Slovenian Coast Research Articles

The Concept of Circular Economy in Wastewater Management along the Slovenian Coast

The Concept of Circular Economy in Wastewater Management along the Slovenian Coast

Microbial communities on microplastics from seawater and mussels: Insights from the northern Adriatic Sea

Microplastics, synthetic solid particles of different sizes (< 5 mm), pose a major challenge to marine ecosystems. Introducing microplastics into the marine environment leads to the formation of complex microbial communities, a topic of growing interest in environmental research. For this study, we selected an area in the northern Adriatic Sea, less affected by human activities, to understand how pristine environmental conditions influence microbial colonization of microplastics. Samples of coastal seawater and Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) were collected in a mussel farm near Debeli rtič of the Slovenian coast. Microplastics were isolated, visually and chemically analyzed and DNA was extracted for metagenomics. In the marine water column, 12.7 microplastics per m3 water column and 0.58 microplastics per individual mussel were found. Sufficient DNA was available to analyze six particles, five originating from seawater, and one from a mussel. This was the first-ever sequenced microplastic particle from a mussel. Genera of Pseudomonas and Serratia were identified in all samples. In one of the samples, the most abundant was a marine genus Pseudoalteromonas, while in another sample Campylobacter was present with >30 % abundance. The microbiomes of the mussel- and seawater-isolated particles were similar, suggesting a common microbial colonization pattern, which may have implications for the transfer of microplastic-associated microbes, including potential pathogens, through the food web to the consumers. Microplastic pollution is a complex issue requiring further research, especially regarding microbial biofilms, pathogen colonization and the potential of pathogen transmission via microplastic particles. Our findings enhance the understanding of microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea and stress the necessity for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact on marine ecosystems.

The need for innovations to secure the future of artisanal mussel farming in the coastal sea of the Gulf of Trieste (Slovenia)

Mariculture along the Slovene coastline is mainly mussel culture operated as a family business; in one case, it is combined with sea bass farming. It started in the early 70 s with cultivation of Mediterranean mussels, while today, the two largest producers incorporate the cultivation of Venus clams and oysters as species with higher economic value on the market. Currently, all mussels and clams produced in Slovenia are sold in the Slovenian, Italian, Croatian and French markets. The production of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) has increased steadily, with the main obstacles being a limited area for cultivation, occasional harmful algal blooms, predation by gilthead seabream and flatworms. In addition, more recent summer heatwaves negatively affected mussel production when seawater reached high temperatures at the thermal limits unsuitable for mussel growth. This study aimed to collect first-hand information about the current mussel production technology, processes and needs to identify opportunities for innovations that could benefit the entire sector (increased knowledge, production yield, reduced workload and effort with administrative issues). The study was based on a semi-structured questionnaire with the owners of mussel farms. Analysis of the questionnaire was supplemented with current knowledge from the field and provided comprehensive insight into a small sector of mussel farming along the Slovenian coast and its possible development in the future.

Morfološka i reproduktivna fenologija alohtone crvene alge Caulacanthus okamurae Yamada (Gigartinales, Caulacanthaceae) na području slovenske obale (Tršćanski zaljev, sjeverni Jadran)

This study reports the occurrence of the non-native red alga Caulacanthus okamurae, previously unknown on the Slovenian coast (Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea). The distribution of the species, its abundance, morphological characteristics and reproductive phenology are described. The study is based on seasonal sampling conducted during one year, from winter to autumn 2021, on two different substrates (limestone and sandstone) of the midlittoral zone, and showed a moderate variation in the biomass of C. okamurae populations between the winter-spring and summer-autumn periods. The native algal assemblages of the two substrates impacted by C. okamurae were characterized by generally limited species diversity and consisted mainly of small-sized species with simple morphology. During the study, in addition to non-fertile thalli of C. okamurae, tetrasporophytic thalli with tetrasporocysts and female gametophytes with cystocarps were found.

