NEW CALCAREOUS DINOFLAGELLATES (CALCIODINELLOIDEAE) FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA1

Investigations on calcareous dinoflagellates from surface sediments from the Mediterranean Sea revealed 14 species, including one new genus and four previously undescribed species: Calciodinellum levantinum sp. nov., Calciodinellum elongatum nov. comb., Lebessphaera urania gen. nov. et sp. nov., and Scripp‐ siella triquetracapitata sp. nov. Furthermore, Fuettererella cf. tesserula, so far only known from the fossil record, was found. The cyst–theca relationships of C. levantinum and C. elongatum are given, based on strains established from water samples of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This study gives an insight into the importance of the modern Mediterranean Sea as an unique region concerning calcareous cyst producing dinoflagellates.     

A new species of Caprella (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from the Mediterranean Sea

A new caprellid amphipod, Caprella tavolarensis n. sp., is described based on specimens collected from a Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow at the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea). The species is close to Caprella liparotensis, but can be clearly distinguished by smaller size, presence of a short rostrum, body elongate and dorsally smooth, absence of serrate carina on the basis of gnathopod 2 and pereopods, mouthparts scarcely setose, absence of fine setae on peduncle of antenna 1 and absence of swimming setae on antenna 2. The number of caprellid species reported from the Mediterranean Sea has increased from 23 (1993) to 41 (2010), consequently, further taxonomical studies should be addressed to properly estimate the total amphipod diversity in the Mediterranean Sea.     

Trace element levels in mollusks from clean and polluted coastal marine sites in the Mediterranean, Red and North Seas

The trace element contamination levels in mollusks were evaluated for different marine coastal sites in the Mediterranean (Israeli coast), Red (Israeli coast) and North (German coast) Seas. Three bivalve species (Mactra corallina, Donax sp, and Mytilus edulis) and two gastropod species (Patella sp.and Cellana rota) were sampled at polluted and relatively clean sites, and their soft tissue analyzed for Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe concentrations. Representative samples were screened for organic contaminants [(DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] which exhibited very low concentrations at all sites. In the Red Sea, the gastropod C. rota showed low levels of Hg (below detection limit) and similar Cd concentrations at all the examined sites, while other trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe) were slightly enriched at the northern beach stations. Along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, Hg and Zn were enriched in two bivalves (M. corallina and Donax sp.) from Haifa Bay, both species undergoing a long-term decrease in Hg based on previous studies. Significant Cd and Zn enrichment was detected in Patella sp. from the Kishon River estuary at the southern part of Haifa Bay. In general, Patella sp. and Donax sp. specimens from Haifa Bay exhibited higher levels of Cd compared to other sites along the Israeli Mediterranean coast, attributed to the enrichment of Cd in suspended particulate matter. Along the German coast (North Sea) M. edulis exhibited higher concentrations of Hg and Cd at the Elbe and Eider estuaries, but with levels below those found in polluted sites elsewhere. Received: 25 February 1999 / Received in revised form: 22 April 1999 / Accepted: 30 April 1999     

Building a baseline for habitat-forming corals by a multi-source approach,including Web Ecological Knowledge

In the Mediterranean, habitat-forming corals often characterize essential fish habitats. While their distribution is sufficiently known for the western basin, few data are available from the Central-Eastern Mediterranean Sea (CEM). This study fills this gap supplying the largest dataset ever built on the geographical and bathymetric distribution of the most relevant habitat-forming corals (Eunicella cavolini, Eunicella verrucosa, Eunicella singularis, Leptogorgia sarmentosa, Paramuricea clavata, Corallium rubrum and Savalia savaglia) of the CEM. Information collected from different sources such as literature, citizen science, and from the World Wide Web (WWW) was combined. Videos published on the WWW provided additional information on the presence of fishing lines and signs of damage, as well as on the distribution of purple and yellow-purple colonies of Paramuricea clavata. The study highlighted the impressive amount of information that the WWW can offer to scientists, termed here as Web Ecological Knowledge (WEK). The WEK is constantly fuelled by internauts, representing a free, refreshable, long-term exploitable reservoir of information. A quick and easy method to retrieve data from the WWW was illustrated. In addition, the distribution of corals was overlapped to marine protected areas and to the distribution of environmental conditions suitable for coralligenous habitats, fragile biogenic Mediterranean structures hosting complex assemblages in need of strict protection. The collected data allowed identifying priority areas with high species diversity and sites that are impacted by fishing activities. Supplied data can correctly address conservation and restoration policies in the CEM, adding an important contribution to ecosystem-based marine spatial planning.     

