Palinurus Elephas Research Articles

Effect of light intensity on the survival of European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) larvae reared in aquaculture system

Light plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and survival of aquatic organisms. To evaluate the survival of European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) larvae in relation to different light intensities (26, 359, and 910 lux, equivalent to 0.35, 4.74, and 12.29 μmol·m−2·s−1, respectively), this study monitored the survival rates of reared spiny lobster from the early instar phyllosoma stages to their metamorphosis into the puerulus stage (111 days after hatching) at the three light intensities. The newly hatched larvae were cultured in 65-L Kreisel tanks with 200 individuals each (three replicates per treatment, i.e., light intensity). Phyllosoma stages I to III larvae showed no significant differences in survival rates under different light intensities. However, light intensity did have a significant impact on the survival rates of phyllosoma stages IV and V as well as the metamorphosis of phyllosoma VI into puerulus. The highest survival rates were observed under high and medium light intensity conditions. At the end of the experiment, the highest mean survival rate for stage VI, the metamorphosis into the puerulus stage, was 42.0 ± 2.52 % under high light intensity. These survival rates for reared pueruli were 84 times higher than those achieved in previous studies. The present study results show promise for the successful implementation of commercial scale rearing protocols for European spiny lobster and have implications for the design of crustacean larvae culture systems.

A synthesis of the current state of marine biodiversity knowledge in the Isles of Scilly, UK

Abstract Synthesising knowledge on the health of marine ecosystems and the human activities is crucial to informing holistic marine management. In many coastal states, however, research is conducted in an ad hoc manner and rarely compiled into accessible repositories making it challenging for marine managers to identify knowledge gaps when allocating resources. Here we conduct a structured review of existing literature to identify the current state of marine and coastal knowledge in the Isles of Scilly, an oceanic archipelago in the UK. The archipelago's marine flora and fauna are biogeographically unique in the Northeast Atlantic, with a distinct mosaic of warm and cold temperate habitats and species and are also considered a rare example of a near pristine marine environment in the otherwise highly degraded Northeast Atlantic Ocean. We found 150 sources relating to the marine biodiversity and relevant human activities in the Isles of Scilly with increasing diversification of research topics in recent years. Sources however remain dominated by specific taxa and habitats, suggesting the Isles of Scilly would particularly benefit from future research into: (1) anthropogenic impacts associated with warming waters and intense seasonal vessel activity; (2) development of repeatable survey protocols that can underpin long-term, ecosystem-based monitoring and management (notably for reef and sediment habitats and the European spiny lobster); and (3) data gaps associated with marine teleost fish and elasmobranch communities including identifying core habitat. This review can therefore act as a baseline biological synthesis for the region and importantly, can inform future research priorities.

Bycatch in northeast Atlantic lobster and crab pot fisheries (Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and Bristol Channel)

Bycatch in valuable NE Atlantic baited ‘pot’ fisheries for lobster Homarus gammarus and edible crab Cancer pagurus has not been well documented, potentially limiting evidence-based management. Using onboard observers supplemented by fishers’ ecological knowledge (FEK) we characterised bycatch of fish and larger invertebrates in 10,741 pot hauls around the coast of Wales, UK, over 4 years in all seasons. A total of 1529 fish from 30 species, and around 15 species of invertebrate, were recorded. Bycatch abundance varied seasonally and spatially and was dominated by eight common and widespread taxa comprising six ‘core’ fish (two catsharks: bullhuss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) and smallspotted catshark (S. canicula); ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, sea scorpions (Myoxocephalus scorpius &Taurulus bubalis combined), three-bearded rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris, conger eel Conger conger, together 86% of fish abundance), velvet swimming crab Necora puber and spider crab Maja brachydactyla. Commercially important fish species were only caught in low numbers (3.0% of all fish), with cod Gadus morhua the most frequent (1.8% of all fish). Only two species of conservation interest were recorded: the large catshark Scyliorhinus stellaris which is locally abundant (assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as ‘Near Threatened’ and ‘Vulnerable to extinction’ at European and global scales respectively), and a single legally retained spiny lobster Palinurus elephas. Retention or live release status was recorded for nearly all (96%) of the core fish individuals and varied widely with taxa: sea scorpions (never retained), Scyliorhinus stellaris (13% retained), smallspotted catshark, three-bearded rockling, conger eel (44–59% retained), with ballan wrasse having the highest retention (90% of 242 individuals; average of 5.5 individuals retained per trip when present). Observed high spider crab abundance combined with FEK of previous absence or scarcity suggest that this species has increased in northwards range and abundance in recent decades, possibly because of warming seas. No incidents of in-pot mammal or bird entrapment were recorded. The retention of fish for bait is not currently acknowledged in consumer advice or landings data. Possible effects of bait retention on populations of data-poor species which may be vulnerable to overexploitation (e.g., long-lived ballan wrasse) and coastal ecosystems are unknown and warrant further research.