Morfološka i reproduktivna morfologija Cystoseira foeniculacea f. tenuiramosa (Phaeophyceae, Fucales) u Strunjanskoj laguni (Tršćanski zaljev, sjeverni Jadran)

The results of a study on morphological features and reproductive phenology of the brown alga Cystoseira foeniculacea f. tenuiramosa (Ercegović) A. Gómez Garreta, M.C. Barceló, M.A. Ribera &amp;amp; J. Rull Lluch from the marine lagoon of Strunjan (Gulf of Trieste), are reported. Based on monthly samplings carried out during one year period, it was observed that this species shows considerable seasonal morphological variations. The Strunjan marine lagoon appears to be the only location of the Slovenian coast where population of this taxon occur. Based on the high associated biodiversity, we propose the inclusion of this population in the conservation management plans in the area.

The Holy See’s Role in the Trial against the Istrian Anti-Fascists in 1929

As a border region, Istria was part of the Kingdom of Italy between the two World Wars. Although the population was multiethnic, the Croatian majority in Istria and the Slovenian majority in northern Istria suffered violence inflicted from the fascist regime. In Trieste, on the Slovenian coast and in Istria, a group of young antifascists formed a secret association called Borba, with the purpose of fighting the fascist regime and the violent assimilation of Croats and Slovenes. Živko Gortan, Viktor Baćac, Dušan Ladavac, Vjekoslav Ladavac and Vladimir Gortan were members of a group that tried to discourage the population from voting at parliamentary elections and the fascist plebiscite of 1929. This would turn out to be the only activity of the sort in all of Italy. Their actions in Beram, unfortunately, led to the accidental shooting dead of a peasant. As a consequence, all five young men were placed on trial at a Special Tribunal for the Defence of the State. During the trial that took place in Pula from October 14th to 16th 1929, thanks to the Yugoslavian bishops and the apostolic nuncio to Belgrade, the Holy See took an interest in the case and took some diplomatic steps with the Italian government aimed at saving the accused from the death penalty.

Status of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Brachyura: Portunidae) in Slovenia

Authors present data regarding the presence of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Brachyura: Portunidae) based on records gathered from local fishermen. This alien species was firstly recorded in Slovenian coastal waters in March 2019 and it was subsequently found in six other cases in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Crabs were collected or sighted in shallow coastal areas along the Slovenian coast. In addition, authors discussed about the status of the blue crab in marine and coastal habitats of Slovenia

CHARACTERIZATION OF HEALTH-RELATED HOTEL PRODUCTS ON THE SLOVENIAN COAST

Health services in tourism are usually provided in hotels with complementary offers and centres without accommodation. The focus of this study is on hotels on the Slovenian coast, a traditional health destination. The research is aimed at the identification of hotels that offer health services in order to analyse and determine product clusters; the paper focuses only on the structure of the coastal health products through which providers generate revenue. A total of 25 up-scale, luxury and comfort hotels with health services were identified (population) and included in the analysis. Through qualitative comparative analysis, the following clusters of hotel health products were created: (1) medical therapy, (2) physical activities, (3) spiritual and mental activities, (4) psychological and physical relaxation. The results suggest that hotels should pay attention to constructing complete health-related products by putting more energy into the reinforcement of spiritual activities, and the typical local natural healing factors related to climate and sea. It is also necessary to point out that excessive commercialization should not obscure the primary purpose – to offer preventative and curative programmes to ensure health.

Italian in the mainstream schools of the bilingual border area of the Slovenian coast: language policy, teachers’ perspectives and a vision for the future

ABSTRACT The Italian language in the ethnically mixed coastal area of Slovenia is an official language, regulated by the principle of ethnic autochthony, which recognizes the rights of linguistic minorities regardless of their number of speakers. Slovenia has been always very sensitive toward its two national minorities (Italian and Hungarian) and set up models of bilingual schools along its borders. In the official Italian-Slovenian bilingual area the “Littoral school system model” has been in place since 1959, requiring, in addition to establishing minority Italian schools, the compulsory teaching of the Italian language in all mainstream schools (Italian as L2), the teaching discussed in this paper. Nevertheless, Italian is not perceived as the language of the territory any longer; indeed, students at the end of elementary/middle school (15 years) typically reach a very low level of proficiency in Italian. Through an explanatory study based on the perceptions and perspectives of mainstream elementary/middle school Italian teachers we tried to identify the possible areas of investigation so as to understand the reasons of this decline and discover potential new ways of teaching. Moreover, examples of newly tried teaching approaches are introduced as new possible teaching and learning methods.

