Vol.30 – 2024 – No.3

An old Mediterranean record of Gaidropsarus granti (Regan, 1903)

Carlo Pipitone, Giovanni D’Anna

ORCID IDs: C.P. 0000-0002-7632-1228; G.D. 0000-0002-8644-8222

CNR-IAS, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo 4521, 90149 Palermo, ITALY
NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Centre, Palermo, ITALY
CNR-IAS, via Giovanni da Verrazzano 17, 91014 Castellammare del Golfo, ITALY

Abstract

Two individuals of a rare fish species, Gaidropsarus granti, were collected in 1991 in the central Mediterranean Sea at 450 m depth. This species is considered typical of seamounts and deep-coral habitats, although it has been occasionally collected on soft bottoms. The insufficient records do not allow to ascertain its biogeographical status, and it is generally considered as a cryptogenic species. The present finding should be considered chronologically the third record of G. granti from the Mediterranean.

Keywords: Grant’s rockling, seamounts, fish fauna, Strait of Sicily

Pages: 183-189

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Legally protected species in Turkish Seas according to the fisheries legislation between 1973-2023 and some recommendations

Nuri Başusta, Orhun Hisli, Arda M. Tonay, Güneş Yamaner, Onur Gönülal, Cansu Saraçoğlu, Oğuz Türkozan, 
Tancrède Barraud, Rıdvan Kaan Gürses

ORCID IDs: N.B. 0000-0002-4260-4772; O.H. 0000- 0002-9102-4125; A.M.T. 0000-0003-2718-9328; G.Y. 000-0003-1886-4985; O.G. 0000-0002-5559-3953; C.S. 0000-0002-1092-38; O.T. 0000-0001-6889-7908; T.B. 0000-0001-6621-0922; R.K.G. 0000-0001-5951-2308

Faculty of Fisheries, Fırat University, 23119 Elâzığ Merkez/Elazığ, TÜRKİYE
Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences, İstanbul University, 34116, Fatih, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, İstanbul University, Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2, 34470, Fatih, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), P.O. Box: 10, Beykoz, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
Department of Aquaculture and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, İstanbul University, İstanbul, TÜRKİYE
Faculty of Science, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09010, Efeler, Aydın, TÜRKİYE

Abstract

Between 1973 and 2023, a total of 63 species had been protected in Turkish marine areas according to national legislation 1380 (Official Notice for Regulating Commercial Fisheries of Water Resources, No. 5/1). Notably, sturgeon species were at the forefront of these conservation efforts, with initiatives beginning in 1976 and continuing to the present day. Among marine flora, only two species (Posidonia oceanica and Zostera noltii) were granted protected status, while the other species were not accorded such protection. The protected fauna included 13 marine mammal species and 22 species of sharks and rays, the latter representing the most extensively protected category. In addition, three species of sea turtles, seven species of corals, six species of mollusks, one species of crustaceans, and three species of fish are also under protection. Comprehensive details regarding the years when these species were protected, the rationale behind their protection, their IUCN Red List statuses, and the institutions advocating for their protection are summarized. Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) has been the main driver for the protection of sharks and rays, corals, and mollusks, successfully placing 18 species under protection in recet years. The first coralligenous species to be protected was the black coral Savalia savaglia, while the first size limitation was established for Huso huso, and the first protected species was the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

Keywords: Legally protected marine species, fisheries legislation, marine conservation, species protection, Türkiye

Pages: 200-236

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Infanticidal behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin in the Marmara Sea, Türkiye

Arda M. Tonay, Aylin Güler, Ayhan Dede, Işıl Aytemiz Danyer, Ayaka Amaha Öztürk

ORCID IDs: A.M.T. 0000-0003-2718-9328; A.G. 0009-0008-4117-7511; A.D. 0000-0002-7712-615X; I.A.D. 0000-0003-4658-1819; A.A.Ö. 0000-0003-2281-7372

Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, İstanbul University, Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2, 34470, Fatih, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), P.O. Box: 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE
Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences, İstanbul University, 34116, Fatih, Istanbul, TÜRKİYE

Abstract

This study reports an observed case of infanticidal behaviour and a possible case of infanticide in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Marmara Sea. This behaviour was observed between an adult of unknown sex, referred to as the ‘aggressor,’ and a carcass of a male neonate, referred to as the ‘target.’ The videos were recorded on 10 August 2024, by an amateur diver from an inflatable boat, near Kınalıada, located in the northeastern part of the Marmara Sea. This report is the first observed case of a possible infanticide in bottlenose dolphins in the Marmara Sea.

Keywords: Tursiops truncatus, Turkish Straits System, cetacean behaviour

Pages: 190-199

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An ecological study on Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile, 1813 meadow in Rachgoun Island (Algerian west coast, Mediterranean Sea)

Adnane Mahmoud Benallal, Ahmed Kerfouf, Ali Becheker, Patricio R. de los Ríos-Escalante, Denis Françoise

ORCID IDs: A.M.B. 0009-0005-1778-0028; A.K. 0000-0002-4466-1201; A.B. 0000-0003-2937-6768; P.D.L.R. 0000-0001-5056-7003; D.F. 0000-0002-0006-8238.

Laboratory of Eco-development of Space, University of Djillali Liabes, Sidi Bel Abbès, 22000, ALGERIA
Environment and Biodiversity Research Division, Environmental Research Center, Annaba 23000, ALGERIA
Environmental Research Center, BP 72 A Menadia Annaba, 23000 Annaba, ALGERIA
Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Casilla 15-D, Temuco, CHILE
Núcleo de Estudios Ambientales UC Temuco, CHILE
Le Mans University- Laboratory BOREA MNHN, CNRS 8067, SU, IRD 207, UCN, UA- Concarneau, FRANCE

Abstract

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea, but recently it is actually exposed to anthropogenic pressures by numerous activities of various origins (coastal developments, trawling, anchoring, turbidity, erosion and beach nourishment). The aim of this study is to evaluate the ecological status of P. oceanica meadows around Rachgoun Island of Algerian west coast. The entire island is protected according to the Ramsar Convention and a marine protected area in the process of being classified. The ecological study revealed that the density values ​​reveal a dense to sparse meadow, and the cover rates ​​are among similar values ​​on the Algerian coasts, between 70 % and 88.32%. The analysis carried out on structural features shows that these parameters are strongly influenced by multiple factors (depth, hydrodynamics and anthropogenic actions). The biometric parameters and phenological study (length and width of leaves, leaf surface, coefficient A and leaf area index) of P. oceanica show that the Rachgoun Island meadows are, globally, in good health status.

Keywords: Posidonia oceanica, ecological status, marine protected area, phenological study

Pages: 169-182

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Introductory pages

An ecological study on Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile, 1813 meadow in Rachgoun Island (Algerian west coast, Mediterranean Sea)
Adnane Mahmoud Benallal, Ahmed Kerfouf, Ali Becheker, Patricio R. de los Ríos-Escalante, Denis Françoise

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Infanticidal behaviour of a bottlenose dolphin in the Marmara Sea, Türkiye
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