Saros Bay Research Articles

Length-Weight and Otolith Morphometry Relationships of Hoplostethus mediterraneus Cuvier, 1829 from the Saros Bay, Northern Aegean Sea

Length-Weight and Otolith Morphometry Relationships of Hoplostethus mediterraneus Cuvier, 1829 from the Saros Bay, Northern Aegean Sea

Determination of the Length-Weight Relationship and Otolith Biometry Characteristics of Scorpaena scrofa (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Çanakkale Region

This study, conducted from October 2019 to September 2021 in the regions of the Çanakkale Strait and the Northern Aegean incleuding, Kepez, Kumkale, Yeniköy, Dardanos, Güzelyalı, Morto Bay, and Saros Bay. 162 individuals of the species Scorpaena scrofa examined. The total weights and lengths of the individuals were recorded. The average otolith weights of female and male individuals were found to be 0.023 g and 0.023 g, respectively (P

Ege Denizi'nde (Doğu Akdeniz) Zu cristatus'un (Trachipteridae) ilk kez ortaya çıkışı

This ichthyologic note presents the incidental catch of Zu cristatus from a commercial long-liner from the northeastern Aegean Sea. On 14 March 2023, a specimen of Zu cristatus was collected by a commercial deep-sea long-liner, targeting European hake at a depth of 600 m in Saros Bay on the northern Aegean coast of Türkiye. In this short report, we confirmed its occurrence in the Turkish Aegean waters of the eastern Mediterranean.

Assessment of health risks due to toxic metals in demersal fish captured from Saros and Edremit Bays, Northern Aegean Sea.

Bays are vulnerable ecosystems generally located near densely populated areas where toxic metals tend to accumulate and stay longer, affecting marine life. This study aimed to investigate the age-based health risks arising from Hg, Cd, Pb, and As in demersal fish captured from two major bays in the Aegean Sea. For this purpose, red mullet, whiting, piper gurnard, and tub gurnard, frequently consumed species, were caught from Saros and Edremit Bays. Toxic metal concentrations were determined from the muscle tissue of fish. Health risk assessments were conducted by the estimation of weekly intake (EWI), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and target carcinogenic risk (TR). Red mullet from Edremit Bay was the species with the highest toxic metal levels, which were 1.597mg/kg, 0.041mg/kg, 0.070mg/kg, and 19.351mg/kg for Hg, Cd, Pb, and As, respectively. Whiting from Edremit Bay had higher mean concentrations of Hg and As than those from Saros Bay. The levels of Hg, Pb, and As (0.328, 0.043, and 0.574mg/kg) in the tub gurnard were higher in comparison with the piper gurnard (0.252, 0.020, and 0.382mg/kg) caught in the same station in Saros. TTHQs of red mullet and whiting from the same bay were found to be > 1, indicating potential health risks for all nine age categories studied. On the other hand, TTHQs of all species from Saros Bay were determined to be > 1 for the first four age categories, which might trigger health risks for children and adolescents. According to the TR index for Pb, no risk was determined for the fish from both bays. However, TR calculations for inorganic As indicated high cancer risk in most of the age categories for red mullet and whiting from Edremit Bay. To sum up, the results revealed that the fish captured from Edremit Bay posed serious health risks in terms of Hg and As concentrations for all nine age categories. Surveillance and monitoring of toxic metal levels in demersal fish and population-based health risk evaluation are vital in heavily populated bays.

Pollution characteristics, sources and health risks assessment of potentially hazardous elements in sediments of ten ponds in the Saros Bay region (Türkiye)

Pollution of lentic ecosystems by potentially hazardous elements (PHE) due to human activities has become a global concern. In this study, the contents of eight PHEs in the sediments of 10 most important ponds located in the Saros Bay region (Türkiye) were evaluated. The contents of PHEs in the sediments of the ponds ranged from 0.14 mg/kg for Cd to 274 mg/kg for Mn. According to the enrichment factor (EF) results, ponds P3, P8 and P9 for Cd and pond P8 for Pb showed “moderate enrichment”. However, the pollution load index (PLI) results indicated that all ponds were in a “baseline contamination” state due to the combined effect of all PHEs. Similarly, based on ecological risk assessment indices, no ecological risk from PHEs was identified. In addition, Cd, Zn, As, Cr, Cu and Pb contents in all ponds were found below threshold effect concentrations. The results of the health risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were not expected for recreational receptors due to exposure to the PHEs in the sediments via incidental ingestion and dermal contact. Correlation and cluster analysis results indicated that although agricultural activities contributed slightly to the As content, all PHEs mainly originated from natural sources.

