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

Occupational screening

Medical screening of workers is one of the tools often used to assess suitability for work and to attempt to reduce worker ill-health. This article outlines the objectives of the screening process and the basic criteria to be followed in developing a quality programme. It describes the different types of medical examination used in this setting. Screening programmes should be related to hazards specific to the work place as well as to the physical and mental requirements of the job. The guiding principle in the prevention of occupational disease should always be the control of hazardous exposure to prevent harmful effects occurring rather than early detection of harmful effects after they have occurred. The importance of being aware of and abiding by these principles is particularly applicable in the local context.peer-reviewe

Managers’ attitudes to illicit drug testing in the workplace

The aim of this study was to collect data regarding managers’ views on the need to introduce drug testing at work and on the employment prospects of illicit drug users by means of a self administered questionnaire. A slight majority of managers (258, 56.5%) favoured the introduction of pre-employment drug testing with a smaller proportion (219, 47.9%) in favour of testing during employment. Practically none of the respondents (1.1%) was willing to employ a current illicit drug user and less than half (41.6%) were willing to employ a person with a past history of drug use. An increased willingness was noted among managers of younger age groups and in larger companies to employ past drug users. These results indicate that there is the possibility that work place drug testing may be used as a tool to discriminate against workers suffering from drug abuse rather than to offer opportunities for rehabilitation of the individual. The findings highlight the urgent need for the establishment of guidelines to be followed during drug testing in Malta by the appropriate statutory authority, since suitable legislation is absent.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

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

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

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

Jellyfish : ecology, distribution patterns and human interactions

Marine and aerial surveys in the central Mediterranean around the Maltese Islands, have allowed for an extensive field study of the blooming episodes of gelatinous species, which include jellyfish, comb jellies and sea salps. These surveys investigated the extent of blooming, from coast to offshore, with respective size distribution and associated environmental conditions. Though various species of gelatinous organisms have been recorded in these waters only few species have to-date grown in population size to form large blooms. The latter species comprising: Pelagia noctiluca, Cotylorhiza tuberculata, Velella velella, Leucothea multicornis and various sea salp species, which have been found to bloom in both coastal and offshore areas while Carybdea marsupialis has been found to bloom in sheltered marinas and harbour areas. The socio-economic impacts of jellyfish blooming were also assessed through interview questionnaire studies with fishermen and various other sea-users. This paper presents the results of these various research aspects, reflecting the respective jellyfish species links with the marine environment and human interactions in this central region of the Mediterranean. Additional ongoing research on the genetics of juvenile fish species associated with blooming jellyfish is also presented.peer-reviewe