La posizione dell’italiano come lingua seconda nel sistema educativo sloveno e le proposte per la sua rivitalizzazione

The Position of Italian as a Second Language in the Slovenian School System and the Proposals for Its Revitalization among Young People in the Bilingual Area The objective of this article is to offer the reader a presentation of the alarming position of Italian as a second language along the Slovenian coast and to propose a variety of possible solutions for its revitalization and improvement in schools in Slovenian Istria. For this purpose are presented two examples of good practice: the Welsh and Basque model. The success of these two models can fill us with hope that in the current situation, there is still room for an effective intervention for the Italian language. Key words: Italian language, Slovenian Istria, linguistic revitalization, Welsh model, Basque model

Microplastics at the strandlines of Slovenian beaches

Sediment samples were randomly taken in March and August 2017 at the strandlines of nine locations along the coast of Slovenia (Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean). Microparticles were isolated by density separation in saturated aqueous NaCl-solutions and analysed by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). 11.3% of these particles were unambiguously confirmed as microplastics. Another 8.2% showed plastic characteristics but failed ATR-FTIR validation. 4.3% were naturally organic. The rest was unidentified material (76.2%). The average microplastic densities were 0.5 ± 0.5 MP kg−1 in March and 1.0 ± 0.8 MP kg−1 in August. The microplastics comprised fragments, fibres, films, and foams. The characteristics of the microplastics suggest origin from single-used plastic products and from aquaculture. Compared to other studies and sites, the microplastic pollution of the Slovenian coast appeared low. The validity of the results is discussed with respect to microplastic distribution and patchiness, sampling strategies, methodology, and scientific claims.

Post-War Urbanism along the Contested Border: Some Observations on Koper/Capodistria and Trieste/Trst

The article presents observations from recent architectural historical research on the post-war construction of Slovene coastal towns. The urban planning concepts that formed the “Slovenian Coast” and followed the migration processes are explored. The solutions for the Slovenian Coast are compared with contemporary urban plans for Trieste, set in a larger historical framework. Certain interventions in “ethnically pure” locations (new settlements called ‘borghi’ on the Karst boundary surrounding Trieste; new construction in the Venetian core of Capodistria) are highlighted, and approaches in the design of new urban areas and two symbolic spaces of representations on both sides of the border are compared.

Analysis and Occurrence of Bisphenol A in Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Sampled from the Slovenian Coastal Waters of the North Adriatic Sea.

During 2015, a selection of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and seawater were sampled along the Slovenian coast, which is part of the North Adriatic Sea, in order to test for the presence of bisphenol A (BPA). The concentration of the BPA in the tissues of mussels sampled from the farms and open sea was from < 0.03 to 0.55µg kg-1 of w.w. and from < 0.03 to 0.46µg kg-1 of w.w., respectively. The mussel shells from the farms and open sea contained from 0.01 to 0.3µg BPA kg-1 of w.w. and from 0.04 to 0.27µg BPA kg-1 of w.w., respectively. In a harbour, mussel tissue and shell concentration of BPA was 0.21 and 0.18µg BPA kg-1 of w.w., respectively. The seawater in the shellfish farms and the open sea was contaminated with an average of 0.007µg l-1 of BPA.

Elicitation of tourist accommodation demand for counter-seasonal responses: Evidence from the Slovenian Coast

Abstract This paper aims to survey the seasonality of Slovenian Coast from two different perspectives: (i) major source markets (domestic, main foreign markets); and (ii) accommodation categories (hotels, campsites, other). It applies a decomposition of the Gini index method. The results reveal the total Slovene coastal tourism concentration is relatively high compared to other Mediterranean coastal destinations. However, domestic tourists and tourists from neighbouring markets of Italy and Austria reveal a less seasonal pattern both overall and across all accommodation categories. Thus, increased efforts to attract more domestic, Italian and Austrian tourists would reduce the seasonality. Further, German and Russian visitors demonstrated higher seasonality. Market-specific products to attract tourists out of the peak season therefore need to be developed, based on an in-depth analysis of their seasonal behaviour and travel motivation.