rDNA analysis of the Red Sea seagrass,Halophila, reveals vicariant evolutionary diversification

The effects of opening the Suez Canal as a connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea were reported for a number of marine species. However, the evolutionary origin of the seagrasses in the Red Sea and the linking population genetics of seagrasses between the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea have not yet been investigated in detail. The invasion of Halophila stipulacea Asch. from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea after the opening of the Suez Canal was already recorded. We hypothesize that Halophila ovalis populations in the Red Sea developed through long-term historical processes such as vicariant evolutionary diversification. Seagrass samples were collected along the Egyptian coastline of the Red Sea and analysed by the molecular marker ITS. The sequences were compared with published ITS sequences from seagrasses collected in the whole area of interest. In this study, we reveal the linking population genetics, phylogeography and phylogenetics of two dominant seagrass species, Halophila stipulacea and Halophila ovalis, among species collected in the Red Sea and worldwide. The results indicate that the Red Sea Halophila ovalis populations do not group to Halophila ovalis worldwide, and Halophila major, Halophila ovalis collected worldwide and Halophila ovalis collected at the Red Sea are sister clades. Hence, vicariant evolutionary diversification for Halophila ovalis may occur in the Red Sea.     

New examples of holococcolith–heterococcolith combination coccospheres and their implications for coccolithophorid biology

Recently discovered coccospheres with combinations of coccoliths normally considered to belong to different taxa are presented here. By analogy with other coccolithophorids especially Coccolithus pelagicus we can hypothesize that these associations probably represent moments of phase change in a complex, possibly haplo-diplontic, life-cycle. Seven of these associations are composed of heterococcoliths with holococcoliths; five of them are presented here for the first time: Helicosphaera carteri with Syracolithus catilliferus, Syracosphaera pulchra with Calyptrosphaera oblonga, Syracosphaera anthos with Periphyllophora mirabilis, Acanthoica quattrospina with holococcolithophorid sp. and Syracosphaera sp. with Corisphaera sp. type A (see Kleijne, A., 1991. Holococcolithophorids from the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Mar. Micropaleontol. 17, 1–76); the other two are Coronosphaera mediterranea with Calyptrolithina wettsteinii, found previously by Kamptner (Kamptner, E., 1941. Die Coccolithineen der Südwestküste von Istrien. Naturhistorischen Museum in Wien. Annalen 51, 54–149), and Syracosphaera nana with undescribed holococcoliths, figured previously by Kleijne (1991) as Syracosphaera sp. type A. In addition the association of Neosphaera coccolithomorpha and Ceratolithus cristatus, recently presented by Alcober and Jordan (Alcober, J., Jordan, R.W., 1997. An interesting association between Neosphaera coccolithomorpha and Ceratolithus cristatus (Haptophyta). Eur. J. Phycol. 32, 91–93) is verified by discovery of a further example. A further five combinations of heterococcoliths and holococcoliths are shown, these probably mostly represent life-cycle combinations but the evidence in each case is insufficient to consider these as definite associations although in these collapsed coccospheres the association of different species is less certain. Two examples of holococcolith–holococcolith associations are presented: S. catilliferus with Syracolithus confusus, and Zygosphaera bannockii with Corisphaera sp. type A. These are probably examples of intra-specific variation.A new species, Syracosphaera delicata sp. nov., is described.     

