Paola Pesci

Colocalization of the ribosomal gene families in Conger conger (Anguilliformes, Congridae)

The location of the major and minor ribosomal gene families in the conger eel (Conger conger) was investigated by in situ hybridization and CMA3 staining. The two gene families were localized in only one chromosome pair, on the short arm of pair 19, in an entirely CMA3‐positive region. Among the Anguilliformes, C. conger is the only species that shows the presence of the two gene families in the same chromosomal region.

Deep-water red coral from the island of Sardinia (north-western Mediterranean): a local example of sustainable management

Since 1979, red coral harvesting in Sardinia has been regulated by regional laws. The regulations, including a minimum take size of 10-mm basal diameter, were imposed to limit and control harvesting. Our study indicated that >75% of the red coral colonies harvested in 2007–08 in the north-western coast were above the legal minimum size for exploitation. Moreover, extensive surveys with remotely operated vehicles allowed us to document the real structure of wild populations. Large colonies (>10 mm) represented a big portion of the population (~38% of the total), suggesting that harvesting effort did not affect yet the maximum size of colonies. All these results seem to be confirmed by the application of the model of Beverton and Holt. This model shows that the fishery of red coral in Sardinia reaches its maximum yield at an age at first capture of 20 years, an age significantly lower than the average age of 30 years calculated for the colonies actually harvested in the Sardinian coast. Our data confirmed that the measures enacted in the Sardinian regulations provide for an adequate management of this resource and, in addition, can represent a guideline for other countries that still lack a valid management plan.

Assemblages in a submarine canyon: influence of depth and time

In this work we have studied the assemblages from Quirra canyon (Sardinia). We analysed data from 25 trawl samples from the canyon, made at different times and depth. A total of 71 demersal species (38 teleosts, 5 cartilaginous fishes, 13 molluscs and 15 crustaceans) were examined. We found four groups using cluster analysis; each group is characterised by a certain depth or time. In particular we have shown that the time of the day appears to have a role in the movement of shrimps and other species. This phenomenon seems to be linked to trophic need and by the consequent different food availability into the Canyon.

Demersal assemblages in two trawl fishing lanes located on the Baronie Seamount (Central Western Mediterranean)

This work focuses on the species associations of the Baronie Seamount (north-eastern Sardinia, Italy), according to variations in depth and time of day. The aim was to highlight the potential vertical movements of the species and to compare these results to existing data from a submarine canyon. Twenty-two samples were taken at different depths and times along two trawl lines over the seamount. A total of 94 species were caught; among these, 4 8 bony fish, 9 cartilaginous fish, 13 molluscs and 24 crustaceans were selected for analysis. Cluster analysis showed 3 groups in which both depth and time of day play an important role in grouping. Nine species showed some daily and nocturnal movement, probably linked to trophic requirements. The daily movements according to size and sex of the shrimps Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Aristeus antennatus were also studied. For these two populations, the analysis showed an uneven distribution and the diel cycle appears to involve only the females. These species seem to adapt their life cycle to the geomorphology of the sea bottom. The diurnal movements from the base of the seamount to the edge of the continental shelf increase the range of the species distribution. In fact, the seamount, due to its geomorphological conformation, offers these species the opportunity to very quickly span a considerable range of depths. These movements are known to occur in the continental shelf and slope, but in the seamount they are broadened and can be studied more easily.

Morphological description and intraspecific variability of Mullus surmuletus (Teleostea, Mullidae) vertebral column

Morphological aspects of the vertebral column of Mullus surmuletus from the Sardinian Channel are highlighted. The total number of vertebrae proved to be constant (24) in all examined individuals and the most correct morphological subdivision appears to be into three regions (abdominal, caudal, and intermediate). A difference in the number of abdominal and intermediate vertebrae can be noted: respectively, 7+3 in 39% of individuals and 6+4 in the remaining 61%. The number of caudal vertebrae, however, is always constant (14). These differences were not influenced by size or sex. The present paper shows the first observations of variability, independently of depth or latitude, in the vertebral column of a species with subcarangiform swimming. Since variations in the vertebral composition are determined in the very early stages of ontogenesis, the observed differences might be caused by groups of individuals born in different periods of the same year, in which there could be differences in environmental parameters sufficient to determine variations in the vertebral morphology, but not in the number of vertebrae.

Amount and distribution of benthic marine litter along Sardinian fishing grounds (CW Mediterranean Sea)

Reports of marine litter pollution first appeared in scientific literature of the early 1970s; yet, more than 40 years later, no rigorous estimates exist of the amount of litter existing in the marine environment. To cope with this global urgency, this study reports the status of marine litter abundance along fishing grounds surrounding the island of Sardinia (CW Mediterranean Sea; FAO Geographical Sub-Area 11) through three years of trawl surveys. A total of 302 hauls, covering a total of 18.4 km2 of trawled surface were carried out in the framework of the MEDITS campaign, at depths comprised between 0 and 800 m. A total of 918 items were collected and sorted, with the highest concentration observed above 200 m depth. Overall, plastic was the dominant component of litter, followed by glass and metal. Comparing our results with other areas from the Mediterranean basin, Sardinian waters showed a lower impact, possibly as a consequence of multiple factors such as the lower human population density and the low flow of the main rivers, among others. In addition, fishermen behaviour with respect to marine litter was investigated by mean of anonymous questionnaires, emphasizing the necessity to further develop management policies and infrastructures supporting litter disposal.

Dumping to the abyss: single-use marine litter invading bathyal plains of the Sardinian margin (Tyrrhenian Sea)

This study reports data on benthic litter abundance, composition and distribution obtained during deep-sea trawl surveys conducted along the Sardinian continental margin down to the bathyal plain, at depths comprised from 740 to 1740 m. None of the investigated sites was litter free. Density ranged from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of >1300 litter items per km2, with a mean value of 258 ± 59 items. Plastic accounted for 56% of the total collected items, followed by glass (24%), metal (10%). Most items, irrespectively of the category, were single-use items. Fish abundance in all of the investigated catches was significantly higher than the number of litter items, the weight of which was similar to the reared fish biomass. Our results confirm that anthropogenic waste has reached the deep Mediterranean Sea, and that the most recent EU legislation banning single-use plastic tools represents a timely and necessary measure.