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Kouvara K, Papatheodorou G, Kosmopoulou A, Giovos I, Charitou A, Filippides A, Kaberi H, Kalaitzi L, Kyrkitsos F, Koundouri P, Triantafyllou C, Gletsos M, Fakiris E, Geraga M. COVID-19-related litter pollution on Greek beaches and nearshore shallow water environments. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 185:114250. [PMID: 36274560 PMCID: PMC9561433 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in certain types of litter, many of which are expected to end up in the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the pandemic-related litter pollution along the Greek coastal environment. Overall, 59 beach and 83 underwater clean-ups were conducted. Litter was categorized as: PPE (face masks and gloves), COVID-19-related, single-use plastic (SUP) and takeaway items. PPE, dominated by face masks (86.21 %), accounted for 0.29 % of all litter. The average PPE density was 3.1 × 10-3 items m-2 and 2.59 items/ 100 m. COVID-19-related items represented 1.04 % of the total. Wet wipes showed higher densities (0.67 % of all litter) than in the pre-COVID era, while no increase in SUP and takeaway items was observed. Benthic PPE, dominated by gloves (83.95 %), represented 0.26 % of the total. The mean PPE density was 2.5 × 10-3 items m-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kouvara
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George Papatheodorou
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
| | | | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Charitou
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | | | - Filippos Kyrkitsos
- Ecological Recycling Society, Νon-profit Οrganization, 10432 Athens, Greece
| | - Phoebe Koundouri
- Department of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business, 10434, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Miltos Gletsos
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), 10557 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Fakiris
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Geraga
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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2
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Giovos I, Brundo MV, Doumpas N, Kazlari Z, Loukovitis D, Moutopoulos DK, Spyridopoulou RNA, Papadopoulou A, Papapetrou M, Tiralongo F, Ferrante M, Copat C. Trace elements in edible tissues of elasmobranchs from the North Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean) and potential risks from consumption. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 184:114129. [PMID: 36307944 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements have the potential to bioaccumulate in marine organisms and to biomagnify towards the upper levels of marine trophic webs, resulting in a range of negative effects on organisms. Elasmobranchs are highly susceptible to bioaccumulation of trace metals, while their consumption by humans is increasing worldwide. Therefore, it is important to monitor the trace metal content in the edible tissues of elasmobranchs. This work reveals the content of 12 trace metals in the edible tissues of 10 elasmobranch species caught in Greek waters. Levels above the permissible limits for Hg and Pb were found in some species, while analysis of the lifetime consumption risk for adults and children using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), revealed a high risk for two of the most toxic substances on the priority list for substances, namely As and Hg. These are preliminary results, and further research is required to understand better the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloníki, Greece; University of Patras, Department of Animal Production, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Mesolongi, Greece; Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nikolaos Doumpas
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Zoi Kazlari
- Lab of Agrobiotechnology and Inspection of Agricultural Products, School of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loukovitis
- Lab of Agrobiotechnology and Inspection of Agricultural Products, School of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Thessaloniki, Greece; Research Institute of Animal Science, ELGO Demeter, 58100 Paralimni, Giannitsa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios K Moutopoulos
- University of Patras, Department of Animal Production, Fisheries & Aquaculture, Mesolongi, Greece
| | | | - Athina Papadopoulou
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloníki, Greece
| | - Maria Papapetrou
- Lab of Agrobiotechnology and Inspection of Agricultural Products, School of Agriculture, International Hellenic University, Sindos, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Francesco Tiralongo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Ente Fauna Marina Mediterranea, Avola, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania 95123, Italy
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3
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Jambura PL, Türtscher J, De Maddalena A, Giovos I, Kriwet J, Rizgalla J, Al Mabruk SAA. Using Citizen Science to Detect Rare and Endangered Species: New Records of the Great White Shark Carcharodon Carcharias off the Libyan Coast. Ann Ser Hist Nat 2021; 31:51-57. [PMID: 34690539 DOI: 10.19233/ashn.2021.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The presence of the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in the Mediterranean Sea is well documented, but encounters with this species are rare and all assumptions about its spatial and temporal distribution are heavily relying on anecdotal observations. To date, only one record off the Libyan coast has been reported, raising the question if this species is underreported in these waters or simply represents a rare occasional transient. We utilised citizen science-sourced data to document the presence of the great white shark off the Libyan coast, and found six additional records for this species from the period between 2017 and 2020. Our study points out the need for scientific monitoring of this species along the Libyan coast to facilitate the establishment of effective conservation plans to protect this critically endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Jambura
- University of Vienna, Department of Palaeontology, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Julia Türtscher
- University of Vienna, Department of Palaeontology, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | | | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki 54645, Greece
| | - Jürgen Kriwet
- University of Vienna, Department of Palaeontology, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jamila Rizgalla
- University of Tripoli, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Aquaculture, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Sara A A Al Mabruk
