Mediterranean Region Research Articles

High genetic diversity of Anaplasma ovis in sheep from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ovine anaplasmosis (sensu stricto) is a rickettsial blood disease caused by the tick-borne species Anaplasma ovis. The disease is characterized by mild anemia, fever, and icterus. A more severe clinical presentation is possible in non-endemic areas. There is no existing data on the presence of Anaplasma ovis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, given the country's location within the Mediterranean Basin and the recent molecular detection of Babesia ovis, it is plausible that sheep in the region could naturally be infected with this tick-borne pathogen. Blood samples from 81 sheep in the Podrinje and Herzegovina areas were examined by PCR. PCR positivity was found in 38 (46.9%) cases indicating a high number of infected sheep. Mixed infections with Babesia ovis and A.ovis were observed in 63.3% of cases. A higher number of positive sheep was recorded in the area of Herzegovina. Phylogenetic analysis of the gltA, groEL, and msp4 genes of A. ovis revealed numerous genotypes and significant genetic variability. This diversity was not related to geographic origin, tick-borne infection status, or sheep breeding practices in Podrinje and Herzegovina. The data obtained in this study suggest that the emergence of new genotypes and the high genetic variability of A. ovis are driven by specific local and micro-environmental factors.

IgE-Mediated Legume Allergy: A Pediatric Perspective.

Legumes are an inexpensive and essential protein source worldwide. The most consumed legumes include peanuts, soybeans, lentils, lupines, peas, common bean and chickpeas. In addition, the food industry is growing interested in expanding the use of legumes to partially replace or substitute cereals. Legumes were described to cause IgE-mediated allergies, and their growing use may also increase the incidence of allergy. The epidemiology of legume allergy varies by region; peanuts and soybeans are the legumes most involved in food allergies in Western countries, whereas lentils, peas, and chickpeas are reported as culprit allergens mainly in the Mediterranean area and India. This review, edited by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology, summarizes the scientific literature on legume allergy in children and proposes a diagnostic workup and therapeutic approach.

The effect of pollen origin (self- and cross-pollination) on seed production and viability in Ophrys (Orchidaceae)

ABSTRACT The pollination biology of the genus Ophrys has been extensively explored, primarily due to their utilisation of sexual deception to attract pollinators. Typically, members of this genus produce a low number of fruits per individual and are considered obligate crossers. However, instances of self-pollination in Ophrys are not uncommon, although the impact of pollen origin on seed production remains understudied. As a predominantly cross-pollinated genus we hypothesise that self-pollination in Ophrys has a negative effect on seed production. The results of the present work will support decision making for the conservation of the genus. We investigate the consequences of self- and cross-pollination on (a) empty seeds produced and (b) viability of sound seeds for three Ophrys species: Ophrys aesculapii, Ophrys ferrum-equinum, and Ophrys kotschyi native to the East Mediterranean region. Bagged individuals of these species were meticulously hand-pollinated with pollen sourced either from their own flowers or from neighbouring individuals. Significant differences were observed across all three species, both in terms of the number of empty seeds and the viability of the produced seeds, with significantly lower viability and higher number of empty seeds in seed collections from self-pollinated individuals. Despite being self-compatible, the three Ophrys species exhibited notable inbreeding depression, as evidenced by the outcomes of this study. Based on our results the implementation of controlled cross hand-pollination in wild population may contribute in the increase of the reproductive success of Ophrys spp. by increasing the quality and quantity of the produced seeds.

Predicting weight dispersion in seabass aquaculture using Discrete Event System simulation and Machine Learning modeling

