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Pierdomenico M, Pandolfi F, Mancini G, Ventura D, Falco M, Belluscio A, Ardizzone G, Jona-Lasinio G, Casoli E. Terrain, oceanographic, and biological factors underlying the development of Mediterranean coastal animal forests. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 200:106663. [PMID: 39102776 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) form three-dimensional seascapes and provide substrate and shelter for a variety of species. We investigated the fine-scale distribution pattern of three habitat-forming species of the coastal Mediterranean MAFs: Eunicella cavolini, E. singularis and Paramuricea clavata, and assessed the influence of terrain, oceanographic, and biological factors on their distribution and the formation of MAFs in the central-northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Species presence and abundance were obtained through seafloor HD imagery and were combined with terrain and oceanographic parameters extracted from remote sensing data using distance-based linear modeling (DistLM) and generalized additive model (GAM). The three studied species occurred in all the study areas, with marked differences in their abundance and distribution across the different sites and habitat type, in relation to seafloor characteristics. Specifically, positive relationships emerged between the density of colonies and terrain parameters indicative of high seafloor complexity, such as slope and roughness, as well as the number species structuring MAFs. A clear niche separation for the three species was observed: E. cavolini and P. clavata were reported on coralligenous reefs, and in areas where the seafloor complexity may enhance hydrodynamics and transport of organic matter, while E. singularis was observed on red algal mats at shallower depths. A better understanding of the ecology of these gorgonians, as well as of the drivers determining MAFs formation, represent the first step toward the conservation of these threatened habitats which are currently poorly protected by management and conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pierdomenico
- Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council, CNR-IGAG, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Pandolfi
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council, CNR-IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Mancini
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Ventura
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Falco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Belluscio
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Edoardo Casoli
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Longo F, Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Consoli P, Crocetta F. Not only in the crowd: Benthic litter characterization in a low population density area still reveals widespread pollution and local malpractices. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124262. [PMID: 38810686 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic activities affect marine coastal habitats, leading to heavy litter pollution. However, whilst high litter concentrations are nowadays common in the proximity of metropolises, few studies investigated the magnitude of this phenomenon around coastal villages and small towns. We hereby characterized the benthic litter occurring in the trawlable grounds of the Gulf of Policastro (Tyrrhenian Sea, central-western Mediterranean), a low population density area that becomes a popular tourist destination during summer. We furthermore tested differences between two depths (∼100-200 and ∼500-600 m) and the impact of tourism on the shallower waters. The area was characterized by a litter abundance of 651.12 ± 130.61 item/km2, with plastic being almost totalitarian (93%). The shallower waters hosted two-thirds of the litter found. Almost all (∼95%) the litter items had a land-based origin, while the sea-based litter was mostly found at higher depths. About 14% of the litter was found to be fouled, with the development of litter-associated communities that somehow mimic the natural ones living on hard substrates. The higher litter presence noticed during the touristic peak (July-August) suggests that tourism is an important source of local litter, although it contributed to the local accumulation in a synergic way with other factors. The majority of the litter items presumably originated from the nearby coastline, while the deeper waters were or are used as a dumping site by the local trawling fleet. The discovery of such a critical waste accumulation and management in a somehow remote area contributes to widen the perspectives on the presence of benthic litter mostly in territories characterized by wide anthropization. Moreover, it confirms that appropriate local policies and communication plans are urged even at a regional level to stimulate citizen consciousness and mitigate the ever growing litter pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR-ISPA), Via Lecce Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium for Marine Sciences (CoNISMa), Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo Piazza Marina 61, I-90133, Palermo, Italy
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3
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Consoli P, Costa V, Sciutteri V, Malara D, Pedà C, Figurella F, Campbell I, Deery E, Romeo T, Andaloro F. Synthetic polymers: A global threat to aquatic benthic environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134848. [PMID: 38850941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Finding time-efficient and cost-effective data collection methods is a challenge when addressing aquatic litter pollution on a global scale. In this study, we analysed data on aquatic benthic debris collected worldwide by volunteer scuba divers through the Dive Against Debris® citizen science initiative, examining its relationship with spatial and socio-economic factors. Plastic-dominated litter was found in both marine (64 %) and freshwater (48 %) environments, followed by metal and glass. Lower litter abundances have been recorded in high income countries such as in Europe, Central Asia and North America. Plastic fragments and fishing lines were the most abundant seafloor litter items, while takeaway containers (aluminium cans, glass bottles) were dominant in freshwater environments. Single-use plastics, including objects for food and beverage consumption, accounted for about 1/3 of the total benthic aquatic debris. Our findings highlight the need to prioritise the fishing industry and change our fast-paced modern lifestyle. Citizen science initiatives, once data cleanup is conducted to overcome any bias, can provide valuable tools for better understanding and quantifying marine litter pollution. The outcomes gained can be leveraged to improve consumer awareness and inform environmental policies aimed at addressing aquatic litter pollution more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy.
| | - Valentina Costa
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CRIMAC - Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | - Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Danilo Malara
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, CRIMAC - Calabria Marine Centre, Amendolara, Italy
| | | | | | - Emily Deery
- PADI AWARE Foundation, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Messina, Italy
| | - Franco Andaloro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Palermo, Italy
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Seixas S, Parrinha J, Gomes P, Bessa F. Incorporation of abandoned and lost fishing gear into the structure of Dendrophyllia ramea in the Atlantic coast of Portugal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116302. [PMID: 38593712 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution poses global and societal concerns, especially from discarded fishing gear, threatening seabed environments like coral reefs. This study examines the incorporation of lost and/or abandoned fishing gear - specifically synthetic lines, and filaments - into the structure of orange tree coral, Dendrophyllia ramea along the coast of Portugal, in the North-East Atlantic Ocean. The specimens were inadvertently captured by local fishers (Sines and Cascais), with 6 % showing filaments inside their structure, raising questions about their potential impact on coral health. We discuss the implications of understanding the interactions between plastics, fishing gear, and corals, which is important for developing conservation strategies. We address the need for improved of measures aimed at reducing the impact of fishing gear on corals, emphasizing the importance of endorsing biodegradable fishing materials and supporting lost gear retrieval initiatives. Furthermore, we emphasize the urgent need to communicate these issues to both fishers and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Seixas
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; Universidade Aberta, Rua Escola Politécnica, 147, 1269-001 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Joaquim Parrinha
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal; ECOALGA - Agricultura Subaquática Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Porto Covo, Portugal
| | - Pedro Gomes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Portugal
| | - Filipa Bessa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
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Mishra M, Sudarsan D, Santos CAG, da Silva RM, Beja SK, Paul S, Bhanja P, Sethy M. Current patterns and trends of microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:22925-22944. [PMID: 38416357 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32511-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are pervasive in the natural environment and pose a growing concern for global health. Plastic waste in marine environments has emerged as a global issue, threatening not only marine biota but also human health due to its implications for the food chain. This study aims to discern the patterns and trends of research, specifically on Marine Microplastic Pollution (MMP), based on a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications from 2011 to 2022. The methodology utilized in this study comprises three stages: (a) creating a bibliographical dataset from Scopus by Elsevier and the Web of Science Core Collection by Clarivate Analytics, (b) analyzing current research (trends and patterns) using bibliometric analysis through Biblioshiny tool, and (c) examining themes and subthemes in MMP research (wastewater treatment, plastic ingestion, the Mediterranean Sea, microplastics pollution, microplastics in freshwater, microplastic ingestion, plastic pollution, and microplastic pollution in the marine environment). The findings reveal that during the studied period, the number of MMP publications amounted to 1377 articles, with an average citation per publication of 59.23 and a total citation count of 81,553. The most cited article was published in 2011, and since then, the number of publications on this topic has been increasing steadily. The author count stood at 5478, with 22 trending topics identified from the 1377 published titles. Between 2019 and 2022, the countries contributing most to the publication of MMP articles were China, the United States of America (USA), and the United Kingdom (UK). However, a noticeable shift in the origin of author countries was observed in the 2019-2022 timeframe, transitioning from a dominance by the USA and the UK to a predominance by China. In 2019, there was a substantial increase in the volume of publications addressing the topic of microplastics. The results show that the most prevalent themes and subthemes pertained to MMP in the Mediterranean Sea. The journals with the highest number of MMP articles published were the Marine Pollution Bulletin (253 articles) and Science of the Total Environment (190 articles). The analysis concludes that research on MMP remains prominent and appears to be increasing each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoranjan Mishra
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Desul Sudarsan
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | | | - Santosh Kumar Beja
- Department of Environmental Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Paul
- Department of Geography, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Nuapadhi, Balasore, 756089, Odisha, India
| | - Pragati Bhanja
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
| | - Murtyunjya Sethy
- Department of Library and Information Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, 760007, Odisha, India
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Bell JJ, Micaroni V, Harris B, Strano F, Broadribb M, Rogers A. Global status, impacts, and management of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024; 38:e13945. [PMID: 35587786 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ecology and function of rocky temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) remain poorly understood globally despite their widespread distribution. They typically occur at 20-150 m (the limit of photosynthesis), and on rocky substratum they support rich benthic communities and mobile fauna. We determined the distribution of rocky TMEs, their conservation status, and their most characteristic biological groups. Rocky TMEs were dominated by algae, turf-invertebrate matrices (<50 m only), sponges, bryozoans, and cnidarians. The community composition of TMEs differed significantly from shallow (0-15 m) subtidal reefs. Data were geographically biased and variable, available only from the North and South Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Temperate Australasia. Degree of protection of rocky TMEs varied considerably across the world. The biggest threats to rocky TMEs were identified changes in temperature, sedimentation rates, nutrient concentrations, and certain fishing types. We propose a conservation framework to inform future rocky TME management and conservation, highlighting the need to recognize the importance of these biologically diverse and functionally important ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Micaroni
