1.
Cascarano, Maria Chiara; Katharios, Pantelis; Padros, Francesc; Rodger, Hamish; Schmidt, Jacob Günther
Workshop: intracellular Bacterial pathogens Journal Article
In: Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, vol. 46, no. 1, 2026, ISSN: 3005-4648, 0108-0288.
@article{cascarano_workshop_2026,
title = {Workshop: intracellular Bacterial pathogens},
author = {Maria Chiara Cascarano and Pantelis Katharios and Francesc Padros and Hamish Rodger and Jacob Günther Schmidt},
url = {https://eafpbulletin.scholasticahq.com/article/166397-workshop-intracellular-bacterial-pathogens
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doi = {10.48045/001c.166397},
issn = {3005-4648, 0108-0288},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-10-19},
urldate = {2026-08-01},
journal = {Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
abstract = {This report presents a resume of the workshop Intracellular bacterial pathogens held at the 22nd international conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, Heraklion, Greece, September 2025.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.},
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This report presents a resume of the workshop Intracellular bacterial pathogens held at the 22nd international conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, Heraklion, Greece, September 2025.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.
2.
Jørgensen, Lis L.; Atkinson, Lara; Chatzinikolaou, Evangelia; Dunham, Anya; Escobar, Elva; Frid, Chris; Gaurisas, Daniela Yepes; Glavovic, Bruce C.; Gottlieb, Hiroko Muraki; Griffiths, Huw J.; Guérin, Laurent; Hutchings, Pat; Idris, Izwandy; Kasic, Sebastian Herrera; Kourandeh, Mehdi Bolouki; Li, Hongjun; Logerwell, Elizabeth; Miranda, Marcel; Onyena, Amarachi; Pardal, André; Pavloudi, Christina; Przeslawski, Rachel; Rajakumar, Jayachandran Paravanparambil; Schepers, Lennert; Shojaei, Mehdi Ghodrati; Sink, Kerry; Stefanoudis, Paris; Tun, Karenne; Vandepitte, Leen; Watson, Gordon James; Zakharov, Denis
Marine benthic invertebrates. In: United Nations (2026). The Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III) Book Chapter
In: vol. 4, Chapter 4, 2026.
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3.
Sarropoulou, Elena; Grigoriou, Panos; Antoniou, Aglaia; Anastasiou, Thekla I.; Chatzinikolaou, Eva
Ocean warming and acidification reveal transcriptional plasticity in the gastropod Hexaplex trunculus Journal Article
In: Marine Environmental Research, vol. 222, pp. 108426, 2026, ISSN: 01411136.
@article{sarropoulou_ocean_2026,
title = {Ocean warming and acidification reveal transcriptional plasticity in the gastropod \textit{Hexaplex trunculus}},
author = {Elena Sarropoulou and Panos Grigoriou and Aglaia Antoniou and Thekla I. Anastasiou and Eva Chatzinikolaou},
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volume = {222},
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4.
Prins, V.; Tedersoo, L.; Mikryukov, V.; Paiste, P.; Sepp, M.; Grossart, H.; Kisand, V.; Laas, A.; Tammert, H.; Abarenkov, Kessy; Agan, A.; Agasild, H.; Agha, R.; Alatalo, J.; Alvarez-Manjarrez, J.; Ameryk, A.; Anderson, J.; Anslan, S.; Antão-Geraldes, A.; Antosiak, A.; Funck, J. Arce; Arias-Real, R.; Ariyan, M.; Bahram, M.; Bansal, S.; Bao, R.; Beck, S.; Bernotas, P.; Berry, N.; Bertilsson, S.; Birnbaum, C.; Bonk, M.; Borges, A. V.; Botez, F.; Brearley, F. Q.; Brookes, J.; Bruno, D.; Budzyńska, A.; Bullerjahn, G.; Bundschuh, M.; Calheiros-Nogueira, B.; Calore, R.; Capelli, C.; Caputo, L.; Carballeira, R.; Chronis, I.; Čiampor, F.; Čiamporová-Zaťovičová, Z.; Craig, D.; Csabai, Z.; Cukrov, N.; Silva, L. Da; Eyto, E. De; Delgado, J.; Dimante-Deimantovica, I.; Domaizon, I.; Dondajewska-Pielka, R.; Dornan, T.; Drenkhan, R.; Drouillard, K.; Duarte, S.; Dulya, O.; Dzhulai, A.; Dziga, D.; Egeter, B.; Espenberg, M.; Färkkilä, S.; Fazi, S.; Feckler, A.; Fenoy, E.; Fernandes, I.; Ferreira, S.; Ferreira, V.; Fleituch, T.; Fornaroli, R.; Freiwald, A.; Frenken, T.; Gaffney, P.; García-Oliva, O.; Geara, H.; Gkelis, S.; Gohar, D.; Gołdyn, R.; Grandjean, F.; Gsell, A.; Gutiérrez-Cánovas, C.; Haase, P.; Hagh-Doust, N.; Harris, T.; Hashem, A.; Havens, S.; Heidari, B.; Higgins, S.; Moghaddam, M. Hosseyni; Ibrahim, A.; Jerinkić, D.; Jones, S.; Kagami, M.; Kahar, S.; Kangro, K.; Kariman, K.; Kataržytė, M.; Kepfer-Rojas, S.; Khan, H.; Knoll, L. B.; Knorrn, A.; Kõljalg, U.; Konstantinou, D.; Kotta, J.; Kowalczewska-Madura, K.; Kozak, A.; Kulawig, B.; Kupagme, J.; Kušan, I.; Laarmaa, R.; Laas, P.; Langenheder, S.; Lanzén, A.; Lateef, A.; Ligi, M.; Löffler, T.; Lortou, U.; Lujza, K.; MacConnell, T.; Maček, I.; Macreadie, P.; Maileht, K.; Marazzi, F.; Marcello, L.; Markovskaja, S.; Martin, A.; Martínez, S.; Mata, V.; Matočec, N.; McKay, R.; McKindles, K.; Mehrshad, M.; Menéndez, M.; Merino, N.; Mešić, A.; Moctar, S.; Moza, M.; Nõges, P.; Nõges, T.; O’Hanlon, R.; Öğlü, B.; Oja, J.; Okello, W.; Orav-Kotta, H.; Orr, P.; Osemwegie, I.; Padisák, J.; Pajunen, V.; Panou, M.; Papatheodoulou, A.; Pavlovska, M.; Pearman, J.; Pehlak, H.; Peng, X.; Pereira, A.; Pereira, R.; Pernecker, B.; Picazo, F.; Pinnow, S.; Pochekutova, P.; Põlme, S.; Pontevedra-Pombal, X.; Pošta, A.; Prekrasna-Kviatkovska, Y.; Pruuli, J.; Pruuli, M.; Pruuli, T.; Radoja, N.; Rahimlou, S.; Rannap, R.; Rasconi, S.; Rasmussen, A.; Remmers, W.; Reyes, L.; Rhodes, G.; Roe, C.; Rojas-Castillo, O.; Roslin, T.; Runnel, K.; Rusch, J.; Rybak, M.; Rychtecký, P.; Sahadevan, S.; Saitta, A.; Salehi-Najafabadi, A.; Santi, I.
The FunAqua dataset of global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems Journal Article
In: Scientific Data, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1346, 2026, ISSN: 2052-4463.
@article{prins_funaqua_2026,
title = {The FunAqua dataset of global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems},
author = {V. Prins and L. Tedersoo and V. Mikryukov and P. Paiste and M. Sepp and H. Grossart and V. Kisand and A. Laas and H. Tammert and Kessy Abarenkov and A. Agan and H. Agasild and R. Agha and J. Alatalo and J. Alvarez-Manjarrez and A. Ameryk and J. Anderson and S. Anslan and A. Antão-Geraldes and A. Antosiak and J. Arce Funck and R. Arias-Real and M. Ariyan and M. Bahram and S. Bansal and R. Bao and S. Beck and P. Bernotas and N. Berry and S. Bertilsson and C. Birnbaum and M. Bonk and A. V. Borges and F. Botez and F. Q. Brearley and J. Brookes and D. Bruno and A. Budzyńska and G. Bullerjahn and M. Bundschuh and B. Calheiros-Nogueira and R. Calore and C. Capelli and L. Caputo and R. Carballeira and I. Chronis and F. Čiampor and Z. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová and D. Craig and Z. Csabai and N. Cukrov and L. Da Silva and E. De Eyto and J. Delgado and I. Dimante-Deimantovica and I. Domaizon and R. Dondajewska-Pielka and T. Dornan and R. Drenkhan and K. Drouillard and S. Duarte and O. Dulya and A. Dzhulai and D. Dziga and B. Egeter and M. Espenberg and S. Färkkilä and S. Fazi and A. Feckler and E. Fenoy and I. Fernandes and S. Ferreira and V. Ferreira and T. Fleituch and R. Fornaroli and A. Freiwald and T. Frenken and P. Gaffney and O. García-Oliva and H. Geara and S. Gkelis and D. Gohar and R. Gołdyn and F. Grandjean and A. Gsell and C. Gutiérrez-Cánovas and P. Haase and N. Hagh-Doust and T. Harris and A. Hashem and S. Havens and B. Heidari and S. Higgins and M. Hosseyni Moghaddam and A. Ibrahim and D. Jerinkić and S. Jones and M. Kagami and S. Kahar and K. Kangro and K. Kariman and M. Kataržytė and S. Kepfer-Rojas and H. Khan and L. B. Knoll and A. Knorrn and U. Kõljalg and D. Konstantinou and J. Kotta and K. Kowalczewska-Madura and A. Kozak and B. Kulawig and J. Kupagme and I. Kušan and R. Laarmaa and P. Laas and S. Langenheder and A. Lanzén and A. Lateef and M. Ligi and T. Löffler and U. Lortou and K. Lujza and T. MacConnell and I. Maček and P. Macreadie and K. Maileht and F. Marazzi and L. Marcello and S. Markovskaja and A. Martin and S. Martínez and V. Mata and N. Matočec and R. McKay and K. McKindles and M. Mehrshad and M. Menéndez and N. Merino and A. Mešić and S. Moctar and M. Moza and P. Nõges and T. Nõges and R. O’Hanlon and B. Öğlü and J. Oja and W. Okello and H. Orav-Kotta and P. Orr and I. Osemwegie and J. Padisák and V. Pajunen and M. Panou and A. Papatheodoulou and M. Pavlovska and J. Pearman and H. Pehlak and X. Peng and A. Pereira and R. Pereira and B. Pernecker and F. Picazo and S. Pinnow and P. Pochekutova and S. Põlme and X. Pontevedra-Pombal and A. Pošta and Y. Prekrasna-Kviatkovska and J. Pruuli and M. Pruuli and T. Pruuli and N. Radoja and S. Rahimlou and R. Rannap and S. Rasconi and A. Rasmussen and W. Remmers and L. Reyes and G. Rhodes and C. Roe and O. Rojas-Castillo and T. Roslin and K. Runnel and J. Rusch and M. Rybak and P. Rychtecký and S. Sahadevan and A. Saitta and A. Salehi-Najafabadi and I. Santi},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-026-07729-8
/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-Prins-Sci-Data-40.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07729-8},
issn = {2052-4463},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-10-05},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Scientific Data},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {1346},
abstract = {Abstract
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.},
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Abstract
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.
5.
Mock, Thomas; Bilcke, Gust; Flaum, Eliott; Fu, Shunan; Hoch, Lilian; Moog, Kevin; Rijsdijk, Nadine; Ruck, Elizabeth C.; Bishop, Ian W.; Duchene, Carole; Gilbertson, Reuben; Hopes, Amanda; Johns, Christopher; Manfellotto, Francesco; Roberts, Wade R.; Belshaw, Nigel; Chandola, Udita; Chaerle, Peter; Chepurnova, Olga; Deleu, Daan; D’hondt, Sofie; Costanzo, Federica Di; Dudin, Omaya; Flori, Serena; Gaikwad, Trupti; Groisillier, Agnes; Hall, Andrea; Ji, Pengyu; Lavier-Aydat, Louis J.; Lewis, William H.; Menicot, Samuel; Pinseel, Eveline; Pottier, Eléonore; Sarkozi, Krisztina; Smerilli, Arianna; Strauss, Jan; Thierens, Sander; Toseland, Andrew; Touhami, Yousef; Utting, Robert; Bel, Michiel Van; Oosterhout, Cock Van; Wu, Yue; Yang, Feng; Allhusen, Erika; Bolton, John J.; Bowler, Chris; Brinkhoff, Thorsten; Poehlein, Anja; Brovarone, Tim; Chen, Nansheng; Clark, Greg; Clark, Matthew D.; Copetti, Dario; Cui, Zongmei; Deng, Beini; Jian, Jianbo; John, Uwe; Jungblut, Anne D.; Kang, JiHeon; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Lee, JunMo; Liu, Shuya; Mann, David G.; Medlin, Linda; Moulton, Vincent; Radojicic, Jelena; Sato, Shinya; Trobajo, Rosa; Wolf, Klara; Yamada, Norico; Ye, Naihao; Zhang, Libin; Zhuang, Yunyun; Dey, Gautam; Dato, Valeria Di; Helliwell, Katherine; Jaubert, Marianne; Kroth, Peter G.; Montresor, Marina; Romano, Giovanna; Rynearson, Tatiana A.; Talag, Jayson; Valentin, Klaus U.; Vincent, Flora; Waller, Ross F.; Wheeler, Glen; Alverson, Andrew J.; Barry, Kerrie; Boston, LoriBeth; Falciatore, Angela; Ferrante, Maria Immacolata; Guo, Jie; Grimwood, Jane; Hayes, Richard; Herdean, Andrei; Jenkins, Jerry; Kim, Min; Kooistra, Wiebe Hcf; Kuo, Alan; Lipzen, Anna; Poulsen, Nicole; Schmutz, Jeremy; Tirichine, Leïla; Vandepoele, Klaas; Verret, Frédéric; Vyverman, Wim; Grigoriev, Igor V.
The 100 Diatom Genomes Project Journal Article
In: PLOS Biology, vol. 24, no. 9, pp. e3003947, 2026, ISSN: 1545-7885.
@article{mock_100_2026,
title = {The 100 Diatom Genomes Project},
author = {Thomas Mock and Gust Bilcke and Eliott Flaum and Shunan Fu and Lilian Hoch and Kevin Moog and Nadine Rijsdijk and Elizabeth C. Ruck and Ian W. Bishop and Carole Duchene and Reuben Gilbertson and Amanda Hopes and Christopher Johns and Francesco Manfellotto and Wade R. Roberts and Nigel Belshaw and Udita Chandola and Peter Chaerle and Olga Chepurnova and Daan Deleu and Sofie D’hondt and Federica Di Costanzo and Omaya Dudin and Serena Flori and Trupti Gaikwad and Agnes Groisillier and Andrea Hall and Pengyu Ji and Louis J. Lavier-Aydat and William H. Lewis and Samuel Menicot and Eveline Pinseel and Eléonore Pottier and Krisztina Sarkozi and Arianna Smerilli and Jan Strauss and Sander Thierens and Andrew Toseland and Yousef Touhami and Robert Utting and Michiel Van Bel and Cock Van Oosterhout and Yue Wu and Feng Yang and Erika Allhusen and John J. Bolton and Chris Bowler and Thorsten Brinkhoff and Anja Poehlein and Tim Brovarone and Nansheng Chen and Greg Clark and Matthew D. Clark and Dario Copetti and Zongmei Cui and Beini Deng and Jianbo Jian and Uwe John and Anne D. Jungblut and JiHeon Kang and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and JunMo Lee and Shuya Liu and David G. Mann and Linda Medlin and Vincent Moulton and Jelena Radojicic and Shinya Sato and Rosa Trobajo and Klara Wolf and Norico Yamada and Naihao Ye and Libin Zhang and Yunyun Zhuang and Gautam Dey and Valeria Di Dato and Katherine Helliwell and Marianne Jaubert and Peter G. Kroth and Marina Montresor and Giovanna Romano and Tatiana A. Rynearson and Jayson Talag and Klaus U. Valentin and Flora Vincent and Ross F. Waller and Glen Wheeler and Andrew J. Alverson and Kerrie Barry and LoriBeth Boston and Angela Falciatore and Maria Immacolata Ferrante and Jie Guo and Jane Grimwood and Richard Hayes and Andrei Herdean and Jerry Jenkins and Min Kim and Wiebe Hcf Kooistra and Alan Kuo and Anna Lipzen and Nicole Poulsen and Jeremy Schmutz and Leïla Tirichine and Klaas Vandepoele and Frédéric Verret and Wim Vyverman and Igor V. Grigoriev},
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6.
Papandroulakis, Nikos
Mediterranean Aquaculture in a New Era of Challenges: Digital Transformation and Precision Fish Farming Journal Article
In: Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, vol. 46, no. 1, 2026, ISSN: 3005-4648, 0108-0288.
@article{papandroulakis_mediterranean_2026,
title = {Mediterranean Aquaculture in a New Era of Challenges: Digital Transformation and Precision Fish Farming},
author = {Nikos Papandroulakis},
url = {https://eafpbulletin.scholasticahq.com/article/165332-mediterranean-aquaculture-in-a-new-era-of-challenges-digital-transformation-and-precision-fish-farming
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papandroulakis-EAFP-38.pdf},
doi = {10.48045/001c.165332},
issn = {3005-4648, 0108-0288},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-23},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
abstract = {Mediterranean aquaculture is a strategic component of regional food production and the blue economy, supplying high-value marine species with a comparatively lower environmental footprint to many other animal protein systems. Yet the sector is entering a period of intensified pressure. Climate change, resource constraints, rising production costs, market competition, fragmented production structures, and increasingly complex regulatory demands are reshaping the conditions under which Mediterranean fish farming operates. At the same time, conventional husbandry practices remain heavily dependent on labor-intensive routines and limited observation of biological and environmental processes in open marine systems.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mediterranean aquaculture is a strategic component of regional food production and the blue economy, supplying high-value marine species with a comparatively lower environmental footprint to many other animal protein systems. Yet the sector is entering a period of intensified pressure. Climate change, resource constraints, rising production costs, market competition, fragmented production structures, and increasingly complex regulatory demands are reshaping the conditions under which Mediterranean fish farming operates. At the same time, conventional husbandry practices remain heavily dependent on labor-intensive routines and limited observation of biological and environmental processes in open marine systems.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
7.
Sala, Sofia Della; Papadimitriou, Vasiliki; Polymenakou, Paraskevi; Kutterolf, Steffen; Frieling, Joost; Pyle, David M.; Mather, Tamsin A.; Kilias, Stephanos; Jones, Christopher K.; Druitt, Tim; Preine, Jonas; Hübscher, Christian; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Koukousioura, Olga; Ronge, Thomas A.; Beethe, Sarah; Pank, Katharina; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Chiyonobu, Shun; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond; Manga, Michael; McCanta, Molly; McIntosh, Iona; Peccia, Ally; Tominaga, Masako; Yamamoto, Yuzuru; Woodhouse, Adam; Bernard, Alexis; Perez, Tatiana Fernandez; Joshi, Kumar Batuk; Kletetschka, Günther; Morris, Antony; Li, Xiaohui; Papanikolaou, Dimitrios
A prolonged hydrothermal past at Santorini Caldera revealed by sedimentary trace metal and microbial signatures Journal Article
In: Nature Communications, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 9398, 2026, ISSN: 2041-1723.
@article{della_sala_prolonged_2026,
title = {A prolonged hydrothermal past at Santorini Caldera revealed by sedimentary trace metal and microbial signatures},
author = {Sofia Della Sala and Vasiliki Papadimitriou and Paraskevi Polymenakou and Steffen Kutterolf and Joost Frieling and David M. Pyle and Tamsin A. Mather and Stephanos Kilias and Christopher K. Jones and Tim Druitt and Jonas Preine and Christian Hübscher and Paraskevi Nomikou and Olga Koukousioura and Thomas A. Ronge and Sarah Beethe and Katharina Pank and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Shun Chiyonobu and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond Johnston and Michael Manga and Molly McCanta and Iona McIntosh and Ally Peccia and Masako Tominaga and Yuzuru Yamamoto and Adam Woodhouse and Alexis Bernard and Tatiana Fernandez Perez and Kumar Batuk Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Antony Morris and Xiaohui Li and Dimitrios Papanikolaou},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-75931-8
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papadimitriou-IODP-37.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-75931-8},
issn = {2041-1723},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-21},
urldate = {2026-08-01},
journal = {Nature Communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {9398},
abstract = {Abstract
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.
8.