Shared and distinct patterns of genetic structure in two sympatric large decapods

AbstractAimComparing genetic structure in species with shared spatial ranges and ecological niches can help identify how dissimilar aspects of biology can shape differences in population connectivity. Similarly, where species are widely distributed across heterogeneous environments and major topographic barriers, knowledge of the structuring of populations can help reveal the impacts of factors which limit dispersal and/or drive divergence, aiding conservation management.LocationEuropean seas of the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean.TaxaEuropean clawed lobster (Homarus gammarus) and European crawfish (Palinurus elephas), two sympatric, heavily fished decapods with extensive dispersal potential.MethodsBy RAD‐sequencing 214 H. gammarus from 32 locations and 349 P. elephas from 15 locations, we isolated 6340 and 7681 SNP loci, respectively. Using these data to characterise contemporary population structuring, we investigate potential spatial and environmental drivers of genomic heterogeneity.ResultsWe found higher levels of differentiation among clawed lobsters than crawfish, both globally and within basins, and demonstrate where known hydrographic and topographic barriers generate shared patterns of divergence, such as a genetic break between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. Genetic structure not common to both species is principally apparent in the Atlantic portions of their range, where clawed lobster exhibits a genetic cline and increased differentiation towards range margins, while crawfish appear effectively panmictic throughout this region.Main ConclusionsWe attribute the comparative lack of crawfish population structuring to their greater dispersal tendencies via a longer pelagic larval duration and sporadic adult movements. In contrast, genetic connectivity in clawed lobster is relatively restricted, with the correlation of site of origin and temperature to geographical heterogeneity at many divergent loci indicative of both neutral and adaptive processes. Our results help inform how contemporary management can account for likely demographic connectivity and marry the conservation of genomic variation with sustainable fisheries in these ecologically and economically important crustaceans.

Comparative microplastic load in two decapod crustaceans Palinurus elephas (Fabricius, 1787) and Nephrops norvegicus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The present work compares microplastics (MPs) contamination in two charismatic crustaceans: European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas and langoustine Nephrops norvegicus. Samples (P. elephas n = 14; N. norvegicus n = 15) were collected between 76 and 592 m depth, from four sites in west Sardinia, Italy. An extraction protocol was applied on stomachs and intestines, separately, and over 500 particles were further characterized through μFT-IR. We document 100 % occurrence in specimens from both species, with P. elephas being significantly more contaminated (9.1 ± 1.75 vs. 3.2 ± 0.45 MPs individual−1), ingesting larger MPs with different polymeric composition. The scavenging-based feeding strategy of both species could explain such exposure to MPs, mostly derived by single-use plastic. The overall results highlight that both species are clearly affected by plastic pollution, being valuable bioindicators and charismatic species that could thus represent excellent flagship species for raising awareness toward the global issue of plastic in the marine environment.

Interactions between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the artisanal fishery in Asinara Island National Park (Sardinia): assessment of catch damage and economic loss

In 1999, the Italian Central Institute for Applied Marine Research (ICRAM), in response to reports made by local fisheries, began a study into the interactions between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the artisanal fishery in the Asinara Island National Park (Sardinia). Using onboard observers, fishing boat surveys were carried out to determine the frequency of interactions, variations in the catch of target species and damage to two different types of trammel net caused by dolphins. Interactions occurred primarily with trammel nets targetting striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus; the less valuable peacock wrasse, Simphodus tinca, was also caught). Interactions also occurred with trammel nets set for lobster (Palinurus elephas), cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) and scorpionfish (Scorpaena spp.), but these were considered negligible. The target species, catch and damage inflicted on the catch was recorded, both in the presence and absence of dolphins, in an effort to ascertain associated damage and economic cost. Loss of catch was found to be significant only in the case of nets deployed during the red striped mullet fishing season. Although the level of interaction was high relative to the narrow red striped mullet fishery season, the overall economic impact on the fishing community was found to be modest. The presence and regulations of the national park area may provide an opportunity for investigating mitigation activities compatible with both cetacean conservation and the maintenance of the traditional fisheries.

