1.
Rigos, George; Padrós, Francesc; Constenla, Maria; Jerončić, Ana; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Consuegra, Sofia; Adamek, Mikolaj; Mladineo, Ivona
Global Warming Affects the Pathogenesis of Important Fish Diseases in European Aquaculture Journal Article
In: Reviews in Aquaculture, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. e70112, 2026, ISSN: 1753-5123, 1753-5131.
@article{rigos_global_2026,
title = {Global Warming Affects the Pathogenesis of Important Fish Diseases in European Aquaculture},
author = {George Rigos and Francesc Padrós and Maria Constenla and Ana Jerončić and Dimitra Kogiannou and Sofia Consuegra and Mikolaj Adamek and Ivona Mladineo},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/raq.70112
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Rigos-RinAqua-75.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/raq.70112},
issn = {1753-5123, 1753-5131},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-12-10},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Reviews in Aquaculture},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70112},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.
2.
Titri, Lucinda; Hubert-Ferrari, Aurélia; Caterina, Basile; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Christodoulou, Dimitris; Fakiris, Elias; Dimas, Xenophon; Geraga, Maria; Papatheodorou, George
Marine animal forests in high-energy environments after a large anthropic impact: discoveries from the Rion-Antirion Strait, Greece Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 12, pp. 1658262, 2025, ISSN: 2296-7745.
@article{titri_marine_2025,
title = {Marine animal forests in high-energy environments after a large anthropic impact: discoveries from the Rion-Antirion Strait, Greece},
author = {Lucinda Titri and Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari and Basile Caterina and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Dimitris Christodoulou and Elias Fakiris and Xenophon Dimas and Maria Geraga and George Papatheodorou},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1658262/full
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Titri-Frontiers-76.pdf},
doi = {10.3389/fmars.2025.1658262},
issn = {2296-7745},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-12},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
volume = {12},
pages = {1658262},
abstract = {The Rion–Antirion Strait (Greece, 50–100 m depth) hosts rich Marine Animal Forests (MAFs), formed by several species of anthozoans, sponges, bryozoans and tunicates. Using twelve video transects collected in 2019 and 2023 and a Regional Oceanographic Modelling System (ROMS) hydrodynamic model, we characterized the assemblages’ biological composition, geomorphology, and physical drivers. Strong bidirectional bottom currents (0.01–0.25 m/s, peaking at 0.8 m/s) funnel nutrients into the strait, resulting in the highest chlorophyll concentrations recorded between the adjacent Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Bridge construction (1998–2004) likely caused extensive habitat loss through dredging, excavation, ballast dumping, and fine-sediment remobilization. Today, pioneer taxa – such as
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Rion–Antirion Strait (Greece, 50–100 m depth) hosts rich Marine Animal Forests (MAFs), formed by several species of anthozoans, sponges, bryozoans and tunicates. Using twelve video transects collected in 2019 and 2023 and a Regional Oceanographic Modelling System (ROMS) hydrodynamic model, we characterized the assemblages’ biological composition, geomorphology, and physical drivers. Strong bidirectional bottom currents (0.01–0.25 m/s, peaking at 0.8 m/s) funnel nutrients into the strait, resulting in the highest chlorophyll concentrations recorded between the adjacent Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Bridge construction (1998–2004) likely caused extensive habitat loss through dredging, excavation, ballast dumping, and fine-sediment remobilization. Today, pioneer taxa – such as
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.
3.
Pagnier, Justine; Allcock, Louise; Cancio, Ibon; Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Chrismas, Nathan; Costantini, Federica; Dailianis, Thanos; Deneudt, Klaas; Cerio, Oihane Díaz De; Digenis, Markos; Exter, Katrina; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Fernández, Jose González; Kauppi, Laura; Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Lagaisse, Rune; Mavrič, Borut; Mortelmans, Jonas; Paredes, Estefania; Pavloudi, Christina; Piazza, Alessandro; Power, Anne Marie; Ramšak, Andreja; Santi, Ioulia; Solbakken, Jostein; Stavroulaki, Melanthia; Stæhr, Peter; Tajadura, Javier; Troncoso, Jesus Souza; Vasileiadou, Katerina; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Obst, Matthias
A long-term ecological research dataset from the marine genetic monitoring programme ARMS-MBON 2020-2021 Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 13, pp. e148981, 2025, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{pagnier_long-term_2025,
title = {A long-term ecological research dataset from the marine genetic monitoring programme ARMS-MBON 2020-2021},
author = {Justine Pagnier and Louise Allcock and Ibon Cancio and Eva Chatzinikolaou and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Nathan Chrismas and Federica Costantini and Thanos Dailianis and Klaas Deneudt and Oihane Díaz De Cerio and Markos Digenis and Katrina Exter and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Jose González Fernández and Laura Kauppi and Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Rune Lagaisse and Borut Mavrič and Jonas Mortelmans and Estefania Paredes and Christina Pavloudi and Alessandro Piazza and Anne Marie Power and Andreja Ramšak and Ioulia Santi and Jostein Solbakken and Melanthia Stavroulaki and Peter Stæhr and Javier Tajadura and Jesus Souza Troncoso and Katerina Vasileiadou and Emmanouela Vernadou and Matthias Obst},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/148981/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Pagnier-BDJ-74.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.13.e148981},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-08},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {13},
pages = {e148981},
abstract = {Continuing the international efforts of the ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON), we present data from the second sampling campaign, coming from 56 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) deployed in 2020 and 2021 along European coasts under the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON). The dataset includes information on sampling locations and conditions, sample archiving and quality reports of collected samples. Data and metadata are openly accessible and can be downloaded from the associated GitHub repository. Sequence data can be accessed via the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) through the corresponding accession numbers. Images of ARMS plates are stored on PlutoF and can be downloaded through links provided in this paper. Sequence data were processed and explored with the PEMA pipeline, resulting in 17,194, 7,235 and 5,261 unique ASVs/OTUs for COI, 18S and ITS, respectively. In this dataset, ARMS revealed the presence of over 61 eukaryotic phyla, aligning with our previous sampling campaign. Amongst these phyla, 35 had sequences identified to the species level. With this dataset and its associated paper, we provide a standardised resource for marine biodiversity monitoring and scientific analyses of benthic biodiversity. The presented data product supports future studies on the status and changes in species composition, distribution and genetic diversity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Continuing the international efforts of the ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON), we present data from the second sampling campaign, coming from 56 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) deployed in 2020 and 2021 along European coasts under the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON). The dataset includes information on sampling locations and conditions, sample archiving and quality reports of collected samples. Data and metadata are openly accessible and can be downloaded from the associated GitHub repository. Sequence data can be accessed via the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) through the corresponding accession numbers. Images of ARMS plates are stored on PlutoF and can be downloaded through links provided in this paper. Sequence data were processed and explored with the PEMA pipeline, resulting in 17,194, 7,235 and 5,261 unique ASVs/OTUs for COI, 18S and ITS, respectively. In this dataset, ARMS revealed the presence of over 61 eukaryotic phyla, aligning with our previous sampling campaign. Amongst these phyla, 35 had sequences identified to the species level. With this dataset and its associated paper, we provide a standardised resource for marine biodiversity monitoring and scientific analyses of benthic biodiversity. The presented data product supports future studies on the status and changes in species composition, distribution and genetic diversity.
4.
Alexandridis, Damianos; Manousaki, Tereza; Antoniou, Aglaia; Kristoffersen, Jon; Apostolidis, Charis; Cannas, Rita; Spedicato, Maria Teresa; Cariani, Alessia; Bellido, Jose María; Magoulas, Antonios; Ramírez, Francisco; Lloret‐Lloret, Elena; Albo‐Puigserver, Marta; Coll, Marta; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S.
Uncovering the Genetic Structure of European Anchovy Populations in Central and Western Mediterranean Journal Article
In: Ecology and Evolution, vol. 15, no. 11, pp. e72441, 2025, ISSN: 2045-7758, 2045-7758.
@article{alexandridis_uncovering_2025,
title = {Uncovering the Genetic Structure of European Anchovy Populations in Central and Western Mediterranean},
author = {Damianos Alexandridis and Tereza Manousaki and Aglaia Antoniou and Jon Kristoffersen and Charis Apostolidis and Rita Cannas and Maria Teresa Spedicato and Alessia Cariani and Jose María Bellido and Antonios Magoulas and Francisco Ramírez and Elena Lloret‐Lloret and Marta Albo‐Puigserver and Marta Coll and Costas S. Tsigenopoulos},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72441
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Alexandridis-EcoEvo-73.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.72441},
issn = {2045-7758, 2045-7758},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-03},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e72441},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.
5.
Noble, Chris; Abbink, Wout; Alvestad, René; Ardó, László; Bégout, Marie‐Laure; Bloecher, Nina; Burgerhout, Erik; Calduch‐Giner, Josep; Chivite‐Alcalde, Mauro; Císař, Petr; Durland, Evan; Espmark, Åsa M.; Falconer, Lynne; Føre, Martin; Georgopoulou, Dimitra G.; Heia, Karsten; Helberg, Gaute A. N.; Gomez, David Izquierdo; Johansen, Lill‐Heidi; Johansson, Gunhild Seljehaug; Jónsdóttir, Kristbjörg Edda; Kolarevic, Jelena; Krasnov, Aleksei; Kumaran, Santhosh K.; Kvæstad, Bjarne; Larsson, Thomas; Lazado, Carlo C.; Madaro, Angelico; Moroni, Federico; Måge, Ingrid; Nilsson, Jonatan; Ortega, Samuel; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Pérez‐Sánchez, Jaume; Prentice, Pamela M.; Planellas, Sonia Rey; Roth, Bjørn; Smith, Adrian; Solberg, Lars Erik; Stavrakidis‐Zachou, Orestis; Stien, Lars Helge; Striberny, Anja; Svalheim, Ragnhild Aven; Sæther, Bjørn‐Steinar; Timmerhaus, Gerrit; Toften, Hilde; Tschirren, Linda; Vis, Hans Van De; Ytteborg, Elisabeth; Zena, Lucas A.; Østbye, Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter
Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species Journal Article
In: Reviews in Aquaculture, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. e70109, 2025, ISSN: 1753-5123, 1753-5131.
@article{noble_welfare_2026,
title = {Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species},
author = {Chris Noble and Wout Abbink and René Alvestad and László Ardó and Marie‐Laure Bégout and Nina Bloecher and Erik Burgerhout and Josep Calduch‐Giner and Mauro Chivite‐Alcalde and Petr Císař and Evan Durland and Åsa M. Espmark and Lynne Falconer and Martin Føre and Dimitra G. Georgopoulou and Karsten Heia and Gaute A. N. Helberg and David Izquierdo Gomez and Lill‐Heidi Johansen and Gunhild Seljehaug Johansson and Kristbjörg Edda Jónsdóttir and Jelena Kolarevic and Aleksei Krasnov and Santhosh K. Kumaran and Bjarne Kvæstad and Thomas Larsson and Carlo C. Lazado and Angelico Madaro and Federico Moroni and Ingrid Måge and Jonatan Nilsson and Samuel Ortega and Nikos Papandroulakis and Jaume Pérez‐Sánchez and Pamela M. Prentice and Sonia Rey Planellas and Bjørn Roth and Adrian Smith and Lars Erik Solberg and Orestis Stavrakidis‐Zachou and Lars Helge Stien and Anja Striberny and Ragnhild Aven Svalheim and Bjørn‐Steinar Sæther and Gerrit Timmerhaus and Hilde Toften and Linda Tschirren and Hans Van De Vis and Elisabeth Ytteborg and Lucas A. Zena and Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter Østbye},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/raq.70109
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Noble-Reviews-Aqua-72.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/raq.70109},
issn = {1753-5123, 1753-5131},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-01},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Reviews in Aquaculture},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70109},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.
6.
Stamouli, Caterina; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Voultsiadou, Eleni
Sponges as Habitat Formers on Mesophotic, Soft-Substrate Seafloors of the Eastern Mediterranean Journal Article
In: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 2132, 2025, ISSN: 2077-1312.
@article{stamouli_sponges_2025,
title = {Sponges as Habitat Formers on Mesophotic, Soft-Substrate Seafloors of the Eastern Mediterranean},
author = {Caterina Stamouli and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Eleni Voultsiadou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/11/2132
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Stamouli-JMSE-71.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/jmse13112132},
issn = {2077-1312},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-26},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Journal of Marine Science and Engineering},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {2132},
abstract = {This study aims to investigate the ecological role of sponges as habitat formers on soft-bottom habitats of the mesophotic zone. As habitat formers, sponges significantly enhance benthic habitat complexity and establish associations with a plethora of organisms consequently augmenting local biodiversity. This role becomes particularly critical in areas subjected to intensive bottom trawling, where sponges often comprise a substantial portion of the discarded material. The examination of 114 massive sponge specimens, belonging to 10 sponge species, which were collected as bycatch from bottom trawls in the Aegean and Ionian ecoregions, revealed a total of over 4600 associated individuals of 78 invertebrate taxa, with crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes being the dominant groups. The composition of sponge-associated communities showed strong similarities to previously reported cases from shallow water hard substrates of the eastern Mediterranean, while displaying host-specific differences likely influenced by sponge morphology. Although depth did not significantly affect species richness, Shannon diversity, or evenness, a decrease in abundance of associated invertebrates was observed in deeper samples, suggesting a depth-related pattern that deserves further investigation. By forming stable substrate “islands” in otherwise unstable soft substrate environments, sponges play a vital role in structuring benthic communities. Their removal through bottom trawling not only results in the loss of the sponges themselves, but also disrupts the diverse communities they support. We suggest that sponge-associated fauna should be recognized as part of the discarded bycatch and emphasize the need for broader assessments of sponge-mediated biodiversity across similar Mediterranean habitats to support effective management and conservation strategies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study aims to investigate the ecological role of sponges as habitat formers on soft-bottom habitats of the mesophotic zone. As habitat formers, sponges significantly enhance benthic habitat complexity and establish associations with a plethora of organisms consequently augmenting local biodiversity. This role becomes particularly critical in areas subjected to intensive bottom trawling, where sponges often comprise a substantial portion of the discarded material. The examination of 114 massive sponge specimens, belonging to 10 sponge species, which were collected as bycatch from bottom trawls in the Aegean and Ionian ecoregions, revealed a total of over 4600 associated individuals of 78 invertebrate taxa, with crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes being the dominant groups. The composition of sponge-associated communities showed strong similarities to previously reported cases from shallow water hard substrates of the eastern Mediterranean, while displaying host-specific differences likely influenced by sponge morphology. Although depth did not significantly affect species richness, Shannon diversity, or evenness, a decrease in abundance of associated invertebrates was observed in deeper samples, suggesting a depth-related pattern that deserves further investigation. By forming stable substrate “islands” in otherwise unstable soft substrate environments, sponges play a vital role in structuring benthic communities. Their removal through bottom trawling not only results in the loss of the sponges themselves, but also disrupts the diverse communities they support. We suggest that sponge-associated fauna should be recognized as part of the discarded bycatch and emphasize the need for broader assessments of sponge-mediated biodiversity across similar Mediterranean habitats to support effective management and conservation strategies.
7.
Minguito‐Frutos, Mario; Arthur, Rohan; Boada, Jordi; Marco‐Méndez, Candela; Adams, Matthew P.; Pagès, Jordi F.; Buñuel, Xavier; Pessarrodona, Albert; Turon, Xavier; Ballesteros, Enric; Tamburello, Laura; Farina, Simone; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Kletou, Demetris; Cebrian, Emma; Santamaría, Jorge; Verdura, Jana; Alcoverro, Teresa
Grazing halos reveal differential ecosystem vulnerabilities in vegetated habitats Journal Article
In: Ecology, vol. 106, no. 11, pp. e70239, 2025, ISSN: 0012-9658, 1939-9170.
@article{minguitofrutos_grazing_2025,
title = {Grazing halos reveal differential ecosystem vulnerabilities in vegetated habitats},
author = {Mario Minguito‐Frutos and Rohan Arthur and Jordi Boada and Candela Marco‐Méndez and Matthew P. Adams and Jordi F. Pagès and Xavier Buñuel and Albert Pessarrodona and Xavier Turon and Enric Ballesteros and Laura Tamburello and Simone Farina and Grigorios Skouradakis and Demetris Kletou and Emma Cebrian and Jorge Santamaría and Jana Verdura and Teresa Alcoverro},
url = {https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70239
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Minguito-Frutos-ECOLOGY-70.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70239},
issn = {0012-9658, 1939-9170},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-24},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {11},
pages = {e70239},
abstract = {Abstract
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.
8.
Radojicic, Jelena; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Polovina, Eirini-Slavka; Pavlidis, Pavlos; Ladoukakis, Emmanuel D.
Pervasive non-random mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in the hybrid water frog Pelophylax esculentus Journal Article
In: BMC Ecology and Evolution, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 91, 2025, ISSN: 2730-7182.
@article{radojicic_pervasive_2025,
title = {Pervasive non-random mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in the hybrid water frog Pelophylax esculentus},
author = {Jelena Radojicic and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Eirini-Slavka Polovina and Pavlos Pavlidis and Emmanuel D. Ladoukakis},
url = {https://bmcevolbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-025-02436-1
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Radoijcic-BMC-69.pdf},
doi = {10.1186/s12862-025-02436-1},
issn = {2730-7182},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-21},
urldate = {2025-09-01},
journal = {BMC Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {91},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
9.
Arvanitidis, Christos; Ameixa, Olga; Basset, Alberto; Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Coman, Claudia; Companys, Berta; Leo, Francesco De; Deneudt, Klaas; Drago, Federico; Eriksson, John; Ferrari, Tiziana; Georgiev, Teodor; Giuliano, Giovanni; Gruber, Stefan; Habermann, Jens; Heil, Katharina; Hubbard, Tim; Olivares, Cristina Huertas; Kotoulas, Georgios; Koureas, Dimitris; Manola, Natalia; Marrocco, Vanessa; Pade, Nicolas; Melo, Ana Portugal; Provenzale, Antonello; Psomopoulos, Fotis; Raes, Niels; Robinson, Susie; Ruch, Patrick; Schaap, Dick; Stanica, Adrian; Stavropoulos, Tassos; Teixeira, Heliana; Tienderen, Peter Van; Tsigenopoulos, Costas; Waterhouse, Robert; Aprea, Giuseppe; Boër, Michel; Casino, Ana; Delauney, Laurent; Ewbank, Jonathan; Mirtl, Michael; Pavlic-Zupanc, Jana; Penev, Lyubomir; Piera, Jaume; Pitta, Paraskevi; Puillat, Ingrid; Richter, David; Stepanyan, Diana; Ussi, Anton; Węsławski, Jan; Zuquim, Gabriela
The Crete Declaration: Uniting Science for One Health Journal Article
In: Research Ideas and Outcomes, vol. 11, pp. e176120, 2025, ISSN: 2367-7163.
@article{arvanitidis_crete_2025,
title = {The Crete Declaration: Uniting Science for One Health},
author = {Christos Arvanitidis and Olga Ameixa and Alberto Basset and Eva Chatzinikolaou and Claudia Coman and Berta Companys and Francesco De Leo and Klaas Deneudt and Federico Drago and John Eriksson and Tiziana Ferrari and Teodor Georgiev and Giovanni Giuliano and Stefan Gruber and Jens Habermann and Katharina Heil and Tim Hubbard and Cristina Huertas Olivares and Georgios Kotoulas and Dimitris Koureas and Natalia Manola and Vanessa Marrocco and Nicolas Pade and Ana Portugal Melo and Antonello Provenzale and Fotis Psomopoulos and Niels Raes and Susie Robinson and Patrick Ruch and Dick Schaap and Adrian Stanica and Tassos Stavropoulos and Heliana Teixeira and Peter Van Tienderen and Costas Tsigenopoulos and Robert Waterhouse and Giuseppe Aprea and Michel Boër and Ana Casino and Laurent Delauney and Jonathan Ewbank and Michael Mirtl and Jana Pavlic-Zupanc and Lyubomir Penev and Jaume Piera and Paraskevi Pitta and Ingrid Puillat and David Richter and Diana Stepanyan and Anton Ussi and Jan Węsławski and Gabriela Zuquim},
url = {https://riojournal.com/article/176120/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Arvanitidis-RIO-68.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/rio.11.e176120},
issn = {2367-7163},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-17},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Research Ideas and Outcomes},
volume = {11},
pages = {e176120},
abstract = {The interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies.
10.
Bergé, David; Mademli, Geli; Papathanasiadi, Eleanna; Kalogeropoulos, Costas; Brauchli, Roland
Mediterranean Icebergs: Invisible Connections Underwater Book
kyklàda.press, Athens, 2025, ISBN: 9789464772647.
@book{berge_mediterranean_2025,
title = {Mediterranean Icebergs: Invisible Connections Underwater},
author = {David Bergé and Geli Mademli and Eleanna Papathanasiadi and Costas Kalogeropoulos and Roland Brauchli},
editor = {Daphne Dragona},
url = {https://kyklada.press/product/mediterranean-icebergs/?v=d692bc40d834},
isbn = {9789464772647},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-12},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
publisher = {kyklàda.press},
address = {Athens},
abstract = {"While the largest parts of icebergs — or islands — remain beneath the sea surface, often unmapped and perilous, a myriad of creatures and non-organic matter connect them to other lands. Nowadays, in the era of the climate crisis, what is hidden in the depths of the sea exponentially manifests the impact of anthropogenic activity on the planet. Plastic waste and pollution, deep sea mining, and undersea network infrastructures affect marine biodiversity and life on Earth at large. Mediterranean Icebergs sheds light on forms of agency, be it human, more-than-human, or machinic, that operate in marine environments, paying attention to their entanglements, encounters, and asymmetries. Addressing the interconnectedness of environmental, political, and legal issues, this book takes the Mediterranean as a starting point to discuss what is at stake for all lives depending on the planet’s seas and oceans."–},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
"While the largest parts of icebergs — or islands — remain beneath the sea surface, often unmapped and perilous, a myriad of creatures and non-organic matter connect them to other lands. Nowadays, in the era of the climate crisis, what is hidden in the depths of the sea exponentially manifests the impact of anthropogenic activity on the planet. Plastic waste and pollution, deep sea mining, and undersea network infrastructures affect marine biodiversity and life on Earth at large. Mediterranean Icebergs sheds light on forms of agency, be it human, more-than-human, or machinic, that operate in marine environments, paying attention to their entanglements, encounters, and asymmetries. Addressing the interconnectedness of environmental, political, and legal issues, this book takes the Mediterranean as a starting point to discuss what is at stake for all lives depending on the planet’s seas and oceans."–
11.