Pistevos, Jennifer; Zenetos, Argyro; Stranga, Yolanda; Teaca, Adrian; Begun, Tatiana; Trkov, Domen; Langeneck, Joachim; Gerakaris, Vasilis; Issaris, Yiannis; Lardi, Polytimi-Ioli; Oikonomidis, George; Salomidi, Maria; Tsirintanis, Konstantinos; Kleitou, Periklis; Constantinou, George; Michail, Christina; Bariche, Michel Michel; Deidun, Alan; Marrone, Alessio; Ragkousis, Michail; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Nash, Fiona; Digenis, Evangelos Markos Papadimitriou; Skolka, Marius; Stefanova, Kremena; Fortič, Ana; Garcia, Maria; Dailianis, Thanos; Rallis, Ioannis; Evans, Julian; Altamirano, Maria; Rousou, Maria; Orenes-Salazar, Víctor; Bonifazi, Andrea; Hadjioannou, Louis; Vlantaridis, Maria Zois ND Zotou; Azzurro, Ernesto; Schembri, Patrick; Tiralongo, Francesco; Chatzigeorgiou, Georgios; Lorenzo, Manfredi Di; Fernandez, Maria; Franco, Antonio Di; Orlando-Bonaca, Martina; Calò, Antonio; Malefaki, Christina; García-Charton, Jose Antonio; Papadakis, Orestis; Nikolaou, Athanasios; Gkoulia, Andromachi; Ramos-Esplà, Alfonso; Mannino, Anna Maria; Dimichele, Desirèe; Spinelli, Simone; Martínez, Elisa; Tursi, Andrea; Capasso, Annalisa; Christidis, Georgios; Solca, Michele; Rifi, Mouna; Zrelli, Radhouan El; Bouhlel, Ramla; Scalera, Riccardo; Bandi, Ada; Reboa, Anna; Mazaris, Antonios; Iziani, Ibrahim; Anastasopoulou, Iro; Kavakakis, Konstantinos; Scavino, Leonardo; Merotto, Lorenzo; Yankova, Maria; Montefalcone, Monica; Leban, Neža; Ungaro, Nicola; Mariottini, Paolo; Perry, Allison; Stavrou, Petros; Mazzella, Valerio; Raykov, Violin; Ferrario, Jasmine; Stamouli, Caterina; Siapatis, Apostolos; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Bommarito, Claudia; Milisenda, Giacomo; Somma, Emanuele; Russo, Stefania; et.al, Stelios Katsanevakis
Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species (III) Journal Article
In: BioInvasions Records, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 533–572, 2026, ISSN: 22421300.
@article{pistevos_unpublished_2026,
title = {Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species (III)},
author = {Jennifer Pistevos and Argyro Zenetos and Yolanda Stranga and Adrian Teaca and Tatiana Begun and Domen Trkov and Joachim Langeneck and Vasilis Gerakaris and Yiannis Issaris and Polytimi-Ioli Lardi and George Oikonomidis and Maria Salomidi and Konstantinos Tsirintanis and Periklis Kleitou and George Constantinou and Christina Michail and Michel Michel Bariche and Alan Deidun and Alessio Marrone and Michail Ragkousis and Grigorios Skouradakis and Fiona Nash and Evangelos Markos Papadimitriou Digenis and Marius Skolka and Kremena Stefanova and Ana Fortič and Maria Garcia and Thanos Dailianis and Ioannis Rallis and Julian Evans and Maria Altamirano and Maria Rousou and Víctor Orenes-Salazar and Andrea Bonifazi and Louis Hadjioannou and Maria Zois ND Zotou Vlantaridis and Ernesto Azzurro and Patrick Schembri and Francesco Tiralongo and Georgios Chatzigeorgiou and Manfredi Di Lorenzo and Maria Fernandez and Antonio Di Franco and Martina Orlando-Bonaca and Antonio Calò and Christina Malefaki and Jose Antonio García-Charton and Orestis Papadakis and Athanasios Nikolaou and Andromachi Gkoulia and Alfonso Ramos-Esplà and Anna Maria Mannino and Desirèe Dimichele and Simone Spinelli and Elisa Martínez and Andrea Tursi and Annalisa Capasso and Georgios Christidis and Michele Solca and Mouna Rifi and Radhouan El Zrelli and Ramla Bouhlel and Riccardo Scalera and Ada Bandi and Anna Reboa and Antonios Mazaris and Ibrahim Iziani and Iro Anastasopoulou and Konstantinos Kavakakis and Leonardo Scavino and Lorenzo Merotto and Maria Yankova and Monica Montefalcone and Neža Leban and Nicola Ungaro and Paolo Mariottini and Allison Perry and Petros Stavrou and Valerio Mazzella and Violin Raykov and Jasmine Ferrario and Caterina Stamouli and Apostolos Siapatis and Emmanouela Vernadou and Claudia Bommarito and Giacomo Milisenda and Emanuele Somma and Stefania Russo and Stelios Katsanevakis et.al},
url = {https://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2026/3/BIR_2026_Pistevos_etal.pdf
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Pistevos-BIR-36.pdf},
doi = {10.3391/bir.2026.15.3.01},
issn = {22421300},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-18},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {BioInvasions Records},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {533–572},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
9.
Chehida, Selim Ben; Samaras, Athanasios; Krick, Madoka V.; Dimitroglou, Arkadios; Desmarais, Erick; Papaharisis, Leonidas; Pavlidis, Michail; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S.; Guinand, Bruno
Epigenomic patterns in fish with divergent cortisol reactivity Journal Article
In: Physiological Genomics, vol. 58, no. 9, pp. 428–445, 2026, ISSN: 1094-8341, 1531-2267.
@article{ben_chehida_epigenomic_2026,
title = {Epigenomic patterns in fish with divergent cortisol reactivity},
author = {Selim Ben Chehida and Athanasios Samaras and Madoka V. Krick and Arkadios Dimitroglou and Erick Desmarais and Leonidas Papaharisis and Michail Pavlidis and Costas S. Tsigenopoulos and Bruno Guinand},
url = {https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00298.2025
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Ben-Chehida-PhyGen-35.pdf},
doi = {10.1152/physiolgenomics.00298.2025},
issn = {1094-8341, 1531-2267},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-09},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Physiological Genomics},
volume = {58},
number = {9},
pages = {428–445},
abstract = {The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
10.
Papadouli, Christina; Vardali, Sofia; Karatzinos, Theodoros; Lykotrafitis, Fotis; Maniaki, Myrto; Panagiotaki, Panagiota; Rigos, George; Nengas, Ioannis; Henry, Morgane; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Chronopoulos, Petros; Golomazou, Eleni
Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin B1 in Gilthead Seabream Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Hematology, Immunology, and Histopathology Journal Article
In: Biomolecules, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 1258, 2026, ISSN: 2218-273X.
@article{papadouli_deoxynivalenol_2026,
title = {Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin B1 in Gilthead Seabream Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Hematology, Immunology, and Histopathology},
author = {Christina Papadouli and Sofia Vardali and Theodoros Karatzinos and Fotis Lykotrafitis and Myrto Maniaki and Panagiota Panagiotaki and George Rigos and Ioannis Nengas and Morgane Henry and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Dimitra Kogiannou and Petros Chronopoulos and Eleni Golomazou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/9/1258
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papadouli-biomolecules-34.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/biom16091258},
issn = {2218-273X},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-07},
urldate = {2026-08-01},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {1258},
abstract = {As aquafeed formulations include more plant-based materials, mycotoxin contamination is becoming relevant for fish farming. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) frequently occur in fish feeds and may impair fish performance and health. This study evaluated the impact of DON and FB1 on growth and health parameters in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were fed ad libitum for seven weeks with six diets assessed in triplicate: DON A (300 ppb), DON B (2000 ppb), DON C (5000 ppb), FB1 A (5 ppb), FB1 B (10 ppb), FB1 C (40 ppb). The highest contamination levels significantly reduced feed intake, body weight, total length, and biomass, while body weight was also reduced in the lowest FB1 treatment. The feed conversion ratio increased in exposed fish, whereas the specific growth rate decreased in DON B, DON C, FB1 A, and FB1 C. Both mycotoxins altered hematological profiles, immune-related enzymatic activities, and liver morphology. DNA damage increased with exposure level and was greatest at the highest DON concentration. Overall, this study shows that short-term dietary exposure can impair seabream performance and health, supporting stricter mycotoxin monitoring in fish feeds and research on chronic exposure, recovery, and species-specific safety thresholds.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
As aquafeed formulations include more plant-based materials, mycotoxin contamination is becoming relevant for fish farming. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) frequently occur in fish feeds and may impair fish performance and health. This study evaluated the impact of DON and FB1 on growth and health parameters in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were fed ad libitum for seven weeks with six diets assessed in triplicate: DON A (300 ppb), DON B (2000 ppb), DON C (5000 ppb), FB1 A (5 ppb), FB1 B (10 ppb), FB1 C (40 ppb). The highest contamination levels significantly reduced feed intake, body weight, total length, and biomass, while body weight was also reduced in the lowest FB1 treatment. The feed conversion ratio increased in exposed fish, whereas the specific growth rate decreased in DON B, DON C, FB1 A, and FB1 C. Both mycotoxins altered hematological profiles, immune-related enzymatic activities, and liver morphology. DNA damage increased with exposure level and was greatest at the highest DON concentration. Overall, this study shows that short-term dietary exposure can impair seabream performance and health, supporting stricter mycotoxin monitoring in fish feeds and research on chronic exposure, recovery, and species-specific safety thresholds.
11.
Bottacini, Davide; Ridder, Marije; Bathow, Emil; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Dailianis, Thanos; Mastoraki, Maria; Chatzifotis, Stavros; Kotrschal, Alexander
Lionfish ( Pterois miles ) blow directed jets of water to manipulate prey behavior Journal Article
In: Behavioral Ecology, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. arag087, 2026, ISSN: 1045-2249, 1465-7279.
@article{bottacini_lionfish_2026,
title = {Lionfish ( \textit{Pterois miles} ) blow directed jets of water to manipulate prey behavior},
author = {Davide Bottacini and Marije Ridder and Emil Bathow and Grigorios Skouradakis and Thanos Dailianis and Maria Mastoraki and Stavros Chatzifotis and Alexander Kotrschal},
editor = {Chiara Benvenuto},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/doi/10.1093/beheco/arag087/8741288
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Botachini-BehEco-33.pdf},
doi = {10.1093/beheco/arag087},
issn = {1045-2249, 1465-7279},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-02},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Behavioral Ecology},
volume = {37},
number = {5},
pages = {arag087},
abstract = {Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.
12.
Zhang, Xiaodong; Cheung, Shunyan; Chan, Hoi Yau; Lee, Sangwook Scott; Santi, Ioulia; Pitta, Paraskevi; Chen, Jiawei; Liu, Hongbin
Does nutrient scarcity select for Synechococcus clade III in the Mediterranean Sea? Journal Article
In: Limnology and Oceanography Letters, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. e70175, 2026, ISSN: 2378-2242, 2378-2242.
@article{zhang_does_2026b,
title = {Does nutrient scarcity select for \textit{Synechococcus clade} III in the Mediterranean Sea?},
author = {Xiaodong Zhang and Shunyan Cheung and Hoi Yau Chan and Sangwook Scott Lee and Ioulia Santi and Paraskevi Pitta and Jiawei Chen and Hongbin Liu},
url = {https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.70175
/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Limnol-Oceanogr-Letters-2026-Zhang-Does-nutrient-scarcity-select-for-Synechococcus-clade-III-in-the-Mediterranean-Sea.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/lol2.70175},
issn = {2378-2242, 2378-2242},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-01},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Limnology and Oceanography Letters},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {e70175},
abstract = {Abstract
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.
13.
Henry, Morgane A.; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Mastoraki, Maria; Chronopoulos, Petros; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Nikoloudaki, Chrisanthi; Theillier, Eloise; Chatteleyn, Matteo; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T.
In: Fishes, vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 444, 2026, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{henry_effects_2026,
title = {Effects of Fish Oil and Microalgae Finishing Diets on Fillet Fatty Acid Recovery, Liver and Intestine Histology, and Innate Immune Parameters of European Sea Bass (\textit{Dicentrarchus labrax}) Fed with Rapeseed Oil},
author = {Morgane A. Henry and Eleni Fountoulaki and Maria Mastoraki and Petros Chronopoulos and Dimitra Kogiannou and Antigoni Vasilaki and Chrisanthi Nikoloudaki and Eloise Theillier and Matteo Chatteleyn and Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/11/8/444
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Henry-FISHES-32.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes11080444},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-30},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {444},
abstract = {This study evaluated the use of finishing diets to reduce fish oil (FO) inclusion in European sea bass feeds while preserving fillet quality and n-3 fatty acid content. Fish (197 g) were fed for 25 weeks with a control FO diet, based on 9% FO and 6% plant oil, or diets where 6% FO was replaced by rapeseed oil (RO) or microalgae (AO; Nannochloropsis sp. and Schizochytrium sp.). After 13 weeks, 2 groups of fish fed the RO diet were switched to the FO or AO finishing diets for the final 12 weeks. Growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and health were unaffected by dietary treatments. However, long-term RO feeding reduced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and increased monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids compared to fish fed AO or FO. A 12-wk FO finishing diets shifted morphometric traits, fatty acid profiles, liver histology, and overall fish quality of fish previously fed with RO toward those of fish continuously fed FO, whereas the AO finishing diet produced a smaller shift. Longer finishing periods may further enhance fillet quality when using microalgae-based oils.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study evaluated the use of finishing diets to reduce fish oil (FO) inclusion in European sea bass feeds while preserving fillet quality and n-3 fatty acid content. Fish (197 g) were fed for 25 weeks with a control FO diet, based on 9% FO and 6% plant oil, or diets where 6% FO was replaced by rapeseed oil (RO) or microalgae (AO; Nannochloropsis sp. and Schizochytrium sp.). After 13 weeks, 2 groups of fish fed the RO diet were switched to the FO or AO finishing diets for the final 12 weeks. Growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and health were unaffected by dietary treatments. However, long-term RO feeding reduced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and increased monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids compared to fish fed AO or FO. A 12-wk FO finishing diets shifted morphometric traits, fatty acid profiles, liver histology, and overall fish quality of fish previously fed with RO toward those of fish continuously fed FO, whereas the AO finishing diet produced a smaller shift. Longer finishing periods may further enhance fillet quality when using microalgae-based oils.
14.
Maidanou, Maria; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Koulouri, Panayota
Soft-bottom macrobenthic communities of the coastal marine ecosystem of Chrysi Island (southeast coast of Crete, Greece) Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e202544, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{maidanou_soft-bottom_2026,
title = {Soft-bottom macrobenthic communities of the coastal marine ecosystem of Chrysi Island (southeast coast of Crete, Greece)},
author = {Maria Maidanou and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Panayota Koulouri},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/202544/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Maidanou-BDJ-31.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e202544},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-24},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e202544},
abstract = {Chrysi Island, an area also including the island of Mikronisi, is located in the southeast of Crete (Greece, eastern Mediterranean). It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 network (GR4320003), renowned for its diverse marine environment. However, this coastal marine ecosystem, primarily influenced by strong hydrodynamism and characterised by oligotrophy, has never been studied before despite the presence of diverse habitats, such as subtidal rocky reefs associated with communities of macroalgae and sandy soft bottoms covered by \textit{ Posidonia oceanica } beds. Amongst the key biological components of this ecosystem, soft-bottom macrobenthic communities are important indicators of environmental stress and human-induced disturbances particularly in the Mediterranean biodiversity and climate-change hotspot.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Chrysi Island, an area also including the island of Mikronisi, is located in the southeast of Crete (Greece, eastern Mediterranean). It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 network (GR4320003), renowned for its diverse marine environment. However, this coastal marine ecosystem, primarily influenced by strong hydrodynamism and characterised by oligotrophy, has never been studied before despite the presence of diverse habitats, such as subtidal rocky reefs associated with communities of macroalgae and sandy soft bottoms covered by Posidonia oceanica beds. Amongst the key biological components of this ecosystem, soft-bottom macrobenthic communities are important indicators of environmental stress and human-induced disturbances particularly in the Mediterranean biodiversity and climate-change hotspot.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.
15.
Loukas, Alexios; Kalaentzis, Konstantinos; Venetsianou, Nefeli Kleopatra; Damianou, Christina; Paragkamian, Savvas; Lagani, Vincenzo; Jensen, Lars Juhl; Pafilis, Evangelos
CCMRI: a classification and curated database of climate change-related microbiome studies Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 20829, 2026, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{loukas_ccmri_2026,
title = {CCMRI: a classification and curated database of climate change-related microbiome studies},
author = {Alexios Loukas and Konstantinos Kalaentzis and Nefeli Kleopatra Venetsianou and Christina Damianou and Savvas Paragkamian and Vincenzo Lagani and Lars Juhl Jensen and Evangelos Pafilis},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-51914-z
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Loukas-SciReports-30.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-51914-z},
issn = {2045-2322},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-23},
urldate = {2026-05-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {20829},
abstract = {Abstract
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.
16.
Sebahi, Rahma; Verret, Frédéric; Mandalakis, Manolis; Hamed, Mohamed Bey Baba
In: Applied Phycology, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 2671068, 2026, ISSN: 2638-8081.
@article{sebahi_enhanced_2026,
title = {Enhanced carotenoid production in a novel \textit{Chlorella vulgaris} isolate under nitrogen limitation: dynamics of pigment diversity across growth phases},
author = {Rahma Sebahi and Frédéric Verret and Manolis Mandalakis and Mohamed Bey Baba Hamed},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/26388081.2026.2671068
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Sebahi-Applied-Phycology-29.pdf
},
doi = {10.1080/26388081.2026.2671068},
issn = {2638-8081},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-16},
urldate = {2026-07-16},
journal = {Applied Phycology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {2671068},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
17.
Debailleul, Gatien; Gatouillat, Hugo; Chatzimpalasis, Dimitrios; Chatteleyn, Matteo; Chronopoulos, Petros; Nikoloudaki, Chrisanthi; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Henry, Morgane
Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from Seven Insect Species Against Mediterranean Marine Aquaculture Bacterial Pathogens Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 11, no. 7, pp. 389, 2026, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{debailleul_antibacterial_2026,
title = {Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from Seven Insect Species Against Mediterranean Marine Aquaculture Bacterial Pathogens},
author = {Gatien Debailleul and Hugo Gatouillat and Dimitrios Chatzimpalasis and Matteo Chatteleyn and Petros Chronopoulos and Chrisanthi Nikoloudaki and Antigoni Vasilaki and Dimitra Kogiannou and Morgane Henry},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/11/7/389
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Debailleu-FISHES-28.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes11070389},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-13},
urldate = {2026-06-01},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {389},
abstract = {Beyond their role as fishmeal replacements in aquafeeds, insects may enhance fish resistance to microbial diseases and improve feed shelf life through the presence of antibacterial compounds. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts from silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori, BM), larval meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and superworm (Zophobas morio, ZM), and adults of house cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD), two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus, GB) and weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina, OS). The extracts were tested against ten Gram-negative marine bacterial pathogens associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks, as well as the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and solvent-soluble extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assays, turbidimetric growth kinetics, and MTT metabolic assays. Several insect extracts exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity. In particular, the aqueous extracts of BM and GB, the methanolic extract of HI, and the isopropanolic extracts of HI and OS were effective against multiple bacterial strains, including strains with reduced susceptibility to the reference antibiotics bacitracin, oxolinic acid, and streptomycin. These findings highlight the potential of HI, GB and especially OS as functional ingredients or feed additives for aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Beyond their role as fishmeal replacements in aquafeeds, insects may enhance fish resistance to microbial diseases and improve feed shelf life through the presence of antibacterial compounds. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts from silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori, BM), larval meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and superworm (Zophobas morio, ZM), and adults of house cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD), two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus, GB) and weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina, OS). The extracts were tested against ten Gram-negative marine bacterial pathogens associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks, as well as the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and solvent-soluble extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assays, turbidimetric growth kinetics, and MTT metabolic assays. Several insect extracts exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity. In particular, the aqueous extracts of BM and GB, the methanolic extract of HI, and the isopropanolic extracts of HI and OS were effective against multiple bacterial strains, including strains with reduced susceptibility to the reference antibiotics bacitracin, oxolinic acid, and streptomycin. These findings highlight the potential of HI, GB and especially OS as functional ingredients or feed additives for aquaculture.
18.
