Evaluation of the economic crisis on the conservation of the ichthyofauna in Marine Protected Areas

The use of marine protected areas can be an effective way to simultaneously achieve both conservation and fisheries management objectives. The creation of marine protected areas, in addition to many benefits, also entails several costs, including the need for financing to maintain adequate surveillance and conservation. The recent economic crisis significantly lowered budgets for the maintenance of Spanish Marine Protected Areas, that may have had serious consequences for the marine resources sustainability. In this study we evaluated the indirect impact of the 2008 economic crisis on the conservation of fish stocks in Marine Protected Areas. We compared the number of species, abundance and biomass levels of the ichthyofauna, and abundance and biomass of selected species in two marine reserves (Cabo de San Antonio and Tabarca Island) with control areas, two years before (2008 and 2010) and two years after (2014 and 2015) the budget cut. Results in San Antonio revealed a decrease in total abundance, total biomass and number of species after the crisis, which translates into a decrease in the reserve effect. While in Tabarca no reduction has been observed in these variables, so the reserve effect was maintained after the crisis. We have found that of the 18 species analyzed, in San Antonio the abundance and biomass of 8 and 6 species respectively have decreased after the crisis, while in Tabarca the abundance and biomass of 6 and 8 species respectively have decreased after the crisis. Therefore, surveillance in marine reserves is necessary for the conservation of the species.This research was funded through the 2013 call for realization of projects of emerging research of the University of Alicante (GRE13-11) and 2014 call for carrying out R&D projects for groups of emerging research of the Generalitat Valenciana (GV/2015/117). E. Arcas was supported by FPU Grant of the University of Alicante (UAFPU2019B-07)

Effects of seasonal closures in a multi-specific fishery

In input-controlled multi-specific fisheries, seasonal closure has little biological rationale as a management measure, because it is difficult to adjust such closure for many target species and, in most cases, they are adopted for economic purposes. We aimed to determine effects of closure in biologic and economic terms, using 10-year landing data from two representative trawling ports of the Western Mediterranean: Dénia and La Vila Joiosa. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to detect significant differences, before and after the closure, in standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) at different seasons and sale prices at home/closed and neighbour/open ports. ANOVAs showed significantly higher CPUE after the closure for total landings and Mullus spp. of the Red mullet métier, Merluccius merluccius CPUE (in two years) and the total landings of the Norway lobster métier. On the contrary, significant lower values were observed after the closure for total CPUE (in early summer) and Aristeus antennatus of Red shrimp métier. Similar CPUE was observed at all levels when the closure took place in late summer. In economic terms, market prices of target species have decreased or shown no changes after the closure at home/closed and neighbouring/open ports. The only exception was the significant increase of the price for A. antennatus in Dénia during the closure in La Vila Joiosa. Depending on its timing, the closure would highlight some positive biological effects on some target species. However, closure leads to an unavoidable reduction in most of target species prices. An alternative management measure that is based on effort reduction in input-controlled multi-specific fisheries could ban one day per week when market prices of target species are lower.M. Samy-Kamal was supported by a grant of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID)

Trawling fishery of the western Mediterranean Sea: Métiers identification, effort characteristics, landings and income profiles

Due to the diversity of fleet characteristics and catch composition in Mediterranean fisheries, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean has placed emphasis on the direct control of fishing capacity and effort rather than catch limitation. This paper aims to analyse the evolution of fishing effort, landings and métiers in three trawling ports of the western Mediterranean between 2002 and 2011. Four métiers were identified, using multivariate techniques, in the fishery: Red mullet, European hake, Norway lobster and Red shrimp. The mean catch composition within the same métier was similar between ports, although the relative importance of species differed slightly from one port to another. Variation in fishing effort exerted was observed between métiers reflecting differences in the importance and usage of each métier by port. Temporal variations were found among different métiers at seasonal and annual scales. These temporal variations showed that métiers Red mullet and European hake were alternated. Positive significant correlations were observed between landings and different fishing effort variables with an exception of the relation between landings and engine power in the Norway lobster métier with negative significant correlations. Significant differences in total vessel length, gross tonnage, total CPUE and total income were detected among the four métiers depending on each port with few exceptions. These findings are considered a keystone for more practical implications and to assist fisheries' managers in the decision-making process. As demonstrated in the current paper, the management of multi-specific fisheries should start off considering the characteristics of each métier separately. In the sound of métier-based management, the patterns observed in the effort temporal distribution between métiers can indicate the most suitable time to reduce effort on specific target species.This study was supported by a grant of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) MAEC-AECID (Nº 0000593564)

Reviewing the knowledge on the genus Patella in the Mediterranean Sea: testing the effect of protection on the mean abundance and size of Patella ferruginea

