Nearly one million otoliths, the calcified structures of the inner ear in teleost fish, are sampled annually in the world for the stock assessment. The analysis of internal otolith measurements is based on the idea that there is a relationship between fish size and otolith size and that this proxy is representative of the whole shape of the otolith. In this study, the relationship between fish total length (TL) and five morphometric parameters extracted to the 3D shape otolith analysis, are examined: length (OL), width (OW), height (OH), area (OA) and volume (OV), based on a set of 104 otoliths belonging to 22 species from the English Channel and the North Sea. The otoliths were scanned in three dimensions using an X-ray microtomography, and the relationships were modelled using an allometric log-linear model. The results reveal significant relationships for all metrics (p 2) ranging from 0.500 to 0.656. In the multi-species pooled model, otolith width (R2 = 0.656) proved to be the most robust predictor of fish size, slightly outperforming 3D metrics such as area (R2 = 0.617) and volume (R2 = 0.580). Otolith length (R2 = 0.556) was less accurate than three-dimensional metrics. But given the limited sample sizes per species, these allometric trends should be viewed as preliminary, necessitating larger datasets for species-specific validation. The usual morphometric parameters, such as otolith length, are significant proxies of the whole shape of the otolith. These results suggested the common idea that otolith length is a useful indicator, but otolith width must be considered for greater accuracy and 3D metrics for more detailed shape information. However, the combination of species with varying ecologies and growth rates influences data dispersion and highlights the need for species-specific calibrations. These findings confirm the relevance of otolith metrics for estimating fish size and strengthen their utility in trophic ecology, paleoecology, and fisheries management studies.

The Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are ecologically distinct yet socio-economically vital marine systems, where fisheries underpin food security, livelihoods, and coastal economies in the Middle East. This review presents a comparative assessment of fisheries status, exploitation patterns, drivers of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and governance capacity in both regions, synthesizing peer-reviewed studies, regional assessments, and institutional data. Results indicate that 60% - 75% of stocks in the Red Sea and 70% - 85% in the Arabian Gulf are fully exploited or overexploited, with declining catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) and reduced mean trophic levels, reflecting “fishing down the food web”. Despite shared pressures, the regions differ markedly in ecological and institutional context. The Red Sea’s high biodiversity and complex reef habitats support predominantly artisanal, multi-species fisheries, offering some ecological resilience but leaving high-value demersal species vulnerable to targeted exploitation. In contrast, the Arabian Gulf’s lower biodiversity, extreme environmental conditions, and mechanized, species-focused fisheries heighten susceptibility to overfishing. IUU fishing is a significant driver of unsustainable exploitation in both regions, influenced primarily by socio-economic pressures (35% - 40%), governance gaps (25% - 30%), environmental stressors (15% - 20%), and technological or market incentives (15% - 20%). Regional differences, such as weak monitoring and limited compliance in the Red Sea versus fleet overcapacity in the Arabian Gulf, create reinforcing feedback loops of declining biomass, reduced CPUE, and escalating fishing pressure. The study highlights the urgent need for ecosystem-based, region-specific fisheries management that integrates ecological complexity, socio-economic dependence, and governance capacity. Strengthening monitoring, surveillance, fleet regulation, data integration, and regional cooperation is essential to break the overfishing-IUU cycle and ensure long-term sustainability and resilience of these marine ecosystems.

Fish plays an important role in the human diet. Streptococcus iniae is an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen and causes serious infections in humans, often through transmission of Streptococcus iniae-contaminated fish. The risk of zoonotic transmission to humans highlights the need to evaluate Streptococcus iniae from African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. To achieve these goals, four hundred (400) samples of Clarias gariepinus organs namely liver, kidney, intestine, gills, heart and skin were purchased from selected markets (Wuse, Garki, Kado fish market, Gwagwalada, Zuba, Kubwa and Duste Allah). Detection of Streptococcus iniae was carried out using standard method on tryptic soy agar. Isolates were further identified using conventional biochemical tests: Gram’s staining, catalase, oxidase, hemolytic zone on 5% sheep blood agar, hydrolysis of starch and fermentation of mannitol, ribose, xlylose, sorbitol, glucose, inulin, lactose, arginine, arabinose, inositol, raffinose, rhamnose. Forty-three 43 (10.8%) suspected isolates of Streptococci were subjected to species specific polymerase chain reaction for amplification at 377 bp and all of the isolates turned out negative. It is therefore suggested that more investigative studies become necessary to determine the presence of this pathogen in different fish species in Nigeria.