Noon, Vera; Koulouri, Panayota; Andriopoulou, Argiro; Mogias, Athanasios; Alvisi, Francesca; Pócsai, Anita; Albanese, Diego; Mifsud, Mark; Galdies, Johann; Scheurle, Carolyn; Mashkina, Olga
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 311–337, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_blueschoolsmed_2026,
title = {The BlueSchoolsMed Project Experience: An Overview of the Conception, Implementation, Evaluation, and Dissemination of the “Blue Challenges” within Mediterranean Schools},
author = {Vera Noon and Panayota Koulouri and Argiro Andriopoulou and Athanasios Mogias and Francesca Alvisi and Anita Pócsai and Diego Albanese and Mark Mifsud and Johann Galdies and Carolyn Scheurle and Olga Mashkina},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_17
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Noon-Volume-II-311-337-27.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_17},
isbn = {9783032144768 9783032144775},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-07},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
booktitle = {Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III},
pages = {311–337},
publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland},
address = {Cham},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
19.
Kennedy, Teresa J.
Amplifying Global Impact: Accelerating Communication, Technology, and Ocean Literacy Initiatives Book Section
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 1–23, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_amplifying_2026,
title = {Amplifying Global Impact: Accelerating Communication, Technology, and Ocean Literacy Initiatives},
author = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_1
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Noon-Volume-II-311-337-27.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_1},
isbn = {9783032144768 9783032144775},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-07},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
booktitle = {Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III},
pages = {1–23},
publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland},
address = {Cham},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
20.
Koulouri, Panayota; Mogias, Athanasios; Alvisi, Francesca; Cheimonopoulou, Maria; Mokos, Melita; Coral, Evelyn Paredes; Teege, Silja
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 137–154, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_blueminds4teachers_2026,
title = {BlueMinds4Teachers: The Chronicle of an EU4Ocean Project Fostering Ocean Literacy in Education for Sustainable Development},
author = {Panayota Koulouri and Athanasios Mogias and Francesca Alvisi and Maria Cheimonopoulou and Melita Mokos and Evelyn Paredes Coral and Silja Teege},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
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2026
Cascarano, Maria Chiara; Katharios, Pantelis; Padros, Francesc; Rodger, Hamish; Schmidt, Jacob Günther
Workshop: intracellular Bacterial pathogens Journal Article
In: Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, vol. 46, no. 1, 2026, ISSN: 3005-4648, 0108-0288.
@article{cascarano_workshop_2026,
title = {Workshop: intracellular Bacterial pathogens},
author = {Maria Chiara Cascarano and Pantelis Katharios and Francesc Padros and Hamish Rodger and Jacob Günther Schmidt},
url = {https://eafpbulletin.scholasticahq.com/article/166397-workshop-intracellular-bacterial-pathogens
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date = {2026-10-19},
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journal = {Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
abstract = {This report presents a resume of the workshop Intracellular bacterial pathogens held at the 22nd international conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, Heraklion, Greece, September 2025.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.},
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This report presents a resume of the workshop Intracellular bacterial pathogens held at the 22nd international conference on Diseases of Fish and Shellfish, Heraklion, Greece, September 2025.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.
Obligate intracellular pathogens (mainly Rickettsiales and Chlamydiales) as well as facultative intracellular are important fish pathogens that are responsible for a wide range of diseases affecting farmed fish, with significant variation in severity and economic impact. Their unique ability to invade and survive within host cells raises important issues related to pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, biosecurity, and therapeutics. Historically, these pathogens have been difficult or impossible to culture, limiting research largely to observations of pathological effects in infected hosts. However, recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have significantly improved our understanding of their biology, life cycles, and transmission. These developments offer promising new avenues for diagnostics, disease prevention, and management in aquaculture.
The workshop explored the latest research and insights on intracellular bacterial infections in aquatic species. Particular attention was given to diseases caused by obligate intracellular pathogens, such as the bacterium causing red mark syndrome and epitheliocystis-causing agents. Epitheliocystis, once thought to have a narrow range of causes, is now known to involve a diverse array of intracellular pathogens, including beta- and gamma-proteobacteria and various chlamydial species.
Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to invade, survive, and replicate within host cells, making them major causes of chronic and persistent diseases in fish. Their complex biology, frequent inability to be cultured, and increasing accessibility to genomic technologies are reshaping our understanding of host–pathogen interactions and providing new opportunities for improved diagnostics and disease control in aquaculture.
Of the facultative intracellular bacteria, a special focus was on Piscirickettsia salmonis – a well-known pathogen that has severely impacted the salmon farming industry, particularly in Chile, but is also found in other regions and species.
Increasing evidence suggests that Midichloria-like and other Rickettsia-like organisms contribute to inflammatory skin diseases in fish, although many aspects of their transmission and pathogenesis remain unresolved. Current findings point to a major role of host immune responses in lesion development and identify molecular approaches as key tools for clarifying the epidemiology and biology of these emerging diseases.
Epitheliocystis is a globally distributed intracellular gill disease caused by phylogenetically diverse bacteria that independently evolved similar intracellular lifestyles. Comparative genomics and histopathological studies reveal marked differences in virulence mechanisms and host responses among causative agents, emphasizing that epitheliocystis represents a spectrum of distinct host–pathogen interactions rather than a single disease entity.
Jørgensen, Lis L.; Atkinson, Lara; Chatzinikolaou, Evangelia; Dunham, Anya; Escobar, Elva; Frid, Chris; Gaurisas, Daniela Yepes; Glavovic, Bruce C.; Gottlieb, Hiroko Muraki; Griffiths, Huw J.; Guérin, Laurent; Hutchings, Pat; Idris, Izwandy; Kasic, Sebastian Herrera; Kourandeh, Mehdi Bolouki; Li, Hongjun; Logerwell, Elizabeth; Miranda, Marcel; Onyena, Amarachi; Pardal, André; Pavloudi, Christina; Przeslawski, Rachel; Rajakumar, Jayachandran Paravanparambil; Schepers, Lennert; Shojaei, Mehdi Ghodrati; Sink, Kerry; Stefanoudis, Paris; Tun, Karenne; Vandepitte, Leen; Watson, Gordon James; Zakharov, Denis
Marine benthic invertebrates. In: United Nations (2026). The Third World Ocean Assessment (WOA III) Book Chapter
In: vol. 4, Chapter 4, 2026.
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Sarropoulou, Elena; Grigoriou, Panos; Antoniou, Aglaia; Anastasiou, Thekla I.; Chatzinikolaou, Eva
Ocean warming and acidification reveal transcriptional plasticity in the gastropod Hexaplex trunculus Journal Article
In: Marine Environmental Research, vol. 222, pp. 108426, 2026, ISSN: 01411136.
@article{sarropoulou_ocean_2026,
title = {Ocean warming and acidification reveal transcriptional plasticity in the gastropod \textit{Hexaplex trunculus}},
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Prins, V.; Tedersoo, L.; Mikryukov, V.; Paiste, P.; Sepp, M.; Grossart, H.; Kisand, V.; Laas, A.; Tammert, H.; Abarenkov, Kessy; Agan, A.; Agasild, H.; Agha, R.; Alatalo, J.; Alvarez-Manjarrez, J.; Ameryk, A.; Anderson, J.; Anslan, S.; Antão-Geraldes, A.; Antosiak, A.; Funck, J. Arce; Arias-Real, R.; Ariyan, M.; Bahram, M.; Bansal, S.; Bao, R.; Beck, S.; Bernotas, P.; Berry, N.; Bertilsson, S.; Birnbaum, C.; Bonk, M.; Borges, A. V.; Botez, F.; Brearley, F. Q.; Brookes, J.; Bruno, D.; Budzyńska, A.; Bullerjahn, G.; Bundschuh, M.; Calheiros-Nogueira, B.; Calore, R.; Capelli, C.; Caputo, L.; Carballeira, R.; Chronis, I.; Čiampor, F.; Čiamporová-Zaťovičová, Z.; Craig, D.; Csabai, Z.; Cukrov, N.; Silva, L. Da; Eyto, E. De; Delgado, J.; Dimante-Deimantovica, I.; Domaizon, I.; Dondajewska-Pielka, R.; Dornan, T.; Drenkhan, R.; Drouillard, K.; Duarte, S.; Dulya, O.; Dzhulai, A.; Dziga, D.; Egeter, B.; Espenberg, M.; Färkkilä, S.; Fazi, S.; Feckler, A.; Fenoy, E.; Fernandes, I.; Ferreira, S.; Ferreira, V.; Fleituch, T.; Fornaroli, R.; Freiwald, A.; Frenken, T.; Gaffney, P.; García-Oliva, O.; Geara, H.; Gkelis, S.; Gohar, D.; Gołdyn, R.; Grandjean, F.; Gsell, A.; Gutiérrez-Cánovas, C.; Haase, P.; Hagh-Doust, N.; Harris, T.; Hashem, A.; Havens, S.; Heidari, B.; Higgins, S.; Moghaddam, M. Hosseyni; Ibrahim, A.; Jerinkić, D.; Jones, S.; Kagami, M.; Kahar, S.; Kangro, K.; Kariman, K.; Kataržytė, M.; Kepfer-Rojas, S.; Khan, H.; Knoll, L. B.; Knorrn, A.; Kõljalg, U.; Konstantinou, D.; Kotta, J.; Kowalczewska-Madura, K.; Kozak, A.; Kulawig, B.; Kupagme, J.; Kušan, I.; Laarmaa, R.; Laas, P.; Langenheder, S.; Lanzén, A.; Lateef, A.; Ligi, M.; Löffler, T.; Lortou, U.; Lujza, K.; MacConnell, T.; Maček, I.; Macreadie, P.; Maileht, K.; Marazzi, F.; Marcello, L.; Markovskaja, S.; Martin, A.; Martínez, S.; Mata, V.; Matočec, N.; McKay, R.; McKindles, K.; Mehrshad, M.; Menéndez, M.; Merino, N.; Mešić, A.; Moctar, S.; Moza, M.; Nõges, P.; Nõges, T.; O’Hanlon, R.; Öğlü, B.; Oja, J.; Okello, W.; Orav-Kotta, H.; Orr, P.; Osemwegie, I.; Padisák, J.; Pajunen, V.; Panou, M.; Papatheodoulou, A.; Pavlovska, M.; Pearman, J.; Pehlak, H.; Peng, X.; Pereira, A.; Pereira, R.; Pernecker, B.; Picazo, F.; Pinnow, S.; Pochekutova, P.; Põlme, S.; Pontevedra-Pombal, X.; Pošta, A.; Prekrasna-Kviatkovska, Y.; Pruuli, J.; Pruuli, M.; Pruuli, T.; Radoja, N.; Rahimlou, S.; Rannap, R.; Rasconi, S.; Rasmussen, A.; Remmers, W.; Reyes, L.; Rhodes, G.; Roe, C.; Rojas-Castillo, O.; Roslin, T.; Runnel, K.; Rusch, J.; Rybak, M.; Rychtecký, P.; Sahadevan, S.; Saitta, A.; Salehi-Najafabadi, A.; Santi, I.
The FunAqua dataset of global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems Journal Article
In: Scientific Data, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1346, 2026, ISSN: 2052-4463.
@article{prins_funaqua_2026,
title = {The FunAqua dataset of global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems},
author = {V. Prins and L. Tedersoo and V. Mikryukov and P. Paiste and M. Sepp and H. Grossart and V. Kisand and A. Laas and H. Tammert and Kessy Abarenkov and A. Agan and H. Agasild and R. Agha and J. Alatalo and J. Alvarez-Manjarrez and A. Ameryk and J. Anderson and S. Anslan and A. Antão-Geraldes and A. Antosiak and J. Arce Funck and R. Arias-Real and M. Ariyan and M. Bahram and S. Bansal and R. Bao and S. Beck and P. Bernotas and N. Berry and S. Bertilsson and C. Birnbaum and M. Bonk and A. V. Borges and F. Botez and F. Q. Brearley and J. Brookes and D. Bruno and A. Budzyńska and G. Bullerjahn and M. Bundschuh and B. Calheiros-Nogueira and R. Calore and C. Capelli and L. Caputo and R. Carballeira and I. Chronis and F. Čiampor and Z. Čiamporová-Zaťovičová and D. Craig and Z. Csabai and N. Cukrov and L. Da Silva and E. De Eyto and J. Delgado and I. Dimante-Deimantovica and I. Domaizon and R. Dondajewska-Pielka and T. Dornan and R. Drenkhan and K. Drouillard and S. Duarte and O. Dulya and A. Dzhulai and D. Dziga and B. Egeter and M. Espenberg and S. Färkkilä and S. Fazi and A. Feckler and E. Fenoy and I. Fernandes and S. Ferreira and V. Ferreira and T. Fleituch and R. Fornaroli and A. Freiwald and T. Frenken and P. Gaffney and O. García-Oliva and H. Geara and S. Gkelis and D. Gohar and R. Gołdyn and F. Grandjean and A. Gsell and C. Gutiérrez-Cánovas and P. Haase and N. Hagh-Doust and T. Harris and A. Hashem and S. Havens and B. Heidari and S. Higgins and M. Hosseyni Moghaddam and A. Ibrahim and D. Jerinkić and S. Jones and M. Kagami and S. Kahar and K. Kangro and K. Kariman and M. Kataržytė and S. Kepfer-Rojas and H. Khan and L. B. Knoll and A. Knorrn and U. Kõljalg and D. Konstantinou and J. Kotta and K. Kowalczewska-Madura and A. Kozak and B. Kulawig and J. Kupagme and I. Kušan and R. Laarmaa and P. Laas and S. Langenheder and A. Lanzén and A. Lateef and M. Ligi and T. Löffler and U. Lortou and K. Lujza and T. MacConnell and I. Maček and P. Macreadie and K. Maileht and F. Marazzi and L. Marcello and S. Markovskaja and A. Martin and S. Martínez and V. Mata and N. Matočec and R. McKay and K. McKindles and M. Mehrshad and M. Menéndez and N. Merino and A. Mešić and S. Moctar and M. Moza and P. Nõges and T. Nõges and R. O’Hanlon and B. Öğlü and J. Oja and W. Okello and H. Orav-Kotta and P. Orr and I. Osemwegie and J. Padisák and V. Pajunen and M. Panou and A. Papatheodoulou and M. Pavlovska and J. Pearman and H. Pehlak and X. Peng and A. Pereira and R. Pereira and B. Pernecker and F. Picazo and S. Pinnow and P. Pochekutova and S. Põlme and X. Pontevedra-Pombal and A. Pošta and Y. Prekrasna-Kviatkovska and J. Pruuli and M. Pruuli and T. Pruuli and N. Radoja and S. Rahimlou and R. Rannap and S. Rasconi and A. Rasmussen and W. Remmers and L. Reyes and G. Rhodes and C. Roe and O. Rojas-Castillo and T. Roslin and K. Runnel and J. Rusch and M. Rybak and P. Rychtecký and S. Sahadevan and A. Saitta and A. Salehi-Najafabadi and I. Santi},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-026-07729-8
/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-Prins-Sci-Data-40.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41597-026-07729-8},
issn = {2052-4463},
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date = {2026-10-05},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Scientific Data},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {1346},
abstract = {Abstract
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.},
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Abstract
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.
Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have accelerated research on aquatic microorganisms, their diversity, and ecological functions. This has also significantly advanced research on fungi that shape aquatic ecosystems and food webs. Here, we present the FunAqua dataset, which describes global fungal biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems based on eukaryotic long-read metabarcoding data from 1,076 sediment and 1,299 filtered water samples collected across 1,452 sampling sites in 87 countries. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. In total, 50,152 fungal OTUs were recorded. The sequencing data is accompanied by comprehensive sample metadata, including physicochemical data of water and sediments. The FunAqua dataset provides a new resource for analysing and better understanding the biodiversity of fungi in different types of aquatic habitats across biogeographical regions. The dataset described in this data paper will be periodically updated with additional metabarcoding data.
Mock, Thomas; Bilcke, Gust; Flaum, Eliott; Fu, Shunan; Hoch, Lilian; Moog, Kevin; Rijsdijk, Nadine; Ruck, Elizabeth C.; Bishop, Ian W.; Duchene, Carole; Gilbertson, Reuben; Hopes, Amanda; Johns, Christopher; Manfellotto, Francesco; Roberts, Wade R.; Belshaw, Nigel; Chandola, Udita; Chaerle, Peter; Chepurnova, Olga; Deleu, Daan; D’hondt, Sofie; Costanzo, Federica Di; Dudin, Omaya; Flori, Serena; Gaikwad, Trupti; Groisillier, Agnes; Hall, Andrea; Ji, Pengyu; Lavier-Aydat, Louis J.; Lewis, William H.; Menicot, Samuel; Pinseel, Eveline; Pottier, Eléonore; Sarkozi, Krisztina; Smerilli, Arianna; Strauss, Jan; Thierens, Sander; Toseland, Andrew; Touhami, Yousef; Utting, Robert; Bel, Michiel Van; Oosterhout, Cock Van; Wu, Yue; Yang, Feng; Allhusen, Erika; Bolton, John J.; Bowler, Chris; Brinkhoff, Thorsten; Poehlein, Anja; Brovarone, Tim; Chen, Nansheng; Clark, Greg; Clark, Matthew D.; Copetti, Dario; Cui, Zongmei; Deng, Beini; Jian, Jianbo; John, Uwe; Jungblut, Anne D.; Kang, JiHeon; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Lee, JunMo; Liu, Shuya; Mann, David G.; Medlin, Linda; Moulton, Vincent; Radojicic, Jelena; Sato, Shinya; Trobajo, Rosa; Wolf, Klara; Yamada, Norico; Ye, Naihao; Zhang, Libin; Zhuang, Yunyun; Dey, Gautam; Dato, Valeria Di; Helliwell, Katherine; Jaubert, Marianne; Kroth, Peter G.; Montresor, Marina; Romano, Giovanna; Rynearson, Tatiana A.; Talag, Jayson; Valentin, Klaus U.; Vincent, Flora; Waller, Ross F.; Wheeler, Glen; Alverson, Andrew J.; Barry, Kerrie; Boston, LoriBeth; Falciatore, Angela; Ferrante, Maria Immacolata; Guo, Jie; Grimwood, Jane; Hayes, Richard; Herdean, Andrei; Jenkins, Jerry; Kim, Min; Kooistra, Wiebe Hcf; Kuo, Alan; Lipzen, Anna; Poulsen, Nicole; Schmutz, Jeremy; Tirichine, Leïla; Vandepoele, Klaas; Verret, Frédéric; Vyverman, Wim; Grigoriev, Igor V.
The 100 Diatom Genomes Project Journal Article
In: PLOS Biology, vol. 24, no. 9, pp. e3003947, 2026, ISSN: 1545-7885.
@article{mock_100_2026,
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author = {Thomas Mock and Gust Bilcke and Eliott Flaum and Shunan Fu and Lilian Hoch and Kevin Moog and Nadine Rijsdijk and Elizabeth C. Ruck and Ian W. Bishop and Carole Duchene and Reuben Gilbertson and Amanda Hopes and Christopher Johns and Francesco Manfellotto and Wade R. Roberts and Nigel Belshaw and Udita Chandola and Peter Chaerle and Olga Chepurnova and Daan Deleu and Sofie D’hondt and Federica Di Costanzo and Omaya Dudin and Serena Flori and Trupti Gaikwad and Agnes Groisillier and Andrea Hall and Pengyu Ji and Louis J. Lavier-Aydat and William H. Lewis and Samuel Menicot and Eveline Pinseel and Eléonore Pottier and Krisztina Sarkozi and Arianna Smerilli and Jan Strauss and Sander Thierens and Andrew Toseland and Yousef Touhami and Robert Utting and Michiel Van Bel and Cock Van Oosterhout and Yue Wu and Feng Yang and Erika Allhusen and John J. Bolton and Chris Bowler and Thorsten Brinkhoff and Anja Poehlein and Tim Brovarone and Nansheng Chen and Greg Clark and Matthew D. Clark and Dario Copetti and Zongmei Cui and Beini Deng and Jianbo Jian and Uwe John and Anne D. Jungblut and JiHeon Kang and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and JunMo Lee and Shuya Liu and David G. Mann and Linda Medlin and Vincent Moulton and Jelena Radojicic and Shinya Sato and Rosa Trobajo and Klara Wolf and Norico Yamada and Naihao Ye and Libin Zhang and Yunyun Zhuang and Gautam Dey and Valeria Di Dato and Katherine Helliwell and Marianne Jaubert and Peter G. Kroth and Marina Montresor and Giovanna Romano and Tatiana A. Rynearson and Jayson Talag and Klaus U. Valentin and Flora Vincent and Ross F. Waller and Glen Wheeler and Andrew J. Alverson and Kerrie Barry and LoriBeth Boston and Angela Falciatore and Maria Immacolata Ferrante and Jie Guo and Jane Grimwood and Richard Hayes and Andrei Herdean and Jerry Jenkins and Min Kim and Wiebe Hcf Kooistra and Alan Kuo and Anna Lipzen and Nicole Poulsen and Jeremy Schmutz and Leïla Tirichine and Klaas Vandepoele and Frédéric Verret and Wim Vyverman and Igor V. Grigoriev},
url = {https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3003947
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Papandroulakis, Nikos
Mediterranean Aquaculture in a New Era of Challenges: Digital Transformation and Precision Fish Farming Journal Article
In: Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, vol. 46, no. 1, 2026, ISSN: 3005-4648, 0108-0288.