Marine aquaculture, particularly in the Mediterranean region, faces the challenge of minimizing growth dispersion, which has a direct impact on the production cycle, market value and sustainability of the sector. Conventional grading methods are resource intensive and potentially detrimental to fish health. The current study presented an innovative approach in predicting fish weight dispersion in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) aquaculture. Seabass is one of the two major fish species cultivated on the Mediterranean coast, with a fattening cycle of 18–24 months. During this period, several grading operations are carried out to minimize growth dispersion. The intricate feed-fish-water system, characterized by complex interactions among feeding regimes, fish behavior, individual metabolism and environmental factors, is the focus of the study. The comprehensive, five-step methodology addresses this complexity. The process begins with a Discrete Event System (DES) model that simulates the feed-fish-water dynamics, taking into account individual fish metabolism. This is followed by the development of a surrogate machine learning (ML) regressor model, which is trained on DES simulation data to efficiently predict growth distribution. The model is then calibrated and customized for specific fish stocks and production tanks. The preliminary results from 21 tanks in two trials with European seabass (D. labrax) showed the effectiveness of the method. The results from the simulation models achieved a R2 of 99.9 % and a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 1.1 % for the prediction of mean final weight and a R2 of 90.3 % with a MAPE of 8.1 % for the standard deviation of final weight. In summary, this study represents a significant advance in the planning and management of seabass aquaculture. Given the lack of effective prediction tools in the aquaculture industry, the proposed methodology has the potential to reduce risks and inefficiencies, thus possibly optimizing aquaculture practices by increasing sustainability and profitability.

Calibration and validation of APISM-Wheat Model in Mediterranean areas

The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator-Wheat (APSIM-Wheat) model is one of the most widely used agricultural models. It is a powerful simulator that has been successfully calibrated and tested for many locations in the world, especially in Western Australia (WA). However, there is a noticeable lack of a standard guide for realizing the calibration validation of APSIM-Wheat that could be applied in areas with a Mediterranean climate similar to that of WA. Therefore, this study aims to examine crop simulations reported in published articles and to provide a detailed description of input data and statistical assessment, which represent the two main components of the calibration-validation protocols. The PRISMA (PREFERRED Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method was used to identify and select relevant papers for this review. Following the analysis of 31 calibration protocols extracted from selected eligible articles, it was found that regardless of the objective of using APSIM-Wheat, the same category of data is required for calibration. As far as meteorological data is concerned, the information essential to this study was daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, rainfall (mm), and solar radiation. In the case of soil data, information about the texture and hydraulic characteristics, especially PAWC, DUL and LL was required. Regarding agricultural management data, this pertains to cultivated crops, Nitrogen fertilization (rate and time of application) and sowing (date and density). For the statistical evaluation, it was observed that 90 percent of studies analyzed in this review revealed the use of RMSE.

Anti-Hail Nets in Viticulture: Do They Affect White Grape Quality in the Mediterranean Region?

Anti-Hail Nets in Viticulture: Do They Affect White Grape Quality in the Mediterranean Region?

Nitrogen modulates the ozone response of Mediterranean wheat: Considerations for ozone risk assessment

The experiment was conducted in an Open Top Chamber facility located in the Mediterranean basin to investigate how nitrogen (N) fertilization affects the response of wheat to ozone (O3) exposure. The study considered the response of Artur Nick, a modern wheat cultivar commonly used in the area, to three O3 exposure levels (ambient and elevated ambient, +20 and +40 nL L−1 O3), and two N fertilization doses (100 and 200 kg ha−1). Measurements included leaf gas exchange, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf and grain N content, plant growth and yield parameters. Ozone × N interactive effects were studied and quantified based on accumulated O3 concentrations above a 40 nL L−1 threshold (AOT40) and phytotoxic O3 dose (POD) indices, which are used in O3-risk assessments, from which critical levels (CL) for a 5 % effect were derived.Results revealed that O3 impacts on growth and yield parameters were stronger under the highest N fertilization dose. In consequence, O3 Critical Levels (CL) were as much as 3–4 times lower for grain yield in the high-N compared to the low-N treatment. Interestingly, O3 limited the fertilizer stimulus, strongly reducing the N use efficiency for grain yield and the agronomic efficiency of N for protein yield. Another important aspect was that 71 % of the POD was accumulated before anthesis, stressing the potential importance of O3 exposure during the vegetative phase of wheat under Mediterranean conditions, which is usually considered less important than post-anthesis exposure.In conclusion, this study suggests the need to consider crop N management in the derivation of O3 CLs, due to its effect on dose-response relationships used for CL derivation, including the potential O3 effects in N use efficiency. Therefore, N modulation could be considered in the O3-risk assessment methodology to be applied in risk exercises when negotiating air pollution abatement policies.

