Vol.27 – 2021

COMMENTS ON: Okudan, E.Ş., Dural, B., Erdugan, H., Aktan, Y., Demir, V., Aysel, V. (2021) New record of the benthic marine mucilage aggregates Phaeocystis giraudii from Turkish Eastern Mediterranean Sea. [J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 27(2): 124-139]

Neslihan Balkis-Ozdelice, Turgay Durmus, Muharrem Balci

ORCID IDs: N.B.O. 0000-0001-8030-7480; T.D. 0000-0002-8242-1823; M.B. 0000-0001-9373-6647

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Istanbul University, Vezneciler, Istanbul, TURKEY

References

Balkis-Ozdelice, N., Durmus, T., Balci, M. (2021) A preliminary study on the intense pelagic and benthic mucilage phenomenon observed in the Sea of Marmara. International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics 8(4): 414-422.

Demir, V. (2011) Marine Biological Diversity Assessment for Marine Conservation Planning in Antalya-Kas Using Decision. PhD Thesis, Istanbul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Management, Turkey (in Turkish).

Okudan, E.Ş., Dural, B., Erdugan, H., Aktan, Y., Demir, V., Aysel, V. (2021) New record of the benthic marine mucilage aggregates Phaeocystis giraudii from Turkish Eastern Mediterranean Sea. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 27(2): 124-139.

On the presence of Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 in the Greek waters (eastern Mediterranean Sea)

Vasileios Minasidis, Alexandros Kaminas

ORCID IDs: V.M. 0000-0001-8888-7520; A.K. 0000-0002-7928-651X

Department of Animal Production, Fisheries & Aquaculture, University of Patras, Nea Ktiria, 30200, Mesolongi, GREECE
iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Kritis 12, 54645, Thessaloniki, GREECE
Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, GREECE

Abstract

Crested oarfish Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809, is widely distributed in the mesopelagic zone and sometimes are accidentally collected as bycatch in commercial fishing practices. In this study, we add yet another record of this bathypelagic species in the Greek Seas, while the documented occurrence of the species is also reviewed for the entirety of the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, the results point to the species being much more common in the area than previously hypothesized.

Keywords: Rare species, Lophotidae, mesopelagic zone, bycatch

References

Bachouche, S., Etsouri, M., Rouidi, S. (2016) The first record of crested oarfish, Lophotus lacepede (Actinopterygii: Lampriformes) from the marine waters of Algeria. Int J Science & Knowledge 5(1): 19-22.

Bilecenoğlu, M., Kaya, M., Irmak, E. (2001) A new mesopelagic fish for Turkish seas, Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 (Pisces: Lophotidae). J Fish Aquat Sci 18(3): 537-539.

Bussotti, S., Guidetti, P., Terlizzi, A. (1999) Stranding of Lophotus lacepedei (Giorna, 1809) and a young specimen of Trachypterus trachypterus (Gmelin, 1789) at Ischia Island (Gulf of Naples, western Mediterranean). Doriana 7322: 1-5.

Corsini-Foka, M., Kondylatos, G., Louizidou, P. (2015) On some rarely caught fish in the southeastern Aegean Sea (Greece, Eastern Mediterranean). Front Mar Sci, Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2015.03.00068

Dalyan, C., Gönülal, O., Kesici, N.B., Eryılmaz, L., Tunçer, S., Öztekin, A. (2021) New and confirmed records and rare occurrences of some deep sea fishes in the Turkish waters of the northern Aegean Sea (Mediterranean Sea). FishTaxa 21: 1-18.

Dulčić, J., Ahnelt, H. (2007) How many specimens of the crested oarfish, Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 (Pisces: Lophotidae), were caught in the Adriatic Sea? Acta Adriat 48(1): 39-43.

Dulčić, A., Soldo, A. (2008) New finding of crested oarfish Lophotus lacepede (Lophotidae), in the Adriatic Sea. Cybium 32(1): 93-94.

Falsone, F., Geraci, M.L., Scanella, D., Okpala, C.O.R., Giusto, G.B., Giusto, G.B., Bosch-Belmar, M., Gancitano, S., Bono, G. (2017) Occurrence of two rare species from order Lampriformes: Crestfish Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809) and scalloped ribbonfish Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) in the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. Acta Adriat 58(1): 137-146.

Guiffre, G., Gugliotta, R., Nicotra, S. (1980) On a specimen of Lophotus lacepedei Giorna 1809 (Pisces: Lophotidae), stranded on the Sicilian coast of the Strait of Messina. Memorie di Biologia Marina e di Oceanografia 10(1): 9-18 (in Italian).

Heemstra, P.C. (1986) Lophotidae. In: Smiths’ Sea Fishes, (eds., Smith, M.M., Heemstra, P.C.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, pp. 402-403.

Kolombatović, J. (1890) Ichthyological news. Glas Hrvat Naravosl Druš 5: 167-168 (in Italian).

Magazzu, G., Zaccone, G. (1971) On another specimen of Lophotus cepedianus Giorna captured in the waters of Capo Peloro, Messina. Memorie di Biologia Marina e di Oceanografia 1: 53-57 (in Italian).

Ministry of Rural Development and Food (2020) Greek Fishing Fleet 2019 Annual Report (Ref. Ares(2020)3146059). Hellenic Republic. Directorate-General for Fisheries. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/oceans-and-fisheries/system/files/2020-09/2019-fleet-capacity-report-greece_en.pdf (accessed 20 Nov 2021)

Minos, G., Karidas, T., Economidis, P.S. (2015) Range extension for crested oarfish Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 in the waters of the northern Aegean Sea, Greece. Acta Adriat 56(2): 283-289.

Naasan Aga Spyridopoulou, R., Langeneck, J., Bouziotis, D., Giovos, I., Kleitou, P., Kalogirou, S. (2020) Filling the gap of data-limited fish species in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: A contribution by citizen science. J Mar Sci Eng 8(2): 107.

Olney, J.E. (1999) The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. In: FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes, Volume 3, Batoid Fishes, Chimaeras and Bony Fishes Part 1 (Elopidae to Linophrynidae), (eds., Carpenter, K.E., Niem, V.H.), FAO, Rome, pp. 1970-1971.

Papaconstantinou, C. (2014) Fauna Graeciae: An updated checklist of the fishes in the Hellenic Seas. Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Athens.

Portas, F., del Cerro, L. (1979) Lophotus lacepedei Giorna, 1809 (Pisces, Lophotidae): First record for the Spanish coasts. Misc Zool 5: 188-189 (in Spanish).

Ragonese, S., Jereb, P., Morara, U. (1997) On a specimen of unicorn fish Lophotus lacepedei (Lampridiformes – Lophotidae) beached in mazara del vallo (south-western Sicily). Biol Mar Mediterr 4(1): 551-553 (in Italian)

Rey, J.C. (1983) Capture of a specimen of Lophotus lacepedei Giorna, 1809 (Pisces, Lophotidae) in the Strait of Gibraltar. Mem Mus Mar Sér Zool 3(25): 1-16 (in Spanish).

Riede, K. (2004) Global register of migratory species – from global to regional scales. German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Final report of the R&D-Projekt 808 05 081. Availabe at: https://www.nhbs.com/global-register-of-migratory-species-from-global-to-regional-scales-book (accessed 20 Nov 2021)

Rodriguez, J.M., Alvarez, I., Lopez-Jurado, J.L., Garcia, A., Balbin, R., Alvarez-Berastegui, D., Torres, A.P., Alemany, F. (2013) Environmental forcing and the larval fish community associated to the Atlantic blue fin tuna spawning habitat of the Balearic region (Western Mediterranean), in early summer 2005. Deep Sea Res 1 Oceanogr Res Pap 77: 11-22.

Sanzo, L. (1940) Egg and newly hatched larva of Lophotes cepedianus (Giorna). Memory: Italian Thalassographic Committee 272: 1-8 (in Italian).

Spartà, A. (1954) Rare Jewish stages of marine teleosts (Uraleptus maraldii Risso, Temnodon saltator C.V., Lophotes cepedianus Giorna). International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea 12: 79-84 (in French).

Sulić Šprem, J., Dobroslavić, T., Kožul, V., Prusina, I., Onofri, V., Antolović, N. (2014) New record of Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 and Lampris guttatus (Brόnnich, 1788) in the southeastern Adriatic Sea (Croatian coast). Cah Biol Mar 55: 371- 373.

Tortonese, E. (1970) Fauna of Italy: Osteichthyes, Vol 10. Calderini, Bologna (in Italian).

Tuncer S., Kanat, R.E. (2019) First observation of crested oarfish, Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 (Actinopterygii: Lophotidae) in northern Aegean Coast (Çanakkale, Turkey). Doganin Sesi 2(4): 19-23 (in Turkish).

