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Carlucci R, Cipriano G, Cascione D, Ingrosso M, Barbone E, Ungaro N, Ricci P. Influence of hydraulic clam dredging and seasonal environmental changes on macro-benthic communities in the Southern Adriatic (Central Mediterranean Sea). BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38178027 PMCID: PMC10768236 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02197-9] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Macro-benthic communities on the shallowest soft bottoms are impacted by hydraulic dredgers used for the harvesting of the striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina). Changes in macro-benthic assemblages were analysed across four areas in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) during the winter and summer 2022 (low and high fishing pressures, respectively). Two sampling surveys were carried out collecting abundance data (N/100m2) of 69 species. Diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner and Equitability) were calculated and differences between seasons and areas were tested using non-parametric tests. Changes in the assemblage and feeding habits were explored by adopting permutational multivariate analysis of variance on 34 species. Moreover, environmental conditions of all areas in the two seasons were characterized by a set of 8 variables. Seasonal changes in diversity were only detected for the Shannon-Weiner index, with values significantly higher in winter than summer. Macro-benthic assemblages differed between the two seasons, and the winter assemblages were well-distinct in each area. In contrast, a high overlap was shown in the summer assemblages of the four areas. Changes in feeding habits showed an increase in filter feeding polychaetes and opportunistic/scavenger species during the summer. Temperature, Salinity and primary production were positively correlated to summer stations indicating potential thermic stress on the assemblages. The results provide information on the benthic community impacted by dredge disturbance and seasonal changes driven by environmental conditions, stressing the need to integrate these aspects in assessments on the health status of marine ecosystems required by European directives and fishery management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Carlucci
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (DBBA), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- CoNISMa, P.le Flaminio, 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center for Coastal Dynamics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cipriano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (DBBA), University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
- CoNISMa, P.le Flaminio, 9, 00196, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cascione
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ingrosso
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (DBBA), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Enrico Barbone
- Environmental Prevention and Protection Agency of Puglia Region, Scientific Direction U.O.C. Natural Environment - Regional Sea Centre, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Ungaro
- Environmental Prevention and Protection Agency of Puglia Region, Scientific Direction U.O.C. Natural Environment - Regional Sea Centre, Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ricci
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment (DBBA), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- CoNISMa, P.le Flaminio, 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
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Sturbois A, Riera P, Desroy N, Brébant T, Carpentier A, Ponsero A, Schaal G. Spatio-temporal patterns in stable isotope composition of a benthic intertidal food web reveal limited influence from salt marsh vegetation and green tide. Mar Environ Res 2022; 175:105572. [PMID: 35134641 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105572] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Assessing fluxes of matter and energy in food webs within and across benthic habitats is important to understand the ecological functioning in bays and estuaries, where the productivity is favoured by a wide diversity of primary producers. The temporal variability (March vs September 2019) in the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition of primary food sources and benthic invertebrates consumers was investigated in a large intertidal area (Western English-Channel, France). The study area is influenced by megatidal conditions and characterised by salt marshes in the sheltered part, and seasonal Ulva spp. blooms. The spatio-temporal variability in the structure of the benthic food web was analysed at the scales of both the whole bay and the different assemblages, which constitute the mosaic of habitats. Inferences on potential sources fuelling the food web were supported by spatio-temporal patterns based on covariations and stable isotope trajectory analysis. Results highlighted that phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and SOM were, most likely, the main food sources. The trophic connectivity between salt marsh and benthic habitats within the bay was limited to some macrofauna species inhabiting muddy creeks within the salt marsh. Unexpectedly, the influence of Ulva spp. blooms appeared also limited. Spatial patterns illustrates the constancy of the spatial variability in the benthic pelagic coupling, with a higher influence of microphytobenthos in the upper shore compared to low shore assemblages. This first attempt to characterize intertidal benthic food web constitutes a relevant baseline for the conservation of the bay of Saint-Brieuc where a national Nature Reserve has been created in 1998 for the conservation of overwintering birds. The spatial and temporal patterns of the benthic food web observed in this study (1) confirm the importance to consider food web variability at spatial and temporal scales from sampling designs to data analysis, and (2) demonstrate the ability of the stable isotope trajectory analysis framework to highlight food web dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sturbois
- Vivarmor Nature, 18 C rue du Sabot, 22440, Ploufragan, France; Réserve naturelle nationale de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc, site de l'étoile, 22120, Hillion, France; Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement et Ressources Bretagne nord, 38 rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France; Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/IFREMER, BP 70, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - P Riera