Climate influences the gut eukaryome of wild rodents in the Great Rift Valley of Jordan

BackgroundThe mammalian gut microbiome includes a community of eukaryotes with significant taxonomic and functional diversity termed the eukaryome. The molecular analysis of eukaryotic diversity in microbiomes of wild mammals is still in its early stages due to the recent emergence of interest in this field. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by collecting data on eukaryotic species found in the intestines of wild rodents. Because little is known about the influence of climate on the gut eukaryome, we compared the composition of the gut eukaryotes in two rodent species, Mus musculus domesticus and Acomys cahirinus, which inhabit a transect crossing a temperate and tropical zone on the Jordanian side of the Great Rift Valley (GRV).MethodsWe used high-throughput amplicon sequencing targeting the 18S rRNA gene in fecal samples from rodents to identify eukaryotic organisms, their relative abundance, and their potential for pathogenicity.ResultsNematodes and protozoa were the most prevalent species in the eukaryome communities, whereas fungi made up 6.5% of the total. Sixty percent of the eukaryotic ASVs belonged to taxa that included known pathogens. Eighty percent of the rodents were infected with pinworms, specifically Syphacia obvelata. Eukaryotic species diversity differed significantly between bioclimatic zones (p = 0.001). Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Aspiculuris tetraptera were found to be present exclusively in the Sudanian zone rodents. This area has not reported any cases of Trichuris infections. Yet, Capillaria infestations were unique to the Mediterranean region, while Trichuris vulpis infestations were also prevalent in the Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian regions.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of considering host species diversity and environmental factors when studying eukaryome composition in wild mammals. These data will be valuable as a reference to eukaryome study.Graphical

Comparison of Olea pollen sampling between gravimetric and volumetric traps (NW of Morocco)

Olea pollen is considered one of the most critical causes of respiratory allergic disease in the Mediterranean region, contributing to different symptoms in allergic sufferers. Due to the high increase in the prevalence of olive pollen caused by the expansion of cultivated areas especially in the Mediterranean region, the aim of this study was to examine the Olea pollen sampling efficiency between gravimetric and volumetric pollen traps over the period 2018–2022. Our data demonstrated that Olea pollen season start-date was generally recorded earlier with volumetric trap than shown with gravimetric method. Moreover, the peak dates occurred mainly in May for the years studied. Across the entire period, the greatest pollen concentrations were reached in the week 11th and >60 % of the total Olea pollen were already reached after the ninth week of sampling in 2020. In general, the evolution of pollen sampling for both methods demonstrates similar temporal development. Variations in the seasonal pollen integral could be attributed to the elevation above ground level at which the traps were placed, exposure to regional winds, the influence of long-range transported pollen and the mode of pollen transport. The findings indicate that the gravimetric method was equally practical as the volumetric method in estimating airborne pollen.

The burden of thalassemia disorder: Past and present: The feedback of patients experience in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

Abstract: Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition and one of the emerging global public health concerns in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 300,000,000 . The genes controlling hemoglobin production are affected, leading to an anemia of variable severity. Carriers of this hereditary anemia are found globally, but a high frequency is observed around the Mediterranean basin, in the Middle East, in the Indian subcontinent, and in Southeast Asia, so called the thalassemia belt. This article aims to review the history and factors of spreading of thalassemia, to identify the burden of the disease on individuals, population, and public health, and the issues that thalassemia patients have experienced during the pandemic of COVID-19. Online literature and previous studies on the disease are used to prepare this article. We identified various factors that have contributed to the spread of thalassemia in the last decades and affected the health condition of individuals and population. The recent worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 worsened the situation and made it more complicated for most patients, especially in the emerging countries.

Atmospheric deposition patterns in bulk open field precipitation and throughfall in Aleppo pine forest and black pine forest on the eastern Adriatic coast

