Sardinella Aurita Research Articles

Assessment of the potential health risks associated with six trace elements in halieutic products from the Mauritanian Atlantic coast

BackgroundHalieutic products are consumed widely and literature showed that they may be a major source of human exposure to various environmental contaminants such as trace elements. Mauritanian Atlantic coast is an importing fishing area, which is under anthropogenic pressure that could pollute the area. Our study focused on the determination of six trace elements (Cd; Hg; Pb; Cu; Fe and Zn) in the muscle of most consumed and worldwide-commercialized halieutic products (Sardinella aurita; Sardinella maderensis; Trachurus trachurus; Dentex angolensis; Mugil cephalus and Octopus vulgaris). Samples were collected from two sites with important anthropogenic activities (Nouakchott and Nouadhibou coast). MethodsThe presence of cadmium, lead, copper, iron and zinc was proceeded using ICP-OES technique, while the determination of mercury was carried out with a Direct Mercury Analyzer. ResultsLead was not detected in samples from Nouakchott coast; however, it was detected in two from five samples of O. vulgaris species collected from the Nouadhibou coast. Cd; Hg and Pb concentrations in all species were under the maximum residue level fixed by the European Commission regulation. The highest mean content of cadmium (0.06 mg kg−1) was detected in O. vulgaris and for mercury in S. maderensis (0.11 mg kg−1). The highest mean value of copper (10.91 mg kg−1) was obtained with M. cephalus whereas the highest of iron (229.10 mg kg−1) and zinc (11.28 mg kg−1) were found with S. aurita and T. trachurus respectively. To evaluate the potential health risks linked to the consumption of the studied fish product; the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency were used to estimate the non-carcinogenic risks. Results showed that S. aurita; S. maderensis; T. trachurus and D. angolensis have THQ and HI values that are under the tolerated limit. ConclusionResults of the current study indicate that the examined halieutic product from the Nouakchott and Nouadhibou coast have accepted concentrations of non-essential trace elements according to the limits set by the European Commission regulation. As regards the estimation of potential health risks, calculation showed no risk related to the consumption of the studied species in children and adults.

Histamine content in fresh and frozen pelagic species from the Mauritanian Atlantic Coast

Histamine is a security issue in food safety as an indicator of the freshness of consumed fish product; that is why we aimed in this study to determine the histamine content in 7 fish species (Scomber japonicus; Sarda sarda; Sardinella aurita; S. maderensis; Ethmalosa fimbriata; Pomatomus saltatrix and Trachurus trachurus). Hundred and eight frozen and fresh pelagic of scombroid and non-scombroid species were collected from the Nouakchott fish market (Mauritanian Atlantic coast) in different period of 2020 and 2021. Histamine was quantified by the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). Histamine was detected in all analyzed fresh and frozen species and varied from 4.21 to 201.60 ppm. All evaluated fresh fish species (S. aurita; S. maderensis; E. fimbriata; P. saltatrix and T. trachurus) were conform to the FAO/WHO and the European commission regulations. Regarding investigated frozen fish species (S. aurita; S. japonicus and S. sarda); the scombroid species (S. japonicus and S. sarda) were all under the set limits; however, even its more likely for scombroid fish to develop histamine, our results showed that histamine exceed the limit in one sample of non-scombroid fish (S. aurita). No significant variation in histamine levels between scombroid and non-scombroid fish species was obtained; thereby, the study showed that fish product commercialized at the Nouakchott fish market have a good quality and safe for human consumption.

Diet and trophic interactions of Mediterranean planktivorous fishes

Diet and trophic interactions of seven species of planktivorous fishes: European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, European sardine Sardina pilchardus, round sardinella Sardinella aurita, European sprat Sprattus sprattus, red bandfish Cepola macrophthalma, damselfish Chromis chromis and bogue Boops boops were studied in the Bay of Marseille (North-Western Mediterranean Sea) from March to September 2017. Taxonomic composition and size distribution of prey were studied using stomach content analysis, and compared to prey availability determined by continuous zooplankton sampling at a fixed point. Frequently consumed items included copepods, decapod larvae and fish eggs. Comparatively, E. encrasicolus consumed more calanoid copepods (i.e. Centropages spp.), S. pilchardus, S. aurita and S. sprattus consumed more harpacticoid copepods (i.e. Microsetella/Macrosetella spp.), C. macrophthalma consumed more decapod larvae, C. chromis consumed more pteropods and B. boops consumed more benthic polychaetes. Sardina pilchardus consumed the widest diversity of prey. Prey size distribution and average prey size significantly differed among species. The prey–predator size ratio (PPSR) was highest for B. boops and lowest for S. aurita. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition of species overlapped, probably due to the ingestion of particulate organic matter from the same sources at the base of the planktonic food web in the Bay of Marseille. Furthermore, trophic niche overlap supported the hypothesis of potential trophic competition between Engraulidae and Clupeidae.