Artisanal fisheries operating within protected coastal systems play a critical role in sustaining local livelihoods while interacting closely with ecologically sensitive environments. This study provides an integrated assessment of a multigear artisanal fishery operated by a cooperative society in Barra Zacapulco, located within the core zone of La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico. Catch data derived from cooperative landing records and monitored fishing trips were used to analyze catch composition, catch per unit effort (CPUE), relative biomass, by-catch, and seasonal patterns across different fishing gears. In addition, socio-economic surveys were conducted to characterize fishers’ profiles and perceptions of fishery trends and environmental change. Results revealed a multispecific fishery strongly structured by fishing gear and hydrological seasonality. Finfish catches were concentrated during the dry season, whereas shrimp exploitation was closely linked to the rainy season, when increased freshwater discharge enhances lagoon productivity and connectivity. Cast nets emerged as the most widely used and comparatively balanced gear, while stow nets exhibited higher shrimp efficiency but generated substantially greater by-catch, including species of conservation concern. Socio-economic findings highlighted a locally rooted and experienced fishing community, but also pointed to challenges related to aging fishers, limited formal education, and the underrepresentation of women in capture activities. Fishers’ perceptions of declining catches and environmental degradation—particularly mangrove loss, sedimentation, pollution, and reduced fishing areas—were consistent with empirical and historical evidence. These findings underscore the need for integrated and participatory management strategies that incorporate seasonal dynamics, promote selective fishing practices, mitigate by-catch, and strengthen local capacities to ensure the sustainability of artisanal fisheries within protected areas.

The coastal zone of Pointe-Noire, located on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Congo, is subject to complex hydro-sedimentary dynamics influenced by ocean currents, waves and tides. This article presents the numerical modeling of the hydro-sedimentary dynamics of the Pointe-Noire coastal zone using two tools from the integrated CMS (Coastal Modeling System) modeling system: CMS-Wave, which is a wave model, and CMS-Flow, a coupled current and sediment transport model. Analysis of the test case results revealed the highest wave and current amplitudes near the Songolo coast (northern zone) and also along the outer breakwater protecting the port (southern zone). These currents are responsible for erosion in Loango Bay. Sediment movement is activated solely by wave breaking and drained by the drift currents they generate. On the southern side of the port, sediment is transported along the outer breakwater towards the north, fed by sand from the Sauvage coast. This sand transit is responsible for the excessive filling of the sand trap area. On the north side of the port, transport flows downhill toward the port enclosure, fed by the Songolo vouchers. The volume of sediment moved within a model area of 345.6 km2 over a period of one month is approximately 15775.5 m3. The study provided a better understanding of the mechanisms at play in order to support sustainable coastal management and port development strategies.

Seabed scour caused by propellers is an increasingly widespread issue with respect to offshore developments as a result of the continually rising sizes of vessels. This literature review aggregates current research literature from 2020 through 2025 with respect to hydrodynamic principles of propeller jets, seabed scouring, computational fluid dynamic models of scouring, and related coastal engineering principles. Major research findings buttress the importance of jetting confinement factors, sediments, and transient conditions of vessel operation. Although research progress in computational fluid dynamic models of seabed scouring from Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes models to more complex models has been beneficial, major research gaps must be filled in models of seabed scouring on cohesive sediments, more representative models of maneuvering conditions, and valid comparisons with real-world data. Major research areas that need to be emphasized in the not too distant research future must encompass research on dynamic principles of seabed sediments, real-world hydrodynamic principles of vessels, data gathering for real-world applications, and engineering models of enhancing seabed scouring resilience.