The Mediterranean region, with its unique ecological characteristics, is particularly sensitive to global environmental changes, including climate change and impact of air pollution.Although Aleppo pine and black pine forests are the most abundant on the eastern Adriatic coast, atmospheric deposition in these forests is poorly studied. Changes in the chemical composition of precipitation as it passes through the tree canopy can lead to soil and groundwater eutrophication, and soil acidification, which affects plant vitality. In this study, the dynamics of ion deposition in Aleppo pine forest (Pinus halepensis Mill.) and black pine forest (Pinus nigra Arnold) on the eastern Adriatic coast are investigated, focusing on throughfall and bulk open field depositions.The aim of our research was to fill the gaps in understanding the influence of tree canopies on deposition fluxes in two different Mediterranean pine stands and to compare total inorganic nitrogen loads with critical loads. Over a period of two years, bulk open field precipitation and throughfall were sampled, measured and analysed using the ICP Forest methodology.The results indicate significant differences in ion deposition between bulk open field and throughfall, with throughfall showing higher values for almost all ions. The highest enrichment ratio was determined for K+. The comparison of the actual inorganic nitrogen load with the critical nitrogen load for Mediterranean pine forests revealed that the inorganic nitrogen load exceeded the critical load in the Aleppo pine forest. Ion deposition increased in the throughfall compared to bulk precipitation, which can be attributed to the seasonality of precipitation, including leaching and long dry periods. These findings enhance our understanding of ion deposition fluxes in vulnerable Mediterranean pine ecosystems and emphasize the need for long-term research on this topic in the actual changing environmental conditions.

New bryological data from relict mires in the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park (Central Apennines) and their interpretation according to the EUNIS classification and Habitats Directive

During a phytosociological field-work campaign aimed at studying some relict Scheuchzerio-Caricetea boreal mires of the montane and subalpine belts of the Laga Mountains, the highest and largest siliceous massif of the Apennine range, several bryophyte taxa of particular biogeographic interest were collected. Among these taxa, Schljakovia kunzeana and Ptychostomum cernuum were found to be new records for the whole Apennine range while Hamatocaulis vernicosus (taxon included in annex II of Habitats Directive) and Scorpidium cossonii as new for the Central-Southern Apennines. Two further species, Bryum canariense, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, were found to be confirmations of old records for the Central Apennines dating back to the early 1900s. At the national and regional level, nine, out of the forty-four bryophyte taxa identified in this study, were found to be new for the Lazio administrative Region, and one taxon as new for the Abruzzo Region. The majority of these new records belong to the boreal chorotype, the Laga Mountains being one of the most important conservation sites for the relict circumboreal and arctic-alpine flora in the whole Mediterranean area. According to both the EUNIS Habitat classification and the EU Habitats Directive Annex I, several, out of the 44 bryophytes identified in this study, act as diagnostic species for European Community Habitats. Nevertheless, a complete correspondence between bryophyte taxon and habitat type was not found upon comparing these two environmental policy systems.

Performance of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under variable environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure: A survey of two distinct farming sites in the Adriatic Sea

Changes in natural conditions and anthropogenic pollutants, alone or in combination, pose a significant challenge to coastal bivalve populations. The susceptibility of economically important bivalves to potential stressors in their farming environment has not been sufficiently investigated, despite the increase in anthropogenic pressure along the coast and the remarkable warming of seawater in recent years. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from two important farming sites in the eastern Adriatic, namely Mali Ston Bay (MSB) and Lim Bay (LB), in relation to variations of seawater parameters, reproductive cycle dynamics and tissue content of potentially harmful pollutants. The complex seasonal and site-specific patterns of chemical pollutants were determined, with tissue levels of metals, As, PAHs and PCBs largely comparable to those previously reported for the Mediterranean region. Concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides were below the level of detection. Significantly higher Cd, As and Hg concentrations were detected in the tissues of the MSB mussels. The reproductive cycle was clearly associated with the bioaccumulation of pollutants. All biochemical response parameters varied to some extent across seasons and/or between farming sites. A very pronounced seasonality was recorded for acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S-transferase activity at both sites. Metallothionein concentration and superoxide dismutase activity were generally steady throughout the study period. The most striking difference between the two sites was recorded for lipid peroxides concentrations which were predominantly significantly higher in the MSB mussels, indicating expressed pro-oxidant conditions at this site. In particular, significant correlations were found between lipid peroxides and the potentially toxic metals (Cd, As, Hg) accumulated in the mussel tissue. Data reported here are valuable as baseline information for further studies related to stress in farmed bivalves caused by oscillations of environmental factors and increasing anthropogenic pressure along the coastline.

