Worldwide, states are gazetting new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to meet the international commitment of protecting 30% of the seas by 2030. Yet, protection benefits only come into effect when an ...MPA is implemented with activated regulations and actively managed through continuous monitoring and adaptive management. To assess if actively managed MPAs are the rule or the exception, we used the Mediterranean and Black Seas as a case study, and retrieved information on monitoring activities for 878 designated MPAs in ten European Union (EU) countries. We searched for scientific and grey literature that provides information on the following aspects of MPA assessment and monitoring: ecological (e.g., biomass of commercially exploited fish), social (e.g., perceptions of fishers in an MPA), economic (e.g., revenue of fishers) and governance (e.g., type of governance scheme). We also queried MPA authorities on their past and current monitoring activities using a web-based survey through which we collected 123 responses. Combining the literature review and survey results, we found that approximately 16% of the MPA designations (N = 878) have baseline and/or monitoring studies. Most monitoring programs evaluated MPAs based solely on biological/ecological variables and fewer included social, economic and/or governance variables, failing to capture and assess the social-ecological dimension of marine conservation. To increase the capacity of MPAs to design and implement effective social-ecological monitoring programs, we recommend strategies revolving around three pillars: funding, collaboration, and technology. Following the actionable recommendations presented herein, MPA authorities and EU Member States could improve the low level of MPA monitoring to more effectively reach the 30% protection target delivering benefits for biodiversity conservation.
Display omitted
•Protection benefits occur only when an MPA is implemented and actively managed.•Literature and surveys were used to assess actively managed MPAs in Southern Europe.•Barely 16% of designated MPAs have baseline and/or monitoring studies.•Funding, technology, and collaboration strategies could increase MPAs' efficiency.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Many deep‐water fish populations, being K‐selected species, have little resilience to overexploitation and may be at serious risk of depletion as a consequence. Sea warming represents an additional ...threat. In this study, the condition, or health, of several populations of common ling (Molva molva), blue ling (Molva dypterygia) and Mediterranean or Spanish ling (Molva macrophthalma) inhabiting different areas in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean was evaluated, to shed light on the challenges these deep‐water species are facing in the context of fishing activity and a warming climate. The data on the condition of Molva populations which are analysed here have been complemented with data on abundance and, for the southernmost species (Mediterranean ling), with two other health indicators (parasitism and hepato‐somatic index). Despite some exceptions (e.g., common ling in Icelandic waters), this study shows that the condition of many populations of Molva species in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea has worsened, a trend which, in recent decades, has usually been found to be accompanied by a decline in their abundance. In addition, the poor health status of most populations of common ling, blue ling and Mediterranean ling considered in this analysis points to a lower sustainability of these populations in the future. Overall, the health status and abundance of Molva populations in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean suggest that only some populations located in the North Atlantic may be able to rebuild, whereas the populations in southern North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, which are probably most at risk from sea warming, are facing serious difficulties in doing so. In the context of fisheries and global warming, this study's results strongly indicate that management bodies need to consider the health status of many of the populations of Molva species, particularly in southern European waters, before implementing their decisions.
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
This work aimed to characterize chemical composition of Malbec and Cabernet Franc red wines from two different regions of La Pampa’s province, which stands out as one of the youngest wine-producing ...regions in Argentina and has remained unexplored until now. These wines were produced from grapes of two consecutive vintages (2021 and 2022), and were harvested at two different ripeness levels. Global phenolic parameters, colour characterization and multi-elemental profile were evaluated. Multivariate statistical approaches were successfully implemented to investigate the vintage and ripeness effects on chemical profile of red wines and characterize them based on regional variations. Our results showed that vintage and ripeness affected both phenolic and multi-elemental profiles, and such chemical variables allowed the wines differentiation according to region. The results of this first study could form the basis for future research into optimizing the region’s winemaking potential.
Display omitted
•Red wines from different wine-producing regions from La Pampa’s province were studied.•The wine chemical profile over two vintages and two ripeness levels was evaluated.•The vintage significantly influenced the phenolic and mineral composition of red wine.•Overripening enhanced wine polymeric pigment and color but raised ethanol.•Phenolic and mineral profiles revealed significant differences between regions.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The effect of temperature increase on the stock of the deep-sea pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) was analysed along the western coasts of Italy (North Tyrrhenian–Ligurian Sea: Geographical ...Sub-Area 9). This crustacean is currently one of the most important commercial species of the trawl fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea. Landings of the species in the North Tyrrhenian–Ligurian Sea have grown consistently during the last years following a rapid increase in the stock size. Since the deep-sea pink shrimp stock is exploited on the same fishing ground of other heavily overexploited stocks in a full mixed and poorly selective fishery, its condition seems to be largely independent of the current fishing exploitation pattern suggesting a positive role of climate change on the dynamic of the stock.