- Higher institute of Science and Technology, Department of General Nursing Technology, Cyrene, Libya Marine Biology in Libya Society, El Bayda, Libya
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4
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Piria M, Stroil BK, Giannetto D, Tarkan AS, Gavrilović A, Špelić I, Radočaj T, Killi N, Filiz H, Uysal TU, Aldemir C, Kamberi E, Hala E, Bakiu R, Kolitari J, Buda E, Bakiu SD, Sadiku E, Bakrač A, Mujić E, Avdić S, Doumpas N, Giovos I, Dinoshi I, Ušanović L, Kalajdžić A, Pešić A, Ćetković I, Marković O, Milošević D, Mrdak D, Sará G, Belmar MB, Marchessaux G, Trajanovski S, Zdraveski K. An assessment of regulation, education practices and socio-economic perceptions of non-native aquatic species in the Balkans. Journal of Vertebrate Biology 2021. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.21047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Piria
- Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Belma Kalamujić Stroil
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Daniela Giannetto
- Faculty of Science, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail:
| | - Ali Serhan Tarkan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail: , ,
| | - Ana Gavrilović
- Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Ivan Špelić
- Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Tena Radočaj
- Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Nurçin Killi
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail: , ,
| | - Halit Filiz
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Menteşe, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail: , ,
| | - Tuğba Uçma Uysal
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail: ,
| | - Ceray Aldemir
- Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey; e-mail: ,
| | - Elvis Kamberi
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Edmond Hala
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Rigers Bakiu
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Jerina Kolitari
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Enkelejda Buda
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Silvia Durmishaj Bakiu
- Albanian Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Tirana, Albania; e-mail:
| | - Edlira Sadiku
- Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania; e-mail: , , , , ,
| | - Azra Bakrač
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Bihać, Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Emir Mujić
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Bihać, Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Subha Avdić
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Bihać, Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Nikos Doumpas
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, Greece; e-mail: nikos.,
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, Greece; e-mail: nikos.,
| | - Irsida Dinoshi
- Faculty of Economy, University College of Business, Tirana, Albania; e-mail:
| | - Lejla Ušanović
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Abdurahim Kalajdžić
- Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; e-mail: , ,
| | - Ana Pešić
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro; e-mail: , ,
| | - Ilija Ćetković
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro; e-mail: , ,
| | - Olivera Marković
- Institute of Marine Biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro; e-mail: , ,
| | - Dragana Milošević
- Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro; e-mail: ,
| | - Danilo Mrdak
- Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro; e-mail: ,
| | - Gianluca Sará
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; e-mail: , ,
| | - Mar Bosch Belmar
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; e-mail: , ,
| | - Guillaume Marchessaux
- Department of Earth and Marine Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; e-mail: , ,
| | - Sasho Trajanovski
- Public Scientific Institution Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid, Ohrid, North Macedonia; e-mail:
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5
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Kleitou P, Crocetta F, Giakoumi S, Giovos I, Hall-Spencer JM, Kalogirou S, Kletou D, Moutopoulos DK, Rees S. Fishery reforms for the management of non-indigenous species. J Environ Manage 2021; 280:111690. [PMID: 33246748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are undergoing major transformations due to the establishment and spread of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS). Some of these organisms have adverse effects, for example by reducing biodiversity and causing ecosystem shifts. Others have upsides, such as benefits to fisheries or replacing lost ecological functions and strengthening biogenic complexity. Stopping the spread of NIS is virtually impossible and so the societal challenge is how to limit the socioeconomic, health, and ecological risks, and sustainably exploit the benefits provided by these organisms. We propose a move away from the notion that NIS have only negative effects, and suggest a turn towards an Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management approach for NIS (EBFM-NIS) in the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded marine region. A structured, iterative, and adaptive framework that considers the range of costs and benefits to ecosystems, ecosystem services, and fisheries is set out to determine whether NIS stocks should be managed using sustainable or unsustainable exploitation. We propose fishery reforms such as multiannual plans, annual catch limits, technical measures for sustainable exploitation, and legitimization of unlimited fishing of selected NIS and introduction of a radical new license for NIS fishing for unsustainable exploitation. Depending on local conditions, investment strategies can be included within the EBFM-NIS framework to protect/enhance natural assets to improve ecosystem resilience against NIS, as well as fishery assets to improve the performance of NIS fisheries. Examples of the former include the enhancement of Marine Protected Areas, harvesting of invasive NIS within MPAs, and protection of overfished predators and key species. Examples of the latter include market promotion and valorisation of NIS products, development of novel NIS products, and innovative/alternative NIS fishing such as fishery-related tourism ('pescatourism'). The application of the suggested EBFM-NIS would create jobs, protect and enhance ecosystem services, and help to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periklis Kleitou
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth PL4 8AA, Plymouth, United Kingdom; Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, 202 Amathountos Avenue, Marina Gardens, Block B, Limassol, 4533, Cyprus.
