Assessment of seabed litter in the Northern and Central Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean) over six years.

Seabed debris is much less investigated in respect to the sea surface and shores due to sampling difficulties and costs. However, detecting marine benthic litter is fundamental for developing policies aimed at achieving the Good Environmental Status in European Seas by 2020, as requested by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. This study estimates seafloor litter abundance, composition, spatial distribution and main sources in the North-Central Adriatic Sea (FAO GSA 17) over a six-year period (2011-2016) with 67 stations sampled per year, representing the longest data set for the basin. Litter items collected using a "rapido" trawl were classified in six major categories. The average density of the litter collected over six years was 102.66 ±â€¯41.91 kg/km2. The highest concentration of litter was found in stations close to the coast within 30 m depth with a mean weight of 142.90 ±â€¯27.20 kg/km2, while the lowest value was recorded between 30 and 50 m of depth (41.12 ±â€¯9.62 kg/km2). Plastic was dominant followed by metal and other litter materials. Lost fishing nets and mussel culture debris accounted for 50% of the overall plastic litter collected. These data and the systematic monitoring of marine litter provide useful information to implement necessary measures to manage marine litter and minimize this type of anthropogenic pollution in the Adriatic region.

Spatial pattern and weight of seabed marine litter in the northern and central Adriatic Sea.

The present study analyzes spatial distribution and typology of marine litter on the seabed in the FAO Geographical Sub-Area 17 (northern and central Adriatic Sea). Two surveys were conducted during fall 2011 and 2012 and 67 stations were sampled each year. Litter items were collected using the "rapido" trawl, a modified beam trawl commonly used by the Italian fishermen to catch flat fish and other benthic species. Marine litter in the catches was sorted and classified in 6 major categories (plastic, metal, glass, rubber, wood, other). Plastic litter was further subdivided in 3 sub-categories based on its source: fishing nets, aquaculture nets and other. Plastic was dominant in terms of weight followed by metal and other categories. The highest concentration of litter was found close to the coast likely as a consequence of high coastal urbanization, river inflow and extensive navigation associated with the morphological and hydrological features of the basin.

Comparative analysis of structural properties of Portunid Crab Hemocyanin.

In order to explore the hemocyanin adaptative potential and evolutive dynamics, we have analyzed the structural properties of this oxygen-carrier protein, in some species of portunid Crabs, (Brachyura, Portunida). We have compared the intra- and interspecific subunits patterns, in native and denaturant conditions, to estimate the phenetic relationships and the different stabilities of the protein.

Resistance to stress and Hc functional modulation in Liocarcinus sp.

This study is included in a project aimed to study the alterations on the structure of the Northern Adriatic Sea ecosystem produced by fishing activity. The indirect or secondary effects of fishery such as the changes of the structure and trophic relationships of the ecosystem are under investigation and we have particularly considered the effects on species such as Liocarcinus depurator that are captured and then rejected because devoid of commercial value. The objective of this study is the Liocarcinus sp. adaptative resistance to stress and the effects of biochemical parameters (allosteric effectors) on Hc functional modulation.