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Francesca Strano
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Manon Broadribb
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alice Rogers
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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7
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Rios-Fuster B, Compa M, Alomar C, Deudero S. Stranded and floating marine debris detected along the coastline of Cabrera National Park (Balearic Islands). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115288. [PMID: 37459766 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are managed to conserve ecosystems however increased reporting highlights the observations of marine debris within these areas. The coastline of Cabrera Natural Park (Cabrera MPA) was surveyed in February, March, May, and July of 2021 to evaluate the seasonal trend of marine debris between winter and summer months. A general value of 6.94 items/km, ranging from 4.38 ± 4.55 items/km in July to 12.57 ± 17.56 items/km in March, was detected with no statistical differences between areas or surveyed months. Abundance of stranded debris (77 %) was statistically higher than floating debris (23 %). Prevailed floating plastic pieces 2.5 >< 50 cm and stranded nets and pieces of nets >50 cm. Artificial polymer materials, non-sourced debris, and non-Single Use Plastics were the most common items identified. This study highlights the importance of applying mitigation measures to avoid the presence of marine debris in areas of ecological interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rios-Fuster
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente S/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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8
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Balcells M, Blanco M, Colmenero AI, Barría C, Santos-Bethencourt R, Nos D, López-Pérez C, Ribera-Altimir J, Sala-Coromina J, Garriga-Panisello M, Rojas A, Galimany E. Fishing for litter, accidental catch in bottom trawl nets along the Catalan coast, Northwestern Mediterranean. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 166:360-367. [PMID: 37210959 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The seafloor of the Mediterranean Sea accumulates marine litter (ML), an area where bottom trawlers operate and can accidentally catch the litter from the seafloor. This study aims to describe and quantify the ML caught by bottom trawlers along the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea) and estimate the potential of the bottom trawl fleet to extract ML from the area as a Fishing for Litter (FFL) initiative to tackle the ML issue. Marine litter was collected from commercial trawlers and was classified as metal, plastic, rubber, textile, wood, and other waste and weighed (kg) from 305 hauls performed during three years (2019-2021) from 9 different ports at 3 different depths. ML was present in 97 % of the hauls, with plastic being the most abundant material. The composition varied according to zone, port and depth, with the highest densities found in highly urbanized areas (13.75 ± 3.25 kg km-2), which mainly contained plastics (74.3 %). The port of Barcelona had the highest presence of plastics (23.62 ± 6.49 kg km-2), mainly wet wipes. Regarding depth, the continental shelf had the highest density of ML, with 12.24 ± 2.40 kg km-2. The potential ML removal (t year-1) was calculated using fishing effort (hours). It is estimated that the bottom trawlers may potentially remove 237 ± 36 t year-1 of ML in the Catalan coast. FFL initiatives should be part of a multidisciplinary approach to tackle marine litter, which must include prevention, monitoring, and cleaning actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Balcells
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Blanco
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ana I Colmenero
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Claudio Barría
- Unitat de Zoologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Santos-Bethencourt
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - David Nos
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Pérez
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Ribera-Altimir
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Sala-Coromina
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mariona Garriga-Panisello
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alba Rojas
- Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eve Galimany
- Department of Marine Renewable Resources, Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institut Català de Recerca per a la Governança del Mar (ICATMAR), C. Dr. Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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9
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Su CT, Schneider F, Deshpande PC, Xiao HY, Su TA, Yen N, Lin HT. Material flow analysis of commercial fishing gears in Taiwan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114822. [PMID: 36934489 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is an international environmental issue, and the growing amount of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is a particular concern. Despite Taiwan's substantial fishing industry, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of fishing gear. This work conducted a static material flow analysis to estimate the flows and the stocks of fishing gear in Taiwan in 2020, based on government statistics and interviews with fishing gears producing companies, fishermen, and recycling companies. Our findings reveal that the inflow, outflow, and stock of the fishing gears are 8,846 t/a, 4,271 t/a, and 4,575 t/a, respectively. Only 36 % of end-of-life fishing gear is recycled, while the rest is incinerated or landfilled. Additionally, the stock comprises 27 % in use, 23 % in ports, and 50 % entering the ocean. These results underscore the need to increase recycling capacity, prevent loss in oceans, and promote repairs to extend the lifespan of fishing gear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Tuan Su
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Falk Schneider
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Paritosh C Deshpande
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hui-Ya Xiao
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Tien-An Su
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Ning Yen
- IndigoWaters Institute, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tien Lin
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No. 1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.
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Deville A, Vazquez-Rowe I, Ita-Nagy D, Kahhat R. Ocean-based sources of plastic pollution: An overview of the main marine activities in the Peruvian EEZ. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114785. [PMID: 36881977 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine-based activities are a critical source of plastic waste into the ocean. This is particularly important in countries with a competitive fishing industry, such as Peru. Thus, this study aimed to identify and quantify the major flows of plastic waste accumulating in the ocean from ocean-based sources within the Peruvian Economic Exclusive Zone. A material flow analysis was elaborated to analyze the stock of plastic and its release to the ocean by a set of Peruvian fleets, including the fishing industry, merchant vessels, cruises, and boating vessels. Results show that in 2018 between 2715 and 5584 metric tons of plastic waste entered the ocean. The fishing fleet was the most pollutant, representing approximately 97 % of the total. Moreover, fishing gear loss represented the highest single-activity contribution, although other sources, such as plastic packaging and antifouling emissions, have the potential to become vast sources of marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Deville
- Peruvian LCA & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
| | - Ian Vazquez-Rowe
- Peruvian LCA & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru.
| | - Diana Ita-Nagy
- Peruvian LCA & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
| | - Ramzy Kahhat
- Peruvian LCA & Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
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11
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Nama S, Shanmughan A, Nayak BB, Bhushan S, Ramteke K. Impacts of marine debris on coral reef ecosystem: A review for conservation and ecological monitoring of the coral reef ecosystem. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114755. [PMID: 36905864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Nama
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India.
| | - Ashna Shanmughan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Shashi Bhushan
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
| | - Karankumar Ramteke
- Fisheries Resource Harvest and Post-Harvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Mumbai 400061, India
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12
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Sciutteri V, Pedà C, Longo F, Calogero R, Cangemi G, Pagano L, Battaglia P, Nannini M, Romeo T, Consoli P. Integrated approach for marine litter pollution assessment in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea: Information from bottom-trawl fishing and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114661. [PMID: 36708618 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter pollution threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, particularly on seafloors where all anthropogenic waste naturally sinks. In this study, we provide new information on the composition, density and origin of seafloor macrolitter as well as on plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish from bottom-trawling by-catch in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. Plastic constituted the highest fraction of litter in terms of density (64 %) and weight (32 %) and was also retrieved in the gastrointestinal traits of Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus and Hoplosthethus mediterraneus. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis on the seafloor macrolitter and the ingested plastics revealed the presence of artificial polymers including PE, PET/polyester, PA widely used for food packaging, plastic bags and several common products, especially Single Use Plastic (SUP). These results underline how poor waste management schemes or their incorrect application strongly contribute to marine litter accumulation on seafloors and plastic ingestion in deep-sea fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sciutteri
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Rosario Calogero
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cangemi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Luca Pagano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Matteo Nannini
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Ischia Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Punta San Pietro, 80077 Ischia, Naples, Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
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13
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Bat L, Öztekin A, Öztürk DK, Gürbüzer P, Özsandıkçı U, Eyüboğlu B, Öztekin HC. Beach litter contamination of the Turkish middle Black Sea coasts: Spatial and temporal variation, composition, and possible sources. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114248. [PMID: 36306711 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is one of the biggest environmental problems nowadays. Sinop, is located in the heart of Türkiye's Black Sea coast, has a small population, and is a popular fishing and tourist destination. In this study, marine litter amount, composition, and possible sources were investigated, and seasonal comparisons were made between in Sinop beaches. Marine litter amount was found as 0.29-7.67 items·m-2 and 3.46-49.09 g·m-2 and beaches were classified as moderate to extremely dirty. Plastics were the highest ratio (88.14-98.46 %) and "plastic pieces 2.5> <50 cm" were the major litter type. The major possible litter source was improper waste disposal (33.36 %) and litter items originated from mainly land-based sources (74.13 %). The result of this study shows that there is a significant litter problem on the coasts. The solution of this problem can be possible to take rational measures against marine litter pollution with education and management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent Bat
- Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, Department of Hydrobiology, Sinop, Türkiye.