Lavecchia, Anna; Virgilio, Caterina De; Manzari, Caterina; Giudice, Claudio Lo; Pousis, Chrysovalentinos; Zupa, Rosa; Mylonas, Constantinos C.; Picardi, Ernesto; Ventriglia, Gianluca; Pesole, Graziano; Corriero, Aldo
In: Animal Reproduction Science, vol. 282, pp. 108024, 2025, ISSN: 03784320.
@article{lavecchia_differential_2025,
title = {Differential pituitary mRNA expression in wild and hatchery-produced greater amberjack Seriola dumerili exhibiting normal and impaired spermatogenesis},
author = {Anna Lavecchia and Caterina De Virgilio and Caterina Manzari and Claudio Lo Giudice and Chrysovalentinos Pousis and Rosa Zupa and Constantinos C. Mylonas and Ernesto Picardi and Gianluca Ventriglia and Graziano Pesole and Aldo Corriero},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378432025002635
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Lavecchia-AniReproSci-pre-print-66.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108024},
issn = {03784320},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-10},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Animal Reproduction Science},
volume = {282},
pages = {108024},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
12.
Vasilaki, Antigoni; Nengas, Ioannis; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Henry, Morgane; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Chronopoulos, Petros; Berillis, Panagiotis; Golomazou, Eleni; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T.; Mente, Elena
In: Aquaculture Reports, vol. 45, pp. 103135, 2025, ISSN: 23525134.
@article{vasilaki_evaluation_2025,
title = {Evaluation of the nutritional value of processed lupin meal (Lupinus albus) with exogenous enzymes, as feed ingredient in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) aquafeeds},
author = {Antigoni Vasilaki and Ioannis Nengas and Dimitra Kogiannou and Morgane Henry and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Petros Chronopoulos and Panagiotis Berillis and Eleni Golomazou and Eleni Fountoulaki and Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis and Elena Mente},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352513425005216
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Vasilaki-Aqua-Rep-65.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103135},
issn = {23525134},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-06},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Aquaculture Reports},
volume = {45},
pages = {103135},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
13.
Guerra-García, José Manuel; Desiderato, Andrea; Mucciolo, Serena; Navarro-Barranco, Carlos; Ros, Macarena; Ferrario, Jasmine; Moretti, Paula; Marchini, Agnese; Mosbahi, Nawfel; Ruiz-Velasco, Sofía; Gestoso, Ignacio; Ramalhosa, Patrício; Canning-Clode, João; Olabarria, Celia; Cacabelos, Eva; Troncoso, Jesús S.; Pezy, Jean-Philippe; Raoux, Aurore; Dauvin, Jean-Claude; Charbonnelle, Mathilde; Schlicklin, Ferdinand; Ariyama, Hiroyuki; Mancini, Emanuele; Bonifazi, Andrea; Garrec, Vincent Le; Burel, Thomas; Gouillieux, Benoit; Santo, Cristina Espírito; Chainho, Paula; Ribeiro, Romeu S.; Afonso, Inês; Wang, Yanrong; Leclerc, Jean-Charles; Moal, Marine; Houbin, Céline; Viard, Frédérique; Thiébaut, Eric; Fernandez-Gonzalez, Victoria; Navarro-Mayoral, Sandra; Díaz-Vergara, Sonia; Gittenberger, Arjan; Hughes, Lauren Elizabeth; Lampa, Maria; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Plaitis, Wanda; Tiralongo, Francesco; Martínez-Laiz, Gemma; Cabezas, M. Pilar; Duarte, Sofia; Pinheiro, João P. R.; Reis, Giovanna O.; Revanales, Triana; Juan, Sempere-Valverde; Aylagas, Eva; Poliseno, Angelo; Chebaane, Sahar; Carvalho, Susana; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Frutos, Inmaculada; Saenz-Arias, Pablo
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 842–859, 2025, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{guerra-garcia_spread_2025,
title = {The spread of Aoroides longimerus Ren & Zheng, 1996 across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic: genetic diversity, anthropogenic transport, and ecological implications},
author = {José Manuel Guerra-García and Andrea Desiderato and Serena Mucciolo and Carlos Navarro-Barranco and Macarena Ros and Jasmine Ferrario and Paula Moretti and Agnese Marchini and Nawfel Mosbahi and Sofía Ruiz-Velasco and Ignacio Gestoso and Patrício Ramalhosa and João Canning-Clode and Celia Olabarria and Eva Cacabelos and Jesús S. Troncoso and Jean-Philippe Pezy and Aurore Raoux and Jean-Claude Dauvin and Mathilde Charbonnelle and Ferdinand Schlicklin and Hiroyuki Ariyama and Emanuele Mancini and Andrea Bonifazi and Vincent Le Garrec and Thomas Burel and Benoit Gouillieux and Cristina Espírito Santo and Paula Chainho and Romeu S. Ribeiro and Inês Afonso and Yanrong Wang and Jean-Charles Leclerc and Marine Moal and Céline Houbin and Frédérique Viard and Eric Thiébaut and Victoria Fernandez-Gonzalez and Sandra Navarro-Mayoral and Sonia Díaz-Vergara and Arjan Gittenberger and Lauren Elizabeth Hughes and Maria Lampa and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Wanda Plaitis and Francesco Tiralongo and Gemma Martínez-Laiz and M. Pilar Cabezas and Sofia Duarte and João P. R. Pinheiro and Giovanna O. Reis and Triana Revanales and Sempere-Valverde Juan and Eva Aylagas and Angelo Poliseno and Sahar Chebaane and Susana Carvalho and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Inmaculada Frutos and Pablo Saenz-Arias},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/41784
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Guerra-Garcia-MMS-64.pdf},
doi = {10.12681/mms.41784},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-03},
urldate = {2025-10-01},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {842–859},
abstract = {Accurate knowledge of the global distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) is essential for understanding their invasion dynamics and for implementing timely management measures. This study reports the first records of the marine amphipod Aoroides longimerus, putatively native to the East Asian coast, in Italy (2018), Spain (2019) and Tunisia (2022) and provides the earliest documented record of the species in its introduced European range (Portugal, 2011). Furthermore, it expands the species’ known distribution in mainland Portugal (including the northernmost record), Macaronesia (with first records in the Canary Islands and Madeira), and confirms its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France and the Netherlands. Aquaculture facilities, particularly those associated with oyster farming, are probably the primary vector of introduction, while recreational boating may have contributed significantly to secondary dispersal. In comparison to other exotic amphipods, A. longimerus remains absent from many marinas, ports and/or aquaculture facilities in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions, such as the Red Sea. This suggests that the species may still be in the early stages of expansion, or that its dispersal ability across marinas and ports is more limited than that of other amphipods. The present study, however, highlights several key ecological traits of A. longimerus: (i) it can survive year-round despite seasonal fluctuations, and reach high local densities, (ii) it exhibits strong colonisation capacity, as shown by its rapid establishment on settlement plates, and (iii) it displays opportunistic feeding behaviour, primarily consuming detritus. These characteristics underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and effective communication with stakeholders to prevent further expansion of this species.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Accurate knowledge of the global distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) is essential for understanding their invasion dynamics and for implementing timely management measures. This study reports the first records of the marine amphipod Aoroides longimerus, putatively native to the East Asian coast, in Italy (2018), Spain (2019) and Tunisia (2022) and provides the earliest documented record of the species in its introduced European range (Portugal, 2011). Furthermore, it expands the species’ known distribution in mainland Portugal (including the northernmost record), Macaronesia (with first records in the Canary Islands and Madeira), and confirms its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France and the Netherlands. Aquaculture facilities, particularly those associated with oyster farming, are probably the primary vector of introduction, while recreational boating may have contributed significantly to secondary dispersal. In comparison to other exotic amphipods, A. longimerus remains absent from many marinas, ports and/or aquaculture facilities in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions, such as the Red Sea. This suggests that the species may still be in the early stages of expansion, or that its dispersal ability across marinas and ports is more limited than that of other amphipods. The present study, however, highlights several key ecological traits of A. longimerus: (i) it can survive year-round despite seasonal fluctuations, and reach high local densities, (ii) it exhibits strong colonisation capacity, as shown by its rapid establishment on settlement plates, and (iii) it displays opportunistic feeding behaviour, primarily consuming detritus. These characteristics underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and effective communication with stakeholders to prevent further expansion of this species.
14.
Kolygas, Markos N.; Kostou, Vasiliki; Pappas, Ioannis S.; Karagouni, Evdokia; Toubanaki, Dimitra K.; Bakopoulos, Vasileios; Kotzamanis, Yannis P.; Nathanailides, Cosmas; Athanassopoulou, Fotini
In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against major fish pathogens in Mediterranean aquaculture Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Aquaculture, vol. 4, pp. 1665877, 2025, ISSN: 2813-5334.
@article{kolygas_vitro_2025,
title = {In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against major fish pathogens in Mediterranean aquaculture},
author = {Markos N. Kolygas and Vasiliki Kostou and Ioannis S. Pappas and Evdokia Karagouni and Dimitra K. Toubanaki and Vasileios Bakopoulos and Yannis P. Kotzamanis and Cosmas Nathanailides and Fotini Athanassopoulou},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/faquc.2025.1665877/full
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Kolygas-Front-Aqua-63.pdf
},
doi = {10.3389/faquc.2025.1665877},
issn = {2813-5334},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-30},
urldate = {2025-10-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Aquaculture},
volume = {4},
pages = {1665877},
abstract = {A rise of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture has been associated with vulnerability to bacterial infections, necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial and bactericidal activity of essential oils derived from fifteen medicinal plants against four key bacterial pathogens affecting Mediterranean marine aquaculture:
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A rise of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture has been associated with vulnerability to bacterial infections, necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial and bactericidal activity of essential oils derived from fifteen medicinal plants against four key bacterial pathogens affecting Mediterranean marine aquaculture:
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.
15.
Metcalfe, Abigail; Druitt, Tim; Pank, Katharina; Kutterolf, Steffen; Preine, Jonas; Beethe, Sarah; Schmitt, Axel; Hübscher, Christian; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Ronge, Thomas A.; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Chiyonobu, Shun; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond; Koukousioura, Olga; Manga, Michael; McCanta, Molly; McIntosh, Iona; Peccia, Ally; Tominaga, Masako; Yamamoto, Yuzuru; Woodhouse, Adam; Bernard, Alexis; Perez, Tatiana Fernandez; Jones, Christopher K.; Joshi, Kumar Batuk; Kletetschka, Günther; Morris, Antony; Polymenakou, Paraskevi; Li, Xiaohui; Papanikolaou, Dimitrios; Pyle, David; Sternai, Pietro
Tectonic modulation of caldera volcanism on the South Aegean Volcanic Arc Journal Article
In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 671, pp. 119633, 2025, ISSN: 0012821X.
@article{metcalfe_tectonic_2025,
title = {Tectonic modulation of caldera volcanism on the South Aegean Volcanic Arc},
author = {Abigail Metcalfe and Tim Druitt and Katharina Pank and Steffen Kutterolf and Jonas Preine and Sarah Beethe and Axel Schmitt and Christian Hübscher and Paraskevi Nomikou and Thomas A. Ronge and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Shun Chiyonobu and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond Johnston and Olga Koukousioura 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 Christopher K. Jones and Kumar Batuk Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Antony Morris and Paraskevi Polymenakou and Xiaohui Li and Dimitrios Papanikolaou and David Pyle and Pietro Sternai},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0012821X25004315
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Metcalfe-EarthPlSci-62.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119633},
issn = {0012821X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-30},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters},
volume = {671},
pages = {119633},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
16.
Kokokiris, Lambros E.; Minos, George; Simeonidis, Christos; Karidas, Theofanis; Papadaki, Maria; Mylonas, Constantinos C.
Induction of Spawning in Captive Female Thicklip Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus) Treated with Different GnRHa Delivery Systems Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 10, no. 10, pp. 516, 2025, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{kokokiris_induction_2025,
title = {Induction of Spawning in Captive Female Thicklip Grey Mullet (\textit{Chelon labrosus}) Treated with Different GnRHa Delivery Systems},
author = {Lambros E. Kokokiris and George Minos and Christos Simeonidis and Theofanis Karidas and Maria Papadaki and Constantinos C. Mylonas},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/10/10/516
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Kokokiris-FISHES-61.pdf
},
doi = {10.3390/fishes10100516},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-27},
urldate = {2025-10-27},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {516},
abstract = {Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly10, D-Ala6-ProNEth9-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg−1 BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg−1 bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg−1 bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg−1 day−1; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly10, D-Ala6-ProNEth9-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg−1 BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg−1 bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg−1 bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg−1 day−1; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture.
17.
Minguito-Frutos, Mario; Buñuel, Xavier; Marco-Méndez, Candela; Sanmartí, Neus; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Boada, Jordi; Pagès, Jordi F.; Alcoverro, Teresa; Arthur, Rohan
Tropical range extending herbivorous fishes gain foraging benefits by shoaling with native temperate species Journal Article
In: vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 35137, 2025, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{minguito-frutos_tropical_2025,
title = {Tropical range extending herbivorous fishes gain foraging benefits by shoaling with native temperate species},
author = {Mario Minguito-Frutos and Xavier Buñuel and Candela Marco-Méndez and Neus Sanmartí and Grigorios Skouradakis and Jordi Boada and Jordi F. Pagès and Teresa Alcoverro and Rohan Arthur},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-19136-x
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Minguito-Frutos-SciRep-60.pdf
},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-19136-x},
issn = {2045-2322},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-23},
urldate = {2025-10-08},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {35137},
abstract = {Abstract
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.
18.
Rosso, Antonietta; Martino, Emanuela Di; Donato, Gemma; Figuerola, Blanca; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Siddiolo, Chiara; Sinagra, Alessandro; Sanfilippo, Rossana; Sciuto, Francesco
In: ZooKeys, vol. 1254, pp. 1–74, 2025, ISSN: 1313-2970, 1313-2989.
@article{rosso_unlocking_2025,
title = {Unlocking Mediterranean bryozoan diversity: seven new species unveiled after fixing a neotype for Fenestrulina malusii (Audouin & Savigny, 1826) (Cheilostomatida, Fenestrulinidae)},
author = {Antonietta Rosso and Emanuela Di Martino and Gemma Donato and Blanca Figuerola and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Chiara Siddiolo and Alessandro Sinagra and Rossana Sanfilippo and Francesco Sciuto},
url = {https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/157989/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Rosso-ZooKeys-58.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/zookeys.1254.157989},
issn = {1313-2970, 1313-2989},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-15},
urldate = {2025-10-15},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1254},
pages = {1--74},
abstract = {Fenestrulina malusii
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Fenestrulina malusii
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.
19.
Nunes, Maria João; Varamogianni-Mamatsi, Despoina; Marques, Vanda; Anastasiou, Thekla I; Kagiampaki, Eirini; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Dailianis, Thanos; Kalogerakis, Nicolas; Branco, Luís C; Rodrigues, Cecília M P; Sobral, Rita G; Mandalakis, Manolis; Gaudêncio, Susana P
Chemical profile of extracts from wild and farmed Chondrosia reniformis sponges Journal Article
In: Aquaculture International, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 558, 2025, ISSN: 0967-6120, 1573-143X.
@article{nunes_chemical_2025,
title = {Chemical profile of extracts from wild and farmed Chondrosia reniformis sponges},
author = {Maria João Nunes and Despoina Varamogianni-Mamatsi and Vanda Marques and Thekla I Anastasiou and Eirini Kagiampaki and Emmanouela Vernadou and Thanos Dailianis and Nicolas Kalogerakis and Luís C Branco and Cecília M P Rodrigues and Rita G Sobral and Manolis Mandalakis and Susana P Gaudêncio},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10499-025-02246-8
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Nunes-AquaInt-57-preprint.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/s10499-025-02246-8},
issn = {0967-6120, 1573-143X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-13},
urldate = {2025-10-13},
journal = {Aquaculture International},
volume = {33},
number = {6},
pages = {558},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
20.
Bolanakis, Giannis; Paragkamian, Savvas; Maroulis, Leonidas; Kontos, Panagiotis; Poursanidis, Dimitris; Nikolakakis, Manolis; Trichas, Apostolos; Chatzaki, Maria
Weaving together the past, present and future of Greek arachnofauna: Biodiversity, knowledge gaps and conservation Journal Article
In: Insect Conservation and Diversity, pp. icad.70019, 2025, ISSN: 1752-458X, 1752-4598.
@article{bolanakis_weaving_2025,
title = {Weaving together the past, present and future of Greek arachnofauna: Biodiversity, knowledge gaps and conservation},
author = {Giannis Bolanakis and Savvas Paragkamian and Leonidas Maroulis and Panagiotis Kontos and Dimitris Poursanidis and Manolis Nikolakakis and Apostolos Trichas and Maria Chatzaki},
url = {https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/icad.70019
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Volanakis-InsConsDiv-56-.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/icad.70019},
issn = {1752-458X, 1752-4598},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-09},
urldate = {2025-10-09},
journal = {Insect Conservation and Diversity},
pages = {icad.70019},
abstract = {Abstract
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.
2026
Rigos, George; Padrós, Francesc; Constenla, Maria; Jerončić, Ana; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Consuegra, Sofia; Adamek, Mikolaj; Mladineo, Ivona
Global Warming Affects the Pathogenesis of Important Fish Diseases in European Aquaculture Journal Article
In: Reviews in Aquaculture, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. e70112, 2026, ISSN: 1753-5123, 1753-5131.
@article{rigos_global_2026,
title = {Global Warming Affects the Pathogenesis of Important Fish Diseases in European Aquaculture},
author = {George Rigos and Francesc Padrós and Maria Constenla and Ana Jerončić and Dimitra Kogiannou and Sofia Consuegra and Mikolaj Adamek and Ivona Mladineo},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/raq.70112
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Rigos-RinAqua-75.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/raq.70112},
issn = {1753-5123, 1753-5131},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-12-10},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Reviews in Aquaculture},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70112},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.
Global warming remains a neglected environmental challenge for the sustainability of primary production, particularly aquaculture, which is highly susceptible to the spread of established pathogens and the induction of emerging infectious diseases under warming conditions. Over the past decade, Europe has experienced dramatically high temperatures that may impact both farmed fish and their pathogens in a largely unpredictable manner. While, in general, warming may boost the rate of disease transmission and its virulence by increasing pathogens' fitness in weakened hosts, some diseases characteristic of cooler environments may become rare. Field data is still largely fragmented, but in vitro experiments reveal that almost 28 microbial diseases in European finfish farming could be facilitated by climate warming. Innovative mitigation tools, such as fish selective breeding, epigenetic programming, the development of new vaccines, and alternative treatments, may prove essential in coping with the effects of rising water temperatures on fish diseases in Europe.
2025
Titri, Lucinda; Hubert-Ferrari, Aurélia; Caterina, Basile; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Christodoulou, Dimitris; Fakiris, Elias; Dimas, Xenophon; Geraga, Maria; Papatheodorou, George
Marine animal forests in high-energy environments after a large anthropic impact: discoveries from the Rion-Antirion Strait, Greece Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 12, pp. 1658262, 2025, ISSN: 2296-7745.
@article{titri_marine_2025,
title = {Marine animal forests in high-energy environments after a large anthropic impact: discoveries from the Rion-Antirion Strait, Greece},
author = {Lucinda Titri and Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari and Basile Caterina and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Dimitris Christodoulou and Elias Fakiris and Xenophon Dimas and Maria Geraga and George Papatheodorou},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1658262/full
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Titri-Frontiers-76.pdf},
doi = {10.3389/fmars.2025.1658262},
issn = {2296-7745},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-12},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
volume = {12},
pages = {1658262},
abstract = {The Rion–Antirion Strait (Greece, 50–100 m depth) hosts rich Marine Animal Forests (MAFs), formed by several species of anthozoans, sponges, bryozoans and tunicates. Using twelve video transects collected in 2019 and 2023 and a Regional Oceanographic Modelling System (ROMS) hydrodynamic model, we characterized the assemblages’ biological composition, geomorphology, and physical drivers. Strong bidirectional bottom currents (0.01–0.25 m/s, peaking at 0.8 m/s) funnel nutrients into the strait, resulting in the highest chlorophyll concentrations recorded between the adjacent Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Bridge construction (1998–2004) likely caused extensive habitat loss through dredging, excavation, ballast dumping, and fine-sediment remobilization. Today, pioneer taxa – such as
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Rion–Antirion Strait (Greece, 50–100 m depth) hosts rich Marine Animal Forests (MAFs), formed by several species of anthozoans, sponges, bryozoans and tunicates. Using twelve video transects collected in 2019 and 2023 and a Regional Oceanographic Modelling System (ROMS) hydrodynamic model, we characterized the assemblages’ biological composition, geomorphology, and physical drivers. Strong bidirectional bottom currents (0.01–0.25 m/s, peaking at 0.8 m/s) funnel nutrients into the strait, resulting in the highest chlorophyll concentrations recorded between the adjacent Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Bridge construction (1998–2004) likely caused extensive habitat loss through dredging, excavation, ballast dumping, and fine-sediment remobilization. Today, pioneer taxa – such as
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.
Alcyonium
spp. and Caryophylliidae spp. – form dense fields, benefiting from trophic flexibility, rapid recruitment, and tolerance to moderate turbidity. In contrast, fragile and less adaptable taxa such as Antipatharia and Pennatuloidea remain sparse and degraded, suggesting limited recovery potential under sustained disturbance. Sponges and tunicates play a key role in post-disturbance habitat structuring by providing settlement microhabitats. Our results suggest unexpected resilience of anthozoan assemblages in high-energy, non-rocky settings, while underscoring the ecosystem’s likely vulnerability to cumulative anthropogenic pressures. The absence of pre-disturbance baseline data limits the reconstruction of historical biodiversity levels, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to assess future impacts from coastal infrastructure development and climate change. These findings provide new insights into MAF ecosystem dynamics and inform targeted conservation strategies for vulnerable Mediterranean habitats.
