A population study of Diplodus Annularis (Perciformes: Sparidae), low genetic variation through allozyme analyses for the Maltese populations

This study focuses on the genetic structure of the population of the annular seabream, Diplodus annularis. A number of specimens were collected from thirteen sites around the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterraenan), and were analyzed for seven allozyme loci. This investigation showed a low genetic variation for the sampled population. Also this investigation explored the possibility of utilizing non-invasive sampling for allozyme analyses.peer-reviewe

A preliminary study of the bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus Griseus, in the Central Mediterranean region, around the Maltese Islands

Research on Hexanchus griseus (Chondritchthyans: Hexanchidae) has been ongoing since 2004, including various conservation assessments of the direct-catch fisheries and by-catch landings of this species by Maltese fishermen. Results on the number, morphometrics, sex, distribution and genetics analyses of the specimens caught allows for a long-term conservation management plan for this species and for sustainable fisheries to be set. The genetic analyses of various mitochondrial loci would determine this species' population structure.peer-reviewe

Genetic barcoding and preliminary phylogenetic analysis of Serranidae species from Maltese coastal waters, with a perspective on their Mediterranean phylogeography

Ten species of the Serranidae Family sampled from the Mediterranean, including two non- native species, were identified using molecular genetic tools. Two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and Cytochrome b (Cyt b) genes were studied covering a total of 980 bp of which 360 bp exhibited genetic differences. Within species the members of the genus Serranus exhibited the highest haplotypic diversity, while the genera of larger grouper taxa have shown low haplotypic and nucleotide diversity indices with these genetic markers. Each sequence was also checked against BOLD and GenBank databases to compare species categorization. COI data on S. cabrilla and S. scriba were used in a preliminary phylogeographic analyses for these two species. Results show significant differences between certain sampling locations, indicating localized populations within the Mediterranean.peer-reviewe

Safeguarding Marine Biodiversity in a Changing World: Maltese Small-Scale Fisheries and Alien Species

Right in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands are well situated for monitoring regional marine biodiversity changes. Among the latter are the increasing alien species coming in through the Suez Channel and the Straits of Gibraltar or brought in through various anthropogenic vectors. The non-native species that turn into invasive do not only affect native marine communities but also the aging and shrinking Maltese small-scale fisheries (SSF) community. SSF are predicted to go extinct and with them their well-known colorful artisanal fishing boats with the eyes of Osiris, which were thought to protect them. In the meantime, large-scale fishing activities have been growing through EU and national legislations, promoting profits over long-term conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage of small fishing communities. This chapter considers the relevance of a changing marine environment and the challenges ahead to safeguard Mediterranean biodiversity, which provides its goods and services to man. The role of well-managed sustainable small-scale fisheries in overcoming some of these challenges is considered

Dolphinfish fishery around the Maltese Islands

The dolphinfish fishery has constituted and still constitutes an essential part of the Maltese fishing economy. This species appears seasonally in Maltese waters from May-June to December-January, with a peak in October. The fishing techniques used by the Maltese fishermen are still artisinal and concentrate on the juvenile stage of this species present in Maltese waters between August and November. Local research on this species goes back to the 1960s but has not been consistent since then, so more research is required.peer-reviewe

Cetacean, turtle and pelagic species and associations in the central-southern Mediterranean sea : implications for conservation action

A research area of about 120,000km around the Maltese Islands has been the subject of year-round marine research since 1997. Various species have been studied including cetaceans, turtles, elasmobranchs, bluefin tuna and sea birds. Aerial and marine survey techniques allowed for various aspects of species distribution and spatio-temporal associations to be analysed using the data mining (association rule learning) technique. Such results have applications in maritime and conservation management.peer-reviewe

First records of the little sleeper shark, somniorum rostratus, in Maltese fisheries' landings

In 2011, two little sleeper sharks, Somniosus rostratus, were captured from the Central Mediterranean, making them the first two records of this shark species landed in the Maltese Islands. These records fall within the outer most eastern distribution range of the speciespeer-reviewe

The first record of the longjaw squirrelfish, Holocentrus Adscensionis (Osbeck, 1765) (Holocentriformes : Holocentridae), in the Mediterranean Sea

Research and monitoring of coastal habitats and biodiversity is increasingly contributing to the discovery of new alien species, which highlights the use of long-term monitoring for timely assessment and management due to marine environmental changes. Research work undertaken through coastal snorkelling surveys and working with fishermen allow for additional monitoring effort to record biodiversity changes and new alien species presence. One such new alien fish species was observed during spring snorkelling research while a specimen was collected in August 2016 to undertake detailed morphological, meristic and genetic analyses. Mitochondrial DNA barcoding analyses were undertaken to confirm the species' identity as the family Holocentridae is composed of a number of species that have very similar and overlapping morphological characters which may lead to misidentification. This research led to the identification of the first record of a specimen of Longjaw squirrelfish, Holocentrus adscensionis (Osbeck, 1765), in the Mediterranean Sea. This is a subtropical reef-associated species native to the Atlantic Ocean and may compete with native Mediterranean reef species.peer-reviewe

The first record of the African Sergeant, Abudefduf hoefleri (Perciformes : Pomacentridae), in the Mediterranean Sea

Background: Alien fish species are increasing in the Mediterranean Sea, urging closer monitoring of coastal habitats and biodiversity towards achieving timely assessment and management. Among the alien fish species found in Maltese waters there are members of the Abudefduf genus. Methods: Research work undertaken with the cooperation of fishermen allows for additional monitoring effort to record the presence of alien species and their possible impacts. One such alien fish specimen collected from Maltese waters in January 2014 was studied through morphological, meristic and genetic analyses. Mitochondrial DNA barcoding analyses were undertaken to confirm the species' identity given that the specimen found belonged to the genus Abudefduf which is composed of a number of congeners that have similar morphological characters. Results and conclusion: This research led to the identification of the first record of the African Sergeant, Abudefduf hoefleri (Steindachner 1881) (Perciformes: Pomacentridae), in the Mediterranean Sea. This alien tropical species is native of the East Atlantic and may aggressively compete with native Mediterranean reef species for territories and resources.peer-reviewe

Genetic population structure of the endangered dusky grouper, epinephelus marginatus, in the Maltese archipelago as revealed by 14 microsatellite markers

The objective of this study is to describe the genetic population structure of the endangered marine fish, Epinephelus marginatus, in the Maltese archipelago for the purpose of localized conservation management planning. Genetic population structure was determined by examining 89 individuals collected within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone with 14 microsatellite markers. Results of genetic clustering by admixture analysis found one continuous population (K = 1) inhabiting the Maltese archipelago. Further genetic analysis describes a population decreasing in size (Theta = 2.2), which has gone through a significant size reduction in the past (M = 0.41) and shows signs of inbreeding (F = 0.10, P > 0.001). Results suggest that management should be designed to reflect the archipelago as a single conservation unit.peer-reviewe