecting the Marmara Sea to outer seas. Even though the deficiency of sufficient information prevented us to reach the desired results, many pre-existed studies have been improved. Short-period oscillations were clearly identified along the Turkish Strait System and related to their natu-ral periods. The tidal amplitudes are low along the Turkish coasts, except northern Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. The stability of harmonic constants of Samsun and Antalya were examined and most of the long period constituents were found to be unstable. Even the Marmara Sea is not affected from the tidal oscillations of Black and Aegean Seas, some interactions in low frequency band have been detected. Subtidal sea level fluctuations (3-14 day) have relations with the large-scale cyclic atmospheric patterns passing over the Turkish Straits System. Short-term effects of wind on sea level are evident.Seasonal sea-level fluctuations along the Turkish Straits System are in accord with Black Sea's hydrological cycle. The differential range of the monthly mean sea levels between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea is highly variable; high during spring and early summer and low during fall and winter.On the average, there is a pronounced sea-level difference (55 cm) along the Turkish Straits System. However, the slope is nonlinear, being much steeper in the Strait of Istanbul. This barotrophic pressure difference is one of the most important factors causing the two-layer flow through the system. The topography and hydrodynamics of the straits, the dominant wind systems and their seasonal variations make this flow more complicated. For secular sea level changes, a rise of 3.2 mm/a was computed for Karsiyaka (1935-71) and a steady trend (-0.4 mm /a) has been observed for annual sea levels at Antalya (1935-77). The decreasing trend (-6.9 mm/a) at Samsun is contrary to the secular rising trend of the Black Sea probably because of its rather short monitoring period (1963-77).
Seasonal variation of the cold intermediate water in the Southwestern Black Sea and its interaction with the Sea of Marmara during the period of 1996-1998
Authors: ALTIOK H. , YUCE H. , ALPAR B.
Published: May 2013

Seasonal variations of the cold intermediate water (CIW) in the southwestern Black Sea and its entrance into the Strait of Istanbul (Bosphorus) within the upper layer flow have been studied by using monthly oceanographic data sets collected in 1996-1998 period. In addition, the advection of the CIW via Strait Of Istanbul to the Sea of Marmara has been investigated.The CIW is a permanent and characteristic water mass of the Black Sea, markedly observed in the northwestern Black Sea. It is transported with the Rim Current along the boundary of the basin. The average temperature of the CIW is about 6o C. The 8oC isotherms defines its upper and lower boundaries. The upper boundary of CIW rises up to the 20 m depth in the shelf and coastal upwelling regions with a thickness of 40 m. On the other hand, the depth of the upper boundary may decrease down to 40 m with a thickness of 120 m in the anticyclonic regions.The CIW, located between 30 and 65m depths, was observed from April to September at the northern approaches of the Strait of Istanbul in the Black Sea. However, the CIW, within the Black Sea's upper layer flow, does not enter into the strait in the beginning (April, May) and at the end (September) of this period. The CIW between 20 and 50m water depths was observed in the northern entrance of the strait in summer (June, July and August) and it was carried into the strait by the southbound surface current. Its temperature increases southwards along the strait, due to the mixing with the warmer surface and bottom layers. This increment ranges between 2 and 4oC depending on the rate of mixing. The physically altered waters enter the Sea of Marmara with temperature of 11-14oC.In the Sea of Marmara, a residual cold intermediate layer (CIL) is observed in summer, it is just placed on top of the halocline. The average temperature of the upper layer increases from spring to autumn. In some months, however, there is a decrement in the average temperature of the upper layer. The altered CIW waters entering the Sea of Marmara may be responsible for this cooling.
Chemical oceanography in the Cretan Sea: Changes associated to the transient
Authors: SOUVERMEZOGLOU E. , KRASAKOPOULOU E.
Published: May 2013

The intensive research since 1985 in the framework of national and international programmes revealed important modifications in oxygen and nutrients distribution in the Cretan Sea. The significant increase of density and of formation rates of the Cretan Dense Water (CDW) during the last decade is basically responsible for the drastic change of the thermohaline circulation and the installation of a new hydrological regime in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the Cretan Sea, the most important effect of the new regime, is the installation of a well-defined "minimum salinity, temperature, oxygen and maximum nutrient" intermediate layer formed by the intrusion of the Transitional Mediterranean Water (TMW) compensating the massive CDW outflow.The nutrient enrichment of the intermediate layers of the Cretan Sea, due to the intrusion of the "nutrient rich-oxygen poor" TMW, was observed firstly in 1991 and became very important during 1994-95. During 1994-95 the TMW occupies the intermediate layers of the entire Cretan Sea and the concentrations of nutrients in this layer are often two times higher than in the past. Recently, in 1997-98 the chemical characteristics of TMW are less pronounced probably related to the weaker CDW outflow.
Coastal benthic diversity in the Black and Aegean Seas
Authors: ZENETOS A. , REVKOV N.K. , KONSULOVA T. , SERGEEVA N. , SIMBOURA N. , TODOROVA V.R. , ZAIKA V.E.
Published: May 2013