Pagnier, Justine; Allcock, Louise; Cancio, Ibon; Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Chrismas, Nathan; Costantini, Federica; Dailianis, Thanos; Deneudt, Klaas; Cerio, Oihane Díaz De; Digenis, Markos; Exter, Katrina; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Fernández, Jose González; Kauppi, Laura; Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Lagaisse, Rune; Mavrič, Borut; Mortelmans, Jonas; Paredes, Estefania; Pavloudi, Christina; Piazza, Alessandro; Power, Anne Marie; Ramšak, Andreja; Santi, Ioulia; Solbakken, Jostein; Stavroulaki, Melanthia; Stæhr, Peter; Tajadura, Javier; Troncoso, Jesus Souza; Vasileiadou, Katerina; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Obst, Matthias
A long-term ecological research dataset from the marine genetic monitoring programme ARMS-MBON 2020-2021 Journal Article
In: Biodiversity Data Journal, vol. 13, pp. e148981, 2025, ISSN: 1314-2828, 1314-2836.
@article{pagnier_long-term_2025,
title = {A long-term ecological research dataset from the marine genetic monitoring programme ARMS-MBON 2020-2021},
author = {Justine Pagnier and Louise Allcock and Ibon Cancio and Eva Chatzinikolaou and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Nathan Chrismas and Federica Costantini and Thanos Dailianis and Klaas Deneudt and Oihane Díaz De Cerio and Markos Digenis and Katrina Exter and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Jose González Fernández and Laura Kauppi and Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Rune Lagaisse and Borut Mavrič and Jonas Mortelmans and Estefania Paredes and Christina Pavloudi and Alessandro Piazza and Anne Marie Power and Andreja Ramšak and Ioulia Santi and Jostein Solbakken and Melanthia Stavroulaki and Peter Stæhr and Javier Tajadura and Jesus Souza Troncoso and Katerina Vasileiadou and Emmanouela Vernadou and Matthias Obst},
url = {https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/148981/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Pagnier-BDJ-74.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/BDJ.13.e148981},
issn = {1314-2828, 1314-2836},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-08},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Biodiversity Data Journal},
volume = {13},
pages = {e148981},
abstract = {Continuing the international efforts of the ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON), we present data from the second sampling campaign, coming from 56 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) deployed in 2020 and 2021 along European coasts under the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON). The dataset includes information on sampling locations and conditions, sample archiving and quality reports of collected samples. Data and metadata are openly accessible and can be downloaded from the associated GitHub repository. Sequence data can be accessed via the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) through the corresponding accession numbers. Images of ARMS plates are stored on PlutoF and can be downloaded through links provided in this paper. Sequence data were processed and explored with the PEMA pipeline, resulting in 17,194, 7,235 and 5,261 unique ASVs/OTUs for COI, 18S and ITS, respectively. In this dataset, ARMS revealed the presence of over 61 eukaryotic phyla, aligning with our previous sampling campaign. Amongst these phyla, 35 had sequences identified to the species level. With this dataset and its associated paper, we provide a standardised resource for marine biodiversity monitoring and scientific analyses of benthic biodiversity. The presented data product supports future studies on the status and changes in species composition, distribution and genetic diversity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Continuing the international efforts of the ARMS Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (ARMS-MBON), we present data from the second sampling campaign, coming from 56 Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) deployed in 2020 and 2021 along European coasts under the European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network (EMO BON). The dataset includes information on sampling locations and conditions, sample archiving and quality reports of collected samples. Data and metadata are openly accessible and can be downloaded from the associated GitHub repository. Sequence data can be accessed via the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) through the corresponding accession numbers. Images of ARMS plates are stored on PlutoF and can be downloaded through links provided in this paper. Sequence data were processed and explored with the PEMA pipeline, resulting in 17,194, 7,235 and 5,261 unique ASVs/OTUs for COI, 18S and ITS, respectively. In this dataset, ARMS revealed the presence of over 61 eukaryotic phyla, aligning with our previous sampling campaign. Amongst these phyla, 35 had sequences identified to the species level. With this dataset and its associated paper, we provide a standardised resource for marine biodiversity monitoring and scientific analyses of benthic biodiversity. The presented data product supports future studies on the status and changes in species composition, distribution and genetic diversity.
Alexandridis, Damianos; Manousaki, Tereza; Antoniou, Aglaia; Kristoffersen, Jon; Apostolidis, Charis; Cannas, Rita; Spedicato, Maria Teresa; Cariani, Alessia; Bellido, Jose María; Magoulas, Antonios; Ramírez, Francisco; Lloret‐Lloret, Elena; Albo‐Puigserver, Marta; Coll, Marta; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S.
Uncovering the Genetic Structure of European Anchovy Populations in Central and Western Mediterranean Journal Article
In: Ecology and Evolution, vol. 15, no. 11, pp. e72441, 2025, ISSN: 2045-7758, 2045-7758.
@article{alexandridis_uncovering_2025,
title = {Uncovering the Genetic Structure of European Anchovy Populations in Central and Western Mediterranean},
author = {Damianos Alexandridis and Tereza Manousaki and Aglaia Antoniou and Jon Kristoffersen and Charis Apostolidis and Rita Cannas and Maria Teresa Spedicato and Alessia Cariani and Jose María Bellido and Antonios Magoulas and Francisco Ramírez and Elena Lloret‐Lloret and Marta Albo‐Puigserver and Marta Coll and Costas S. Tsigenopoulos},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.72441
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Alexandridis-EcoEvo-73.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.72441},
issn = {2045-7758, 2045-7758},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-03},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e72441},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.
Among small pelagic fishes, the European anchovy (
Engraulis encrasicolus
) is a key species within the marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, exhibiting significant population structure across its geographic range. This study applied state‐of‐the‐art genomic analyses, utilizing 9497 genome‐wide SNPs derived from ddRAD sequencing, to investigate population structure, genetic diversity, and genotype‐environment associations in anchovy samples collected across 12 locations in the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as nearby Atlantic regions. In order to increase the number of polymorphic loci identified, we first assembled a draft reference genome for the species (1.69 Gb and 79.8% BUSCO completeness), which proved to be a powerful tool for downstream analyses. Two main genetic clusters were delineated: one comprising individuals from the Atlantic and Alboran Sea and the other including those from the Northwestern (particularly Balearic Sea and Gulf of Lion) and Central Mediterranean (
F
ST = 0.09), indicating the Almeria–Oran front as a potential dispersal barrier for gene flow in the species. Seascape genomic analyses identified statistically significant associations between SNPs and environmental variables such as temperature and nutrient availability. Overall, our research highlighted the genetic relationships among anchovies in the studied area, providing essential insights needed for identifying distinct management units and developing conservation strategies, while emphasizing the need to address genetic and environmental dynamics in light of climate change, which may threaten the stability and resilience of anchovy populations and their habitats.
Noble, Chris; Abbink, Wout; Alvestad, René; Ardó, László; Bégout, Marie‐Laure; Bloecher, Nina; Burgerhout, Erik; Calduch‐Giner, Josep; Chivite‐Alcalde, Mauro; Císař, Petr; Durland, Evan; Espmark, Åsa M.; Falconer, Lynne; Føre, Martin; Georgopoulou, Dimitra G.; Heia, Karsten; Helberg, Gaute A. N.; Gomez, David Izquierdo; Johansen, Lill‐Heidi; Johansson, Gunhild Seljehaug; Jónsdóttir, Kristbjörg Edda; Kolarevic, Jelena; Krasnov, Aleksei; Kumaran, Santhosh K.; Kvæstad, Bjarne; Larsson, Thomas; Lazado, Carlo C.; Madaro, Angelico; Moroni, Federico; Måge, Ingrid; Nilsson, Jonatan; Ortega, Samuel; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Pérez‐Sánchez, Jaume; Prentice, Pamela M.; Planellas, Sonia Rey; Roth, Bjørn; Smith, Adrian; Solberg, Lars Erik; Stavrakidis‐Zachou, Orestis; Stien, Lars Helge; Striberny, Anja; Svalheim, Ragnhild Aven; Sæther, Bjørn‐Steinar; Timmerhaus, Gerrit; Toften, Hilde; Tschirren, Linda; Vis, Hans Van De; Ytteborg, Elisabeth; Zena, Lucas A.; Østbye, Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter
Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species Journal Article
In: Reviews in Aquaculture, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. e70109, 2025, ISSN: 1753-5123, 1753-5131.
@article{noble_welfare_2026,
title = {Welfare Indicators for Aquaculture Research: Toolboxes for Five Farmed European Fish Species},
author = {Chris Noble and Wout Abbink and René Alvestad and László Ardó and Marie‐Laure Bégout and Nina Bloecher and Erik Burgerhout and Josep Calduch‐Giner and Mauro Chivite‐Alcalde and Petr Císař and Evan Durland and Åsa M. Espmark and Lynne Falconer and Martin Føre and Dimitra G. Georgopoulou and Karsten Heia and Gaute A. N. Helberg and David Izquierdo Gomez and Lill‐Heidi Johansen and Gunhild Seljehaug Johansson and Kristbjörg Edda Jónsdóttir and Jelena Kolarevic and Aleksei Krasnov and Santhosh K. Kumaran and Bjarne Kvæstad and Thomas Larsson and Carlo C. Lazado and Angelico Madaro and Federico Moroni and Ingrid Måge and Jonatan Nilsson and Samuel Ortega and Nikos Papandroulakis and Jaume Pérez‐Sánchez and Pamela M. Prentice and Sonia Rey Planellas and Bjørn Roth and Adrian Smith and Lars Erik Solberg and Orestis Stavrakidis‐Zachou and Lars Helge Stien and Anja Striberny and Ragnhild Aven Svalheim and Bjørn‐Steinar Sæther and Gerrit Timmerhaus and Hilde Toften and Linda Tschirren and Hans Van De Vis and Elisabeth Ytteborg and Lucas A. Zena and Tone‐Kari Knutsdatter Østbye},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/raq.70109
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Noble-Reviews-Aqua-72.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/raq.70109},
issn = {1753-5123, 1753-5131},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-12-01},
urldate = {2026-01-01},
journal = {Reviews in Aquaculture},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70109},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.
Refining approaches to measuring, monitoring and appraising animal welfare in aquaculture research is key to (i) protecting and optimizing it, (ii) documenting the severity of how and when it deviates, and (iii) ensuring good scientific quality, reliable results and reproducibility, amongst other factors. However, different fish species and life stages can have varying welfare needs and assessing their welfare can be challenging. An array of welfare indicators (WIs) can be utilized when documenting fish welfare, and there is currently little consensus on which WIs are most applicable to the key fish species used in European aquaculture research. The aim of this review is to propose updated, fit for purpose and comprehensive WI toolboxes for aquaculture research involving Atlantic salmon (
Salmo salar
), rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), European seabass (
Dicentrarchus labrax
), gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), and the common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
). Where possible, these toolboxes will also include life‐stage considerations. It also provides information on utilizing WIs in deciding humane end‐points as well as information on how to sample different types of indicators. The review closes with information on how digitalization can affect the collection, collation and analysis of WI data in aquaculture research, including both practical and theoretical considerations. The toolboxes incorporate a range of WIs that go beyond those required for legally safeguarding fish welfare in both laboratory and operational experimental facilities in the current European 2010/63/EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its amendment, the Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1262.
Stamouli, Caterina; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Voultsiadou, Eleni
Sponges as Habitat Formers on Mesophotic, Soft-Substrate Seafloors of the Eastern Mediterranean Journal Article
In: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 2132, 2025, ISSN: 2077-1312.
@article{stamouli_sponges_2025,
title = {Sponges as Habitat Formers on Mesophotic, Soft-Substrate Seafloors of the Eastern Mediterranean},
author = {Caterina Stamouli and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Eleni Voultsiadou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/11/2132
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Stamouli-JMSE-71.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/jmse13112132},
issn = {2077-1312},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-26},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Journal of Marine Science and Engineering},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {2132},
abstract = {This study aims to investigate the ecological role of sponges as habitat formers on soft-bottom habitats of the mesophotic zone. As habitat formers, sponges significantly enhance benthic habitat complexity and establish associations with a plethora of organisms consequently augmenting local biodiversity. This role becomes particularly critical in areas subjected to intensive bottom trawling, where sponges often comprise a substantial portion of the discarded material. The examination of 114 massive sponge specimens, belonging to 10 sponge species, which were collected as bycatch from bottom trawls in the Aegean and Ionian ecoregions, revealed a total of over 4600 associated individuals of 78 invertebrate taxa, with crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes being the dominant groups. The composition of sponge-associated communities showed strong similarities to previously reported cases from shallow water hard substrates of the eastern Mediterranean, while displaying host-specific differences likely influenced by sponge morphology. Although depth did not significantly affect species richness, Shannon diversity, or evenness, a decrease in abundance of associated invertebrates was observed in deeper samples, suggesting a depth-related pattern that deserves further investigation. By forming stable substrate “islands” in otherwise unstable soft substrate environments, sponges play a vital role in structuring benthic communities. Their removal through bottom trawling not only results in the loss of the sponges themselves, but also disrupts the diverse communities they support. We suggest that sponge-associated fauna should be recognized as part of the discarded bycatch and emphasize the need for broader assessments of sponge-mediated biodiversity across similar Mediterranean habitats to support effective management and conservation strategies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study aims to investigate the ecological role of sponges as habitat formers on soft-bottom habitats of the mesophotic zone. As habitat formers, sponges significantly enhance benthic habitat complexity and establish associations with a plethora of organisms consequently augmenting local biodiversity. This role becomes particularly critical in areas subjected to intensive bottom trawling, where sponges often comprise a substantial portion of the discarded material. The examination of 114 massive sponge specimens, belonging to 10 sponge species, which were collected as bycatch from bottom trawls in the Aegean and Ionian ecoregions, revealed a total of over 4600 associated individuals of 78 invertebrate taxa, with crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaetes being the dominant groups. The composition of sponge-associated communities showed strong similarities to previously reported cases from shallow water hard substrates of the eastern Mediterranean, while displaying host-specific differences likely influenced by sponge morphology. Although depth did not significantly affect species richness, Shannon diversity, or evenness, a decrease in abundance of associated invertebrates was observed in deeper samples, suggesting a depth-related pattern that deserves further investigation. By forming stable substrate “islands” in otherwise unstable soft substrate environments, sponges play a vital role in structuring benthic communities. Their removal through bottom trawling not only results in the loss of the sponges themselves, but also disrupts the diverse communities they support. We suggest that sponge-associated fauna should be recognized as part of the discarded bycatch and emphasize the need for broader assessments of sponge-mediated biodiversity across similar Mediterranean habitats to support effective management and conservation strategies.
Minguito‐Frutos, Mario; Arthur, Rohan; Boada, Jordi; Marco‐Méndez, Candela; Adams, Matthew P.; Pagès, Jordi F.; Buñuel, Xavier; Pessarrodona, Albert; Turon, Xavier; Ballesteros, Enric; Tamburello, Laura; Farina, Simone; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Kletou, Demetris; Cebrian, Emma; Santamaría, Jorge; Verdura, Jana; Alcoverro, Teresa
Grazing halos reveal differential ecosystem vulnerabilities in vegetated habitats Journal Article
In: Ecology, vol. 106, no. 11, pp. e70239, 2025, ISSN: 0012-9658, 1939-9170.
@article{minguitofrutos_grazing_2025,
title = {Grazing halos reveal differential ecosystem vulnerabilities in vegetated habitats},
author = {Mario Minguito‐Frutos and Rohan Arthur and Jordi Boada and Candela Marco‐Méndez and Matthew P. Adams and Jordi F. Pagès and Xavier Buñuel and Albert Pessarrodona and Xavier Turon and Enric Ballesteros and Laura Tamburello and Simone Farina and Grigorios Skouradakis and Demetris Kletou and Emma Cebrian and Jorge Santamaría and Jana Verdura and Teresa Alcoverro},
url = {https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70239
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Minguito-Frutos-ECOLOGY-70.pdf},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70239},
issn = {0012-9658, 1939-9170},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-24},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {11},
pages = {e70239},
abstract = {Abstract
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.
The dynamic balance between primary production and herbivory is key to the resilience of plant‐dominated ecosystems across the world. However, many vegetated ecosystems are becoming increasingly susceptible to herbivore‐triggered collapses, as this balance is disrupted due to predator declines, increasing nutrients, and other interacting impacts of global change. Yet without accessible, cost‐effective tools to evaluate the production‐consumption relationship, it is difficult to know how close an ecosystem is to imminent overgrazing collapse. Here, we explore the effectiveness of individually formed sea urchin grazing halos as robust indicators of marine habitat vulnerability to overgrazing. Halos are grazed patches of bare rock on macrophyte‐dominated substrates that represent the balance between macrophyte production and per capita herbivore consumption. We measured 1211 halos in 31 locations across the Mediterranean Sea to characterize how plant‐herbivore interactions are mediated by endogenous (i.e., species identity, habitat type, and sea urchin size) and exogenous factors (i.e., environmental factors influencing biotic and abiotic contexts: depth, nutrients, temperature, or protection level). Our results show that halo size was effective in detecting differences in the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors on these interactions. Across locations, halo size was sensitive to differences in (i) species identity, with some species being more impactful than others; (ii) the type of habitat, with some habitats being more vulnerable than others; (iii) protection level, with halo size consistently lower inside marine protected areas; (iv) urchin size, with halo size increasing consistently with herbivore size; (v) nutrient conditions, with halo size increasing as nutrient availability decreased; as well as (vi) depth, with halo size increasing consistently with depth. These results indicate that overgrazing vulnerability is highly contingent on local ecological contexts, which strongly mediate plant‐herbivore interactions. While drivers of ecosystem collapse may be global, the ability of ecosystems to cope is often inherently local. We need locally responsive measures and contextually meaningful solutions to manage ecological integrity in the face of global change. In this context, individually measured grazing halos can be a powerful tool in assessing and managing the resilience of macrophyte ecosystems.
Radojicic, Jelena; Kristoffersen, Jon Bent; Polovina, Eirini-Slavka; Pavlidis, Pavlos; Ladoukakis, Emmanuel D.
Pervasive non-random mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in the hybrid water frog Pelophylax esculentus Journal Article
In: BMC Ecology and Evolution, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 91, 2025, ISSN: 2730-7182.
@article{radojicic_pervasive_2025,
title = {Pervasive non-random mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy in the hybrid water frog Pelophylax esculentus},
author = {Jelena Radojicic and Jon Bent Kristoffersen and Eirini-Slavka Polovina and Pavlos Pavlidis and Emmanuel D. Ladoukakis},
url = {https://bmcevolbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12862-025-02436-1
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Radoijcic-BMC-69.pdf},
doi = {10.1186/s12862-025-02436-1},
issn = {2730-7182},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-21},
urldate = {2025-09-01},
journal = {BMC Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {91},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Arvanitidis, Christos; Ameixa, Olga; Basset, Alberto; Chatzinikolaou, Eva; Coman, Claudia; Companys, Berta; Leo, Francesco De; Deneudt, Klaas; Drago, Federico; Eriksson, John; Ferrari, Tiziana; Georgiev, Teodor; Giuliano, Giovanni; Gruber, Stefan; Habermann, Jens; Heil, Katharina; Hubbard, Tim; Olivares, Cristina Huertas; Kotoulas, Georgios; Koureas, Dimitris; Manola, Natalia; Marrocco, Vanessa; Pade, Nicolas; Melo, Ana Portugal; Provenzale, Antonello; Psomopoulos, Fotis; Raes, Niels; Robinson, Susie; Ruch, Patrick; Schaap, Dick; Stanica, Adrian; Stavropoulos, Tassos; Teixeira, Heliana; Tienderen, Peter Van; Tsigenopoulos, Costas; Waterhouse, Robert; Aprea, Giuseppe; Boër, Michel; Casino, Ana; Delauney, Laurent; Ewbank, Jonathan; Mirtl, Michael; Pavlic-Zupanc, Jana; Penev, Lyubomir; Piera, Jaume; Pitta, Paraskevi; Puillat, Ingrid; Richter, David; Stepanyan, Diana; Ussi, Anton; Węsławski, Jan; Zuquim, Gabriela
The Crete Declaration: Uniting Science for One Health Journal Article
In: Research Ideas and Outcomes, vol. 11, pp. e176120, 2025, ISSN: 2367-7163.
@article{arvanitidis_crete_2025,
title = {The Crete Declaration: Uniting Science for One Health},
author = {Christos Arvanitidis and Olga Ameixa and Alberto Basset and Eva Chatzinikolaou and Claudia Coman and Berta Companys and Francesco De Leo and Klaas Deneudt and Federico Drago and John Eriksson and Tiziana Ferrari and Teodor Georgiev and Giovanni Giuliano and Stefan Gruber and Jens Habermann and Katharina Heil and Tim Hubbard and Cristina Huertas Olivares and Georgios Kotoulas and Dimitris Koureas and Natalia Manola and Vanessa Marrocco and Nicolas Pade and Ana Portugal Melo and Antonello Provenzale and Fotis Psomopoulos and Niels Raes and Susie Robinson and Patrick Ruch and Dick Schaap and Adrian Stanica and Tassos Stavropoulos and Heliana Teixeira and Peter Van Tienderen and Costas Tsigenopoulos and Robert Waterhouse and Giuseppe Aprea and Michel Boër and Ana Casino and Laurent Delauney and Jonathan Ewbank and Michael Mirtl and Jana Pavlic-Zupanc and Lyubomir Penev and Jaume Piera and Paraskevi Pitta and Ingrid Puillat and David Richter and Diana Stepanyan and Anton Ussi and Jan Węsławski and Gabriela Zuquim},
url = {https://riojournal.com/article/176120/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Arvanitidis-RIO-68.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/rio.11.e176120},
issn = {2367-7163},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-17},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Research Ideas and Outcomes},
volume = {11},
pages = {e176120},
abstract = {The interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The interdependence of human, animal, plant and ecosystem health necessitates systemic, cross-domain collaboration to address global challenges, such as emerging diseases, climate change and biodiversity severe change. Through the Crete Declaration, Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations and projects that focus on the functioning of our biosphere commit to jointly advancing the One Health approach. In doing so, the signatories aim to strengthen Europe’s resilience and leadership through the sharing of data and expertise, the development of innovative solutions and the promotion of evidence-based policies.