Seasonal abundance, vertical distribution and life history traits of Mediterranean mud shrimp Upogebia pusilla (Decapoda: Gebiidea) on the Slovenian coast

We studied seasonal abundance, vertical distribution and life history traits of the Mediterranean mud shrimp (Upogebia pusilla) in the mediolittoral zone in Slovenia. At two localities (Strunjan and Lazaret), quantitative samples from three plots (1 m2 each) at (0 cm), below (-50 cm) and above (+50 cm) mean water level were taken once every two months, in alternation. A set of parameters was also recorded, including vegetation cover, sediment type, air and sea temperature, pH, salinity and oxygen levels. Highest abundance was recorded during the warm period of the year, with peak abundance in June 2012 (21 % of total sample). Lowest plots were always occupied with the highest densities of mud shrimps. Males dominated during the winter while ovigerous females reached the peak in June (&amp;gt;40 % of all animals). In June at least 2/3 of females were ovigerous. Estimated mean incubation period was 31 days. We determined four periods in relation to the species’ reproductive activity. Early reproductive period (April) was characterised by emergence of first ovigerous females, while main reproductive period (May–July) was characterised by peak of reproduction. In post-reproductive (August–October), and non-reproductive (November–March) periods, no ovigerous females or newly hatched offspring were recorded.

Submerged and buried Pleistocene river channels in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea): Geomorphic, stratigraphic and tectonic inferences

We use multibeam sonar scanning of the seafloor and high-resolution sub-bottom sonar profiling to investigate pre-Holocene geomorphic features in the Gulf of Trieste that are visible in seafloor topography. We focus on two channel-like features, the Paleorižana and Paleoreka. Sub-bottom profiles and published core log data reveal that these features represent the transgressive surface at the boundary between Pleistocene continental and Holocene marine sedimentation. The geometry of the paleosurface, the architecture, and the acoustic facies of underlying sediment bodies clearly show that this surface represents an alluvial plain containing a moderate- to low-energy floodplain. The Paleorižana feature represents a meander belt with multiple meander scars and oxbow lakes, while the Paleoreka is a single, slightly sinuous channel river with well-developed levees. Geomorphic characteristics of the two rivers are replicated in the seafloor topography in astonishing detail, despite being draped by up to 10m of Holocene marine sediments. We extract Paleoreka thalweg depths from sub-bottom profiles to construct a longitudinal channel profile, which runs approximately perpendicular to the main tectonic structures of the Gulf. We find no evidence of long-term mm-scale localized relative vertical tectonic movements which were previously inferred from repeated geodetic levelling surveys along the SW-NE oriented Slovenian coastline. We speculate that the geodetic data may instead indicate short-term interseismic deformation along the Slovenian coast, which would necessitate further investigation of tectonic activity and seismic hazard in the Gulf area.