Reproductive traits of the round sardinella in the Canary Islands (Spain, NW Africa)

AbstractThe present study aims to investigate the reproductive biology of the small pelagic Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 in the Canary Islands, to enable its reliable assessment and advise on appropriate management measures for a fishing resource showing a declining trend in landings. Reproductive biology and sexual patterns of round sardinella were examined from monthly random samples of commercial catches landed by the artisanal purse-seine fleet. The landings' length frequencies, ranging between 9–32 cm (based on the total lengths, TL), were recorded from 2013–2019. The overall mean value of TL was 20.9 cm, with annual mean values between 20–22 cm, except in 2016 (TL = 19 cm). The overall sex ratio M:F was 1:0.92, with males significantly predominant. Sex ratios fluctuated as a function of size and month: females were more abundant in the larger length classes, as well as before and after spawning, whereas males were more abundant in the smaller length classes and during spawning. Based on gonad maturity stages and gonadosomatic index, round sardinella spawns during almost all the year, with a peak in January–February and a resting period during October–November. The length at first maturity was estimated at TL of 18.2 cm, notably smaller than the value obtained for the NW African coastal waters where the demographic structure in round sardinellas' landings is totally different.

Oogenesis and spermatogenesis in round sardinella (Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847) from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea

Background and purpose: Small pelagic fish species round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) has expanded its habitat during the last few decades towards colder parts of the Mediterranean Sea. In the Adriatic Sea, this investigation is the first attempt to study its gonad development histologically.Materials and methods: S. aurita specimens were sampled monthly from commercial landings of purse seine catches from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea from November 2007 to January 2009. After biometric parameters were determined, gonads were removed from the fish and weighed. Sex and gonad development were determined macroscopically by the shape and the structure of gonads and afterwards gonads were analysed histologically.Results: The phases of gonadal development of both sexes of S. aurita were: immature, developing, spawning capable, regressing, and regenerating. An annual reproduction cycle based on gamete development revealed five stages of oocyte development: chromatin nucleolar stage, perinucleolar stage, yolk vesicle (cortical alveoli) formation, vitellogenic (yolk) stage, and ripe (mature) stage. Spermatogenesis was described through three stages: spermatocytogenesis (formation of primary spermatocytes from spermatogonia), meiosis (formation of secondary spermatocytes and spermatids) and spermiogenesis.Conclusions: Gonadal histology analyses of both sex of S. aurita indicated summer spawning manner of this species, with a peak in June-August period.

Chemical pollution impairs the health of fish species and fishery activities along the Algeria coastline, Mediterranean Sea.

Chronic exposure to multiple pollutants affects aquatic organisms, even at low concentrations, and can impair fishery activities along marine coastlines. The bioavailability of toxic metals and the presence of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both water and sediment can explain the worst-case scenario of fish health and fishery production decline along the Algeria coastline. The hepatosomatic index (HIS), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and condition factor (K) in the studied species from the Algiers, Bou Ismail, and Zemmouri bays are the first indicators of the poor environmental health along the studied region. These findings could be explained by the bioavailability of Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Ni and the detection of PAHs in the water and sediment of these bays. Additionally, histopathological damage in the liver is described in sardine (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), and sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) highlights the current study in the investigation of the risk of exposure to biota or human populations. The occurrence of permanent lesions in the livers of fish impairs organ function and increases the incidence of diseases affecting the fish community. Furthermore, the factor analysis with principal component analysis (FA/PCA) dataset explains the physiological disturbances described in all studied species. These findings revealed that Zemmouri bay is the most affected by chemicals, suggesting that S. pilchardus is the most sensitive species. Finally, the results showed that the bioavailability of chemicals present in the studied bays confirms poor water quality, which can explain the decrease in fishery production along the Algerian Coastline.