Bergé, David; Mademli, Geli; Papathanasiadi, Eleanna; Kalogeropoulos, Costas; Brauchli, Roland
Mediterranean Icebergs: Invisible Connections Underwater Book
kyklàda.press, Athens, 2025, ISBN: 9789464772647.
@book{berge_mediterranean_2025,
title = {Mediterranean Icebergs: Invisible Connections Underwater},
author = {David Bergé and Geli Mademli and Eleanna Papathanasiadi and Costas Kalogeropoulos and Roland Brauchli},
editor = {Daphne Dragona},
url = {https://kyklada.press/product/mediterranean-icebergs/?v=d692bc40d834},
isbn = {9789464772647},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-12},
urldate = {2025-01-01},
publisher = {kyklàda.press},
address = {Athens},
abstract = {"While the largest parts of icebergs — or islands — remain beneath the sea surface, often unmapped and perilous, a myriad of creatures and non-organic matter connect them to other lands. Nowadays, in the era of the climate crisis, what is hidden in the depths of the sea exponentially manifests the impact of anthropogenic activity on the planet. Plastic waste and pollution, deep sea mining, and undersea network infrastructures affect marine biodiversity and life on Earth at large. Mediterranean Icebergs sheds light on forms of agency, be it human, more-than-human, or machinic, that operate in marine environments, paying attention to their entanglements, encounters, and asymmetries. Addressing the interconnectedness of environmental, political, and legal issues, this book takes the Mediterranean as a starting point to discuss what is at stake for all lives depending on the planet’s seas and oceans."–},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
"While the largest parts of icebergs — or islands — remain beneath the sea surface, often unmapped and perilous, a myriad of creatures and non-organic matter connect them to other lands. Nowadays, in the era of the climate crisis, what is hidden in the depths of the sea exponentially manifests the impact of anthropogenic activity on the planet. Plastic waste and pollution, deep sea mining, and undersea network infrastructures affect marine biodiversity and life on Earth at large. Mediterranean Icebergs sheds light on forms of agency, be it human, more-than-human, or machinic, that operate in marine environments, paying attention to their entanglements, encounters, and asymmetries. Addressing the interconnectedness of environmental, political, and legal issues, this book takes the Mediterranean as a starting point to discuss what is at stake for all lives depending on the planet’s seas and oceans."–
Lavecchia, Anna; Virgilio, Caterina De; Manzari, Caterina; Giudice, Claudio Lo; Pousis, Chrysovalentinos; Zupa, Rosa; Mylonas, Constantinos C.; Picardi, Ernesto; Ventriglia, Gianluca; Pesole, Graziano; Corriero, Aldo
In: Animal Reproduction Science, vol. 282, pp. 108024, 2025, ISSN: 03784320.
@article{lavecchia_differential_2025,
title = {Differential pituitary mRNA expression in wild and hatchery-produced greater amberjack Seriola dumerili exhibiting normal and impaired spermatogenesis},
author = {Anna Lavecchia and Caterina De Virgilio and Caterina Manzari and Claudio Lo Giudice and Chrysovalentinos Pousis and Rosa Zupa and Constantinos C. Mylonas and Ernesto Picardi and Gianluca Ventriglia and Graziano Pesole and Aldo Corriero},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378432025002635
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Lavecchia-AniReproSci-pre-print-66.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.108024},
issn = {03784320},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-10},
urldate = {2025-11-01},
journal = {Animal Reproduction Science},
volume = {282},
pages = {108024},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Vasilaki, Antigoni; Nengas, Ioannis; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Henry, Morgane; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Chronopoulos, Petros; Berillis, Panagiotis; Golomazou, Eleni; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T.; Mente, Elena
In: Aquaculture Reports, vol. 45, pp. 103135, 2025, ISSN: 23525134.
@article{vasilaki_evaluation_2025,
title = {Evaluation of the nutritional value of processed lupin meal (Lupinus albus) with exogenous enzymes, as feed ingredient in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) aquafeeds},
author = {Antigoni Vasilaki and Ioannis Nengas and Dimitra Kogiannou and Morgane Henry and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Petros Chronopoulos and Panagiotis Berillis and Eleni Golomazou and Eleni Fountoulaki and Ioannis T. Karapanagiotidis and Elena Mente},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352513425005216
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Vasilaki-Aqua-Rep-65.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.103135},
issn = {23525134},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-06},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Aquaculture Reports},
volume = {45},
pages = {103135},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Guerra-García, José Manuel; Desiderato, Andrea; Mucciolo, Serena; Navarro-Barranco, Carlos; Ros, Macarena; Ferrario, Jasmine; Moretti, Paula; Marchini, Agnese; Mosbahi, Nawfel; Ruiz-Velasco, Sofía; Gestoso, Ignacio; Ramalhosa, Patrício; Canning-Clode, João; Olabarria, Celia; Cacabelos, Eva; Troncoso, Jesús S.; Pezy, Jean-Philippe; Raoux, Aurore; Dauvin, Jean-Claude; Charbonnelle, Mathilde; Schlicklin, Ferdinand; Ariyama, Hiroyuki; Mancini, Emanuele; Bonifazi, Andrea; Garrec, Vincent Le; Burel, Thomas; Gouillieux, Benoit; Santo, Cristina Espírito; Chainho, Paula; Ribeiro, Romeu S.; Afonso, Inês; Wang, Yanrong; Leclerc, Jean-Charles; Moal, Marine; Houbin, Céline; Viard, Frédérique; Thiébaut, Eric; Fernandez-Gonzalez, Victoria; Navarro-Mayoral, Sandra; Díaz-Vergara, Sonia; Gittenberger, Arjan; Hughes, Lauren Elizabeth; Lampa, Maria; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Plaitis, Wanda; Tiralongo, Francesco; Martínez-Laiz, Gemma; Cabezas, M. Pilar; Duarte, Sofia; Pinheiro, João P. R.; Reis, Giovanna O.; Revanales, Triana; Juan, Sempere-Valverde; Aylagas, Eva; Poliseno, Angelo; Chebaane, Sahar; Carvalho, Susana; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Frutos, Inmaculada; Saenz-Arias, Pablo
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 842–859, 2025, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{guerra-garcia_spread_2025,
title = {The spread of Aoroides longimerus Ren & Zheng, 1996 across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic: genetic diversity, anthropogenic transport, and ecological implications},
author = {José Manuel Guerra-García and Andrea Desiderato and Serena Mucciolo and Carlos Navarro-Barranco and Macarena Ros and Jasmine Ferrario and Paula Moretti and Agnese Marchini and Nawfel Mosbahi and Sofía Ruiz-Velasco and Ignacio Gestoso and Patrício Ramalhosa and João Canning-Clode and Celia Olabarria and Eva Cacabelos and Jesús S. Troncoso and Jean-Philippe Pezy and Aurore Raoux and Jean-Claude Dauvin and Mathilde Charbonnelle and Ferdinand Schlicklin and Hiroyuki Ariyama and Emanuele Mancini and Andrea Bonifazi and Vincent Le Garrec and Thomas Burel and Benoit Gouillieux and Cristina Espírito Santo and Paula Chainho and Romeu S. Ribeiro and Inês Afonso and Yanrong Wang and Jean-Charles Leclerc and Marine Moal and Céline Houbin and Frédérique Viard and Eric Thiébaut and Victoria Fernandez-Gonzalez and Sandra Navarro-Mayoral and Sonia Díaz-Vergara and Arjan Gittenberger and Lauren Elizabeth Hughes and Maria Lampa and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Wanda Plaitis and Francesco Tiralongo and Gemma Martínez-Laiz and M. Pilar Cabezas and Sofia Duarte and João P. R. Pinheiro and Giovanna O. Reis and Triana Revanales and Sempere-Valverde Juan and Eva Aylagas and Angelo Poliseno and Sahar Chebaane and Susana Carvalho and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Inmaculada Frutos and Pablo Saenz-Arias},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/41784
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Guerra-Garcia-MMS-64.pdf},
doi = {10.12681/mms.41784},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-11-03},
urldate = {2025-10-01},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {842–859},
abstract = {Accurate knowledge of the global distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) is essential for understanding their invasion dynamics and for implementing timely management measures. This study reports the first records of the marine amphipod Aoroides longimerus, putatively native to the East Asian coast, in Italy (2018), Spain (2019) and Tunisia (2022) and provides the earliest documented record of the species in its introduced European range (Portugal, 2011). Furthermore, it expands the species’ known distribution in mainland Portugal (including the northernmost record), Macaronesia (with first records in the Canary Islands and Madeira), and confirms its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France and the Netherlands. Aquaculture facilities, particularly those associated with oyster farming, are probably the primary vector of introduction, while recreational boating may have contributed significantly to secondary dispersal. In comparison to other exotic amphipods, A. longimerus remains absent from many marinas, ports and/or aquaculture facilities in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions, such as the Red Sea. This suggests that the species may still be in the early stages of expansion, or that its dispersal ability across marinas and ports is more limited than that of other amphipods. The present study, however, highlights several key ecological traits of A. longimerus: (i) it can survive year-round despite seasonal fluctuations, and reach high local densities, (ii) it exhibits strong colonisation capacity, as shown by its rapid establishment on settlement plates, and (iii) it displays opportunistic feeding behaviour, primarily consuming detritus. These characteristics underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and effective communication with stakeholders to prevent further expansion of this species.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Accurate knowledge of the global distribution of non-indigenous species (NIS) is essential for understanding their invasion dynamics and for implementing timely management measures. This study reports the first records of the marine amphipod Aoroides longimerus, putatively native to the East Asian coast, in Italy (2018), Spain (2019) and Tunisia (2022) and provides the earliest documented record of the species in its introduced European range (Portugal, 2011). Furthermore, it expands the species’ known distribution in mainland Portugal (including the northernmost record), Macaronesia (with first records in the Canary Islands and Madeira), and confirms its presence along the Atlantic coasts of France and the Netherlands. Aquaculture facilities, particularly those associated with oyster farming, are probably the primary vector of introduction, while recreational boating may have contributed significantly to secondary dispersal. In comparison to other exotic amphipods, A. longimerus remains absent from many marinas, ports and/or aquaculture facilities in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent regions, such as the Red Sea. This suggests that the species may still be in the early stages of expansion, or that its dispersal ability across marinas and ports is more limited than that of other amphipods. The present study, however, highlights several key ecological traits of A. longimerus: (i) it can survive year-round despite seasonal fluctuations, and reach high local densities, (ii) it exhibits strong colonisation capacity, as shown by its rapid establishment on settlement plates, and (iii) it displays opportunistic feeding behaviour, primarily consuming detritus. These characteristics underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and effective communication with stakeholders to prevent further expansion of this species.
Kolygas, Markos N.; Kostou, Vasiliki; Pappas, Ioannis S.; Karagouni, Evdokia; Toubanaki, Dimitra K.; Bakopoulos, Vasileios; Kotzamanis, Yannis P.; Nathanailides, Cosmas; Athanassopoulou, Fotini
In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against major fish pathogens in Mediterranean aquaculture Journal Article
In: Frontiers in Aquaculture, vol. 4, pp. 1665877, 2025, ISSN: 2813-5334.
@article{kolygas_vitro_2025,
title = {In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from medicinal plants against major fish pathogens in Mediterranean aquaculture},
author = {Markos N. Kolygas and Vasiliki Kostou and Ioannis S. Pappas and Evdokia Karagouni and Dimitra K. Toubanaki and Vasileios Bakopoulos and Yannis P. Kotzamanis and Cosmas Nathanailides and Fotini Athanassopoulou},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/faquc.2025.1665877/full
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Kolygas-Front-Aqua-63.pdf
},
doi = {10.3389/faquc.2025.1665877},
issn = {2813-5334},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-30},
urldate = {2025-10-01},
journal = {Frontiers in Aquaculture},
volume = {4},
pages = {1665877},
abstract = {A rise of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture has been associated with vulnerability to bacterial infections, necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial and bactericidal activity of essential oils derived from fifteen medicinal plants against four key bacterial pathogens affecting Mediterranean marine aquaculture:
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A rise of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture has been associated with vulnerability to bacterial infections, necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial and bactericidal activity of essential oils derived from fifteen medicinal plants against four key bacterial pathogens affecting Mediterranean marine aquaculture:
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
veronii
,
Aeromonas veronii
biovar
sobria
,
Vibrio harveyi
, and
Tenacibaculum maritimum
. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the
in vitro
efficacy of essential oils against
Tenacibaculum maritimum
, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.
Metcalfe, Abigail; Druitt, Tim; Pank, Katharina; Kutterolf, Steffen; Preine, Jonas; Beethe, Sarah; Schmitt, Axel; Hübscher, Christian; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Ronge, Thomas A.; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Chiyonobu, Shun; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond; Koukousioura, Olga; Manga, Michael; McCanta, Molly; McIntosh, Iona; Peccia, Ally; Tominaga, Masako; Yamamoto, Yuzuru; Woodhouse, Adam; Bernard, Alexis; Perez, Tatiana Fernandez; Jones, Christopher K.; Joshi, Kumar Batuk; Kletetschka, Günther; Morris, Antony; Polymenakou, Paraskevi; Li, Xiaohui; Papanikolaou, Dimitrios; Pyle, David; Sternai, Pietro
Tectonic modulation of caldera volcanism on the South Aegean Volcanic Arc Journal Article
In: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 671, pp. 119633, 2025, ISSN: 0012821X.
@article{metcalfe_tectonic_2025,
title = {Tectonic modulation of caldera volcanism on the South Aegean Volcanic Arc},
author = {Abigail Metcalfe and Tim Druitt and Katharina Pank and Steffen Kutterolf and Jonas Preine and Sarah Beethe and Axel Schmitt and Christian Hübscher and Paraskevi Nomikou and Thomas A. Ronge and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Shun Chiyonobu and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond Johnston and Olga Koukousioura 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 Christopher K. Jones and Kumar Batuk Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Antony Morris and Paraskevi Polymenakou and Xiaohui Li and Dimitrios Papanikolaou and David Pyle and Pietro Sternai},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0012821X25004315
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Metcalfe-EarthPlSci-62.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119633},
issn = {0012821X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-30},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters},
volume = {671},
pages = {119633},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Kokokiris, Lambros E.; Minos, George; Simeonidis, Christos; Karidas, Theofanis; Papadaki, Maria; Mylonas, Constantinos C.
Induction of Spawning in Captive Female Thicklip Grey Mullet (Chelon labrosus) Treated with Different GnRHa Delivery Systems Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 10, no. 10, pp. 516, 2025, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{kokokiris_induction_2025,
title = {Induction of Spawning in Captive Female Thicklip Grey Mullet (\textit{Chelon labrosus}) Treated with Different GnRHa Delivery Systems},
author = {Lambros E. Kokokiris and George Minos and Christos Simeonidis and Theofanis Karidas and Maria Papadaki and Constantinos C. Mylonas},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/10/10/516
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Kokokiris-FISHES-61.pdf
},
doi = {10.3390/fishes10100516},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-27},
urldate = {2025-10-27},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {516},
abstract = {Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly10, D-Ala6-ProNEth9-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg−1 BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg−1 bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg−1 bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg−1 day−1; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly10, D-Ala6-ProNEth9-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg−1 BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg−1 bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg−1 bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg−1 day−1; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture.
Minguito-Frutos, Mario; Buñuel, Xavier; Marco-Méndez, Candela; Sanmartí, Neus; Skouradakis, Grigorios; Boada, Jordi; Pagès, Jordi F.; Alcoverro, Teresa; Arthur, Rohan
Tropical range extending herbivorous fishes gain foraging benefits by shoaling with native temperate species Journal Article
In: vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 35137, 2025, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{minguito-frutos_tropical_2025,
title = {Tropical range extending herbivorous fishes gain foraging benefits by shoaling with native temperate species},
author = {Mario Minguito-Frutos and Xavier Buñuel and Candela Marco-Méndez and Neus Sanmartí and Grigorios Skouradakis and Jordi Boada and Jordi F. Pagès and Teresa Alcoverro and Rohan Arthur},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-19136-x
/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2025-Minguito-Frutos-SciRep-60.pdf
},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-19136-x},
issn = {2045-2322},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-23},
urldate = {2025-10-08},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {35137},
abstract = {Abstract
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.
Tropicalization creates novel species assemblages in temperate ecosystems as range-extending species move. The sociality of range-extending species could facilitate their establishment, particularly if they associate with natives. The eastern Mediterranean Sea has witnessed widespread collapses of vegetated ecosystems since the arrival of the tropical rabbitfishes
Siganus rivulatus
and
Siganus luridus
. We explored whether mixed-species shoaling influenced the fish foraging activity of the novel herbivore assemblage. We recorded 250 shoals, 30% composed exclusively of native species (i.e.,
Sarpa salpa
and
Sparisoma cretense
), 43% of rabbitfish, and 27% of species from both origins.
S. rivulatus
was the most gregarious species, establishing positive shoaling associations with
S. luridus
and
S. salpa
, whereas
S. cretense
was the least sociable. Foraging differed between native and range-extending species. Compared to native species in mixed-species shoals, range-extending species increased their bite rates with shoal size, both in mono- and multi-specific groups, indicating that they boosted their foraging efficiency (i.e., increased bites per minute) when foraging in large groups, regardless of which species they shoaled with. Native species, in contrast, only increased their bite rates with shoal size while foraging in mono-specific groups. Thus, our study shows that, unlike natives, range-extending species may gain foraging benefits from facilitative associations in mixed-species shoals. This gregarious behaviour could help explain the disproportionate herbivory pressures range-extending species impose on tropicalized ecosystems.
Rosso, Antonietta; Martino, Emanuela Di; Donato, Gemma; Figuerola, Blanca; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Siddiolo, Chiara; Sinagra, Alessandro; Sanfilippo, Rossana; Sciuto, Francesco
In: ZooKeys, vol. 1254, pp. 1–74, 2025, ISSN: 1313-2970, 1313-2989.
@article{rosso_unlocking_2025,
title = {Unlocking Mediterranean bryozoan diversity: seven new species unveiled after fixing a neotype for Fenestrulina malusii (Audouin & Savigny, 1826) (Cheilostomatida, Fenestrulinidae)},
author = {Antonietta Rosso and Emanuela Di Martino and Gemma Donato and Blanca Figuerola and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Chiara Siddiolo and Alessandro Sinagra and Rossana Sanfilippo and Francesco Sciuto},
url = {https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/157989/
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Rosso-ZooKeys-58.pdf},
doi = {10.3897/zookeys.1254.157989},
issn = {1313-2970, 1313-2989},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-15},
urldate = {2025-10-15},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1254},
pages = {1--74},
abstract = {Fenestrulina malusii
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Fenestrulina malusii
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.
(Audouin & Savigny), the type species of
Fenestrulina
Jullien, is among the most widely reported bryozoans globally. Following the loss of the original type material, presumed Mediterranean in origin based on Savigny’s depiction on
Sargassum
, we designate a neotype from a colony on deep
Laminaria
blades off Ustica Island (Tyrrhenian Sea). Additionally, seven new species are described from various habitats across the Mediterranean:
F. cavernicola
sp. nov.
, from the semi-dark and dark zones of a submarine cave in Lesvos Island (NE Aegean Sea);
F. communis
sp. nov.
, from beach-cast plastic near Palermo (NW Sicily);
F. foveolata
sp. nov.
, from Ile-Rousse Bank (Corsica);
F. granulosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
meadows in Dhiaporia (Chios Island, Aegean Sea);
F. kalliste
sp. nov.
, from outer-shelf coarse sediments off Calvi (NW Corsica);
F. ovata
sp. nov.
, from Trémies submarine cave, near Marseille (Gulf of Lion); and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
, from
Posidonia
rootlets off Formica Isle (Egadi Archipelago, near the Sicily Strait). Five of these species are currently known only from their type localities, while
F. communis
sp. nov.
and
F. variorugosa
sp. nov.
occur elsewhere. An additional species with distinct features is described but left in open nomenclature owing to the absence of an ovicell. A comprehensive review of the published images of the 77 species currently assigned to
Fenestrulina
, with the identification of new diagnostic features, including kenozooids, has led to a revised diagnosis of the genus.
Nunes, Maria João; Varamogianni-Mamatsi, Despoina; Marques, Vanda; Anastasiou, Thekla I; Kagiampaki, Eirini; Vernadou, Emmanouela; Dailianis, Thanos; Kalogerakis, Nicolas; Branco, Luís C; Rodrigues, Cecília M P; Sobral, Rita G; Mandalakis, Manolis; Gaudêncio, Susana P
Chemical profile of extracts from wild and farmed Chondrosia reniformis sponges Journal Article
In: Aquaculture International, vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 558, 2025, ISSN: 0967-6120, 1573-143X.
@article{nunes_chemical_2025,
title = {Chemical profile of extracts from wild and farmed Chondrosia reniformis sponges},
author = {Maria João Nunes and Despoina Varamogianni-Mamatsi and Vanda Marques and Thekla I Anastasiou and Eirini Kagiampaki and Emmanouela Vernadou and Thanos Dailianis and Nicolas Kalogerakis and Luís C Branco and Cecília M P Rodrigues and Rita G Sobral and Manolis Mandalakis and Susana P Gaudêncio},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10499-025-02246-8
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Nunes-AquaInt-57-preprint.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/s10499-025-02246-8},
issn = {0967-6120, 1573-143X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-13},
urldate = {2025-10-13},
journal = {Aquaculture International},
volume = {33},
number = {6},
pages = {558},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Bolanakis, Giannis; Paragkamian, Savvas; Maroulis, Leonidas; Kontos, Panagiotis; Poursanidis, Dimitris; Nikolakakis, Manolis; Trichas, Apostolos; Chatzaki, Maria
Weaving together the past, present and future of Greek arachnofauna: Biodiversity, knowledge gaps and conservation Journal Article
In: Insect Conservation and Diversity, pp. icad.70019, 2025, ISSN: 1752-458X, 1752-4598.