Natural rock roughness as a key parameter for optimizing seedling adhesion and restoration of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in its native environment

Seagrasses provide various ecosystem functions in coastal areas of the world. In the Mediterranean Sea, Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species threatened by several activities despite being protected by national and international laws. Currently, several transplanting initiatives have been carried out using different methods, among which those including seeds and seedlings are considered the most ecological and low-cost ones. Beach-cast fruits and seeds can be found in spring and their appearance can easily be reported, through a citizen science approach, by the community. One of the obstacles in using these methods is identifying the best substrate in which to place P. oceanica seeds to facilitate root adhesion of the seedlings prior to their transplantation into the sea. In the present study, we analyzed, using a 3D surface optical microscope, the roughness of natural rocks to identify the availability of specific roughness ranges suitable for adhesion and root anchoring of P. oceanica seedlings. Conventional roughness parameters and roughness power spectral density were calculated for the inner and outer surfaces of 9 different rock samples. Among the rock samples examined, the calcarenitic ones and in particular marsala calcarenite, due to the presence of the “ideal roughness for seedlings” can be considered one of the best consolidated substrates to be used for the construction of ad hoc devices on which plantlet of P. oceanica can grow for the purpose of restoration.     

Saturnius minutus n. sp. and S. dimitrovi n. sp. (Digenea: Hemiuridae) from Mugil cephalus L. (Teleostei: Mugilidae), with a multivariate morphological analysis of the Mediterranean species of Saturnius Manter, 1969

Three species of the bunocotyline genus Saturnius Manter, 1969 are described from the stomach lining of mugilid fishes of the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Two of the species are new: S. minutus n. sp. occurs in Mugil cephalus off the Mediterranean coast of Spain; and S. dimitrovi n. sp., a parasite of M. cephalus off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and the Spanish Mediterranean coast, was originally described as S. papernai by Dimitrov et al. (1998). In addition, S. papernai Overstreet, 1977 is redescribed from M. cephalus off the Spanish Mediterranean coast and from Liza aurata and L. saliens off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The three species are distinguished morphometrically using univariate and multivariate analyses. These results were verified using Linear Discriminant Analysis which correctly allocated all specimens to their species designations based on morphology (i.e. 100% successful classification rate) and assigned almost all specimens to the correct population (locality). The following variables were selected for optimal separation between samples: the length of the forebody, ventral sucker and posterior testis, the length and width of the posteriormost pseudosegment, and the width of the muscular flange at ventral sucker level.     

Asterocherids (Copepoda; Siphonostomatoida) associated with invertebrates from California Reefs: Abrolhos (Brazil)

Four new asterocherid siphonostomatoid copepods are described, and several new geographical and host records are provided from California Reefs off the coast of Brazil. Acontiophorus monanchorae sp. nov. and Scottocheres youngi sp. nov. were both found associated with the sponge Monanchora sp. Asterocheres aplysinus sp. nov. and Asterocheres spongus sp. nov. were each associated with three genera of sponges. Asterocheres crenulatus previously recorded from the region, was associated with the sponge Xestospongia sp. Asterocheres paraboecki was recorded for the first time in the region. Asterocheres spinopaulus, previously reported from sponges, was found associated with bryozoans and cnidarians. Cletopontius titanus and Orecturus bahiensis were again recorded from the region and from sponges. Scottocheres laubieri, previously known from the Mediterranean Sea, was recorded for the first time in Brazilian waters, associated with the sponge Aplysina sp.     

Are social media reports useful for assessing small ape occurrence? A pilot study from Peninsular Malaysia

Citizen science-based research has been used effectively to estimate animal abundance and breeding patterns, to monitor animal movement, and for biodiversity conservation and education. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using social media observations to assess the distribution of small apes in Peninsular Malaysia. We searched for reports of small ape observations in Peninsular Malaysia on social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, iNaturalist, etc.), and also used online, radio, print messaging, and word of mouth to invite citizen scientists such as birders, amateur naturalists, hikers, and other members of the public to provide information about small ape observations made during their activities. These reports provided new information about the occurrence of all three species of small apes (Hylobates agilis, Hylobates lar, and Symphalangus syndactylus) in Peninsular Malaysia. Social media users reported observations of small apes in almost every state. Despite the fact that small apes are believed to occur primarily in the interior of large forested areas, most observations were from fairly small (<100 km²) forests near areas of high traffic and high human population (roads and urban areas). This suggests that most outdoor enthusiasts primarily visit well-traveled and easily accessible areas, which results in biased sampling if only incidental observations reported on social media are used. A more targeted approach specifically soliciting reports from citizen scientists visiting large, less-accessible forests may result in better sampling in these habitats. Social media reports indicated the presence of small apes in at least six habitats where they had not been previously reported. We verified the reported data based on whether reports included a date, location, and uploaded photographs, videos and/or audio recordings. Well-publicized citizen science programs may also build awareness and enthusiasm about the conservation of vulnerable wildlife species.     