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, I-80121, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Sylvaine Giakoumi
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, 202 Amathountos Avenue, Marina Gardens, Block B, Limassol, 4533, Cyprus; iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Jason M Hall-Spencer
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth PL4 8AA, Plymouth, United Kingdom; Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan.
| | - Stefanos Kalogirou
- Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, Rhodes, Greece.
| | - Demetris Kletou
- Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, 202 Amathountos Avenue, Marina Gardens, Block B, Limassol, 4533, Cyprus.
| | - Dimitrios K Moutopoulos
- Department of Animal Production, Fisheries & Aquaculture, University of Patras, Mesolonghi, Greece.
| | - Siân Rees
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth PL4 8AA, Plymouth, United Kingdom.
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6
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Milazzo
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, I-90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cattano
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, I-90149 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, GR-54645 Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Animal Production, Fisheries, & Aquaculture, University of Patras, Mesolonghi, Greece
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7
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Doumpas N, Tanduo V, Crocetta F, Giovos I, Langeneck J, Tiralongo F, Kleitou P. The bastard grunt Pomadasys incisus (Bowdich, 1825) (Teleostei: Haemulidae) in Cyprus (eastern Mediterranean Sea) - a late arrival or just a neglected species? Biodivers Data J 2020; 8:e58646. [PMID: 33281474 PMCID: PMC7704525 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.8.e58646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pomadasysincisus is a thermophilous coastal subtropical fish species belonging to the family Haemulidae. Originally described from Gambia, this species is widely distributed in the Eastern Atlantic from Galicia to South Africa. It has also been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea since 1840, presumably expanding its distribution in the next decades, although the species could have been already present in the basin, but simply overlooked until the mid XIX century. In this study, we first record P.incisus from Cyprus (eastern Mediterranean Sea), based on two opportunistic observations obtained through a citizen-science project and review the distribution of this species in the Mediterranean Sea. The present sighting raises the question on whether this species is a late arrival in the country or its presence has just been neglected until now. Based on present data, the most likely hypothesis is the latter one, with P.incisus occurring in low densities and being overlooked due to the absence of field studies. Whatever is true, some intrinsic or extrinsic factors may have played a role in limiting its spread or wide establishment in the above-mentioned country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Doumpas
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, Greece iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Valentina Tanduo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli Italy
| | - Fabio Crocetta
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Italy Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli Italy
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, Greece iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems Thessaloniki Greece.,Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, Zygi, Cyprus Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd Zygi Cyprus
| | - Joachim Langeneck
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy Department of Biology, University of Pisa Pisa Italy
| | - Francesco Tiralongo
- Ente Fauna Marina Mediterranea, Avola, Italy Ente Fauna Marina Mediterranea Avola Italy.,Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Periklis Kleitou
- Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd, Zygi, Cyprus Marine and Environmental Research (MER) Lab Ltd Zygi Cyprus
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8
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Mazzoldi C, Bearzi G, Brito C, Carvalho I, Desiderà E, Endrizzi L, Freitas L, Giacomello E, Giovos I, Guidetti P, Ressurreição A, Tull M, MacDiarmid A. From sea monsters to charismatic megafauna: Changes in perception and use of large marine animals. PLoS One 2020; 14:e0226810. [PMID: 31891944 PMCID: PMC6938407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine megafauna has always elicited contrasting feelings. In the past, large marine animals were often depicted as fantastic mythological creatures and dangerous monsters, while also arousing human curiosity. Marine megafauna has been a valuable resource to exploit, leading to the collapse of populations and local extinctions. In addition, some species have been perceived as competitors of fishers for marine resources and were often actively culled. Since the 1970s, there has been a change in the perception and use of megafauna. The growth of marine tourism, increasingly oriented towards the observation of wildlife, has driven a shift from extractive to non-extractive use, supporting the conservation of at least some species of marine megafauna. In this paper, we review and compare the changes in the perception and use of three megafaunal groups, cetaceans, elasmobranchs and groupers, with a special focus on European cultures. We highlight the main drivers and the timing of these changes, compare different taxonomic groups and species, and highlight the implications for management and conservation. One of the main drivers of the shift in perception, shared by all the three groups of megafauna, has been a general increase in curiosity towards wildlife, stimulated inter alia by documentaries (from the early 1970s onwards), and also promoted by easy access to scuba diving. At the same time, environmental campaigns have been developed to raise public awareness regarding marine wildlife, especially cetaceans, a process greatly facilitated by the rise of Internet and the World Wide Web. Currently, all the three groups (cetaceans, elasmobranchs and groupers) may represent valuable resources for ecotourism. Strikingly, the economic value of live specimens may exceed their value for human consumption. A further change in perception involving all the three groups is related to a growing understanding and appreciation of their key ecological role. The shift from extractive to non-extractive use has the potential for promoting species conservation and local economic growth. However, the change in use may not benefit the original stakeholders (e.g. fishers or whalers) and there may therefore be a case for providing compensation for disadvantaged stakeholders. Moreover, it is increasingly clear that even non-extractive use may have a negative impact on marine megafauna, therefore regulations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Mazzoldi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- CoNISMa (Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Cristina Brito