 

Photographic documentation of tope shark, Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Istanbul Strait: Reoccurrence of a rare shark in troubled waters

Hakan Kabasakal, Kenan Fuat Türetken

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8189-9748

Ichthyological Research Society, Tantavi mahallesi, Menteşoğlu caddesi, İdil apt., No: 30, D: 4, TR-34764 Ümraniye, İstanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

On 6 June 2021, a specimen of Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758), was sighted off Balat coast (Golden Horn, Istanbul Strait, Turkey). In the current IUCN Red List assessment of G. galeus, it is considered as a “Critically Endangered” species in the Mediterranean Sea. In accordance with the current fisheries law numbered 1380, G. galeus is under full protection in Turkish seas. Although the present encounter of tope shark in the Golden Horn confirmed the current existence of G. galeus in the Marmara Sea, one of the main threats to the sharks’ survival in this marine region is habitat degradation. A non-invasive and non-destructive method for data collection, legitimating the reasonable use of alternative source of data, like video footage recorded by citizen scientists, is urgently needed for the research of endangered shark species such as G. galeus.

Keywords: Tope shark, Galeorhinus, Triakidae, Marmara, Istanbul, conservation

References

Branstetter, S. (1984) Triakidae. In: Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Vol. 1, (eds., Whitehead, P.J.P., Bauchot, M.-L., Hureau, J. -C., Nielsen, J., Tortonese, E.), UNESCO, Paris, pp. 117-121.

Camhi, M., Fowler, S.L., Musick, J.A., Bräutigam, A., Fordham, S.V. (1998) Sharks and Their Relatives – Ecology and Conservation. IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

Capapé C., Ben Souissi, J., Méjri, H., Guélorget, O., Hemida, F. (2005) The reproductive biology of the school shark, Galeorhinus galeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Chondrichthyes: Triakidae) from the Maghrebin shore (southern Mediterranean): a review. Acta Adriat 46: 109-124.

Deveciyan, K. (1926) Pêche et Pécheries en Turqoie. Imprimerie de l’Administration de la Dette Publique Ottomane, İstanbul.

Dulvy, N.K., Allen, D.J., Ralph, G.M., Walls, R.H.L. (2016) The Conservation Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras in the Mediterranean Sea (Brochure). IUCN, Malaga, Spain.

Ebert, D.A., Stehmann, M.F.W. (2013) Sharks, Batoids and Chimaeras of the North Atlantic. FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes, No. 7. FAO, Rome.

Erazi, R.A.R. (1942) Marine fishes found in the sea of Marmara and in the Bosphorus. Rev Fac Sci Univ Istanbul B, 7: 103-115.

Ergüden, D., Ayas, D., Kabasakal, H. (2020) Provoked non-fatal attacks to divers by sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae), off Taşucu coast (NE Mediterranean Sea, Turkey). Annales Ser Hist Nat 30: 1-8.

Ferretti, F., Myers, R.A., Serena, F., Lotze H.K. (2008) Loss of large predatory sharks from the Mediterranean Sea. Conserv Biol 22: 952-964.

Filiz, H., Kabasakal, H. (2015) Photographic record of the spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna (Müller & Henle, 1839), in Gökova Bay (south Aegean Sea, Turkey). Annales Ser Hist Nat 25: 123-128.

Kabasakal, H. (2020) A Field Guide to the Sharks of Turkish Waters. Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) Publication No: 55, Istanbul, Turkey.

Kabasakal, H., Bilecenoğlu, M. (2020) Shark infested internet: an analysis of internet-based media reports on rare and large sharks of Turkey. Fish Taxa 16: 8-18.

Kabasakal, H., Karhan, S.Ü. (2015) Shark biodiversity in the Sea of Marmara: departures and arrivals over a century. Marine Biodiversity Records 8: e59 doi: 10.1017/S1755267215000342.

Kabasakal, H., Karhan, S.Ü., Sakınan, S. (2017) Review of the distribution of large sharks in the seas of Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean). Cah Biol Mar 58: 219-228.

Kabasakal, H., Öz, M.İ., Karhan, S.Ü., Çaylarbaşı, Z., Tural, U. (2005) Photographic evidence of the occurrence of bramble shark, Echinorhinus brucus (Bonnaterre, 1788) (Squaliformes: Echinorhinidae) from the Sea of Marmara. Annales Ser Hist Nat 15: 51-56.

Keskin, Ç., Eryılmaz, L. (2010) Fish fauna of the Sea of Marmara and demersal fish assemblages. In: Proceedings of Marmara Sea 2010 Symposium, Bakırköy Yunus Emre Kültür Merkezi, Istanbul, 25-26 September 2010. (ed. Öztürk, B.), Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Istanbul, pp. 289-311.

Kocataş, A., Koray, T., Kaya, M., Kara, Ö.F. (1993) Review of the fishery resources and their environment in the Sea of Marmara. Studies and Reviews, FAO/GFCM 64, pp. 87-143.

Lipej, L., De Maddalena, A., Soldo, A. (2004) Sharks of the Adriatic Sea. Knjižnica Annales Majora, Koper, Slovenia.

Lythgoe, J., Lythgoe, G. (1992) Fishes of the Sea – The North Atlantic and Mediterranean. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Mater, S., Meriç, N. (1996) Marine Fishes. In: Checklist of Vertebrates of Turkey, (eds., Kence, A., Bilgin, C.C.), TÜBİTAK, Ankara, pp. 133-172. (in Turkish)

Ninni, E. (1923) Primo contributo allo studio dei pesci e della pesca nelle acque dell’impero Ottomano. Missione Italiana per l’Esplorazione dei Mari di Levante. Premiate Officine Grafiche Carlo Ferrari, Venezia, Italy.

Öztürk, B. (2018) National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. J Black Sea/Medit Environ 24: 91-96.

Serena, F. (2005) Field Identification Guide to the Sharks and Rays of the Mediterranean and Black Sea. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes, FAO, Rome.

Serena, F., Abella, A.J., Bargnesi, F., Barone, M., Colloca, F., Ferretti, F., Fiorentino, J., Jenrette, J., Moro, S. (2020) Species diversity, taxonomy and distribution of Chondrichthyes in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Eur Zool J 87: 497-536.

Walker, T.I., Rigby, C.L., Pacoureau, N., Ellis, J., Kulka, D.W., Chiaramonte, G. E., Herman, K. (2020) Galeorhinus galeus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39352A2907336. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39352A2907336.en (accessed 9 July 2021).

First record of pearlfish (Carapus acus) in the western Algerian coast

Karim Mezali, Ihcene Khodja

ORCID IDs: K.M. 0000-0002-7222-9002; I.K. 0000-0003-3905-974X

Protection, Valorization of Coastal Marine Resources and Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Department of Marine Science and Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University – Mostaganem, PO Box 227, Route nationale N° 11, Kharrouba, 27000, Mostaganem, ALGERIA

Abstract

Commensalism between the pearlfish Carapus acus and the holothurian Parastichopus regalis is one of the most common associations between vertebrate and an invertebrate in the Mediterranean Sea. Seven individuals of Carapus acus were found inside the Parastichopus regalis coelomic cavity at three stations off the western Algerian coast with a depth of between 53 and 117 m. The wet weight of these individuals varied from 1.24 to 4.11 g and the total length from 12.30 to 16.60 cm. These values and other morphometric characteristics of C. acus individuals were compared with those reported on the Tunisian and Moroccan coasts.

Keywords: Carapidae, Stichopodidae, commensalism, morphometrics, Algeria

References

 Arnold, D.C. (1953) Observation on Carapus acus (Brünnich) (Jugulares, Carapidae). Pubblicazioni della Stazione Zoologica di Napoli 24: 152-166.

Arnold, D.C. (1956) A systematic revision of the fishes of the teleost family Carapidae (Percomorphi, Blennioidea), with description of two new species. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) 4: 247-307.

Aronson, L.H., Mosher, C. (1951) Observations on the behaviour and ecology of the West Indian pearlfish. Anatomical Record 111: 489.

Brasseur, L., Parmentier, E., Caulier, G., Vanderplanck, M., Michez, D., Flammang, P., Gerbaux, P., Lognay, G., Eeckhaut, I. (2016) Mechanisms involved in pearlfish resistance to holothuroid toxins. Marine Biology 163: 129. doi: /10.1007/s00227-016-2901-3

Despalatović, M., Cvitković, I., Žuljević, A., Žunec, A., Bogner, D., Nejašmić, J., Isajlović, I. (2020) Incidence of commensalism between the pearlfish Carapus acus (Brünnich, 1768) and the holothurian Parastichopus regalis (Cuvier, 1817) in the eastern Adriatic Sea. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 36(6): 834-836.

Eeckhaut, I., Caulier, G., Brasseur, L., Flammang, P., Gerbaux, P., Parmentier, E. (2015) Effects of holothuroid ichtyotoxic saponins on the gills of free-living fishes and symbiotic pearlfishes. Biological Bulletin 228: 253-265.

Eeckhaut, I., Parmentier, E., Becker, P., Gomez da Silva, S., Jangoux, M. (2004) Parasites and biotic diseases in field and cultivated sea cucumbers. In: Advances in Sea Cucumber Aquaculture and Management, (eds., Lovatelli, A., Conand, C., Purcell, S., Uthicke, S., Hamel, J.-F., Mercier, A.), FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 463, pp. 311-325.