@article{papandroulakis_mediterranean_2026,
title = {Mediterranean Aquaculture in a New Era of Challenges: Digital Transformation and Precision Fish Farming},
author = {Nikos Papandroulakis},
url = {https://eafpbulletin.scholasticahq.com/article/165332-mediterranean-aquaculture-in-a-new-era-of-challenges-digital-transformation-and-precision-fish-farming
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papandroulakis-EAFP-38.pdf},
doi = {10.48045/001c.165332},
issn = {3005-4648, 0108-0288},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-23},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
abstract = {Mediterranean aquaculture is a strategic component of regional food production and the blue economy, supplying high-value marine species with a comparatively lower environmental footprint to many other animal protein systems. Yet the sector is entering a period of intensified pressure. Climate change, resource constraints, rising production costs, market competition, fragmented production structures, and increasingly complex regulatory demands are reshaping the conditions under which Mediterranean fish farming operates. At the same time, conventional husbandry practices remain heavily dependent on labor-intensive routines and limited observation of biological and environmental processes in open marine systems.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mediterranean aquaculture is a strategic component of regional food production and the blue economy, supplying high-value marine species with a comparatively lower environmental footprint to many other animal protein systems. Yet the sector is entering a period of intensified pressure. Climate change, resource constraints, rising production costs, market competition, fragmented production structures, and increasingly complex regulatory demands are reshaping the conditions under which Mediterranean fish farming operates. At the same time, conventional husbandry practices remain heavily dependent on labor-intensive routines and limited observation of biological and environmental processes in open marine systems.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
This paper examines how digital transformation and precision fish farming can support a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable Mediterranean aquaculture sector. After outlining the current characteristics of marine fish farming in the region, the paper discusses the main structural, environmental, and economic challenges affecting production. It then presents precision fish farming as a management paradigm based on continuous observation, reliable data collection, quantitative analysis, and timely decision-making. Key enabling technologies are reviewed, including sensor networks, cameras, Internet of Things systems, remote sensing, drones, remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles, automated feeding systems, artificial intelligence, decision support systems, and digital twins.
The paper also highlights current application areas such as environmental monitoring, forecasting and modeling, non-invasive monitoring of fish behavior and morphology, feeding optimization, site suitability analysis, and cage inspection. Particular attention is given to barriers to adoption, including investment cost, data quality, interoperability, capacity building, cybersecurity, data ownership, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The central argument is that digital transformation is no longer optional for Mediterranean aquaculture: it is becoming a prerequisite for adapting production systems to environmental uncertainty, improving operational performance, and strengthening long-term sustainability. However, successful implementation will depend not only on technology availability, but also on skills development, organizational readiness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Sala, Sofia Della; Papadimitriou, Vasiliki; Polymenakou, Paraskevi; Kutterolf, Steffen; Frieling, Joost; Pyle, David M.; Mather, Tamsin A.; Kilias, Stephanos; Jones, Christopher K.; Druitt, Tim; Preine, Jonas; Hübscher, Christian; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Koukousioura, Olga; Ronge, Thomas A.; Beethe, Sarah; Pank, Katharina; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Chiyonobu, Shun; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond; Manga, Michael; McCanta, Molly; McIntosh, Iona; Peccia, Ally; Tominaga, Masako; Yamamoto, Yuzuru; Woodhouse, Adam; Bernard, Alexis; Perez, Tatiana Fernandez; Joshi, Kumar Batuk; Kletetschka, Günther; Morris, Antony; Li, Xiaohui; Papanikolaou, Dimitrios
A prolonged hydrothermal past at Santorini Caldera revealed by sedimentary trace metal and microbial signatures Journal Article
In: Nature Communications, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 9398, 2026, ISSN: 2041-1723.
@article{della_sala_prolonged_2026,
title = {A prolonged hydrothermal past at Santorini Caldera revealed by sedimentary trace metal and microbial signatures},
author = {Sofia Della Sala and Vasiliki Papadimitriou and Paraskevi Polymenakou and Steffen Kutterolf and Joost Frieling and David M. Pyle and Tamsin A. Mather and Stephanos Kilias and Christopher K. Jones and Tim Druitt and Jonas Preine and Christian Hübscher and Paraskevi Nomikou and Olga Koukousioura and Thomas A. Ronge and Sarah Beethe and Katharina Pank and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Shun Chiyonobu and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond Johnston and Michael Manga and Molly McCanta and Iona McIntosh and Ally Peccia and Masako Tominaga and Yuzuru Yamamoto and Adam Woodhouse and Alexis Bernard and Tatiana Fernandez Perez and Kumar Batuk Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Antony Morris and Xiaohui Li and Dimitrios Papanikolaou},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-75931-8
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papadimitriou-IODP-37.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-026-75931-8},
issn = {2041-1723},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-21},
urldate = {2026-08-01},
journal = {Nature Communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {9398},
abstract = {Abstract
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.
Hydrothermal systems in volcanic calderas are critical in signalling volcanic unrest, forming ore deposits, and sustaining chemosynthetic microorganisms. Analysis of a textasciitilde3500-year sequence of sediments collected from the Santorini caldera, Greece, during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398 reveals the behaviour of a prolonged paleo-hydrothermal system. Sediment geochemical and metagenomic data record vigorous hydrothermal activity and metal fluxes for textasciitilde1100 years, within a 2270-year window between two major eruptions. Sediment hydrothermally-derived trace metals are significantly enriched over background (textasciitilde200-fold for As and Hg, and 10–50-fold for Mn, Sb, Mo, and V), with long-term metal fluxes (9 t yr
−1
As, 2.5 t yr
−1
Cu, 7 kg yr
−1
Ag) comparable to fluxes from present-day geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Metagenomic analysis identifies elevated metal resistance genes—signals of microbial adaptation to heightened hydrothermal stressors. Here we integrate geological and genomic evidence to decipher the paleoenvironmental and biogeochemical history of the past hydrothermal system at Santorini caldera.
Pistevos, Jennifer; Zenetos, Argyro; Stranga, Yolanda; Teaca, Adrian; Begun, Tatiana; Trkov, Domen; Langeneck, Joachim; Gerakaris, Vasilis; Issaris, Yiannis; Lardi, Polytimi-Ioli; Oikonomidis, George; Salomidi, Maria; Tsirintanis, Konstantinos; Kleitou, Periklis; Constantinou, George; Michail, Christina; Bariche, Michel Michel; Deidun, Alan; Marrone, Alessio; Ragkousis, Michail; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Nash, Fiona; Digenis, Evangelos Markos Papadimitriou; Skolka, Marius; Stefanova, Kremena; Fortič, Ana; Garcia, Maria; Dailianis, Thanos; Rallis, Ioannis; Evans, Julian; Altamirano, Maria; Rousou, Maria; Orenes-Salazar, Víctor; Bonifazi, Andrea; Hadjioannou, Louis; Vlantaridis, Maria Zois ND Zotou; Azzurro, Ernesto; Schembri, Patrick; Tiralongo, Francesco; Chatzigeorgiou, Georgios; Lorenzo, Manfredi Di; Fernandez, Maria; Franco, Antonio Di; Orlando-Bonaca, Martina; Calò, Antonio; Malefaki, Christina; García-Charton, Jose Antonio; Papadakis, Orestis; Nikolaou, Athanasios; Gkoulia, Andromachi; Ramos-Esplà, Alfonso; Mannino, Anna Maria; Dimichele, Desirèe; Spinelli, Simone; Martínez, Elisa; Tursi, Andrea; Capasso, Annalisa; Christidis, Georgios; Solca, Michele; Rifi, Mouna; Zrelli, Radhouan El; Bouhlel, Ramla; Scalera, Riccardo; Bandi, Ada; Reboa, Anna; Mazaris, Antonios; Iziani, Ibrahim; Anastasopoulou, Iro; Kavakakis, Konstantinos; Scavino, Leonardo; Merotto, Lorenzo; Yankova, Maria; Montefalcone, Monica; Leban, Neža; Ungaro, Nicola; Mariottini, Paolo; Perry, Allison; Stavrou, Petros; Mazzella, Valerio; Raykov, Violin; Ferrario, Jasmine; Stamouli, Caterina; Siapatis, Apostolos; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Bommarito, Claudia; Milisenda, Giacomo; Somma, Emanuele; Russo, Stefania; et.al, Stelios Katsanevakis
Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species (III) Journal Article
In: BioInvasions Records, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 533–572, 2026, ISSN: 22421300.
@article{pistevos_unpublished_2026,
title = {Unpublished Mediterranean and Black Sea records of marine alien, cryptogenic, and neonative species (III)},
author = {Jennifer Pistevos and Argyro Zenetos and Yolanda Stranga and Adrian Teaca and Tatiana Begun and Domen Trkov and Joachim Langeneck and Vasilis Gerakaris and Yiannis Issaris and Polytimi-Ioli Lardi and George Oikonomidis and Maria Salomidi and Konstantinos Tsirintanis and Periklis Kleitou and George Constantinou and Christina Michail and Michel Michel Bariche and Alan Deidun and Alessio Marrone and Michail Ragkousis and Grigorios Skouradakis and Fiona Nash and Evangelos Markos Papadimitriou Digenis and Marius Skolka and Kremena Stefanova and Ana Fortič and Maria Garcia and Thanos Dailianis and Ioannis Rallis and Julian Evans and Maria Altamirano and Maria Rousou and Víctor Orenes-Salazar and Andrea Bonifazi and Louis Hadjioannou and Maria Zois ND Zotou Vlantaridis and Ernesto Azzurro and Patrick Schembri and Francesco Tiralongo and Georgios Chatzigeorgiou and Manfredi Di Lorenzo and Maria Fernandez and Antonio Di Franco and Martina Orlando-Bonaca and Antonio Calò and Christina Malefaki and Jose Antonio García-Charton and Orestis Papadakis and Athanasios Nikolaou and Andromachi Gkoulia and Alfonso Ramos-Esplà and Anna Maria Mannino and Desirèe Dimichele and Simone Spinelli and Elisa Martínez and Andrea Tursi and Annalisa Capasso and Georgios Christidis and Michele Solca and Mouna Rifi and Radhouan El Zrelli and Ramla Bouhlel and Riccardo Scalera and Ada Bandi and Anna Reboa and Antonios Mazaris and Ibrahim Iziani and Iro Anastasopoulou and Konstantinos Kavakakis and Leonardo Scavino and Lorenzo Merotto and Maria Yankova and Monica Montefalcone and Neža Leban and Nicola Ungaro and Paolo Mariottini and Allison Perry and Petros Stavrou and Valerio Mazzella and Violin Raykov and Jasmine Ferrario and Caterina Stamouli and Apostolos Siapatis and Emmanouela Vernadou and Claudia Bommarito and Giacomo Milisenda and Emanuele Somma and Stefania Russo and Stelios Katsanevakis et.al},
url = {https://www.reabic.net/journals/bir/2026/3/BIR_2026_Pistevos_etal.pdf
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Pistevos-BIR-36.pdf},
doi = {10.3391/bir.2026.15.3.01},
issn = {22421300},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-18},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {BioInvasions Records},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {533–572},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Chehida, Selim Ben; Samaras, Athanasios; Krick, Madoka V.; Dimitroglou, Arkadios; Desmarais, Erick; Papaharisis, Leonidas; Pavlidis, Michail; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S.; Guinand, Bruno
Epigenomic patterns in fish with divergent cortisol reactivity Journal Article
In: Physiological Genomics, vol. 58, no. 9, pp. 428–445, 2026, ISSN: 1094-8341, 1531-2267.
@article{ben_chehida_epigenomic_2026,
title = {Epigenomic patterns in fish with divergent cortisol reactivity},
author = {Selim Ben Chehida and Athanasios Samaras and Madoka V. Krick and Arkadios Dimitroglou and Erick Desmarais and Leonidas Papaharisis and Michail Pavlidis and Costas S. Tsigenopoulos and Bruno Guinand},
url = {https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00298.2025
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Ben-Chehida-PhyGen-35.pdf},
doi = {10.1152/physiolgenomics.00298.2025},
issn = {1094-8341, 1531-2267},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-09},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Physiological Genomics},
volume = {58},
number = {9},
pages = {428–445},
abstract = {The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
,
Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, bind to receptors in most tissues, triggering a stress response that enables individuals to adapt to stressors physiologically and behaviorally. GC signaling has been associated with plastic, stress-induced epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic profiles of individuals with divergent cortisol reactivity before and after a common challenge test have rarely been considered. Cortisol levels were measured in the blood plasma of 400 European seabass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) to select 80 individuals exhibiting low- and high-responsiveness phenotypes. Weight, lysozyme activity, and plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured. The methylome of blood samples from these individuals was investigated at 41,132 CpG positions before and after a 3-mo stress challenge test. We identified 273 differentially methylated cytosines, which mapped to 159 annotated differentially methylated genes (DMGs). We categorized differential methylation as “constitutive” or “induced,” distinguishing between the two phenotypes in pre- and post-stress situations, respectively. Methylation observed at DMGs may also remain hypo- or hypermethylated in both contexts; however, seven of these showed a rewiring from hypo- to hypermethylation. Many DMGs are relevant to GC signaling, connecting to the non-genomic and genomic actions of cortisol. They can be considered as stress biomarkers monitored in the blood of this highly-prized species. Although our current study has limitations, we demonstrate the potential of a genome-wide epigenetic approach to studying endocrine divergence between stress-responsive fish phenotypes.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The association of DNA methylation with glucocorticoid signaling has attracted considerable interest. However, studies investigating genome-wide methylation differences in individuals with different cortisol responses before and after exposure to stress have been overlooked. Here, we demonstrate that the blood methylomes of fish with distinct cortisol responsiveness exhibit distinct pre-and post-stress methylation profiles, indicative of the cellular and organismal actions of cortisol possibly triggering the adaptive stress response of each phenotype in the face of stress.
Papadouli, Christina; Vardali, Sofia; Karatzinos, Theodoros; Lykotrafitis, Fotis; Maniaki, Myrto; Panagiotaki, Panagiota; Rigos, George; Nengas, Ioannis; Henry, Morgane; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Chronopoulos, Petros; Golomazou, Eleni
Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin B1 in Gilthead Seabream Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Hematology, Immunology, and Histopathology Journal Article
In: Biomolecules, vol. 16, no. 9, pp. 1258, 2026, ISSN: 2218-273X.
@article{papadouli_deoxynivalenol_2026,
title = {Deoxynivalenol and Fumonisin B1 in Gilthead Seabream Diets: Impact on Growth Performance, Hematology, Immunology, and Histopathology},
author = {Christina Papadouli and Sofia Vardali and Theodoros Karatzinos and Fotis Lykotrafitis and Myrto Maniaki and Panagiota Panagiotaki and George Rigos and Ioannis Nengas and Morgane Henry and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Dimitra Kogiannou and Petros Chronopoulos and Eleni Golomazou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/9/1258
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Papadouli-biomolecules-34.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/biom16091258},
issn = {2218-273X},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-07},
urldate = {2026-08-01},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {1258},
abstract = {As aquafeed formulations include more plant-based materials, mycotoxin contamination is becoming relevant for fish farming. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) frequently occur in fish feeds and may impair fish performance and health. This study evaluated the impact of DON and FB1 on growth and health parameters in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were fed ad libitum for seven weeks with six diets assessed in triplicate: DON A (300 ppb), DON B (2000 ppb), DON C (5000 ppb), FB1 A (5 ppb), FB1 B (10 ppb), FB1 C (40 ppb). The highest contamination levels significantly reduced feed intake, body weight, total length, and biomass, while body weight was also reduced in the lowest FB1 treatment. The feed conversion ratio increased in exposed fish, whereas the specific growth rate decreased in DON B, DON C, FB1 A, and FB1 C. Both mycotoxins altered hematological profiles, immune-related enzymatic activities, and liver morphology. DNA damage increased with exposure level and was greatest at the highest DON concentration. Overall, this study shows that short-term dietary exposure can impair seabream performance and health, supporting stricter mycotoxin monitoring in fish feeds and research on chronic exposure, recovery, and species-specific safety thresholds.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
As aquafeed formulations include more plant-based materials, mycotoxin contamination is becoming relevant for fish farming. Deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) frequently occur in fish feeds and may impair fish performance and health. This study evaluated the impact of DON and FB1 on growth and health parameters in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were fed ad libitum for seven weeks with six diets assessed in triplicate: DON A (300 ppb), DON B (2000 ppb), DON C (5000 ppb), FB1 A (5 ppb), FB1 B (10 ppb), FB1 C (40 ppb). The highest contamination levels significantly reduced feed intake, body weight, total length, and biomass, while body weight was also reduced in the lowest FB1 treatment. The feed conversion ratio increased in exposed fish, whereas the specific growth rate decreased in DON B, DON C, FB1 A, and FB1 C. Both mycotoxins altered hematological profiles, immune-related enzymatic activities, and liver morphology. DNA damage increased with exposure level and was greatest at the highest DON concentration. Overall, this study shows that short-term dietary exposure can impair seabream performance and health, supporting stricter mycotoxin monitoring in fish feeds and research on chronic exposure, recovery, and species-specific safety thresholds.
Bottacini, Davide; Ridder, Marije; Bathow, Emil; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Dailianis, Thanos; Mastoraki, Maria; Chatzifotis, Stavros; Kotrschal, Alexander
Lionfish ( Pterois miles ) blow directed jets of water to manipulate prey behavior Journal Article
In: Behavioral Ecology, vol. 37, no. 5, pp. arag087, 2026, ISSN: 1045-2249, 1465-7279.
@article{bottacini_lionfish_2026,
title = {Lionfish ( \textit{Pterois miles} ) blow directed jets of water to manipulate prey behavior},
author = {Davide Bottacini and Marije Ridder and Emil Bathow and Grigorios Skouradakis and Thanos Dailianis and Maria Mastoraki and Stavros Chatzifotis and Alexander Kotrschal},
editor = {Chiara Benvenuto},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/doi/10.1093/beheco/arag087/8741288
/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-Botachini-BehEco-33.pdf},
doi = {10.1093/beheco/arag087},
issn = {1045-2249, 1465-7279},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-02},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Behavioral Ecology},
volume = {37},
number = {5},
pages = {arag087},
abstract = {Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.
Predation is pervasive in the natural world and shapes evolution of predators and prey. Numerous behavioral adaptations allow predators to manipulate prey behavior, resulting in higher success in predator–prey interactions. The lionfishes Pterois miles and Pterois volitans are highly effective predators and their invasiveness is attributed to their high hunting success. How lionfish attain such a high predation effectiveness remains enigmatic. Lionfish are stalking predators and show a peculiar behavior while approaching their prey fishes: they actively blow directed jets of water at them. This is the only known example of a predator blowing jets of water at mobile prey underwater. The causes and consequences of jet-blowing remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that lionfish use jets of water to re-orientate their prey and facilitate head-first capture. We conducted 2 separate experiments with 2 different groups of lionfish and prey species. We show that lionfish catch more prey head-first when blowing and that prey exposed to jets orientate towards an approaching lionfish, with smaller lionfish being more likely to blow. However, blowing was not determined by the initial orientation of prey and was largely driven by lionfish size. In addition, in one of the experiments, blowing lionfish struck from a further distance, possibly due to prey swimming towards them in response to blowing. Our results show that jet-blowing allows lionfish to manipulate the behavior of their prey by re-orientating them to facilitate swallowing, providing the first evidence that jet-blowing can be used to manipulate the behavior of mobile prey.
Zhang, Xiaodong; Cheung, Shunyan; Chan, Hoi Yau; Lee, Sangwook Scott; Santi, Ioulia; Pitta, Paraskevi; Chen, Jiawei; Liu, Hongbin
Does nutrient scarcity select for Synechococcus clade III in the Mediterranean Sea? Journal Article
In: Limnology and Oceanography Letters, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. e70175, 2026, ISSN: 2378-2242, 2378-2242.