| | - Ayşah Öztekin
- Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, Department of Hydrobiology, Sinop, Türkiye
| | - Dilara Kaya Öztürk
- Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, Department of Aquaculture, Sinop, Türkiye
| | - Pınar Gürbüzer
- Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, Department of Hydrobiology, Sinop, Türkiye
| | - Uğur Özsandıkçı
- Sinop University, Fisheries Faculty, Department of Hydrobiology, Sinop, Türkiye
| | - Bora Eyüboğlu
- Sinop University, Higher Vocational School, School of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Sinop, Türkiye
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14
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Zheng J, Li C, Zheng X. Toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on the intestine of Amphioctopus fangsiao (Mollusca: Cephalopoda): From physiological responses to underlying molecular mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136362. [PMID: 36087715 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are broadly used and among the most studied environmental pollutants due to their potential impacts on organisms and human health. Amphioctopus fangsiao (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) is an important commercial species in the Pacific Northwest and is very popular among consumers owing to its rich nutritional value and fresh flavor. However, the toxic effects of microplastic exposure on A. fangsiao, including phenotypical effect and underlying molecular mechanism, remain limited. In this study, the octopus A. fangsiao were exposed to microplastics (polystyrene microplastics, Micro-PS) at concentrations of 100 and 1000 μg/L for 21 days, and then the physiological response, histopathological analysis, biomarkers of oxidative stress and glycolipid metabolism, microbiome perturbations and transcriptomic profiles in the intestines were performed. Results demonstrated that Micro-PS exposure had distinct adverse effects on the food intake of A. fangsiao. Histological analysis revealed that Micro-PS exposure has resulted in histopathological damage, thus causing early inflammation of the intestine. Oxidative stresses, metabolic disorders and microbiome perturbations were also detected in the intestine of A. fangsiao based on physiological biomarkers and microbiome analyses. Moreover, transcriptome analysis detected the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and significantly enriched KEGG pathways in response to oxidative stress, glycolipid metabolism, DNA damage and transmembrane transport of intestinal cells, revealing distinct toxic effects at the molecular level. In summary, Micro-PS exposure has a strong impact on the intestines of A. fangsiao. For the first time, this study uses multiple approaches based on the physiological and biochemical response as well as transcriptional regulation analysis. The first assessment of the toxic impact of this species under Micro-PS exposure is also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zheng
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (IEMB), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Congjun Li
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (IEMB), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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15
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Compa M, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD, Alomar C, March D, Deudero S. Quantifying the risk of plastic ingestion by ichthyofauna in the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114075. [PMID: 36084610 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the risk plastic debris ingestion poses to coastal marine taxa in the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. Here, we use species observations and environmental data to model habitat maps for 42 species of fish. For each species, we then match estimates of habitat suitability against the spatial distribution of plastic debris to quantify plastic exposure, which we further combine with species-wise ingestion rates to map the risk of plastic ingestion. The results indicate that the risk of plastic ingestion is particularly high in the north-west and south-east regions and the risks varied strongly between species, with those at higher trophic levels being the most vulnerable overall. Extending this work to other coastal regions within the Mediterranean Sea and beyond will allow managers and policymakers to target the most appropriate areas and types of interventions for mitigating plastic pollution on coastal diversity in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Compa
- Centro Nacional Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Chris Wilcox
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Britta Denise Hardesty
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Nacional Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - David March
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, TR10 9FE Penryn (Cornwall), United Kingdom
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Nacional Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IEO-CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
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16
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Owiredu SA, Kim KI, Kim BY. Seafloor litter generated by coastal and offshore fisheries operations in the South Sea of Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113942. [PMID: 35870356 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor litter sources, distribution and density were assessed in a bottom trawl survey of the South Sea around Jeju Island by the Ara-ho training ship of Jeju National University. Samples were taken from 14 transects at a depth range of 60-120 m in areas with sandy and muddy substratum. Generally, mean densities varied from 26.9 items/km2 to 62.4 items/km2 and 104.8 kg/km2 to 370.9 kg/km2. Mean densities of total litter sampled was 46.3 items/km2 and 228.6 kg/km2. Derelict gears were the most common litter items (92 % of total litter) with mean densities of 44.3 items/km2 and 228.1 kg/km2. Gillnets and traps were the most derelict with densities reaching 4.9 items/km2 and 99.2 kg/km2 and 25.0 items/km2 and 89.1 kg/km2 respectively. The results of this study indicate that significant level of pollution in the South Sea are generated from commercial fishing activities and gillnets and traps being high risk derelict gears.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwang-Il Kim
- College of Ocean Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung-Yeob Kim
- College of Ocean Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
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17
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Rizzo L, Minichino R, Virgili R, Tanduo V, Osca D, Manfredonia A, Consoli P, Colloca F, Crocetta F. Benthic litter in the continental slope of the Gulf of Naples (central-western Mediterranean Sea) hosts limited fouling communities but facilitates molluscan spawning. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113915. [PMID: 35868237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor pollution by benthic litter is an emerging phenomenon, although debris colonization by biota remains largely unexplored. We characterized the litter of the continental slope (~400-600 m) of the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean) and investigated its fouling biota through integrative taxonomic approaches. Plastic pieces (82 %) with land-based origin (96 %) and limited sizes (10-20 cm) were the items most commonly encountered, suggesting a transfer to deep waters through floating and sinking. The majority of the items were not fouled, and the debris hosted an impoverished biota, leading to hypothesize that benthic litter supports wide communities only in shallow waters. Higher colonization rates were observed for gastropod and cephalopod eggs with no preference for materials and sizes, suggesting that even small pieces of soft plastic provide a spawning habitat for molluscs and affect species' connectivity in the deep-sea ecosystem. Holistic approaches are necessary to evaluate interactions between litter and biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rizzo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, I-73025 Lecce, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Minichino
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Virgili
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentina Tanduo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - David Osca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Manfredonia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, I-98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Colloca
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Po 25c, I-00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121 Napoli, Italy.
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18
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Akbari N, Bjørndal T, Failler P, Forse A, Taylor MH, Drakeford B. A Multi-Criteria Framework for the Sustainable Management of Fisheries: a Case Study of UK's North Sea Scottish Fisheries. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 70:79-96. [PMID: 35290516 PMCID: PMC9160121 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a sustainability framework with a case application for UK's Scottish fisheries has been developed which integrates aspects related to economic growth, social development, governance, biology, environment, and logistics. Scotland is the centre of UK's commercial fishery sector however it faces challenges such as overexploitation, and changes in the governance structure following Brexit. The contributions of this study are threefold including (i) collecting and analysing primary data gathered from a diverse group of stakeholders in the Scottish fishery sector and scientific community, (ii) prioritising a diverse range of criteria in terms of importance in decision making from industry and scientific community perspectives, (iii) elaboration of the key management objectives in this region within the context of sustainable management of fisheries in the UK.The results of this stakeholders' survey show that the key management objectives are reductions in overexploitation of stocks, inclusive governance, increase in transparency and simplicity of policy measures, reduction in marine litter, and increase in the efficiency of vessels. The analysis also shows that the industry group places a higher importance on socio-economic objectives such as increase in profit and employment compared to the scientific group. On the other hand, the scientific group prioritised the objectives such as reducing discards, bycatch, and impact on seafloor compared to the industry group. This study provides insight for the UK's fisheries sector, and scientific advisory groups for the enhanced implementation of sustainable fisheries management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Akbari
- Operations and Systems Management, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE, UK.