El Aamri, F., Tamsouri, M. N. (2018) First finding of rare Pearlfish, Carapus acus (Brünnich, 1768) (Ophidiiformes : Carapidae) from Mediterranean coasts of Morocco. Journal of Materials and Environmental Science 9(11): 3134-3136.

Enajjar, S., Bradai, M. N. (2016) First record of Carapus acus (Osteichthyes: Carapidae) in the Gulf of Gabès (southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean Sea). Marine Biodiversity Records 9(7). doi: 10.1186/s41200-016-0015-8

González-Wangüemert, M., Maggi, C., Valente, S., Martínez-Garrido, J., Rodrigues, N. V. (2014) Parastichopus regalis– The main host of Carapus acus in temperate waters of the Mediterranean Sea and northeastern Atlantic Ocean. SPC Beche-de-Mer Information Bulletin 34: 38-42.

Kalinin, V.I., Aminin, D.L., Avilov, S.A., Silchenko, A.S., Stonik, V.A. (2008) Triterpene glycosides from sea cucucmbers (Holothurioidea, Echinodermata). Biological activities and functions. In: Studies in Natural Products Chemistry (Bioactive Natural Products) Vol. 35, (ed., Atta-ur-Rahman), Elsevier Science Publisher, pp. 135-196.

Markle, D.F., Olney, J.E. (1990) Systematics of the pearlfishes (Pisces: Carapidae). Bulletin of Marine Science 47(2): 269-410.

Meyer-Rochow, V. B. (1977) Comparison between 15 Carapus mourlani in a single holothurian and 19 C. mourlani from starfish. Ichtyological Notes 3: 582-584.

Mezali, K. (1998) Contribution à la systématique, la biologie, l’écologie et la dynamique de cinq espèces d’holothuries aspidochirotes [Holothuria (H.) tubulosa, H. (L.) polii, H. (H.) stellati, H. (P.) forskali et H (P.) sanctori] de l’herbier à Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delille de la Prèsqu’île de Sidi-Fredj. Thèse de Magister. Ecole National des Sciences de la Mer et de l’Aménagement du Littoral (Ex- ISMAL), Alger, Algérie, 192 pp.

Murdy, E.O., Cowan, M.E. (1980) Observation on the behaviour and symbiotic relationship of the pearlfish Encheliophis vermicularis (Osteichthys: Carapidae). Kalikasan, Philippine Journal of Biology 9(2-3): 309-312.

Parmentier, E., Castro-Aguirre, J. L., Vandewalle, P. (2000) Morphological comparison of the buccal apparatus in two bivalve commensal Teleostei, Encheliophis dubius and Onuxodon fowleri (Ophidiiformes, Carapidae). Zoomorphology 120: 29-37.

Parmentier, E., Chardon, M., Poulicek, M., Bussers, J. C., Vandewalle, P. (1998) Morphology of the buccal apparatus and related structures in four species of Carapidae. Australian Journal of Zoology 46: 391-404.

Parmentier, E., Das, K. (2004) Commensal vs. parasitic relationship between Carapini fish and their hosts: Some further insight through δ13C and δ15N measurements. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 310: 47-58.

Parmentier, E., Fine, M., Vandewalle, P., Ducamp, J.J., Lagardère, J.P. (2006) Sound production in two carapids (Carapus acus and C. mourlani) and through the sea cucumber tegument. Acta Zoologica 87: 113-119.

Parmentier, E., Michel, L. (2013) Boundary lines in symbiosis forms. Symbiosis 60: 1-5.

Parmentier, E., Vandewalle, P. (2005) Further insight on carapid-holothuroid relationships. Marine Biology 146: 455-465.

Smith, C., Tyler, J.C., Norma Feinberg, M. (1981) Population ecology and biology of the pearlfish (Carapus bermudensis) in the lagoon at Bimini, Bahamas. Bulletin of Marine Science 31(4): 876-902.

Trott, L.B. (1970) Contribution of the biology of carapid fishes (Paracanthopterygian: Gadiformes). University of California Publications in Zoology 89: 1-41.

Trott, L.B. (1981) A general review of the pearlfishes (Pisces, Carapidae). Bull Bulletin of Marine Science 31: 623-629.

Trott, L.B., Trott, E.B. (1972) Pearlfishes (Carapidae : Gadiforme) collected from Puerto Galera, Minobra, Philippines. Copeia 1972: 839-843.

Determination of selected steroid compounds in sediment samples from Golden Horn Estuary (the Sea of Marmara, Turkey) using LC-ESI/MS-MS

Duygu Aydoğan, Türkan Yurdun

ORCID IDs: D.A. 0000-0003-2663-3001; T.Y. 0000-0002-2554-1204

Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, TURKEY
Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

One of the most important areas where environmental pollution creates concern is aquatic environments. Steroids have the potential to disrupt the physiological function of hormones by interfering with the endocrine system. In our study, analysis of 31 selected human/animal, plant, natural and synthetic hormone-steroids was performed with Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS-MS) device after the extraction of sediment samples from 15 stations in Istanbul Golden Horn with acidic methanol in an ultrasonic bath. Among the physiologically active estrogens used in birth control pills, equilin (54.46-2201.00 ng/g), estriol (2265.13 ng/g only in H1 sediment sample), mestranol (82.34-335.82 ng/g); from progestogens progesterone (1.59-6.03 ng/g), pregnenolone (44.19-1704.54 ng/g), levonorgestrel (1.55-7.78 ng/g); androgens 4-androstenedione (19.91-22.71 ng/g), androsterone (72.66-467.56 ng/g), testosterone (12.54-16.19 ng/g); cholestanone (157.57-1163.07 ng/g), coprostanol+epicoprostanol (42.82-103.26 ng/g) from human and animal wastes, and campesterol (143.86-1423.94 ng/g) from phytosterols were detected. As a result of the analysis, steroids were found in all sediment samples. Coprostanol+epicoprostanol and cholestanone, which are biomarkers of fecal contamination, are present in all of the sediment samples. Our study is the first to evaluate the presence of possible steroid hormones that pose a risk to organisms and ecosystem health in Golden Horn sediments.

Keywords: Estuarine system, hormones, sediment, LC-ESI/MS-MS, steroid, endocrine disrupting

References

Arima, K., Nagasawa, M., Bae, M., Tamura, G. (1969) Microbial transformation of Sterols. Agr and Biol Chem 33(11): 1636-1650.

Arya, G., Tadayon, S., Sadighian, J., Jones, J., de Mutsert, K., Huff, T. B., Foster, G.D. (2017) Pharmaceutical chemicals, steroids and xenoestrogens in water, sediments and fish from the tidal freshwater Potomac River (Virginia, USA). J Environ Sci Heal Part A 52(7): 686-696.

Aufartová, J., Mahugo-Santana, C., Sosa-Ferrera, Z., Santana-Rodríguez, J.J., Nováková, L., Solich, P. (2011) Determination of steroid hormones in biological and environmental samples using green microextraction techniques: An overview. Anal Chim Acta 704(1-2): 33-46.

Bull, I.D., Lockheart, M.J., Elhmmali, M.M., Roberts, D.J., Evershed, R.P. (2002) The origin of faeces by means of biomarker detection. Environ Int 27(8): 647-654.

Chiang, Y., Wei, S.T., Wang, P., Wu, P., Yu, C. (2020) Microbial degradation of steroid sex hormones: implications for environmental and ecological studies. Microb Biotechnol 13(4): 926-949.

Çoban, B., Balkıs, N., Aksu, A. (2009) Heavy metal levels in sea water and sediments of Zonguldak, Turkey. J Black Sea/Medit Environ 15: 23-32.

Dursun, F., Ünlü, S., Yurdun, T. (2018) Determination of domoic acid in plankton net samples from Golden Horn Estuary, Turkey, Using HPLC with Fluorescence Detection. B Environ Contam Tox 100: 457-462.

US EPA. (2016) Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List 4-Final. Fed Regist 81:(222): 81099-81114.

Frena, M., Santos, A.P.S., Santos, E., Silva, R.P., Souza, M.R.R., Madureira, L. A.S., Alexandre, M.R. (2016) Distribution and sources of sterol biomarkers in sediments collected from a tropical estuary in Northeast Brazil. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23(22): 23291-23299.

Gomes, R.L., Avcioglu, E., Scrimshaw, M.D., Lester, J.N. (2004) Steroid-estrogen determination in sediment and sewage sludge: A critique of sample preparation and chromatographic/mass spectrometry considerations, incorporating a case study in method development. Trac-Trend Anal Chem 23(10-11): 737-744.

Gomes, H.G., Kawakami, S.K., Taniguchi, S., Souza Filho, P.W., Montone, R. C. (2015) Investigation of sewage contamination using steroid indexes in sediments of the Guajará Estuary (Amazon coast, Brazil). Braz J Oceanogr 63(4): 501-510.