The sea-skater Halobates (Heteroptera: Gerridae) – probable cause for extinction in the Mediterranean and potential for re-colonisation following climate change

Sea-skaters in the genus Halobates Eschscholtz 1822 include some of the most specialised water striders and are found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. Even though species of Halobates occur in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea, no extant sea-skater has been reported from the Mediterranean Sea. A fossil, Halobates ruffoi Andersen et al., 1994, described from Middle–Upper Eocene (45 Ma) Italy indicates that sea skaters were present in this part of the world in the past. Other geological evidence points to dramatic changes in the Mediterranean Sea during the Tertiary and Quaternary that may have led to their later extinction. In this paper we review briefly the distribution, systematics, evolution and ecology of Halobates, and discuss the potential for the Mediterranean to be recolonised following expected environmental changes due to global warming.     

A deep-sea bacterium related to coastal marine pathogens

Evolution of virulence traits from adaptation to environmental niches other than the host is probably a common feature of marine microbial pathogens, whose knowledge might be crucial to understand their emergence and pathogenetic potential. Here, we report genome sequence analysis of a novel marine bacterial species, Vibrio bathopelagicus sp. nov., isolated from warm bathypelagic waters (3309 m depth) of the Mediterranean Sea. Interestingly, V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. is closely related to coastal Vibrio strains pathogenic to marine bivalves. V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. genome encodes genes involved in environmental adaptation to the deep-sea but also in virulence, such as the R5.7 element, MARTX toxin cluster, Type VI secretion system and zinc-metalloprotease, previously associated with Vibrio infections in farmed oysters. The results of functional in vitro assays on immunocytes (haemocytes) of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and of the early larval development assay in Mytilus support strong toxicity of V. bathopelagicus sp. nov. towards bivalves. V. bathopelagicus sp. nov., isolated from a remote Mediterranean bathypelagic site, is an example of a planktonic marine bacterium with genotypic and phenotypic traits associated with animal pathogenicity, which might have played an evolutionary role in the origin of coastal marine pathogens.     

Distinct protoconchs recognised in three of the larger Mediterranean Cerithium species (Caenogastropoda: Cerithiidae)

The gastropod genus Cerithium includes several polymorphic species which are hardly distinguishable using a morphological approach based on teleoconch characters. Here we show that protoconch characters can be reliably used to identify the larger Mediterranean species (Cerithium alucastrum, C. repandum and C. vulgatum), and to assess their intraspecific variability. Based on a large amount of morphological data, we show that a multispiral, strongly sculptured protoconch (traditionally associated with C. vulgatum) is found in C. alucastrum. This species originated in the Pliocene. A multispiral, weakly sculptured protoconch, not observed previously, is reported for C. vulgatum. A paucispiral protoconch, distinct from those observed previously for C. lividulum and C. renovatum, is reported for C. repandum and can be used for recognising its wide intraspecific variation and understanding its geographical distribution. Cerithium repandum, previously doubtfully recorded outside its type locality, extends back to the mid-Pliocene and is today rather widely distributed in the Mediterranean, although absent from the Aegean Sea and the Alboran Sea. We describe the larval development of C. repandum and C. vulgatum for the first time, confirming their respective non-planktotrophic and planktotrophic development previously inferred from protoconch morphology. Also, we report a possible case of morphological convergence between C. repandum and C. vulgatum occurring in harbour sites, where we found a distinct (possibly Anthropocene) shell form not described previously from other Recent or fossil material.     

