Interspecific introgression and changes in population structure in a flatfish species complex after the Prestige accident

Impact analysis on the oil pollution response services of the European Maritime Safety Agency during the Covid-19 pandemic (2006-2020)

This study focuses on oil pollution response services performed by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). In this context, the annual reports on all drills and exercises published between 2006 and 2020 were analyzed in detail. The main goal of the study is to identify the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic that broke out in 2020 on the oil pollution response services carried out in the last 15 years. Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 and the resulting travel restrictions, EMSA was unable to participate directly in drills, exercises and tests, and it audited the services remotely. As a result, the Covid-19 pandemic, has been seen disrupted the oil pollution response services of the agency.

Optimization of the cytogenetic protocol for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

To obtain well spread chromosomes, the cytogenetic protocol for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Clarias gariepinus were optimized. This includes, the colchicine concentration (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%)/exposure duration (1, 3, and 5 h), hypotonic solution (distilled water or 0.075M KCl solution)/exposure duration (30 min, 1, and 2 h), the time of cell suspension preparation (at hypotonic treatment or before slide preparation) and chromosome aging period (0, 3, and 7 days in Carnoy’s fixative). In addition, the type (i.e., fin, gill or kidney) and the amount of tissue (10, 50, 100 or 150 mg) were also investigated. Regardless of the species, the result obtained showed that well-spread chromosomes could be obtained using the following optimized protocol: Juveniles are injected with 0.05% colchicine (at one ml kg⁻¹) and allowed to swim for 3 h. Then, 50 mg of gill tissue is made into cell suspension in 0.075M KCl for 1 h. The cell suspension is treated in Carnoy’s fixative (changed three times at 20 min interval) and then aged for 3 days. Finally, chromosome slides are made and stained with 10% Giemsa for 1 h.

Marine litter in south Bay of Biscay: Local differences in beach littering are associated with citizen perception and awareness

Marine litter is often left by beachgoers. Thus, understanding beachgoers' perception and awareness is important. In this study, the amount and type of litter was measured from nine beaches of central south Bay of Biscay (Spain), and a survey about perception and awareness of the beach littering was conducted among beachgoers. The region could be considered moderately littered compared with other studies, with significant differences among beaches for litter amount and types. Plastic was the most abundant item, followed by fishing gear. Differences among beaches for awareness and litter perception correlated significantly with differences in litter amount. Perception was positively correlated with beach frequentation. Significant gender differences were found, males taking more actions against litter than females regardless how much litter they perceived. These results could be employed for designing campaigns of beach litter treatment and awareness raising, by taking into account local differences detected in this study.