A Novel Approach for Assessing the Performance of Offshore Ground Improvement in Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) Terminal Construction

A floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminal has been planned to be constructed in Saros Bay (Türkiye). This study presents the ground improvement method using jet grouting to prevent the liquefaction of marine sediments in the project area. An approach for performance assessment of jet column construction is also discussed. The study site has a liquefiable ground level with a thickness changing between 2 m and 8 m. Jet grout columns with an 80 cm diameter were constructed under the sea level, which varied between 4 m and 18 m for ground improvement. The main issue is controlling the quality and performance of these jet columns. Therefore, a practical quality control procedure containing observational, mechanical, and geophysical methods for offshore grouting operations was proposed. The factor of safety values against liquefaction varied between 0.04 and 0.29 for natural conditions, while the minimum factor of safety after jet column constructions was obtained as 1.01. The results of the numerical analyses showed that the constructed terminal has sufficient performance against liquefaction. Consequently, the results of these methods have demonstrated that the jet grout applications performed by following this procedure are a suitable and effective improvement method for offshore soils.

Ecological and health risk assessment and quantitative source apportionment of dissolved metals in ponds used for drinking and irrigation purposes.

In this study, dissolved metal levels of 10 different ponds used as irrigation and drinking water sources in the north of Saros Bay (Türkiye) were evaluated using multivariate statistical methods, contamination and ecological risk indices, and absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR). The mean levels of metals in the ponds ranged from 0.045µg/L (Cd) to 127µg/L (Mn). Pond 7 used for drinking water source had the lowest total metal level. Only Mn levels in two ponds (P1 and P2) slightly exceeded the critical value set by EU Drinking Water Directive. However, the levels of all metals in all ponds were lower than the critical values set for irrigation water and aquatic life. According to the heavy metal pollution index (HPI), five ponds showed low metal pollution in terms of drinking water quality, four ponds showed moderate metal pollution, and one pond (P1) showed moderate to heavy pollution. According to the Nemerow pollution index (NPI) values (0.26-1.82), ponds P1 and P2 showed slight metal pollution, while other ponds showed insignificant metal pollution. Contamination degree (CD) values of ponds varied between 0.95 and 3.33, indicating that all ponds showed low pollution. In terms of irrigation water quality, all ponds showed low or insignificant metal pollution according to the HPI, NPI, and CD values. According to the ecological risk index (ERI) values, metals in all ponds posed low ecological risks for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Factor analysis identified two potential sources: mixed sources and natural sources. The APCS-MLR model results revealed that mixed sources and natural sources contributed 78.99% and 21.01% to dissolved metals in the ponds, respectively. Health risk assessment results indicated that both individual and combined metals in the ponds would not cause non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children. Similarly, it was found that Cr and As would not cause carcinogenic risks to the residents of the region.

Relationships between Opercular Girth, Maximum Girth and Total Length of Six Sparid Fishes from Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey): An Assessment for Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management

This study was conducted so as to unearth the relationships between opercular girth (Gope), maximum girth (Gmax), and total length (TL) for six sparid fishes (Boops boops, Diplodus annularis, Diplodus puntazzo, Diplodus vulgaris, Lithognathus mormyrus, Oblada melanura) belonging to family Sparidae sampled between April 2015 and July 2016 in Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey). Gope and Gmax were found to increase linearly with total length for all the species. All r2 values were statistically significant (> 0.82, P < 0.001). This study reports the first information about length-girth relationships (LGRs) of Diplodus puntazzo for the Aegean sea. However, no LGRs estimates existed for Oblada melanura worldwide. These values are important for the selectivity of fishing gear so as to prevent the capture of younger, undersized, and immature individuals, it will assist the development of the ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Some biological aspects of bogue Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) from Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey)

This study was conducted to determine the growth parameters, mortality and length at first maturity of bogue Boops boops (Linneaus, 1758) in Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea). A total of 363 specimens were obtained, monthly, from commercial fishermen between February 2016 and January 2017. The total length and weight of sampled fish ranged from 11.3 to 24.1 cm and from 16.61 to 165.32 g, with a mean of 16.9 cm and 60.40 g, respectively. The length-weight relationship was calculated as W = 0.0080TL3.13. The von Bertalanffy growth equations were computed to be 𝐿∞ = 27.9 cm, k = 0.21 year-1, 𝑡0 = -1.57 year. The growth performance index (𝛷′) was found as 2.21. The length at first maturity was estimated as 16.6 cm. Total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M), fishing mortality rate (F) and exploitation rate (E) of the bouge were 0.44 year-1, 0.38 year-1, 0.06 year-1 and 0.13 year-1, respectively. The present study provides preliminary information on the growth parameters, mortality and length at first maturity of B. boops for the Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey).

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.