Increasing human pressure has strongly impacted the littoral environment, altering the habitats and population parameters of some species. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the regions that have been highly affected by these events. In response to these events, marine protected areas (MPAs) have emerged as one of the main conservation tools for marine habitats and species. In this regard, harvesting of limpets (Patella spp.) is a good example of the impact of human activity on the coast. Limpets are mollusks that are collected as food or fishing bait, and their exploitation causes an immediate decrease in the density and size structure of individuals. In the Mediterranean Sea, the genus Patella is represented by five species: Patella rustica, P. caerulea, P. ulyssiponensis, P. ferruginea, and P. depressa. To verify the effectiveness of the MPAs, a deep review of 75 studies on Patella spp. in the Mediterranean Sea was conducted to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of studies. Data extracted from these articles were used to assess the effect of protection on the density and size of P. ferruginea. Regarding spatial distribution, the studies reviewed were performed at 67 sites in 13 countries, of which 23 were in MPAs and 44 in non-protected or control areas. The findings of this study show that P. ferruginea is the species most studied, because it is one of the most threatened marine invertebrates in the Mediterranean Sea. This explains the temporal distribution of the studies, which coincides with the establishment of the conservation status and the concern about the population status of P. ferruginea. Analysis of the effect of protection on the density and mean size of P. ferruginea individuals revealed no significant difference in mean density between the control sites and MPAs. However, mean size between individuals was significantly higher in MPAs than control sites. This pattern may be related to intra- and interspecific competition between individuals

La evaluación por pares aplicado al proceso de aprendizaje en un escenario de evaluación continua

Dentro del marco de educación superior se ha apostado por una docencia basada en la evaluación continua, forzando, de alguna manera, al alumnado, a llevar la asignatura al día, y al profesorado, a reinventar la metodología de evaluación. Desde la asignatura de Estadística, cursada en primero de grado de Ciencias del Mar y Biología, se incorporó la resolución de problemas a lo largo del curso como parte de dicha evaluación continua. Con el objetivo de que el alumnado asuma responsabilidades en el proceso de aprendizaje, mejorando la actitud ante un método de evaluación continua, se incorporó la evaluación por pares para la corrección de cada uno de los problemas. Esta metodología de evaluación conlleva que el alumnado tenga que consultar durante el curso los problemas resueltos, estar atento a la evolución de la asignatura, resolver sus dudas y llevar la asignatura al día. El resultado obtenido es que esta metodología de aprendizaje y evaluación por pares ayuda en el proceso de autoaprendizaje, mejora la adquisición de conocimiento, su aplicación reflexiva y crítica a problemas reales. Además, mejora su participación y grado de compromiso a lo largo de todo el proceso

Long-term population dynamics in a healthy Posidonia oceanica meadow

Wide losses of Posidonia oceanica led some authors to suggest this species showed evidence of decline in a global scale. Our aim was to survey the long-term evolution of a healthy and mature meadow of Posidonia oceanica at Tabarca Island (SE, Spanish coast). We surveyed cover and density at three depths (-4, -12 and -20m) and the dynamics at border meadows (erosion fronts vs adjacent edges) by one transect laid from -0,5m to -12m depth. Sexual reproduction as a repair mechanism was tested by monitoring the survival of seedling in five random sites. At each sampling site, sea-bottom roughness was estimated. Density and cover at sampling depths of -12 and -20 m were steady for 22 years (1988-2010), but both descriptors significantly decreased at upper limit (-4m) in 2010. Erosion fronts measured on transect went back -0.87±0.75 m y-1, though this fact was compensated by the progress of its adjacent edges in 0.6±0.69 m y-1. Density of survival seedlings has maintained a steady state for two years after settlement and it was strongly correlated with sea-bottom roughness. Our results suggest P. oceanica meadows of Tabarca Island could have remained stable long-term. But we detected “hot areas”, such as those placed in upper limit or in erosion fronts, where likely a quick decline by natural causes (e.g. waves) was offset by natural repair mechanisms (e.g. settlement of seedlings and vegetative growth).Amplias perdidas de praderas de Posidonia oceanica condujeron a algunos autores a sugerir que esta especie mostraba evidencias de un declive a escala global. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la evolución a largo plazo de una pradera madura y sana de Posidonia oceanica de la Isla de Tabarca (costa SE de España). Medimos la cobertura y densidad en tres profundidades (-4, -12 y -20 m) y la dinámica en el borde de la pradera (frentes de erosión frente a los bordes adyacentes) mediante un transepto establecido desde -0,5 a -12 m de profundidad. Se comprobó además, si la reproducción sexual funcionaba como un mecanismo de reparación de las praderas, mediante la monitorización de la supervivencia de plántulas en cinco sitios aleatorios. La rugosidad del fondo marino se estimó en cada sitio de muestreo. Las densidades y coberturas en las profundidades de -12 y -20 m fueron estables durante 22 años (1988-2010); aunque ambos descriptores disminuyeron significativamente en el limite superior (- 4 m), en 2010. Los frentes de erosión retrocedieron en el transepto fijo -0.87±0.75 m a-1, aunque este hecho fue compensado por el progreso de su borde adyacente con 0.6±0.69 m a-1 de nueva pradera. La densidad de las plántulas supervivientes se mantuvo estable durante dos años después de su enraizamiento y se encontró fuertemente correlacionada con la rugosidad del fondo marino. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las praderas de P. oceanica de la isla de Tabarca permanecieron estable durante un largo periodo. Aunque, hemos detectado “áreas calientes”, como aquellas situadas en el límite superior o en los frentes de erosión, donde probablemente un rápido declive causado por causas naturales (por ejemplo olas) fue seguido por mecanismos de reparación natural (por ejemplo asentamiento de plántulas y crecimiento vegetativo)