Age‐based life history parameters and status assessments of by‐catch species (Lethrinus borbonicus,Lethrinus microdon,Pomacanthus maculosus and Scolopsis taeniatus) in the southern Arabian Gulf

Life history and demographic parameters for Lethrinus borbonicus, Lethrinus microdon, Pomacanthus maculosus and Scolopsis taeniatus in the southern Arabian Gulf were estimated using a combination of size frequency, biological and size‐at‐age data. Defined structural increments consisting of alternating translucent and opaque bands in transverse sections of sagittal otoliths were validated as annuli. The maximum age estimates ranged from 5 years for Scolopsis taeniatus to 36 years for Pomacanthus maculosus. The size‐at‐age relationships were highly asymptotic in form with the majority of growth being achieved early in life. There were significant differences in the growth characteristics between sexes for Pomacanthus maculosus, with males approaching a larger asymptotic size at a faster rate than females. With the exception of Scolopsis taeniatus, the mean age at which fish became vulnerable to capture was lower than the mean age at first sexual maturity. The stocks of L. microdon, P. maculosus and S. taeniatus were exploited within sustainable limits, conversely, L. borbonicus was found to be overexploited and recruitment overfishing may have occurred as the relative spawner biomass per recruit was below 30% of the unexploited state.     

Mosquito traps for urban surveillance: collection efficacy and potential for use by citizen scientists

Mosquito‐borne diseases are a pervasive public health problem on a global scale, and effective management of them requires well‐designed surveillance programs for both vectors and pathogens. Mosquito traps are a common component of such programs, and their reach can be expanded by engaging citizen scientists. In this study in a southern Australian city, we compared the mosquito collection efficacy of two types of traps and assessed their suitability for use in citizen science programs. BG Sentinels and BG Gravid Aedes Trap (BG‐GAT) traps both collected Aedes and Culex species in similar proportions, albeit with the former collecting approximately nine times as many mosquitoes. However, BG Sentinels have a greater per unit cost than BG‐GATs and are restricted to deployment near power outlets. Importantly, despite being devised for collection of Aedes (Stegomyia) dengue vectors (such as Aedes aegypti), both traps can be effectively used in temperate climates for collection of a range of mosquito species. These traps could conceivably be used in citizen science programs to enhance the reach of surveillance at reduced cost.     

Dictyostelids from Mediterranean forests of the south of Europe

The first results of a study of dictyostelid diversity in soils of Mediterranean vegetation are presented. Surface soil samples were collected during 2003–2004 from different Mediterranean forests in Spain and Portugal and were plated out for cellular slime moulds. Isolated during this study were 14 species of dictyostelids. One species, Dictyostelium firmibasis is reported for the first time from Europe, and nine (Dictyostelium aureo-stipes, Dictyostelium sp. 1, Dictyostelium fasciculatum, Dictyostelium giganteum, Dictyostelium implicatum, Dictyostelium leptosomum, Dictyostelium sphaerocephalum, Polysphondylium candidum, Polysphondylium pallidum) are new records for the Mediterranean region. Members of the three genera Dictyostelium (ten species), Polysphondylium (three species) and Acytostelium (one species) are present in this region of the world. Comments on their diversity and distribution are included.     

Morphology and molecules reveal two new species of Porites (Scleractinia,Poritidae) from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

Two new reef coral species, Porites farasani sp. nov. and Porites hadramauti sp. nov. (Scleractinia, Poritidae), are described from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Porites farasani sp. nov. only occurs in the Farasan Islands in the southern Red Sea, while P. hadramauti sp. nov. has been collected in the Yemen Hadramaut region in the Gulf of Aden. Both species presented striking in situ differences with respect to other Porites species, and were characterized by small encrusting colonies and unusual polyp colouration. In order to test the genetic distinctiveness of P. farasani sp. nov. and P. hadramauti sp. nov. between each other and with respect to other representatives in the genus Porites, we investigated their evolutionary relationships with eight other morphological species of Porites occurring in the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden. Two DNA loci, the mitochondrial putative control region and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region, were sequenced, and three species delimitation approaches based on barcoding threshold (Automated Barcoding Gap Discovery) and coalescence theory (Poisson-Tree process, Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent) were applied. Phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses were overall concordant, resolving P. farasani sp. nov. and P. hadramauti sp. nov. as two divergent but closely related lineages. Of the other morphologically defined Porites species, three were genetically differentiated (P. rus, P. columnaris and P. fontanesii), but five were genetically indistinguishable. The discovery of two regional endemics confirms the importance of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as regions of high biodiversity and suggests the need for an integration of genome-wide molecular data with the re-evaluation of skeletal structures in the systematics of Porites.