| | - Trond Bjørndal
- SNF Centre for Applied Research at NHH, Hellevn 30, N-5045 Bergen, Norway and Nord University Business School, N-8206, Bodø, Norway
| | - Pierre Failler
- Centre for Blue Governance, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE, UK
| | - Andy Forse
- Centre for Blue Governance, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE, UK
| | - Marc H Taylor
- Thuenen Institute of Sea Fisheries, Herwigstraße 31, 27572, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Benjamin Drakeford
- Centre for Blue Governance, Faculty of Business and Law, University of Portsmouth, Richmond Building, Portland Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3DE, UK
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19
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Pulido Mantas T, Varotti C, Roveta C, Palma M, Innocenti C, Giusti M, Benabdi M, Trainito E, Mačić V, Gambi MC, Cerrano C. Mediterranean Sea shelters for the gold coral Savalia savaglia (Bertoloni, 1819): An assessment of potential distribution of a rare parasitic species. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105686. [PMID: 35779402 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Savalia savaglia is an ecosystem engineer listed as Near-Threatened by the IUCN, even though effective management and proper monitoring efforts to assess its distribution is still lacking. The record of large, long-established colonies can indicate the occurrence of areas with limited human local pressure. These areas may be considered as proxies for the creation of baselines of reference useful to design restoration strategies. The aim of this work was to update the distribution of S. savaglia Mediterranean populations to develop an Ecological Niche Model, highlighting potential areas for future monitoring programs. Occurrence data were collected and harmonized into a single dataset using the scientific literature and validated observations to feed a presence-only MaxEnt model, obtaining a basin-level potential distribution of the species. The results of our study can support decision-makers in marine spatial planning measures including the preservation of mesophotic environments and prioritizing areas for conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torcuato Pulido Mantas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Varotti
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal.
| | - Camilla Roveta
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy.
| | - Marco Palma
- UnderwaterBio-Cartography (UBICA) srl, Genova, Italy.
| | - Carlo Innocenti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via V. Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Michela Giusti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via V. Brancati 48, 00144, Roma, Italy.
| | - Mouloud Benabdi
- Laboratory Environmental Monitoring Network, University Oran 1, Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, Algeria.
| | | | - Vesna Mačić
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Put I Bokeljske Brigade 69, 85330, Kotor, Montenegro.
| | - Maria Cristina Gambi
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e Geofisica Sperimentale, OGS, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, 60131, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dept. of Integrative Marine Ecology, Italy; Fano Marine Center, Viale Adriatico 1/N, 61032, Fano, Italy.
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20
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Compa M, Alomar C, Morató M, Álvarez E, Deudero S. Are the seafloors of marine protected areas sinks for marine litter? Composition and spatial distribution in Cabrera National Park. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:152915. [PMID: 34998764 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.152915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The seafloors of oceans and seas are becoming major sinks for marine litter (ML) at a global scale and especially within the Mediterranean Sea. Within global oceans and seas, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established to protect and conserve marine habitats and increase marine biodiversity. In this study, extensive coastal shallow scuba diving surveys were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to identify the distribution of ML in the MPA of Cabrera Marine-Terrestrial National Park (Cabrera MPA) in the Balearic Islands. Approximately 900 items weighing 70.1 kg were collected throughout the MPA during the underwater surveys. Glass bottles, including pieces (25-30%) and glass or ceramic fragments >2.5 cm (8-19%) were the most common identified items followed by plastic food containers and plastic bags (~8%). Overall, 75% of the abundance of collected ML was observed during the first year. In terms of the protection status of the different locations, similar abundances of ML were found in public access areas and no-take areas. Additionally, no significant differences were identified according to location indicating that ML on the seafloor was homogeneous within the studied shallow coastal areas. Overall, the results indicate that Cabrera MPA is a hotspot for ML and mitigation actions and measures, such as annual cleaning efforts, can help to prevent and minimize ML accumulation on the seafloor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Compa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC) Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Carme Alomar
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC) Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Mercè Morató
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC) Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Elvira Álvarez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC) Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, (IEO, CSIC) Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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21
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Baseline Marine Litter Surveys along Vietnam Coasts Using Citizen Science Approach. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14094919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine litter is a significant threat to the marine environment, human health, and the economy. In this study, beach litter surveys along Vietnamese coasts were conducted in a local context to quantify and characterize marine litter using the modified GESAMP marine litter monitoring guideline. A total of 21,754 items weighing 136,820.2 g was recorded across 14 surveys from September 2020 to January 2021. Plastic was the most abundant type of litter by both quantity (20,744 items) and weight (100,371.2 g). Fishing gear 1 (fishing plastic rope, net pieces, fishing lures and lines, hard plastic floats) and soft plastic fragments were the most frequently observed items (17.65% and 17.24%, respectively). This study not only demonstrates the abundance and composition of marine litter in Vietnam, it also provides valuable information for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, such as the redesign of collection, reuse, and recycling programs, and informs policy and priorities, with a focus on action and investment in Vietnam. Moreover, insights from this study indicate that citizen science is a useful approach for collecting data on marine litter in Vietnam.
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22
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Orthodoxou DL, Loizidou XI, Baldwin C, Kocareis C, Karonias A, Ateş MA. Seasonal and geographic variations of marine litter: A comprehensive study from the island of Cyprus. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113495. [PMID: 35245764 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Twenty beaches located around the island of Cyprus, in the eastern Mediterranean, were identified as monitoring sites. They were monitored over four monitoring sessions from January to September 2021 to assess marine litter amounts, categories, and spatiotemporal distribution. A total of 42,499 marine litter items were collected. The average marine litter density was 0.19 items/m2. Most of the collected items were plastics, with single-use plastics being ubiquitous. Plastic fragments >2.5 cm made a significant proportion of the plastic litter collected, particularly in the northern coasts of the island. Cigarette butts were abundant on touristic beaches, especially in the tourism period. The study identifies significant temporal and spatial variations in the abundance and distribution of marine litter, as well as variations related to waste management or lack thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xenia I Loizidou
- AKTI Project and Research Centre, 95 Kyrenias Avenue, 2113 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Baldwin
- AKTI Project and Research Centre, 95 Kyrenias Avenue, 2113 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Cemile Kocareis
- Famagusta Walled City Association (MASDER), Bishop Chapel, 99450 Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Anastasis Karonias
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre, 2 Akropoleos Street, 2101 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Ayça Ateş
- North Cyprus Diving Centre Association, Demak Is Hani, No: 24 Muftu Ziya Efendi Sok., Nicosia, Cyprus
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23
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Galli M, Tepsich P, Baini M, Panti C, Rosso M, Vafeiadou A, Pantelidou M, Moulins A, Fossi MC. Microplastic abundance and biodiversity richness overlap: Identification of sensitive areas in the Western Ionian Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113550. [PMID: 35318169 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea has been widely reported, but its impact on biodiversity has not been fully explored. Simultaneous sampling of microplastics (MP) with a manta net and surveys of large marine vertebrates were conducted along the coastal waters of Sicily (Western Ionian Sea). A total of 17 neustonic samples have been collected and 17 marine species (cetaceans, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish) have been sighted in the target area. Kernel density estimation was evaluated to highlight a possible overlap between the presence of large marine fauna and MP densities to provide a preliminary risk assessment. The highest biodiversity and MP concentration (0.197 ± 0.130 items/m2) were observed in the southernmost part of the studied area. The overlap between biodiversity hotspots and the occurrence of MP, potential contribute to the identification of sensitive areas of exposure in a poorly studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Ariadni Vafeiadou
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100, Savona, Italy; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Martha Pantelidou
- CIMA Research Foundation, 17100, Savona, Italy; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | | | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
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24
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Rios-Fuster B, Alomar C, Capó X, Paniagua González G, Garcinuño Martínez RM, Soliz Rojas DL, Silva M, Fernández Hernando P, Solé M, Freitas R, Deudero S. Assessment of the impact of aquaculture facilities on transplanted mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Integrating plasticizers and physiological analyses as a biomonitoring strategy. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127264. [PMID: 34879544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The growing plastic production and its continuous use is a significant problem. In addition, aquaculture practices have experienced a considerable growth and plastic is widely used in these activities, hence plasticizers must be considered due to their potential ecotoxicological impacts on species. Mussels placed inside an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system and at two control locations were employed to quantify the ingestion of anthropogenic particles and associated chemical plasticizers, such as bisphenol A (BPA) jointly to bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), and phthalates represented by diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). In addition, some metabolism and oxidative stress related parameters were measured in mussels' whole soft tissue. Anthropogenic particle ingestion of mussels increased over time at the three locations and the following order of abundance of pollutants was observed: BPA> BPF> DEHP> DBP> BPS> DEP. Even though no differences according to location were found for pollutants' occurrence, time trends were evidenced for BPA and DEHP. On the other hand, a location effect was observed for biomarkers with highest values detected in mussels located at the vicinities of the aquaculture facility. In addition, a reduced detoxification activity was observed over time parallel to BPA decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rios-Fuster
