An assessment of regulation, education practices and socio-economic perceptions of non-native aquatic species in the Balkans

Alongside climate change, the introduction of non-native species (NNS) is widely recognized as one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity and human wellbeing. Non-native species and biodiversity are generally low priority issues on the political agendas of many countries, particularly in European countries outside the European Union (EU). The objectives and tasks of this study were to address the policy regulation, education level, education practices, and socioeconomic perceptions of NNS in the Balkans. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Turkey (Balkan EU candidate and potential candidate members), in Croatia and Greece (Balkan EU Member States) and Italy (non-Balkan EU Member State). The EU Alien Regulation (1143/2014) concerning NNS is implemented in EU Member States and Montenegro, whereas Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey have not reported specific policy regulations for NNS. Permanent monitoring programmes specifically designed for NNS have not yet been established in the EU Member States. Most countries tackle the issue of NNS through educational activities as part of specific projects. Education level is indicative of the implementation of NNS policy regulation, and efforts are needed for the proper development of relative study programmes. Public awareness and educational preparedness concerning NNS in the Balkans were identified as poor. Strong programmes for management and education should be developed to increase public awareness to prevent further biodiversity losses in the Balkan region

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Adriatic Sea Fishery Product Safety and Prospectives in Relation to Climate Change

This bibliographic study addresses key aspects related to fishing, product safety, and climate change in the Adriatic Sea region. The examination of product safety focuses on the assessment of contaminants originating from human activities such as industry, mining, agriculture, and household waste disposal. The contamination of the aquatic environment has emerged as a pressing global concern, extending to the Adriatic basin. Aquatic organisms, including fish, are prone to accumulating pollutants directly from polluted water sources and indirectly through the food web. The bio-accumulation of potentially hazardous substances, particularly heavy metals, pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and antibiotic resistance in aquatic organisms, poses a significant threat to human health. Climate change effects will deplete our seafood supply in terms of quantity and safety owing to negative consequences such as higher levels of pollution, parasites, viruses, infections, acidification, and toxicities such as shellfish poisoning. Global food safety strategies should be developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmentally friendly technology, which indirectly affects seafood quality and microbiological safety, especially for the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by the most polluted waters in the world

Identification of a photolabile period for reducing sexual maturation in juvenile male sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by means of a continuous light regime

The objective of this study was to identify a photolabile period suitable for reducing precocious gonadal maturation in juvenile male sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) through the exploration of discrete windows of continuous light (LL), one to two months in duration, in late summer-early autumn. Somatic growth, 11- ketotestosterone (11-KT) plasma levels and the rates of testicular maturation and spermiation were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the applied photoperiodic regimes. Three LL treatments, with duration of two months each, were previously screened between the months of August and November. Administration of LL during the October-November period failed to show any differential effects in reducing early maturation, as compared to the simulated natural photoperiod (SNP). However, the August-September period was considered to be a likely candidate for photolability. To define this photolabile period, four LL treatments with duration of one month were then screened within the same late summer period. Our results demonstrate that the time interval including the month of September is the most sensitive photolabile period in order to reduce precocious gametogenesis in sea bass.This research was funded by EU project No. Q5R5-2002-01801 (PUBERTIMING); the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education (AGL2006-04672) and CONSOLIDER (CSD2007-002) and the Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2010/003). R.R. was supported by a grant of the MICINN.Peer Reviewe

Continuous light administration during the photolabile period alters the natural endocrine profiles both at early and late gametogenesisi of sea bass