Alien Species Threat across Marine Protected Areas of Turkey—An Updated Inventory

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of alien species occurrences within the selected 11 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) located on the Aegean and Levantine coasts of Turkey. The inventory includes a total of 289 species belonging to 15 phyla, in which lowest and highest diversities were observed in Saros Bay MPA (27 species, northern Aegean Sea) and Fethiye-Göcek Bay MPA (150 species, northwest Levantine Sea), respectively. Alien species distributions that were revealed in protected areas located in the southern Aegean and Levantine Seas were 56.9% similar (based on presence vs. absence data), while northern Aegean sites formed another distinct group. According to the breakdown of major phyla through the entire study areas, Mollusca had the highest alien diversity (22.1% of alien species), followed by Actinopterygii (19.0%), Arthropoda (15.2%) and Annelida (13.5%). Casual aliens were represented by very low proportions in each MPA, proving that most species were already established in the region, with a significant proportion of invasive species. Regardless of the localities, the majority of the species originated from the Red Sea, whose primary pathway of introduction is the corridor, the Suez Canal. In the absence of effective management actions against bioinvasions, MPAs located along the Turkish coastline do not currently seem to provide any protection, revealing a large conservation gap to be filled.

Ege Denizi'nin Türkiye Kıyılarından Atlantik Üç Kuyruk Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) Yeni Kaydı ve Bazı Biyolojik Özellikleri

A new record of Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) around Saros Bay, North Aegean Sea is presented, based on a single hermaphrodite specimen with detailed biological information. On 12 June 2018, the specimen was captured by fishermen with gillnets at a depth of 25 m. Sex, age, and stomach content were determined. This new record proves the Northernmost distribution of the species in the Turkish part of the Aegean Sea.

Saros Körfezi’nde (Kuzey Ege Denizi) Kahverengi Vatozun (Raja miraletus Linnaeus, 1758) Biyolojik Yönleri

The present study reports the age, growth, and reproduction parameters of 52 brown rays (Raja miraletus) captured from the Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea) between September 2006 -2008. The males and females accounted for 44.2% and 55.8% of the sample, respectively. The males measured 10.5-53.5 cm (disc width, 6.5-32 cm) and the females ranged 25.5-47.7 cm (disc width, 18-30.5 cm) in total length (TL). The equations TW=0.0017*TL3.27 and TW=0.0017*DW3.38 were used to describe the total length-weight and disc width-weight relationships, respectively. The length-at-age data on vertebrae were used to estimate the von Bertalanffy growth equation: L∞ = 62.43 cm, K = 0.28 year−1, t0 = −0.54 year. The maximum age was found to be 4 years for both the males and females.

Growth Parameters of Blotched Picarel (Spicara maena Linnaeus, 1758) From Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey)

In this study, growth parameters of 648 specimens of Spicara maena hunted by small-scale commercial fishermen around Saros Bay between January 2016 and December 2016 were studied. Of the 648 specimens analyzed, 509 were female and 139 were male. The length-weight relationship was calculated as for females and for males. The von Bertalanffy growth equations were computed as =22.1 cm, k=0.27 , =-1.42 year for the females; =20.6 cm, k=0.39, , = –1.11 year for the males. The growth performance index () was found as 2.12 and 2.22 for the females and males, respectively. This study includes preliminary information on the growth of the blotched picarel in Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey).

Fecundity of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus Houttuyn, 1782) in the Aegean Sea.

This study was carried out in April - June 2014 to determine absolute fecundity (F) of the chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus Houttuyn, 1782) in Saros Bay (Aegean Sea, Turkey). The relations between the absolute fecundity and total length, total weight and age of the chub mackerel females were estimated as F=0.0318TL4.81, F=1573.9TW- 42858 and F=109607A-136129, respectively. This study aims to contribute to the reproductive biology of S. japonicus by reporting the first findings about the absolute fecundity of the species for the Aegean Sea.

Saros Körfezi’nin (Kuzey Ege Denizi) kıyısal sularında ağ dalyan ile yakalanan balıkların boy-ağırlık ilişkileri

Stationary uncovered pound nets are passively fishing gears used for fish catching according to traditional methods in the coastal waters of Saros Bay, North Aegean Sea. The purpose of this study was to determine length-weight relations (LWRs) for a wide range of fish species collected from the traps in the coastal waters of Saros Bay. We are studied in the fish species caught by four traps between April and August (fishing season) in 2010 - 2012. A total of 23 fish species belonging to 12 families were caught individual 2.096. The mean value of the growth pattern (b) was 3.141±0.042, ranging from 2.711 to 3.577. Whereas they were negative allometric only for two species (Pomatomus saltatrix and Mugil cephalus), from other fish species were observed to be 13 positive allometric and 8 isometrics. The LWR parameters for the positive allometric and isometric fish species were significant (P<0.05). This study provides some general information about the status of the LWR parameters of the fish species caught from the traps.