Particle film treatments on ‘Assyrtiko’ grapevines enhance physiology and grape attributes in Santorini Island

Like many viticultural regions of the Mediterranean region, Santorini is also affected by climate change. These changing climatic conditions pose challenges to adapt the island’s traditional viticulture practices to the new climatic conditions of climate change, which will intensify in the future, with the use of short- and long-term solutions with a sustainable manner respecting the tradition and the island’s landscape. Viticulture in this region copes with high temperatures, heat waves and drought which affect the maturity process, the technological maturity, as well as the physiology of the grapevine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of kaolin and calcium carbonate foliar application on water relations, photosynthesis and berry composition of vines of grape cultivar ‘Assyrtiko’, trained with the traditional training system ‘Kouloura’, under drought conditions and vertical shoot positioned training system in Santorini. The effects of foliar application with kaolin and CaCO3 on vines of grape cultivar ‘Assyrtiko’ were evaluated, focusing on the impact on the vine’s physiology attributes, grape quality, and environmental sustainability. Based on the results of the present study, there were statistically significant differences on vine water stress where the foliar application of inert films reduced water stress during the three studied years. Kaolin and CaCO3 increased significantly the photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of the vines in comparison to the control. Furthermore, the foliar application with inert minerals has reduced sunburn and pest damage. The results of the present study confirm that the application of kaolin and CaCO3 constitutes an effective and economical solution for the water saving of the vines in dry conditions, while at the same time, it can improve the physiology of the plant and preserve the qualitative and quantitative attributes of the grapes. The foliar use of inert particle films on Santorini’s traditional vineyards could consist a sustainable and effective alternative to mitigate the effects of climate change which have intensified over the last decades in the region.

Enhancement of In Vitro Seed Germination, Growth, and Root Development in Two Sideritis Species through GA3 Application and Diverse LED Light Conditions

The Sideritis genus includes over 150 species primarily found in the Mediterranean basin, including the S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca from the Peloponnese and S. scardica from North and Central Greece. In vitro seed germination has proven effective for conserving and amplifying the genetic diversity of endangered species such as Sideritis. This study aimed to optimize in vitro germination and seedling growth of S. scardica and S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca under different lighting conditions at 22 °C, including white fluorescent lamps (WFL-BG-40) and LEDs (LED-BGYOR-40, LED-BR-40, LED-BR-80, LED-BR-120) all under a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod (WFL: white fluorescent light, B:blue, G:green, Y:yellow, O:orange, R:red, 40–80–120 μmol m−2 s−1), along with a 24-h dark treatment. The results indicated that LED-BR-80 combined with 250 mg L−1 GA3 in the MS medium promoted best germination (40%, day 55) and shoot proliferation in S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca. Conversely, 5-year-old cold stratified S. scardica seeds showed higher germination rates (80%) and robust seedling growth under LED-BGYOR-40 with 250 mg L−1 GA3, particularly thriving in LED-BR-120 for increased shoot height and root number. This is the first report of the efficacy of LED technology in optimizing in vitro conditions for Sideritis species, crucial for their conservation and sustainable commercial cultivation.

Whistler echo trains triggered by energetic winter lightning

Lightning generated electromagnetic impulses propagating in the magnetospheric plasma disperse into whistlers – several seconds long radio wave signals with decreasing frequency. Sometimes, multiple reflections form long echo trains containing many whistlers with increasing dispersion. On January 3, 2017, two necessary prerequisites – a pronounced lightning activity and a magnetospheric plasma duct – allowed for observations of a large number of whistler echo trains by the high-latitude station in Kannuslehto, Finland. Our investigation reveals that the duct existed for nearly eight hours. We show that causative lightning sferics arrived to the duct entry from three different winter thunderstorms: a small storm at the Norwegian coast, which produced energetic lightning capable to trigger echo trains in 50% of cases, and two large storms at unexpectedly distant locations in the Mediterranean region. Our results show that intense thunderstorms can repetitively feed electromagnetic energy into a magnetospheric duct and form whistler echo trains after subionospheric propagation over distances as large as 4000 km.