@article{zhang_does_2026b,
title = {Does nutrient scarcity select for \textit{Synechococcus clade} III in the Mediterranean Sea?},
author = {Xiaodong Zhang and Shunyan Cheung and Hoi Yau Chan and Sangwook Scott Lee and Ioulia Santi and Paraskevi Pitta and Jiawei Chen and Hongbin Liu},
url = {https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lol2.70175
/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Limnol-Oceanogr-Letters-2026-Zhang-Does-nutrient-scarcity-select-for-Synechococcus-clade-III-in-the-Mediterranean-Sea.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/lol2.70175},
issn = {2378-2242, 2378-2242},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-09-01},
urldate = {2026-09-01},
journal = {Limnology and Oceanography Letters},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {e70175},
abstract = {Abstract
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.
Synechococcus
inhabit both nutrient‐rich estuaries and oligotrophic waters, yet exhibit distinct niche segregation across phylogenetic clades. Previous studies indicated clade III predominated in the ultraoligotrophic Mediterranean Sea. However, the mechanisms underlying clade III's dominance over other clades in ultraoligotrophic waters remain unclear. Here, we measured bulk and clade‐specific growth rates of
Synechococcus
using a dilution approach during a mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Clade III exhibited higher growth rates than competing clades and competitive superiority for limited nutrients in mesocosms amended with ammonium and phosphate. Genomic analyses revealed clade III possessed more nitrogen/phosphorus transporters than other clades (except clade VIII and S5.2), which may contribute to their competitive advantage in ultraoligotrophic conditions. Compared to clade VIII/S5.2, clade III's lower GC content and smaller genome size are consistent with adaptation to oligotrophic systems. The unique adaptive genomic traits of clade III
Synechococcus
may facilitate their ecological success in ultraoligotrophic waters.
Henry, Morgane A.; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Mastoraki, Maria; Chronopoulos, Petros; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Nikoloudaki, Chrisanthi; Theillier, Eloise; Chatteleyn, Matteo; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T.
In: Fishes, vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 444, 2026, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{henry_effects_2026,
title = {Effects of Fish Oil and Microalgae Finishing Diets on Fillet Fatty Acid Recovery, Liver and Intestine Histology, and Innate Immune Parameters of European Sea Bass (\textit{Dicentrarchus labrax}) Fed with Rapeseed Oil},
author = {Morgane A. Henry and Eleni Fountoulaki and Maria Mastoraki and Petros Chronopoulos and Dimitra Kogiannou and Antigoni Vasilaki and Chrisanthi Nikoloudaki and Eloise Theillier and Matteo Chatteleyn and Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/11/8/444
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Henry-FISHES-32.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes11080444},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-30},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {444},
abstract = {This study evaluated the use of finishing diets to reduce fish oil (FO) inclusion in European sea bass feeds while preserving fillet quality and n-3 fatty acid content. Fish (197 g) were fed for 25 weeks with a control FO diet, based on 9% FO and 6% plant oil, or diets where 6% FO was replaced by rapeseed oil (RO) or microalgae (AO; Nannochloropsis sp. and Schizochytrium sp.). After 13 weeks, 2 groups of fish fed the RO diet were switched to the FO or AO finishing diets for the final 12 weeks. Growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and health were unaffected by dietary treatments. However, long-term RO feeding reduced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and increased monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids compared to fish fed AO or FO. A 12-wk FO finishing diets shifted morphometric traits, fatty acid profiles, liver histology, and overall fish quality of fish previously fed with RO toward those of fish continuously fed FO, whereas the AO finishing diet produced a smaller shift. Longer finishing periods may further enhance fillet quality when using microalgae-based oils.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study evaluated the use of finishing diets to reduce fish oil (FO) inclusion in European sea bass feeds while preserving fillet quality and n-3 fatty acid content. Fish (197 g) were fed for 25 weeks with a control FO diet, based on 9% FO and 6% plant oil, or diets where 6% FO was replaced by rapeseed oil (RO) or microalgae (AO; Nannochloropsis sp. and Schizochytrium sp.). After 13 weeks, 2 groups of fish fed the RO diet were switched to the FO or AO finishing diets for the final 12 weeks. Growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and health were unaffected by dietary treatments. However, long-term RO feeding reduced eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and increased monounsaturated and n-6 fatty acids compared to fish fed AO or FO. A 12-wk FO finishing diets shifted morphometric traits, fatty acid profiles, liver histology, and overall fish quality of fish previously fed with RO toward those of fish continuously fed FO, whereas the AO finishing diet produced a smaller shift. Longer finishing periods may further enhance fillet quality when using microalgae-based oils.
Maidanou, Maria; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Koulouri, Panayota
Soft-bottom macrobenthic communities of the coastal marine ecosystem of Chrysi Island (southeast coast of Crete, Greece) Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e202544, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{maidanou_soft-bottom_2026,
title = {Soft-bottom macrobenthic communities of the coastal marine ecosystem of Chrysi Island (southeast coast of Crete, Greece)},
author = {Maria Maidanou and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Panayota Koulouri},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/202544/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Maidanou-BDJ-31.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e202544},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-24},
urldate = {2026-07-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e202544},
abstract = {Chrysi Island, an area also including the island of Mikronisi, is located in the southeast of Crete (Greece, eastern Mediterranean). It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 network (GR4320003), renowned for its diverse marine environment. However, this coastal marine ecosystem, primarily influenced by strong hydrodynamism and characterised by oligotrophy, has never been studied before despite the presence of diverse habitats, such as subtidal rocky reefs associated with communities of macroalgae and sandy soft bottoms covered by \textit{ Posidonia oceanica } beds. Amongst the key biological components of this ecosystem, soft-bottom macrobenthic communities are important indicators of environmental stress and human-induced disturbances particularly in the Mediterranean biodiversity and climate-change hotspot.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Chrysi Island, an area also including the island of Mikronisi, is located in the southeast of Crete (Greece, eastern Mediterranean). It is a protected ecosystem within the Natura 2000 network (GR4320003), renowned for its diverse marine environment. However, this coastal marine ecosystem, primarily influenced by strong hydrodynamism and characterised by oligotrophy, has never been studied before despite the presence of diverse habitats, such as subtidal rocky reefs associated with communities of macroalgae and sandy soft bottoms covered by Posidonia oceanica beds. Amongst the key biological components of this ecosystem, soft-bottom macrobenthic communities are important indicators of environmental stress and human-induced disturbances particularly in the Mediterranean biodiversity and climate-change hotspot.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.
The present study investigates for the first time the shallow marine environment surrounding the islands of Chrysi and Mikronisi focusing on composition, diversity and distribution patterns of macrobenthic communities inhabiting the sandy soft-bottom sediments, aiming to address one of the important knowledge gaps of the study area. The outcomes of this study are expected to support ongoing conservation efforts and contribute to informed management strategies for safeguarding this coastal marine ecosystem.
A total of eleven sampling stations were established around Chrysi and Mikronisi islands, covering depths ranging from approximately 10 to 30 m and soft substrates consisting mainly of 60 to 90% coarse sand (Koulouri et al. 2023). Sampling was conducted during the spring of 2023 (from 04-23 to 05-01) and funded by the Region of Crete (sub-regional Unit of Lasithi). Soft-bottom sediment samples were collected using standardised benthic sampling procedures and subsequently processed for macrobenthic analysis.
All organisms retained were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. In total, 588 individuals were recorded, representing 80 distinct taxa distributed across five major macrobenthic groups: the phyla Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata and a group categorised as “Others”. Amongst these, the class of Malacostraca of the phylum Arthropoda emerged as the most abundant and dominant group across all sampling stations.
Loukas, Alexios; Kalaentzis, Konstantinos; Venetsianou, Nefeli Kleopatra; Damianou, Christina; Paragkamian, Savvas; Lagani, Vincenzo; Jensen, Lars Juhl; Pafilis, Evangelos
CCMRI: a classification and curated database of climate change-related microbiome studies Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 20829, 2026, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{loukas_ccmri_2026,
title = {CCMRI: a classification and curated database of climate change-related microbiome studies},
author = {Alexios Loukas and Konstantinos Kalaentzis and Nefeli Kleopatra Venetsianou and Christina Damianou and Savvas Paragkamian and Vincenzo Lagani and Lars Juhl Jensen and Evangelos Pafilis},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-51914-z
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Loukas-SciReports-30.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-51914-z},
issn = {2045-2322},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-23},
urldate = {2026-05-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {20829},
abstract = {Abstract
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.
Climate Change (CC) is reshaping all ecosystem processes and structures. Microbial data provide valuable insights into how microbial processes contribute to CC and how CC, in turn, alters microbial communities. However, the growing volume of environmental genomics data makes identifying CC-related records challenging. The Climate Change Metagenomic Record Index (CCMRI) has been developed to harvest metagenomic/microbiome records pertaining to CC and to provide researchers with a curated database of CC-related microbiome studies (
https://ccmri.hcmr.gr
). To guide interpretation, the database’s 169 metagenomic studies have been labelled according to their relation to CC as CC-caused, CC-causing, and CC-mitigating. They have also been annotated with the CC phenomena they explore, like methane production, temperature rise, permafrost thawing, greenhouse gas emission, methanotrophy, and ocean acidification. To ease navigation, they have also been classified according to their biome as aquatic, terrestrial, host-associated, and engineered. The CCMRI database was initially constructed through manual curation of all aquatic and terrestrial studies in the MGnify resource. It was then expanded with the help of the CCMRI curation-assistant system. This leveraged Large Language Models to scan the remaining MGnify studies, filtered them for relevance, and proposed candidates for inclusion. With a recall greater than 90%, the system achieved high accuracy in identifying CC-related studies. The final decisions on CC-relatedness and categorization were performed by a human curator. This approach combines the efficiency of automation with human oversight and greatly reduces the curation effort, ensuring sustainability and scalability.
Sebahi, Rahma; Verret, Frédéric; Mandalakis, Manolis; Hamed, Mohamed Bey Baba
In: Applied Phycology, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 2671068, 2026, ISSN: 2638-8081.
@article{sebahi_enhanced_2026,
title = {Enhanced carotenoid production in a novel \textit{Chlorella vulgaris} isolate under nitrogen limitation: dynamics of pigment diversity across growth phases},
author = {Rahma Sebahi and Frédéric Verret and Manolis Mandalakis and Mohamed Bey Baba Hamed},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/26388081.2026.2671068
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Sebahi-Applied-Phycology-29.pdf
},
doi = {10.1080/26388081.2026.2671068},
issn = {2638-8081},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-16},
urldate = {2026-07-16},
journal = {Applied Phycology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {2671068},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Debailleul, Gatien; Gatouillat, Hugo; Chatzimpalasis, Dimitrios; Chatteleyn, Matteo; Chronopoulos, Petros; Nikoloudaki, Chrisanthi; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Henry, Morgane
Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from Seven Insect Species Against Mediterranean Marine Aquaculture Bacterial Pathogens Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 11, no. 7, pp. 389, 2026, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{debailleul_antibacterial_2026,
title = {Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from Seven Insect Species Against Mediterranean Marine Aquaculture Bacterial Pathogens},
author = {Gatien Debailleul and Hugo Gatouillat and Dimitrios Chatzimpalasis and Matteo Chatteleyn and Petros Chronopoulos and Chrisanthi Nikoloudaki and Antigoni Vasilaki and Dimitra Kogiannou and Morgane Henry},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/11/7/389
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Debailleu-FISHES-28.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes11070389},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-13},
urldate = {2026-06-01},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {389},
abstract = {Beyond their role as fishmeal replacements in aquafeeds, insects may enhance fish resistance to microbial diseases and improve feed shelf life through the presence of antibacterial compounds. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts from silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori, BM), larval meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and superworm (Zophobas morio, ZM), and adults of house cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD), two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus, GB) and weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina, OS). The extracts were tested against ten Gram-negative marine bacterial pathogens associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks, as well as the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and solvent-soluble extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assays, turbidimetric growth kinetics, and MTT metabolic assays. Several insect extracts exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity. In particular, the aqueous extracts of BM and GB, the methanolic extract of HI, and the isopropanolic extracts of HI and OS were effective against multiple bacterial strains, including strains with reduced susceptibility to the reference antibiotics bacitracin, oxolinic acid, and streptomycin. These findings highlight the potential of HI, GB and especially OS as functional ingredients or feed additives for aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Beyond their role as fishmeal replacements in aquafeeds, insects may enhance fish resistance to microbial diseases and improve feed shelf life through the presence of antibacterial compounds. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of extracts from silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori, BM), larval meals of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI), mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, TM), and superworm (Zophobas morio, ZM), and adults of house cricket (Acheta domesticus, AD), two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus, GB) and weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina, OS). The extracts were tested against ten Gram-negative marine bacterial pathogens associated with aquaculture disease outbreaks, as well as the Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. The antibacterial activity of aqueous and solvent-soluble extracts was assessed using agar diffusion assays, turbidimetric growth kinetics, and MTT metabolic assays. Several insect extracts exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity. In particular, the aqueous extracts of BM and GB, the methanolic extract of HI, and the isopropanolic extracts of HI and OS were effective against multiple bacterial strains, including strains with reduced susceptibility to the reference antibiotics bacitracin, oxolinic acid, and streptomycin. These findings highlight the potential of HI, GB and especially OS as functional ingredients or feed additives for aquaculture.
Kennedy, Teresa J.
Amplifying Global Impact: Accelerating Communication, Technology, and Ocean Literacy Initiatives Book Section
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 1–23, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_amplifying_2026,
title = {Amplifying Global Impact: Accelerating Communication, Technology, and Ocean Literacy Initiatives},
author = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_1
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Noon-Volume-II-311-337-27.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_1},
isbn = {9783032144768 9783032144775},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-07},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
booktitle = {Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III},
pages = {1–23},
publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland},
address = {Cham},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {incollection}
}
Koulouri, Panayota; Mogias, Athanasios; Alvisi, Francesca; Cheimonopoulou, Maria; Mokos, Melita; Coral, Evelyn Paredes; Teege, Silja
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 137–154, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_blueminds4teachers_2026,
title = {BlueMinds4Teachers: The Chronicle of an EU4Ocean Project Fostering Ocean Literacy in Education for Sustainable Development},
author = {Panayota Koulouri and Athanasios Mogias and Francesca Alvisi and Maria Cheimonopoulou and Melita Mokos and Evelyn Paredes Coral and Silja Teege},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_8
/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Koulouri-Volume-II-137-154-26.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-032-14477-5_8},
isbn = {9783032144768 9783032144775},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-07-07},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
booktitle = {Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III},
pages = {137–154},
publisher = {Springer Nature Switzerland},
address = {Cham},
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Noon, Vera; Koulouri, Panayota; Andriopoulou, Argiro; Mogias, Athanasios; Alvisi, Francesca; Pócsai, Anita; Albanese, Diego; Mifsud, Mark; Galdies, Johann; Scheurle, Carolyn; Mashkina, Olga
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume III, pp. 311–337, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032144768 9783032144775.
@incollection{kennedy_blueschoolsmed_2026,
title = {The BlueSchoolsMed Project Experience: An Overview of the Conception, Implementation, Evaluation, and Dissemination of the “Blue Challenges” within Mediterranean Schools},
author = {Vera Noon and Panayota Koulouri and Argiro Andriopoulou and Athanasios Mogias and Francesca Alvisi and Anita Pócsai and Diego Albanese and Mark Mifsud and Johann Galdies and Carolyn Scheurle and Olga Mashkina},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
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Eparkhina, Dina; Banchi, Elisa; Borja, Ángel; Canu, Donata; Ezgeta-Balić, Daria; Giusta, Elena; King, Andrew; Koulouri, Panayota; Locritani, Marina; Zeichen, Marta Manca; Pomaro, Angela; Petrera, Francesca; Uyarra, Maria C.; Valestrand, Louise
Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering Scientists as Ocean Advocates Book Section
In: Kennedy, Teresa J. (Ed.): Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade, Volume I, pp. 305–330, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783031981449 9783031981456.
@incollection{kennedy_scientists_2026,
title = {Scientists for Ocean Literacy: Empowering Scientists as Ocean Advocates},
author = {Dina Eparkhina and Elisa Banchi and Ángel Borja and Donata Canu and Daria Ezgeta-Balić and Elena Giusta and Andrew King and Panayota Koulouri and Marina Locritani and Marta Manca Zeichen and Angela Pomaro and Francesca Petrera and Maria C. Uyarra and Louise Valestrand},
editor = {Teresa J. Kennedy},
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Kotsakiozi, Panayiota; Parmakelis, Aristeidis; Marco, Moreno Di; Radea, Canella; Karoumpali, Marina; Stoumboudi, Maria; Sarropoulou, Elena
Assessing the intrinsic correlates of extinction risk in European freshwater gastropods Journal Article
In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. 148, no. 2, pp. blag028, 2026, ISSN: 0024-4066, 1095-8312.
@article{kotsakiozi_assessing_2026,
title = {Assessing the intrinsic correlates of extinction risk in European freshwater gastropods},
author = {Panayiota Kotsakiozi and Aristeidis Parmakelis and Moreno Di Marco and Canella Radea and Marina Karoumpali and Maria Stoumboudi and Elena Sarropoulou},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/doi/10.1093/biolinnean/blag028/8707150
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year = {2026},
date = {2026-06-18},
urldate = {2026-06-17},
journal = {Biological Journal of the Linnean Society},
volume = {148},
number = {2},
pages = {blag028},
abstract = {Abstract
Invertebrate biodiversity, especially in the freshwater realm, is severely underrepresented in conservation research and action, leading to an underestimation of current global extinction rates. Species differ in the biological traits that make them susceptible to extinction, and estimating extinction risk for freshwater species can aid conservation measures under limited available knowledge. Identifying traits as predictors of extinction risk may serve as a profile for each group of organisms and contribute to predicting which species will be at higher risk of extinction in the foreseeable future. Here we focus on European freshwater gastropods, a severely understudied taxon of high conservation priority due to many threatened species and high rates of species extinction. Our analyses showed that multiple factors such as body size, shell shape, breadth of habitat types, and even the type of habitat contribute to vulnerability to extinction. Species with smaller body size and narrower habitat breadths are facing greater extinction risk. Shell shape and habitat type may also play a role in extinction risk. Our analysis provides insight into why some gastropod species are more susceptible to extinction than others. This information can guide conservation assessment and action and help identify potentially threatened species lacking sufficient data for evaluation.},
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Abstract
Invertebrate biodiversity, especially in the freshwater realm, is severely underrepresented in conservation research and action, leading to an underestimation of current global extinction rates. Species differ in the biological traits that make them susceptible to extinction, and estimating extinction risk for freshwater species can aid conservation measures under limited available knowledge. Identifying traits as predictors of extinction risk may serve as a profile for each group of organisms and contribute to predicting which species will be at higher risk of extinction in the foreseeable future. Here we focus on European freshwater gastropods, a severely understudied taxon of high conservation priority due to many threatened species and high rates of species extinction. Our analyses showed that multiple factors such as body size, shell shape, breadth of habitat types, and even the type of habitat contribute to vulnerability to extinction. Species with smaller body size and narrower habitat breadths are facing greater extinction risk. Shell shape and habitat type may also play a role in extinction risk. Our analysis provides insight into why some gastropod species are more susceptible to extinction than others. This information can guide conservation assessment and action and help identify potentially threatened species lacking sufficient data for evaluation.
Invertebrate biodiversity, especially in the freshwater realm, is severely underrepresented in conservation research and action, leading to an underestimation of current global extinction rates. Species differ in the biological traits that make them susceptible to extinction, and estimating extinction risk for freshwater species can aid conservation measures under limited available knowledge. Identifying traits as predictors of extinction risk may serve as a profile for each group of organisms and contribute to predicting which species will be at higher risk of extinction in the foreseeable future. Here we focus on European freshwater gastropods, a severely understudied taxon of high conservation priority due to many threatened species and high rates of species extinction. Our analyses showed that multiple factors such as body size, shell shape, breadth of habitat types, and even the type of habitat contribute to vulnerability to extinction. Species with smaller body size and narrower habitat breadths are facing greater extinction risk. Shell shape and habitat type may also play a role in extinction risk. Our analysis provides insight into why some gastropod species are more susceptible to extinction than others. This information can guide conservation assessment and action and help identify potentially threatened species lacking sufficient data for evaluation.
Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Langeneck, Joachim; Dimichele, Desirèe; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Musco, Luigi
Functional Anatomy of the Pharynx of textitGlycera tridactyla Schmarda, 1861 (Annelida: Glyceriformia: Glyceridae) Journal Article
In: Journal of Morphology, vol. 287, no. 6, pp. e70139, 2026, ISSN: 0362-2525, 1097-4687.