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Carme Alomar
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Xavier Capó
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
| | - Gema Paniagua González
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Garcinuño Martínez
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dulce Lucy Soliz Rojas
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Monica Silva
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pilar Fernández Hernando
- Departamento de Ciencias Analíticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Salud Deudero
- Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO, CSIC), Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015 Mallorca, Spain
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25
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Mueller JS, Bill N, Reinach MS, Lasut MT, Freund H, Schupp PJ. A comprehensive approach to assess marine macro litter pollution and its impacts on corals in the Bangka Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113369. [PMID: 35144214 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This is a comprehensive study showing the marine anthropogenic litter pollution within North Sulawesi, Indonesia. From an area of 2972 m2 that encompassed five sparsely populated locations, a total of 9421 litter items weighing 137 kg were collected. One location (Talisei North) contributed 50% of all collected litter items. Plastic litter always dominated with 96-99%. Litter was unevenly distributed across investigated areas reaching from the upper beach (3.6-30.1 items/m2) to the reef slope (0-0.03 items/m2). Litter composition and daily accumulation showed spatial-temporal dynamics, with upper beach areas displaying the overall highest accumulation rates. Reef micro-habitats were differently affected, with the reef moat and reef flat showing the highest litter concentrations, although litter amounts were much lower compared to the corresponding beaches. Branching corals, especially Porites cylindrica, were most affected by litter entanglement. Field experiments with P. cylindrica showed that attached plastic induced bleaching, necrosis, and algal overgrowth within five months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S Mueller
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Nicolas Bill
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Marco S Reinach
- Coral Eye Resort and Research Outpost, 95375 Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Markus T Lasut
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at the Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT), Jalan Kampus Unsrat Bahu, 95115 Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Holger Freund
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
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26
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Gajanur AR, Jaafar Z. Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear at urban coastlines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113341. [PMID: 35123272 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is considered a major threat to ocean biodiversity. Yet, little is known of the interactive impacts of ALDFGs and urban nearshore biodiversity and habitats, especially in Southeast Asia where fisheries efforts are increasing. We identified ALDFG hotspots around Singapore-where 80% of coastal areas are urbanized or anthropogenically modified. Fishing lines and nets were the most common ALDFGs recovered; with strong correlations between ALDFG presence and beaches, intertidal, mangroves, as well as sites with significant coastal modifications. Plastic polymer nets trapped the highest organism diversity and abundance. A total of 1052 trapped individuals comprising 124 species were recovered, the majority in classes Merostomata, Actinopterygii and Malacostraca. The most abundant trapped species was Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and the highest mortality presentation was in Class Actinopterygii. This study demonstrates that ALDFGs remain a threat to marine biodiversity within urban coastal habitats and at heavily modified shorelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Roopa Gajanur
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zeehan Jaafar
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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27
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Irene R, Ana J A, Oihane C B, Anna R. Modelling the distribution of fishing-related floating marine litter within the Bay of Biscay and its marine protected areas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118216. [PMID: 34626916 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sea-based sources account for 32-50 % of total marine litter found at the European basins with the fisheries sector comprising almost 65 % of litter releases. In the south-east coastal waters of the Bay of Biscay this figure approaches the contribution of just the floating marine litter fraction. This study seeks to enhance knowledge on the distribution patterns of floating marine litter generated by the fisheries sector within the Bay of Biscay and in particular on target priority Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to reinforce marine litter prevention and mitigation policies. This objective is reached by combining the data on geographical distribution and intensity of fishing activity, long-term historical met-ocean databases, Monte Carlo simulations and Lagrangian modelling with floating marine litter source and abundance estimates for the Bay of Biscay. Results represent trajectories for two groups of fishing-related items considering their exposure to wind; they also provide their concentration within 34 MPAs. Zero windage coefficient is applied for low buoyant items not subjected to wind effect. Highly buoyant items, strongly driven by winds, are forced by currents and winds, using a windage coefficient of 4 %. Results show a high temporal variability on the distribution for both groups consistent with the met-ocean conditions in the area. Fishing-related items driven by a high windage coefficient rapidly beach, mainly in summer, and are almost non-existent on the sea surface after 90 days from releasing. This underlines the importance of windage effect on the coastal accumulation for the Bay of Biscay. Only around 20 % of particles escaped through the boundaries for both groups which gives added strength to the notion that the Bay of Biscay acts as accumulation region for marine litter. MPAs located over the French continental shelf experienced the highest concentrations (>75 particles/km2) suggesting their vulnerability and need for additional protection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiz Irene
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110, Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Abascal Ana J
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Basurko Oihane C
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110, Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Rubio Anna
- AZTI, Marine Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Herrera Kaia, Portualdea z/g, 20110, Pasaia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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28
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ERTAŞ A, Ribeiro VV, Castro ÍB, SAYIM F. Composition, sources, abundance and seasonality of Marine Litter in the Çakalburnu lagoon coast of Aegean Sea. JOURNAL OF COASTAL CONSERVATION 2022; 26:8. [PMID: 35370451 PMCID: PMC8961094 DOI: 10.1007/s11852-022-00856-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The Aegean Sea is one of the most contaminated by marine litter (ML) in the World. In this study, the Turkish Aegean Region was evaluated in light of the sources, abundance and composition of ML along Çakalburnu Lagoon coast. Macroscopic ML with > 3 cm was collected and separated into composition and sources categories. ML abundance was calculated by its density in items/m2 (Mean ± SD). Beach cleanliness was evaluated according to Clean-Coast Index (CCI). Seasonality was found as factor for ML composition, sources and abundance at Çakalburnu coast. Plastic was the most abundant material, followed by unidentifiable items. The major sources of ML were mixed packaging, domestic and fisheries activities. The mean ML density was 0.64 ± 0.09 items/m2. Çakalburnu coast was classified as dirty during all seasons. Therefore, ML contamination on Çakalburnu coast represent a potential threat to coastal and marine environments. Thus, the present study can serve as a base for the elaboration of mitigating actions urgently needed at Çakalburnu Lagoon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alperen ERTAŞ
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | | | | | - Ferah SAYIM
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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29
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Pedà C, Longo F, Berti C, Laface F, De Domenico F, Consoli P, Battaglia P, Greco S, Romeo T. The waste collector: information from a pilot study on the interaction between the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Cuvier, 1797) and marine litter in bottom traps fishing and first evidence of plastic ingestion. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113185. [PMID: 34861606 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Few studies focused on behaviour adaptations of organisms to marine litter (ML) pollution in Mediterranean Sea. This research, investigates on some behavior traits of Octopus vulgaris, focusing on the interaction with ML during the artisanal fishing activities by the bottom traps in a small coastal area of the southern Tyrrhenian Sea. For the first time, this pilot study uses an integrated approach based on the Fishermen Ecological Knowledge as well as the analysis of ML found in the traps. First assessment of plastic ingestion in this species are also reported. Plastic and metal were the predominant ML categories observed into the bottom traps. A total of 62 plastics, mainly small microplastics and fibres shaped, were ingested. The ML finding in the bottom traps suggests an interesting behavior of the common octopus regarding its interaction with ML, in fact, it seems to bring ML inside its dens, as a collector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Pedà
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Berti
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Calabria Marine Centre (Researches Centre and Marine Advanced Infrastructures, CRIMAC), C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy.
| | - Federica Laface
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca De Domenico
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvestro Greco
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources (RIMAR), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Calabria Marine Centre (Researches Centre and Marine Advanced Infrastructures, CRIMAC), C.da Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, CS, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, Via dei Mille 56, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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30
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Grogan AE, Mallin MA, Cahoon LB. Investigation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles as marine reservoirs for fecal bacteria and phytoplankton. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113052. [PMID: 34872168 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is frequently used in the food and beverage industry and therefore contributes greatly to plastic marine debris. The fecal pollution indicator bacteria Enterococcus is used for marine water contamination assessments and is regularly found in storm water discharge. In order to examine if PET drinking bottles act as refuges for Enterococcus, a study was conducted within euhaline tidal waters of Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA via the deployment of bottle floats positioned nearby two stormwater outfall pipes. Bottles were retrieved weekly to assess the accumulation of fecal bacteria and phytoplankton. Each bottle was analyzed for the presence of Enterococcus on plastic surfaces and within water inside the bottle. Abundance of Enterococcus and planktonic chlorophyll α was found to be significantly greater in association with PET bottles versus the surrounding waters. Bottles were observed to act as reservoirs for both Enterococcus and phytoplankton with concentrations well above the state, federal, and WHO standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Grogan
- Center for Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409, USA; Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
| | - Michael A Mallin
- Center for Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409, USA.
| | - Lawrence B Cahoon
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403, USA.
