Dinoflagellate resting cysts from surface sediments of the Adriatic Ports: Distribution and potential spreading patterns

Abstract

The ability of microalgae to preserve viable in coastal sediments as resting forms provides a reservoir of biodiversity and a useful tool to determine species spreadings. This study represents the first port baseline survey on dinoflagellate cysts, investigated in nine Adriatic ports during a cross border project. 40 dinoflagellate taxa were detected. The assemblages resulted in all ports dominated by Lingulodinium polyedra and Alexandrium minutum/ affine/tamutum group. General separation to the western and eastern side of the Adriatic regarding cysts assemblage composition, partially abundance, was observed. Six taxa were detected as non-indigenous species for the Adriatic. Two taxa are included in the list of harmful aquatic organisms, indicating the potential threat of ballast waters in the Adriatic. Potential spreading of taxa by general circulation and ballast waters, intra-and extra-Adriatic was investigated. The entering in to force of the ballast waters management regulations should enhance prospects to minimize future harmful impacts.

Translocation and Aquaculture Impact on Genetic Diversity and Composition of Wild Self-Sustainable Ostrea edulis Populations in the Adriatic Sea

“…While the boundary between the Middle and South Adriatic basins is an area of genetic discontinuity for several marine organisms (Schiavina et al, 2014;Matić-Skoko et al, 2018;Paterno et al, 2019), in the current study the limit between the North and Middle Adriatic basins, located north of the Jabuka Pit, proved to be the main boundary for O. edulis populations. The north cyclonic gyre enables high larval retention and promotes homogenization within the region (Artegiani et al, 1997). The second level, which is less representative in both variance and spatial autocorrelation, recognized the weaker gene barrier between the Middle and South Adriatic basins, located north of the South Adriatic Pit.…”

Ballast Water Management in Ports: Monitoring, Early Warning and Response Measures to Prevent Biodiversity Loss and Risks to Human Health

“…The spread of organisms from the port to the surrounding area by currents and the circulation of water masses has already been documented [185][186][187]. People eating seafood could come into direct contact with human pathogens or toxic species, especially during the bathing season, as organisms can spread from the port to nearby beaches [188].…”