Taranto Seas Research Articles

Native and Non-Indigenous Biota Associated with the Cymodocea nodosa (Tracheophyta, Alismatales) Meadow in the Seas of Taranto (Southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea)

The collection of photos during the systematic monitoring activities is useful to witness the ecological role of marine phanerogams as hosts for a rich variety of organisms in coastal and transitional waters. Cymodocea nodosa is present in the Taranto seas. In Mar Piccolo, it reached high coverage in a short amount of time, up to 100%, due to the improvement in environmental conditions. The most recent observations showed that it offers a welcoming habitat for several vertebrates and invertebrates, native and non-indigenous, as well as to micro- and macroalgae. The NPPR-funded activities will make these observations more robust and structural.

Towards sustainable marine spatial planning of aquaculture

An efficient and adaptive strategy within the EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive has to manage the existing and increasing conflicts between human uses and habitat conservation in coastal-marine areas. Among the different human activities developed along the coasts, aquaculture occupies a primary role. In this context, the aims of this research have been: (1) to propose a conceptual model suitable for aquaculture marine spatial planning; (2) to collect and integrate indicators useful for the characterization of the study area in terms of socio-ecological-economic sensitivities and pressures; and (3) to identify and map the most suitable areas for the development of new fish and shellfish farms. The study area is the Apulia Region (Southern Italy) with a coastline of about 1,000 km, in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and characterized by several economic activities within a high value natural context. The evaluation of area’s suitability for fish and shellfish farms have been carried out through the ecological characterization of the coastal areas, the identification of the socio-economic, ecological, cultural, and legal-military constraints and the estimate of the “Suitability Index” that, through a Weighted Linear Combination, integrates environmental variables and allows to classify areas as “Highly Suitable”, “Suitable” or “Unsuitable”. The “highly suitable areas” for new fish and shellfish farms are mainly located in northernmost of the Southern Adriatic Sea along the Gargano coast and in the Gulf of Manfredonia, whilst concerning the Northern Ionian Sea they are at a mean distance of 5 Km from the shoreline. The suitability maps have shown that existing fish farms are in line with their suitable areas but, surprisingly, this has seemed not to be true for shellfish farms. This can be explained by the fact that these aquaculture activities have traditionally been present in some areas (e.g., Taranto Seas), currently strongly impacted by human activities. This research has highlighted that despite aquaculture is generally conceived as an environmental impacting activity, it could be also impacted by other environmental and/or anthropic stressors (i.e., industrial ports, sewage discharges). Considering all these elements, the present research addresses decision-makers, providing information and tools necessary to plan in a more aware way, and also stakeholders interested in investing in the aquaculture sector, who could benefit from the proposed suitability maps for fish and shellfish farms for a sustainable development of this sector.

An Integrated Monitoring Approach to the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of an Inshore Mariculture Plant (Mar Grande of Taranto, Ionian Sea).

Simple SummaryThe importance of aquaculture for providing animal proteins to a steeply increasing world population is growing. Despite the many benefits from this practice, there are also many constraints. Among them, the eutrophication of seawater and unsustainability are of the utmost importance. Integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), consisting of the co-farming of organisms of different trophic levels, was conceived to overcome these problems, and it is still developing to reach sustainable practices. In the Taranto seas (southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea), the first attempt of an IMTA plant with fish, mussels, polychaetes, sponges, and seaweeds started within the framework of the REMEDIA-LIFE project. This plant was arranged in a pre-existing fish farm where the European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax and the sea bream Sparus aurata are bred in net cages. Here, we report the results of the ex-ante evaluation of the trophic conditions of the seawater around the plant, which is useful for assessing the bioremediation effectiveness of the IMTA action after its implementation.The results of an ex-ante survey aiming to assess the impact of a fish farm in the Mar Grande of Taranto (southern Italy, Mediterranean Sea) on the surrounding environment are reported. There, the implementation of an innovative IMTA plant was planned, with the goals of environment bioremediation and commercially exploitable biomass production. Analyses were conducted in February and July 2018. Both seawater and sediments were sampled at the four corners of the fish farm to detect the existing biological and physico-chemical features. The investigation was performed to identify the best area of the farming plant for positioning the bioremediating system, but also to obtain a data baseline, to compare to the environmental status after the bioremediating action. Data were also analyzed by canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP). All the measurements, in particular, microbiology and macrobenthic community characterization using AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and the Multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI) indices, suggest that the effect of fish farm waste was concentrated and limited to a small portion of the investigated area in relation to the direction of the main current. A site named A3, which was found to be the most impacted by the aquaculture activities, especially during the summer season, was chosen to place the bioremediation system.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of sediments by battery bioassays: application and comparison of two integrated classification systems