Potential Efficiency of Earth Observation for Optimum Fishing Zone Detection of the Pelagic Sardinella aurita Species along the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

This research utilizes the efficiency of remotely sensed data and advanced digital image processing techniques to assist in monitoring for the management of marine fisheries in Egypt (south Mediterranean Sea region). A newly developed model is applied to the Sardinella aurita fisheries to determine optimal fishing zones, and is then applied to monitor and detect the potentially optimal fishing zones for other locally important and economic fish species. This approach depends on chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and sea-surface temperature (SST) characteristics that are that known to control this species communities. The ranges and distribution of SST and Chl-a were obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aqua as well as Sentinel-3 satellites during the period from 2018 to 2020. The results revealed that there is a strong link between Sardinella abundance and both the SST and the Chl-a concentration. The suitable months for the abundance of this pelagic fish species were defined to be from May to November, producing 75% of the catch (nearly 42 K tons). Low abundances were recorded during the months from December to April, below the suitable harvest levels for this species. This research highlighted the importance of using satellite data as a tool to help scientists to develop appropriate management strategies for the sustainable management of fisheries resources worldwide.

Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Cultivated and Wild Marine Fishes from Western Mediterranean with the First Detection of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium ubiquitum.

Simple SummaryCryptosporidium is a widespread pathogen that infects a broad range of vertebrates, including humans, in which it is one of the main causes of diarrhea worldwide. Marine fishes also harbor Cryptosporidium species, including zoonotic ones. The goal of this study is to evaluate the presence of Cryptosporidium species in edible marine fishes using molecular tools. The area of study, located in the Western Mediterranean, is an important area for marine fish production and capture. The following three groups were studied: cultivated fish, wild fish that aggregate in the surroundings of marine fish farms and wild fish from extractive fisheries. Results show that the most affected group is the group of wild fish from the vicinity of fish farms. Two species were mainly identified, C. molnari (fish specific) and zoonotic C. ubiquitum. The presence of zoonotic C. ubiquitum in two European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) highlights a potential risk for fish consumers.Fish not only harbor host-specific species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, but also species like zoonotic C. parvum or anthroponotic C. hominis, which can pose a risk for fish consumers. This study aims to investigate fish cryptosporidiosis in an important aquaculture and fishery area of the Western Mediterranean (Comunidad Valenciana, Spain). We analyzed 404 specimens belonging to the following three groups: cultivated fish (N = 147), wild synanthropic fish (N = 147) and wild fish from extractive fisheries (N = 110). Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, were performed. Positive isolates were also amplified at the actin gene locus. An overall prevalence of 4.2% was detected, with the highest prevalence in the synanthropic group (6.1%). C. molnari was identified in thirteen specimens from seven different host species. Zoonotic C. ubiquitum was detected in two European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). One isolate similar to C. scophthalmi was detected in a cultivated meagre (Argyrosomus regius), and one isolate, highly divergent from all the Cryptosporidium species/genotypes described, was identified from a synanthropic round sardinella (Sardinella aurita). This study contributes to increasing the molecular data on fish cryptosporidiosis, expanding the range of known hosts for C. molnari and identifying, for the first time, zoonotic C. ubiquitum in edible marine fishes, pointing out a potential health risk.

G lugea sp. infecting Sardinella aurita in Algeria.

Parasitological examination of the commercially important pelagic fish Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 (Clupeidae) from the Eastern coast of Algeria revealed xenomas in the peritoneal cavity, suggesting a microsporidian infection. The prevalence of the disease was approximately 30% on average, higher in smaller individuals and showing significant seasonal variation. The xenomas contained numerous ellipsoidal spores, surrounded by a dense layer of connective tissue. Spore sizes were 6.10 ± 0.38µm length and 3.54 ± 0.43µm width. Ultrastructural examination by transmission electron microscopy showed various development stages of the parasite, including meronts, sporonts, sporoblasts and mature spores. The internal organization of the mature spores, with a single nucleus, prominent posterior vacuole, a lamellar polaroplast and an isofilar polar tube arranged in a single row, was typical of the genus Glugea. The DNA sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene confirmed that this parasite belongs to the genus Glugea. Genetic and morphologic comparison with G. sardinellensis, a species previously described in the same host from Tunisia shows many similarities, although some molecular and morphometric inconsistencies precluded the unambiguous assignment of our samples to G. sardinellensis. At the same time, we do not find sufficient grounds to erect a new taxon for our parasite. We discuss the implications of our findings for the current state of the systematics of Glugea.