Influence of wild ungulates on the secondary succession of an Apennine silver fir forest after windthrow

Windstorms are natural factors in vegetation dynamics, but their intensity is increasing and undermines the forest resilience. Post-event interventions depend on forest types and management purposes. To promote mixed stands that are less susceptible to windthrow than monocultures, natural tree regeneration is usually recommended. However, wild ungulates attracted by the increased food supply in the new clearings can influence the secondary succession and slow down vegetation recovery. The impact of ungulate pressure on secondary successions in blowdown areas is still poorly known, especially in Mediterranean areas, which is particularly vulnerable to climate stressors. We investigated this topic using a monospecific silver fir (Abies alba) forest of artificial origin in the Apennines as a model system. The forest was left to natural succession after a severe windthrow in 2015, offering the opportunity to establish an ungulate exclosure experiment to analyse vegetation changes over six years. For the whole plant community, cover and height, α-diversity (species richness, Shannon and evenness indexes), and species composition were recorded yearly, together with tree seedling density, in open and fenced plots at increasing distances from the forest edge. Ecological and functional traits (proportion of light-demanding and forest specialists, endo-/epi-zoochorous species), and life-forms of the community samples were also analysed. Overall, we found that ungulates significantly influenced the dynamic trajectories of secondary succession. The effects on plant cover and diversity were negative and increased with distance from the forest edge. The presence of ungulates favoured generalist species and endozoochorous taxa. However, distance from the forest edge strongly reduced the latter effect. The average density of tree seedlings was overall high (ca. 10,000/ha), but it was strongly reduced by ungulates for three deciduous species and A. alba, the most browsed species. Natural recolonization after windthrow in Apennine pure silver fir stands may favour the formation of mixed, less susceptible forests, but the current ungulate pressure slows down this process, especially in the areas furthest from the forest edge.

Phytoplankton dynamics in a shellfish farming lagoon in a deltaic system threatened by ongoing climate change

Global climate change has generated an increasing number of environmental problems, especially in Mediterranean coastal areas, such as the Po Delta (PD), where shellfish production has undergone an overall decline because of strong environmental changes. The present study is centred on assessing the fundamental ecological aspects in one of the most crucial European shellfish production lagoons, Sacca degli Scardovari (SC), addressing phytoplankton community parameters directly affecting shellfish production, namely, chemotaxonomic composition, size fractions, and total biomass, in relation to the physicochemical properties of the water column and mussel filtering activity. Our findings suggest that the phytoplankton community structure, its role within the lagoon food web and its production cycles depend on two distinct allogenic inputs, which shape the community differently and exert substantial control on shellfish production. At the same time, the suspended mussel biomass strongly controls the phytoplankton size composition, as their growth is largely supported by nanophytoplankton. As the Po River collects the drainage waters of the Italian side of the entire Alpine Arch, the phytoplankton dynamics reported here represent a useful baseline for further addressing issues of climatic changes affecting lagoon ecology. We believe that our study presents an innovative tool for the planning and management of interventions aimed at enhancing national mussel production without neglecting aspects of environmental protection or the integrity of the coastal system, with significant scientific implications.

Fungal symbiotic interactions of Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1767) in Pinus nigra Arn. in the Western Mediterranean Region of Türkiye

Fungal symbiotic interactions of Ips sexdentatus (Boerner, 1767) in Pinus nigra Arn. in the Western Mediterranean Region of Türkiye

Co-occurrence of marine and atmospheric heatwaves with drought conditions and fire activity in the Mediterranean region

Climate change has become a major concern in the twenty-first century, leading to the amplification of extreme events and, consequently, to severe impacts on society, economy and ecosystems. Heatwave conditions in particular, often coupled with extended periods of dryness, have an important contribution in exacerbating rural fires. Here, we propose to analyse the co-occurring interplay between atmospheric heatwaves and droughts in southern Europe, and marine heatwaves in the East Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, between 2001 and 2022, highlighting their linkage to wildfires, on both an individual and compound approach. Positive correlations between air and sea temperatures and negative correlations between air temperature and precipitation values were found. Our analysis reveals that severe wildfires are mostly associated with reduced precipitation and/or elevated air temperatures during the summer season, alongside heightened sea surface temperatures. Marine hot (drier) conditions are prevalent for months in which burned areas remain below (above) the 80th percentile. Months marked by higher fire activity are predominantly associated with extreme climatic conditions, showcasing a substantial occurrence of compound events. This study highlights the potential of considering both land-based atmospheric and marine conditions when exploring compound extremes, crucial for mitigating climatic disasters. Moreover, it highlights the role played by compound extreme events in fire management strategies, particularly considering the present context of climate change and the increasing frequency and severity of extreme events threatening ecosystem stability.