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, UMR7144, Place Georges Teissier, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - N Desroy
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement et Ressources Bretagne nord, 38 rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France
| | - T Brébant
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Environnement et Ressources Bretagne nord, 38 rue du Port Blanc, 35800, Dinard, France
| | - A Carpentier
- Université de Rennes 1, BOREA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Université, Université de Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles), Campus de Beaulieu, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - A Ponsero
- Réserve naturelle nationale de la Baie de Saint-Brieuc, site de l'étoile, 22120, Hillion, France; Saint-Brieuc Agglomération Baie d'Armor, 5 rue du 71ème RI, 22000, Saint-Brieuc, France
| | - G Schaal
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/IFREMER, BP 70, 29280, Plouzané, France
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Giglio VJ, Luiz OJ, Ferreira CEL. Ecological impacts and management strategies for recreational diving: A review. J Environ Manage 2020; 256:109949. [PMID: 31818747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Recreational diving is an expanding branch of ecotourism that when poorly managed, may cause considerable impacts to benthic organisms. Such impacts become a matter of concern in popular diving destinations. A systematic literature review was used to verify the characteristics of divers who cause damage to reefs, the effects on benthic organisms, and the range of management interventions available. We describe the knowledge gaps, addressed challenges and propose solutions hoping to reach successful management of diving tourism industry. We identified three main challenges on recreational diving management frameworks and discussed actions to overcome such challenges. The challenges are related to (1) the lack of baseline data and long-term monitoring; (2) integration of scientific research and management; and (3) adaptive management strategies and stakeholder involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius J Giglio
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Reef System Ecology and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, RJ, Brazil; Marine Ecology and Conservation Lab, Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Osmar J Luiz
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.
| | - Carlos E L Ferreira
- Reef System Ecology and Conservation Lab, Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, RJ, Brazil.
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Becherucci ME, Llanos EN, Garaffo GV, Vallarino EA. Succession in an intertidal benthic community affected by untreated sewage effluent: A case of study in the SW Atlantic shore. Mar Pollut Bull 2016; 109:95-103. [PMID: 27315753 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.016] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M E Becherucci
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Deán Funes 3350, B7602AYL Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - E N Llanos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Deán Funes 3350, B7602AYL Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G V Garaffo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Deán Funes 3350, B7602AYL Mar del Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Av. Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E A Vallarino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Deán Funes 3350, B7602AYL Mar del Plata, Argentina
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de Los Ríos A, Pérez L, Echavarri-Erasun B, Serrano T, Barbero MC, Ortiz-Zarragoitia M, Orbea A, Juanes JA, Cajaraville MP. Measuring biological responses at different levels of organisation to assess the effects of diffuse contamination derived from harbour and industrial activities in estuarine areas. Mar Pollut Bull 2016; 103:301-312. [PMID: 26707886 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of diffuse contamination, biological measurements were applied in a scrap cargo harbour, a marina and an industrial area. Metal accumulation and biomarkers (survival in air, digestive gland and gonad histopathology, lysosomal membrane stability, intralysosomal metal accumulation, transcription of vitellogenin and MT20, peroxisome proliferation and micronuclei formation) were measured in transplanted mussels, together with metrics of benthic invertebrates. Benthic species were classified into ecological groups and univariate indexes were calculated. The marina showed high richness (16) and percentage of opportunistic species (55.1%) and low metal accumulation. Mussels in the scrap cargo harbour showed high metal accumulation, up-regulation of MT20 transcription, reduced health status (LP<6 min) and increased micronuclei frequencies (up to 11.3‰). At the industrial area, low species richness (4) and badly organised assemblages were detected and chemical analyses indicated significant amounts of bioavailable metals. Overall, selected biological measurements showed potential for the assessment of diffuse contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A de Los Ríos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Environmental Hydraulics Institute "IH Cantabria", University of Cantabria, c/Isabel Torres n° 15, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - L Pérez
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain
| | - B Echavarri-Erasun
- Environmental Hydraulics Institute "IH Cantabria", University of Cantabria, c/Isabel Torres n° 15, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - T Serrano
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - M C Barbero
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - M Ortiz-Zarragoitia
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - A Orbea
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - J A Juanes
- Environmental Hydraulics Institute "IH Cantabria", University of Cantabria, c/Isabel Torres n° 15, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - M P Cajaraville
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Sarriena z/g, E-48940 Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology PIE, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza z/g, E-48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain.