SELECTED ELEMENTAL PROFILE OF IMPORTED SARDINELLA AURITA, CLUPEA HARENGUS AND SCOMBER SCOMBRUS SOLD IN ZARIA, NIGERIA

Metals can be bio-accumulated and bio-magnified via the food chain and finally assimilated by human consumers resulting in health risk. Three species of imported marine frozen fishes namely; Sardinella aurita, Clupea harengus and Scomber scombrus were investigated for metallic elements using AA240FS Fast Sequential Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Nine elements belonging to the groups of light metals (calcium and magnesium), biological essential heavy metals (copper, chromium, manganese, iron and nickel) and non-essential heavy metals (lead and cadmium) were evaluated. Calcium was the highest (290.75 ppm) concentrated light metal, Fe was the highest (2.587 ppm) concentrated biological essential heavy metal, while Pb and Cd were the highest (0.053 ppm) concentrated non-essential heavy metals. Sardinella aurita had significantly (P < 0.05) highest concentration of Cu (0.05) and Fe (2.59), while S. scombrus had the highest concentration of Mn (2.18 ppm). The concentrations of all biological essential heavy metals were below their Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). Scomber scombrus had the highest concentration of Cd with mean values higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Limit of 0.02mg/day. Therefore screening on importation of frozen fish, for non-essential heavy metals is recommended

Fishing characteristics and catch composition of the sardinella fishery in Ghana indicate urgent management is needed

The sardinella (Clupidae) fishery in Ghana is vital to food and economic security for millions of people along the coast. Sardinella catches, however, have recently been declining and little is known about the current fishery characteristics. To address this gap, we sampled 8 sites along the coast of Ghana from 2017–2018 and collected data on over 14,000 fishes from 332 fishing trips of fishers targeting the two species of sardinella locally exploited, i.e. the round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and the flat sardinella (Sardinella maderensis). The primary fishing gears were beach seines, purse seines, and gill nets. We distinguished three distinct types of purse seines based on mesh size: “poli” had mesh sizes of 3 cm or below (despite regulations deeming these illegal); “watsa” had mesh sizes of greater than 3 cm; and “poli-watsa” had a combination of mesh sizes across this range. Differentiation of gill nets was based on either monofilament (called “set net”) or cotton (called “ali”). These fishing nets ranged in length from 54 m to almost 1000 m, and poli-watsa was the most dominant gear as it was responsible for 37% of the total catch. Fishing vessels ranged from 5 – 23 m and crew sizes were from 2 – 30 individuals per vessel. Fish dissections and landings data indicated that S. aurita had a length at maturity of 14.7 cm and 62% of landed individuals were immature. The length at maturity for S. maderensis was 15.2 cm and 75% of landings were immature. Poli-watsa was the dominant gear for S. aurita, which was captured in significantly deeper areas (mean = 31.8 m) than S. maderensis, which was mostly caught with gill nets at a mean depth of 22.8 m. Considering the dominance of juveniles in the landings, coupled with recent declines in catch per unit effort, management is urgently needed to prevent collapse of this economically, socially, and ecologically important fishery.

Heavy metals concentration patterns in the Atlantic horse meckrel (Trachurus trachurus), the Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and the Common panadora (Pagellus erythrinus) from northwestern Egyptian coasts

Heavy metals concentration patterns in the Atlantic horse meckrel (Trachurus trachurus), the Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and the Common panadora (Pagellus erythrinus) from northwestern Egyptian coasts

Trophic importance of small pelagic fish to marine predators of the Mediterranean Sea