Trends in abundance indices derived from commercial fisheries for priority marine stocks in the Azores.

Large-scale assessments of fish and shellfish populations may be valuable for identifying the impacts of fishing pressure on stocks, but they are rarely possible due to a lack of long-term datasets. In this study, a two-part mixed-effect model for lognormal data was used to obtain historical abundance indices for 16 priority fish and shellfish stocks in the Azores region derived from catch per unit effort (kg per day at sea per vessel) and landing per unit effort (kg per landing per vessel). This data was obtained over the past 30 years under the EC Data Collection Framework and, in addition to information on effort and catch, included details about the fishing operation such as quarter, vessel length and fishing gear. This information was analysed to investigate how abundance indices changed over the years, verify if trends from different data sources were different and, if possible, relate these results to the population and fishery dynamics. The abundance indices derived from both datasets were generally in agreement with each other. Declining trends have been observed for some commercially important species, such as forkbeard Phycis phycis, European conger Conger conger, parrotfish Sparisoma cretense, red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa, offshore rockfish Pontinus kuhlii, common spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, splendid alfonsino Beryx splendens and alfonsino B. decadactylus, which is concerning because they are particularly slow-growing, long-lived and have low natural mortality, making them susceptible to overfishing. The results of this study are very important and should help future stock assessment and management initiatives.

Acoustic scaling in the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas).

Sound is an important cue for arthropods. In insects, sound features and sound-producing apparatus are tightly correlated to enhance signal emission in larger individuals. In contrast, acoustic scaling in marine arthropods is poorly described even if they possess similar sound-producing apparatus. Here, the acoustic scaling of the European spiny lobster is analyzed by recording sounds in situ at 1 m from a wide range of body sizes. The dimensions of associated sound-producing apparatus increased with body size, indicating sound features would also be influenced by spiny lobster size. Indeed, temporal sound features changed with body size, suggesting differences in calling songs could be used for spiny lobster acoustic communication. Source levels (peak-peak) ranged from 131 to 164 dB re 1μPa for smaller and larger lobsters, respectively, which could be explained by more efficient resonating structures in larger animals. In addition, dominant frequencies were highly constrained by ambient noise levels, masking the low-frequency content of low intensity sounds from smaller spiny lobsters. Although the ecological function of spiny lobster sounds is not clear yet, these results suggest larger body sizes benefit because louder calls increase the broadcast area and potential interactions with conspecifics, as shown in the insect bioacoustic literature.

Contrasting influence of seascape, space and marine reserves on genomic variation in multiple species

Marine reserves are being established worldwide to conserve and manage marine resources, and are also often assumed to conserve the evolutionary potential of marine populations. However, comparisons of genomic patterns inside and outside marine reserves in multiple species are scarce. Here, we aim to fill this gap by 1) comparing genomic variation in protected versus unprotected areas in a network of eight reserves in the Mediterranean Sea, and 2) disentangling the effect of seascape, space and marine reserves on this genomic variation in 1297 individuals from four species genotyped at more than 10 000 SNPs each. We report homogeneous patterns of local genetic diversity within and outside reserves in three of the four species (the white seabream Diplodus sargus, the striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus and the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas). Surprisingly, the comber Serranus cabrilla shows lower genetic diversity in protected areas, highlighting an apparent conservation paradox that may be due to increased predation by protected fishes in the reserves. Multivariate analyses reveal that seascape factors (salinity, temperature and chlorophyll) and space exert a significant influence on genomic variation in some cases, while protection status has no detectable effect. Nevertheless, four marine reserves (Cabo de Palos, Cerbère‐Banyuls, Cap de Creus and Illes Columbretes) harbor singular genetic variation in one or two species. This pattern, observed in the four species, suggests that reserves contribute to preserve genetic variation locally. Our study illustrates that we can document key aspects of the genetic variation of marine species and their interaction with seascape factors, space and protection status in multiple species. It stresses the need for a multi‐species approach to inform marine conservation planning, opening up new perspectives at the community level.