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Ponti M, Fava F, Perlini RA, Giovanardi O, Abbiati M. Benthic assemblages on artificial reefs in the northwestern Adriatic Sea: does structure type and age matter? Mar Environ Res 2015; 104:10-19. [PMID: 25569857 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of artificial reefs is on the rise worldwide. While their fish aggregating effects are well known, the epibenthic assemblages have been poorly investigated. Two types of artificial reefs (pyramids of concrete slabs and bundles of concrete tubes) have been deployed out of the Po River Delta in 2006 and 2010. The epibenthic assemblages were investigated in 2009 and 2012. Benthic assemblages on both structure typologies were dominated by species tolerating high sedimentation rates. Dissimilarities were found among assemblages with different ages, and, in less extend, between reef typologies. Colonisation by Mytilus galloprovincialis and other major space occupiers did not follow a clear succession pattern and was not affected by reef typology. Species colonisation was likely driven by variability in environmental conditions and recruitment processes rather than by reef typology. This study suggests that environmental features of the deployment sites should be carefully considered in planning and designing artificial reefs, especially in eutrophic and turbid coastal waters, exposed to high river loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ponti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, Via S. Alberto 163, I-48123 Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Federica Fava
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, Via S. Alberto 163, I-48123 Ravenna, Italy; Fondazione Flaminia - Per l'Università in Romagna, Via Baccarini 27, I-48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Rossella Angela Perlini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, Via S. Alberto 163, I-48123 Ravenna, Italy; Fondazione Flaminia - Per l'Università in Romagna, Via Baccarini 27, I-48121 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Otello Giovanardi
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), Loc. Brondolo, I-30015 Chioggia, Italy
| | - Marco Abbiati
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA) & Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, Via S. Alberto 163, I-48123 Ravenna, Italy; ISMAR, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Scienze Marine, Bologna, Italy
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Mangion M, Borg JA, Thompson R, Schembri PJ. Influence of tuna penning activities on soft bottom macro benthic assemblages. Mar Pollut Bull 2014; 79:164-174. [PMID: 24447635 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.021] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The influence of tuna penning on soft bottom habitat present in the vicinity of tuna pens and at distances 200 m and 1.5 km away, was assessed by comparing attributes of macroinvertebrate assemblages and sediment quality before (November 2000, March 2001) and after (November 2001, April 2002) initiation of the activity. Results from November 2001 indicated a significant increase in sediment organic carbon and organic nitrogen, and a non-significant increase in the abundance of Capitellidae in the vicinity of the cages. Similar results were obtained 200 m from the cages but not 1.5 km away, where the only change was a significant increase in organic nitrogen in sediment. Results from April 2002 indicated no significant change in sediment organic carbon and organic nitrogen, however, mean sediment grain size decreased significantly in the immediate vicinity of the cages. Changes in attributes of the benthic assemblages and sediment resulted from accumulation of uneaten feed-fish on the seabed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Mangion
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta.
| | - Joseph A Borg
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
| | - Richard Thompson
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J Schembri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta
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