There is a recognised need to integrate multiple toxicity data deriving from battery bioassays into an easily understandable and single value, which may facilitate the decision-making process related to the management of contaminated sediments. In this study, two integration results systems were applied and compared: toxicity classification system (TCS) and Toxicity Test Battery integrated Index (TBI). The quality of sediments of the Taranto seas (Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo) was assessed by a battery of five test species representing different trophic levels (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Tigriopus fulvus, Corophium insidiosum, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and Anphibalanus amphitrite) and performed on three exposure phases (elutriate, porewater, and whole sediment). The integration of biological tests results with TBI showed that stations located in Mar Grande and one station in Mar Piccolo were in the high ecotoxicological risk level, according to the results obtained with TCS. The comparison of results deriving from two evaluation systems showed similarity in the ecotoxicological risk level. Only in one case there was a lack of concordance between two indices giving opposite judgments. The present study demonstrates that the use of one of the two indices can be useful to estimate and to rank hazard level for sediments.

Activities and vectors responsible for the biological pollution in the Taranto Seas (Mediterranean Sea, southern Italy): a review.

Biological pollution, caused by the negative impact of alien species, also known as non-indigenous species (NIS), is regarded as one of the greatest threat to marine ecosystems. The recent upsurge in the number and spread of these species drew attention to putative vectors such as shipping and shellfish importation for culture and consumption. The port of Taranto in Southern Italy is a hub for several vectors as it serves commercial and military shipping, fishing and recreational boating, in addition to shellfish importation. An analysis of anthropogenic activities and possible vectors in Taranto Seas was recently carried out within the framework of the RITMARE Project, involving local stakeholders. Different categories of stakeholders answered dedicated questionnaires with a high degree of reticence, and this highlighted a general lack of awareness of the problems associated with alien species. Consequently, there is a strong need to instil a truly ecological awareness among the general public and stakeholders.

Growth and population dynamics of the non‐indigenous species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube (Annelida, Sabellidae) in the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

AbstractThe population dynamics and gametogenesis of the non‐indigenous polychaete species Branchiomma luctuosum Grube, 1869 (Annelida, Sabellidae) has been investigated at three sites in the Taranto Seas (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea). The species, probably introduced from the Red Sea, has been reported in the Mediterranean Sea since 1983. The species is hermaphrodite, and the reproductive season is between June and October when the largest mean size of oocytes was recorded together with the presence of mature spermatozoa. Small oocytes are present in specimens reaching about 20–25 mm in length. Therefore oogenesis seems to begin early during the first year of life, but the first reproduction can occur when the worms attain a larger size and are at least 6 months of age. Although most of the individuals reproduce seasonally within a discrete period, some individuals can reproduce in different periods during the year, the oogenesis of individuals not being synchronous. A life span of at least 2 years is highlighted, with a faster growth rate during the first months (about 20 mm per month) decreasing to about 10 mm from the 3rd to the 8th months and slowing down again after the worm reaches 100 mm in size. Some differences in growth performance are discussed, enhanced by comparing the sites located at greater depth (5–7 m) and those located at 0.5 m depth, together with the possible interactions of this alien species with the autochthonous sabellid Sabella spallanzanii.

Occurrence of Marginaster capreensis (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Poraniidae) in the Taranto seas (Ionian Sea, Italy)

The occurrence of Marginaster capreensis in the Taranto seas (Ionian Sea, Italy) is reported. The specimens were mostly found in the Gulf of Taranto (N = 17) and only one specimen in the first inlet of the Mar Piccolo Lagoon. The sizes in the sampled population ranged from 6 to 16 mm.

