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Lokovšek A, Pitacco V, Trkov D, Zamuda LL, Falace A, Orlando-Bonaca M. Keep It Simple: Improving the Ex Situ Culture of Cystoseira s.l. to Restore Macroalgal Forests. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2615. [PMID: 37514229 PMCID: PMC10386143 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Brown algae from genus Cystoseira s.l. form dense underwater forests that represent the most productive areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Due to the combined effects of global and local stressors such as climate change, urbanization, and herbivore outbreaks, there has been a severe decline in brown algal forests in the Mediterranean Sea. Natural recovery of depleted sites is unlikely due to the low dispersal capacity of these species, and efficient techniques to restore such habitats are needed. In this context, the aims of our study were (1) to improve and simplify the current ex situ laboratory protocol for the cultivation of Gongolaria barbata by testing the feasibility of some cost-effective and time-efficient techniques on two donor sites of G. barbata and (2) to evaluate the survival and growth of young thalli during the laboratory phase and during the most critical five months after out-planting. Specifically, the following ex situ cultivation methods were tested: (A) cultivation on clay tiles in mesocosms with culture water prepared by three different procedures (a) filtered seawater with a 0.22 μm filter membrane, (b) filtered seawater with a 0.7 μm filter membrane (GF), and (c) UV-sterilized water, and (B) cultivation on clay tiles in open laboratory systems. After two weeks, all thalli were fixed to plastic lantern net baskets suspended at a depth of 2 m in the coastal sea (hybrid method), and the algal success was monitored in relation to the different donor sites and cultivation protocol. The satisfactory results of this study indicate that UV-sterilized water is suitable for the cultivation of G. barbata in mesocosm, which significantly reduces the cost of the laboratory phase. This opens the possibility of numerous and frequent algal cultures during the reproductive period of the species. Additionally, if the young thalli remain in the lantern net baskets for an extended period of several months, they can grow significantly in the marine environment without being exposed to pressure from herbivorous fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lokovšek
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Pitacco
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Domen Trkov
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Leon Lojze Zamuda
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Annalisa Falace
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Martina Orlando-Bonaca
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
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2
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Sánchez de Pedro R, Fernández AN, Melero-Jiménez IJ, García-Sánchez MJ, Flores-Moya A, Bañares-España E. Temporal and spatial variability in population traits of an intertidal fucoid reveals local-scale climatic refugia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106006. [PMID: 37182324 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Global change is imposing significant losses in the functional traits of marine organisms. Although areas of climatic refugia ameliorate local conditions and help them to persist, the extent to which mesoscale effects contribute for intraregional variability on population traits and conservation is uncertain. Here we assess patterns of conservation status of Fucus guiryi, the main intertidal habitat-forming seaweed in the Strait of Gibraltar (southern Spain and northern Morocco). We investigated the demography, reproductive phenology, and morphology at northern and southern side populations. Population traits were compared seasonally within populations from each side, and at spatial scale in early summer 2019. In the last decade three populations became extinct; two marginal populations had dispersed individuals with a narrower fertility season and miniaturized individuals below 3 cm; and five populations showed variable density and cover with more than 20% of reproductive individuals over the seasons. Highest density, cover, morphology, and reproductive potential was detected at one population from each side, suggesting local-scale climatic refugia in upwelling areas located inside marine protected areas. Southern recruits were more warm-tolerant but grew less at colder conditions than northern ones, revealing a mesoscale heterogeneity in thermal affinities. This study evidenced functional losses and distinct reproductive strategies experienced by F. guiryi at peripheral locations and urges to prioritize its conservation and restoration at contemporary climatic refugia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sánchez de Pedro
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Andrea N Fernández
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ignacio José Melero-Jiménez
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain; Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - María Jesús García-Sánchez
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio Flores-Moya
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elena Bañares-España
- Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga, Spain