González-Oreja, J.A., Saiz-Salinas, J.I. (1998) Short-term spatio-temporal changes in urban pollution by means of faecal sterols analysis. Mar Pollut Bull 36(11): 868-875.

Jackson, L.M., Felgenhauer, B.E., Klerks, P.L. (2019) Feminization, altered gonada development, and liver damage in least killifish (Heterandria formosa) exposed to sublethal concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol. Ecotox Environ Safe 170: 331-337.

Jauković, Z.D., Grujić, S.D., Matić Bujagić, I.V., Laušević, M.D. (2017) Determination of sterols and steroid hormones in surface water and wastewater using liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry. Microcheml J 135: 39-47.

Jenkins, R.L., Wilson, E.M., Angus, R.A., Howell, W.M., Kirk, M. (2003) Androstenedione and Progesterone in the sediment of a River Receiving Paper Mill Effluent. Toxicol Scis 73(1): 53-59.

Kalaycı, G., Belivermiş, M., Sezer, N., Swarzenski, P., Kılıç, Ö. (2021) Settling particles in the Golden Horn estuary, Sea of Marmara: Concentrations and fluxes of trace elements and radionuclides. Reg Stud Mar Sci 4: 101882.

Kenny, D.J., Plichta, D.R., Shungin, D., Koppel, N., Hall, A.B., Fu, B., Vasan, R.S., Shaw, S.Y., Vlamakis, H., Balskus, E.P., Xavier, R.J. (2020) Cholesterol metabolism by uncultured human gut bacteria influences host cholesterol level. Cell Host Microbe 28: 1-13.

Korkmaz N.E., Caglar (Balkis) N., Aksu A., Unsal T. (2020) Effect of seasonal changes on steroid hormones concentrations in the Golden Horn Estuary (Sea of Marmara, Turkey). Int J Environ Geoinf 7(2): 157-164.

Kucuk, Y.K., Topcu, A. (2017) Ecological risk assesment and seasonal-spatial distribution of trace elements in the surface sediment of Trabzon Harbour, Turkey. Open J Ecol 7: 348-363.

Kutlu, B., Özcan, T., Özcan, G. (2021) Analysis of heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. Oceanol Hydrobiol Stud 50(4): 411-420.

LeBlanc, L.A., Latimer, J.S., Ellis, J.T., Quinn, J.G. (1992) The geochemistry of coprostanol in waters and surface sediments from Narragansett Bay. Estuary, Coast and Shelf Sci 34(5): 439-458.

Leeming, R., Latham, V., Rayner, M., Nichols, P. (1997) Detecting and distinguishing sources of sewage pollution in Australian inland and coastal waters and sediments. In: Molecular Markers in Environmental Geochemistry, (ed., Eganhouse R.), ACS Symposium Series, American Chemical Society, Washington D.C., pp. 306-319.

Lijklema, L., Koelmans, A.A., Portielje, R. (1993) Water quality impacts of sediment pollution and the role of early diagenesis. Water Sci Technol 28(8-9):1-12.

Lyons, B.P., Devlin, M.J., Abdul Hamid, S.A., Al-Otiabi, A.F., Al-Enezi, M., Massoud, M.S., Al-Sarawi, H.A. (2015) Microbial water quality and sedimentary faecal sterols as markers of sewage contamination in Kuwait. Mar Pollut Bull 100(2): 689-698.

Machado, K.S., Froehner, S., Sánez, J., Figueira, R.C.L., Ferreira, P.A.L. (2014) Assessment of historical fecal contamination in Curitiba, Brazil, in the last 400 years using fecal sterols. Sci Total Environ 493: 1065-1072.

Martins, C. de C., Fillmann, G., Montone, R.C. (2007) Natural and anthropogenic sterols inputs in surface sediments of Patos Lagoon, Brazil. J Brazil Chem Soc 18(1): 106-115.

Matić, I., Grujić, S., Jauković, Z., Laušević, M. (2014) Trace analysis of selected hormones and sterols in river sediments by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A 1364: 117-127.

Matić Bujagić, I., Grujić, S., Jauković, Z., Laušević, M. (2016) Sterol ratios as a tool for sewage pollution assessment of river sediments in Serbia. Environ Pollut 213: 76-83.

Mulabagal, V., Wilson, C., Hayworth, J.S. (2017) An ultrahigh-performance chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry quantitative method for trace analysis of potential endocrine disrupting steroid hormones in estuarine sediments. Rapid Commun Mass Spec 31(5): 419-429.

Okay, O.S., Pekey, H., Morkoc, E., Basak S., Baykal B. (2008). Metals in the surface sediments of Istanbul Strait (Turkey). J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng 43(14): 1725-34.

Owen, R.W., Tenneson, M.E., Bilton, R.F., Mason, A.N. (1978) The degradation of Cholesterol by Escherichia coli isolated from human faeces. Biochem Soc Trans 6(2): 377-379.

Ozseker, K. (2021) Toxic metal pollution and ecological risk estimation in the sediment around Hopa Harbor, Turkey (SE). Soil Air Water 49: 2000269.

Praveena, S.M., Hamin, N., Razak, S.Q.N.A., Aris, A.Z. (2016) Analysis of steroid estrogens in river sediment by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ıonization-mass spectrometry. Iran J Sci Technol A 42(2): 525-532.

Pusceddu, F.H., Sugauara, L.E., de Marchi, M.R., Choueri, R.B., Castro, İ.B. (2019) Estrogen levels in surface sediments from a multi-impacted Brazilian estuarine system. Mar Pollut Bull 142: 576-580.

Readman, J.W., Fillmann, G., Tolosa, I., Bartocci, J., Mee, L.D. (2005) The use of steroid markers to assess sewage contamination of the Black Sea. Mar Pollut Bull 50(3): 310-318.

Sangster, J.L., Oke, H., Zhang, Y., Bartelt-Hunt, S.L. (2015) The effect of particle size on sorption of estrogens, androgens and progestagens in aquatic sediment. J Hazard Mater 299: 112-121.

Santos, E.S., Carreira, R. da S., Knoppers, B.A. (2008) Sedimentary sterols as indicators of environmental conditions in Southeastern Guanabara Bay, Brazil. Braz J Oceanogr 56(2): 97-113.

Sojinu, S.O., Sonibare, O.O., Ekundayo, O., Zeng, E.Y. (2012) Assessing anthropogenic contamination in surface sediments of Niger Delta, Nigeria with fecal sterols and n-alkanes as indicators. Sci Total Environ 441: 89-96.

Streck, G. (2009) Chemical and biological analysis of estrogenic, progestagenic and androgenic steroids in the environment. Trac-Trend Anal Chem 28(6): 635-652.

Tolosa, I., Mesa, M., Alonso-Hernandez, C.M. (2014) Steroid markers to assess sewage and other sources of organic contaminants in surface sediments of Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba. Mar Pollut Bull 86(1-2): 84-90.

Unlu, S., Alpar, B. (2017) An Evaluation of Vanadium Enrichment in the Eastern Shelf Sediments of the Turkish Black Sea. IJEGEO 4(2): 128-138.

Venturini, N., Bícego, M.C., Taniguchi, S., Sasaki, S.T., García-Rodríguez, F., Brugnoli, E., Muniz, P. (2015) A multi-molecular marker assessment of organic pollution in shore sediments from the Río de la Plata Estuary, SW Atlantic. Mar Pollut Bull 91(2): 461-475.

Wangmo, C., Jarque, S., Hilscherová, K., Bláha, L., Bittner, M. (2018) In vitro assessment of sex steroids and related compounds in water and sediments – a critical review. Environ Sci: Proc Imp 20(2): 270-287.

Ying, G.-G., Kookana, R.S., Ru, Y.-J. (2002) Occurrence and fate of hormone steroids in the environment. Environ Int 28(6): 545-551.

Zhang, Z., Ren, N., Kannan, K., Nan, J., Liu, L., Ma, W., Li, Y. (2014) Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting phenols and estrogens in water and sediment of the Songhua River, Northeastern China. Arch Environ Con Tox 66(3): 361-369.

 

 

A suggestion to improve navigational safety in the Strait of Istanbul (Bosphorus): Patrol tugs

 Gizem Kodak, Cahit İstikbal

 ORCID IDs: G.K. 0000-0002-1845-7901; C.İ. 0000-0002-5020-1025

Istanbul Technical University, Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Climate and Marine Sciences Department, 34469, Maslak / Istanbul, TURKEY
University of Kyrenia, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Maritime Transportation Management Engineering Department, Kyrenia, NORTHERN CYPRUS
Maritime Transportation and Management Engineer and Chief Pilot, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport Maritime Affairs and Communications, Directorate General of Coastal Safety, Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

The Strait of Istanbul, which connects the Black Sea countries and the rest of the world, is the second busiest waterway in the world. In addition to intensive maritime traffic, the increased risk of accidents is alarming, given the environmental factors that complicate the navigation of the vessels. Historical data and literature review have shown that there is room for improvement with regard to measures taken to ensure the safe navigation in order to prevent accidents in the Strait of Istanbul. In this respect, determining the characteristics of past maritime accidents and identifying risky areas is vital to improve the level of safety. In this study, the temporal and spatial profile of maritime accidents that occurred in the Strait of Istanbul in the 2006-2015 period have been examined simultaneously with the variables of hourly wind speed and wind direction in the region. Results that were obtained indicate that accidents impending to happen can be prevented in the Strait of Istanbul if the patrol tugs take action when the ships were experiencing breakdown and/or navigational difficulties. The effectiveness, response time and response options of the proposed patrol tugboats were evaluated in two different scenarios where ship and currents are parallel and anti-parallel.