@article{bolanakis_weaving_2025,
title = {Weaving together the past, present and future of Greek arachnofauna: Biodiversity, knowledge gaps and conservation},
author = {Giannis Bolanakis and Savvas Paragkamian and Leonidas Maroulis and Panagiotis Kontos and Dimitris Poursanidis and Manolis Nikolakakis and Apostolos Trichas and Maria Chatzaki},
url = {https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/icad.70019
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Volanakis-InsConsDiv-56-.pdf},
doi = {10.1111/icad.70019},
issn = {1752-458X, 1752-4598},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-09},
urldate = {2025-10-09},
journal = {Insect Conservation and Diversity},
pages = {icad.70019},
abstract = {Abstract
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.
Spiders are among the most species‐rich groups of arthropods. As top predators of other arthropods, their ecological role is significant, yet they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Greece is home to a rich spider fauna, including many newly discovered and endemic taxa.
In this paper, we present an updated, comprehensive dataset of the spiders of Greece, compiled using open standards aligned with the FAIR principles of data management. This update is based on the critical curation of 187 papers covering all available records of spider species occurring in Greece. The curated data contain geographic location (including coordinates and their accuracy) and taxonomic validity of all species.
In total, 1310 species are recorded across more than 18,000 unique occurrences, excluding
nomina dubia
, subspecies and incomplete or erroneous taxonomic identifications. Of these, 226 species are endemic to Greece. Furthermore, an analysis is performed to present the distribution of the spider families/species richness in the complex landscape of Greece, in mainland and 96 islands, and the identified geographical/taxonomic gaps in our knowledge.
The conservation status of 202 IUCN‐assessed species is also presented, alongside a critical analysis of their documented threats and possible ways to promote their conservation.
Finn, Robert D; Balech, Bachir; Burgin, Josephine; Chua, Physilia; Corre, Erwan; Cox, Cymon J; Donati, Claudio; Santos, Vitor Martins Dos; Fosso, Bruno; Hancock, John; Heil, Katharina F; Ishaque, Naveed; Kale, Varsha; Kunath, Benoit J; Médigue, Claudine; Nogueira, Teresa; Pafilis, Evangelos; Pesole, Graziano; Richardson, Lorna; Santamaria, Monica; Strepis, Nikolaos; Bossche, Tim Van Den; Vizcaíno, Juan Antonio; Zafeiropoulos, Haris; Willassen, Nils P; Pelletier, Eric; Batut, Bérénice
Establishing the ELIXIR Microbiome Community Journal Article
In: F1000Research, vol. 13, pp. 50, 2025, ISSN: 2046-1402.
@article{finn_establishing_2025,
title = {Establishing the ELIXIR Microbiome Community},
author = {Robert D Finn and Bachir Balech and Josephine Burgin and Physilia Chua and Erwan Corre and Cymon J Cox and Claudio Donati and Vitor Martins Dos Santos and Bruno Fosso and John Hancock and Katharina F Heil and Naveed Ishaque and Varsha Kale and Benoit J Kunath and Claudine Médigue and Teresa Nogueira and Evangelos Pafilis and Graziano Pesole and Lorna Richardson and Monica Santamaria and Nikolaos Strepis and Tim Van Den Bossche and Juan Antonio Vizcaíno and Haris Zafeiropoulos and Nils P Willassen and Eric Pelletier and Bérénice Batut},
url = {https://f1000research.com/articles/13-50/v2
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Finn-F1000R-55.pdf},
doi = {10.12688/f1000research.144515.2},
issn = {2046-1402},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-07},
urldate = {2025-10-07},
journal = {F1000Research},
volume = {13},
pages = {50},
abstract = {Microbiome research has grown substantially over the past decade in terms of the range of biomes sampled, identified taxa, and the volume of data derived from the samples. In particular, experimental approaches such as metagenomics, metabarcoding, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics have provided profound insights into the vast, hitherto unknown, microbial biodiversity. The ELIXIR Marine Metagenomics Community, initiated amongst researchers focusing on marine microbiomes, has concentrated on promoting standards around microbiome-derived sequence analysis, as well as understanding the gaps in methods and reference databases, and identifying solutions to the computational overheads of performing such analyses. Nevertheless, the methods used and the challenges faced are not confined to marine microbiome studies, but are broadly applicable to other biomes. Thus, expanding this Marine Metagenomics Community to a more inclusive ELIXIR Microbiome Community will enable it to encompass a broader range of biomes and link expertise across ‘omics technologies. Furthermore, engaging with a large number of researchers will improve the efficiency and sustainability of bioinformatics infrastructure and resources for microbiome research (standards, data, tools, workflows, training), which will enable a deeper understanding of the function and taxonomic composition of the different microbial communities.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Microbiome research has grown substantially over the past decade in terms of the range of biomes sampled, identified taxa, and the volume of data derived from the samples. In particular, experimental approaches such as metagenomics, metabarcoding, metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics have provided profound insights into the vast, hitherto unknown, microbial biodiversity. The ELIXIR Marine Metagenomics Community, initiated amongst researchers focusing on marine microbiomes, has concentrated on promoting standards around microbiome-derived sequence analysis, as well as understanding the gaps in methods and reference databases, and identifying solutions to the computational overheads of performing such analyses. Nevertheless, the methods used and the challenges faced are not confined to marine microbiome studies, but are broadly applicable to other biomes. Thus, expanding this Marine Metagenomics Community to a more inclusive ELIXIR Microbiome Community will enable it to encompass a broader range of biomes and link expertise across ‘omics technologies. Furthermore, engaging with a large number of researchers will improve the efficiency and sustainability of bioinformatics infrastructure and resources for microbiome research (standards, data, tools, workflows, training), which will enable a deeper understanding of the function and taxonomic composition of the different microbial communities.
Rossi, Sergio; Bramanti, Lorenzo; Costantini, Federica; Dailianis, Thanos; Schubert, Nadine; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis
Marine Animal Forests: Bridging Science, Policy, and Local Knowledge Journal Article
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 418–420, 2025, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{rossi_marine_2025,
title = {Marine Animal Forests: Bridging Science, Policy, and Local Knowledge},
author = {Sergio Rossi and Lorenzo Bramanti and Federica Costantini and Thanos Dailianis and Nadine Schubert and Vasilis Gerovasileiou},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/40440
/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-Rossi-MMS-54.pdf},
doi = {10.12681/mms.40440},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-10-02},
urldate = {2025-10-02},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {418--420},
abstract = {Editorial
Marine Animal Forests: Bridging Science, Policy, and Local Knowledge},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Editorial
Marine Animal Forests: Bridging Science, Policy, and Local Knowledge
Marine Animal Forests: Bridging Science, Policy, and Local Knowledge
Ventriglia, Gianluca; Duncan, Neil; Giménez, Ignacio; Mylonas, Constantinos C; Pousis, Chrysovalentinos; Varvara, Caterina; Valentini, Luisa; Passantino, Letizia; Corriero, Aldo; Zupa, Rosa
Histological Insights into Testicular Apoptosis Associated with Spermatogenesis in Pre-Pubertal and Adult Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Journal Article
In: Animals, vol. 15, no. 18, pp. 2668, 2025, ISSN: 2076-2615.
@article{ventriglia_histological_2025,
title = {Histological Insights into Testicular Apoptosis Associated with Spermatogenesis in Pre-Pubertal and Adult Meagre (\textit{Argyrosomus regius})},
author = {Gianluca Ventriglia and Neil Duncan and Ignacio Giménez and Constantinos C Mylonas and Chrysovalentinos Pousis and Caterina Varvara and Luisa Valentini and Letizia Passantino and Aldo Corriero and Rosa Zupa},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/18/2668
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Ventriglia-animals-53.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/ani15182668},
issn = {2076-2615},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-29},
urldate = {2025-09-29},
journal = {Animals},
volume = {15},
number = {18},
pages = {2668},
abstract = {To overcome reproductive dysfunctions, recombinant gonadotropin hormones have been synthesised in different fish species. We were interested in gaining further insight into the effects of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFsh) in meagre Argyrosomus regius spermatogenesis and in improving the existing knowledge on the role of testicular apoptosis. Germ cell composition and testicular apoptosis were compared in pre-pubertal fish treated with rFsh (PreP-Fsh) and controls (PreP-C), and adult meagre with testes in the proliferative (Adult-Pro) and meiotic (Adult-Meio) spermatogenesis phases. A lower density of committed spermatogonia was observed in PreP-Fsh compared with PreP-C and in Adult-Meio compared with Adult-Pro. In pre-pubertal fish and in Adult-Pro, apoptosis affected mainly individual germ cells and Sertoli cells. In Adult-Meio, a high number of cysts containing apoptotic germ cells was observed, and apoptosis often involved entire clones of germ cells. rFsh reduced testicular apoptosis in pre-pubertal fish, whereas the advancement of spermatogenesis in adults was associated with an increased density of apoptotic cells. The present study corroborated previous observations on the effects of rFsh on spermatogenesis in pre-pubertal meagre and provided further insights on the changing role of apoptosis in the pre-pubertal phase versus different phases of spermatogenesis.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To overcome reproductive dysfunctions, recombinant gonadotropin hormones have been synthesised in different fish species. We were interested in gaining further insight into the effects of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFsh) in meagre Argyrosomus regius spermatogenesis and in improving the existing knowledge on the role of testicular apoptosis. Germ cell composition and testicular apoptosis were compared in pre-pubertal fish treated with rFsh (PreP-Fsh) and controls (PreP-C), and adult meagre with testes in the proliferative (Adult-Pro) and meiotic (Adult-Meio) spermatogenesis phases. A lower density of committed spermatogonia was observed in PreP-Fsh compared with PreP-C and in Adult-Meio compared with Adult-Pro. In pre-pubertal fish and in Adult-Pro, apoptosis affected mainly individual germ cells and Sertoli cells. In Adult-Meio, a high number of cysts containing apoptotic germ cells was observed, and apoptosis often involved entire clones of germ cells. rFsh reduced testicular apoptosis in pre-pubertal fish, whereas the advancement of spermatogenesis in adults was associated with an increased density of apoptotic cells. The present study corroborated previous observations on the effects of rFsh on spermatogenesis in pre-pubertal meagre and provided further insights on the changing role of apoptosis in the pre-pubertal phase versus different phases of spermatogenesis.
Racaku, Mbarsid; Ferraresso, Serena; Babbucci, Massimiliano; Blanco, Andres; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S; Manousaki, Tereza; Radojicic, Jelena; Papadogiannis, Vasileios; Martínez, Paulino; Bargelloni, Luca; Patarnello, Tomaso
Complex Sex Determination in the Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus Suggested by Individual Whole Genome Sequence Data Journal Article
In: Animals, vol. 15, no. 16, pp. 2445, 2025, ISSN: 2076-2615.
@article{racaku_complex_2025,
title = {Complex Sex Determination in the Grey Mullet Mugil cephalus Suggested by Individual Whole Genome Sequence Data},
author = {Mbarsid Racaku and Serena Ferraresso and Massimiliano Babbucci and Andres Blanco and Costas S Tsigenopoulos and Tereza Manousaki and Jelena Radojicic and Vasileios Papadogiannis and Paulino Martínez and Luca Bargelloni and Tomaso Patarnello},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/16/2445
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Racaku-ANIMALS-52.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/ani15162445},
issn = {2076-2615},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-25},
urldate = {2025-09-25},
journal = {Animals},
volume = {15},
number = {16},
pages = {2445},
abstract = {Mugil cephalus is a cosmopolitan marine fish highly relevant from ecological and economic perspectives. Previous studies identified sex-associated variants in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) gene following an XX/XY sex determination (SD) system. However, these variants could not be fully associated with sex in all samples. This suggests other genes and/or environmental factors may be involved in the SD of this species, denoting intraspecific variation. In this study, we constructed a new high-quality genome assembly of M. cephalus. We then re-sequenced the whole genome in males and females from two divergent Mediterranean populations to ascertain whether other genetic variants could also be involved in SD. fshr gene variants showed to only partially explain SD, while a new intronic variant in the sestd1 gene appeared to be associated with SD following a ZZ/ZW system. The presence of other putative candidate SD variants showing significant differences between the two populations suggested a regional pattern of variation in SD in the Mediterranean Sea. The incomplete association of all the identified variants also pointed to a potential role for environmental factors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mugil cephalus is a cosmopolitan marine fish highly relevant from ecological and economic perspectives. Previous studies identified sex-associated variants in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) gene following an XX/XY sex determination (SD) system. However, these variants could not be fully associated with sex in all samples. This suggests other genes and/or environmental factors may be involved in the SD of this species, denoting intraspecific variation. In this study, we constructed a new high-quality genome assembly of M. cephalus. We then re-sequenced the whole genome in males and females from two divergent Mediterranean populations to ascertain whether other genetic variants could also be involved in SD. fshr gene variants showed to only partially explain SD, while a new intronic variant in the sestd1 gene appeared to be associated with SD following a ZZ/ZW system. The presence of other putative candidate SD variants showing significant differences between the two populations suggested a regional pattern of variation in SD in the Mediterranean Sea. The incomplete association of all the identified variants also pointed to a potential role for environmental factors.
Metcalfe, Abigail; Druitt, Tim; Pank, Katharina; Kutterolf, Steffen; Preine, Jonas; Kelfoun, Karim; Hübscher, Christian; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Ronge, Thomas A; Chiyonobu, Shun; Koukousioura, Olga; Woodhouse, Adam; Beethe, Sarah; Manga, Michael; McIntosh, Iona; Tominaga, Masako; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond; Peccia, Ally; Yamamoto, Yuzuru; Bernard, Alexis; Perez, Tatiana Fernandez; Jones, Christopher K; Joshi, Kumar Batuk; Kletetschka, Günther; McCanta, Molly; Morris, Antony; Polymenakou, Paraskevi; Li, Xiaohui; Nedelec, Jean-Marie; Lee, Hao-Yang; Papanikolaou, Dimitrios
Submarine ash megabed fed by far-traveled, shoreline-crossing pyroclastic currents from a large explosive volcanic eruption Journal Article
In: Science Advances, vol. 11, no. 33, pp. eads9642, 2025, ISSN: 2375-2548.
@article{metcalfe_submarine_2025,
title = {Submarine ash megabed fed by far-traveled, shoreline-crossing pyroclastic currents from a large explosive volcanic eruption},
author = {Abigail Metcalfe and Tim Druitt and Katharina Pank and Steffen Kutterolf and Jonas Preine and Karim Kelfoun and Christian Hübscher and Paraskevi Nomikou and Thomas A Ronge and Shun Chiyonobu and Olga Koukousioura and Adam Woodhouse and Sarah Beethe and Michael Manga and Iona McIntosh and Masako Tominaga and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond Johnston and Ally Peccia and Yuzuru Yamamoto and Alexis Bernard and Tatiana Fernandez Perez and Christopher K Jones and Kumar Batuk Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Molly McCanta and Antony Morris and Paraskevi Polymenakou and Xiaohui Li and Jean-Marie Nedelec and Hao-Yang Lee and Dimitrios Papanikolaou},
url = {https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads9642
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Metcalfe-Sci-Adv-51.pdf},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.ads9642},
issn = {2375-2548},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-22},
urldate = {2025-09-22},
journal = {Science Advances},
volume = {11},
number = {33},
pages = {eads9642},
abstract = {Large explosive volcanic eruptions from island volcanoes deliver vast quantities of ash to the marine environment. While many of the transport pathways are understood, those from shoreline-crossing or submarine pyroclastic currents, and their transformation into water-supported gravity flows, remain poorly constrained. We report the discovery by International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) deep drilling of a 200-meter-thick ash megabed buried in rift basins of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The textgreater73–cubic kilometer ash deposit originates from the Kos Plateau Tuff caldera-forming eruption, which occurred 161 thousand years ago, textgreater120 kilometers to the east. The ash forms a chemically uniform, graded megabed lacking bioturbation, interpreted as having been emplaced by a stream of eruption-fed turbidity currents. Bioclastic debris within the ash provides evidence of widespread destruction of marine ecosystems. Large volcanic eruptions can remodel the seafloor landscape, deposit thick ash turbidites, and destroy marine biota on island arc–wide scales in short-lived, catastrophic events.
,
Volcanic ash from an eruption in Greece poured into the sea, forming a bed 200 m thick in a submarine basin far from the volcano.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Large explosive volcanic eruptions from island volcanoes deliver vast quantities of ash to the marine environment. While many of the transport pathways are understood, those from shoreline-crossing or submarine pyroclastic currents, and their transformation into water-supported gravity flows, remain poorly constrained. We report the discovery by International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) deep drilling of a 200-meter-thick ash megabed buried in rift basins of the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. The textgreater73–cubic kilometer ash deposit originates from the Kos Plateau Tuff caldera-forming eruption, which occurred 161 thousand years ago, textgreater120 kilometers to the east. The ash forms a chemically uniform, graded megabed lacking bioturbation, interpreted as having been emplaced by a stream of eruption-fed turbidity currents. Bioclastic debris within the ash provides evidence of widespread destruction of marine ecosystems. Large volcanic eruptions can remodel the seafloor landscape, deposit thick ash turbidites, and destroy marine biota on island arc–wide scales in short-lived, catastrophic events.
,
Volcanic ash from an eruption in Greece poured into the sea, forming a bed 200 m thick in a submarine basin far from the volcano.
,
Volcanic ash from an eruption in Greece poured into the sea, forming a bed 200 m thick in a submarine basin far from the volcano.
Gittings, John A; Livanou, Eleni; Sun, Xuerong; Brewin, Robert J W; Psarra, Stella; Mandalakis, Manolis; Peltekis, Alexandra; Cicco, Annalisa Di; Brando, Vittorio E; Raitsos, Dionysios E
In: Remote Sensing, vol. 17, no. 14, pp. 2362, 2025, ISSN: 2072-4292.
@article{gittings_remotely_2025,
title = {Remotely Sensing Phytoplankton Size Structure in the Mediterranean Sea: Insights from In Situ Data and Temperature-Corrected Abundance-Based Models},
author = {John A Gittings and Eleni Livanou and Xuerong Sun and Robert J W Brewin and Stella Psarra and Manolis Mandalakis and Alexandra Peltekis and Annalisa Di Cicco and Vittorio E Brando and Dionysios E Raitsos},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/14/2362
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Gittings-RemSense-50.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/rs17142362},
issn = {2072-4292},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-15},
urldate = {2025-09-16},
journal = {Remote Sensing},
volume = {17},
number = {14},
pages = {2362},
abstract = {Since the mid-1980s, the Mediterranean Sea’s surface and deeper layers have warmed at unprecedented rates, with recent projections identifying it as one of the regions most impacted by rising global temperatures. Metrics that characterize phytoplankton abundance, phenology and size structure are widely utilized as ecological indicators that enable a quantitative assessment of the status of marine ecosystems in response to environmental change. Here, using an extensive, updated in situ pigment dataset collated from numerous past research campaigns across the Mediterranean Sea, we re-parameterized an abundance-based phytoplankton size class model that infers Chl-a concentration in three phytoplankton size classes: pico- (textless2 μm), nano- (2–20 μm) and micro-phytoplankton (textgreater20 μm). Following recent advancements made within this category of size class models, we also incorporated information of sea surface temperature (SST) into the model parameterization. By tying model parameters to SST, the performance of the re-parameterized model was improved based on comparisons with concurrent, independent in situ measurements. Similarly, the application of the model to remotely sensed ocean color observations revealed strong agreement between satellite-derived estimates of phytoplankton size structure and in situ observations, with a performance comparable to the current regional operational datasets on size structure. The proposed conceptual regional model, parameterized with the most extended in situ pigment dataset available to date for the area, serves as a suitable foundation for long-term (1997–present) analyses on phytoplankton size structure and ecological indicators (i.e., phenology), ultimately linking higher trophic level responses to a changing Mediterranean Sea.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Since the mid-1980s, the Mediterranean Sea’s surface and deeper layers have warmed at unprecedented rates, with recent projections identifying it as one of the regions most impacted by rising global temperatures. Metrics that characterize phytoplankton abundance, phenology and size structure are widely utilized as ecological indicators that enable a quantitative assessment of the status of marine ecosystems in response to environmental change. Here, using an extensive, updated in situ pigment dataset collated from numerous past research campaigns across the Mediterranean Sea, we re-parameterized an abundance-based phytoplankton size class model that infers Chl-a concentration in three phytoplankton size classes: pico- (textless2 μm), nano- (2–20 μm) and micro-phytoplankton (textgreater20 μm). Following recent advancements made within this category of size class models, we also incorporated information of sea surface temperature (SST) into the model parameterization. By tying model parameters to SST, the performance of the re-parameterized model was improved based on comparisons with concurrent, independent in situ measurements. Similarly, the application of the model to remotely sensed ocean color observations revealed strong agreement between satellite-derived estimates of phytoplankton size structure and in situ observations, with a performance comparable to the current regional operational datasets on size structure. The proposed conceptual regional model, parameterized with the most extended in situ pigment dataset available to date for the area, serves as a suitable foundation for long-term (1997–present) analyses on phytoplankton size structure and ecological indicators (i.e., phenology), ultimately linking higher trophic level responses to a changing Mediterranean Sea.