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Fabbrizzi E, Giakoumi S, De Leo F, Tamburello L, Chiarore A, Colletti A, Coppola M, Munari M, Musco L, Rindi F, Rizzo L, Savinelli B, Franzitta G, Grech D, Cebrian E, Verdura J, Bianchelli S, Mangialajo L, Nasto I, Sota D, Orfanidis S, Papadopoulou NK, Danovaro R, Fraschetti S. The challenge of setting restoration targets for macroalgal forests under climate changes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 326:116834. [PMID: 36436438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The process of site selection and spatial planning has received scarce attention in the scientific literature dealing with marine restoration, suggesting the need to better address how spatial planning tools could guide restoration interventions. In this study, for the first time, the consequences of adopting different restoration targets and criteria on spatial restoration prioritization have been assessed at a regional scale, including the consideration of climate changes. We applied the decision-support tool Marxan, widely used in systematic conservation planning on Mediterranean macroalgal forests. The loss of this habitat has been largely documented, with limited evidences of natural recovery. Spatial priorities were identified under six planning scenarios, considering three main restoration targets to reflect the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Results show that the number of suitable sites for restoration is very limited at basin scale, and targets are only achieved when the recovery of 10% of regressing and extinct macroalgal forests is planned. Increasing targets translates into including unsuitable areas for restoration in Marxan solutions, amplifying the risk of ineffective interventions. Our analysis supports macroalgal forests restoration and provides guiding principles and criteria to strengthen the effectiveness of restoration actions across habitats. The constraints in finding suitable areas for restoration are discussed, and recommendations to guide planning to support future restoration interventions are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Fabbrizzi
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luigi Musco
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Fabio Rindi
- Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Rizzo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Emma Cebrian
- Centre d'Estudios Avançats de Blanes, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientìficas (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain; University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jana Verdura
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
| | | | | | - Ina Nasto
- University of Vlora "Ismail Qemali", Sheshi Pavaresia, Vlore, Albania
| | - Denada Sota
- University of Vlora "Ismail Qemali", Sheshi Pavaresia, Vlore, Albania
| | - Sotiris Orfanidis
- Fisheries Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Kavala, Greece
| | | | - Roberto Danovaro
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy; Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
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Chemello S, Signa G, Mazzola A, Ribeiro Pereira T, Sousa Pinto I, Vizzini S. Limited Stress Response to Transplantation in the Mediterranean Macroalga Ericaria amentacea, a Key Species for Marine Forest Restoration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12253. [PMID: 36231556 PMCID: PMC9566098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean Sea, brown macroalgae represent the dominant species in intertidal and subtidal habitats. Despite conservation efforts, these canopy-forming species showed a dramatic decline, highlighting the urge for active intervention to regenerate self-sustaining populations. For this reason, the restoration of macroalgae forests through transplantation has been recognized as a promising approach. However, the potential stress caused by the handling of thalli has never been assessed. Here, we used a manipulative approach to assess the transplant-induced stress in the Mediterranean Ericaria amentacea, through the analysis of biochemical proxies, i.e., phenolic compounds, lipids, and fatty acids in both transplanted and natural macroalgae over time. The results showed that seasonal environmental variability had an important effect on the biochemical composition of macroalgae, suggesting the occurrence of acclimation responses to summer increased temperature and light irradiance. Transplant-induced stress appears to have only amplified the biochemical response, probably due to increased sensitivity of the macroalgae already subjected to mechanical and osmotic stress (e.g., handling, wounding, desiccation). The ability of E. amentacea to cope with both environmental and transplant-induced stress highlights the high plasticity of the species studied, as well as the suitability of transplantation of adult thalli to restore E. amentacea beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Geraldina Signa
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzola
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Tania Ribeiro Pereira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Isabel Sousa Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Salvatrice Vizzini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences (DiSTeM), University of Palermo, 90123 Palermo, Italy
- Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare (CoNISMa), 00196 Rome, Italy
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5
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Eger AM, Marzinelli EM, Christie H, Fagerli CW, Fujita D, Gonzalez AP, Hong SW, Kim JH, Lee LC, McHugh TA, Nishihara GN, Tatsumi M, Steinberg PD, Vergés A. Global kelp forest restoration: past lessons, present status, and future directions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1449-1475. [PMID: 35255531 PMCID: PMC9543053 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Kelp forest ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services are declining around the world. In response, marine managers are working to restore and counteract these declines. Kelp restoration first started in the 1700s in Japan and since then has spread across the globe. Restoration efforts, however, have been largely disconnected, with varying methodologies trialled by different actors in different countries. Moreover, a small subset of these efforts are 'afforestation', which focuses on creating new kelp habitat, as opposed to restoring kelp where it previously existed. To distil lessons learned over the last 300 years of kelp restoration, we review the history of kelp restoration (including afforestation) around the world and synthesise the results of 259 documented restoration attempts spanning from 1957 to 2020, across 16 countries, five languages, and multiple user groups. Our results show that kelp restoration projects have increased in frequency, have employed 10 different methodologies and targeted 17 different kelp genera. Of these projects, the majority have been led by academics (62%), have been conducted at sizes of less than 1 ha (80%) and took place over time spans of less than 2 years. We show that projects are most successful when they are located near existing kelp forests. Further, disturbance events such as sea-urchin grazing are identified as regular causes of project failure. Costs for restoration are historically high, averaging hundreds of thousands of dollars per hectare, therefore we explore avenues to reduce these costs and suggest financial and legal pathways for scaling up future restoration efforts. One key suggestion is the creation of a living database which serves as a platform for recording restoration projects, showcasing and/or re-analysing existing data, and providing updated information. Our work establishes the groundwork to provide adaptive and relevant recommendations on best practices for kelp restoration projects today and into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Eger
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
| | - Ezequiel M. Marzinelli
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental SciencesSydneyNSW2006Australia
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences EngineeringNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore637551Singapore
| | - Hartvig Christie
- Norwegian Institute for Water ResearchØkernveien 94Oslo0579Norway
| | | | - Daisuke Fujita
- University of Tokyo Marine Science and Technology, School of Marine Bioresources, Applied PhycologyKonan, Minato‐kuTokyo108‐8477Japan
| | - Alejandra P. Gonzalez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileLas Palmeras 3425, ÑuñoaSantiagoChile
| | - Seok Woo Hong
- Department of Biological SciencesSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwon2066South Korea
| | - Jeong Ha Kim
- Department of Biological SciencesSungkyunkwan UniversitySuwon2066South Korea
| | - Lynn C. Lee
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site60 Second Beach Road, SkidegateHaida GwaiiBCV0T 1S1Canada
- Canada & School of Environmental Sciences, University of Victoria3800 Finnerty RoadVictoriaBCV8P 5C2Canada
| | - Tristin Anoush McHugh
- Reef Check Foundation, Long Marine Laboratory115 McAllister RoadSanta CruzCA95060U.S.A.
- Present address:
The Nature Conservancy830 S StreetSacramentoCA95811U.S.A.
| | - Gregory N. Nishihara
- Organization for Marine Science and TechnologyInstitute for East China Sea Research, Nagasaki University1551‐7 Taira‐machiNagasaki City851‐2213Japan
| | - Masayuki Tatsumi
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of TasmaniaHobartTAS7004Australia
| | - Peter D. Steinberg
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation & Ecology and Evolution Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of New South WalesSydneyNSW2052
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science19 Chowder Bay RdMosmanNSW2088Australia
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6
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Bio-Based Products from Mediterranean Seaweeds: Italian Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Blue Economy. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. In this review, we analyze the state of seaweed bio-based products and research on the Mediterranean Sea from the last 20 years. Results of this analysis show a large number of investigations focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to on biofuels and bioplastics. Attempts at seaweed farming, although generally very limited, are present in Israel and some North African countries. Lastly, we focus on the Italian situation—including research, companies and legislation on seaweed production—and we discuss gaps, perspectives and challenges for the potential development of a sustainable seaweed industry according to the Sustainable Blue Economy.