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31
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Angiolillo M, Gérigny O, Valente T, Fabri MC, Tambute E, Rouanet E, Claro F, Tunesi L, Vissio A, Daniel B, Galgani F. Distribution of seafloor litter and its interaction with benthic organisms in deep waters of the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 788:147745. [PMID: 34134397 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted marine basins and currently serves as a hotspot for marine litter. The seafloor represents the ultimate sink for most litter worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge about litter distribution and its interactions with benthic organisms in deep water is poorly understood. In 2018, we investigated spatial patterns of macro- and micro-litter distribution, and their effects on benthic communities in the Ligurian Sea. An oceanographic survey was carried out with a remotely operated vehicle and a multibeam echosounder on seven seamounts and canyons, at depths ranging from 350 to 2200 m. High litter accumulations were discovered at the mouth of the Monaco canyon, where estimated densities of up to 3.8 × 104 items km-2 were found at 2200 m depth. The highest abundance of urban litter items was found on the soft substrate, at the bottom of the deeper parts of the submarine canyons, which seem to act as conduits carrying litter from the shelf towards deeper areas. In contrast, fishing-related items were most abundant in the upper layer of the seamounts (300-600 m depths). Furthermore, more than 10% of the observed deep gorgonian colonies were entangled by lost longlines, indicating the detrimental effects of this fishing gear on benthic habitats. The discovery of new litter hotspots and the evaluation of how deep-sea species interact with litter contribute to increasing the knowledge about litter distribution and its effects on the deep ecosystem of the Mediterranean basin. All the observations recorded in this study showed substantial and irreversible changes in the deep and remote areas of marine environments, and these changes were found to be caused by humans. Our findings further stress the need for urgent and specific measures for the management of deep-sea pollution and the reduction of litter inputs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Angiolillo
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Tommaso Valente
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy; Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marie-Claire Fabri
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
| | - Eric Tambute
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint Martin, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Elodie Rouanet
- GIS Posidonie, Aix-Marseille University, OSU Pytheas, campus universitaire de Luminy, case 901, 13288 Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - Francoise Claro
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle-UMS PATRINAT, CP41, 57 rue Cuvier, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Leonardo Tunesi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati, 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Anne Vissio
- Secrétaire exécutif RAMOGE, Av. de l'Annonciade, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
| | - Boris Daniel
- Agence française pour la biodiversité, rue de la République 26, Marseille, France
| | - François Galgani
- Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (Ifremer), Centre Méditerranée, Z.P. de Brégaillon, 83507, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Bastia, France
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Mankou-Haddadi N, Bachir-Bey M, Galgani F, Mokrane K, Sidi H. Benthic marine litter in the coastal zone of Bejaia (Algeria) as indicators of anthropogenic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112634. [PMID: 34153857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We studied the abundance of seafloor litter in the bay of Bejaia, Algeria, in order to better understand its sources and distribution and provide scientists with the technical basis for further monitoring and reduction measures. Data were collected during trawl surveys dedicated to fishing activity, between 40 and 200m. After each trawl, litter items were manually sorted and analyzed. The highest concentration of 58,998 items/ha was recorded to the east of the bay. Overall, plastic was the dominant component of the litter with 88% of the total amount, in weight. Most of the waste was of terrestrial origin, with rivers and beaches being the main sources due to population density, highly developed tourism during the summer season, and inadequate waste management. Overall, the results provide relevant benchmarks for future monitoring and are discussed in terms of poor waste management, a critical issue in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Mankou-Haddadi
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et Environnement, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Rue de l'Université, Targa-Ouzemour 06000 Bejaia, Algérie.
| | - Mostapha Bachir-Bey
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia, Rue de l'Université, Targa-Ouzemour, 06000 Bejaia, Algeria
| | - Francois Galgani
- IFREMER, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources, Provence Azur Corse (LER/PAC), Ifremer Centre de Méditerranée, Immeuble Agostini, 20600 Bastia, France
| | - Karar Mokrane
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et Environnement, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Rue de l'Université, Targa-Ouzemour 06000 Bejaia, Algérie
| | - Hachemi Sidi
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie et Environnement, Université Abderrahmane Mira de Bejaia, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Rue de l'Université, Targa-Ouzemour 06000 Bejaia, Algérie
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Panwanitdumrong K, Chen CL. Investigating factors influencing tourists' environmentally responsible behavior with extended theory of planned behavior for coastal tourism in Thailand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112507. [PMID: 34029800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine litter is one of the most significant marine environmental pollutants in coastal destinations around the world. Tourists' improper behavior in disposing of litter is a major contributor. The formation of tourists' environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) has thus become important in preventing and mitigating marine litter problems. This study aims to investigate factors affecting tourists' ERB using the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). A questionnaire survey was conducted on Libong Island, Thailand between December 2019 and March 2020. A total of 876 respondents were surveyed. The empirical findings show that extended TPB with environmental awareness and environmental background can explain tourists' ERB. Recommendations for the formation of coastal tourists' ERB include (i) raising public awareness; (ii) promoting government administration; and (iii) elevating the quality of coastal attractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kansinee Panwanitdumrong
- Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Ling Chen
- Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
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Consoli P, Esposito V, Battaglia P, Perzia P, Scotti G, D'Alessandro M, Canese S, Andaloro F, Romeo T. Marine litter pollution associated with hydrothermal sites in the Aeolian archipelago (western Mediterranean Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:144968. [PMID: 33940707 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.144968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Aeolian Archipelago, in the western Mediterranean Sea, is an active volcanic arc hosting several hydrothermal sites. This area, considered a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem by The Food and Agriculture Organization because of its ecological importance and biodiversity value, is affected by various pressures and threats that may act as sources of marine litter. The aim of this paper was to analyse the composition and distribution of marine litter on the seafloor of this archipelago with a specific focus on the hydrothermal areas, using almost 60 h of remotely operated vehicle footage collected at depths of 15 to 411 m. Derelict fishing gear represented the main source of marine debris (71.9% of the overall litter); nevertheless, the observed mean litter density was quite low (0.57 items/100 m2) when compared with other Mediterranean areas, probably because fisheries in the area mainly use pelagic gear that has a low impact on the seabed. No differences were found in litter densities between hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal zones. The occurrence of benthic fauna impacted by debris was rarely recorded (only 10.6% of litter items showed interactions with species) and entanglement was the most commonly observed impact. However, both the density of synthetic fishing gear and its impact on habitats and species are bound to increase over time. Overall, plastics constituted most of the marine litter (79.7%). So, prevention and mitigation measures are needed in order to protect this sensitive ecosystem. To this end, the most effective strategy could be the establishment of a Marine Protected Area or a Site of Community Importance, due to the presence of habitats ("submarine structures made by leaking gases" and "reefs") listed in Annex I of the European Habitats Directive, where all fishing activities could be strictly regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via Auguste Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perzia
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521, Località Addaura, 90149 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Scotti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Michela D'Alessandro
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Simonepietro Canese
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources Department, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco Andaloro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo n. 4521, Località Addaura, 90149 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, National Institute of Biology, Ecology and Marine Biotechnology, Villa Pace - Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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Carlucci R, Manea E, Ricci P, Cipriano G, Fanizza C, Maglietta R, Gissi E. Managing multiple pressures for cetaceans' conservation with an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 287:112240. [PMID: 33740744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recognized important ecological role that cetaceans play in the marine environment, their protection is still scarcely enforced in the Mediterranean Sea even though this area is strongly threatened by local human pressures and climate change. The piecemeal of knowledge related to cetaceans' ecology and distribution in the basin undermines the capacity of addressing cetaceans' protection and identifying effective conservation strategies. In this study, an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning (EB-MSP) approach is applied to assess human pressures on cetaceans and guide the designation of a conservation area in the Gulf of Taranto, Northern Ionian Sea (Central-eastern Mediterranean Sea). The Gulf of Taranto hosts different cetacean species that accomplish important phases of their life in the area. Despite this fact, the gulf does not fall within any area-based management tools (ABMTs) for cetacean conservation. We pin down the Gulf of Taranto being eligible for the designation of diverse ABMTs for conservation, both legally and non-legally binding. Through a risk-based approach, this study explores the cause-effect relationships that link any human activities and pressures exerted in the study area to potential effects on cetaceans, by identifying major drivers of potential impacts. These were found to be underwater noise, marine litter, ship collision, and competition and disturbance on preys. We draw some recommendations based on different sources of available knowledge produced so far in the area (i.e., empirical evidence, scientific and grey literature, and expert judgement) to boost cetaceans' conservation. Finally, we stress the need of sectoral coordination for the management of human activities by applying an EB-MSP approach and valuing the establishment of an ABMT in the Gulf of Taranto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Carlucci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Manea
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, ISMAR-CNR, Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Ricci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cipriano
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Fanizza
- Jonian Dolphin Conservation, Viale Virgilio 102, 74121, Taranto, Italy
| | - Rosalia Maglietta
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122 D/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Gissi
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, ISMAR-CNR, Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy; University Iuav of Venice, Tolentini, Santa Croce 191, 30135, Venice, Italy
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Carugati L, Bramanti L, Giordano B, Pittura L, Cannas R, Follesa MC, Pusceddu A, Cau A. Colonization of plastic debris by the long-lived precious red coral Corallium rubrum: New insights on the "plastic benefits" paradox. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112104. [PMID: 33548680 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor macrolitter is ubiquitous in world's oceans; still, huge knowledge gaps exist on its interactions with benthic biota. We report here the colonization of plastic substrates by the Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum (L. 1758), occurring both in controlled conditions and in the wild at ca. 85 m depth in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Juveniles settled on seafloor macro-litter, with either arborescent or encrusting morphology, ranging from 0.6 to 3.5 mm in basal diameter and 0.2-7.1 years of age, also including a fraction (20%) of potentially sexually mature individuals. In controlled conditions, larvae settled and survived on plastic substrates for >60 days. Our insights show that marine plastic debris can provide favourable substrate for C. rubrum settlement either in controlled conditions or in the wild, suggesting their possible use in restoration activities. However, we pinpoint here that this potential benefit could result in adverse effects on population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Carugati
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bramanti
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques (LECOB), Observatoire Océanologique, F-66650 Banyuls sur Mer, France
| | - Bruna Giordano
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecogéochimie des Environnements Benthiques (LECOB), Observatoire Océanologique, F-66650 Banyuls sur Mer, France
| | - Lucia Pittura
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rita Cannas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Follesa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Pusceddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cau
- Dipartimento di Scienze della vita e dell'ambiente, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Via Tommaso Fiorelli 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy.