To test this hypothesis we investigated the effect of sea surface temperature (SST) on density and distribution of P. longirostris by means of general additive models (GAMs). Two different models were developed for the whole stock and for the recruits (CL<20mm) using time series of MEDITS (International bottom trawl survey in the Mediterranean) survey density indices (n km−2) covering the period 1995–2010. Predictors included were geographical coordinates, quarterly averaged minimum SST, sampling depth and year. Spawners density was included as predictor into the GAM for recruits.
The best GAM for the whole stock explained 67.1% of the total deviance, showing a clear increase in density in concomitance with the expansion of the stock northward. We found a significant positive effect of the min SST of all seasons, as expected considering that P. longirostris spawn all year round, with the highest influence played by summer min SST, either in the same or previous year.
The best model for recruits explained 64.9% of the total deviance. Recruitment increased linearly with the density of spawners showing a positive temporal trend and an expansion northward. The observed trend in recruitment appeared significantly linked to minimum SST in summer and during the autumn of the previous year, with a positive effect on shrimp density over 23.5°C and 14°C respectively. The climate-related changes in recruitment appeared to be the key process driving the dynamics of the stock, involving either higher production or survival in the planktonic stages, or owing to changes in the quality/quantity of nursery habitats.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The overexploitation of many marine resources and ecosystems calls for the development and implementation of measures to support their recovery and conservation.
The potential contributions to ...support fisheries and ecosystem recovery were assessed at the local level of the three multiple‐use marine protected areas (MPAs) of Cerbère‐Banyuls, Medes Islands, and Cap de Creus, located in the north‐western Mediterranean Sea.
For each MPA, a food‐web model accounting for each protection level (PL) was developed: the fully protected area (FPA), the partially protected area (PPA) and the unprotected area (UPA) surrounding the MPA. Using the resulting nine food‐web models, the ecosystem structure and functioning of each PL were compared and characterized, differences and similarities within and among the three MPAs were assessed, and ecosystem response to full protection was evaluated for the three MPAs.
Differences in terms of ecosystem structure and functioning were found among PLs. Overall, FPAs presented the most positive effect of protection in terms of ecosystem structure and functioning, followed by PPAs. However, the effects of protection on neighbouring UPAs were hardly noticeable.
Similarities between Cerbère‐Banyuls and Medes Islands MPAs were observed, while Cap de Creus MPA showed the least benefits from protection overall. These results are likely to be due to similarities in the configuration of the protected areas, the levels of enforcement and compliance, and the impact of recreational and small‐scale fisheries allowed in the PPAs and UPAs.
This study illustrates that well‐enforced Mediterranean MPAs, even when small, can yield local positive impacts on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems that can contribute to support local fisheries.
Full text
Available for:
FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Temporal variation in the population abundance of the deep‐water rose shrimp, Parapenaeus longirostris (Lucas, 1846) (Decapoda, Penaeidae), and the Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, ...1758) (Decapoda, Nephropidae), in the Tyrrhenian Sea (NW Mediterranean), were evaluated using time‐series data (1994–2008) from experimental trawl surveys and commercial landings. The influence of several environmental variables (sea surface temperature, wind‐mixing index and NAO index) and fishing effort indices (number of days at sea per month and mean engine power of the trawl fleet) were investigated. The time series were analysed by means of min/max auto‐correlation factor analysis (MAFA) and dynamic factor analysis (DFA). The abundance of P. longirostris showed a clear increasing trend, significantly correlated with the fishing effort index (number of days at sea per month), the sea surface temperature and the wind‐mixing index. The temporal variations in the stock of P. longirostris, which has a preference for warm waters, were positively correlated with the rise of the sea surface temperature and the decrease of wind circulation. For N. norvegicus, an increasing trend of landings per unit of effort and recruitment index contrasted with a decreasing trend of relative population abundance (biomass and density indices).