Small pelagic fish (SPF) species such as European sardine Sardina pilchardus, European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, round sardinella Sardinella aurita and European sprat Sprattus sprattus play important ecological roles in the Mediterranean Sea marine ecosystem. However, changes in SPF abundance and biomass have recently been observed in the basin. Therefore, uncovering the trophic importance of SPF to their predators is key to unravelling potential ecological causes and consequences of SPF population changes related to predator dynamics. Here, we reviewed 101 published studies reporting the presence of the SPF species named above in the diet of marine predators inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. We found that the number of species preying on SPF was highest for teleost fish species, followed by elasmobranchs, seabirds, marine mammals, cephalopods and sea turtles. These predators were both commercial and non-commercial taxa, and vulnerability ranged from medium to very high. From a conservation point of view, most predator species were considered Least Concern by the IUCN, with few exceptions such as the Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus, a Critically Endangered species. Geographic information showed that the European sardine was more important in the diet of predators from the western Mediterranean basin, while European anchovy consumption was higher on the eastern side. Round sardinella was consumed in high amounts in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and European sprat was anecdotally consumed. The importance of SPF in the diet of Mediterranean predators may indicate bottom-up control of the marine ecosystem; however, limited temporal information precluded the evaluation of temporal changes, highlighting the need to develop new studies in this area.

Development and characterization of active packaging films based on chitosan and sardinella protein isolate: Effects on the quality and the shelf life of shrimps

The transformation of wastes from food processing industry to value-added products is one of the major challenges in sustainable development. This work aimed to develop active packaging films based on chitosan (Cs) and sardinella protein isolate (SrPI) obtained from blue crab and Sardinella aurita by-products, respectively. The data from fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicate an improvement in the structural and thermal properties of the films by incorporating SrPI into the chitosan matrix. In contrast, the composite films exhibited lower mechanical properties than the Cs film. Composite and Cs films were employed to package the shrimp in order to improve their conservation. The results showed that the increased SrPI content in packaging films improved the chemical properties and microbial stability of wrapped shrimps during cold storage. Therefore, these results encourage the use of Cs-SrPI films as active packaging material.

Environmental drivers influencing the abundance of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in different areas of the Mediterranean Sea

Data on Sardinella aurita (round sardinella) and Sprattus sprattus (European sprat) in the Mediterranean Sea are limited due to their scarce commercial interest, at least in European countries. Yet, these two small pelagic fish, sitting at opposite ends of the thermal range, could be interesting sentinel species to monitor the effects of climate change in the basin. Using the Mediterranean International Acoustic Surveys (MEDIAS) – the most extensive source of information on these species – we analyzed their biomass in several geographical subareas of the central and western Mediterranean Sea in relation to satellite-derived environmental parameters. Our findings highlight that the S. aurita biomass responded to temperature, salinity, chlorophyll concentration and sea level anomaly, depending on the GSA examined, whereas the S. sprattus biomass correlated significantly with salinity in GSA 6, with salinity and chlorophyll concentration in GSA 7, and with sea level anomaly in GSA 17. These data widen our knowledge of the factors that contribute to the ecology of these species. Further studies of their spatial distribution and of their interactions with other small pelagic species, predators and prey are needed to depict a more comprehensive scenario.

Opercular girth, maximum girth and total length relationships for eight fish species from the Saros Bay (northern Aegean Sea, Turkey)

This study was carried out to uncover the relationship between opercular girth (Gope), maximum girth (Gmax) and total length (TL) for eight fish species [(Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792), Sardinella aurita (Valenciennes, 1847), Serranus cabrilla (Linnaeus, 1758), Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758), Symphodus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758), Symphodus tinca (Linnaeus, 1758), Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868), and Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758)] from four families (Carangidae, Clupeidae, Labridae, and Serranidae) sampled between August 2016 and December 2017 in Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey). Gope and Gmax were found to increase linearly with the total length for all the species. All r2 values were statistically significant (r2 > 0.83, P < 0.001). The values about length-girth relationships (LGRs) of S. mediterraneus were estimated for the first time worldwide. This information will contribute to the development of ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Efficacy of fresh crushed leaves and essential oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh on larvae of Dermestes maculatus De Geer insect damage to smoked dried Sardinella aurita "Kétiakh" stored in Senegal