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Riquet F, De Kuyper CA, Fauvelot C, Airoldi L, Planes S, Fraschetti S, Mačić V, Milchakova N, Mangialajo L, Bottin L. Highly restricted dispersal in habitat-forming seaweed may impede natural recovery of disturbed populations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16792. [PMID: 34408197 PMCID: PMC8373921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystoseira sensu lato (Class Phaeophyceae, Order Fucales, Family Sargassaceae) forests play a central role in marine Mediterranean ecosystems. Over the last decades, Cystoseira s.l. suffered from a severe loss as a result of multiple anthropogenic stressors. In particular, Gongolaria barbata has faced multiple human-induced threats, and, despite its ecological importance in structuring rocky communities and hosting a large number of species, the natural recovery of G. barbata depleted populations is uncertain. Here, we used nine microsatellite loci specifically developed for G. barbata to assess the genetic diversity of this species and its genetic connectivity among fifteen sites located in the Ionian, the Adriatic and the Black Seas. In line with strong and significant heterozygosity deficiencies across loci, likely explained by Wahlund effect, high genetic structure was observed among the three seas (ENA corrected FST = 0.355, IC = [0.283, 0.440]), with an estimated dispersal distance per generation smaller than 600 m, both in the Adriatic and Black Sea. This strong genetic structure likely results from restricted gene flow driven by geographic distances and limited dispersal abilities, along with genetic drift within isolated populations. The presence of genetically disconnected populations at small spatial scales (< 10 km) has important implications for the identification of relevant conservation and management measures for G. barbata: each population should be considered as separated evolutionary units with dedicated conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentine Riquet
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR LOV, Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, France.
| | | | - Cécile Fauvelot
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMR ENTROPIE, Nouméa, New Caledonia
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR LOV, Villefranche‑sur‑Mer, France
| | - Laura Airoldi
- Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, Chioggia, Italy
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan, France
| | - Simonetta Fraschetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
- CoNISMa, Rome, Italy
| | - Vesna Mačić
- Institut za biologiju mora, Univerzitet Crne Gore, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - Nataliya Milchakova
- Laboratory of Phytoresources, Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS (IBSS), Sevastopol, Russia
| | | | - Lorraine Bottin
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Nice, France
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Danovaro R, Aronson J, Cimino R, Gambi C, Snelgrove PVR, Van Dover C. Marine ecosystem restoration in a changing ocean. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Danovaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona 60131 Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Naples 80121 Italy
| | - James Aronson
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development Missouri Botanical Garden 4344 Shaw Boulevard St Louis MO 63110 U.S.A
- EcoHealth Network 1330 Beacon St, Suite 355a Brookline MA 02446 U.S.A
| | - Roberto Cimino
- ENI S.p.A., Development, Operations & Technology (DOT) Milan Italy
| | - Cristina Gambi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente Università Politecnica delle Marche Ancona 60131 Italy
| | | | - Cindy Van Dover
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University 135 Duke Marine Lab Road Beaufort NC 28516 U.S.A
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Abstract
In this paper, the different possibilities and innovations related to sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean area are discussed, while different maricultural methods, and the role of Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) in supporting the exploitation of the ocean’s resources, are also reviewed. IMTA, and mariculture in general, when carefully planned, can be suitable for environmental restoration and conservation purposes. Aquaculture, especially mariculture, is a sector that is progressively increasing in parallel with the increase in human needs; however, several problems still affect its development, mainly in relation to the choice of suitable sites, fodder production, and the impact on the surrounding environment. A current challenge that requires suitable solutions is the implementation of IMTA. Unfortunately, some criticisms still affect this approach, mostly concerning the commercialization of new products such as invertebrates and seaweeds, notwithstanding their environmentally friendly character. Regarding the location of a suitable site, mariculture plans are currently displaced from inshore to offshore, with the aim of reducing the competition for space with other human activities carried out within coastal waters. Moreover, in open water, waste loading does not appear to be a problem, but high-energy waters increase maintenance costs. Some suggestions are given for developing sustainable mariculture in the Mediterranean area, where IMTA is in its infancy and where the scarce nutrients that characterize offshore waters are not suitable for the farming of both filter feeder invertebrates and macroalgae. From the perspective of coupling mariculture activity with restoration ecology, the practices suggested in this review concern the implementation of inshore IMTA, creating artificially controlled gardens, as well as offshore mussel farming coupled with artificial reefs, while also hypothesizing the possibility of the use of artificially eutrophized areas.