Ponencia presentada en el 8º Congreso de la Asociación Ibérica de Endocrinología Comparada celebrado en Madrid del 5 al 7 septiembre 2011The objective of this study is to report the effect of the continuous light (LL) on endocrine profiles of male juvenile sea bass both at early and late gametogenesis during their first year of age. According to the photo-sensible period (August-September) recently identified in this species, six different LL regimes were applied as follows: 1) LL from August 1 to September 30 (W1-AS); 2) LL from September 1 to September 30 (W2-SS); 3) LL from August 15 to September 15 (W3-15AS); 4) LL from August 1 to August 30 (W4-AA); 5) positive control group or constant simulated natural photoperiod, and 6) negative control group or constant LL all year round (W6-LL). Steroid plasma levels (17-ß estradiol, E2 and 11-ketotestosterone, 11-KT) and brain content of gonadotropin-releasing hormone type 2 (GnRH2) have been analyzed both at early and late gametogenesis. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), and the rates of spermiating males have been also assessed. Our results show that E2 plasma levels of fish exposed to LL decreased earlier than those of control group during early gametogenesis. Similarly, plasma levels of 11-KT and GnRH2 brain content of fish exposed to LL, peaked 15 days before than those of control group, both at early gametogenesis and at late gametogenesis. Finally, the amplitude of the hormonal rhythms of fish exposed to LL was lower than those of control group, being more noticeable in those groups with lower GSI and rates of spermiation (i.e. W2-SS and W6-LL). These results suggest that the exposure to LL within the photo-sensible period is able to modify the hormonal profiles of juvenile males, thus reducing the number of early pubertal fish and their gonadal development. Likely, the alteration in the production of E2, 11-KT and GnRH2 caused by the photoperiod might be a limiting factor of the spermatogonial proliferation towards meiosis as well as of the onset of meiosis in the male sea bass. At late gametogenesis the dramatic decrease of 11-KT is highly correlated with the strong reduction of the gonadal development and the absence of spermiating fish. Presently, mRNA expression profiles of some target genes such as the anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) and the estrogen receptors (erß1 and erß2) are evaluated at the gonadal level to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the reduction of sexual maturation.Peer Reviewe

Identificación de un periodo fotosensible a la luz continua para reducir la precocidad en machos juveniles de lubina (Dicentrarchus labrax)

XIII Congreso Nacional de Acuicultura. En equilibrio con el medio ambiente. 21-24 noviembre 2011, BarcelonaThe objective of this study was to identify a photolabile period (PP) to continuous light (LL) exposure by analyzing the levels of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), the rates of testicular maturation and spermiation in juveniles male sea bass. Two trials (T1, T2) were organized: T1; LL all year round (G1LL); LL during August-September (G2LL), LL September-October (G3LL), LL October-November (G4LL), in otherwise simulated natural photoperiod (SNP), respectively and SNP all the time (G5SNP). G2LL was the most efficient treatment to reduce early puberty. Thus, the period August-September was re-screened to refine the location of the PP and six treatments were organized in T2: LL all the time (G1LL); LL during August-September (G2AS), LL during August (G3AA); LL from 15August to 15September (G415AS), LL during September (G5SS) in otherwise SNP, respectively and SNP all year round (G6SNP). Our results demonstrate that the G5SS (September) was the most effective treatment to reduce the levels of 11-KT, the rates of advanced stages of maturation and the rates of spermiating males and consequently early puberty in male sea bass.Financiado por el proyecto de la UE No. Q5R5-2002-01801 (PUBERTIMING); MICINN (AGL2006-04672) y CONSOLIDER (CSD2007-002) y GV (PROMETEO/2010/003). R.R. disfrutó de una beca del MICINN.Peer Reviewe

Identification of a photo-labile period to reduce sexual maturation in juvenile male sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by continuous light regime

Trabajo presentado en el 9th International Congress on the Biology of Fish, celebrado en Barcelona (España) del 5 al 9 de julio de 2010A photo-labil period able to reduce precocious maturation of male sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) was identified by exploring the late summer-autumnal period with discrete windows of continuous light (LL) exposure of different duration and by assessing its effects on plasma hormone levels and rates of testicular maturation and spermiation. Three two month-LL treatments were previously screened between August-November. The October-November period was discarded as photolabil since it had no differential effect in reducing early maturation compared to control group. However, the August-September period was considered as a likely candidate photo-labile one. Subsequently and to delimit this photo-labil period, four LL treatments of one month were screened within this period. Our results showed that August 15th-September 15th was the most effective in reducing 11-KT plasma levels, rates of advanced stages of testicular recrudescence and percentage of spermiating males.Funded by MEC nºAGL 2006-04672

Reproductive Maturation of Meagre <i>Argyrosomus regius</i> (Asso, 1801) Reared in Floating Cages

The meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) is a promising aquaculture species that shows reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of meagre, reared in cages under routine farming conditions, to mature gonads and reproduce spontaneously. Meagre adults, reared in a fish farm located in the Gulf of Taranto (Italy), were sampled from March to July 2021. The gonadosomatic index and sex steroid plasma concentrations increased from March–April to June, and then decreased in July. In March–April, most of the females showed perinucleolar or cortical alveoli oocytes as the most advanced stages in the ovaries, and most of the males had testes at early spermatogenesis stage. In June, most of the sampled females had oocytes at late vitellogenesis or early post-vitellogenesis stages, and males had seminiferous tubules filled with spermatozoa. In July, most of the females had signs of previous spawning, and males showed scarce amounts of luminal spermatozoa. The present study demonstrated the capacity of meagre, reared in sea cages under commercial conditions, to carry out gametogenesis and spontaneously release gametes. Meagre reproduction, under routine farming conditions, may represent an opportunity for the expansion of meagre aquaculture production