Seabed-origin oil spills pose distinct challenges in marine pollution management due to their complex transport dynamics and weathering processes. This study applies the OpenDrift’s OpenOil module to simulate the transport and fate of oil in two seabed-origin spill scenarios: (a) the 2019 Baniyas refinery spill in Syria, resulting from leakage in underwater pipelines, and (b) a natural oil seep near Zakynthos, Greece (2017), where hydrocarbons naturally escape from the seafloor. The Baniyas spill was used as a validation case, integrating Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and open-source atmospheric and marine data derived from the Climate Change and Copernicus Marine services to refine model calibration. The Zakynthos seep was analyzed under controlled conditions to assess the abilities of the OpenOil module to simulate naturally occurring oil slicks. Key findings indicate that oil density plays a critical role in evaporation dynamics. Simulations revealed that oils above a specific density threshold showed negligible evaporation, remaining as persistent slicks in the water column, whereas lighter oils exhibited substantial evaporation rates, significantly altering their dispersion behavior.

The United Arab Emirates, historically dependent on hydrocarbons, is now repositioning itself toward a diversified and sustainable future under the framework of the blue economy. Mangroves, often overlooked in national development narratives, represent a critical natural asset with immense ecological, economic, and climate value. This paper explores the untapped potential of UAE mangroves in advancing the country’s sustainability transition, shifting from an oil-based to a blue economy paradigm. It examines mangroves as carbon sinks, coastal protectors, biodiversity hotspots, and enablers of climate resilience, while also assessing their role in supporting fisheries, ecotourism, and sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on regional case studies, carbon stock assessments, and policy initiatives, the study evaluates how mangrove conservation and restoration can contribute to the UAE’s climate commitments, including net-zero ambitions and nature-based solutions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for integrated governance, innovative financing, and community engagement to unlock the full value of mangroves in national and regional sustainability agendas. Ultimately, this research underscores mangroves as a cornerstone of the UAE’s blue economy vision, bridging ecological stewardship with economic diversification.

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea is home to vast reserves of natural resources, including oil and gas, and is the subject of an ongoing dispute over maritime boundaries among Türkiye, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon. This paper aims to examine the Eastern Mediterranean Sea dispute, focusing on the role of natural resources, particularly oil and gas. It analyzes the origins and evolution of the dispute, considering the involved stakeholders. The legal and political frameworks governing exclusive economic zones and continental shelf boundaries are explored, along with the competing claims of the parties. The paper argues that historical tensions, conflicting national interests, and a lack of trust contribute to the dispute, further exacerbated by resource competition. In light of these findings, the paper proposes sustainable solutions, such as diplomatic dialogue, a joint commission, development plans, and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for dispute settlement.

Pollution of water and sediment by heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems due to their toxicity and persistence. This study aimed to evaluate the ecological risk associated with the seasonal and spatial variation in heavy metals concentrations in the water column and sediments across five sites along the Senegalese coastline. Water and sediment samples were collected using standardized methods and analyzed for HMs by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) after acid digestion. The highest mean concentrations of HMs in water were as follows: Pb (0.96 mg/L) > Fe (0.76 mg/L) > Cr (0.47 mg/L) > Cd (0.20 mg/L) > Cu (0.08 mg/L) > Mn (0.06 mg/L) and in sediments: Fe (442.38 mg/kg) > Pb (44.51 mg/kg) > Mn (27.65 mg/kg) > Cr (16.55 mg/kg) > Cu (16.31 mg/kg) > Cd (3.75 mg/kg). In water, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr exceeded the 2012 USEPA threshold values across all sites and seasons. In contrast, in sediments, most HMs were below the reference values in the sediment quality guidelines, except of the Soumbédioune site during the dry season where Cd exceeded the probable effect limit (PEL). Assessment using the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) indicated moderate to high levels of pollution that Pb, Cd and Cr had, while Mn, Cu and Fe showed low pollution levels. The ecological risk index also showed that, regardless of the season, only the Rufisque and Soumbédioune sites presented a moderate risk; the other sites are classified as low risk. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that during the dry season, in water and sediments, the Soumbédioune site is more impacted by Cd, while Rufisque has higher Pb levels. This study could serve as a reference for monitoring water and sediment quality along the Senegalese coast in view of the urbanization and industrialization of Senegal’s coastal cities.