Methodological approach for metal pollution evaluation in sediments collected from the Taranto Gulf

The concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, V, and Sn were determined in marine sediments collected from Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). The aim of this article is to study the methodological approach in order to evaluate total metal levels determined in marine sediments of a contaminated area (Taranto Gulf, Southern Italy), to identify contaminated areas and to predict adverse biological effects based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The results are discussed in relation to geological characteristics of sediments in order to define background levels and anthropogenic input. Experimental results were elaborated by multivariate statistical techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The geoaccumulation index I geo and two sets of SQGs (in particular (a) the threshold effect level (TEL), the probable effect level (PEL) and (b) the effect range-low (ERL) and the effect range median (ERM)) have been used for environmental evaluation of metal concentrations. Results show that in Taranto coastal area, Mar Piccolo basin represents the most contaminated area. A comparison with results from other Mediterranean areas demonstrates that for some metals (such as Cd, Pb, and Hg) Taranto seas represent one of the most polluted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. A comparison of metal levels with SQGs also suggests an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the first inlet of Mar Piccolo.

Benthic diversity of the soft bottoms in a semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean Sea

The benthic diversity of the soft bottoms in the Taranto Seas (Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo) (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea) was studied during July 2002. Quantitative samples were taken using a Van Veen grab and granulometric analysis of the sediment was carried out. A total of 131 species were identified. Molluscs and annelids made up 77% of the species and 87% of the individual number. Data from these two groups were used for hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling. The diversity was calculated using the rarefaction method. Two main benthic species assemblages were identified. The first corresponded to the stations characterized by pelitic sediment and located in the Mar Piccolo, the second was made up by the stations with pelite with increasing percentages of sand and distributed in the Mar Grande. The first assemblage consisted of species that usually live on muddy bottoms rich in organic matter; the second consisted of a greater number of species, usually occurring on different types of bottoms. Diversity was found to be higher in the Mar Grande than in the Mar Piccolo, indicating that physico-chemical alterations of the environment probably play a leading role in controlling community structure.

Amphipod biodiversity of shallow water in the Taranto seas (north-western Ionian Sea)

This study was carried out to determine the amphipod fauna in Mar Piccolo, Mar Grande and the Gulf of Taranto. Material in this study was obtained from 96 stations at different depths (maximum depth: −50 m) using various methods depending on the substrata. A total of 65 species was determined and 25 species are new records in the seas of Taranto. Microdeutopus gryllotalpa, Ericthonius brasiliensis, Monocorophium insidiosum, Elasmopus rapax, Gammarus aequicauda, Gammarus insensibilis, Leucothoe spinicarpa, Lysianassa costae and Pseudoprotella phasma were the dominant species and have been found in all areas considered. The comparison of the data shows that the area examined presents a high difference regarding biocenotic index. The highest number of species was collected in the Gulf with 1944 individuals, belonging to 58 species and 19 families, followed by Mar Grande with 1448 individuals belonging to 36 species and 11 families; finally Mar Piccolo with 698 individuals, 12 species and 6 families, in the First Inlet and 546 individuals, 18 species and 6 families, in the Second Inlet.

First record of the alien gastropod Melibe fimbriata (Opistobranchia: Tethyidae) in the Taranto seas (Mediterranean Sea)

The first occurrence of the alien gastropod Melibe fimbriata in the Taranto marine coastal area is reported. This mollusc was observed on muddy bottoms covered with dense algal beds mainly composed of Chaetomorpha linum, Gracilaria spp. and the invasive chlorophyta Caulerpa racemosa. Occasionally, M. fimbriata specimens were found in proximity to mussel farms. Most specimens of M. fimbriata were observed during diurnal foraging activity and associated with anaspideans species, like native Aplysia depilans and the lessepsian immigrant Bursatella leachii. Melibe fimbriata can be considered a definitively resident species in the opistobranch fauna of the Taranto seas.

Observations on the recruitment of Musculista senhousia (Mollusca, Bivalvia) in the Taranto seas (Eastern-Central Mediterranean Sea)