Full text
Available for:
BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
In the Mediterranean Sea,
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
and
Aristeus antennatus
are the most important target species of deep-sea trawl fisheries. Previous studies performed in several areas of the ...Mediterranean highlighted the key role played by both environmental factors, such as temperature, and anthropogenic activities, such as fishing, in affecting the abundance and distribution of the two species. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of environmental and anthropogenic drivers on the abundance and spatial distribution of
A. foliacea
and
A. antennatus
in the Ligurian and northern and central Tyrrhenian Seas (NW Mediterranean). To this end, the time series of MEDITS trawl survey data (1994–2015) were analyzed together with environmental variables, namely sea surface temperature, current speed, and fishing effort by means of GAM. The results show that fishing plays an important role in shaping the spatial distribution of the two species.
A. antennatus
is prevalent where fishing effort is higher; this can be related to the higher resilience of blue and red shrimp to fishery impact. In contrast, high temperatures are associated to the prevalence of
A. foliacea
. Therefore, the abundance and spatial distribution of this species is mainly driven by temperature.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Discarding of commercially important fish species in the bottom trawl fisheries in the northern Mediterranean Sea was investigated by soliciting the long-term recollections of fishers engaged or ...formerly engaged in such fisheries. The main aim of our investigation was to describe the prevalence of discarding and its evolution over the past 70 years using information gathered through individual questionnaire-based interviews with fishers from ports in Spain, Italy, and Greece, following a standardized sampling protocol. Although it proved impossible to derive absolute estimates of the volume of discarded catches over the period investigated, we conclude that over the past 70 years, discarding as a practice has gradually increased in the northern Mediterranean trawl fisheries and has been accompanied by a shift in the species composition of the discarded catch. While discarding can occur for a number of reasons, our investigations indicate that discarding in the past was mostly driven by market demand, but recent legal and regulatory constraints have led to changes in fishing strategies and became a significant reason for discards.
The illegal use of driftnets targeting large pelagic species, such as swordfish and bluefin tuna, continues to be reported in some Mediterranean countries and to cause concern due to the high risk of ...bycatch of protected species (chiefly marine mammals and sea turtles). In May 2014, the European Commission announced its intention to adopt a universal moratorium on driftnet fishing in EU waters. However, driftnets have been used for decades throughout the Mediterranean by countless, inshore small-scale artisanal fleets to catch small pelagic species like anchovy, sardine, and mackerel. This study was devised to collect detailed information on the technical characteristics of the small-scale driftnets used in the Mediterranean, describe the features of each net type, and identify the technical and management changes that may enable their preservation. Data analysis indicated that i) use of thin yarns and a mesh opening of less than 80 mm (or 70 mm according to a stricter approach) would allow the survival of most traditional métiers while preserving sensitive and protected species; ii) the requirement to carry on board a single gear type should be included in the regulatory framework; and iii) driftnet use within 3 miles of the coast would greatly reduce the risk of interactions with sensitive species.
•100 vessels are involved in the small scale driftnet fisheries in EU Mediterranean.•The study confirm the full environmental sustainability of the small scale driftnets.•Small meshes (70 mm) will save traditional mètiers and sensitive species.•Using twines in small driftnets makes rather unlikely the catch of marine mammals.•Within 3 miles from the coast driftnet-sensitive species interactions reduce.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
This study investigated the distribution of nematode larvae of Anisakidae and Raphidascarididae (genera
Anisakis
and
Hysterothylacium
) in
Trachurus trachurus
(Linnaeus, 1758) in the Ligurian and ...central-northern Tyrrhenian Seas. The relationship between the number of parasites and the length and weight parameters of the fish was assessed, and the possible effect of the parasites on the condition factor was evaluated. A total of 190 T
. trachurus
specimens were collected in July 2019. Parasites were found in 70 individuals. A total of 161 visible larvae were collected in the viscera. Morphological analysis revealed the presence of
Anisakis
spp. in 55 fish and
Hysterothylacium
spp. in 15 fish, while 5 fish showed coinfection with both genera. The specimens subjected to PCR (n = 67) showed that 85% of the
Anisakis
larvae analyzed belonged to the species
A. pegreffii
, while the remaining 15% belonged to hybrids of
A. pegreffii
-
A. simplex
(s.s.). A total of 58% (n = 7) of the
Hysterothylacium
larvae analyzed belonged to the species
H. fabri
, while 42% belonged to the species
H. aduncum
. Our results support the hypothesis that infection with these parasites does not affect the condition of the fish host analyzed, and that body size and depth are major drivers in determining infection levels with Anisakid and Raphidascaridid nematodes.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
PDF