An Observational Study of Skeletal Malformations in Four Semi-Intensively Reared Carp Species

Cyprinids include some of the most widely farmed freshwater species. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of skeletal malformations in carp species reared in semi-intensive systems in Albania: common carp (Cyprinus carpio), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis). The common carp fingerlings had a mean total length of 28.9 ± 5.0 mm; the frequencies of individuals with at least one anomaly and at least one severe anomaly were 79.2% and 43.4%, respectively. The silver carp juveniles had a mean total length of 21.6 ± 2.1 mm; the frequencies of individuals with at least one anomaly and one severe anomaly were 93.1% and 57.5%, respectively. The grass carp fry had a mean total length of 33.5 ± 2.6 mm; all the analyzed specimens showed almost one anomaly and 86.4% showed at least one severe anomaly. The bighead carp juveniles had a mean total length of 34.4 ± 5.7 mm; the frequencies of individuals with at least one anomaly and at least one severe anomaly were 95.0% and 62.5%, respectively. The development of a more suitable feeding protocol for herbivorous species and the setting up of more efficient broodstock management protocols are suggested to reduce the high incidence of skeletal malformations

Report of the Joint EIFAAC/ICES/GFCM Working Group on Eels (WGEEL)

The Joint EIFAAC/ICES/GFCM Working group on eels (WGEEL) met in a split meeting from 4–8 September (online) and 25 September–02 October 2023 (hybrid meeting) in Helsinki, Finland, to provide the scientific basis for the ICES advice on fishing opportunities and conservation aspects for the European eel and address requests from EIFAAC and GFCM.WGEEL assessed the state of the European eel and its fisheries, collated and analysed biometric data, reviewed the implementation of the WKFEA (Workshop on the future of eel advice) roadmap, examined available recruitment data from coastal and marine habitats, reported on any updates to the scientific basis of the advice, new and emerging threats or opportunities, including developments in the Mediterranean region.After high levels in the late 1970s, the recruitment declined dramatically in the 1980s and remains low. Compared to 1960–1979, the recruitment in the “North Sea” was 0.4% in 2023 (provisional) and 0.7 % in 2022 (final). In the “Elsewhere Europe” index series was 8.8 % in 2023 (provisional) and 11.3% in 2022 (final). For the yellow eel data series, recruitment for 2022 was 9% (final). Time-series from 1980 to 2023 show that glass eel recruitment remains at a very low level, with an historical minimum value in the North Sea.Silver eel time series have been analysed to identify patterns in abundance trends. These analyses are exploratory and have enabled us to test certain statistical methods and their limitations for analysing temporal series on silver eels. Although they give us an initial idea of trends in silver eel abundance, their results should be treated with caution. In fact, several problems have been identified and these points need to be improved in order to be able to interpret the results. The trend of reported commercial landings shows a long-term continuing decline, from a level of around 10,000 t in the 1960s, reported commercial landings have now dropped to 2028 (glass eel + yellow eel + silver eel) in 2022. The commercial glass eel fishery in 2022 was 60.1 t and 53.6 t in 2023. Reported landings from yellow and silver eel commercial fisheries (Y, S, YS) add up to 2914 t in 2021 and 2437 t in 2022. Spain was the only country allowing a recreational catch of glass eel, with landings estimated at 0.72 t in 2022 and 1.32 t in 2023. Reported recreational landings for yellow and silver eel combined were 240 t for 2021 (11 countries reporting) and 249 t for 2022.Progress with regards to the ‘road map’ developed within WKFEA was evaluated. The returns from the three questionnaires distributed by WKSMEEL to WGEEL members were summarised. In relation to the progress of the WKFEA roadmap, item 1; the inclusion of biological data is advanced with biometry data included in the annual data call. Item 2 relates to the reconstruction of the landings data and a workshop will take place in December 2023. Items 3 and 4 are also in progress, the Spatial database and Model for Eel (WKSMEEL) workshop was held in June 2023 with a follow up workshop planned for October 2023. A questionnaire for 3 topics (electrofishing, hydrographic network, and river obstructions &amp; hydropower) was circulated to WGEEL members in August 2023. Of the 21 countries who responded, a large majority carry out electrofishing, have available hydrographic networks and hold some information of obstructions to migration. However, it was recognised that considerable effort and resources will be required before the available data could be collated