Digenis, Markos; Ragkousis, Michail; Dimitriadis, Charalampos; Katsanevakis, Stelios; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis
Assessing the Motile Fauna of Eastern Mediterranean Marine Caves Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 10, no. 8, pp. 383, 2025, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{digenis_assessing_2025,
title = {Assessing the Motile Fauna of Eastern Mediterranean Marine Caves},
author = {Markos Digenis and Michail Ragkousis and Charalampos Dimitriadis and Stelios Katsanevakis and Vasilis Gerovasileiou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/10/8/383
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Digenis-fishes-49.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes10080383},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-12},
urldate = {2025-09-15},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {383},
abstract = {Although marine caves are among the most species-diverse habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, most available studies have focused on their sessile fauna. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of motile fauna in 27 marine caves across four geographical subareas of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, using a rapid assessment visual census protocol, applied through 3 min time transects in each ecological cave zone. Multivariate analysis revealed that the motile community structure of the cave entrance was differentiated from that of the semidark and dark zones. Deeper caves were distinct from shallower ones while caves of the east Aegean differed from those around Crete Island. A total of 163 taxa were recorded, 27 of which are reported herein for the first time in marine caves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, while three species (two native and one introduced) are recorded in Greek waters for the first time, enriching our knowledge on the permanent and occasional cave residents. Seventeen species were introduced, comprising more than half of the total fish abundance in the southeasternmost cave. Our limited knowledge of the motile fauna of Mediterranean marine caves coupled with the continued spread of introduced species highlights the urgent need for monitoring and conservation actions, especially within marine protected areas.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Although marine caves are among the most species-diverse habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, most available studies have focused on their sessile fauna. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of motile fauna in 27 marine caves across four geographical subareas of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, using a rapid assessment visual census protocol, applied through 3 min time transects in each ecological cave zone. Multivariate analysis revealed that the motile community structure of the cave entrance was differentiated from that of the semidark and dark zones. Deeper caves were distinct from shallower ones while caves of the east Aegean differed from those around Crete Island. A total of 163 taxa were recorded, 27 of which are reported herein for the first time in marine caves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, while three species (two native and one introduced) are recorded in Greek waters for the first time, enriching our knowledge on the permanent and occasional cave residents. Seventeen species were introduced, comprising more than half of the total fish abundance in the southeasternmost cave. Our limited knowledge of the motile fauna of Mediterranean marine caves coupled with the continued spread of introduced species highlights the urgent need for monitoring and conservation actions, especially within marine protected areas.
Tampou, Anna; Kousoulaki, Katerina; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Vlahos, Nikolaos; Nikouli, Eleni; Panteli, Nikolas; Feidantsis, Konstantinos; Kormas, Konstantinos; Andreopoulou, Styliani; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T; Berillis, Panagiotis; Nengas, Ioannis; Antonopoulou, Efthimia; Mente, Eleni
Growth Performance of Gilthead Sea Bream ( Sparus aurata ) Fed Low Fish Meal Diets With an Innovative Mixture of Low Trophic Ingredients Journal Article
In: Aquaculture Nutrition, vol. 2025, no. 1, pp. 7504207, 2025, ISSN: 1353-5773, 1365-2095.
@article{tampou_growth_2025,
title = {Growth Performance of Gilthead Sea Bream ( \textit{Sparus aurata} ) Fed Low Fish Meal Diets With an Innovative Mixture of Low Trophic Ingredients},
author = {Anna Tampou and Katerina Kousoulaki and Antigoni Vasilaki and Nikolaos Vlahos and Eleni Nikouli and Nikolas Panteli and Konstantinos Feidantsis and Konstantinos Kormas and Styliani Andreopoulou and Ioannis T Karapanagiotidis and Panagiotis Berillis and Ioannis Nengas and Efthimia Antonopoulou and Eleni Mente},
editor = {Noah Esmaeili},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/anu/7504207
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Tampou-Aqua-Nutr-48.pdf},
doi = {10.1155/anu/7504207},
issn = {1353-5773, 1365-2095},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-11},
urldate = {2025-09-12},
journal = {Aquaculture Nutrition},
volume = {2025},
number = {1},
pages = {7504207},
abstract = {This study examined the growth performance, cellular signaling, and gut microbiome of gilthead sea bream (
Sparus aurata
) fed four diets using low‐trophic‐level ingredients for 65 days. Control (C) diet contained fish meal (FM) as the main protein source and fish oil (FO) as a lipid source. In the 0%FMFO diet all FM and FO present in the C diet was replaced with a combination of microalgae, insect meal (IM), and tunicate meal (TM). IM and TM diets were formulated to contain 20% of the novel protein ingredients, replacing 68.09% and 45.91% of FM in diet C, respectively. Compared to diet C, feed utilization and growth performance of
S
.
aurata
fed 0%FMFO diet was not different (
p
textgreater 0.05) and TM diet had a significantly lower (
p
textless 0.05) specific growth rate (SGR), higher (
p
textless 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreased fillet lipid content (
p
textless 0.05). In liver and foregut of fish fed TM diet the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (L‐LDH) significant increased (
p
textless 0.05), indicating higher glycolytic potential, whereas the decrease in Hsp70, Hsp90, AMPK, and p38 MAPK may indicate reduced stress response. Fish midgut microbiome included beneficial taxa for the host. The results suggested that the mixture of algae, insect, and TM could replace all FM and FO in gilthead sea bream diets without affecting the fish growth performance.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study examined the growth performance, cellular signaling, and gut microbiome of gilthead sea bream (
Sparus aurata
) fed four diets using low‐trophic‐level ingredients for 65 days. Control (C) diet contained fish meal (FM) as the main protein source and fish oil (FO) as a lipid source. In the 0%FMFO diet all FM and FO present in the C diet was replaced with a combination of microalgae, insect meal (IM), and tunicate meal (TM). IM and TM diets were formulated to contain 20% of the novel protein ingredients, replacing 68.09% and 45.91% of FM in diet C, respectively. Compared to diet C, feed utilization and growth performance of
S
.
aurata
fed 0%FMFO diet was not different (
p
textgreater 0.05) and TM diet had a significantly lower (
p
textless 0.05) specific growth rate (SGR), higher (
p
textless 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreased fillet lipid content (
p
textless 0.05). In liver and foregut of fish fed TM diet the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (L‐LDH) significant increased (
p
textless 0.05), indicating higher glycolytic potential, whereas the decrease in Hsp70, Hsp90, AMPK, and p38 MAPK may indicate reduced stress response. Fish midgut microbiome included beneficial taxa for the host. The results suggested that the mixture of algae, insect, and TM could replace all FM and FO in gilthead sea bream diets without affecting the fish growth performance.
Sparus aurata
) fed four diets using low‐trophic‐level ingredients for 65 days. Control (C) diet contained fish meal (FM) as the main protein source and fish oil (FO) as a lipid source. In the 0%FMFO diet all FM and FO present in the C diet was replaced with a combination of microalgae, insect meal (IM), and tunicate meal (TM). IM and TM diets were formulated to contain 20% of the novel protein ingredients, replacing 68.09% and 45.91% of FM in diet C, respectively. Compared to diet C, feed utilization and growth performance of
S
.
aurata
fed 0%FMFO diet was not different (
p
textgreater 0.05) and TM diet had a significantly lower (
p
textless 0.05) specific growth rate (SGR), higher (
p
textless 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreased fillet lipid content (
p
textless 0.05). In liver and foregut of fish fed TM diet the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (L‐LDH) significant increased (
p
textless 0.05), indicating higher glycolytic potential, whereas the decrease in Hsp70, Hsp90, AMPK, and p38 MAPK may indicate reduced stress response. Fish midgut microbiome included beneficial taxa for the host. The results suggested that the mixture of algae, insect, and TM could replace all FM and FO in gilthead sea bream diets without affecting the fish growth performance.
Christou, Epaminondas D; Dailianis, Thanos; Chatzinikolaou, Evangelia; Karachle, Paraskevi K; Damalas, Dimitrios; Tsagarakis, Konstantinos; Strogyloudi, Evangelia; Karris, Georgios; Zervoudaki, Soultana; Giannakourou, Antonia; Salomidi, Maria; Reizopoulou, Sofia
Climate change in the “vulnerable” Eastern Mediterranean and adjacent areas: A literature review of ecological impacts and threats Journal Article
In: Marine Environmental Research, vol. 211, pp. 107390, 2025, ISSN: 01411136.
@article{christou_climate_2025,
title = {Climate change in the “vulnerable” Eastern Mediterranean and adjacent areas: A literature review of ecological impacts and threats},
author = {Epaminondas D Christou and Thanos Dailianis and Evangelia Chatzinikolaou and Paraskevi K Karachle and Dimitrios Damalas and Konstantinos Tsagarakis and Evangelia Strogyloudi and Georgios Karris and Soultana Zervoudaki and Antonia Giannakourou and Maria Salomidi and Sofia Reizopoulou},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0141113625004477
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Christou-MarEnvRes-47.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107390},
issn = {01411136},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-08},
urldate = {2025-09-09},
journal = {Marine Environmental Research},
volume = {211},
pages = {107390},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Holm, Johanna B; Paragkamian, Savvas; Humphreys, Mike; Chatterjee, Apaala; Yarwood, Stephanie; Gaimaro, Josh; Stavroulaki, Melanthia; Tsaparis, Dimitris; Plaitis, Manolis; Kasapidis, Panagiotis; Darivianakis, Stelios; Kotoulas, Georgios; Magoulas, Antonios; Oulas, Anastasis; Kyrpiotakis, Zacharias; Pavlidis, Pavlos; Hoopen, Petra Ten; Cochrane, Guy; Kooistra, Wiebe H C F; Schriml, Jason R; Schriml, Bronwen E; Lagkouvardos, Ilias; Gkorezis, Panos; Davies, Neil; Laney, Christine; Stanish, Lee; Sutton, Granger; Tighe, Scott; Mizrachi, Ilene Karsch; Parks, Donovan; Yilmaz, Pelin; Carey, Chelsea; Buttigieg, Pier; Goldstein, Philip; Pafilis, Evangelos; Schriml, Lynn M
First island-wide, single-day soil collection study on Crete reveals environmental drivers of microbial diversity Journal Article
In: Environmental Microbiome, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 94, 2025, ISSN: 2524-6372.
@article{holm_first_2025,
title = {First island-wide, single-day soil collection study on Crete reveals environmental drivers of microbial diversity},
author = {Johanna B Holm and Savvas Paragkamian and Mike Humphreys and Apaala Chatterjee and Stephanie Yarwood and Josh Gaimaro and Melanthia Stavroulaki and Dimitris Tsaparis and Manolis Plaitis and Panagiotis Kasapidis and Stelios Darivianakis and Georgios Kotoulas and Antonios Magoulas and Anastasis Oulas and Zacharias Kyrpiotakis and Pavlos Pavlidis and Petra Ten Hoopen and Guy Cochrane and Wiebe H C F Kooistra and Jason R Schriml and Bronwen E Schriml and Ilias Lagkouvardos and Panos Gkorezis and Neil Davies and Christine Laney and Lee Stanish and Granger Sutton and Scott Tighe and Ilene Karsch Mizrachi and Donovan Parks and Pelin Yilmaz and Chelsea Carey and Pier Buttigieg and Philip Goldstein and Evangelos Pafilis and Lynn M Schriml},
url = {https://environmentalmicrobiome.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40793-025-00752-z
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Holm-Paragkamian-EnvMicro-46.pdf},
doi = {10.1186/s40793-025-00752-z},
issn = {2524-6372},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-04},
urldate = {2025-09-08},
journal = {Environmental Microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {94},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Rotter, Ana; Rinkevich, Baruch; Deniz, Irem; Reddy, Maggie M; Girão, Mariana; Carvalho, Maria F; Gunde-Cimerman, Nina; Gostinčar, Cene; Cueto, Mercedes; Díaz-Marrero, Ana R; Komarysta, Viktoriia; Akgul, Fusun; Bilela, Lada Lukić; Grigalionyte-Bembič, Ernesta; Mandalakis, Manolis
Innovative solutions for valorization of desalination brine Journal Article
In: Water Research X, vol. 28, pp. 100372, 2025, ISSN: 25899147.
@article{rotter_innovative_2025,
title = {Innovative solutions for valorization of desalination brine},
author = {Ana Rotter and Baruch Rinkevich and Irem Deniz and Maggie M Reddy and Mariana Girão and Maria F Carvalho and Nina Gunde-Cimerman and Cene Gostinčar and Mercedes Cueto and Ana R Díaz-Marrero and Viktoriia Komarysta and Fusun Akgul and Lada Lukić Bilela and Ernesta Grigalionyte-Bembič and Manolis Mandalakis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2589914725000714
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Rotter-WaterRX-45.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.wroa.2025.100372},
issn = {25899147},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-09-01},
urldate = {2025-09-05},
journal = {Water Research X},
volume = {28},
pages = {100372},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Stavrakidis-Zachou, Orestis; Eding, Ep H; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Lika, Konstadia
A Nutritional Bioenergetic Model for Farmed Fish: Effects of Food Composition on Growth, Oxygen Consumption and Waste Production Journal Article
In: Aquaculture Nutrition, vol. 2025, no. 1, pp. 9010939, 2025, ISSN: 1353-5773, 1365-2095.
@article{stavrakidis-zachou_nutritional_2025,
title = {A Nutritional Bioenergetic Model for Farmed Fish: Effects of Food Composition on Growth, Oxygen Consumption and Waste Production},
author = {Orestis Stavrakidis-Zachou and Ep H Eding and Nikos Papandroulakis and Konstadia Lika},
editor = {Liqiao Chen},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/anu/9010939
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Stavrakidis-Zachou-AquaNutr-44.pdf},
doi = {10.1155/anu/9010939},
issn = {1353-5773, 1365-2095},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-29},
urldate = {2025-09-04},
journal = {Aquaculture Nutrition},
volume = {2025},
number = {1},
pages = {9010939},
abstract = {The study of flow and transformation of energy and nutrients via mathematical modelling provides an in silico tool approach for designing scientific experiments, improving precision in aquaculture production and reducing the need for experimental animals. The proposed nutritional bioenergetics model is based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory, a mechanistic framework to study individual metabolism. The model is an extension of the typical DEB models in that it includes a digestion module where the protein and non‐protein food components contribute to assimilation via the concept of a synthesising unit (SU). The model allows predictions for measurable quantities of interest for aquaculture, including feeding rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide, ammonia and solid waste production, under various temperatures and feeding conditions, both in terms of quantity and macronutrient composition. The feeding schedule’s effects, such as the diurnal variation in waste production in response to feeding frequency, are also captured. The model quantifies the effects of the dietary protein‐to‐energy ratio on food intake and assimilation; energy‐rich diets or those with excessive or poor amounts of protein show reduced intake. The model has been parametrised and validated for rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
) to demonstrate its capabilities. Testing the model with diverse datasets has shown that it predicts weight gain well, and to a lesser extent, oxygen consumption and total ammonia production. The proposed model could be a useful in silico tool for fish researchers, technicians and farm operators.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The study of flow and transformation of energy and nutrients via mathematical modelling provides an in silico tool approach for designing scientific experiments, improving precision in aquaculture production and reducing the need for experimental animals. The proposed nutritional bioenergetics model is based on the dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory, a mechanistic framework to study individual metabolism. The model is an extension of the typical DEB models in that it includes a digestion module where the protein and non‐protein food components contribute to assimilation via the concept of a synthesising unit (SU). The model allows predictions for measurable quantities of interest for aquaculture, including feeding rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide, ammonia and solid waste production, under various temperatures and feeding conditions, both in terms of quantity and macronutrient composition. The feeding schedule’s effects, such as the diurnal variation in waste production in response to feeding frequency, are also captured. The model quantifies the effects of the dietary protein‐to‐energy ratio on food intake and assimilation; energy‐rich diets or those with excessive or poor amounts of protein show reduced intake. The model has been parametrised and validated for rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
) to demonstrate its capabilities. Testing the model with diverse datasets has shown that it predicts weight gain well, and to a lesser extent, oxygen consumption and total ammonia production. The proposed model could be a useful in silico tool for fish researchers, technicians and farm operators.
Oncorhynchus mykiss
) to demonstrate its capabilities. Testing the model with diverse datasets has shown that it predicts weight gain well, and to a lesser extent, oxygen consumption and total ammonia production. The proposed model could be a useful in silico tool for fish researchers, technicians and farm operators.
Conides, Alexis; Cotou, Efthimia; Klaoudatos, Dimitris; Glamuzina, Branko
An Innovative Metal–Synthetic Hybrid Thread for the Construction of Aquaculture Nets Journal Article
In: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 1384, 2025, ISSN: 2077-1312.
@article{conides_innovative_2025,
title = {An Innovative Metal–Synthetic Hybrid Thread for the Construction of Aquaculture Nets},
author = {Alexis Conides and Efthimia Cotou and Dimitris Klaoudatos and Branko Glamuzina},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/8/1384
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Conides-MSciEng-43.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/jmse13081384},
issn = {2077-1312},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-27},
urldate = {2025-09-03},
journal = {Journal of Marine Science and Engineering},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {1384},
abstract = {Based on the experience gained worldwide from potential solutions to the fouling problem of fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure, we attempted to design, construct and test the antifouling efficiency of a new hybrid filament created from non-laminated copper wire braided with synthetic fibers made of Dyneema. The design involved the creation of a hybrid twine substituting a percentage of the synthetic fibers with 0.1–0.15 mm diameter copper wire at 5%, 10%, 20% and 40% levels. There is limited information in the international literature for comparison with our results, since there has never been any attempt to create such a hybrid net. The results showed that for the 6 mm mesh, the maximum openness obtained after the 8-month experimental period was 8.72%, with Cu wire substitution at 35%. For the 12 mm mesh, these values were 27.07% at 26%, and for the 20 mm mesh, they were 33.68% at 28%. A conservative average independent from mesh size to achieve optimum openness in the long term is 30 ± 4.73% Cu wire substitution. In addition, we found that both the mesh size (mm) and the copper substitution percentage affected the fouling process during the experimental period, which lasted 8 months.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Based on the experience gained worldwide from potential solutions to the fouling problem of fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure, we attempted to design, construct and test the antifouling efficiency of a new hybrid filament created from non-laminated copper wire braided with synthetic fibers made of Dyneema. The design involved the creation of a hybrid twine substituting a percentage of the synthetic fibers with 0.1–0.15 mm diameter copper wire at 5%, 10%, 20% and 40% levels. There is limited information in the international literature for comparison with our results, since there has never been any attempt to create such a hybrid net. The results showed that for the 6 mm mesh, the maximum openness obtained after the 8-month experimental period was 8.72%, with Cu wire substitution at 35%. For the 12 mm mesh, these values were 27.07% at 26%, and for the 20 mm mesh, they were 33.68% at 28%. A conservative average independent from mesh size to achieve optimum openness in the long term is 30 ± 4.73% Cu wire substitution. In addition, we found that both the mesh size (mm) and the copper substitution percentage affected the fouling process during the experimental period, which lasted 8 months.
Salomidi, Maria; Marchiò, Alfredo; Issaris, Yiannis; Gerakaris, Vasilis; Dailianis, Thanos; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 378–392, 2025, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{salomidi_advancing_2025,
title = {Advancing knowledge on red coral Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758) populations and associated mesophotic communities in the Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean},
author = {Maria Salomidi and Alfredo Marchiò and Yiannis Issaris and Vasilis Gerakaris and Thanos Dailianis and Vasilis Gerovasileiou},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/41403
/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Salomidi-MMS-42.pdf
},
doi = {10.12681/mms.41403},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-25},
urldate = {2025-09-02},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {378--392},
abstract = {This study presents the first quantitative analysis of live red coral (Corallium rubrum) populations in Greek waters (North-Western Aegean Sea) and contributes to the limited knowledge of mesophotic benthic assemblages in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Utilizing ROV and stereo-video SCUBA surveys at two previously harvested sites (47-60 m depth), we quantified red coral density and morphometric parameters. Associated benthic communities, comprising 101 taxa with Porifera as the dominant group, were characterized, and the Mesophotic Assemblages Conservation Status (MACS) index was applied for the first time in this region, revealing an overall “Good” ecological status despite locally degraded facies. While red coral entanglement by widespread ghost fishing gear appeared low, high frequencies of necrosis and epibiosis were observed in the larger canopy-forming gorgonian Paramuricea clavata, potentially indicating current and past mechanical damage, although the synergistic effects of other physical stressors cannot be excluded. This research offers crucial baseline data on red coral populations and associated mesophotic communities in an under-studied region and ecological zone. Our findings are discussed in the context of existing national management frameworks and conservation measures, emphasizing the need for further monitoring and research to inform effective management and conservation strategies in view of increasing anthropogenic and environmental pressures.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study presents the first quantitative analysis of live red coral (Corallium rubrum) populations in Greek waters (North-Western Aegean Sea) and contributes to the limited knowledge of mesophotic benthic assemblages in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Utilizing ROV and stereo-video SCUBA surveys at two previously harvested sites (47-60 m depth), we quantified red coral density and morphometric parameters. Associated benthic communities, comprising 101 taxa with Porifera as the dominant group, were characterized, and the Mesophotic Assemblages Conservation Status (MACS) index was applied for the first time in this region, revealing an overall “Good” ecological status despite locally degraded facies. While red coral entanglement by widespread ghost fishing gear appeared low, high frequencies of necrosis and epibiosis were observed in the larger canopy-forming gorgonian Paramuricea clavata, potentially indicating current and past mechanical damage, although the synergistic effects of other physical stressors cannot be excluded. This research offers crucial baseline data on red coral populations and associated mesophotic communities in an under-studied region and ecological zone. Our findings are discussed in the context of existing national management frameworks and conservation measures, emphasizing the need for further monitoring and research to inform effective management and conservation strategies in view of increasing anthropogenic and environmental pressures.
Angelakopoulos, Rafael; Tsipourlianos, Andreas; Fytsili, Alexia E; Mitrizakis, Nikolaos; Giannoulis, Themistoklis; Papandroulakis, Nikos; Moutou, Katerina A
The Effects of Early Temperature and Live Feeds on the Development of White Muscle in Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) Journal Article
In: Fishes, vol. 10, no. 7, pp. 360, 2025, ISSN: 2410-3888.