@article{keklikoglou_functional_2026,
title = {Functional Anatomy of the Pharynx of textitGlycera tridactyla Schmarda, 1861 (Annelida: Glyceriformia: Glyceridae)},
author = {Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Joachim Langeneck and Desirèe Dimichele and Emmanouela Vernadou and Eva Chatzinikolaou and Luigi Musco},
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abstract = {ABSTRACT
The pharyngeal muscular system of polychaetes is highly complex and shows remarkable variation in structure and function among taxa. In this study, the functional anatomy of the pharynx of
G. tridactyla
was investigated using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Sixteen
Glycera
specimens were imaged in different pharyngeal positions to examine the roles of key muscular structures in pharyngeal movement. The high‐resolution imaging provided by micro‐CT allowed visualisation of the pharyngeal muscles in their original topography, revealing essential components for pharyngeal function, including the ring muscle, retensor muscles, intestinal retractor muscles, and longitudinal muscles of the buccal tube and oesophagus. Comparison with previous studies addressed gaps in our knowledge of Glyceridae functional anatomy. Specifically, detailed analysis of the muscular system in different pharyngeal positions clarified the mechanisms of proboscis movement, which indicate the rapid and effective responses of these worms during burrowing and feeding behaviour.},
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ABSTRACT
The pharyngeal muscular system of polychaetes is highly complex and shows remarkable variation in structure and function among taxa. In this study, the functional anatomy of the pharynx of
G. tridactyla
was investigated using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Sixteen
Glycera
specimens were imaged in different pharyngeal positions to examine the roles of key muscular structures in pharyngeal movement. The high‐resolution imaging provided by micro‐CT allowed visualisation of the pharyngeal muscles in their original topography, revealing essential components for pharyngeal function, including the ring muscle, retensor muscles, intestinal retractor muscles, and longitudinal muscles of the buccal tube and oesophagus. Comparison with previous studies addressed gaps in our knowledge of Glyceridae functional anatomy. Specifically, detailed analysis of the muscular system in different pharyngeal positions clarified the mechanisms of proboscis movement, which indicate the rapid and effective responses of these worms during burrowing and feeding behaviour.
The pharyngeal muscular system of polychaetes is highly complex and shows remarkable variation in structure and function among taxa. In this study, the functional anatomy of the pharynx of
G. tridactyla
was investigated using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). Sixteen
Glycera
specimens were imaged in different pharyngeal positions to examine the roles of key muscular structures in pharyngeal movement. The high‐resolution imaging provided by micro‐CT allowed visualisation of the pharyngeal muscles in their original topography, revealing essential components for pharyngeal function, including the ring muscle, retensor muscles, intestinal retractor muscles, and longitudinal muscles of the buccal tube and oesophagus. Comparison with previous studies addressed gaps in our knowledge of Glyceridae functional anatomy. Specifically, detailed analysis of the muscular system in different pharyngeal positions clarified the mechanisms of proboscis movement, which indicate the rapid and effective responses of these worms during burrowing and feeding behaviour.
Paternò, Linda; Langeneck, Joachim; Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Cedrola, Ilaria; Martines, Alessandra; Ansari, Mohammad Hasan Dad; Dimichele, Desirèe; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Quaglierini, Jacopo; Simone, Antonio De; Musco, Luigi; Menciassi, Arianna
Unsegmented marine annelids as biomechanical models for soft robotics Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 15033, 2026, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{paterno_unsegmented_2026,
title = {Unsegmented marine annelids as biomechanical models for soft robotics},
author = {Linda Paternò and Joachim Langeneck and Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Ilaria Cedrola and Alessandra Martines and Mohammad Hasan Dad Ansari and Desirèe Dimichele and Emmanouela Vernadou and Jacopo Quaglierini and Antonio De Simone and Luigi Musco and Arianna Menciassi},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44047-w
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Venetsianou, Nefeli Kleopatra; Paragkamian, Savvas; Kalaentzis, Konstantinos; Loukas, Alexios; Damianou, Christina; Lagani, Vincenzo; Jensen, Lars Juhl; Pafilis, Evangelos
LLM-Assessed Relatedness of Microbiome Study Descriptions Aligns more Strongly with Functional than with Taxonomic Profile Similarity Journal Article
In: Microbial Ecology, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 104, 2026, ISSN: 1432-184X.
@article{venetsianou_llm-assessed_2026,
title = {LLM-Assessed Relatedness of Microbiome Study Descriptions Aligns more Strongly with Functional than with Taxonomic Profile Similarity},
author = {Nefeli Kleopatra Venetsianou and Savvas Paragkamian and Konstantinos Kalaentzis and Alexios Loukas and Christina Damianou and Vincenzo Lagani and Lars Juhl Jensen and Evangelos Pafilis},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00248-026-02730-5
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doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02730-5},
issn = {1432-184X},
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date = {2026-05-25},
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volume = {89},
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O’Donncha, Fearghal; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Korus, Jennie; Langbridge, Abigail; Timms, Alexander; Topouzelis, Konstantinos; Khan, Abdul Baseer; Vegu, Shree Rama Kamal Kumar; Sarvmaili, Mahtab; Mowat, Ryan; Turberville, Rhanna; Sclodnick, Tyler; Whidden., Christopher
Machine Learning in Fish Farming In Digital Twin for Marine Fish Farming Book
Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2026, ISBN: 9783032103611 9783032103628.
@book{odonncha_digital_2026,
title = {Machine Learning in Fish Farming In Digital Twin for Marine Fish Farming},
author = {Fearghal O’Donncha and Nikos Papandroulakis and Jennie Korus and Abigail Langbridge and Alexander Timms and Konstantinos Topouzelis and Abdul Baseer Khan and Shree Rama Kamal Kumar Vegu and Mahtab Sarvmaili and Ryan Mowat and Rhanna Turberville and Tyler Sclodnick and Christopher Whidden.},
editor = {Fearghal O'Donncha and Martin Føre and Jon Grant},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-032-10362-8
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Gioti, Anastasia; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Kaşlı, Bekir; Tarifa, Georgia; Rizzo, Carmen; Dailianis, Thanos
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e187301, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{gioti_microbial_2026,
title = {Microbial communities associated with two populations of the sponge \textit{Chondrilla nucula} under present and projected climate conditions in the Aegean Sea},
author = {Anastasia Gioti and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Bekir Kaşlı and Georgia Tarifa and Carmen Rizzo and Thanos Dailianis},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/187301/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Gioti-BDJ-19.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e187301},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-05-08},
urldate = {2026-05-08},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e187301},
abstract = {This data paper describes bacterial and fungal communities associated with the sponge
Chondrilla nucula
collected from two Eastern Mediterranean populations (North and South Aegean Sea) and maintained under controlled common-garden conditions simulating present and projected climate scenarios over a period of 3 months. Microbial composition was characterised using two complementary ribosomal marker approaches: Illumina (MiSeq) sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for Bacteria and Oxford Nanopore (MinION) sequencing of a long 18S-ITS-28S rRNA fragment for Fungi. A total of 24 sponge libraries (3 climate conditions x 2 populations x 4 biological replicates) along with six control libraries (water from three experimental tanks, extraction and PCR blanks) were constructed for each group of microsymbionts. The resulting reads were processed using custom and publicly available bioinformatic pipelines and databases, followed by initial taxonomic assignment. This dataset represents the first fungal community associated with
C. nucula
and the first bacterial community for this species from the Aegean Sea.},
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This data paper describes bacterial and fungal communities associated with the sponge
Chondrilla nucula
collected from two Eastern Mediterranean populations (North and South Aegean Sea) and maintained under controlled common-garden conditions simulating present and projected climate scenarios over a period of 3 months. Microbial composition was characterised using two complementary ribosomal marker approaches: Illumina (MiSeq) sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for Bacteria and Oxford Nanopore (MinION) sequencing of a long 18S-ITS-28S rRNA fragment for Fungi. A total of 24 sponge libraries (3 climate conditions x 2 populations x 4 biological replicates) along with six control libraries (water from three experimental tanks, extraction and PCR blanks) were constructed for each group of microsymbionts. The resulting reads were processed using custom and publicly available bioinformatic pipelines and databases, followed by initial taxonomic assignment. This dataset represents the first fungal community associated with
C. nucula
and the first bacterial community for this species from the Aegean Sea.
Chondrilla nucula
collected from two Eastern Mediterranean populations (North and South Aegean Sea) and maintained under controlled common-garden conditions simulating present and projected climate scenarios over a period of 3 months. Microbial composition was characterised using two complementary ribosomal marker approaches: Illumina (MiSeq) sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for Bacteria and Oxford Nanopore (MinION) sequencing of a long 18S-ITS-28S rRNA fragment for Fungi. A total of 24 sponge libraries (3 climate conditions x 2 populations x 4 biological replicates) along with six control libraries (water from three experimental tanks, extraction and PCR blanks) were constructed for each group of microsymbionts. The resulting reads were processed using custom and publicly available bioinformatic pipelines and databases, followed by initial taxonomic assignment. This dataset represents the first fungal community associated with
C. nucula
and the first bacterial community for this species from the Aegean Sea.
Rodríguez-Vázquez, Raquel; Gundappa, Manu Kumar; Aramburu, Oscar; Radojicic, Jelena; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S.; Ferraresso, Serena; Franch, Raffaella; Bargelloni, Luca; Martínez, Paulino; Robledo, Diego; Megens, Hendrik-Jan
Comparative transcriptomics of immune response to viral and bacterial stimuli in three acanthopterygian bony fish Journal Article
In: Fish & Shellfish Immunology, vol. 174, pp. 111375, 2026, ISSN: 10504648.
@article{rodriguez-vazquez_comparative_2026,
title = {Comparative transcriptomics of immune response to viral and bacterial stimuli in three acanthopterygian bony fish},
author = {Raquel Rodríguez-Vázquez and Manu Kumar Gundappa and Oscar Aramburu and Jelena Radojicic and Costas S. Tsigenopoulos and Serena Ferraresso and Raffaella Franch and Luca Bargelloni and Paulino Martínez and Diego Robledo and Hendrik-Jan Megens},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1050464826002792
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doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2026.111375},
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Arboleda, Joey; Samaras, Athanasios; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Leaniz, Carlos Garcia De; Papaharisis, Leonidas; Pavlidis, Pavlos; Pavlidis, Michail
The stress response of red sea bream (Pagrus major) at harvest: Toward the development of a humane slaughter method Journal Article
In: Aquaculture, vol. 622, pp. 744062, 2026, ISSN: 00448486.
@article{arboleda_stress_2026,
title = {The stress response of red sea bream (\textit{Pagrus major}) at harvest: Toward the development of a humane slaughter method},
author = {Joey Arboleda and Athanasios Samaras and Nikos Papandroulakis and Carlos Garcia De Leaniz and Leonidas Papaharisis and Pavlos Pavlidis and Michail Pavlidis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S004484862600445X
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urldate = {2026-04-28},
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volume = {622},
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Kokokiris, Lambros E.; Minos, George; Nathanailides, Cosmas; Papadaki, Maria; Mylonas, Constantinos C.
Effects of GnRHa Delivery Systems on Spermiation and Sperm Quality in Captive Male Thicklip Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus) Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 210, 2026, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{kokokiris_effects_2026,
title = {Effects of GnRHa Delivery Systems on Spermiation and Sperm Quality in Captive Male Thicklip Grey Mullet (\textit{Chelon labrosus})},
author = {Lambros E. Kokokiris and George Minos and Cosmas Nathanailides and Maria Papadaki and Constantinos C. Mylonas},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/11/4/210
/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Kokokiris-fishes-16.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes11040210},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-04-07},
urldate = {2026-04-01},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {210},
abstract = {The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa), administered through injections or with sustained-release implants, on spermiation and sperm quality in thicklip grey mullet, Chelon labrosus. Male broodstock transferred from extensive lagoons were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: (a) weekly saline injections (Saline-INJ), (b) weekly GnRHa injections (10 μg kg−1 bw; GnRHa-INJ), and (c) a single GnRHa EVAc implant (50 μg kg−1 bw; GnRHa-IMP). Males were maintained with females under the same treatment protocols and allowed to spawn. Sperm condition, density, motility, duration of motility, and androgen levels were evaluated weekly at five sampling points (Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28). All males exhibited complete spermiation during the first two weeks (Days 0 and 7), followed by a gradual decline throughout the rest of the study (Days 14 and 21). This pattern of decline was not as evident in the groups treated with GnRHa, especially in the GnRHa-INJ group. Sperm density, motility, and motility duration varied strongly over time; however, no significant differences were observed among treatments. GnRHa treatment prolonged the spermiation period and delayed its seasonal decline without significantly altering sperm quality. These results may enable more frequent sperm collection and greater sperm availability, as inferred from the spermiation condition (SCI) and qualitative observations.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa), administered through injections or with sustained-release implants, on spermiation and sperm quality in thicklip grey mullet, Chelon labrosus. Male broodstock transferred from extensive lagoons were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: (a) weekly saline injections (Saline-INJ), (b) weekly GnRHa injections (10 μg kg−1 bw; GnRHa-INJ), and (c) a single GnRHa EVAc implant (50 μg kg−1 bw; GnRHa-IMP). Males were maintained with females under the same treatment protocols and allowed to spawn. Sperm condition, density, motility, duration of motility, and androgen levels were evaluated weekly at five sampling points (Days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28). All males exhibited complete spermiation during the first two weeks (Days 0 and 7), followed by a gradual decline throughout the rest of the study (Days 14 and 21). This pattern of decline was not as evident in the groups treated with GnRHa, especially in the GnRHa-INJ group. Sperm density, motility, and motility duration varied strongly over time; however, no significant differences were observed among treatments. GnRHa treatment prolonged the spermiation period and delayed its seasonal decline without significantly altering sperm quality. These results may enable more frequent sperm collection and greater sperm availability, as inferred from the spermiation condition (SCI) and qualitative observations.
Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Sánchez-Espinosa, Antonio; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, David; Fraschetti, Simonetta; Mazarrasa, Inés; Bouafif, Cyrine; Ouerghi, Atef; Malak, Dania Abdul
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 159–172, 2026, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{gerovasileiou_updated_2026,
title = {Updated distribution mapping of Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligenous assemblages and marine caves in the Mediterranean Sea: implications for conservation and restoration},
author = {Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Antonio Sánchez-Espinosa and David Rodríguez-Rodríguez and Simonetta Fraschetti and Inés Mazarrasa and Cyrine Bouafif and Atef Ouerghi and Dania Abdul Malak},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/43060
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doi = {10.12681/mms.43060},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-04-03},
urldate = {2026-03-01},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {159–172},
abstract = {Marine habitats in the Mediterranean Sea play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services, and climate resilience. However, they are facing escalating threats from anthropogenic pressures. This study, coordinated and financially supported by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) under the Barcelona Convention, presents an updated, harmonized assessment of the distribution and protection status of three iconic benthic habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligenous assemblages, and marine caves. A standardized methodology was applied to compile, review, harmonize, and aggregate fine-scale data from regional databases, National Focal Points (NFPs), expert networks, and online repositories. Posidonia oceanica meadows were mapped over 22,379 km² across 15 Mediterranean countries, with 95% within territorial waters and 37% in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Coralligenous assemblages and maërl beds covered 2,889.5 km² in 13 countries, in line with previous modelling estimates, with 67.1% located within MPAs, particularly in the central and western regions. Approximately 3,000 marine caves were identified across 15 countries, representing the first country-level spatial inventory of this habitat. Nearly 69% of known caves are located in MPAs, although lacking specific conservation measures. Despite significant progress, notable limitations remain. Data quality and availability are uneven across regions, and inconsistencies in classification, spatial resolution, and ecological descriptors – especially for coralligenous assemblages and marine cave typologies – limit detailed habitat representation. This study highlights persistent knowledge gaps in parts of North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and non-EU coastal states, and provides a robust baseline for conservation planning and supports regional monitoring efforts under the Barcelona Convention. Future priorities include addressing data gaps, standardizing classification systems, prioritizing sites for conservation and restoration to strengthen marine habitat protection and recovery and enhance the ecological effectiveness of MPAs.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Marine habitats in the Mediterranean Sea play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services, and climate resilience. However, they are facing escalating threats from anthropogenic pressures. This study, coordinated and financially supported by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC) under the Barcelona Convention, presents an updated, harmonized assessment of the distribution and protection status of three iconic benthic habitats: Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligenous assemblages, and marine caves. A standardized methodology was applied to compile, review, harmonize, and aggregate fine-scale data from regional databases, National Focal Points (NFPs), expert networks, and online repositories. Posidonia oceanica meadows were mapped over 22,379 km² across 15 Mediterranean countries, with 95% within territorial waters and 37% in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Coralligenous assemblages and maërl beds covered 2,889.5 km² in 13 countries, in line with previous modelling estimates, with 67.1% located within MPAs, particularly in the central and western regions. Approximately 3,000 marine caves were identified across 15 countries, representing the first country-level spatial inventory of this habitat. Nearly 69% of known caves are located in MPAs, although lacking specific conservation measures. Despite significant progress, notable limitations remain. Data quality and availability are uneven across regions, and inconsistencies in classification, spatial resolution, and ecological descriptors – especially for coralligenous assemblages and marine cave typologies – limit detailed habitat representation. This study highlights persistent knowledge gaps in parts of North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and non-EU coastal states, and provides a robust baseline for conservation planning and supports regional monitoring efforts under the Barcelona Convention. Future priorities include addressing data gaps, standardizing classification systems, prioritizing sites for conservation and restoration to strengthen marine habitat protection and recovery and enhance the ecological effectiveness of MPAs.
Chatzigeorgiou, Georgios; Rallis, Ioannis; Lampa, Maria; Plaitis, Wanda; Zenetos, Argyro
Non-Indigenous Species in Four Major Greek Marinas: A Closer View of Polychaeta Journal Article
In: Diversity, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 197, 2026, ISSN: 1424-2818.
@article{chatzigeorgiou_non-indigenous_2026,
title = {Non-Indigenous Species in Four Major Greek Marinas: A Closer View of Polychaeta},
author = {Georgios Chatzigeorgiou and Ioannis Rallis and Maria Lampa and Wanda Plaitis and Argyro Zenetos},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/18/4/197
/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Chatzigeorgiou-diversity-14.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/d18040197},
issn = {1424-2818},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-31},
urldate = {2026-03-01},
journal = {Diversity},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {197},
abstract = {Ports and recreational marinas are established hotspots for the introduction and secondary spread of non-indigenous species (NIS), mainly via vessel transport and biofouling on artificial substrates. In the AlienPorts project, we surveyed fouling and associated macrobenthic assemblages in four major Greek marinas across distinct marine regions—Rhodes (Levantine), Heraklion and Piraeus–Zea (Aegean), and Patra (Ionian)—from 2021 to 2022, applying two complementary protocols: (i) photoquadrat surveys and (ii) scraped assemblage sampling. The photoquadrats recorded twelve NIS and seven cryptogenic species, which were dominated by sessile fouling taxa, especially ascidians. The scraped samples revealed 106 polychaete and amphipod species, including 25 taxa (23 NIS, two cryptogenic). Six of the polychaetes are new NIS for the Mediterranean, and thirteen of the taxa are newly recorded as NIS in Greek waters. Heraklion had the highest NIS richness (18 NIS + two cryptogenic), while the other marinas hosted approximately ten NIS/cryptogenic taxa. In contrast, NIS often dominated the population densities, with Zea being the most impacted based on the NIS to native species ratios for both diversity and abundance. The two methods detected largely distinct biodiversity components and shared only one NIS, underscoring a strong complementarity. The multivariate analyses confirmed significant differences among marinas (ANOSIM, p < 0.01). These results support integrated, multi-method monitoring to enhance the early detection and impact assessment under MSFD Descriptor 2.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
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}
Ports and recreational marinas are established hotspots for the introduction and secondary spread of non-indigenous species (NIS), mainly via vessel transport and biofouling on artificial substrates. In the AlienPorts project, we surveyed fouling and associated macrobenthic assemblages in four major Greek marinas across distinct marine regions—Rhodes (Levantine), Heraklion and Piraeus–Zea (Aegean), and Patra (Ionian)—from 2021 to 2022, applying two complementary protocols: (i) photoquadrat surveys and (ii) scraped assemblage sampling. The photoquadrats recorded twelve NIS and seven cryptogenic species, which were dominated by sessile fouling taxa, especially ascidians. The scraped samples revealed 106 polychaete and amphipod species, including 25 taxa (23 NIS, two cryptogenic). Six of the polychaetes are new NIS for the Mediterranean, and thirteen of the taxa are newly recorded as NIS in Greek waters. Heraklion had the highest NIS richness (18 NIS + two cryptogenic), while the other marinas hosted approximately ten NIS/cryptogenic taxa. In contrast, NIS often dominated the population densities, with Zea being the most impacted based on the NIS to native species ratios for both diversity and abundance. The two methods detected largely distinct biodiversity components and shared only one NIS, underscoring a strong complementarity. The multivariate analyses confirmed significant differences among marinas (ANOSIM, p < 0.01). These results support integrated, multi-method monitoring to enhance the early detection and impact assessment under MSFD Descriptor 2.
Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Dailianis, Thanos
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e186719, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{chatzinikolaou_experimental_2026,
title = {Experimental exposure to climate change scenarios imposed alterations on the morphological traits of sessile and low-motility marine invertebrates},
author = {Eva Chatzinikolaou and Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Emmanouela Vernadou and Thanos Dailianis},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/186719/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Chatzinikolaou-BioDJ-12.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e186719},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-20},
urldate = {2026-03-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e186719},
abstract = {Over the past 50 years, the oceans have absorbed over 90% of global warming heat, leading to warming, acidification and declining oxygen levels that are disrupting marine ecosystems and altering species distributions and productivity. The vulnerability of marine organisms to these changes depends on their biological traits, habitat conditions and adaptive capacity, influencing their growth, behaviour and overall population health. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been previously used for studying the morphological traits of marine invertebrates, which provide important insights into species functionality and responses to climate change and ocean acidification. Micro-CT enables non-destructive, high-resolution 3D analysis of internal and external structures, allowing precise measurement of traits such as density, porosity and morphology that are valuable for climate change research.
The present manuscript describes micro-CT imaging datasets generated to investigate the effects of climate change on the morphological structure of two benthic marine invertebrates: the low-motility gastropod
Hexaplex trunculus
(Linnaeus, 1758) and the sessile sponge
Chondrilla nucula
Schmidt, 1862. Both species are considered particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors. To date, no study has investigated the effects of ocean warming and acidification on sponges using micro-CT technology. Using a common garden experimental design, individuals from geographically distinct populations exposed to different natural environmental regimes were subjected to combined warming and acidification scenarios to assess their morphological responses and adaptive capacity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Over the past 50 years, the oceans have absorbed over 90% of global warming heat, leading to warming, acidification and declining oxygen levels that are disrupting marine ecosystems and altering species distributions and productivity. The vulnerability of marine organisms to these changes depends on their biological traits, habitat conditions and adaptive capacity, influencing their growth, behaviour and overall population health. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has been previously used for studying the morphological traits of marine invertebrates, which provide important insights into species functionality and responses to climate change and ocean acidification. Micro-CT enables non-destructive, high-resolution 3D analysis of internal and external structures, allowing precise measurement of traits such as density, porosity and morphology that are valuable for climate change research.
The present manuscript describes micro-CT imaging datasets generated to investigate the effects of climate change on the morphological structure of two benthic marine invertebrates: the low-motility gastropod
Hexaplex trunculus
(Linnaeus, 1758) and the sessile sponge
Chondrilla nucula
Schmidt, 1862. Both species are considered particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors. To date, no study has investigated the effects of ocean warming and acidification on sponges using micro-CT technology. Using a common garden experimental design, individuals from geographically distinct populations exposed to different natural environmental regimes were subjected to combined warming and acidification scenarios to assess their morphological responses and adaptive capacity.
The present manuscript describes micro-CT imaging datasets generated to investigate the effects of climate change on the morphological structure of two benthic marine invertebrates: the low-motility gastropod
Hexaplex trunculus
(Linnaeus, 1758) and the sessile sponge
Chondrilla nucula
Schmidt, 1862. Both species are considered particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors. To date, no study has investigated the effects of ocean warming and acidification on sponges using micro-CT technology. Using a common garden experimental design, individuals from geographically distinct populations exposed to different natural environmental regimes were subjected to combined warming and acidification scenarios to assess their morphological responses and adaptive capacity.
Gratsia, Eirini; Zenetos, Argyro; Digenis, Markos; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Kasapidis, Panagiotis; Karakassis, Ioannis
In: Diversity, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 127, 2026, ISSN: 1424-2818.
@article{gratsia_hulls_2026,
title = {From Hulls to Caves: Insights into the Introduction and Expansion of Non-Indigenous Marine Bivalves of the Genera Isognomon and Malleus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea},
author = {Eirini Gratsia and Argyro Zenetos and Markos Digenis and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Panagiotis Kasapidis and Ioannis Karakassis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/18/2/127
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Gratsia-diversity-11.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/d18020127},
issn = {1424-2818},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-17},
urldate = {2026-02-01},
journal = {Diversity},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {127},
abstract = {Although the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for marine bioinvasions, the accurate identification and monitoring of non-indigenous species (NIS) remain impeded by the ambiguous morphologies of species and limited regional genetic data. This study applied an integrative approach, combining morphological identification with DNA barcoding, to assess the taxonomy and expansion of bivalves from the genera Isognomon and Malleus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Specimens were collected from a broad range of habitats, including marinas, ship hulls, reefs, and marine caves. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two distinct Isognomon species in the region: I. bicolor, frequently associated with artificial substrates and showing evidence of multiple introductions, and I. aff. legumen, restricted to cryptic natural habitats. A single species of Malleus cf. regula was also detected, clustering with sequences from neighboring Mediterranean regions. The study highlights the limitations of morphology-based taxonomy and the urgent need to enhance genetic reference databases, particularly with sequences from areas of nativity. As NIS increasingly expand from anthropogenic habitats into natural ecosystems, validated data are essential for risk assessment and conservation management.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Although the Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for marine bioinvasions, the accurate identification and monitoring of non-indigenous species (NIS) remain impeded by the ambiguous morphologies of species and limited regional genetic data. This study applied an integrative approach, combining morphological identification with DNA barcoding, to assess the taxonomy and expansion of bivalves from the genera Isognomon and Malleus in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Specimens were collected from a broad range of habitats, including marinas, ship hulls, reefs, and marine caves. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two distinct Isognomon species in the region: I. bicolor, frequently associated with artificial substrates and showing evidence of multiple introductions, and I. aff. legumen, restricted to cryptic natural habitats. A single species of Malleus cf. regula was also detected, clustering with sequences from neighboring Mediterranean regions. The study highlights the limitations of morphology-based taxonomy and the urgent need to enhance genetic reference databases, particularly with sequences from areas of nativity. As NIS increasingly expand from anthropogenic habitats into natural ecosystems, validated data are essential for risk assessment and conservation management.
Gonzalez-Marrero, Y.; Canepa-Oneto, A.; Clemente, S.; Cristobo, J.; Hernandez-Gonzalez, C.; Herrero-Perez, A.; Adrover-Huesca, M.; Gerovasileiou, V.
The vulnerability paradox in Atlantic marine caves: A multiscale mechanistic explanation from wave exposure to cave gradients Journal Article
In: Marine Environmental Research, vol. 217, pp. 107915, 2026, ISSN: 01411136.
@article{gonzalez-marrero_vulnerability_2026,
title = {The vulnerability paradox in Atlantic marine caves: A multiscale mechanistic explanation from wave exposure to cave gradients},
author = {Y. Gonzalez-Marrero and A. Canepa-Oneto and S. Clemente and J. Cristobo and C. Hernandez-Gonzalez and A. Herrero-Perez and M. Adrover-Huesca and V. Gerovasileiou},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S014111362600084X
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Gonzalez-Marrero-MER-10.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107915},
issn = {01411136},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-11},
urldate = {2026-03-11},
journal = {Marine Environmental Research},
volume = {217},
pages = {107915},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Dimitriadis, Charalampos; Konsta, Katerina; Çinar, Melih Ertan; Doğan, Alper; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Gatti, Giulia; d’Avray, Laure Thierry De Ville; Sini, Maria; Katsanevakis, Stelios; Mazaris, Antonios D.; Koutsoubas, Drosos
Assessing the limits: citizen science data accuracy in underwater monitoring Journal Article
In: Biodiversity and Conservation, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 75, 2026, ISSN: 0960-3115, 1572-9710.
@article{dimitriadis_assessing_2026,
title = {Assessing the limits: citizen science data accuracy in underwater monitoring},
author = {Charalampos Dimitriadis and Katerina Konsta and Melih Ertan Çinar and Alper Doğan and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Giulia Gatti and Laure Thierry De Ville d’Avray and Maria Sini and Stelios Katsanevakis and Antonios D. Mazaris and Drosos Koutsoubas},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10531-026-03290-3
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Dimitriadis-BiodCons-9-proof.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/s10531-026-03290-3},
issn = {0960-3115, 1572-9710},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-09},
urldate = {2026-03-01},
journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {75},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Christofilogiannis, Ioannis; Georgopoulou, Dimitra G.; Vouidaskis, Charalabos; Choulakis, Zacharias; Voskakis, Dimitris; Papandroulakis, Nikos
Corrigendum to “Automatic detection of fin, operculum, and skin deformities in Mediterranean fish species” [Aquac. Eng. 113 (2026) 102684] Journal Article
In: Aquacultural Engineering, vol. 113, pp. 102704, 2026, ISSN: 01448609.
@article{christofilogiannis_corrigendum_2026,
title = {Corrigendum to “Automatic detection of fin, operculum, and skin deformities in Mediterranean fish species” [Aquac. Eng. 113 (2026) 102684]},
author = {Ioannis Christofilogiannis and Dimitra G. Georgopoulou and Charalabos Vouidaskis and Zacharias Choulakis and Dimitris Voskakis and Nikos Papandroulakis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0144860926000208
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Christofilogiannis-AquaEng-8.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaeng.2026.102704},
issn = {01448609},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-06},
urldate = {2026-03-01},
journal = {Aquacultural Engineering},
volume = {113},
pages = {102704},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Stefanos, Katsoulis-Dimitriou; Antigoni, Vasilaki; Morgane, Henry; Eleni, Fountoulaki; Chrysanthi, Nikoloudaki; Maria, Mastoraki; Petros, Chronopoulos; Elvira, Alcalde; Koen, Meynen; Elena, Mente; Ioannis, Nengas
In: Aquaculture, vol. 617, pp. 743743, 2026, ISSN: 00448486.
@article{stefanos_effects_2026,
title = {Effects of dietary lysophospholipids and butyrate supplementation on growth, feed utilization, fillet fatty acids, intestinal enzymes, innate immunity and liver and gut histology in European Sea bass, \textit{Dicentrarchus labrax}},
author = {Katsoulis-Dimitriou Stefanos and Vasilaki Antigoni and Henry Morgane and Fountoulaki Eleni and Nikoloudaki Chrysanthi and Mastoraki Maria and Chronopoulos Petros and Alcalde Elvira and Meynen Koen and Mente Elena and Nengas Ioannis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0044848626001262
/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Katsoulis-Dimitriou-Aqua-7.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.743743},
issn = {00448486},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-03-03},
urldate = {2026-04-01},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {617},
pages = {743743},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Samiotaki, Katerina; Papadaki, Maria; Sigelaki, Irini; Manini, Evangelia; Hmida, Sabrin; Katharios, Pantelis; Ruetten, Maja; Karapanagiotis, Stelios; Mylonas, Constantinos C.
In: Aquaculture, vol. 617, pp. 743740, 2026, ISSN: 00448486.
@article{samiotaki_induction_2026,
title = {Induction of sex inversion and feminization in the protandrous gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with 17β-estradiol implants, and its effects on egg production and quality},
author = {Katerina Samiotaki and Maria Papadaki and Irini Sigelaki and Evangelia Manini and Sabrin Hmida and Pantelis Katharios and Maja Ruetten and Stelios Karapanagiotis and Constantinos C. Mylonas},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0044848626001237
/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Samiotaki-AQUA-6.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.743740},
issn = {00448486},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-02-26},
urldate = {2026-04-01},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {617},
pages = {743740},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mammola, Stefano; Brankovits, David; Lorenzo, Tiziana Di; Amorim, Isabel R.; Bancila, Raluca Ioana; Bellvert, Adrià; Bernard, Enrico; Blomberg, Anna; Borges, Paulo A. V.; Cappelletti, Martina; Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes; Gabriel, Rosalina; Galassi, Diana M. P.; Garzoli, Laura; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Hose, Grant C.; Korbel, Kathryn L.; Martino, Simone; Miller, Ana Z; Mori, Nataša; Nanni, Veronica; Nicolosi, Giuseppe; Saccò, Mattia; Sakihara, Troy S.; Silva, Marconi Souza; Tamalavage, Anne E.; Zagmajster, Maja; Chávez, Efraín; Griebler, Christian; Cardoso, Pedro; Martínez, Alejandro
Subterranean environments contribute to three‐quarters of classified ecosystem services Journal Article
In: Biological Reviews, pp. brv.70137, 2026, ISSN: 1464-7931, 1469-185X.
@article{mammola_subterranean_2026,
title = {Subterranean environments contribute to three‐quarters of classified ecosystem services},
author = {Stefano Mammola and David Brankovits and Tiziana Di Lorenzo and Isabel R. Amorim and Raluca Ioana Bancila and Adrià Bellvert and Enrico Bernard and Anna Blomberg and Paulo A. V. Borges and Martina Cappelletti and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira and Rosalina Gabriel and Diana M. P. Galassi and Laura Garzoli and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Grant C. Hose and Kathryn L. Korbel and Simone Martino and Ana Z Miller and Nataša Mori and Veronica Nanni and Giuseppe Nicolosi and Mattia Saccò and Troy S. Sakihara and Marconi Souza Silva and Anne E. Tamalavage and Maja Zagmajster and Efraín Chávez and Christian Griebler and Pedro Cardoso and Alejandro Martínez},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brv.70137
/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Mammola-Biological-Reviews-5.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/brv.70137},
issn = {1464-7931, 1469-185X},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-02-16},
urldate = {2026-02-01},
journal = {Biological Reviews},
pages = {brv.70137},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Beneath the Earth's surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well‐being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non‐material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert‐based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subterranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectively the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Beneath the Earth's surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well‐being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non‐material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert‐based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subterranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectively the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
Beneath the Earth's surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and regulates services critical to ecological health and human well‐being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to major biogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water. They also offer non‐material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contributions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists, practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert‐based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contribute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively, lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subterranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. We believe this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectively the importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Grigoriou, Panagiotis; Anastasiadis, Athanasios; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Dailianis, Thanos
A standardised experimental setup for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e185047, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{chatzinikolaou_standardised_2026,
title = {A standardised experimental setup for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates},
author = {Eva Chatzinikolaou and Panagiotis Grigoriou and Athanasios Anastasiadis and Emmanouela Vernadou and Thanos Dailianis},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/185047/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Chatzinikolaou-BDJ-4.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e185047},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-02-11},
urldate = {2026-02-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e185047},
abstract = {Recent studies identify ocean warming and acidification as major drivers of ecological change in the Eastern Mediterranean, posing serious threats to marine biodiversity, particularly for sessile or low-mobility organisms that cannot escape unfavourable conditions. At the same time, the need for standardised experimental approaches capable of generating high-quality data on organismal responses to multiple climate stressors has become increasingly evident. This manuscript presents a fully detailed and replicable experimental framework for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Detailed protocols include the technical set-up, experimental design, selection of climate scenarios, monitoring procedures and criteria for species selection and demonstrating its application through a validation case study from the MACCIMO project.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Recent studies identify ocean warming and acidification as major drivers of ecological change in the Eastern Mediterranean, posing serious threats to marine biodiversity, particularly for sessile or low-mobility organisms that cannot escape unfavourable conditions. At the same time, the need for standardised experimental approaches capable of generating high-quality data on organismal responses to multiple climate stressors has become increasingly evident. This manuscript presents a fully detailed and replicable experimental framework for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Detailed protocols include the technical set-up, experimental design, selection of climate scenarios, monitoring procedures and criteria for species selection and demonstrating its application through a validation case study from the MACCIMO project.
Orestis, Stavrakidis-Zachou; Sidera, Paraskevi; Nikos, Papandroulakis
Behavioral responses of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, fingerlings under the influence of an electromagnetic field Journal Article
In: Aquaculture International, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 60, 2026, ISSN: 1573-143X.
@article{orestis_behavioral_2026,
title = {Behavioral responses of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, fingerlings under the influence of an electromagnetic field},
author = {Stavrakidis-Zachou Orestis and Paraskevi Sidera and Papandroulakis Nikos},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10499-026-02468-4
/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Stavrakidis-AquaInt-3.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/s10499-026-02468-4},
issn = {1573-143X},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-02-06},
urldate = {2026-02-01},
journal = {Aquaculture International},
volume = {34},
number = {2},
pages = {60},
abstract = {Abstract
The advent of wind farming as a renewable energy source necessitates assessment of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on fish, especially when done in conjunction with aquaculture. In this study, we investigated the effects of an EMF on the behavior of European sea bass fingerlings. A T-maze apparatus was used to record the behavior of the fish with and without the presence of a static EMF of 10 mT and subsequently, several behavioral metrics were analyzed using specialized software. Our results suggest that E. sea bass can perceive magnetic fields. Compared to the control group, fish exposed to the EMF showed reduced exploratory behavior with longer periods of immobility, traveled a shorter total distance, and exhibited freezing behavior at an increased frequency. In addition, fish showed a preference for the geomagnetic south. The findings offer valuable contributions to our understanding of EMF effects on fish, which in turn may be useful in shaping the future of fish farming in conjunction with energy production
.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
The advent of wind farming as a renewable energy source necessitates assessment of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on fish, especially when done in conjunction with aquaculture. In this study, we investigated the effects of an EMF on the behavior of European sea bass fingerlings. A T-maze apparatus was used to record the behavior of the fish with and without the presence of a static EMF of 10 mT and subsequently, several behavioral metrics were analyzed using specialized software. Our results suggest that E. sea bass can perceive magnetic fields. Compared to the control group, fish exposed to the EMF showed reduced exploratory behavior with longer periods of immobility, traveled a shorter total distance, and exhibited freezing behavior at an increased frequency. In addition, fish showed a preference for the geomagnetic south. The findings offer valuable contributions to our understanding of EMF effects on fish, which in turn may be useful in shaping the future of fish farming in conjunction with energy production
.
The advent of wind farming as a renewable energy source necessitates assessment of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on fish, especially when done in conjunction with aquaculture. In this study, we investigated the effects of an EMF on the behavior of European sea bass fingerlings. A T-maze apparatus was used to record the behavior of the fish with and without the presence of a static EMF of 10 mT and subsequently, several behavioral metrics were analyzed using specialized software. Our results suggest that E. sea bass can perceive magnetic fields. Compared to the control group, fish exposed to the EMF showed reduced exploratory behavior with longer periods of immobility, traveled a shorter total distance, and exhibited freezing behavior at an increased frequency. In addition, fish showed a preference for the geomagnetic south. The findings offer valuable contributions to our understanding of EMF effects on fish, which in turn may be useful in shaping the future of fish farming in conjunction with energy production
.
Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Grigoriou, Panagiotis; Anastasiadis, Athanasios; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Dailianis, Thanos
A standardised experimental setup for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e185047, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{chatzinikolaou_standardised_2026b,
title = {A standardised experimental setup for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates},
author = {Eva Chatzinikolaou and Panagiotis Grigoriou and Athanasios Anastasiadis and Emmanouela Vernadou and Thanos Dailianis},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/185047/},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e185047},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-02-01},
urldate = {2026-02-11},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e185047},
abstract = {Recent studies identify ocean warming and acidification as major drivers of ecological change in the Eastern Mediterranean, posing serious threats to marine biodiversity, particularly for sessile or low-mobility organisms that cannot escape unfavourable conditions. At the same time, the need for standardised experimental approaches capable of generating high-quality data on organismal responses to multiple climate stressors has become increasingly evident. This manuscript presents a fully detailed and replicable experimental framework for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Detailed protocols include the technical set-up, experimental design, selection of climate scenarios, monitoring procedures and criteria for species selection and demonstrating its application through a validation case study from the MACCIMO project.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Recent studies identify ocean warming and acidification as major drivers of ecological change in the Eastern Mediterranean, posing serious threats to marine biodiversity, particularly for sessile or low-mobility organisms that cannot escape unfavourable conditions. At the same time, the need for standardised experimental approaches capable of generating high-quality data on organismal responses to multiple climate stressors has become increasingly evident. This manuscript presents a fully detailed and replicable experimental framework for simulating ocean warming and acidification in benthic marine invertebrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Detailed protocols include the technical set-up, experimental design, selection of climate scenarios, monitoring procedures and criteria for species selection and demonstrating its application through a validation case study from the MACCIMO project.