Stanje okoliša slovenskog dijela Jadranskog mora

Slovenian part of the Adriatic Sea is its most northern part which occupies approximately 200 km2 and is a part of the wider Gulf of Trieste. Slovenian coast consists of 47 kilometers of mostly steep, abrasive marl and sandstone coast. Low accumulation coast is located only at the mouths of the watercourses and represents but a smaller portion, whereas the smallest part is occupied by the limestone abrasion coast. Mainland coastal region is mostly hillside and has a very diverse relief, while plains, in smaller numbers, are located only in the lower parts of the river valleys. Slovenian sea indents the mainland by two larger gulfs: the Gulf of Koper and of Piran and is predominately very shallow. The average depth is around 18 m and the largest depth is 38 m at the Madona cape near Piran. Sea bottom is mostly covered by the thick layer of sediments deposited after the abrasion of the steep cliff coast and by the accumulation of the river alluvium. Due to its shallowness the sea is exposed to high temperature fluctuations and due to the fresh water influx also to the changes of its salinity.The circulation of the sea water is mainly induced by the tide and wind activities, mostly the Bora (strong north-easterly wind) which significantly influences the vertical circulation of the water. Water current is weak and unstable. There is a large influx of nutrients into the Slovenian sea, resulting from the soil erosion, surface water influx, watercourses and direct emissions of waste waters into the sea. The consequence of the mentioned sea characteristics is a great landscape sensitivity of the coastal sea ecosystem. During summer the sea warms intensely and when accompanied by the weak water circulation, we are often witnessing the lack of oxygen in the deeper layers of the water, intensive algae growth and sea blooming, which points to exceeded self-cleaning (assimilation) capacities of the marine ecosystem.The major polluters are the coastal towns of: Koper, Izola, Piran and Portorož, nautical tourism with marines, naval traffic and the port activity of the Luka Koper. The pressures on the marine ecosystem due to the human activities are still increasing, both on the mainland and in the sea, despite some measures to reduce the pollution. According to the assessment of the Mediterranean action plan (UNEP-MAP), Slovenian coastal sea is, due to its oceanographic characteristics and the economic activities influence, ranked among the most sensitive and endangered parts of the Mediterranean. Environmental state of the Slovenian part of the Adriatic Sea will try to be presented through the DPSIR model or the amended Integral Model of Geographical Study of the Environment and its Components.

The diet of the Mediterranean Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii roosting along the Slovenian coast

Abstract Five hundred pellets of the Mediterranean Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii were collected at three roost-sites along the Slovenian coast and analysed. The diet was characterized mostly by the dominance of bottom dwelling fish species of the appropriate size. The Black Goby Gobius niger was the most dominant prey and represented the Shag’s main prey in the studied area (IRI% = 64.0). The results of the study confirm that the Mediterranean Shag preys mainly on fish species which are without commercial value for local fisheries.

Določanje kratkoročnih sprememb na klifu med Fieso in Pacugom s podatki letalskega lidarja

Prispevek obravnava problematiko določanja kratkoročnih sprememb na flišnih klifih na slovenski obali s pomočjo dveh nizov podatkov letalskega lidarskega snemanja (z vmesnim razmikom treh let). Metoda se še razvija in se običajno uporablja v kombinaciji s terestričnim lidarjem. Na klifu med Fieso in Pacugom smo izvedli eksperimentalni poskus določanja kratkoročnih sprememb: največji delež razlik se je zgodil na steni klifa in abrazijski polici ter na osrednjem delu klifa, iz česar sklepamo, da je to najaktivnejši del klifa. Raziskava je pokazala, da je uporaba letalskih lidarskih posnetkov kljub določenim pomanjkljivostim lahko zelo uporaben pripomoček.

Mid-distance re-sighting of a common bottlenose dolphin in the northern Adriatic Sea: insight into regional movement patterns

Understanding animal movement patterns is not only important for providing insight into their biology, but is also relevant to conservation planning. However, in aquatic and wide-ranging species such as cetaceans, this is often difficult. The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the most common cetacean in the northern and central Adriatic Sea and has been the focus of long-term studies in some areas. All of the studied local populations show a relatively high degree of site fidelity, but their movements, ranging patterns or connectivity are not well understood. On 24 and 26 April 2014 a single adult bottlenose dolphin was observed and photographed alive off the Slovenian coast. The same individual was found dead on the shores of Goro, Italy, on 5 May 2014, about 130 km from the two sighting locations. The well-marked dorsal fin made the identification straightforward. The dolphin was found freshly dead, suggesting it had died very recently prior to being found. This indicates that the reported movement was a real one, rather than an artefact of currents. Although single cases cannot provide the basis for making population-level inferences, our observation shows that northern Adriatic bottlenose dolphins can make substantial movements in short periods of time and suggests that such movements could be more common than currently documented. Comparisons among photo-ID catalogues and stranding events can be highly informative, as they can provide useful information with implications for the cross-border conservation of mobile marine predators.