Population Structure of Pagellus Acarne (Risso, 1927) in the North Aegean Sea

Sparidae family is one of the most important demersal group for Turkish fisheries. When considering the importance of Turkey fisheries, population parameters of Pagellus acarne Risso, 1827 have a many proposition for future fisheries studies. Studies of biology and population parameters of this species are very limited in the Aegean Sea; therefore we aimed to determine population parameters (length-weight relationship, age and growth parameters, mortality rates and reproductive season) in order to obtain a data for the future studies. We caught 2673 Pagellus acarne specimens between September 2006 to September 2008 from monthly samples at depths ranging from 20 to 500 m in the Saros Bay using a commercial bottom trawl net. Total length and weight range from 3.5 to 27.1 cm, 1.93 to 314.5 g, mean length and weight were 14.0±0.05 cm, 35.6±0.46 g respectively. The length-weight relationship was detected W=0.001*L3.054, which indicated positive allometric growth. The high GSI value was in September. The data on maturity stages indicated that length at 50% maturity (L50) for females 18.1 cm TL for males 15.3 cm TL. The age data derived from sagitta otoliths reading were used to estimate the growth parameters and ranged from 1-4 aged. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters of the total were L∞=30.63 cm, K=0.26 year-1, to= -0.95. The instantaneous total mortality was Z= 0.72 year-1, the natural mortality M = 0.54 year -1, the fishing mortality F=0.19 year-1 respectively. The exploitation ratio (E) of the stock was found as 0.26. Pagellus acarne is the most important marine fish species with high commercial value for both Turkey coast and all the Mediterranean basin. This study aims to define basic population parameters which should be needed for further fisheries studies and management strategies in the in Saros Bay, the North Aegean Sea.

The Northernmost Record of Champsodon nudivittis (Ogilby, 1895) in the Mediterranean Sea

Champsodon nudivittis (Ogilby, 1895), also known as the nakedband gaper, is distributed in the Aegean and Levantine parts of the Mediterranean Sea. It has been reported in the Mediterranean Sea as a Red Sea immigrant. The first record of the species in the Mediterranean Sea was reported in 2009 from the Levantine coasts. In this study, two individuals of nakedband gaper were captured about two months apart from the north of Gokceada Island, in the North Aegean Sea. The specimens were obtained using a trawl at depths of 100-120 m. Their total lengths were measured as 117 and 122 mm. This report extends the distribution of C. nudivittis to the North Aegean Sea, marking its northernmost record in the Mediterranean Sea to date. Moreover, the species is the second Red Sea originated fish recorded in the area between Gokceada Island, Samothraki Island and Saros Bay. C. nudivittis is known as a predator, hence, its population density should be monitored and its impact on the ecosystem should be assessed in the North Aegean Sea.

ТАК СОЗДАВАЛАСЬ ЛЕГЕНДА АНЗАК: УТРО 25 АПРЕЛЯ 1915 ГОДА

The article is devoted to the study of the first combat operations of the Australian-new Zealand army corps. It shows measures to ensure the surprise of the landing, a diversionary maneuver of the fleet in Saros Bay, the landing of three echelons of troops on the morning of April 25, 1915, on the beaches of Anzac Cove and North beach, the reasons for the rapid success and subsequent failures of the paratroopers. The reasons for the weak interaction of the landing units, the lack of artillery support, delays in the landing of the third echelon and the arrival of reinforcements to the front areas of the advance of troops are analyzed. It also shows the actions of the Turkish officer responsible for the defense of the Anzac landing site – Colonel Mustafa Kemal, who showed determination and did not allow the defenders of Gallipoli to retreat under the blows of superior forces of Australian and new Zealand troops. The article uses archival materials from the Australian War Memorial and British archives, diary entries and letters from Australians and new Zealanders, Russian and foreign research on the initial stage of the Gallipoli operation

The Northernmost Confirmation of the Occurrence of Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense Linnaeus, 1758) in the Eastern Mediterranean With Its First Record From Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey)

An ongoing warming trend is obviously proof in both the surface and deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The increasing seawater temperature renders this sea more receptive to invasion by thermophilic species and affects marine species and ecosystems. In this connection, a single specimen of Sparisoma cretense was caught on 20 September 2013 off the İbrice Bight at approximately 40°36’07.8”N 26°32’44.3”E (Saros Bay, Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey). This paper presents the first record of S. cretense in the Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey), which is the northernmost confirmed occurrence of the parrotfish for the Eastern Mediterranean.