MPs and NPs intake and heavy metals accumulation in tissues of Palinurus elephas (J.C. Fabricius, 1787), from NW Aegean sea, Greece

European marine waters are infested with plastic, with an average density of 1 plastic item in every four square-meters. Research relevant to MPs-NPs ingestion by wild decapods in European waters is limited, none of which regards the European spiny lobster. Totally 4102 plastic particles were extracted from the spiny lobster stomach tissues of both sexes. Out of the 63 samples analysed only three (4.8%) of them were found with no plastic particles. The range of number of MPs in stomachs was from 20 to 273 MPs individual−1. The 98.3% were fragments. In total 3833 plastic particles were extracted from the gill tissues of both sexes. MPs were found in all samples (n = 50),99.2% of the detected particles were fragments. The MPs detected in gills ranged from 11 to 339 MPs individual−1. The DLS method was used in order to evaluate the NPs presence. Nanoplastics were detected in 22.6% of stomachs and in the 48.1% of gills. A total of 43 polymer types were identified in both tissues. Also, our study assessed the accumulation of heavy metals at the edible tail muscle. Certain elements were detected above the EU's Maximum Residue Level, including arsenic. The present results are alarming and the potential human health implications could be serious.

Movement patterns analysis as a tool in Fully Protected Areas design: Influence of relocations on travelled distances of Palinurus elephas (Fabr. 1787) in Sardinian FPAs (central-western Mediterranean)

Effectiveness of restocking programs in Marine Fully Protected Areas' (FPAs) can be highly affected by the movement behavior of the species to protect. We analyzed the data of 744 Palinurus elephas specimens tagged, relocated inside 12 FPAs, established in the seas surrounding Sardinia (central-western Mediterranean), and then recaptured. The overall aims were to characterize the individuals' movements after the relocation and to discuss strengths and weaknesses of the current FPAs' design. Almost 80% of tagged individuals travelled progressively increasing distances, as a function of the release distance, up to a maximum value of 11,500 m. Then, for larger release distances, individuals' mobility appeared reduced and more chaotic. A similar trend was found analyzing the distances travelled with respect to the FPAs with the highest number of recaptured individuals and to the size. These results allow to establish a threshold limit of the release distance, to take into account when designing FPAs, as a useful tool to keep a portion of the individuals into FPAs’ borders, in order to both preserve the species and guarantee a spillover of individuals in the commercial areas.

The Use of Reproductive Indicators for Conservation Purposes: The Case Study of Palinurus elephas in Two Fully Protected Areas and Their Surrounding Zones (Central-Western Mediterranean).

Simple SummaryThe European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas is a species with a high commercial value that inhabits the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic waters and is classified by IUCN as vulnerable due to its continuous overfishing. In this study, we analyse the reproductive parameters of P. elephas populations in two different fully protected areas, including their surrounding commercial zones, in Sardinia (Italy, central-western Mediterranean), where a restocking programme was carried out. Here, data on fecundity, size at maturity, vitellogenin concentration and temporal trends of egg production of P. elephas was provided, and the relevance of this information for fisheries management and conservation planning is discussed.In 1990s, the European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, one of the most commercially important species in the Mediterranean, exhibited a population decline. For this reason, fully protected areas (FPAs) appeared effective in re-establishing natural populations and supporting fishery-management objectives. Here, the reproductive parameters of P. elephas populations in two different FPAs (Su Pallosu and Buggerru, central-western Mediterranean), where a restocking programme was carried out, and in their surrounding commercial zones, were investigated from quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The comparison of fecundity between females collected inside and outside FPAs did not show statistical differences as well as the vitellogenin concentration, which did not vary among eggs of different size classes of females caught inside and outside the FPAs, indicating the same reproductive potential. The study demonstrated a benefit of overexploited populations in terms of enhancement of egg production overtime (15 years for Su Pallosu and 6 years for Buggerru) with a mean egg production 4.25–5.5 times higher at the end of the study than that observed at the beginning of the study. The main driver of eggs production appeared to be size, with larger lobsters more present inside the FPAs than outside. Given these results, the dominant contribution of the two studied FPAs to the regional lobster reproduction is remarkable.

Marine rocky reef assemblages and lithological properties of substrates are connected at different ecological levels