- CHAM—Center for the Humanities, NOVA FCSH/Uaç, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associação para as Ciências do Mar, APCM, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Carvalho
- Associação para as Ciências do Mar, APCM, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, IGC, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Elena Desiderà
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Lara Endrizzi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luis Freitas
- Museu da Baleia da Madeira, Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal
| | - Eva Giacomello
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Horta, Portugal
- IMAR-Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
- OKEANOS Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Greece
| | - Paolo Guidetti
- CoNISMa (Interuniversitary Consortium of Marine Sciences), Rome, Italy
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | - Adriana Ressurreição
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Horta, Portugal
- OKEANOS Centre, University of the Azores, Horta, Portugal
- CCMAR Centre of Marine Sciences, Faro, Portugal
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9
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Giovos I, Kleitou P, Poursanidis D, Batjakas I, Bernardi G, Crocetta F, Doumpas N, Kalogirou S, Kampouris TE, Keramidas I, Langeneck J, Maximiadi M, Mitsou E, Stoilas VO, Tiralongo F, Romanidis-Kyriakidis G, Xentidis NJ, Zenetos A, Katsanevakis S. Citizen-science for monitoring marine invasions and stimulating public engagement: a case project from the eastern Mediterranean. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02083-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Salvaggio A, Tiralongo F, Krasakopoulou E, Marmara D, Giovos I, Crupi R, Messina G, Lombardo BM, Marzullo A, Pecoraro R, Scalisi EM, Copat C, Zuccarello P, Ferrante M, Brundo MV. Biomarkers of Exposure to Chemical Contamination in the Commercial Fish Species Lepidopus caudatus (Euphrasen, 1788): A Particular Focus on Plastic Additives. Front Physiol 2019; 10:905. [PMID: 31379607 PMCID: PMC6646597 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the Mediterranean Sea has become an accumulation zone for waste generated by the 22 countries bordering its shores. Although the effects of plastic litter on the marine environment and on organisms have recently been studied in other areas, further information is needed for the Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, about plastics additives inputs and interactions with the biota and the trophic network, such as phthalates and bisphenol A. Plastic material production, use and disposal contribute also to the release of heavy metals into the environment, such as mercury (Hg), often used during the production of chlorine, the primary ingredient in PVC, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which are used as stabilizers in PVC and leach out of products during use and disposal. Our research aims to evaluate phthalates, bisphenol A and heavy metals contamination in Lepidopus caudatus (Pisces, Trichiuridae), which could be considered as a potential sentinel species. For the evaluation of toxicological effects, we evaluated the expression of vitellogenin and metallothioneins 1. In all samples analyzed, we have not found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract but chemical analysis revealed the presence of high content of phthalates, and in particular high quantities of DIDP, DEHP, bis-benzylester phthalate, bis-butyl ester phthalate and mono-N-butyl ester phthalate in different organs. Instead, trace elements detected in tissue revealed a trend of concentrations generally higher in liver and intestine than gill and muscle tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis for anti-metallothionein 1 antibody showed a strong positivity of liver cells, both in females and males. Analysis for the anti-vitellogenin antibody showed in females a strong positivity both in the liver cells and in the gonads, in male specimens was found to be always negative except for a specimen, in which it was highlighted a positivity in some areas of the liver and of the gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Salvaggio
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Tiralongo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Dimitra Marmara
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSEA, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems Ochi Av., Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Lombardo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marzullo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Maria Scalisi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical, Surgery Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G. F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pietro Zuccarello
- Department of Medical, Surgery Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G. F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical, Surgery Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G. F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Violetta Brundo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Kimiskidis VK, Papaliagkas V, Papagiannopoulos S, Giovos I, Lazaridis L, Kazis DA, Polychronakos C, Geroukis T, Bostantjopoulou S. Central nervous system involvement in multiple symmetric lipomatosis. J Neurol Sci 2016; 370:27-28. [PMID: 27772774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V K Kimiskidis
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Greece
| | - V Papaliagkas
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, AHEPA University Hospital, Greece.
| | - S Papagiannopoulos
- C Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - I Giovos
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - L Lazaridis
- Department of Plastic Surgery, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D A Kazis
- C Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - C Polychronakos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - T Geroukis
- Department of Radiology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Bostantjopoulou
- C Department of Neurology, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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