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10
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Bianchelli S, Danovaro R. Impairment of microbial and meiofaunal ecosystem functions linked to algal forest loss. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19970. [PMID: 33203950 PMCID: PMC7673138 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76817-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss is jeopardizing marine biodiversity. In the Mediterranean Sea, the algal forests of Cystoseira spp. form one of the most complex, productive and vulnerable shallow-water habitats. These forests are rapidly regressing with negative impact on the associated biodiversity, and potential consequences in terms of ecosystem functioning. Here, by comparing healthy Cystoseira forests and barren grounds (i.e., habitats where the macroalgal forests disappeared), we assessed the effects of habitat loss on meiofaunal and nematode biodiversity, and on some ecosystem functions (here measured in terms of prokaryotic and meiofaunal biomass). Overall, our results suggest that the loss of Cystoseira forests and the consequent barren formation is associated with the loss of meiofaunal higher taxa and a decrease of nematode biodiversity, leading to the collapse of the microbial and meiofaunal variables of ecosystem functions. We conclude that, given the very limited resilience of these ecosystems, active restoration of these vulnerable habitats is needed, in order to recover their biodiversity, ecosystem functions and associated services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bianchelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn di Napoli, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
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11
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Distribution of Harmful Algal Growth-Limiting Bacteria on Artificially Introduced Ulva and Natural Macroalgal Beds. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10165658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The intensity and frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased, posing a threat to human seafood resources due to massive kills of cultured fish and toxin contamination of bivalves. In recent years, bacteria that inhibit the growth of HAB species were found to be densely populated on the biofilms of some macroalgal species, indicating the possible biological control of HABs by the artificial introduction of macroalgal beds. In this study, an artificially created Ulva pertusa bed using mobile floating cages and a natural macroalgal bed were studied to elucidate the distribution of algal growth-limiting bacteria (GLB). The density of GLB affecting fish-killing raphidophyte Chattonella antiqua, and two harmful dinoflagellates, were detected between 106 and 107 CFU g−1 wet weight on the biofilm of artificially introduced U. pertusa and 10 to 102 CFU mL−1 from adjacent seawater; however, GLB found from natural macroalgal species targeted all tested HAB species (five species), ranging between 105 and 106 CFU g−1 wet weight in density. These findings provide new ecological insights of GLB at macroalgal beds, and concurrently demonstrate the possible biological control of HABs by artificially introduced Ulva beds.
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12
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Low Diversity of Intertidal Canopy-Forming Macroalgae at Urbanized Areas along the North Portuguese Coast. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12060211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Canopy-forming macroalgae are the main component in some of the most diverse and productive coastal habitats around the world. However, canopy-forming macroalgae are very sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. In coastal urban areas, intertidal organisms are exposed to the interactive effect of several anthropogenic disturbances that can modify the community’s structure and diversity. Along the North-East Atlantic shores, many studies explored the effect of anthropogenic disturbances on canopy-forming macroalgae, but mainly focused on kelps and fucoids. However, along the intertidal rocky shores of the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, the most abundant and frequent canopy-forming macroalgae belong to the family Sargassaceae. To explore the effect of urbanization on these intertidal canopy-forming species the diversity and assemblage structure of canopy species were compared between four urban and four non-urban shores in the north of Portugal. Intertidal canopy assemblages on urban shores were dominated by the non-indigenous Sargassum muticum that was the only canopy-forming species on three of the four studied urban shores. Canopy assemblages on all non-urban shores were more diverse. Moreover, stands of canopy-forming species on urban shores were always monospecific, while at non-urban shores multi-specific stands were common. Therefore, results suggest that urbanization reduces canopy´s biodiversity.
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