@article{angelakopoulos_effects_2025,
title = {The Effects of Early Temperature and Live Feeds on the Development of White Muscle in Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)},
author = {Rafael Angelakopoulos and Andreas Tsipourlianos and Alexia E Fytsili and Nikolaos Mitrizakis and Themistoklis Giannoulis and Nikos Papandroulakis and Katerina A Moutou},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/10/7/360
/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Angelakopoulos-Fishes-41.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/fishes10070360},
issn = {2410-3888},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-11},
urldate = {2025-08-11},
journal = {Fishes},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {360},
abstract = {Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) shows potential for Mediterranean aquaculture due to its swift growth, consumer appeal, and commercial value. However, challenges in juvenile production, such as growth dispersion and unsynchronized development, impede further expansion. This study explores the impact of rearing temperature and live feed types on early white muscle development in greater amberjack larvae. Findings reveal substantial effects of temperature and diet on larval development, highlighting that the combination of 24 °C and a copepod + rotifer co-feeding scheme resulted in the highest axial growth rate, whereas rotifer-fed larvae at 20 °C exhibited a slower pace. Incorporating both histological and gene expression analyses, the study underscores temperature’s significant influence on white muscle development. Among larvae reared at 24 °C, the two live feed types led to phenotypic variations at metamorphosis, with rotifers supporting longer larvae featuring a smaller total cross-sectional area compared to copepods. Gene expression analysis indicates heightened mylpfb and myog expression at 24 °C during early larval stages, suggesting increased hyperplasia and myoblast differentiation. This study highlights the necessity of considering both temperature and feed type in larval rearing practices for optimal muscle development, and further research exploring combined diets during rearing could offer insights to enhance amberjack aquaculture sustainability.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) shows potential for Mediterranean aquaculture due to its swift growth, consumer appeal, and commercial value. However, challenges in juvenile production, such as growth dispersion and unsynchronized development, impede further expansion. This study explores the impact of rearing temperature and live feed types on early white muscle development in greater amberjack larvae. Findings reveal substantial effects of temperature and diet on larval development, highlighting that the combination of 24 °C and a copepod + rotifer co-feeding scheme resulted in the highest axial growth rate, whereas rotifer-fed larvae at 20 °C exhibited a slower pace. Incorporating both histological and gene expression analyses, the study underscores temperature’s significant influence on white muscle development. Among larvae reared at 24 °C, the two live feed types led to phenotypic variations at metamorphosis, with rotifers supporting longer larvae featuring a smaller total cross-sectional area compared to copepods. Gene expression analysis indicates heightened mylpfb and myog expression at 24 °C during early larval stages, suggesting increased hyperplasia and myoblast differentiation. This study highlights the necessity of considering both temperature and feed type in larval rearing practices for optimal muscle development, and further research exploring combined diets during rearing could offer insights to enhance amberjack aquaculture sustainability.
Idan, Tal; Shefer, Sigal; Chatzigeorgiou, Giorgos; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Goren, Liron
Testing the effect of host availability on endobiont diversity: proposing the single hotel hypothesis Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 21717, 2025, ISSN: 2045-2322.
@article{idan_testing_2025b,
title = {Testing the effect of host availability on endobiont diversity: proposing the single hotel hypothesis},
author = {Tal Idan and Sigal Shefer and Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Liron Goren},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-09496-9
/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-Idan-SciReport-40.pdf},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-025-09496-9},
issn = {2045-2322},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-08-01},
urldate = {2025-08-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21717},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Wylie, Matthew J; Ribeiro, Flavio F; Fantham, Warren; Puklowski, Morgan E; Rebstock, Ria; Shaw, Nicola; Mylonas, Constantinos C; Kato, Keitaro; Elizur, Abigail; Wellenreuther, Maren
Effects of hormonal treatments on spawning latency and egg production of captive silver trevally (Pseudocaranx georgianus) Journal Article
In: Aquaculture Reports, vol. 43, pp. 102964, 2025, ISSN: 23525134.
@article{wylie_effects_2025,
title = {Effects of hormonal treatments on spawning latency and egg production of captive silver trevally (\textit{Pseudocaranx georgianus})},
author = {Matthew J Wylie and Flavio F Ribeiro and Warren Fantham and Morgan E Puklowski and Ria Rebstock and Nicola Shaw and Constantinos C Mylonas and Keitaro Kato and Abigail Elizur and Maren Wellenreuther},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352513425003503
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Wylie-AquaReports-39.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aqrep.2025.102964},
issn = {23525134},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-30},
urldate = {2025-07-31},
journal = {Aquaculture Reports},
volume = {43},
pages = {102964},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Möller, Ben; Livanou, Eleni; Psarra, Stella; Koulouri, Panayota; Dounas, Costas; Rotter, Ana; Mandalakis, Manolis
In: Regional Studies in Marine Science, vol. 89, pp. 104320, 2025, ISSN: 23524855.
@article{moller_comparative_2025,
title = {Comparative assessment of pelagic/benthic microalgae in the oligotrophic continental shelf of Heraklion Bay, Eastern Mediterranean: A pigments-based chemotaxonomic analysis},
author = {Ben Möller and Eleni Livanou and Stella Psarra and Panayota Koulouri and Costas Dounas and Ana Rotter and Manolis Mandalakis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352485525003111
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Moller-RegStMB-38.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104320},
issn = {23524855},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-24},
urldate = {2025-07-25},
journal = {Regional Studies in Marine Science},
volume = {89},
pages = {104320},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Kotsiri, Mado; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Nikoloudaki, Chrisanthi; Kleidas, Ioannis; Dogrammatzi, Aikaterini; Karachle, Paraskevi K; Grigorakis, Kriton
Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Value and Technical Quality of Lionfish (Pterois miles) from the Ionian and Aegean Seas Journal Article
In: Foods, vol. 14, no. 13, pp. 2353, 2025, ISSN: 2304-8158.
@article{kotsiri_seasonal_2025,
title = {Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Value and Technical Quality of Lionfish (Pterois miles) from the Ionian and Aegean Seas},
author = {Mado Kotsiri and Dimitra Kogiannou and Chrisanthi Nikoloudaki and Ioannis Kleidas and Aikaterini Dogrammatzi and Paraskevi K Karachle and Kriton Grigorakis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/13/2353
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Kotsiri-foods-37.pdf
},
doi = {10.3390/foods14132353},
issn = {2304-8158},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-18},
urldate = {2025-07-18},
journal = {Foods},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {2353},
abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois miles), an invasive species in the Mediterranean, pose ecological and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the seasonal variation in the nutritional composition and technical quality of lionfish from the Ionian and Aegean Seas, evaluating their potential as a food resource. Fillets were high in protein (19.4%) and low in fat (2.0%), with significant seasonal differences in the Ionian Sea, where winter samples had higher lipid content. The fillet yield (28.4%) was satisfactory given the fish’s morphology. Fatty acid analysis confirmed lionfish as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with EPA + DHA levels exceeding the recommended daily intake (119.2%). Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition were observed, including higher EPA in autumn and lower lipid nutritional quality in summer. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was also present at nutritionally significant levels (79.4 mg/100 g). The n3/n6 ratio (2.2) and favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices highlight its nutritional benefits. This is the first study to assess seasonal variations in the nutritional value and technical yield of lionfish in the Mediterranean, offering novel insights into its commercial valorisation. These findings support its promotion as a sustainable protein source and as a means of managing its invasive population.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Lionfish (Pterois miles), an invasive species in the Mediterranean, pose ecological and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the seasonal variation in the nutritional composition and technical quality of lionfish from the Ionian and Aegean Seas, evaluating their potential as a food resource. Fillets were high in protein (19.4%) and low in fat (2.0%), with significant seasonal differences in the Ionian Sea, where winter samples had higher lipid content. The fillet yield (28.4%) was satisfactory given the fish’s morphology. Fatty acid analysis confirmed lionfish as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with EPA + DHA levels exceeding the recommended daily intake (119.2%). Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition were observed, including higher EPA in autumn and lower lipid nutritional quality in summer. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was also present at nutritionally significant levels (79.4 mg/100 g). The n3/n6 ratio (2.2) and favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices highlight its nutritional benefits. This is the first study to assess seasonal variations in the nutritional value and technical yield of lionfish in the Mediterranean, offering novel insights into its commercial valorisation. These findings support its promotion as a sustainable protein source and as a means of managing its invasive population.
Manga, Michael; Tominaga, Masako; Preine, Jonas; Ronge, Thomas A; Beethe, Sarah; Hübscher, Christian; McIntosh, Iona; Nomikou, Paraskevi; Kutterolf, Steffen; Druitt, Tim; Bernard, Alexis; Berthod, Carole; Chen, Hehe; Clark, Acacia; DeBari, Susan; Fernandez‐Perez, Tatiana I; Gertisser, Ralf; Johnston, Raymond M; Jones, Christopher K; Joshi, Batuk K; Kletetschka, Günther; Koukousioura, Olga; McCanta, Molly; Morris, Antony; Pank, Katharina; Peccia, Ally; Polymenakou, Paraskevi N; Woodhouse, Adam; Yamamoto, Yuzuru
Low Heat Flow in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea, Recorded by Deep Subsurface Temperatures Journal Article
In: Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 52, no. 13, pp. e2025GL115919, 2025, ISSN: 0094-8276, 1944-8007.
@article{manga_low_2025,
title = {Low Heat Flow in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea, Recorded by Deep Subsurface Temperatures},
author = {Michael Manga and Masako Tominaga and Jonas Preine and Thomas A Ronge and Sarah Beethe and Christian Hübscher and Iona McIntosh and Paraskevi Nomikou and Steffen Kutterolf and Tim Druitt and Alexis Bernard and Carole Berthod and Hehe Chen and Acacia Clark and Susan DeBari and Tatiana I Fernandez‐Perez and Ralf Gertisser and Raymond M Johnston and Christopher K Jones and Batuk K Joshi and Günther Kletetschka and Olga Koukousioura and Molly McCanta and Antony Morris and Katharina Pank and Ally Peccia and Paraskevi N Polymenakou and Adam Woodhouse and Yuzuru Yamamoto},
url = {https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL115919
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Manga-GRL-36.pdf},
doi = {10.1029/2025GL115919},
issn = {0094-8276, 1944-8007},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-16},
urldate = {2025-07-16},
journal = {Geophysical Research Letters},
volume = {52},
number = {13},
pages = {e2025GL115919},
abstract = {Abstract
Subseafloor in situ temperatures in a drilled hole in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea, measured during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398, yielded a low heat flow (textless0.023 W/m
2
) despite active magmatism and rifting in the region. The coldest and highest temperatures were 13.9°C at 52.5 m below seafloor (mbsf) and 15.5°C for the deepest measurement at 360.4 mbsf, respectively. Comparison of a heat transfer model with measurements suggests that sea bottom temperatures during the last glacial period were up to 10°C cooler than Holocene temperatures. The magnitude of Holocene warming co‐varies with the geothermal heat flow: if the former goes up the latter goes up. Low heat flow may arise from lateral removal of heat through deeper formations by gravity driven advection of fluids. Tectonic separation of the northwestern Anhydros Basin from the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo volcanic field may lead to minimal magmatic influences on heat flow.
,
Plain Language Summary
Temperatures in Earth's crust reveal the processes that create and transport heat. In the rifting Anhydros Basin in the Aegean Sea, north of the active South Aegean Volcanic Arc, International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 398 measured cold subsurface temperatures in a borehole to depths exceeding 300 m below the seafloor. These temperatures record low heat flow and cold seafloor temperatures from the last glacial period. The low heat flow at shallow depths may be due to deeper fluid circulation that removes heat. Low heat flow further implies that there are no magma bodies within the crust in the northwestern part of the Anhydros Basin.
,
Key Points
Heat flow is low in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea
Ocean bottom temperatures were cold during the last glacial
Subsurface temperature records surface temperature changes and heat flow},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Subseafloor in situ temperatures in a drilled hole in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea, measured during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398, yielded a low heat flow (textless0.023 W/m
2
) despite active magmatism and rifting in the region. The coldest and highest temperatures were 13.9°C at 52.5 m below seafloor (mbsf) and 15.5°C for the deepest measurement at 360.4 mbsf, respectively. Comparison of a heat transfer model with measurements suggests that sea bottom temperatures during the last glacial period were up to 10°C cooler than Holocene temperatures. The magnitude of Holocene warming co‐varies with the geothermal heat flow: if the former goes up the latter goes up. Low heat flow may arise from lateral removal of heat through deeper formations by gravity driven advection of fluids. Tectonic separation of the northwestern Anhydros Basin from the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo volcanic field may lead to minimal magmatic influences on heat flow.
,
Plain Language Summary
Temperatures in Earth's crust reveal the processes that create and transport heat. In the rifting Anhydros Basin in the Aegean Sea, north of the active South Aegean Volcanic Arc, International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 398 measured cold subsurface temperatures in a borehole to depths exceeding 300 m below the seafloor. These temperatures record low heat flow and cold seafloor temperatures from the last glacial period. The low heat flow at shallow depths may be due to deeper fluid circulation that removes heat. Low heat flow further implies that there are no magma bodies within the crust in the northwestern part of the Anhydros Basin.
,
Key Points
Heat flow is low in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea
Ocean bottom temperatures were cold during the last glacial
Subsurface temperature records surface temperature changes and heat flow
Subseafloor in situ temperatures in a drilled hole in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea, measured during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 398, yielded a low heat flow (textless0.023 W/m
2
) despite active magmatism and rifting in the region. The coldest and highest temperatures were 13.9°C at 52.5 m below seafloor (mbsf) and 15.5°C for the deepest measurement at 360.4 mbsf, respectively. Comparison of a heat transfer model with measurements suggests that sea bottom temperatures during the last glacial period were up to 10°C cooler than Holocene temperatures. The magnitude of Holocene warming co‐varies with the geothermal heat flow: if the former goes up the latter goes up. Low heat flow may arise from lateral removal of heat through deeper formations by gravity driven advection of fluids. Tectonic separation of the northwestern Anhydros Basin from the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo volcanic field may lead to minimal magmatic influences on heat flow.
,
Plain Language Summary
Temperatures in Earth's crust reveal the processes that create and transport heat. In the rifting Anhydros Basin in the Aegean Sea, north of the active South Aegean Volcanic Arc, International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 398 measured cold subsurface temperatures in a borehole to depths exceeding 300 m below the seafloor. These temperatures record low heat flow and cold seafloor temperatures from the last glacial period. The low heat flow at shallow depths may be due to deeper fluid circulation that removes heat. Low heat flow further implies that there are no magma bodies within the crust in the northwestern part of the Anhydros Basin.
,
Key Points
Heat flow is low in the Anhydros Basin, Aegean Sea
Ocean bottom temperatures were cold during the last glacial
Subsurface temperature records surface temperature changes and heat flow
Dritsas, Panagiotis; Patsialou, Stefania; Kampantais, Dimitrios; Roussos, Efstratios; Kotzamanis, Yannis; Tekerlekopoulou, Athanasia; Vayenas, Dimitris V; Aggelis, George
Investigating the Potential of Newly Isolated Microalgae Strains from the Ionian Sea (Greece) Cultured in an Open Raceway Pond Journal Article
In: Applied Sciences, vol. 15, no. 12, pp. 6680, 2025, ISSN: 2076-3417.
@article{dritsas_investigating_2025,
title = {Investigating the Potential of Newly Isolated Microalgae Strains from the Ionian Sea (Greece) Cultured in an Open Raceway Pond},
author = {Panagiotis Dritsas and Stefania Patsialou and Dimitrios Kampantais and Efstratios Roussos and Yannis Kotzamanis and Athanasia Tekerlekopoulou and Dimitris V Vayenas and George Aggelis},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6680
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Dritsas-AppSci-35.pdf},
doi = {10.3390/app15126680},
issn = {2076-3417},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-07},
urldate = {2025-07-10},
journal = {Applied Sciences},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {6680},
abstract = {Microalgae are a subject of interest not only for fundamental research but for various biotechnological applications as well. In this study, the ability of newly isolated strains, i.e., Picochlorum costavermella VAS2.5, Picochlorum oklahomense SAG4.4, Microchloropsis gaditana VON5.3, and Nephroselmis pyriformis PAT2.7, to grow when cultured in an open raceway pond under laboratory conditions and produce various metabolites of high-added value was evaluated. N. pyriformis PAT2.7 and P. costavermella VAS2.5 were the greatest in biomass production (exceeding 0.4 g/L), while P. costavermella VAS2.5 and M. gaditana VON5.3 were the greatest in lipid production (reaching approximately 18%, wt/wt). The lipid fraction of glycolipids and sphingolipids was predominant (43.6–55.4%, wt/wt), followed by neutral lipids (27.1–50.1%, wt/wt) and phospholipids (6.9–17.4%, wt/wt). Picochlora and M. gaditana VON5.3 lipids were rich in Δ5,8,11,14,17C20:5 and/or Δ9,12,15C18:3, while N. pyriformis PAT2.7 synthesized Δ9C16:1 in large quantities (30–40%, wt/wt). All strains showed remarkable yields in polysaccharide and protein production, demonstrated a well-balanced amino acid profile, and synthesized pigments in amounts comparable to other studies. The biochemical profiles of these strains showcased their suitability for use primarily in the aquaculture sector.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Microalgae are a subject of interest not only for fundamental research but for various biotechnological applications as well. In this study, the ability of newly isolated strains, i.e., Picochlorum costavermella VAS2.5, Picochlorum oklahomense SAG4.4, Microchloropsis gaditana VON5.3, and Nephroselmis pyriformis PAT2.7, to grow when cultured in an open raceway pond under laboratory conditions and produce various metabolites of high-added value was evaluated. N. pyriformis PAT2.7 and P. costavermella VAS2.5 were the greatest in biomass production (exceeding 0.4 g/L), while P. costavermella VAS2.5 and M. gaditana VON5.3 were the greatest in lipid production (reaching approximately 18%, wt/wt). The lipid fraction of glycolipids and sphingolipids was predominant (43.6–55.4%, wt/wt), followed by neutral lipids (27.1–50.1%, wt/wt) and phospholipids (6.9–17.4%, wt/wt). Picochlora and M. gaditana VON5.3 lipids were rich in Δ5,8,11,14,17C20:5 and/or Δ9,12,15C18:3, while N. pyriformis PAT2.7 synthesized Δ9C16:1 in large quantities (30–40%, wt/wt). All strains showed remarkable yields in polysaccharide and protein production, demonstrated a well-balanced amino acid profile, and synthesized pigments in amounts comparable to other studies. The biochemical profiles of these strains showcased their suitability for use primarily in the aquaculture sector.
Vasilaki, Antigoni; Nengas, Ioannis; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Henry, Morgane; Kogiannou, Dimitra; Nikoloudaki, Chrysanthi; Chronopoulos, Petros; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T; Mente, Elena
In: Aquaculture, vol. 609, pp. 742820, 2025, ISSN: 0044-8486.
@article{vasilaki_nutritional_2025,
title = {Nutritional enhancement of lupin meal (\textit{Lupinus albus}), through fermentation with textitSaccharomyces cerevisiae, as plant protein ingredient in aquafeeds for the European sea bass (\textit{Dicentrarchus labrax}).},
author = {Antigoni Vasilaki and Ioannis Nengas and Eleni Fountoulaki and Morgane Henry and Dimitra Kogiannou and Chrysanthi Nikoloudaki and Petros Chronopoulos and Ioannis T Karapanagiotidis and Elena Mente},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848625007069
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Vasilaki-AQUA-34.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742820},
issn = {0044-8486},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-07-04},
urldate = {2025-07-09},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {609},
pages = {742820},
abstract = {Legumes contain antinutritional factors that restrict their use in fish nutrition, however, biotechnological methods such as solid-state fermentation can improve their nutritional profile, positioning them as a sustainable alternative for aquafeed formulation. This research evaluated the feasibility of replacing soybean meal with Saccharomyces cerevisiae-fermented lupin meal (Lupinus albus) in feed formulations for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Four diets were produced; one commercial type diet (FRL0) and three diets with partial (FRL10, FRL12.5) or complete (FRL15) replacement of soybean meal by fermented lupin meal. European sea bass juveniles, with an initial average weight: 18.9 g, were fed the experimental diets for 71 days in triplicate groups. Results indicated no adverse effects on key production indices when soybean meal was replaced partially or totally. Fermented lupin meal linearly improved feed utilization. Apparent digestibility coefficient of protein significantly increased in groups fed 12.5 % and 15 % fermented lupin, as did apparent digestibility coefficient of fat, compared to the FRL0 group. Trypsin activity in pyloric caeca was statistically elevated in the fermented lupin groups compare to FRL0 group. Whole-body composition, amino acid content, and deposition showed no significant differences among groups. Fermented lupin did not suppress the immune system, and a slight immunostimulatory effect was observed at a 12.5 % inclusion level. No histopathological alterations were detected. Overall, the results demonstrated the efficacy of solid-state fermentation process in enhancing lupin meal, highlighting its potential as a sustainable replacement for soybean meal in feed formulations for Mediterranean marine aquaculture species such us D. labrax.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Legumes contain antinutritional factors that restrict their use in fish nutrition, however, biotechnological methods such as solid-state fermentation can improve their nutritional profile, positioning them as a sustainable alternative for aquafeed formulation. This research evaluated the feasibility of replacing soybean meal with Saccharomyces cerevisiae-fermented lupin meal (Lupinus albus) in feed formulations for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Four diets were produced; one commercial type diet (FRL0) and three diets with partial (FRL10, FRL12.5) or complete (FRL15) replacement of soybean meal by fermented lupin meal. European sea bass juveniles, with an initial average weight: 18.9 g, were fed the experimental diets for 71 days in triplicate groups. Results indicated no adverse effects on key production indices when soybean meal was replaced partially or totally. Fermented lupin meal linearly improved feed utilization. Apparent digestibility coefficient of protein significantly increased in groups fed 12.5 % and 15 % fermented lupin, as did apparent digestibility coefficient of fat, compared to the FRL0 group. Trypsin activity in pyloric caeca was statistically elevated in the fermented lupin groups compare to FRL0 group. Whole-body composition, amino acid content, and deposition showed no significant differences among groups. Fermented lupin did not suppress the immune system, and a slight immunostimulatory effect was observed at a 12.5 % inclusion level. No histopathological alterations were detected. Overall, the results demonstrated the efficacy of solid-state fermentation process in enhancing lupin meal, highlighting its potential as a sustainable replacement for soybean meal in feed formulations for Mediterranean marine aquaculture species such us D. labrax.