Keywords: Maritime policy, safety navigation, patrol tugs

References

Acarer, T. (2018) Review of GMDSS Legislation on VHF EPIRB Device and Alternative Legislation Suggestions. Social Sciences Research Journal 7(2): 126-150. (in Turkish)

Altan, Y.C. (2017) Analysis and Modeling of Maritime Traffic and Ship Collision in the Strait of Istanbul Based on Automatic Vessel Tracking System. PhD Thesis, Graduate Program in Civil Engineering Boğaziçi University, Istanbul.

Arslan, O. (2014) The Evaluation of Trend Analysis of Vessels that Pass-Through Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits. MSc. Thesis, Karadeniz Technical University, The Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering Graduate Program, Trabzon.

Arslan, Ö., Turan, O. (2009) Analytical investigation of marine casualties at the Strait of Istanbul with SWOT–AHP method. Maritime Policy & Management 36(2): 131-145.

Aşan, C., Özsoy, B., Şıhmantepe, A., Solmaz, M.S. (2020) A case study on oil pollution in Istanbul Strait: Revisiting 1994 Nassia tanker accident by utilising Potential Incident Simulation Control and Evaluation System (PISCES-II) simulation. What would be different in terms of response if Nassia accident happened today?. Marine Pollution Bulletin 151: 110813.

Atasoy, C. (2008) Investigation of Local Traffic in Istanbul Strait. MSc. Thesis, Istanbul Technical University, Graduate School of Science Engineering and Technology, Istanbul.

Butt, N., Johnson, D., Pike, K., Pryce-Roberts, N., Vigar, N. (2012) 15 Years of Shipping Accidents: A Review for WWF. Southampton Solent University, Available at:  http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/15_years_of_shipping_accidents_a_review_for_wwf_.pdf (accessed 20 Apr 2021)

Coleman, D. (2015) Box Plot with Minitab. Available at: https://www.leansigmacorporation.com/box-plot-with-minitab/ (accessed 08 Nov 2021)

DNV (2013) Det Nortske Veritas. Report Escort Tug Effectiveness in the Bosphorus Strait, Chevron Products UK LTD, REPORT NO./DNV REG NO.: 2013-9178 / 1-6YRAF0, REV 1, 2013-04-25.

DTGM (2018) Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Directorate General of Merchant Marine, Available at: https://atlantis.udhb.gov.tr/istatistik/gemi_gecis.aspx (accessed 8 Mar 2021)

Eleftheria, E., Apostolos, P., Markos, V. (2016) Statistical analysis of ship accidents and review of safety level. Safety Science 85: 282-292.

ICS (2020) International Chamber of Shipping Description of the Subject – International Chamber of Shipping. Available at: http://en.reingex.com/Chamber-Shipping.shtml#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20International,transporting%20all%20types%20of%20cargo (accessed 03 Nov 2020)

IMO Recommendations (1995) Routing Measures Other Than Traffic Separation Schemes, Rules and Recommendations on Navigation Through the Strait of Istanbul, the Strait of Çanakkale and the Marmara Sea. Assembly Resolution A. 827(19), Annex 2. 1995.

ITOPF (2018) The International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited, Oil Tanker Spill Statistics 2018, Major Oil Spills, Top 20 Major Spills Table, Available at: https://www.itopf.org/knowledge-resources/data-statistics/statistics (Accessed 12 May 2021)

İnan, M. (2011) Effects of Istanbul Strait and Northeast of Marmara Sea Based Ship Accidents on the Marine Environment. Master Thesis, Istanbul University Institute of Marine Sciences and Management, Istanbul.

İstikbal, C. (2006) Turkish Straits: Difficulties and The Importance Of Pilotage. In: The Turkish Straits: Maritime Safety, Legal and Environmental Aspects, (eds., Ozturk, B., Oral, N.), Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Istanbul, p. 66 – 80.

İstikbal, C. (2020) Strait of Istanbul, major accidents and abolishment of left-hand side navigation. Aquatic Research 3(1): 40-65.

KEGM (2020) Directorate General of Coastal Safety, “Turkish Straits Ship Passing Statistics ”, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Maritime Statistics, (in Turkish) http://www.kiyiemniyeti.gov.tr/resmi_istatistikler https://atlantis.udhb.gov.tr/istatistik/gemi_gecis.aspx (accessed 20 Jun 2021)

Keçeci, T. (2010) Analysis of the Effects of Ship Length Factor to Safe Navigation in the Strait of Istanbul by Using the AHP Method. MSc Thesis, Istanbul Technical University, Graduate School of Science Engineering and Technology, Istanbul, 2010

Kodak, G. (2021) The role of international maritime traffic on PM10 pollutant in the Strait of Istanbul (Bosphorus). International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics (IJEGEO) 9(3): 036-047.

Kodak, G., Acarer, T. (2021) Evaluation of the effect of maritime traffic regulations on the accident rate in the strait of Istanbul. Aquatic Research 4(2): 181-207.

Kulkarnia, K., Goerlandtb, F., Lic, J., Bandaa, O.V.P., Kujala, P. (2020) Preventing shipping accidents: Past, present, and future of waterway risk management with Baltic Sea focus. Safety Science 129: 104798.

Küçükosmanoğlu, A. (2012) Maritime Accidents Forecast Model for Bosphorus, Ph.D Thesis, Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering.

Küçükyıldız, M.Ç. (2014) The Effects of Oil Tanker Accidents to the Marine Environment and Compensation System. Thesis of Maritime Expert, Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications.

Maritime Traffic Regulations for the Turkish Straits (1998) Official Gazette: 23515, 06 November 1998. Available at: http://www.vda.org.tr/upload/duyuru/TÜRK%20BOĞAZLARI%20DENİZ%20TRAFİK%20DÜZENİ%20YÖNETMELİĞİ%20İNGİLİZCE%202019.pdf (accessed 08 Oct 2021)

Maritime Local Traffic Guide of Harbor Master of Istanbul (2011) Date retrieved: 9.12.2019, for the original full text of the “Maritime Local Traffic Guide of Harbor Master of Istanbul in Turkish language, address: Guide of Harbor Master of Istanbul in Turkish language, Available at:  http://denizmevzuat.udhb.gov.tr/dosyam/%C4%B0STANBUL%20L%C4%B0MAN%20B%C5%9EKANLI%C4%9EI%20YEREL%20DEN%C4%B0Z%20TRAF%C4%B0%C4%9%C4%B0%20REHBER%C4%B0.doc (Accessed 5 May 2021)

Musaoğlu, N., Tanık, A., Dikerler, T., Buhur, S. (2015) Use of remote sensing and geographic information systems in the determination of high-risk areas regarding marine traffic in the Istanbul Strait. Environmental Hazards 14(1): 54-73.

MSRCC (2019) Republic of Turkey Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Main Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Available at: http://aakkm.udhb.gov.tr/ (accessed 02 May 2021)

Özbaş, B. (2010) Risk Analysis Study of Maritime Traffic in the Strait of Istanbul, Ph.D. Thesis, Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Boğaziçi University.

Özbaş, B., Or, İ., Altıok, T. (2013) Comprehensive scenario analysis for mitigation of risks of the maritime traffic in the Strait of Istanbul. Journal of Risk Research 16(5): 541-561.

Özdemir, M. (2019) Spatial Analysis and Evaluation of Ship Accidents Occurred in Turkish Straits. MSc Thesis, Karadeniz Technical University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering Graduate Program, Trabzon.

Özsoy, E. (2016) Introduction to geographical, historical and scientific importance of the Turkish Straits System. In: The Sea of Marmara, Marine Biodiversity, Fisheries, Conservation and Governance (ed., Öztürk, B.), Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Publication No: 42, Istanbul.

Puisa, R., Lin, L., Bolbot, V., Vassalos, D. (2018) Unravelling causal factors of maritime incidents and accidents. Safety Science 110(Part A): 124-141.

Qu, X., Meng, Q., Suyi, L. (2011) Ship collision risk assessment for the Singapore Strait. Accident Analysis and Prevention 43(2011): 2030-2036.

Şirin, Ö. (2018) Risk Analysis and Modeling of the Maritime Traffic in the Strait of Istanbul, Ph.D. Thesis, Graduate Program in Industrial Engineering, Boğaziçi University.