Synthetic pesticides used to protect stored smoked and dried fish often cause enormous damageto human health and the environment. To limit the harms due to the use of these chemicals, it is necessary to find alternative methods. For this purpose, natural substances may constitute a beneficial way. The objective of this work is to study the effect of crushed fresh leaves and essential oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on the mortality of the larvae of an insect pest of smoked and dried fish, Sardinella aurita "Kétiakh", Dermestes maculatus (De Geer, 1774). Essential Oil was obtained by steam distillation from Eucalyptus leaves (0.8% w/w) and analyses carried out by GC/FID and GC/MS. For the biological test, fresh crushed leaves and essential oil were tested at different doses at varying treatment times again larvae Dermestes maculates. The results showed that D. maculatus was sensitive for both fresh crushed leaves and the essential oil, the efficacy of which depended on the dose and duration of treatment. The doses of 2 g and 2.5 g of freshly ground leaves showed a high efficiency of 27 to 40%, of mortality respectively. However, for the essential oil, with the increase in the duration of exposure, the highest mortality (33.3%) was recorded after 72 hours of treatment with the 40µl dose and at 120 hours with the 60µl dose. This study showed that fresh crushed leaves and essential oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis can be considered as an alternative to the use of chemical insecticides in the conservation of smoked and dried Sardinella aurita "Kétiakh" stored in Senegal.

Trophic niche overlap between round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and sympatric pelagic fish species in the Western Mediterranean.

The northward expansion of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) in the Mediterranean Sea, together with declines and fluctuations in biomass and landings of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) observed in recent decades, may suggest potential inter‐specific competition in the pelagic domain. The coexistence of sympatric zooplanktivorous fish species might therefore be exposed in part to trophic niche overlap and competition for food. Combining visual diet characterization under the microscope with DNA metabarcoding from stomach contents of fish collected in spring results show that predation on relatively large krill is equally important for sardinella than for the other two niche overlapping species. Furthermore, an important overlap is found in their isotopic niche, especially with anchovy, using nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes in muscle tissue. In fact, the three fish species are able to feed effectively in the whole prey size spectrum available during the sampled season, from the smallest diatoms and copepods to the larger prey (i.e., decapods and euphausiids), including fish larvae. Moreover, effective predation upon other large prey like siphonophores, which is observed only when multi‐proxy analyses in stomach contents are applied, might also be relevant in the diet of sardinella. The overlapping diet composition in spring, together with the effective use of food resource by sardinella, can be of special interest in potential future scenarios with warmer water temperature leading to lower zooplankton and/or higher jellyfish availability, where sardinella may take advantage over other species due to its feeding plasticity.

On the maximum length for Sardinella aurita (Osteichthyes: Clupeidae) from the Mediterranean Sea

Two specimens of round sardinella, Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847, with a total length of 39.1 and 36.6 cm and a weight of 359.01 and 293.48 g, respectively, were caught by a purse seine net in Bouzedjar Bay, Algeria, on 8 August, 2019. These sizes of both specimens are the maximum recorded for this species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Human health risks and benefits assessment based on OCPs, PCBs, toxic elements and fatty acids in the pelagic fish species from the Adriatic Sea

Benefits and risks of the fish consumption should be assessed to balance the ingestion of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and adverse chemicals. Persistent organic pollutants-POPs (organochlorine pesticides-OCPs and polychlorinated biphenyls-PCB), macro- and micro-elements and fatty acid contents were determined in six fish species from the Adriatic Sea to assess health risks for consumers (worst-case scenario, diseases development risks and benefit-risk). 16 element, 24 POPs and 14 fatty acid contents were determined in six pelagic species which can be used in human diet. Element concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), POPs by high-resolution gas chromatography and fatty acid content by gas–liquid chromatography. Diet based on chub mackerel and round sardinella showed lower daily intake (DI) of POPs and highest DI of essential omega-3 fatty acids than other investigated species. Lower ingestion of toxic elements can be observed by consuming anchovy and round sardinella. Based on POP concentrations, there was not observed non-carcinogenic (HI) nor carcinogenic (CR) risks for consumers. Based on element concentrations, there was low HI (0.1 ≥ HI ≥ 1), while the maximum HIs and outlier values (horse mackerel and anchovy samples) implied the presence of HI (HI > 1). The most significant contributor to total non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks was inorganic arsenic (inorganic As). Acceptable CR for consumers was assessed, but maximum CR for consumers of horse mackerel and anchovy (CR ≥ 1 × 10–6) showed adverse effects on human health. There were low HIs for developing cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive diseases, and maximum HIs were higher than 1. Acceptable (1 × 10−4≥CR ≥ 1 × 10−6) risks were observed for developing cancer of nervous system and reproductive organs. Among investigated fish samples, those with higher ƩBR (benefit-risks) and BR for arsenic (As) than median value have a higher risk than benefits in the human diet.