Feeding habits and helminth parasites of sardine (S. pilchardus) and anchovy (E. encrasicolus) in the Adriatic Sea

We examined the stomach contents of two of the most economically and ecologically important small pelagic fish species, the sardine, Sardina pilchardus and the anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, obtained monthly from commercial purse-seine catches operating on Croatian fishing grounds during a one-year period (January–December, 2011). Both species generally showed a similar diet, with copepod and decapod larvae as dominant prey groups. The composition of anchovy and sardine stomach contents was not size- or sex-related, but throughout the year, a significant difference in diet composition was observed for each species as well as between species. Two gastrointerstinal helminths; the digenean Parahemiurus merus and nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum, were recorded during the stomach content analysis. Differences in population dynamics between the two parasites are congruent with differences in the prey composition of sardine and anchovy, reflecting fine-tuned interactions in the trophic web between parasites and intermediate or paratenic hosts included in the sardine and anchovy diet

First record of small tropical calanoid copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris (Copepoda, Calanoida, Paracalanidae) in the Adriatic Sea

In December 2014 the adult females and copepodites of alien paracalanid copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris were identified in the Central Adriatic port of Šibenik. The most probable transmission vector for this small copepod were ballast waters from the cargo ships that are regularly discharged at these locations. This paper is focused on P. crassirostris morphology and the state of population in the port of Šibenik. The possible path of introduction of Parvocalanus crassirostris into the Adriatic Sea is also discussed

Analysis of phytoplankton community in the vicinity of domestic sewage outflow during stratified conditions

The response of phytoplankton community structure to anthropogenically-derived nutrient from the submarine sewage outflow was analysed in a shallow coastal area of the middle Adriatic Sea. The study was conducted during the eight-year period (2002-2010) at six stations in the Brač Channel, aiming to assess the potential change in the state of biological and environmental parameters before and after the sewage commissioning. The research was particularly focused on phytoplankton producers during the summer which is considered to be critical due to water stratification and low water dynamics. The results show an increase in phytoplankton biomass in the deep layer after the discharge activation that was significant (M-W test; U=584.5, p<0.01), but not related to any intense phytoplankton bloom or oxygen deficiency. Temporal variability of total phytoplankton abundances throughout the research period indicated a significant increase in 2005, the year following the sewage outflow activation. Pairwise Dunn's multiple comparison test emphasised the difference in the years before the sewage activation (2002, 2003) compared to 2005 (2002 vs. 2005, R=-60.92 p<0.001; 2003 vs. 2005, R=-63.92 p<0.001). This situation was soon followed by the rapid equalization in phytoplankton abundances. Considering the entire research period, there were no changes in contributions of major phytoplankton groups, but the increase in overall species diversity was recorded, supporting the view that moderate inputs may stimulate plankton taxonomic diversity in coastal ecosystems. Increased ciliate and copepod nauplii abundance was also observed but was considered to be caused by natural variability

Host-Parasite Interaction between Parasitic Cymothoid Ceratothoa Oestroides and Its Host, Farmed European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Parasitic isopod Ceratothoa oestroides (Cymothoidea, Isopoda) is a common and generalist buccal cavity-dweller in marine fish, recognised for its detrimental effect in fingerling and juvenile farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Although distributed throughout the Mediterranean, the isopod provokes acute outbreaks mainly limited to particular endemic areas in Croatia (Adriatic Sea) and Greece (Aegean Sea). While numerous studies have previously evidenced its gross effect on farmed fish (i.e. decreased condition index, slower growth rate, lethargy and mortality), details on the host-parasite interaction are still lacking. Therefore, using a multimethodological approach, we closely examined the structure and appearance of isopod body parts acting in the attachment and feeding (stereomicroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy), and the extent of host tissues damage (histology, immunohistochemistry, micro-computational tomography) induced by parasitation. Interestingly, while hematophagous nature of the parasite has been previously postulated we found no unambiguous data to support this; we observed host tissues fragmentation and extensive hyperplasia at the parasitation site, and no structures indicative of heme detoxifying mechanisms in the parasite gut, or other traces of a blood meal. The bacterial biofilm covering C. oestroides mouthparts and pereopods suggests that the isopod may play a role in conveying secondary pathogens to the infected host, or alternatively, it serves the parasite in normal interaction with its environment

Achieving coherence between the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive

Alignment and coordination of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) with other key policies is considered indispensable to accomplish its objectives. To ensure that economic activities do not generate unsustainable pressures in the marine environment, it is imperative to streamline the MSFD with the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD), the policy regulating the spatial dimension of maritime activities and their planning. To investigate the coherence between the MSFD and MSPD, an analysis was performed in the framework of MEDREGION project (11.0661/2018/794286/SUB/ENV.C2) on the conceptual relations of the two processes. The needs and challenges encountered by MSFD Competent Authorities (CAs) in the implementation of the Directives were considered, while the Programmes of Measures (PoMs) established by Mediterranean Member States (MSs) for selected MSFD Descriptors were analysed to see whether measures can contribute to the integration of the two Directives. The MSPD implementation considers the MSFD provisions, however, there are still challenges and gaps for an effective integration. Herein, recommendations are made to face these challenges and facilitate the alignment of the two Directives. Moreover, the analysis of the MSFD PoMs shows that the MSFD identifies, directly or indirectly, human activities related to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) sectors and addresses them with specific measures. Therefore, MSFD PoMs constitute a concrete basis for the planning of the marine space, thus, bridging the two Directives, avoiding conflicts and facilitating synergies.The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Commission Directorate General for the Environment under grant agreement n° 11.0661/2018/794286/SUB/ENV.C2 – MEDREGION project (Support Mediterranean Member States towards implementation of the MSFD New GES Decision and programmes of measures and contribute to regional/subregional cooperation).Peer reviewe

Second asymptomatic carotid surgery trial (ACST-2): a randomised comparison of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy

Background: Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence. Methods: ACST-2 is an international multicentre randomised trial of CAS versus CEA among asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis thought to require intervention, interpreted with all other relevant trials. Patients were eligible if they had severe unilateral or bilateral carotid artery stenosis and both doctor and patient agreed that a carotid procedure should be undertaken, but they were substantially uncertain which one to choose. Patients were randomly allocated to CAS or CEA and followed up at 1 month and then annually, for a mean 5 years. Procedural events were those within 30 days of the intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses are provided. Analyses including procedural hazards use tabular methods. Analyses and meta-analyses of non-procedural strokes use Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN21144362. Findings: Between Jan 15, 2008, and Dec 31, 2020, 3625 patients in 130 centres were randomly allocated, 1811 to CAS and 1814 to CEA, with good compliance, good medical therapy and a mean 5 years of follow-up. Overall, 1% had disabling stroke or death procedurally (15 allocated to CAS and 18 to CEA) and 2% had non-disabling procedural stroke (48 allocated to CAS and 29 to CEA). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year non-procedural stroke were 2·5% in each group for fatal or disabling stroke, and 5·3% with CAS versus 4·5% with CEA for any stroke (rate ratio [RR] 1·16, 95% CI 0·86–1·57; p=0·33). Combining RRs for any non-procedural stroke in all CAS versus CEA trials, the RR was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (overall RR 1·11, 95% CI 0·91–1·32; p=0·21). Interpretation: Serious complications are similarly uncommon after competent CAS and CEA, and the long-term effects of these two carotid artery procedures on fatal or disabling stroke are comparable. Funding: UK Medical Research Council and Health Technology Assessment Programme

Pelagic habitats in the Mediterranean Sea: A review of Good Environmental Status (GES) determination for plankton components and identification of gaps and priority needs to improve coherence for the MSFD implementation

At present there is no consistent approach for the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) and targets in the Mediterranean Sea, especially for Biodiversity Descriptors, according to the Article 12 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The use of plankton indicators in the Mediterranean Sea refers mostly to pelagic habitats in coastal waters and to case studies connected with environmental pressures, e.g. in the Adriatic, Aegean etc. The aim of this review is to study the existing biodiversity indicators for different plankton groups in order to compare GES definitions for the Biodiversity Descriptor and identify the relevant gaps and priority needs to improve coherence for the MSFD implementation across the Mediterranean. For these purposes, we focus on plankton indicators for phytoplankton, zooplankton and prokaryotes. Regional conventions (OSPAR, HELCOM, Barcelona and Bucharest Conventions) have long considered phytoplankton as a key element for integrated assessment systems. Phytoplankton biomass, community composition, abundance, frequency and intensity of blooms are used for such assessment purposes. Chlorophyll a still remains the most widely used indicator mostly thanks to its time saving, cost-effective and reproducible analytical methods that provide easily comparable datasets. Despite some integrated indices proposed for phytoplankton in the literature at the Mediterranean level, a number of constrains still prevent their wide use. Regarding zooplankton communities, commonly used indicators have a taxonomic base while recently size structure and biomass can provide a valuable index of zooplankton population dynamics and ecosystem production. Jellyfish blooms’ occurrence and frequency are also considered important zooplankton indicators in specific areas, e.g. North Adriatic. Concerning the prokaryotes, so far MSFD takes into account only their pathogenic component. The revision of MSFD GES definitions shows that all Mediterranean MSs have defined GES at the Descriptor level (e.g. D1 Biodiversity), but our comparison of approaches shows a low level of coherence in GES related to pelagic habitats and plankton communities. Gaps mostly focus on the lack of thresholds and baselines for many biodiversity indicators, and on the scarcity of common and consistent methodological approaches for biodiversity assessment by the MSs. Suggestions to fill these gaps and inconsistencies among MSs include: integration of EU legislation and Regional Agreements and Conventions; targeting on priority species and habitats; testing of existing biodiversity indices with good performances in case studies; coordination and intercalibration actions for the establishment of threshold values and baselines; determination of common methodologies; undertaking of regular monitoring programs and impact assessment studies at regional and sub-regional levels

Zooplankton of the Mediterranean Sea (ICES Zooplankton Status Report 2008/2009)

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