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Soto-Navarro J, Jordá G, Compa M, Alomar C, Fossi MC, Deudero S. Impact of the marine litter pollution on the Mediterranean biodiversity: A risk assessment study with focus on the marine protected areas. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 165:112169. [PMID: 33691217 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper a novel methodology to assess the risk of marine litter (ML) pollution in the Mediterranean Sea is implemented. In this approach, the hazard component is estimated using a state-of-the-art 3D modeling system, which allows the simulation of floating and sinking ML particles; the exposure component is defined from biodiversity estimates; and the vulnerability is related to ML ingestion rates of each species. The results show that the hot-spots for the ML risk concentrate in the coastal regions, and are mainly conditioned by the biodiversity in the region. A dedicated analysis on the marine protected areas shows that the risk therein is controlled by the proximity to ML sources and that their present-day protection levels are not effective in the case of ML pollution. Only a reduction of ML at the sources could reduce the impact of ML pollution in protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Soto-Navarro
- Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, UIB-CSIC). Mallorca, Spain.
| | - G Jordá
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares. Mallorca, Spain
| | - M Compa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares. Mallorca, Spain
| | - C Alomar
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares. Mallorca, Spain
| | - M C Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena. Siena, Italy
| | - S Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares. Mallorca, Spain
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Scotti G, Esposito V, D'Alessandro M, Panti C, Vivona P, Consoli P, Figurella F, Romeo T. Seafloor litter along the Italian coastal zone: An integrated approach to identify sources of marine litter. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 124:203-212. [PMID: 33631445 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A heterogeneous amount of waste of different origins is continuously generated along Italian coasts in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper, using information regarding the quantities and the different types of marine litter based on Project AWARE's "Dive Against Debris" data, we try to identify the main sources of this waste. In particular, the methodological approach used associates the origin of marine litter sources with the dataset of geo-localised state-owned maritime concessions, which are loaded by the granting bodies (regions, municipalities, port authorities) on the State Property Information System (Sid). The sources of marine litter were evaluated using the matrix scoring technique (MST). Then, to assess the weight of each source in each station, the community-level weighted mean (CWM) was calculated. Single-use plastic accounted for the highest percentage (19.13%), followed by glass beverage bottles (10.90%), shopping bags (9.03%), aluminium beverage cans (4.91%), and cigarette butts (4.61%). Tourism and beach users contributed to 42.3% of the litter found, followed by fishing (15.7%) and yachting (11.3%). The overlapping of the data collected by scuba divers with the state concessions of activities from offshore and mainland areas was used to distinguish the anthropic pressures that impact the coast. Policy makers and the local administrator may use these results to define new methods of collection and reuse of anthropic waste through a more harmonised approach in the management of marine waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Scotti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), Via Auguste Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela D'Alessandro
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Vivona
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Dipartimento Ecologia Marina Integrata, Sede Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA Via dei Mille 46, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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Enrichetti F, Bavestrello G, Betti F, Rindi F, Tregrosso A, Bo M. Fate of lost fishing gears: Experimental evidence of biofouling colonization patterns from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115746. [PMID: 33069040 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ALDFGs (abandoned, lost or otherwise discharged fishing gears) represent a major pollutant in the world's oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea, but very little is known about their long-term fate in the underwater environment. Here we investigate the destiny of ALDFGs in a coralligenous benthic community by studying the biofouling growing on them at 30 m depth over a three-year period. Results indicate that ALDFGs are quickly covered by biofouling, reaching maximum values of cover in one year. At this depth, the biofouling community results highly influenced by light-dependent seasonal cycles and a general four-steps colonization scheme is tentatively depicted: i) biofouling community is initially dominated by fast-growing organisms, with algae and hydrozoans settling after two weeks; ii) small-sized carbonatic organisms (e.g. bryozoans) appear after two months; iii) the same organisms (including coralline algae) become abundant after five to eight months; iv) conspicuous carbonatic skeletons (serpulids, bivalves and bryozoans) occur after one year increasing in complexity in the following months. The biofouling settled on ALDFGs, as well as growth rates of large carbonatic species, could provide useful information to estimate the age of lost lines and nets in retrieved material and in situ photo footage complementing the overview of the fishing impact in this specific environment. Finally, no signs of nylon degradation are reported, suggesting that the prevailing physical conditions and the biofouling cover extent could alter microplastics release from nylon ALDFGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Enrichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra, Dell'Ambiente e Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra, Dell'Ambiente e Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Federico Betti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra, Dell'Ambiente e Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Angelica Tregrosso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra, Dell'Ambiente e Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Marzia Bo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Terra, Dell'Ambiente e Della Vita, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 16132, Genova, Italy.
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Dominguez-Carrió C, Sanchez-Vidal A, Estournel C, Corbera G, Riera JL, Orejas C, Canals M, Gili JM. Seafloor litter sorting in different domains of Cap de Creus continental shelf and submarine canyon (NW Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111744. [PMID: 33171412 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed litter occurrence in 68 underwater video transects performed on the middle/outer continental shelf and submarine canyon off Cap de Creus (NW Mediterranean), an area recently declared Site of Community Importance (SCI). Low densities of urban litter were registered on the shelf (7.2 items ha-1), increasing in abundance towards the deepest part of the submarine canyon, with 188 items ha-1 below 1000 m depth. We hypothesize that the strong bottom currents that recurrently affect this area efficiently move litter objects from the shelf towards the deep. Of all litter items, approximately 50% had a fishing-related origin, mostly longlines entangled on rocks in the canyon head and discarded trawl nets in deeper areas. Over 10% of cold-water colonies observed had longlines entangled, indicating the harmful effects of such practices over benthic habitats. These results should be considered when designing mitigation measures to reduce litter pollution in Cap de Creus SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Dominguez-Carrió
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claude Estournel
- Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS), CNRS/UPS/CNES/IRD, Avenue Edouard Belin 14, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Guillem Corbera
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Lluís Riera
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Covadonga Orejas
- Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), Oceanographic Centre of the Balearics (COB), Ecosystem Oceanography Group (GRECO), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Gili
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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41
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A Review of the Production, Recycling and Management of Marine Plastic Pollution. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse8110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The human attachment to plastic has intensified recently due to its lightweight, versatility, low-cost and durability and so has the damage to the marine environment as marine plastic pollution has correspondingly increased. As a result, there has been increasing concern on the issue of marine plastic pollution. Policy-based organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme have drawn public attention to the scope, magnitude and impacts of marine pollution in recent decades. Research on marine pollution can play a significant role in contributing to policy-making processes in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Life Below Water (SDG 14), by providing scientific analysis on the effects and sources of marine plastic pollution. This paper provides a theoretical and empirical overview of marine plastic pollution and its potential effects on marine ecosystems. It also discusses SDGs that are relevant to marine plastic pollution and suggest priorities for further research.