Quantitative data pertaining to the composition of macrobenthic communities of soft bottoms along the coastal zones of the Black and Aegean Seas are reviewed. The study area includes one site in the Russian coastal zone, four sites in Ukraine (at depths 3-125 m), four sites in Bulgaria (at depths 12-83 m), and four sites in Greece (at depths 9-90 m). The species variety, population density and community diversity are compared between Seas, among regions and among stations. The fluctuation of these parameters in connection to anthropogenic impact (ranging from open undisturbed sites to those receiving heavy organic and chemical effluent) are discussed. The low species number of benthic fauna in the Black Sea, as opposed to the richness of the Aegean Sea (three times higher) a ratio well established for other marine groups, is not reflected in the overall abundance. Thus, the average population density of benthic organisms may reach 12352 ind per m2 in the Black Sea (Cocketrice sandy bank) while in the Aegean it did not exceed 4,000 ind per m2 (Saronikos Gulf). Community diversity was always lower in the Black Sea than similar sites in the Aegean Sea. Within the various regions examined, the protected areas exhibited the most complex community structure.
Holocene palaeoceanographic evolution of the Iskenderun bay, South-Eastern Turkey, as a response to river mouth diversions and human impact
Authors: SPEZZAFERRI S. , BASSO D. , KORAL H.
Published: May 2013

A quantitative study of benthic foraminifera, sediment texture and composition from two cores was performed to unravel the environmental evolution of the Iskenderun Bay (eastern Turkey) in the Holocene. Core 29 (NE Iskenderun Bay) consists of clay and silt from the top of the core down to 35 cm with dominant bioclasts (coral Cladocora caespitosa) from 35 cm down to the bottom of the core. Core 92, located near an ancient Ceyhan River mouth (Yumurtalik), consists of sandy and silty sediment passing to homogeneous clay and silt at about 48 cm from the top. Several grab samples show very coarse biogenic detritus covered by a centimetric veneer of sandy silt and clay. Radiocarbon dating of corals, molluscs and algae from core 29 and five selected grab samples, the sediment and foraminiferal study indicate that at least three pulses of muddy sedimentation occurred in the bay. (1) An older pulse (about 3700 yrs BP) related to the large-scale forest clearing (Beysheir Occupation Phase). (2) Another pulse coincides with a major delta progradation of the Ceyhan River at about 2140 years BP. (3) A younger pulse follows the diversion of the Ceyhan River mouth toward Yumurtalik, from the Middle Age to 1935.Species interpreted as tolerant of low salinity indicate that the influence of the Ceyhan was minor when the river drained directly into the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 2000 years BP) and progressively increased when the river diverted towards Yumurtalik.
An updated review of alien species on the coasts of Turkey
Authors: CINAR M.E. , BILECENOGLU M. , OZTURK Β. , KATAGAN Τ. , YOKES Μ.Β. , AYSEL V. , DAGLI E. , ACIK S. , OZCAN T. , ERDOGAN H.
Published: May 2013

This 2010 review of alien species along the coasts of Turkey represents a total of 400 alien species belonging to 14 systematic groups. The present paper also reports the first findings ofVanderhorstia mertensi in the Aegean Sea (Gökova Bay), Chama adspersa in the Sea of Marmara andMya arenaria in the Aegean Sea. A total of 124 new alien species was determined within the last 5 years. Mollusca had the highest number of species (105 species), followed by Polychaeta (75 species), Crustacea (64 species) and Pisces (58 species). The highest number of alien species (330 species) were encountered on the Levantine coast of Turkey, followed by the Aegean Sea (165 species), Sea of Marmara (69 species) and Black Sea (20 species). The Suez Canal (66% of the total number of alien species) is the main vector for species introductions to the coasts of Turkey, followed by the ship-mediated transport (30%). The majority of species (306 species, 76% of total number of species) have become established in the area, while 59 species are classified as casual (15%), 23 species as questionable (6%) and 13 species as cryptogenic (3%). One new alien species was introduced to the coasts of Turkey every 4 weeks between 1991 and 2010. The majority of aliens were found on soft substratum (198 species) in shallow waters (0-10 m) (319 species). Some species such asCaulerpa racemosa, Amphistegina lobifera, Amphisorus hemprichii, Rhopilema nomadica, Mnemiopsis leidyi, Hydroides spp., Ficopomatus enigmaticus, Charybdis longicollis, Rapana venosa, Asterias rubens, Siganus spp. and Lagocephalus sceleratus show high invasive characters, and have great impacts both on the prevailing ecosystems and humans.
Reproductive biology of the Golden grey mullet Liza aurata, in the Gulf of Gabes (central Mediterranean, Tunisia) in the Gulf of Gabes (central Mediterranean, Tunisia)
Authors: ABDALLAH C. , GHORBEL M. , JARBOUI O.
Published: May 2013

In spite of its high commercial value, very few information are available on the biological feature of the Golden grey mullet in Tunisian waters (central Mediterranean). These data would be of great help in identifying the current stock state. In this study, Gonado Somatic Index (GSI), Hepato Somatic Index (HSI), condition factor (K), Length at first sexual maturity TL50 was calculated and the fecundity was estimated using the volumetric method. The Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) indicated that the spawning season of the Golden grey mullet extends from October to December. The monthly variation of Hepato-Somatic Index (HSI) indicates that L. aurata saves lipid reserves in liver. The species is sexually mature at 23.73, 23.84 and 23.79 cm TL respectively for female, male and combined sexes. In the present study the sex-ratio was unbalanced, with females dominating among large size individuals (TL > 24 cm). Absolute fecundity with a mean value of 286564 varied from a minimum of 210400 eggs for age 4 and a maximum of 533600 for age 7+.