Taşan, M. (2019) Analysing Passages and Passages Times of Ships from Turkish Straits. Master Thesis, Istanbul Technical University, Graduate School of Science Engineering and Technology, Istanbul.

Topakoğlu, L. (2004) Environmental Risk Assessment of Maritime Oil Transport in the Strait of Istanbul. MSc Thesis, Istanbul Technical University, Graduate School of Science Engineering and Technology, Istanbul.

Turkish Navy (1990) Istanbul Strait Current Profiles. Turkish Navy publications, Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkish Straits Navigation Guide (2015) Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography, Istanbul.

UNCTAD/ RMT/ (2018) Review of Maritime Transport 2018. United Nations publication issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD: Geneva, Switzerland, Available at: https://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/rmt2018_en.pdf (accessed 07 May 2021)

User’s Guide of Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Services (2018) Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Transport And Infrastructure Directorate General Of Coastal Safety. Available at:  https://kiyiemniyeti.gov.tr/Data/1/Files/Document/Documents/9S/6R/yY/wu/TSVTS_User_Guide_21.05.20.pdf (accessed 12 Dec 2021)

Zaman, M.B., Kobayashi, E., Wakabayashi, N., Maimun, A. (2015) Risk of navigation for marine traffic in the Malacca Strait using AIS, 2nd International Seminar on Ocean and Coastal Engineering, Environment and Natural Disaster Management, ISOCEEN 2014. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 14: 33-40.

Chapters from the life story of common angel shark, Squatina squatina, from Turkish waters: a historical, ethnoichthyological and contemporary approach to a little-known shark species

Hakan Kabasakal

ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8189-9748

Ichthyological Research Society, Tantavi mah., Menteşoğlu cad., İdil ap., No: 30, D: 4, 34764 Ümraniye, İstanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

This is a case study of integrating historical data, folk knowledge and contemporary survey findings to provide a better understanding of a little-known shark species, Squatina squatina, of which our current knowledge is mostly based on opportunistic research on sporadic specimens. Collected data show the beginning of a clear decline of the species in the 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in the Sea of Marmara. However, there are a substantial number of reports that the species aggregates seasonally, especially in winter, in certain regions (hot spots) along the Turkish coast. Large (>200 cm TL) specimens of S. squatina also occurred in Turkish waters until the early 1980s. Squatina squatina is a critically endangered shark. Its seasonal aggregations may result in the perception of “false abundance” in the mindset of fishermen or divers, which may trigger the fishery of the common angel shark. Therefore, effective conservation of angel sharks clearly demands an integrated management plan, including a fishing ban and habitat protection, where the angel sharks are known to aggregate seasonally.

Keywords: Chondrichthyans, Squatinidae, aggregations, hot spots, conservation, management

References

Abudaya, M., Ulman, A., Salah, J., Fernando, D., Wor, C., Notarbartolo di Sciara, G. (2017) Speak of the devil ray (Mobula mobular) fishery in Gaza. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 28: 229-239.

Akşıray, F. (1987) Marine Fishes of Turkish Seas and Identification Key, 2nd edn. Publication No. 3490. Istanbul, Istanbul University. (in Turkish).

Akyol, O., Ünal V., Capapé, C. (2015) Occurrence and biological observations on angel shark Squatina squatina (Chondrichthyes: Squatinidae) from the Turkish Waters (Eastern Mediterranean). Turk J Fish Aquat Sci 15: 951-955.

Bariche, M. (2012) Field Identification Guide to the Living Marine Resources of the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. FAO, Rome.

Başusta, N., Erdem, Ü., Çevik, C. (1998) An investigation on chondrichthyes in İskenderun Bay. Celal Bayar University Journal of Science 1: 63-69

Bellonii, P. (1553) De aquatilibus, Librio duo. Cum eiconibus ad viuam ipforum effigiem, quoad eius fieri potuit, expreffis. Cum priuilegio Regis, Paris.

Bengil, E.G.T. (2020) Can opportunistic methodologies provide information on elasmobranchs? A case study from seas around Turkey. JWB 4: 68-77.

Bengil, E.G.T., Başusta, N. (2018) Chondrichthyan species as bycatch: a review on species inhabiting Turkish waters. J Black Sea/Medit Environ 24: 288-305.

Bilecenoğlu, M., Kaya, M., Cihangir, B., Çiçek, E. (2014) An updated checklist of the marine fishes of Turkey. Turk J Zool 38: 901-929.

Bi̇lecenoğlu, M., Taskavak, E., Mater, S., Kaya, M. (2002) Checklist of the marine fishes of Turkey. Zootaxa 113: 1-194.

Camhi, M., Fowler, S.L., Musick, J.A., Bräutigam, A., Fordham, S.V. (1998) Sharks and Their Relatives – Ecology and Conservation. IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. iv + 39 pp.

Capapé, C., Quignard, J.P., Mellinger, J. (1990) Reproduction and development of two angel sharks, Squatina squatina and S. oculata (Pisces: Squatinidae), off Tunisian coasts: semi-delayed vitellogenesis, lack of egg capsules, and lecithotrophy. J Fish Biol 37: 347-356.

Carus, J.V. (1889-1893) Prodromus Faunae Mediterraneae, Vol. 2. E. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagshandlung (E. Koch), Stuttgart.

Couturier, L.I.E., Bennett, M.B., Richardson, A.J. (2013) Mystery of giant rays off the Gaza strip solved. Oryx 47: 479-482.

Deveciyan, K. (1926) Pêche et Pêcheries en Turquie. Imprimerie de L’Administration de la Dette Publique Ottomane, Istanbul.

Ebert, D.A., Stehmann, M.F.W. (2013) Sharks, Batoids and Chimaeras of the North Atlantic. FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes. No. 7. FAO, Rome.

Filiz, H. (2018) Year-round aggregation of sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827), in Boncuk Cove in the southern Aegean Sea, Turkey (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae). Zoology in the Middle East doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2018.1540148.

Filiz, H., Yapıcı, S., Bilge, G. (2018) Chondrichthyan fishes in catch composition of the bottom trawl fishery on the coast of Didim, Turkey. J Black Sea/Medit Environ 24: 28-37.

Fortibuoni, T., Borme, D., Franceschini, G., Giovanardi, O., Raicevich, S. (2016) Common, rare or extirpated? Shifting baselines for common angelshark, Squatina squatina (Elasmobranchii: Squatinidae), in the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Hydrobiologia doi: 10.1007/s10750-016-2671-4.

Froese, R., Pauly, D. (2021) FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. Squatina squatina. Available at: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Squatina-squatina (accessed 8 October 2021).

Golani, D., Öztürk, B., Başusta, N. (2005) The Fishes of the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey.

Gordon, C.A., Hood, A.R., Al Mabruk, S. A.A., Barker, J., Bartolí, A., Ben Abdelhamid, S., Bradai, M.N., Dulvy, N.K., Fortibuoni, T., Giovos, I., Jimenez Alvarado, D., Meyers, E.K.M., Morey, G., Niedermuller, S., Pauly, A., Serena, F., Vacchi, M. (2019) Mediterranean Angel Sharks: Regional Action Plan. The Shark Trust, United Kingdom. 36 pp.

Holcer, D., Lazar, B. (2017) New data on the occurrence of the critically endangered common angelshark, Squatina squatina, in the Croatian Adriatic Sea. Nat Croat 26: 313-320.

Işık, K. (2011) Rare and endemic species: why are they prone to extinction? Turk J Bot 35: 411-417.

İşmen, A., Yığın, C.Ç., Altınağaç, U., Ayaz, A. (2009) Length-weight relationships for ten shark species from Saros Bay (North Aegean Sea). J Appl Ichthyol 25 (Suppl. 1): 109-112.

Kabasakal, H. (2002) Elasmobranch species of the seas of Turkey. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 12: 15-22.

Kabasakal, H. (2003) Historical and contemporary records of sharks from the Sea of Marmara. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 13: 1-12.

Kabasakal, H. (2019) Finally under protection! Status of the angel shark, Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) in Turkish seas, with notes on a recent sighting and incidental captures. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 29: 17-24.

Kabasakal, H. (2020) A Field Guide to the Sharks of Turkish Waters. Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) Publication No: 55, Istanbul, Turkey.

Kabasakal, H., Kabasakal, E. (2004) Sharks captured by commercial fishing vessels off the coast of Turkey in the northern Aegean Sea. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 14: 171-180.

Kabasakal, H., Kabasakal, Ö. (2014) Status of angelshark, Squatina squatina (Elasmobranchii: Squatiniformes: Squatinidae) in the Sea of Marmara. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 24: 41-46.

Kabasakal, H., Karhan, S.Ü., Sakınan, S. (2017) Review of the distribution of large sharks in the seas of Turkey (Eastern Mediterranean). Cah Biol Mar 58: 219-228.

Keskin, Ç., Eryılmaz, L. (2010) Fish fauna of the Sea of Marmara and demersal fish assemblages. In: Proceedings of the Symposium of the Marmara Sea, (eds. Öztürk, B.), Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Publication No. 32, Istanbul, Turkey, pp. 239-311.