Recent studies suggest that the lithological properties of hard substrates play an important role in influencing the diversity and structure of marine assemblages involving macroalgae, sessile organisms and vagile animals like heterobranchs gastropods and fishes. The present study aims at exploring whether the influence of different substrates (limestone vs granite) could drive the occurrence of different vagile groups (crustacean decapods, echinoderms and fishes). The study was carried out at the “Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo” Marine Protected Area (NE Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea) where substrates of different lithology, namely granites and limestones, occur on a local spatial scale. The diversity and the abundance of 16 vagile species (four crustaceans, seven echinoderms and five fishes) were investigated by the analysis of photographs (2352 images) collected in 20 sites (10 limestones and 10 granites), between 30 and 50 m depth. Statistical analyses showed a clear-cut separation between the assemblages assessed on the two lithological substrate types, with assemblages on granites that were tightly grouped and those on limestones more dispersed. The total species richness did not significantly vary between limestones and granites. Galathea strigosa and Marthasterias glacialis were exclusively recorded on granites, while Palinurus elephas, Scyllarides latus, Arbacia lixula, Ophidiaster ophidianus and Serranus scriba were exclusively found on limestones. The observed patterns could be partially explained by multiple factors related to lithology: i) the different availability of preferred food sources, potentially influenced by substrate type; ii) the site geomorphology, that could provide different dens and refuges (in terms of quantity and types of shelters) suitable for different species; iii) the colour of different substrates enhancing the mimicry of different species according to their livery and camouflage ability. Our and literature data suggest that the substrate type in rocky reefs could interact with other environmental factors (i.e., light intensity related to depth) in shaping the structure of rocky-reef assemblages.

Antibodies targeting the European lobster (Palinurus elephas) vitellogenin developed by mRNA isolation and in-silico-designed antigenic peptides.

ABSTRACTVitellogenin is an essential protein involved in ovary maturation in many animals. Detection of this protein correlated with reproductive capacity may be important if carried out on marine organisms such as the red spiny lobster Palinurus elephas, a crustacean that is an economically important crop from wild fish catches. Moreover, in recent years, vitellogenin has assumed an important role as a possible biomarker of marine environmental pollution, as its expression levels can be influenced by the presence of similar estrogen pollutants and can affect the reproductive sphere of marine organisms such as crustaceans. The P. elephas vitellogenin protein and its coding gene have never been isolated, so there is little information about its presence in this lobster. The aim of the present study was to develop a molecular strategy to create, for the first time, an antibody for the detection and quantization of vitellogenin in P. elephas.

Barriers in European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) aquaculture: What we know so far?

AbstractPalinurids, also known as spiny lobsters, are high‐value seafood, which is economically important for many European and Asian seafood trades. However, the reduction of wild European spiny lobster populations produces a need for developing alternative renewable strategies to meet current and future demands. Aquaculture of spiny lobsters has the potential to become of major economic importance in the coming years with growing markets in Asia, Europe, and America, with Palinurus elephas being a promising candidate species for use in the commercial culture and stock enhancement of natural fisheries. This is due to its shorter larval periods and rapid growth to the critical puerulus stage compared with other spiny lobster species. While we have a basic understanding of the lifecycle and biology of P. elephas, much of this is based on work undertaken on similar species globally. There are many gaps in our knowledge that need to be addressed to make its aquaculture viable with appropriate feeds being an immediate issue as well as many other husbandry‐related factors. Previous studies act as a platform providing a baseline for further research and highlighting constraints. Developments in the use of P. elephas are promising due to realistically bridgeable knowledge gaps, the likelihood of producing sustainable food and the high commercial value of spiny lobsters. This review identifies our present state of knowledge and outlines the scope for further research and necessary technological developments to make it a viable contribution towards crustacean aquaculture in Europe.

Demographics and Yield-Per-Recruit Assessment of the Vulnerable Spiny Lobster Palinurus elephas in the Azores-Implications for Conservation and Fisheries Management.

Simple SummaryThe spiny lobster Palinurus elephas has been intensively harvested across its range and is generally considered overfished, with global landings declining sharply in the last few years. Despite its economic and ecological importance, limited information is available to perform stock assessments and make robust management decisions. Here, demographics and exploitation levels of P. elephas were determined from coastal areas of the Azores, and the relevance of these data for fisheries management and conservation planning was discussed.The spiny lobster Palinurus elephas has been intensively harvested across its range and is generally considered overfished, with global landings declining sharply from an average of 820 t in 1960–79 to 385 t in 2000–19. Despite its economic and ecological importance, limited information is available to perform stock assessments and make robust management decisions. In this study, demographics and exploitation levels of P. elephas were determined from coastal areas of the Azores, and the relevance of these data for conservation planning was discussed. Carapace length varied between 39.6 and 174.3 mm, with mean sizes decreasing by depth. Males reached larger sizes and grew faster than females but were less dominant. Lifespan was 43 years for females and 60 years for males. The estimated mean length at first capture was 101.65 mm—around 58% of its asymptotic length. Fishing mortality and exploitation levels were close to the optimal values, indicating an uncertain future for Azorean populations if stock assessment and management initiatives are not focused on this species. Conservation and management strategies may benefit from these results under the ‘precautionary approach’ principle. However, up–to–date and accurate catch and fishing effort data need to be urgently collected.

