CoNISMa

ABSTRACT Annelids represent one of the most important invertebrate groups in marine environments, yet their diversity and distribution are affected by knowledge gaps. In this study, marine annelids occurring along the Salento Peninsula were reviewed, based on 120 literature sources, 72 of which include georeferenced data, and new samples collected in the years 2022–2025 in several different environments. Aside from georeferenced occurrences and ecological traits, the data also included information on reproduction and development. In addition, barcoding data based on two mitochondrial markers (16S rDNA and COI) were obtained for a total of 208 nominal species. The evidence from literature and new data allowed the reporting of 715 species along the Salento Peninsula, 23 of which are potentially new to science, and 45 non-indigenous. The available data showed a density skewed towards the areas of Taranto and Porto Cesareo, while the remaining coast of Salento remains poorly explored. A similar unevenness accounts for taxonomic groups; while some families (such as Syllidae and Sabellidae) were overall well known according to the literature, some families (such as Scalibregmatidae) were historically almost completely unknown in the area. Barcoding data confirmed the distinctness of some of the potential new species, but revealed the occurrence of multiple mitochondrial lineages in 64 nominal species (32% of all assayed species), supporting the hypothesis of widespread occurrence of cryptic diversity in Mediterranean marine annelids and allowing us to identify possible case studies for future research. Three allegedly native species showed genetic matches with individuals sampled in other geographical areas, suggesting the occurrence of human-mediated translocation. Conversely, a minor portion of the species showed genetic homogeneity despite morphological differences. These results confirm the importance of the Salento Peninsula as a marine biodiversity hotspot and stress the need for further detailed research on marine annelids even in the relatively well-known Mediterranean Sea.

Biofouling communities are usually managed as pests in aquaculture, yet their natural proliferation in fish farms makes them also promising IMTA extractive components. The growth and biomass production of four dominant macrofoulers, Mytilus galloprovincialis (mussels), Sabella spallanzanii (polychaete worms), Phallusia mammillata and Styela plicata (ascidians), were evaluated under a novel IMTA system in the Ionian Sea (southern Italy). Coconut-fiber ropes (10 m) were deployed around fish cages in October 2022 and monitored over a 1-year cycle. Monthly density, length-frequency and cohort analyses combined with species-specific length-weight relationships were used to estimate target species’ growth and biomass. Mytilus and Sabella showed single-cohort dynamics, with densities steadily declining over time, whereas ascidians displayed continuous recruitment allowing for additional rope-deployment windows. Specific growth rates in length were significantly higher in Phallusia and Sabella (≈25% month−1) than in Mytilus and Styela (≈17 and 22% month−1). Total macrofouling biomass (live weight) increased from ≈350 kg in May to a peak of ≈2500 kg in August, remaining as high in October. Mytilus and Sabella accounted for 60–80% of total biomass while ascidians contributed 20–40%. Beyond environmental restoration, this multispecies biomass offers several potential commercial opportunities and could be further valorized through biorefinery-based cascading extraction, including final conversion into bioenergy. Overall, IMTA could leverage traditionally undesired fouling organisms as multifunctional crops, enhancing bioremediation while supporting circular blue-bioeconomy principles. Future research should focus on optimizing rope deployment timing, harvesting strategies, and biomass valorization pathways to fully exploit the emerging potential of integrating multispecies fouling biomass within IMTA systems.

Aphaniidae killifish represent a group of small-bodied teleosts that inhabit a wide range of transitional and extreme aquatic environments. Their remarkable adaptability, ecological niche, and high levels of endemism make them valuable models for the investigation of biodiversity patterns, evolutionary processes, and conservation strategies in fragmented and vulnerable habitats. Drawing from case studies across the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East, this research examines how ecological plasticity, reproductive strategies, and molecular tools allow to interpret the resilience patterns of the distribution. Our phylogenetic analyses confirm their complex evolutionary relationships and highlight the role of geological and biogeographical events in shaping their diversification. The potential of Aphaniidae as comprehensive models that connect laboratory insights and ecosystem-level dynamics is highlighted by the integration of genetics, physiology, and field ecology. Encouraging their use in biodiversity research and conservation efforts offers a crucial chance to enhance our capacity to monitor, understand, and mitigate biodiversity loss in rapidly changing aquatic systems. This review synthesizes advances in understanding the evolutionary adaptations, ecological roles, reproductive strategies, and (eco) toxicological applications of killifish. It highlights their potential to bridge the gap between laboratory models and real-world ecological processes, advocating for their broader adoption in scientific research. In this regard, killifish represents an essential resource for addressing global issues of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and environmental resilience. Aphaniidae killifish showcase exceptional adaptability to diverse aquatic habitats. Aphaniidae species excel as bioindicators of habitat changes and pollution impacts. Genetic tools reveal mechanisms of killifish adaptation to extreme environments. Aphanius and phylogenetically related genera offer insights into ecological resilience in stressed habitats. This study underscores the utility of killifish in conservation and ecotoxicology research.

Nanoplastics, due to their small size and high surface reactivity, have emerged as critical pollutants with potential impacts on both environmental and biological systems. Their capacity for cellular internalization, bioaccumulation, and trophic transfer raises serious concerns for ecosystem and human health. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric assessment of global research trends pertaining to biological endpoints such as the uptake, cell internalization, and bioaccumulation of nanoplastics. Using the Scopus database and VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20), 638 relevant scientific articles published between 2012 and 2024 were analyzed. The number of publications has grown significantly in recent years, particularly from 2020 onward, indicating increasing scientific attention. Co-authorship among authors and among countries analyses highlights the global and interdisciplinary nature of this field, with strong contributions from China, Europe, and the United States. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals a strong thematic focus on oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and the interaction of nanoplastics with heavy metals, suggesting emerging interest in combined toxicity effects. Citation analysis of journals confirms that leading publications in environmental science and toxicology have been central to the dissemination of key findings. The results emphasize a growing international commitment to understanding the behavior of nanoplastics in biological systems, particularly their accumulation and potential health risks. This analysis not only maps the evolution of research but also identifies gaps of knowledge and future directions, offering a foundation for guiding subsequent investigations and informing regulatory frameworks. The use of software tools such as VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) is essential for synthesizing large volumes of scientific data, reducing subjectivity, and, thus, providing visual insights into the structure and development of this research field.