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Garofalo G, Quattrocchi F, Bono G, Di Lorenzo M, Di Maio F, Falsone F, Gancitano V, Geraci ML, Lauria V, Massi D, Scannella D, Titone A, Fiorentino F. What is in our seas? Assessing anthropogenic litter on the seafloor of the central Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115213. [PMID: 32688110 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Abundance, composition, and distribution of macro-litter found on the seafloor of the Strait of Sicily between 10 and 800 m depth has been studied using data collected by bottom trawl surveys MEDITS from 2015 to 2019. Three waste categories based on the items use were considered: single-use, fishing-related and generic-use. Over 600 sampling sites, just 14% of these were litter-free. The five-years average density of seafloor litter was 79.6 items/km2 and ranged between 46.8 in 2019 and 118.1 items/km2 in 2015. The predominant waste type was plastic (58% of all items). Regardless of material type, single-use items were a dominant (60% of items) and widespread (79% of hauls) fraction of litter with a mean density of 48.4 items/km2. Fishing-related items accounted for 12% of total litter items. Percentage of dirty hauls and litter density increased with depth. Analysis of the relation density-depth indicates a progressive increase of litter density beyond depth values situated within the interval 234-477 m depending on the litter category. A significant decrease in litter density by categories was observed over the period. Patterns of spatial distribution at the higher depths (200-80 0m) resulted stable over the years. Density hotspots of fishing-related items were found where the fishing activity that uses fish aggregating devices (FADs) is practised and in the proximity of rocky banks. Single-use and generic-use objects densities were greater on the seafloor along main maritime routes than other areas. Comparisons between the percentage of hauls littered with anthropic waste from the mid-1990s against those in 2018-19 highlighted an increase of about 10.8% and 15.3% for single-use items and fishing-related items respectively, and a decrease of 18.6% for generic-use items. This study provides a snapshot of the current situation of littering in the central Mediterranean Sea and represents a solid baseline against which the effectiveness of current and future mitigation strategies of the litter impact on marine environment can be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Garofalo
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - F Quattrocchi
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - G Bono
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - M Di Lorenzo
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - F Di Maio
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA) -Marine Biology and Fisheries Laboratory of Fano (PU), University of Bologna (BO), Italy.
| | - F Falsone
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - V Gancitano
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - M L Geraci
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA) -Marine Biology and Fisheries Laboratory of Fano (PU), University of Bologna (BO), Italy.
| | - V Lauria
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - D Massi
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - D Scannella
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - A Titone
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
| | - F Fiorentino
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (IRBIM), National Research Council -CNR, Mazara del Vallo (TP), Italy.
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Consoli P, Sinopoli M, Deidun A, Canese S, Berti C, Andaloro F, Romeo T. The impact of marine litter from fish aggregation devices on vulnerable marine benthic habitats of the central Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 152:110928. [PMID: 32479300 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to assess marine litter abundance and its effects on the benthic fauna in an area of the central Mediterranean Sea exploited by fisheries using fish aggregating devices (FAD). The study was carried out by means of a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV). Derelict fishing gear, mainly FAD ropes, represented the main source of marine debris, contributing 96.2% to the overall litter. About 47% of debris items (mostly FAD ropes) entangled colonies of the protected black coral Leiopathes glaberrima. The results of this research will assist in the monitoring of "impact/harm" to the coral and other benthic communities, as recommended by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and by the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme. Preventive and mitigation measures (i.e., biodegradable fishing gear, onboard technology to locate and retrieve gear, reception and/or payment for old/retrieved gear, and introduction of no-take zones) to reduce the problem are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Milazzo, Via dei Mille, 46-98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Mauro Sinopoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale Della Sicilia, Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Palermo, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo N. 4521 (ex Complesso Roosevelt) Località Addaura, 90149 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Alan Deidun
- Department of Geosciences, University of Malta Tal-Qroqq campus, Msida, MSD 2080, Malta
| | - Simonepietro Canese
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-HBT, Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Berti
- Marine Expert, Via Paradiso, 98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Franco Andaloro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale Della Sicilia, Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Palermo, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo N. 4521 (ex Complesso Roosevelt) Località Addaura, 90149 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Integrative Marine Ecology Department, Milazzo, Via dei Mille, 46-98057 Milazzo, ME, Italy
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Enrichetti F, Dominguez-Carrió C, Toma M, Bavestrello G, Canese S, Bo M. Assessment and distribution of seafloor litter on the deep Ligurian continental shelf and shelf break (NW Mediterranean Sea). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110872. [PMID: 32056651 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Litter has become a common component of marine ecosystems, and its assessment and monitoring are now of primary interest. Here, we characterized seafloor litter in the mesophotic depth range of the Ligurian Sea, one of the most urbanized basins of the Mediterranean Sea. Eighty sites (30-220 m depth) were investigated by by means of ROV video transects. Data regarding environmental parameters and anthropic pressures were used to explain the distribution of human-derived objects. Litter resulted widely distributed in all the investigated areas, with maximum densities of 7900 items ha-1. It was mainly represented by abandoned fishing gears, with highest abundances found on the deep coastal rocky shoals exploited by artisanal and recreational fishermen. Urban litter, primarily represented by plastics, was generally higher close to shore, especially near river mouths and large harbors. Litter densities reported here are among the highest ever recorded in Europe, denoting the urgency for specific actions to prevent further spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Enrichetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26 - 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - Carlos Dominguez-Carrió
- Okeanos Research Centre, Universidade dos Açores, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pesca, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal; IMAR Instituto do Mar, Universidade dos Açores, Departamento de Oceanografia e Pesca, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| | - Margherita Toma
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26 - 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26 - 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Marzia Bo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26 - 16132 Genova, Italy
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Consoli P, Scotti G, Romeo T, Fossi MC, Esposito V, D'Alessandro M, Battaglia P, Galgani F, Figurella F, Pragnell-Raasch H, Andaloro F. Characterization of seafloor litter on Mediterranean shallow coastal waters: Evidence from Dive Against Debris®, a citizen science monitoring approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110763. [PMID: 31910520 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Citizen science programs carried out by volunteers are fundamental for the collection of scientific data on a wide spatial scale. From 2011 to 2018, 468 survey dives were conducted in 172 coastal locations of the Mediterranean Sea through Project AWARE's citizen science program, Dive Against Debris®. During the dives, information was collected on quantity, typology and distribution of seafloor litter in shallow coastal waters. Overall, the observed average density was 43.55 items/100 m2 and plastic was largely the dominant material (55% of the total collected items) on basin scale. The most abundant seafloor litter items were plastic fragments with 9.46%, followed by beverage cans (7.45%). Single-use plastic items constituted 33% of the total marine litter. The results of the study can be used to inform policymakers of the European Community towards specific management action to contrast the marine litter in relation to the distribution of the recorded litter category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Consoli
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Scotti
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-CIT, Via dei Mille, 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy.
| | - Teresa Romeo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Esposito
- Istituto di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale, OCE, via Auguste Piccard 54, 34151 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela D'Alessandro
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), BIO-CIT, Via dei Mille, 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | - Pietro Battaglia
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Franco Andaloro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Centro Interdipartimentale della Sicilia, Via dei Mille 46, 98057, Milazzo, ME, Italy
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Jägerbrand AK, Brutemark A, Barthel Svedén J, Gren IM. A review on the environmental impacts of shipping on aquatic and nearshore ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133637. [PMID: 31422318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There are several environmental and ecological effects of shipping. However, these are rarely assessed in total in the scientific literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the different impacts of water-based transport on aquatic and nearshore ecosystems and to identify knowledge gaps and areas for future research. The review identified several environmental and ecological consequences within the main impact categories of water discharges, physical impacts, and air emissions. However, although quantitative data on these consequences are generally scarce the shipping contribution to acidification by SOx- and NOx-emissions has been quantified to some extent. There are several knowledge gaps regarding the ecological consequences of, for example, the increasing amount of chemicals transported on water, the spread of non-indigenous species coupled with climate change, and physical impacts such as shipping noise and artificial light. The whole plethora of environmental consequences, as well as potential synergistic effects, should be seriously considered in transport planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika K Jägerbrand
- Calluna AB, Hästholmsvägen 28, SE-131 30 Nacka, Sweden; Department of Construction Engineering and Lighting Science, School of Engineering, Jönköping University, P.O. Box 1026, SE-551 11 Jönköping, Sweden.
| | | | | | - Ing-Marie Gren
- Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7013, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life in the Mediterranean Sea. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2019_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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