The reproductive cycle of a local population the aspidochirote Holothuria tubulosa in Kaštela Bay (Adriatic Sea) was analysed from July 1994 to August 1995 by histological examination and observations of macroscopic features of the gonads. Five gonadal stages were described: recovery stage, growing stage, mature stage, spawning stage, and post-spawning stage. The distinguishing features used to describe gonad stages in both sexes included the main features of reproductive cells and gonad wall. The reproductive cycle showed a clear annual pattern and was synchronous in both sexes. Spawning occurred during the warm season, from July to September, when the surface water temperature ranged from about 22°C to 26°C. From October to January individuals were in resting phase and had no gonads. In both sexes, variations in maturity indices were related to the seasonal changes in temperature.

Three colonies of warm-water coral Astroides calycularis were found at the eastern part of the middle Adriatic Sea during the 1990^2001 period. For each specimen, depth distribution and habitat were recorded. Previous and recent knowledge of this species in the Adriatic Sea and in the Mediterranean Sea was discussed in relation to climatic changes. Occurrence of A. calycularis in the Adriatic Sea was related to the increased temperatures of the surface marine layer. Variable temperature conditions were connected to the climatic changes on the hemispheric scale through the North Atlantic Oscillation index. The prevailing sea current system together with the coastal con¢guration and bottom type favours the presence of the studied warm-water coral on the eastern Adriatic coast.

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This study presents the first extensive investigation of echinoderm distribution in the area of mobile bottoms in the open part of the northern and middle Adriatic Sea. Five hundred and eighteen bottom trawl hauls were performed at 56 predetermined permanent stations along ten transects over different sediment types, at depths of 10 to 430 m. A total of 34 species of Echinodermata were identified (9 from the class Holothuroidea, 12 from the class Asteroidea, 4 from the class Ophiuroidea and 9 from the class Echinoidea). The list of the species, together with data on depth and sediment distribution, and the stations where individual species were found, are presented.