Using complementary visual approaches to investigate residency, site fidelity and movement patterns of the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) in a Mediterranean marine protected area

AbstractAssessing individuals' abundance, residency (presence at a site within a certain period) and site fidelity (tendency to return to the same site in subsequent seasons or years) is crucial for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of spatial conservation/management measures regarding ecologically and socio-economically valuable species. Using underwater visual census (UVC) and photo-identification (photo-ID) techniques, we estimated the abundance, residency and site fidelity of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, at two protected sites within the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (Sardinia, Italy) in the summers of 2017–2018. The scope and spatio-temporal resolution of the study was extended by involving volunteer recreational divers in the photo collection. Grouper mean densities varied significantly across sampling dates, with a significant variability between the 2 years and the two investigated sites. At least 94 grouper visited the study sites in the summers of 2017–2018 based on the analysis of 968 high-quality photos using a semi-automated software to photo-identify individuals. Overall, the most frequently sighted grouper was recorded on 32 different days and 21 individuals (22%) identified in 2017 were re-sighted in 2018. The participation of volunteer recreational divers helped detect the inter-site (3.5–4 km apart) movements of a female and a male, supporting previous findings regarding the occurrence of reproduction-related movements. This study provides novel insights into the residency and site-fidelity patterns of the dusky grouper, and its small-scale movements probably related to reproduction. Specifically, we provide indications that effective protection from fishing should encompass the entire area used by grouper for reproductive movements

First direct evidence of reproductive behaviour of the white grouper, Epinephelus aeneus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817)

This study describes the first ever reported direct observation of a pair spawning event and the reproductive liveries of the white grouper, Epinephelus aeneus. Spawning took place on a rocky bank located in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo (NE Sardinia, Italy), in the Western Mediterranean Sea. In the evening of August 4th, 2018, the spawning of two large-sized individuals (~90 cm total length), displaying distinct colour patterns, was observed using SCUBA diving. This direct observation is the first record of E. aeneus male reproductive livery, characterized by a darker coloration on the head, the dorsal part of the body and the caudal fin. In addition, information on the environmental conditions in which reproduction occurred was collected. At the study site, relatively high seawater temperatures were recorded at the time of the E. aeneus spawning (24 °C at 24.7 m), as well as over the 2018 summer months (July-September), even in deep waters (>35 m), compared to previous summers. The spawning event occurred in a coralligenous-dominated seascape where fishing is prohibited, while diving activities are allowed. The site hosts abundant populations of ecologically and commercially valuable fish species (e.g., groupers, sparid fishes), with significant proportions of large-sized individuals (i.e. reproducers). Further studies are needed to advance our knowledge of the white grouper, with a particular emphasis on reproduction and the importance of implementing effective protection measures. Prioritizing management actions at key reproductive sites, such as rocky banks, is essential for ensuring the protection and/or recovery of over-exploited species

Brodifacoum Levels and Biomarkers in Coastal Fish Species following a Rodent Eradication in an Italian Marine Protected Area: Preliminary Results

Brodifacoum is the most common rodenticide used for the eradication of invasive rodents from islands. It blocks the vitamin K cycle, resulting in hemorrhages in target mammals. Non-target species may be incidentally exposed to brodifacoum, including marine species. A case study conducted on the Italian Marine Protected Area of Tavolara Island was reported after a rodent eradication using the aerial broadcast of a brodifacoum pellet. Brodifacoum presence and effects on non-target marine organisms were investigated. Different fish species were sampled, and a set of analyses was conducted to determine vitamin K and vitamin K epoxide reductase concentrations, prothrombin time, and erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA) assay. In all the examined organisms, brodifacoum was not detected. The results obtained showed differences in vitamin K and vitamin K epoxide concentrations among the samples studied, with a positive correlation for three species between vitamin K, vitamin K epoxide, and fish weight. The prothrombin time assay showed a good blood clotting capacity in the fish. Higher abnormality values were recorded for four species. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to hypothesize that the sampled fish were not likely to have been exposed to brodifacoum and that consequently there are no negative issues concerning human consumption

Chromosomal aberrations and aneuploidy in oral potentially malignant lesions: distinctive features for tongue

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The mucosae of the oral cavity are different at the histological level but appear all equally exposed to common genotoxic agents. As a result of this exposure, changes in the mucosal epithelia may develop giving rise to Oral Potentially Malignant Lesions (OPMLs), which with time may in turn progress to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCCs). Therefore, much effort should be devoted to identify features able to predict the likeliness of progression associated with an OPML. Such features may be helpful in assisting the clinician to establish both appropriate therapies and follow-up schedules. Here, we report a pilot study that compared the occurrence of DNA aneuploidy and chromosomal copy number aberrations (CNAs) in the OPMLs from different oral anatomical subsites.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Samples from histologically diagnosed OPMLs were processed for high resolution DNA flow cytometry (hr DNA-FCM) in order to determine the relative DNA content expressed by the DNA index (DI). Additionally, array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization (a-CGH) analysis was performed on DNA obtained from diploid nuclei suspensions directly. When aneuploid nuclei were detected, these were physically separated from diploid nuclei on the base of their DI values by means of a DNA-FCM-Sorter in order to improve the a-CGH analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Tongue OPMLs were more frequently associated with DNA aneuploidy and CNAs than OPMLs arising from all the other mucosal subsites.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We suggest that the follow-up and the management of the patients with tongue OPMLs should receive a distinctive special attention. Clearly, this hypothesis should be validated in a prospective clinical study.</p

Preservation of modern and MIS 5.5 erosional landforms and biological structures as sea level markers : a matter of luck?