Management Strategy Evaluation for the Common Spiny Lobster, Palinurus elephas (Fabricius, 1787), Stock in Tunisia

The common spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas (Fabricius, 1787), fishery in Tunisia has been overexploited. This species is currently managed by temporal closures, minimum legal sizes of landings, and the prohibition of catching berried females. This study aims to develop management procedures (MPs) based on the surplus production model to set total allowable catch (TAC) as a management action for the common spiny lobster. Ten MPs ranging from conservative to more relaxed management procedures were evaluated within a management strategy evaluation (MSE) framework. Several scenarios of the operating model were considered to account for uncertainties. Five performance measures were used to evaluate MPs to identify the management strategies that can achieve the prespecified management objective of recovering the stock size as a priority and ensuring high and stable catches. The results of the MSE showed that the conservative management strategies with the highest control points performed well in terms of management objectives with a probability of biomass exceeding the reference point of higher than 90 % but yielded in the lowest catches. On the other hand, relaxed threshold-based management strategies failed in achieving management objectives with 20 % probability of being below the limit reference point. These MSE results also highlighted the trade-off between conservation and catch performance objectives and showed that some moderate management strategies balanced these objectives efficiently.

Bayesian occupancy modelling of benthic Crustacea and the recovery of the European spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas

AbstractThere is ever-greater need for information about changing marine biodiversity, but such information is sparse at large spatial or temporal scales. Records about distributions of species collected by volunteers can fill gaps in knowledge that cannot yet be addressed by more structured sampling. Bayesian occupancy models show great promise for estimating trends in occurrence of species through time. This study uses the Sparta occupancy model with records from the Seasearch programme from coastal waters of Britain and Ireland during the period 2000–2020, focussing on three species of Crustacea (Cancer pagurus, Homarus gammarus and Palinurus elephas). Populations of P. elephas crashed in the 1970s, but now appear to be re-establishing in south-west England. The Sparta model provides evidence about recovery that is more robust than anecdotal reports or simple counts of records. Estimates of occupancy are made at different spatial scales and compared among species and areas. Trends in occupancy are compared qualitatively with patterns in fisheries landings data. Occupancy by P. elephas has increased drastically since 2014, a pattern not seen in the other two species. For each species, occupancy varied among areas and in some areas, patterns in estimates of occupancy were similar to trends in landings from fisheries. Citizen science records are increasingly recognized to have value which has not yet been fully exploited. Greater use should be made of the Seasearch dataset in order to provide population trends for benthic marine taxa. Such analyses will broaden our understanding of and taxonomic coverage of changes in biodiversity.

Nutritional Quality of the European Spiny Lobster Palinurus elephas (J.C. Fabricius, 1787) (Achelata, Palinuridae) and the Non-Indigenous Northern Brown Shrimp Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 (Dendrobranchiata, Penaeidae).

The European spiny lobster is a species of great commercial value, yet a limited scientific knowledge exists on its biology, ecology, and physiology, especially for the stocks from east Mediterranean waters. The northern brown shrimp, a non-indigenous established species, is commercially exploited in regions of the Mediterranean Sea. Both species’ proximate composition and fatty acid profile were assessed for the first time in the Mediterranean region, exhibiting an overall significant statistical difference. Protein, fat, and energy contents were significantly higher in the northern brown shrimp, whereas moisture and ash contents were significantly higher in the European spiny lobster. The proximate composition for both species was well within the reported range for other lobster and prawn species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Informing the general public on the threat status of the European spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas (Fabricius, 1787) through Citizen-Science and social media platforms. A case study from the Aegean Sea

Research known as Citizen Science (CS) has been recognized as an important tool for both biodiversity restoration and fisheries management projects through active involvement of citizens and therefore for public environmental awareness too. CS projects should be well designed and state clear questions, that will benefit both the research goals and the citizen scientists themselves. In January 2019, the “Red Fish Project” group was created on Facebook consisting of SCUBA divers and fishers and offering the main data source and the relevant digital material. The project’s establishment was based on previous personal experience and following specific protocols. Further information was provided by personal communications. Till October 21st, 2020 the FB group consisted of 464 members who recorded 348 European spiny lobster individuals from all sub-regions of the Aegean Sea. Based on the findings of the present study it seems that most of the citizens were unaware that the species is listed as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List. Lastly, we discuss the important role of the spiny lobster in the country’s culture and that it can be listed as a charismatic, flagship species for citizens to be ocean-literate since it has been shown, that it can raise the interest of recreational divers and increase their awareness.