Droubogiannis, Stavros; Triga, Andriana; Pavlidis, Michail; Katharios, Pantelis
Genome sequences of textitVibrio harveyi VH2 and textitVibrio harveyi Vhp1-sp Journal Article
In: Microbiology Resource Announcements, pp. e00087–25, 2025, ISSN: 2576-098X.
@article{droubogiannis_genome_2025,
title = {Genome sequences of textitVibrio harveyi VH2 and textitVibrio harveyi Vhp1-sp},
author = {Stavros Droubogiannis and Andriana Triga and Michail Pavlidis and Pantelis Katharios},
editor = {Frank J Stewart},
url = {https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mra.00087-25
/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Droubogiannis-MIcro-RA-33.pdf},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00087-25},
issn = {2576-098X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-30},
urldate = {2025-07-01},
journal = {Microbiology Resource Announcements},
pages = {e00087--25},
abstract = {ABSTRACT
Vibrio harveyi
is a major bacterial pathogen of marine aquatic animals causing significant economic losses in aquaculture. Here, we present the complete genomes of two pathogenic strains, VH2 (5.84 Mb, 44.99% GC) and Vhp1-sp (6.30 Mb, 44.98% GC), which encode numerous virulence factors, resistance genes, and genomic islands.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
ABSTRACT
Vibrio harveyi
is a major bacterial pathogen of marine aquatic animals causing significant economic losses in aquaculture. Here, we present the complete genomes of two pathogenic strains, VH2 (5.84 Mb, 44.99% GC) and Vhp1-sp (6.30 Mb, 44.98% GC), which encode numerous virulence factors, resistance genes, and genomic islands.
Vibrio harveyi
is a major bacterial pathogen of marine aquatic animals causing significant economic losses in aquaculture. Here, we present the complete genomes of two pathogenic strains, VH2 (5.84 Mb, 44.99% GC) and Vhp1-sp (6.30 Mb, 44.98% GC), which encode numerous virulence factors, resistance genes, and genomic islands.
Lancerotto, Stefano; Fakriadis, Ioannis; Papadaki, Maria; Sigelaki, Irini; Giménez, Ignacio; Genoves, Jose Vicente Roig; Meloni, Andrea; Mylonas, Constantinos C
In: Aquaculture, vol. 609, pp. 742795, 2025, ISSN: 00448486.
@article{lancerotto_administration_2025,
title = {Administration of single-chain recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (sdrFsh) and luteinizing hormone (sdrLh) stimulates spermatogenesis, but not vitellogenesis in pre-pubertal greater amberjack (\textit{Seriola dumerili})},
author = {Stefano Lancerotto and Ioannis Fakriadis and Maria Papadaki and Irini Sigelaki and Ignacio Giménez and Jose Vicente Roig Genoves and Andrea Meloni and Constantinos C Mylonas},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0044848625006817
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Lancerotto-AQUA-pre-print32.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742795},
issn = {00448486},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-24},
urldate = {2025-06-24},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {609},
pages = {742795},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Keklikoglou, Kleoniki; Mandalakis, Manolis; Fanouraki, Eleftheria; Anastasiou, Thekla I; Kagiampaki, Eirini; Vasileiadou, Katerina; Pavloudi, Christina; Arvanitidis, Christos; Pavlidis, Michail
Disrupted darkness: the impact of anthropogenic light at night on melatonin secretion of Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta, Annelida) Journal Article
In: Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, vol. 24, no. 6, pp. 1031–1040, 2025, ISSN: 1474-905X, 1474-9092.
@article{keklikoglou_disrupted_2025,
title = {Disrupted darkness: the impact of anthropogenic light at night on melatonin secretion of \textit{Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta, Annelida)}},
author = {Kleoniki Keklikoglou and Manolis Mandalakis and Eleftheria Fanouraki and Thekla I Anastasiou and Eirini Kagiampaki and Katerina Vasileiadou and Christina Pavloudi and Christos Arvanitidis and Michail Pavlidis},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s43630-025-00744-5
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Keklikoglou-PP-Sci-31.pdf},
doi = {10.1007/s43630-025-00744-5},
issn = {1474-905X, 1474-9092},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-20},
urldate = {2025-06-20},
journal = {Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {6},
pages = {1031--1040},
abstract = {Abstract
Anthropogenic light at night (ALAN) can have serious impacts on marine environments. Several studies have demonstrated that ALAN disrupts melatonin production, a hormone critical for regulating circadian rhythm. In this study, the effects of ALAN on melatonin and two of its related indolamines were investigated in the annelid
Hermodice carunculata
. Specifically, melatonin, serotonin and tryptamine levels were measured every three hours over a 24 h period in the heads of the annelids maintained under constant light and a 12 h light/12 h dark photoperiod, representing control conditions. Melatonin concentration was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay, while serotonin and tryptamine were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Melatonin levels in annelid heads remained relatively constant with a pronounced peak at 11:00. A similar pattern was observed under constant light, but the melatonin peak shifted to 14:00. However, serotonin and tryptamine did not exhibit any significant diurnal variations due to constant light exposure. These findings suggest that melatonin secretion in
H. carunculata
is sensitive to ALAN, whereas its related indolamines are potentially not. The disruption of
H. carunculata'
s melatonin secretion pattern may affect its night-time behavior and reproduction, highlighting the need for further studies to assess the ecological effects of ALAN on various marine invertebrates.
Graphical abstract},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Abstract
Anthropogenic light at night (ALAN) can have serious impacts on marine environments. Several studies have demonstrated that ALAN disrupts melatonin production, a hormone critical for regulating circadian rhythm. In this study, the effects of ALAN on melatonin and two of its related indolamines were investigated in the annelid
Hermodice carunculata
. Specifically, melatonin, serotonin and tryptamine levels were measured every three hours over a 24 h period in the heads of the annelids maintained under constant light and a 12 h light/12 h dark photoperiod, representing control conditions. Melatonin concentration was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay, while serotonin and tryptamine were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Melatonin levels in annelid heads remained relatively constant with a pronounced peak at 11:00. A similar pattern was observed under constant light, but the melatonin peak shifted to 14:00. However, serotonin and tryptamine did not exhibit any significant diurnal variations due to constant light exposure. These findings suggest that melatonin secretion in
H. carunculata
is sensitive to ALAN, whereas its related indolamines are potentially not. The disruption of
H. carunculata'
s melatonin secretion pattern may affect its night-time behavior and reproduction, highlighting the need for further studies to assess the ecological effects of ALAN on various marine invertebrates.
Graphical abstract
Anthropogenic light at night (ALAN) can have serious impacts on marine environments. Several studies have demonstrated that ALAN disrupts melatonin production, a hormone critical for regulating circadian rhythm. In this study, the effects of ALAN on melatonin and two of its related indolamines were investigated in the annelid
Hermodice carunculata
. Specifically, melatonin, serotonin and tryptamine levels were measured every three hours over a 24 h period in the heads of the annelids maintained under constant light and a 12 h light/12 h dark photoperiod, representing control conditions. Melatonin concentration was quantified using an enzyme immunoassay, while serotonin and tryptamine were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Melatonin levels in annelid heads remained relatively constant with a pronounced peak at 11:00. A similar pattern was observed under constant light, but the melatonin peak shifted to 14:00. However, serotonin and tryptamine did not exhibit any significant diurnal variations due to constant light exposure. These findings suggest that melatonin secretion in
H. carunculata
is sensitive to ALAN, whereas its related indolamines are potentially not. The disruption of
H. carunculata'
s melatonin secretion pattern may affect its night-time behavior and reproduction, highlighting the need for further studies to assess the ecological effects of ALAN on various marine invertebrates.
Graphical abstract
Oikonomou, Stavroula; Manousi, Domniki; Dimitroglou, Arkadios; Kazlari, Zoi; Loukovitis, Dimitrios; Papanna, Kantham; Tzokas, Konstantinos; Katribouzas, Nikos; Papaharisis, Leonidas; Tsigenopoulos, Costas S; Chatziplis, Dimitrios
Validation of QTL associated with resistance to Lernanthropus kroyeri in European seabass Journal Article
In: Aquaculture, vol. 608, pp. 742763, 2025, ISSN: 00448486.
@article{oikonomou_validation_2025,
title = {Validation of QTL associated with resistance to Lernanthropus kroyeri in European seabass},
author = {Stavroula Oikonomou and Domniki Manousi and Arkadios Dimitroglou and Zoi Kazlari and Dimitrios Loukovitis and Kantham Papanna and Konstantinos Tzokas and Nikos Katribouzas and Leonidas Papaharisis and Costas S Tsigenopoulos and Dimitrios Chatziplis},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0044848625006490
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Oikonomou-AQUA-30.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742763},
issn = {00448486},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-18},
urldate = {2025-06-18},
journal = {Aquaculture},
volume = {608},
pages = {742763},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Rizzo, Lucia; Fernández, Tomás Vega; Necci, Francesca; Grelaud, Michaël; Ziveri, Patrizia; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Rossi, Sergio
In: Mediterranean Marine Science, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 327–340, 2025, ISSN: 1791-6763, 1108-393X.
@article{rizzo_can_2025,
title = {Can Marine Animal Forests benefit from existing conservation measures? A systematic approach towards the identification of protected sessile benthic species in the Mediterranean Sea},
author = {Lucia Rizzo and Tomás Vega Fernández and Francesca Necci and Michaël Grelaud and Patrizia Ziveri and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Sergio Rossi},
url = {https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/hcmr-med-mar-sc/article/view/38550
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Rizzo-MMS-29.pdf},
doi = {10.12681/mms.38550},
issn = {1791-6763, 1108-393X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-17},
urldate = {2025-06-17},
journal = {Mediterranean Marine Science},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {327--340},
abstract = {Some marine benthic invertebrates increase the structural complexity of the seabed, thereby providing suitable habitats to several associated species, resulting in biodiversity hotspots. Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) encompass a set of the most important marine benthic habitats into which diversified sessile suspension feeders like sponges, corals, sea pens, tube worms, bivalves, bryozoans and ascidians occur. Such a mix of sessile species brings characteristic assemblages and supports important ecosystem functions. In the last decades, some species which form MAFs have been the object of international conventions, EU directives, and national policies aiming to address natural and human-induced disturbances. Effective conservation, monitoring, and restoration actions require summarizing the available information to include MAFs in conservation plans. In the present work, the main international policies for the protection of coastal and marine fauna were screened in order to provide a list of protected species which form Mediterranean MAFs. These international normative documents include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern Convention), the European Habitats Directive, and the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol) of the Barcelona Convention. The analysis of the normative items revealed that 62 Mediterranean potential MAF forming species have been included in one or more legal annexes as protected species. These species belong to different phyla, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Bryozoa and Mollusca. A wider view was proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), setting the bases of a legal acknowledgement of the MAFs as one of the largest biomes on Earth. This study represents a first step to obtain a baseline of MAF legal protection framework in order to support the further implementation of management measures aimed at increasing the effective protection of MAFs. Reporting the status of the Mediterranean MAF species that should be considered in management plans and conservation measures will be crucial for policymakers, as well as for mitigating current and future impacts on these distinctive marine environments.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Some marine benthic invertebrates increase the structural complexity of the seabed, thereby providing suitable habitats to several associated species, resulting in biodiversity hotspots. Marine Animal Forests (MAFs) encompass a set of the most important marine benthic habitats into which diversified sessile suspension feeders like sponges, corals, sea pens, tube worms, bivalves, bryozoans and ascidians occur. Such a mix of sessile species brings characteristic assemblages and supports important ecosystem functions. In the last decades, some species which form MAFs have been the object of international conventions, EU directives, and national policies aiming to address natural and human-induced disturbances. Effective conservation, monitoring, and restoration actions require summarizing the available information to include MAFs in conservation plans. In the present work, the main international policies for the protection of coastal and marine fauna were screened in order to provide a list of protected species which form Mediterranean MAFs. These international normative documents include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Habitats (Bern Convention), the European Habitats Directive, and the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol) of the Barcelona Convention. The analysis of the normative items revealed that 62 Mediterranean potential MAF forming species have been included in one or more legal annexes as protected species. These species belong to different phyla, including Porifera, Cnidaria, Bryozoa and Mollusca. A wider view was proposed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), setting the bases of a legal acknowledgement of the MAFs as one of the largest biomes on Earth. This study represents a first step to obtain a baseline of MAF legal protection framework in order to support the further implementation of management measures aimed at increasing the effective protection of MAFs. Reporting the status of the Mediterranean MAF species that should be considered in management plans and conservation measures will be crucial for policymakers, as well as for mitigating current and future impacts on these distinctive marine environments.
Kouvara, Konstantina; Lazou-Laskaridis, Evi; Xirotagarou, Peggy; Christodoulou, Dimitris; Dimas, Xenophon; Geraga, Maria; Giovos, Ioannis; Charitou, Anastasia; Gerovasileiou, Vasilis; Galgani, Francois; Papatheodorou, George
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 217, pp. 118109, 2025, ISSN: 0025326X.
@article{kouvara_assessing_2025,
title = {Assessing marine litter and its ecological impact on the seafloor of Thermaikos Gulf (NE Mediterranean Sea, Greece): Insights from ROV and diver surveys},
author = {Konstantina Kouvara and Evi Lazou-Laskaridis and Peggy Xirotagarou and Dimitris Christodoulou and Xenophon Dimas and Maria Geraga and Ioannis Giovos and Anastasia Charitou and Vasilis Gerovasileiou and Francois Galgani and George Papatheodorou},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0025326X25005843
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Kouvara-MPB-nonOPEN-28.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118109},
issn = {0025326X},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-16},
urldate = {2025-06-16},
journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},
volume = {217},
pages = {118109},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Asimaki, Adamantia; Psofakis, Pier; Gkalogianni, Elli-Zafeiria; Katouni, Aikaterini-Maria; Berillis, Panagiotis; Kormas, Konstantinos A; Rumbos, Christos I; Athanassiou, Christos G; Vasilaki, Antigoni; Fountoulaki, Eleni; Henry, Morgane; Mente, Eleni; Gisbert, Enric; Karapanagiotidis, Ioannis T
In: Aquaculture Nutrition, vol. 2025, no. 1, pp. 8885509, 2025, ISSN: 1353-5773, 1365-2095.
@article{asimaki_effects_2025,
title = {The Effects of Dietary Fishmeal Substitution by Full‐Fat and Defatted textitZophobas morio Larvae Meals on Juvenile Gilthead Seabream (\textit{Sparus aurata}): An Integrative Approach},
author = {Adamantia Asimaki and Pier Psofakis and Elli-Zafeiria Gkalogianni and Aikaterini-Maria Katouni and Panagiotis Berillis and Konstantinos A Kormas and Christos I Rumbos and Christos G Athanassiou and Antigoni Vasilaki and Eleni Fountoulaki and Morgane Henry and Eleni Mente and Enric Gisbert and Ioannis T Karapanagiotidis},
editor = {Lee Seong Wei},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/anu/8885509
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Asimaki-Aq-Nutr-27.pdf},
doi = {10.1155/anu/8885509},
issn = {1353-5773, 1365-2095},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-10},
urldate = {2025-06-10},
journal = {Aquaculture Nutrition},
volume = {2025},
number = {1},
pages = {8885509},
abstract = {This study evaluated the dietary fishmeal substitution by full‐fat (FF) and defatted (DF)
Zophobas morio
meals regarding growth, feed efficiency, proximate and fatty acid compositions, digestive enzymes activities, histology and midgut microbiota in gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
). Juveniles initially weighing 3.4 g were distributed to triplicate groups and fed at satiation six isonitrogenous (8.41%) and isocaloric (21 Mj/kg) diets for 100 days. An insect meal‐free diet was the control (CTRL), two diets contained a FF
Z. morio
meal at 49 g/kg (FF‐49) and 97 g/kg (FF‐97), and three diets contained a DF
Z. morio
meal at 58 g/kg (DF‐58), 116 g/kg (DF‐116) and 174 g/kg (DF‐174) at the expense of fishmeal. Neither the form nor the inclusion level of
Z. morio
meals affected the feed intake of fish denoting a similar acceptability to that of fishmeal. Fish survival, growth and feed efficiency were not impaired by all dietary inclusion levels of
Z. morio
meals. Proximate composition of fish was altered but without indicating a clear correlation with the form or inclusion level of
Z. morio
. Increasing inclusions of both forms of
Z. morio
meals tended to decrease 22:6n‐3, 20:5n‐3, 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 levels in fish tissues. All fish exhibited similar proteolytic enzyme activities, but the increasing inclusions of both insect meal forms led to gradual increases in the lipase and α‐amylase activities indicating a compensatory mechanism for lipid and carbohydrate digestion. The use of
Z. morio
meals led to some mild histomorphological changes in the intestine and liver that were more pronounced in fish fed the FF form at the highest inclusion level. Midgut bacterial communities of the groups were similar and dominated by potentially beneficial members of
Saccharimonadales
and
Rhodobacteraceae
, except FF‐97 fish that had high abundances of
Legionella
‐ and
Pandoraea
‐like bacteria. To conclude,
Z. morio
meal, either FF or DF, is a suitable insect protein for fishmeal substitution towards more sustainable aquafeeds for
S. aurata
.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This study evaluated the dietary fishmeal substitution by full‐fat (FF) and defatted (DF)
Zophobas morio
meals regarding growth, feed efficiency, proximate and fatty acid compositions, digestive enzymes activities, histology and midgut microbiota in gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
). Juveniles initially weighing 3.4 g were distributed to triplicate groups and fed at satiation six isonitrogenous (8.41%) and isocaloric (21 Mj/kg) diets for 100 days. An insect meal‐free diet was the control (CTRL), two diets contained a FF
Z. morio
meal at 49 g/kg (FF‐49) and 97 g/kg (FF‐97), and three diets contained a DF
Z. morio
meal at 58 g/kg (DF‐58), 116 g/kg (DF‐116) and 174 g/kg (DF‐174) at the expense of fishmeal. Neither the form nor the inclusion level of
Z. morio
meals affected the feed intake of fish denoting a similar acceptability to that of fishmeal. Fish survival, growth and feed efficiency were not impaired by all dietary inclusion levels of
Z. morio
meals. Proximate composition of fish was altered but without indicating a clear correlation with the form or inclusion level of
Z. morio
. Increasing inclusions of both forms of
Z. morio
meals tended to decrease 22:6n‐3, 20:5n‐3, 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 levels in fish tissues. All fish exhibited similar proteolytic enzyme activities, but the increasing inclusions of both insect meal forms led to gradual increases in the lipase and α‐amylase activities indicating a compensatory mechanism for lipid and carbohydrate digestion. The use of
Z. morio
meals led to some mild histomorphological changes in the intestine and liver that were more pronounced in fish fed the FF form at the highest inclusion level. Midgut bacterial communities of the groups were similar and dominated by potentially beneficial members of
Saccharimonadales
and
Rhodobacteraceae
, except FF‐97 fish that had high abundances of
Legionella
‐ and
Pandoraea
‐like bacteria. To conclude,
Z. morio
meal, either FF or DF, is a suitable insect protein for fishmeal substitution towards more sustainable aquafeeds for
S. aurata
.
Zophobas morio
meals regarding growth, feed efficiency, proximate and fatty acid compositions, digestive enzymes activities, histology and midgut microbiota in gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
). Juveniles initially weighing 3.4 g were distributed to triplicate groups and fed at satiation six isonitrogenous (8.41%) and isocaloric (21 Mj/kg) diets for 100 days. An insect meal‐free diet was the control (CTRL), two diets contained a FF
Z. morio
meal at 49 g/kg (FF‐49) and 97 g/kg (FF‐97), and three diets contained a DF
Z. morio
meal at 58 g/kg (DF‐58), 116 g/kg (DF‐116) and 174 g/kg (DF‐174) at the expense of fishmeal. Neither the form nor the inclusion level of
Z. morio
meals affected the feed intake of fish denoting a similar acceptability to that of fishmeal. Fish survival, growth and feed efficiency were not impaired by all dietary inclusion levels of
Z. morio
meals. Proximate composition of fish was altered but without indicating a clear correlation with the form or inclusion level of
Z. morio
. Increasing inclusions of both forms of
Z. morio
meals tended to decrease 22:6n‐3, 20:5n‐3, 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 levels in fish tissues. All fish exhibited similar proteolytic enzyme activities, but the increasing inclusions of both insect meal forms led to gradual increases in the lipase and α‐amylase activities indicating a compensatory mechanism for lipid and carbohydrate digestion. The use of
Z. morio
meals led to some mild histomorphological changes in the intestine and liver that were more pronounced in fish fed the FF form at the highest inclusion level. Midgut bacterial communities of the groups were similar and dominated by potentially beneficial members of
Saccharimonadales
and
Rhodobacteraceae
, except FF‐97 fish that had high abundances of
Legionella
‐ and
Pandoraea
‐like bacteria. To conclude,
Z. morio
meal, either FF or DF, is a suitable insect protein for fishmeal substitution towards more sustainable aquafeeds for
S. aurata
.
Okeleye, Oluwabusayo Israel; Majstorovic, Jovana; Sudharaka, Anupa; Triga, Adriana; Mandalakis, Manolis; Katharios, Pantelis; Mladineo, Ivona
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) blood cells are modulated by a parasitic antimicrobial peptide, A-2S and Edwardsiella spp. strains Journal Article
In: Fish & Shellfish Immunology, vol. 164, pp. 110427, 2025, ISSN: 10504648.
@article{okeleye_common_2025,
title = {Common carp (\textit{Cyprinus carpio}) blood cells are modulated by a parasitic antimicrobial peptide, A-2S and Edwardsiella spp. strains},
author = {Oluwabusayo Israel Okeleye and Jovana Majstorovic and Anupa Sudharaka and Adriana Triga and Manolis Mandalakis and Pantelis Katharios and Ivona Mladineo},
url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S105046482500316X
/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Busayo-FSI-26.pdf},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110427},
issn = {10504648},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-06},
urldate = {2025-06-06},
journal = {Fish & Shellfish Immunology},
volume = {164},
pages = {110427},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}