Biogeographia vol. XXV — 2004 (Printed December, 30 ”’ 2004) Marine Biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Observations on the recruitment of Musculistrz sen/vousirz (Mollusca, Bivalvia) in the Taranto seas (Eastern—Central Mediterranean Sea) FRANCESCO MASTROTOTARO, ALFONSO MATARRESE, GIANFRANCO D’ONGHl.A Dzjmrtimenra dz‘ Zoologia, Universitiz dz’ Bari, Via Ombomz, 4, 70125 Bari (Italy) e— mail: mzzstrototzzro @bz'o[0gz'zz. zmibrz. it Key words: Mumilistrz ten/yazzrizz, Taranto seas, Mediterranean Sea, non indigenous species, recruitment. S UMMARY Juveniles and adults of 11/Ium¢lz'.rtzt sen/Jamirz were collected during four monthly benthic surveys carried out from September to December 2002 in the Mar Piccolo ofTaranto (Southern Italy). Two recruitment pulses were observed in September and December and a growth rate of about 2 mm/month was observed for the juveniles. In September and October rwo cohorts were shown in the sampled population. The present study confirms the settlement of M. mz/zaurizz in the Mar Piccolo ofTaranto. Considering the ephemeral nature ofthe mussel mats and the seasonal changes in some environmental factors in the study area, Further studies are required in order to define the dynamics of such a settlement. INTRODUCTION The presence of non indigenous species in the Mediterranean basin has increased in the recent years. The spreading of these species is often due to adult or larval transport by fouling on the hulls of ships and in ballast waters, respectively (Occhipinti Ambrogi, 2001). Furthermore, the transfer of exotic species into the Mediterranean for aquaculture purposes often causes the entrance of other non indigenous species (Rossi, 1992). \When a non indigenous species reaches a new habitat it may die immediately because it cannot withstand the new climatic conditions or it may survive

Non indigenous species settle down in the Taranto Seas

Biogeographia vol. XXV - 2004 (Printed December, 30 q' 2004) Marine Biogeography of the Mediterranean Sea: patterns and dynamics of biodiversity Non indigenous species settle down in the Taranto Seas FRANCESCO MASTROTOTARO*, ANTONELLA PETROCELLI**, ESTER CECERE**, ALFONSO MATARRESE* *Dz;p/zrtimento di Z00/ogirz, Universitfz di Bari, Via Orzzeomz, 4, 7 0125 Bari (Italy) **[5tiz‘uto Ameients Maritza Cosziero (MMC) — CNR. — Sezione di Tzzrrmto — T aldssogmfico “A. Cerrutf’, Via Roma, 3, 74100 Tzzrzmto (Italy) e—mail: rmzstrotomro @ez'ologz'zz. uniezz. it Key words: non indigenous species, Gulf of Taranto, Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea. SUMMARY The presence and the distribution of seven exotic species (4 seaweeds and 3 animals) in the seas of Taranto are discussed. The seaweeds are: Czm/eipzz mmnorzz var. (.yli;zdrr1cM, Codizmzfiagile subsp. tamentosoides (Chlorophyceae), U721/rIritl}gir1I11ztiflt/:1 (pltaeopliyceae), and W/0772213113/all/1 retrzcerz (Rhodophyceae), all well~known as invasive species‘ The animal species are: Brmzc/Jiomm/z /ummmm (Polychaeta), Mzrrorosnms xqzmmiger (Ascidiacea), and Mmcz/Zixrzz I372/aousizz (Bivalvia). INTRODUCTION In the last 30-40 years, the number of exotic species, accidentally introduced in the Mediterranean Sea, has considerably increased. This was due to both the increasing of the naval traffic (transport offouling species and planktonic larvae in the ballast waters) (Occhipinti Ambrogi, 2001) and the aquaculture activity which, recently, went in for the breeding of non indigenous species [e.g. Cmssostrezz gzgrzs (Thunberg, 1793); Tapes pbilzppinarum (Adams and Reeve, 1850); Pemzezisjapaniczrs Bate, 1888; etc.] (Rossi, 1992). In the sea basins facing the town of Taranto (i.e. the Max Piccolo, the Mar Grande and a part of the gulf) there is a wide intercontinental naval traffic due to both the presence of the most important Italian Navy base and to the merchant harbour. Moreover, numerous mussel farms are present. The above mentioned activities together with industrial emissions and sewages, favoured

Occurrence of Musculista senhousia (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea)

The first record of Musculista senhousia in the Taranto seas (eastern-central Mediterranean Sea) is reported. The species was mostly found on bottoms with pleustophytic algal felt where densities up to 3800 specimens per square metre were estimated. The sizes in the sampled population ranged from 5·16 to 30·59 mm. Two main modal components were detected around 11·67±0·67 mm and 18·00±2·38 mm.