The Mediterranean Basin is characterized by a significant variability in tectonic behaviour, ranging from subsidence to uplifting. However, those coastal areas considered to be tectonically stable show coastal landforms at elevations consistent with eustatic and isostatic sea level change models. In particular, geomorphological indicators—such as tidal notches or shore platforms—are often used to define the tectonic stability of the Mediterranean coasts. We present the results of swim surveys in nine rocky coastal sectors in the central Mediterranean Sea using the Geoswim approach. The entire route was covered in 22 days for a total distance of 158.5 km. All surveyed sites are considered to have been tectonically stable since the last interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage 5.5 [MIS 5.5]), because related sea level markers fit well with sea level rise models. The analysis of visual observations and punctual measurements highlighted that, with respect to the total length of surveyed coast, the occurrence of tidal notches, shore platforms, and other indicators accounts for 85% of the modern coastline, and only 1% of the MIS 5.5 equivalent. Therefore, only 1% of the surveyed coast showed the presence of fossil markers of paleo sea levels above the datum. This significant difference is mainly attributable to erosion processes that did not allow the preservation of the geomorphic evidence of past sea level stands. In the end, our research method showed that the feasibility of applying such markers to define long-term tectonic behaviour is much higher in areas where pre-modern indicators have not been erased, such as at sites with hard bedrock previously covered by post-MIS 5.5 continental deposits, e.g., Sardinia, the Egadi Islands, Ansedonia, Gaeta, and Circeo. In general, the chances of finding such preserved indicators are very low.peer-reviewe

Review of the European species of Diglyphus Walker (Hymenoptera : Eulophidae) including the description of a new species

The European species of Diglyphus Walker are reviewed. Fifteen species are included. One of these, D. clematidis sp. n., is described as new, and one, D. anadolucus Doganlar, is recorded as new to Europe. Several of the species have their geographical distribution increased as many new country records are introduced. New host records and compilation of host records from the literature are presented in tables. To facilitate the identification of the species a key and numerous illustrations are included. The identity of one of the species described from Europe, D. phytomyzae Ruschka, is unclear. It has not been possible to locate the type material of this species and the original description is not detailed enough to make an unambiguous interpretation possible. Two species, D. scapus Yefremova from Iran and D. sensilis Yefremova from Turkey, are discussed as they occur in the vicinity of Europe

[Specialist nursing roles in a sample of Italian hospitals and districts]

Per capire quali competenze specialistiche vengono attivate dalle organizzazioni sanitarie, sono state fatte interviste a 20 dirigenti delle professioni sanitarie di 23 strutture ospedaliere di cui 3 private convenzionate, 1 RSA e 3 grandi distretti sanitari, per capire nello specifico: a) quali ruoli di infermieri specialisti sono stati formalmente riconosciuti b) in base a quali criteri sono stati selezionati gli operatori a cui è stato riconosciuta una competenza specialistica

Arti e Architettura. Il contributo di André Bloc 1950-1970.

Il convegno internazionale di studi si prefigge di presentare i risultati più recenti del progetto di ricerca Découvrir la figure et l’œuvre d’André Bloc (1896-1966) promosso nel 2014 dal Laboratorio di ricerca dell’Ecole nationale supériere d’architecture di Versailles – LéaV – e dall’Archivio del Moderno, Accademia di architettura, Mendrisio, Università della Svizzera italiana – USI –, a cui nel 2017 si è associato il Cluster He Modern dello Iuav. Mostra allestita presso l'Università IUAV di Venezia, sala Gino Valle, dal 3/05/2018 al 18/05/2018

Strategie di rete per la valorizzazione della pesca artigianale nelle aree marine protette: il caso di Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo

La presenza di aree marine protette ha effetti importanti su tutte quelle attività che comportano un uso di risorse naturali all’interno o in prossimità dei propri confini, come la pesca. Nonostante gli apparenti vincoli di carattere economico che possono sorgere con l’istituzione di un’area marina protetta (AMP), sono diverse, e spesso riscontrabili soprattutto nel medio-lungo periodo, le potenzialità che la piccola pesca artigianale locale può trarre dalla presenza di un’AMP. Anche per l’AMP di Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo (AMP-TPCC) il settore della pesca è considerato uno dei key segment socio-economici strategici, che può influenzare sensibilmente le performance non solo socio-economiche, ma anche ecologiche dell’AMP stessa L’obiettivo prioritario dell’indagine è stato quello di analizzare dal punto di vista strategico la cosiddetta fishing supply chain dell’AMP-TPCC. Attraverso l’esame delle varie fasi di pesca e commercializzazione del pescato dell’AMP-TPCC e delle caratteristiche strutturali della rete di relazioni sociali ed economiche che ruotano attorno alla filiera del pescato locale. E’ stata al riguardo utilizzata la social network analysis. Lo studio ha delineato un quadro conoscitivo complessivo dei principali attori economici e delle relative interdipendenze sociali ed economiche della filiera del pescato locale connessi all’AMP-TPCC. In particolare, lo studio ha approfondito gli aspetti legati ai rapporti di integrazione e interdipendenza che intercorrono sia all’interno del settore della pesca artigianale locale, sia nei settori di commercializzazione, distribuzione e trasformazione del prodotto ittico. Sono state quindi tratte indicazioni strategiche per il miglioramento sistemico e sostenibile della filiera ittica