Mater, S., Meriç, N. (1995) Marine Fishes. In: Check-list of Vertebrate Species of Turkey, (eds., Kence, A., Bilgin, C.C.) TÜBİTAK, Ankara. pp. 129-172. In Turkish.

Meyers, E.K.M., Tuya, F., Barker, J., Alvarado, D.J., Castro-Hernández, J.J., Haroun, R., Rödder, D. (2017) Population structure, distribution and habitat use of the critically endangered angelshark, Squatina squatina, in the Canary Islands. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst 27: 1133-1144.

Morey, G., Barker, J., Hood, A., Gordon, C., Bartolí, A., Meyers, E.K.M., Ellis, J., Sharp, R., Jimenez-Alvarado, D., Pollom, R. (2019) Squatina squatina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T39332A117498371. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T39332A117498371.en

Ninni, E. (1923) Primo contributo allo studio dei pesci e della pesca nelle acque dell’impero Ottomano. Missione Italiana per l’Esplorazione dei Mari di Levante. Premiate Officine Grafiche Carlo Ferrari, Venezia.

Olden, J.D., Poff, N.L., Bestgen, K.R. (2008) Trait synergisms and the rarity, extirpation, and extinction risk of desert fishes. Ecology 89: 847-856.

Öztürk, B. (2018) National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. J Black Sea/Medit Environ 24: 91-96.

Rhasis Erazi, R.A. (1942) Marine fishes found in the Sea of Marmara and in the Bosphorus. Revue de la Faculté des Sciences de l’Université d’Istanbul, B, 7: 103-115.

Serena, F. (2005) Field Identification Guide to the Sharks and Rays of the Mediterranean and Black Sea. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes, FAO, Rome.

Serena, F., Abella, A.J., Bargnesi, F., Barone, M., Colloca, F., Ferretti, F., Fiorentino, F., Jenrette, J., Moro, S. (2020) Species diversity, taxonomy and distribution of Chondrichthyes in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Eur Zool J 87: 497-536.

Silvano, R.A.M., Begossi, A. (2002) Ethnoichthyology and fish conservation in the Piracicaba River (Brazil). J Ethnobiol 22: 285-306.

Soldo, A. (2021) The occurrence of the common angel shark Squatina squatina in the Adriatic Sea. ANNALES Ser Hist Nat 31: 37-44.

Tortonese, E. (1956) Leptocardia, Cyclostomata, Selachii. Fauna d’Italia. Calderini, Bologna.

Tsikliras, A.C., Dimarchopoulou, D. (2021) Filling in knowledge gaps: Length-weight relations of 46 uncommon sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii) in the Mediterranean Sea. AIeP 51: 249-255.

TÜİK (2020) https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Su-Urunleri-2020-37252 (accessed 14 September 2021).

Ulman, A., Zengin, M., Demirel, N., Pauly, D. (2020) The lost fish of Turkey: A recent history of disappeared species and commercial fishery extinctions for the Turkish Marmara and Black Seas. Frontiers in Marine Science 7. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00650.

Yağlıoğlu, D., Deniz, T., Gürlek, M., Ergüden, D., Turan, C. (2015) Elasmobranch bycatch in a bottom trawl fishery in the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean. Cah Biol Mar 56: 237-243.

Yığın, C.Ç., İşmen, A., Daban, B., Cabbar, K., Önal, U. (2019) Recent findings of rare sharks, Squatina oculata Bonaparte, 1840 and Squatina squatina (Linnaeus, 1758) from Gökçeada Island, Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey. J Black Sea / Medit Environ 25(3): 305-314.

Stranding records of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) on the Turkish coast in 2019-2020 with a note on the opportunistic sampling of stomach content

Arda M. Tonay, Ayaka A. Öztürk, Alp Salman, Ayhan Dede, Işıl Aytemiz Danyer, Erdem Danyer, Bayram Öztürk

ORCID IDs: A.M.T. 0000-0003-2718-9328; A.A.Ö. 0000-0003-2281-7372; A.S. 0000-0002-2853-6507; A.D. 0000-0002-7712-615X;
I.A.D. 0000-0003-4658-1819; E.D. 0000-0002-7922-7384; B.Ö. 0000-0001-7844-2448

Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, Ordu Cad. No: 8, 34470, Fatih, Istanbul, TURKEY
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), P.O. Box: 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TURKEY
Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Erzene Mah., 35100 Bornova, İzmir, TURKEY
Veterinary Control Central Research Institute, 06020, Etlik, Ankara, TURKEY

Abstract

Three sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) strandings are reported from the Turkish Mediterranean coast between 2019 and 2020. The first individual was a juvenile found in July 2019 near Fethiye, in the west. The second individual, a neonate, stranded in Adana in the east, on 10 August 2020. The third case, a sub-adult/adult, stranded on the beach of Antalya, in the west on 14 August 2020. It was buried on the beach and excavated about two months later. During the excavation, a hard plastic food container was found, which contained cephalopod beaks and other plastics providing an opportunity for partial stomach content analysis. A total of 60 lower beaks were identified belonging to eight species. Umbrella squid Histioteuthis bonnellii was dominant, representing 30% of beaks encountered. Dry total weight of four plastics (hard plastic container, nylon bag, 1.5L PET bottle and packaging item) was 197.2 g. This opportunistic sampling allowed us to collect information on the stomach contents of this creature, which is rarely stranded on the Turkish and eastern Mediterranean coasts. Dietary studies on stranded marine animals are of great importance in monitoring environmental plastic levels and impacts on wildlife in this region. In the last 50 years, six sperm whales stranded on the Turkish coasts, five of them in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, which implies that this area is probably close to sperm whale habitats. Improvement of the stranding network as well as surveys for the distribution and abundance of this species to elaborate and implement effective conservation measures are recommended.

Keywords: Sperm whale, cetacean stranding, stomach content, plastics, eastern Mediterranean Sea, Levantine Sea

References

ACCOBAMS (2021) Estimates of abundance and distribution of cetaceans, marine mega-fauna and marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea from 2018-2019 surveys. (eds., Panigada, S., Boisseau, O., Canadas, A., Lambert, C., Laran, S., McLanaghan, R., Moscrop, A.) ACCOBAMS – ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative Project, Monaco, 177 pp.

Akkaya, A., Lyne, P., Schulz, X., Awbery, T., Capitain, S., Rosell, B. F.,Yıldırım, B., lkılınç, C., Vigliano Relva J., Clark, H., van Walsum, L., Gordon, J. (2020) Preliminary results of cetacean sightings in the eastern Mediterranean Sea of Turkey. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 26(1): 26-47.

Alexiadou, P., Foskolos, I., Frantzis, A. (2019) Ingestion of macroplastics by Odontocetes of the Greek Seas, Eastern Mediterranean: Often deadly!. Marine Pollution Bulletin 146: 67-75.

Anonymous (2017) 12-meter giant stranded the shore in Hatay. Milliyet Newspaper Available at: https://www.milliyet.com.tr/galeri/12-metrelik-dev-hatayda-kiyiya-vurdu-430136/2 (accessed 25 Agu. 2021) (in Turkish)

Boisseau, O., Lacey, C., Lewis, T., Moscrop, A., Danbolt, M., McLanaghan, R. (2010) Encounter rates of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic area. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 90(8): 1589-1599.

Clarke, M.R. (1986) A Handbook for the Identification of Cephalopod bBeaks. Clarendon Press, London Press, Oxford: xiii + 273 pp.

Dede, A., Saad, A., Fakhri, M., Öztürk, B. (2012) Cetacean sightings in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during the cruise in summer 2008. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 18(1): 49-57

Dede, A., Salman, A., Tonay, A.M. (2016) Stomach contents of by-caught striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 96(4): 869-875.

De Stephanis, R., Giménez, J., Carpinelli, E., Gutierrez-Exposito, C., Cañadas, A. (2013) As main meal for sperm whales: Plastics debris. Marine Pollution Bulletin 69(1-2): 206-214.

Duncan, E.M., Arrowsmith, J.A., Bain, C.E., Bowdery, H., Broderick, A.C., Chalmers, T., Fuller, W.J., Galloway, T.S., Lee, J.H., Lindeque, P.K., Omeyer, L.C.M., Snape, R.T.E., Godley, B.J. (2019) Diet-related selectivity of macroplastic ingestion in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the eastern Mediterranean. Scientific Reports 9: 11581.

Foskolos, I., Koutouzi, N., Polychronidis, L., Alexiadou, P., Frantzis, A. (2020) A taste for squid: the diet of sperm whales stranded in Greece, Eastern Mediterranean. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 155: 103164.

Frantzis, A. (2009) Cetaceans in Greece: Present status of Knowledge. Initiative for the Conservation of Cetaceans in Greece, Athens, Greece, 94 pp.