Daily variation of fishing effort and ex-vessel prices in a western Mediterranean multi-species fishery: Implications for sustainable management

The daily variation of fishing effort and ex-vessel price was analysed to determine which day of the week is suitable to ban the fishery, as an alternative management measure to the one month seasonal closure. Thus, 10-years landings data were used from two representative trawling ports of the western Mediterranean: Dénia and La Vila Joiosa. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect significant differences in fishing effort (total and by métier) and daily ex-vessel price of the main target species. Also, the economic loss produced by banning one day (the proposed measure) was compared to economic loss produced by the seasonal closure (the actual measure). Daily variation in the fishing effort was observed in La Vila Joiosa mainly due to higher effort at the end of the week devoted on crustacean métiers, while effort was similar among days in Dénia. The lowest mean prices for most target species were on Tuesday and Wednesday, and were higher on Monday and Friday. Banning one day per week (Tuesday or Wednesday), when market prices of target species are lower would reduce the double of effort than one month of seasonal closure, and likely without subsidies. However, the loss by banning all Wednesdays (approx. 50 days) was higher in both ports than one month, but lower than an equivalent two months closure.M. Samy-Kamal was supported by a grant of the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID) MAEC-AECID (Nº0000593564)

Guía de buenas prácticas para la gestión de escapes en acuicultura marina. Vol. I. Prevención

Los escapes en acuicultura son un problema que pueden evitarse con la formación del personal que trabaja en las instalaciones en mar abierto. Este libro proporciona los puntos más importantes que tener en cuenta para prevenir los escapes en acuicultura.Cofinanciado por el Fondo Europeo de Pesca y la Fundación Biodiversidad, del Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente

Introduced marine macroflora of Lebanon and its distribution on the Levantine coast

The marine macroflora introduced into Lebanon was studied through an analysis of historical data and field studies carried out since 1991. A total of 29 introduced species have been listed: 3 Chromobionta, 13 Rhodobionta, 12 Chlorobionta and 1 Streptobionta. Among them, Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla, Spatoglossum variabile and Womersleyella setacea are recorded for the first time from Lebanon. Among them, Asparagopsis taxiformis, C. taxifolia var. distichophylla, Cladophora patentiramea, Codium arabicum, Codium parvulum, Galaxaura rugosa, Halophila stipulacea, Hypnea cornuta, Laurencia cf. chondrioides, Lophocladia lallemandii, Stypopodium schimperi, Ulva lactuca and Womersleyella setacea are potentially invasive species, and several of them already occupy extensive stretches of the Lebanese coast. The distribution of species on the Levantine coast, their dynamics and the current status of their populations are discussed.The surveys in 2012, 2013 and 2016 were conducted within the framework of the MedMPAnet Project, implemented by UNEP/MAP-RAC/SPA and funded by RAC/SPA, the European Commission (EC), the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID), and the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM)

TRANSVERSA: coordinación de actividades transversales del módulo básico de los Grados en Biología y Ciencias del Mar

La coordinación transversal entre asignaturas es una oportunidad para que el alumnado mejore su aprendizaje. Más allá, la coordinación de la evaluación permite evaluar los conocimientos de una manera integral. Esto, además de ser uno de los objetivos marcados en el EEES, el alumnado lo percibe siempre como positivo. En nuestro caso, el profesorado de la red, ha trabajado llevando a cabo la coordinación de las tareas docentes para la evaluación conjunta de las asignaturas que participan de la coordinación transversal. El resultado es una planificación semanal de las actividades coordinadas, que permiten al alumnado preparar una comunicación científica en forma de presentación y de póster, de manera grupal, a lo largo de un semestre y coordinado entre las asignaturas. Los resultados indican que el alumnado lo valora positivamente, y que siempre espera más y mejor de estas experiencias