Santi, Ioulia; Pavloudi, Christina; Abagnale, Maria; Azua, Iñigo; Baña, Zuriñe; Bastianini, Mauro; Belser, Caroline; Berg, Kristel; Bilbao, Jone; Bird, Kimberley; Broudin, Caroline; Camusat, Mathieu; Cancio, Ibon; Caray-Counil, Louis; Casotti, Raffaella; Castel, Jade; Comtet, Thierry; Cox, Cymon; Cunliffe, Michael; Daguin, Claire; Deneudt, Klaas; Cerio, Oihane Díaz De; Exter, Katrina; Fauvelot, Cécile; Fontana, Yann; Frada, Miquel; Galand, Pierre; Gallia, Roberto; Garczarek, Laurence; Fernández, Jose González; Guillou, Laure; Heynderickx, Hanneloor; Koplovitz, Gil; Labrune, Celine; Lagaisse, Rune; Laroquette, Arnaud; Lescure, Lyvia; Lopes, Eva; Loulakaki, Melina; Louro, Bruno; Magalhães, Catarina; Margiotta, Francesca; Moal, Hannah; Moussy, Alice; Not, Fabrice; Percopo, Isabella; Rosendo, Estefanía Paredes; Péru, Erwan; Poulain, Julie; Praebel, Kim; Rigaut-Jalabert, Fabienne; Romac, Sarah; Rzeznik-Orignac, Jadwiga; Sarno, Diana; Troncoso, Jesús Souza; Thiébaut, Eric; Thomas, Wilfried; Tkacz, Andrzej; Tramontano, Ferdinando; Trano, Anna Chiara; Wincker, Patrick; Pade, Nicolas
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 14, pp. e178484, 2026, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{santi_next_2026,
title = {Next release of the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) shotgun metagenomic data from water and sediment samples (Release 2)},
author = {Ioulia Santi and Christina Pavloudi and Maria Abagnale and Iñigo Azua and Zuriñe Baña and Mauro Bastianini and Caroline Belser and Kristel Berg and Jone Bilbao and Kimberley Bird and Caroline Broudin and Mathieu Camusat and Ibon Cancio and Louis Caray-Counil and Raffaella Casotti and Jade Castel and Thierry Comtet and Cymon Cox and Michael Cunliffe and Claire Daguin and Klaas Deneudt and Oihane Díaz De Cerio and Katrina Exter and Cécile Fauvelot and Yann Fontana and Miquel Frada and Pierre Galand and Roberto Gallia and Laurence Garczarek and Jose González Fernández and Laure Guillou and Hanneloor Heynderickx and Gil Koplovitz and Celine Labrune and Rune Lagaisse and Arnaud Laroquette and Lyvia Lescure and Eva Lopes and Melina Loulakaki and Bruno Louro and Catarina Magalhães and Francesca Margiotta and Hannah Moal and Alice Moussy and Fabrice Not and Isabella Percopo and Estefanía Paredes Rosendo and Erwan Péru and Julie Poulain and Kim Praebel and Fabienne Rigaut-Jalabert and Sarah Romac and Jadwiga Rzeznik-Orignac and Diana Sarno and Jesús Souza Troncoso and Eric Thiébaut and Wilfried Thomas and Andrzej Tkacz and Ferdinando Tramontano and Anna Chiara Trano and Patrick Wincker and Nicolas Pade},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/178484/
/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Santi-BDJ-2.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.14.e178484},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-27},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {14},
pages = {e178484},
abstract = {The European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) is a long-term genomic observatory run by the European Research Infrastructure European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC). It was established in 2021 to support the challenges of biodiversity observation and unsystematic management of biodiversity data in the European seas. EMO BON introduced and coordinated the systematic and harmonised observation of biodiversity amongst more than fourteen marine stations in the European coastline. Here, we report the next release (Release 2) of shotgun metagenomic data from seawater and sediment microbial communities.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON) is a long-term genomic observatory run by the European Research Infrastructure European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC). It was established in 2021 to support the challenges of biodiversity observation and unsystematic management of biodiversity data in the European seas. EMO BON introduced and coordinated the systematic and harmonised observation of biodiversity amongst more than fourteen marine stations in the European coastline. Here, we report the next release (Release 2) of shotgun metagenomic data from seawater and sediment microbial communities.
Reverté, Jaume; Alkassar, Mounira; Rambla-Alegre, Maria; Sanchez-Henao, Andres; Mandalakis, Manolis; Peristeraki, Panagiota; Sureda, Francesc X.; Diogène, Jorge; Campàs, Mònica
Mechanistic insights into antibody recognition of tetrodotoxin analogues: Implications for neurotoxicological assessment Journal Article
In: Chemico-Biological Interactions, vol. 424, pp. 111871, 2026, ISSN: 00092797.
@article{reverte_mechanistic_2026,
title = {Mechanistic insights into antibody recognition of tetrodotoxin analogues: Implications for neurotoxicological assessment},
author = {Jaume Reverté and Mounira Alkassar and Maria Rambla-Alegre and Andres Sanchez-Henao and Manolis Mandalakis and Panagiota Peristeraki and Francesc X. Sureda and Jorge Diogène and Mònica Campàs},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0009279725005010
/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Reverte-CBInter-1.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbi.2025.111871},
issn = {00092797},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-09},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Chemico-Biological Interactions},
volume = {424},
pages = {111871},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Board, WoRMS Editorial
World Register of Marine Species. Available from https://www.marinespecies.org at VLIZ. Accessed yyyy-mm-dd. Miscellaneous
2026.
@misc{worms_editorial_board_world_2026,
title = {World Register of Marine Species. Available from https://www.marinespecies.org at VLIZ. Accessed yyyy-mm-dd.},
author = {WoRMS Editorial Board},
url = {https://www.marinespecies.org/imis.php?dasid=1447&doiid=170},
doi = {10.14284/170},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-01-01},
urldate = {2026-10-14},
publisher = {VLIZ},
abstract = {An authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms, including information on synonymy. WoRMS contains both global and regional species lists.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {misc}
}
An authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms, including information on synonymy. WoRMS contains both global and regional species lists.
2025
Gavriilidou, Athina; Stamatakis, Alexandros; Kupczok, Anne; Bista, Iliana; Jiggins, Chris D; Fernández, Rosa; Skourtanioti, Eirini; Amoutzias, Grigoris; Delneri, Daniela; Kyrpides, Nikos; Nikolaou, Christoforos; Pittis, Alexandros A; Manousaki, Tereza; Vakirlis, Nikolaos
In: Bioinformatics Advances, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. vbaf223, 2025, ISSN: 2635-0041.
@article{gavriilidou_advances_2024,
title = {Advances and challenges in understanding evolution through genome comparison: meeting report of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) lecture course “Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics”},
author = {Athina Gavriilidou and Alexandros Stamatakis and Anne Kupczok and Iliana Bista and Chris D Jiggins and Rosa Fernández and Eirini Skourtanioti and Grigoris Amoutzias and Daniela Delneri and Nikos Kyrpides and Christoforos Nikolaou and Alexandros A Pittis and Tereza Manousaki and Nikolaos Vakirlis},
editor = {Michael DeGiorgio},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/bioinformaticsadvances/article/doi/10.1093/bioadv/vbaf223/8277547
/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-Gabriilidou-BioAdv-81.pdf},
doi = {10.1093/bioadv/vbaf223},
issn = {2635-0041},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-30},
urldate = {2024-12-01},
journal = {Bioinformatics Advances},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {vbaf223},
abstract = {Abstract
This perspective outlines emerging trends, key challenges, and future opportunities in evolutionary and comparative genomics. Our starting point are the topics presented at the 2024 EMBO Early Career Lecture Course “Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics”, which highlighted recent conceptual and methodological advances in areas ranging from microbial pangenomes, protein evolution, hybrid speciation, novel gene origination and transposon dynamics. Here, we emphasize the role of computational and molecular approaches, providing a forward-looking view on where the field is headed and how it is being reshaped by new technologies and approaches.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
This perspective outlines emerging trends, key challenges, and future opportunities in evolutionary and comparative genomics. Our starting point are the topics presented at the 2024 EMBO Early Career Lecture Course “Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics”, which highlighted recent conceptual and methodological advances in areas ranging from microbial pangenomes, protein evolution, hybrid speciation, novel gene origination and transposon dynamics. Here, we emphasize the role of computational and molecular approaches, providing a forward-looking view on where the field is headed and how it is being reshaped by new technologies and approaches.
This perspective outlines emerging trends, key challenges, and future opportunities in evolutionary and comparative genomics. Our starting point are the topics presented at the 2024 EMBO Early Career Lecture Course “Evolutionary and Comparative Genomics”, which highlighted recent conceptual and methodological advances in areas ranging from microbial pangenomes, protein evolution, hybrid speciation, novel gene origination and transposon dynamics. Here, we emphasize the role of computational and molecular approaches, providing a forward-looking view on where the field is headed and how it is being reshaped by new technologies and approaches.
Kogiannou, Dimitra; Kotsiri, Mado; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Kakagianni, Myrsini; Grigorakis, Kriton
Biochemical and Physical Factors Contributing to Seasonal Variations of Fillet Gaping in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Journal Article
In: vol. 2025, no. 1, pp. 3044512, 2025, ISSN: 1355-557X, 1365-2109.
@article{kogiannou_biochemical_2025,
title = {Biochemical and Physical Factors Contributing to Seasonal Variations of Fillet Gaping in Gilthead Seabream (\textit{Sparus aurata})},
author = {Dimitra Kogiannou and Mado Kotsiri and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Myrsini Kakagianni and Kriton Grigorakis},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/are/3044512
/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-Kogiannou-AR-82.pdf},
doi = {10.1155/are/3044512},
issn = {1355-557X, 1365-2109},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-30},
urldate = {2025-12-30},
volume = {2025},
number = {1},
pages = {3044512},
abstract = {The gaping phenomenon in gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
) causes profitability problems for the relevant aquaculture industry. To gain insights into the factors affecting gaping in gilthead seabream, the seasonality of gaping intensity and the relative contribution of postmortem physical and chemical factors to the fillet integrity were investigated. Gilthead seabream of commercial weight (400–600 g) were sampled seasonally. Gaping frequencies were evaluated and related to water holding capacity (WHC), muscle pH, proximate composition, ATP breakdown products (
K
‐value), total collagen content, and collagen fractions. With the exception of the
K
‐value, all examined physical and chemical parameters were seasonally affected. Moreover, gaping score frequencies were found to be statistically different among seasons. It was evident that during seasons with high water temperatures (summer and autumn), gaps in muscle tissue of gilthead seabream were more pronounced, while a mitigation of gaping intensity appeared during wintertime. ATP breakdown as a measure of chemical freshness, proximate composition, pH, and collagen levels, showed no correlation with gaping intensity, but a clear negative correlation was observed between high gaping incidences and WHC. There was also a strong correlation between gaping incidences and collagen fractions. A higher amount of acid‐soluble collagen (ASC) was observed during summer, highlighting that collagen solubility affects gaping in farmed gilthead seabream. Overall, our results demonstrate that seasonal gaping variability in this species is primarily a result of temperature‐driven changes in collagen solubility.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The gaping phenomenon in gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
) causes profitability problems for the relevant aquaculture industry. To gain insights into the factors affecting gaping in gilthead seabream, the seasonality of gaping intensity and the relative contribution of postmortem physical and chemical factors to the fillet integrity were investigated. Gilthead seabream of commercial weight (400–600 g) were sampled seasonally. Gaping frequencies were evaluated and related to water holding capacity (WHC), muscle pH, proximate composition, ATP breakdown products (
K
‐value), total collagen content, and collagen fractions. With the exception of the
K
‐value, all examined physical and chemical parameters were seasonally affected. Moreover, gaping score frequencies were found to be statistically different among seasons. It was evident that during seasons with high water temperatures (summer and autumn), gaps in muscle tissue of gilthead seabream were more pronounced, while a mitigation of gaping intensity appeared during wintertime. ATP breakdown as a measure of chemical freshness, proximate composition, pH, and collagen levels, showed no correlation with gaping intensity, but a clear negative correlation was observed between high gaping incidences and WHC. There was also a strong correlation between gaping incidences and collagen fractions. A higher amount of acid‐soluble collagen (ASC) was observed during summer, highlighting that collagen solubility affects gaping in farmed gilthead seabream. Overall, our results demonstrate that seasonal gaping variability in this species is primarily a result of temperature‐driven changes in collagen solubility.
Sparus aurata
) causes profitability problems for the relevant aquaculture industry. To gain insights into the factors affecting gaping in gilthead seabream, the seasonality of gaping intensity and the relative contribution of postmortem physical and chemical factors to the fillet integrity were investigated. Gilthead seabream of commercial weight (400–600 g) were sampled seasonally. Gaping frequencies were evaluated and related to water holding capacity (WHC), muscle pH, proximate composition, ATP breakdown products (
K
‐value), total collagen content, and collagen fractions. With the exception of the
K
‐value, all examined physical and chemical parameters were seasonally affected. Moreover, gaping score frequencies were found to be statistically different among seasons. It was evident that during seasons with high water temperatures (summer and autumn), gaps in muscle tissue of gilthead seabream were more pronounced, while a mitigation of gaping intensity appeared during wintertime. ATP breakdown as a measure of chemical freshness, proximate composition, pH, and collagen levels, showed no correlation with gaping intensity, but a clear negative correlation was observed between high gaping incidences and WHC. There was also a strong correlation between gaping incidences and collagen fractions. A higher amount of acid‐soluble collagen (ASC) was observed during summer, highlighting that collagen solubility affects gaping in farmed gilthead seabream. Overall, our results demonstrate that seasonal gaping variability in this species is primarily a result of temperature‐driven changes in collagen solubility.
Bottacini, Davide; Noordman, Carien; Renaud, Victor; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Dailianis, Thanos; Mastoraki, Maria; Chatzifotis, Stavros; Kotrschal, Alexander
Camouflage in a moving predator: testing for background choice in stalking lionfish ( textitPterois miles ) Journal Article
In: Royal Society Open Science, vol. 12, no. 12, pp. 250836, 2025, ISSN: 2054-5703.
@article{bottacini_camouflage_2025,
title = {Camouflage in a moving predator: testing for background choice in stalking lionfish ( textitPterois miles )},
author = {Davide Bottacini and Carien Noordman and Victor Renaud and Grigorios Skouradakis and Thanos Dailianis and Maria Mastoraki and Stavros Chatzifotis and Alexander Kotrschal},
url = {https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/article/12/12/250836/366120/Camouflage-in-a-moving-predator-testing-for
/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-Bottacini-RSOS-80.pdf},
doi = {10.1098/rsos.250836},
issn = {2054-5703},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-30},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Royal Society Open Science},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {250836},
abstract = {Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world, where predators and prey have evolved spectacular mechanisms to avoid detection and recognition. An example is camouflage through background matching, which allows animals to resemble their background. Animals can move strategically towards backgrounds that match their morphology (background choice) to enhance camouflage. We studied the relevance of background choice in lionfish (Pterois miles), conspicuous stalking predators that could take advantage of background matching by resembling corals and other invertebrates in their surroundings. We offered different background combinations to hunting lionfish and we found that they indeed account for their background while hunting, although the response did not support the hypothesis that the preference is determined by background matching. Lionfish deviated towards a rocky background, which closely resembled the substrate where lionfish were caught (rocky reefs in the Mediterranean Sea). We suggest that lionfish showed a preference for a rocky background because in the Mediterranean they live on rocky reefs. While we cannot rule out that background matching played a role in background choice, we suggest that remaining close to a rocky reef while hunting offers lionfish the best combination of easy access to hiding spots and high availability of prey.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Predation is pervasive in the natural world, where predators and prey have evolved spectacular mechanisms to avoid detection and recognition. An example is camouflage through background matching, which allows animals to resemble their background. Animals can move strategically towards backgrounds that match their morphology (background choice) to enhance camouflage. We studied the relevance of background choice in lionfish (Pterois miles), conspicuous stalking predators that could take advantage of background matching by resembling corals and other invertebrates in their surroundings. We offered different background combinations to hunting lionfish and we found that they indeed account for their background while hunting, although the response did not support the hypothesis that the preference is determined by background matching. Lionfish deviated towards a rocky background, which closely resembled the substrate where lionfish were caught (rocky reefs in the Mediterranean Sea). We suggest that lionfish showed a preference for a rocky background because in the Mediterranean they live on rocky reefs. While we cannot rule out that background matching played a role in background choice, we suggest that remaining close to a rocky reef while hunting offers lionfish the best combination of easy access to hiding spots and high availability of prey.
Predation is pervasive in the natural world, where predators and prey have evolved spectacular mechanisms to avoid detection and recognition. An example is camouflage through background matching, which allows animals to resemble their background. Animals can move strategically towards backgrounds that match their morphology (background choice) to enhance camouflage. We studied the relevance of background choice in lionfish (Pterois miles), conspicuous stalking predators that could take advantage of background matching by resembling corals and other invertebrates in their surroundings. We offered different background combinations to hunting lionfish and we found that they indeed account for their background while hunting, although the response did not support the hypothesis that the preference is determined by background matching. Lionfish deviated towards a rocky background, which closely resembled the substrate where lionfish were caught (rocky reefs in the Mediterranean Sea). We suggest that lionfish showed a preference for a rocky background because in the Mediterranean they live on rocky reefs. While we cannot rule out that background matching played a role in background choice, we suggest that remaining close to a rocky reef while hunting offers lionfish the best combination of easy access to hiding spots and high availability of prey.
Karoumpali, Marina; Marco, Moreno Di; Parmakelis, Aristeidis; Stoumboudi, Maria; Sarropoulou, Elena; Radea, Canela; Kotsakiozi, Panayiota
Identifying possible hotspots of human pressure on European gastropods Journal Article
In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. 146, no. 3, pp. blaf085, 2025, ISSN: 0024-4066, 1095-8312.
@article{karoumpali_identifying_2025,
title = {Identifying possible hotspots of human pressure on European gastropods},
author = {Marina Karoumpali and Moreno Di Marco and Aristeidis Parmakelis and Maria Stoumboudi and Elena Sarropoulou and Canela Radea and Panayiota Kotsakiozi},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/doi/10.1093/biolinnean/blaf085/8312933},
doi = {10.1093/biolinnean/blaf085},
issn = {0024-4066, 1095-8312},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-22},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Biological Journal of the Linnean Society},
volume = {146},
number = {3},
pages = {blaf085},
abstract = {Abstract
Human activities are impacting the biosphere, driving unprecedented rates of species loss. Yet, little is known about the ranges of these threats and how they impact invertebrate species. Despite the extensive efforts to preserve biodiversity globally, most of the strategies are designed for vertebrates, whereas invertebrates are seriously underrepresented. European gastropod species, in particular, are a taxon of high conservation interest given the high number of threatened species and the high levels of endemism. Yet the distribution of their threats remains largely unmapped. In this study, we intersect individual ranges of European threatened and near-threatened gastropods with seven human pressure layers to estimate the cumulative overlap between each species and the pressure to which it is sensitive. We found that about one-fifth of the species have their entire distribution range overlapping with at least one relevant pressure, and about one-third of the species coexist with multiple pressures somewhere within their distributions. Our analyses unveil hotspots of impacted and coolspots of unimpacted gastropod biodiversity, providing information for future conservation planning.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Human activities are impacting the biosphere, driving unprecedented rates of species loss. Yet, little is known about the ranges of these threats and how they impact invertebrate species. Despite the extensive efforts to preserve biodiversity globally, most of the strategies are designed for vertebrates, whereas invertebrates are seriously underrepresented. European gastropod species, in particular, are a taxon of high conservation interest given the high number of threatened species and the high levels of endemism. Yet the distribution of their threats remains largely unmapped. In this study, we intersect individual ranges of European threatened and near-threatened gastropods with seven human pressure layers to estimate the cumulative overlap between each species and the pressure to which it is sensitive. We found that about one-fifth of the species have their entire distribution range overlapping with at least one relevant pressure, and about one-third of the species coexist with multiple pressures somewhere within their distributions. Our analyses unveil hotspots of impacted and coolspots of unimpacted gastropod biodiversity, providing information for future conservation planning.
Human activities are impacting the biosphere, driving unprecedented rates of species loss. Yet, little is known about the ranges of these threats and how they impact invertebrate species. Despite the extensive efforts to preserve biodiversity globally, most of the strategies are designed for vertebrates, whereas invertebrates are seriously underrepresented. European gastropod species, in particular, are a taxon of high conservation interest given the high number of threatened species and the high levels of endemism. Yet the distribution of their threats remains largely unmapped. In this study, we intersect individual ranges of European threatened and near-threatened gastropods with seven human pressure layers to estimate the cumulative overlap between each species and the pressure to which it is sensitive. We found that about one-fifth of the species have their entire distribution range overlapping with at least one relevant pressure, and about one-third of the species coexist with multiple pressures somewhere within their distributions. Our analyses unveil hotspots of impacted and coolspots of unimpacted gastropod biodiversity, providing information for future conservation planning.