Frantzis, A., Alexiadou, P., Gkikopoulou, K.C. (2014) Sperm whale occurrence, site fidelity and population structure along the Hellenic Trench (Greece, Mediterranean Sea). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 24(S1): 83-102.

Frantzis, A., Leaper, R., Alexiadou, P., Prospathopoulos, A., Lekkas, D. (2019) Shipping routes through core habitat of endangered sperm whales along the Hellenic Trench, Greece: Can we reduce collision risks? PLoS ONE 14(2): e0212016

Garibaldi, F., Podestà, M. (2014) Stomach contents of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) stranded in Italy (Ligurian Sea, north-western Mediterranean). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 94: 1087-1091.

Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A., Pitman, R. (2015). Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification. Elsevier, UK.

Kesici, N.B., Dalyan, C., Gönülal, O., Akkaya, A., Lyne, P., Tüzün, S., Yıldırım, B. (2021) A preliminary study on marine top predators inhabiting Gökçeada Island, the North Aegean Sea. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 27(1): 34-48.

Kinzelbach, R. (1986) The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Zoology in the Middle East 1: 15˗17.

Lewis, T., Boisseau, O., Danbolt, M., Gillespie, D., Lacey, C., Leaper, R., Matthews, J., McLanaghan, R., Moscrop, A. (2018) Abundance estimates for sperm whales in the Mediterranean Sea from acoustic line-transect surveys. J Cetacean Res Manage 18: 103-117.

Liubartseva, S., Coppini, G., Lecci, R., Clementi, E. (2018) Tracking plastics in the Mediterranean: 2D Lagrangian model. Marine Pollution Bulletin 129(1): 151-162.

Lu, C.C., Ickeringill, R. (2002) Cephalopod beak identification and biomass estimation techniques: tool for dietary studies of southern. Museum Victoria Science Reports 6: 1-65.

Mazzariol, S., Di Guardo, G., Petrella, A., Marsili, L., Fossi, C.M., Leonzio, C., Zizzo, N., Vizzini, S., Gaspari, S., Pavan, G., Podestà, M., Garibaldi, F., Ferrante, M., Copat, C., Traversa, D., Marcer, F., Airoldi, S., Frantzis, A., de Beraldo Quirós, Y., Cozzi, B., Fernández, A. (2011) Sometimes sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) cannot find their way back to the high seas: a multidisciplinary study on a mass stranding. PLoS ONE e19417.

Nortarbartolo di Sciara, G., Birkun, A.Jr. (2010) Conserving Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises in the Mediterranean and Black Seas: an ACCOBAMS Status Report, 2010. ACCOBAMS, Monaco, 212 p.

Notarbartolo Di Sciara, G., Frantzis, A., Bearzi, G., Reeves, R.R. (2012) Physeter microcephalus Mediterranean subpopulation, in: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012. p. e.T16370739A16370477.

Öztürk, A.A. Tonay, A.M., Dede, A. (2013) Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings in the Aegean and Mediterranean part of Turkish waters. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 19(2): 168-176.

Öztürk, B. (1996) Whales and Dolphins, Introduction to Cetology. Anahtar Kitapları Yayınevi, Istanbul. 136 pp. (in Turkish).

Öztürk, B. (2009) Marine protected areas in the high seas of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean Seas, some proposals. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 15: 69-82.

Öztürk, B., Öztürk, A.A. (1998) Cetacean strandings in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. Rapp Comm int Mer Medit 35: 476˗477.

Özturk, B., Salman, A., Özturk, A.A., Tonay, A. (2007) Cephalopod remains in the diet of stripped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso’s dolphins (Gramphus griseus) in the eastern Mediteranean Sea. Vie et Milieu 57: 53-59

Öztürk, B., Topçu, E., Topaloglu, B. (2012) The submarine canyons of the Rhodes basin and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. In: Mediterranean Submarine Canyons: Ecology and Governance, (ed., Würtz, M. ) IUCN, pp. 65-71.

Poeta, G., Staffieri, E., Acosta, A.T.R., Battisti, C. (2017) Ecological effects of anthropogenic litter on marine mammals: a global review with a “black-list” of impacted taxa. Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy 28: 253-264.

Perrin, W.F., Geraci, J.R. (2009) Stranding In: Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. (eds., Perrin, W.F., Würsig, B., Thewissen, G.M.) Second edition, Academic Press, pp. 1118-1123.

Provencher, J.F., Bond, A.L., Avery-Gomm, S., Borrelle, S.B., Bravo Rebolledo, E.L., Hammer, S., Kühn, S., Lavers, J.L., Mallory, M.L., Trevail, A., van Franeker, J.A. (2017) Quantifying ingested debris in marine megafauna: a review and recommendations for standardization. Anal Methods 9: 1454-1469.

Redman, N. (2014) Whales’ Bones of France, Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Redman Publishing, Teddington, England.

Rendell, L., Frantzis, A. (2016) Mediterranean sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus: the precarious state of a lost tribe. Advances in Marine Biology 75: 37-74.

Roberts, M.S. (2003) Examination of the stomach contents from a Mediterranean sperm whale found south of Crete, Greece. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 83: 667-670.

Rowles, T.K., Van Dolah, F.M., Hohn, A.A. (2001) Gross necropsy and specimen collection protocols. In: CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine, (eds., Dierauf, L.A., Gulland, F.M.D.). 2nd edition. CRC Press, New York., pp. 449-470.

Ryan, C., Cucknell, A.C., Romagosa, M., Boisseau, O., Moscrop, A., Frantzis, A., McLanaghan, R. (2014) A visual and acoustic survey for marine mammals in the eastern Mediterranean Sea during summer 2013. Marine Conservation Research International, UK, 56p.

Salman, A., Çelik, E. (2017) Cephalopods beaks in the stomach contents of the upper predators in the Turkish seas. In: Turkey Deep Sea Ecosystem Workshop Proceedings, (eds., Gönülal, O., Öztürk, B., Başusta, N.), Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Publication no: 45, İstanbul, Turkey, pp. 28-47.

Simard, F., Würtz, M. (2012) Approaching the conservation issues of the Mediterranean submarine canyons. In: Mediterranean Submarine Canyons: Ecology and Governance, (ed., Würtz, M.), IUCN, pp. 207-211.

Snape, R.T.E., Çiçek, B.A., Hadjioannou, L., Öztürk, A.A., Beton, D. (2020) Two sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings in Cyprus from social media. Journal of the Black Sea/Medit Environ 26(2): 238-248.

Toynbee, J. M. C. (1985) Animals in Roman Life and Art. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, N. Y., [1973] 431 pp.

Xavier, J.C., Cherel, Y. (2009) Cephalopod Beak Guide for the Southern Ocean. British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, U.K., 129 pp.

Introductory pages 

Stranding records of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) on the Turkish coast in 2019-2020 with a note on the opportunistic sampling of stomach content
Arda M. Tonay, Ayaka A. Öztürk, Alp Salman, Ayhan Dede, Işıl Aytemiz Danyer, Erdem Danyer , Bayram Öztürk

A suggestion to improve navigational safety in the Strait of Istanbul (Bosphorus): Patrol tugs
Gizem Kodak, Cahit İstikbal

Chapters from the life story of common angel shark, Squatina squatina, from Turkish waters: a historical, ethnoichthyological and contemporary approach to a little-known shark species
Hakan Kabasakal

Determination of selected steroid compounds in sediment samples from Golden Horn Estuary (the Sea of Marmara, Turkey) using LC-ESI/MS-MS
Duygu Aydoğan, Türkan Yurdun

First record of pearlfish (Carapus acus) in the western Algerian coast
Karim Mezali, Ihcene Khodja

Photographic documentation of tope shark, Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the Istanbul Strait: Reoccurrence of a rare shark in troubled waters
Hakan Kabasakal, Kenan Fuat Türetken

On the presence of Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 in the Greek waters (eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Vasileios Minasidis, Alexandros Kaminas

 

First record of Leucothea multicornis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) (Ctenophora: Lobota: Leucotheidae) in the Lebanese coastal waters, eastern Mediterranean Sea – CORRIGENDUM

Ghazi Bitar, Ali Badreddine

Published by J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment: Vol. 27, No. 1: 117-120 (2021)

Abstract

After the publication of our work, it has been realized that we have erroneously identified the species mentioned in our paper. The investigation of the specimen photos defined critical and distinguished morphological characters, generally not present in Leucothea multicornis (mentioned in our article), represented by the position of the oral lobe begins nearest the aboral extremity of the specimen, and forming long grooves along the animal body (pers. comm. O.M.P. Oliveira). Furthermore, the presence of papillae on the body of the specimen mentioned in the description of the species corresponds to the typical warts of the adult specimen of Mnemiopsis leidyi found in marine waters (out of estuaries), as papillae distinguishing L. multicornis are bigger and more conspicuous (pers. comm. O.M.P. Oliveira). As a result, the species mentioned in our paper was identified as an invader comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi (A. Agassiz, 1865), which is already present in the Lebanese waters. We apologize for the error and for any inconvenience this may have caused.