The Levantine Basin is the first region of the Mediterranean Sea to be impacted by climate warming and the arrival of non-indigenous species (NIS) via the Suez Canal. Although Levantine zooplankton has been studied previously, recent datasets capable of detecting the occurrence of new taxa, or shifts in community composition, especially in the easternmost part of the basin, are lacking. The present study provides updated information on zooplankton composition from Tyre (South Lebanon). In this study, the occurrence of two copepod families (Canuellidae, Longipediidae) and the first regional record of Facetotecta (Y-nauplii) are reported for the first time in the Levantine Basin. Additionally, although six Calanoida species were recorded as new to the Lebanese fauna, none can be attributed to Lessepsian NIS.

ABSTRACTThe blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a widely distributed pelagic predator that undergoes ontogenetic morphological changes that reflect ecological and functional adaptations. Investigating this aspect could provide powerful tools for elucidating the patterns of trait variation and their significance in relation to environmental conditions. This study explores morphometric variation and its ecomorphological implications in the Mediterranean blue shark population using linear and geometric morphometric analyses. A total of 119 specimens (64 females, 55 males), spanning from juvenile (total lengths [TLs] 85.4–149.8 cm in females and 82.9–121.2 cm in males) to adult (TLs 150.4–333.1 cm in females and 133.2–206.8 cm in males) stages, were analysed through a set of 30 linear measurements. Linear morphometric analysis identified significant differences between the juvenile and subadult/adult groups, particularly in the anterior body region and pectoral fin measurements. Geometric morphometric results revealed that juveniles have a more heterocercal caudal fin shape, which transitions to a less heterocercal form in adults, with a proportionally larger ventral lobe. The first dorsal fin showed positive allometry, becoming higher. The observed ontogenetic differences could improve energy efficiency and manoeuvrability. This aligns with the diel vertical migrations (DVM) of larger individuals and their need for sustained swimming during long‐distance migrations, as well as the enhanced manoeuvrability required by juveniles, notably for predator avoidance. These morphological changes likely reflect adaptations to changing energy requirements and locomotion needs throughout life stages. Although blue sharks maintain a generalist diet across ontogeny, these adaptations may optimise feeding efficiency and swimming performance, particularly in adults. This study highlights the interplay between ontogeny, morphology and ecological function, shedding light on the selective pressures that shape the life history strategies of blue sharks. The findings emphasise the importance of integrating ontogenetic perspectives into ecomorphological studies to better understand the evolutionary adaptations of pelagic sharks.

Benthic communities are crucial indicators of environmental health, being highly sensitive to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This study examines the ecological status of macrobenthic assemblages along the northern Apulian coast (Southern Adriatic Sea), focusing on the Lesina and Varano areas. AMBI, M-AMBI and biological diversity indices were applied to the local benthic assemblages to explore seasonal and spatial variations in their ecological status in winter and summer 2022. Abundance data were obtained through two surveys carried out by means of a hydraulic dredge on shallow sandy bottoms, and the standardized data ($N / 100 m^{2}$) was used for the following analysis. Results showed a significant decline in ecological status during the summer months, primarily linked to increased anthropogenic pressures, such as fishing and tourism. Lesina exhibited more heterogeneous assemblages with higher variability and lower ecological quality, likely influenced by cumulative human impacts. In contrast, Varano maintained more stable conditions, especially in winter, with higher M-AMBI scores. However, both areas showed significant shifts in biodiversity during the summer, indicating the impact of multiple stressors. These findings highlight the need for integrated management strategies that account for both environmental and anthropogenic pressures, focusing on seasonal and spatial dynamics to better protect coastal ecosystems.

Biological invasions threaten biodiversity worldwide. The American blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896, among the Mediterranean’s most damaging invaders, takes up the challenge to transform this threat into gain. To turn its impact into economic value and guide control efforts, we analysed separately the meat composition and exoskeleton biopolymers of adult crabs from three Moroccan protected Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest: Marchica Lagoon (S1), Moulouya Estuary (S2), and Al Hoceima National Park (S3). Marchica specimens exhibited the highest protein content (21.87 ± 1.15 g 100 g−1, p < 0.001) and an elevated lipid fraction, yielding nutrient-dense meat suitable for premium markets. Moulouya crabs were noted for their taste potential, with a higher concentration of fat (1.73 ± 0.09%) and carbohydrates (0.91 ± 0.1%). Al Hoceima individuals displayed markedly mineralised exoskeletons producing lean and low-fat meat, valued in dietary applications. Exoskeleton organic-to-mineral (OM/MM) ratios and proximate composition revealed three adaptive profiles, opportunistic (S1), acclimatory (S2), and conservative (S3), presumably correlated to local salinity, productivity, and substrate conditions, underscoring the species’ phenotypic plasticity. X-ray diffraction confirmed the α-chitin polymorph, while FTIR analysis indicated degrees of deacetylation consistent with high-purity chitosan. These findings support the development of a site-specific circular economy framework and may contribute to the ecological resilience of Morocco’s protected coastal areas.