This study presents a biotic index (?) for measuring environmental quality in the coastal lagoons of the Mediterranean.Index ? considers combined anthropogenic (pollution) and natural factors (prohibitive salinity, anoxia, toxic blooms, isolation fromsea, etc.) of deterioration. The method is based on the principle of indicator species and on the conceptual scheme developed by Frisoniet al. (1984) according to which there are six possible sub-assemblages (Zones) of benthic macrofauna, each indicating a different levelof environmental quality. The procedure requires defining the relative extent of the Zones in the lagoon under study, and the number ofspecies and the mean biomass of benthic macrofauna present in each. The three metrics are applied in the index formula and theresulting number from one to ten indicates increasing environmental quality. The authors have validated the index by applying it to twolagoons, Lesina and Varano (S.Adriatic, Italy).

Phytoplankton and benthic vegetation biomass undergoesspatial-temporal changes in relation to their life cycle,but also to meteorological conditions, physical-chemical variables,organic input and internal dynamism. The main aim ofthis work was to observe the effect of all environmental variableson the vegetative dynamic process in a protected zoneof a Mediterranean costal lagoon (Lesina lagoon, SE Italy).Seven samplings were performed from 2010 to 2012 at 30sites for nutrient and chlorophyll analyses, while TOC measurementsand wet biomass evaluation were performed at 10sites. Temperature, salinity and oxygen saturation were alsomeasured by multiparametric probe and a visual census forvegetation was performed. Sites close to freshwater inflowwere characterized by lower temperature and salinity, and highnitrate, with maxima of 191.05 ?M in May 2010 and morethan 250 ?M in October 2010. Silicates drastically decreasedfrom May 2010 (87.57 ?M) to July 2010 (6.15 ?M) andincreased again in October (74.99 ?M). Chl a concentrationswere not on average higher than 6 mg m-3, but peaks of20 mg m-3 were observed during May 2011 and May 2012.Benthic vegetation wet biomass collected in 2010 was approximatelytwice that collected in 2012, with a maximum of27,554 g m-2 and a dominance of macroalgae (70 % inMay 2010 and 40 % in August 2010). During period2010, a simultaneous and drastic decreasing of bothmean values of wet biomass and chl a was observedfrom May to October 2010. During period 2012 a shiftof vegetation biomass was shown from May (phytoplanktonprevalence) to August 2012, with angiospermprevalence (more than 30 %).

With a worldwide increase in shellfish aquaculture and awareness towards sustainable practices, this paper provides a method based on bioindicators for identifying a suitable site for rearing the carpet clam Tapes decussatus in a lagoon of the South Adriatic coast of Italy (Varano lagoon). Although the species is naturally widespread in Italian coastal lagoons, it was in fact absent from Varano lagoon. However, we would like to judge whether Varano lagoon offered a suitable habitat for farming this clam when no local wild population could give us a clue. We applied the indirect method of investigating the indicator species for this purpose. We sampled the benthic macrofauna of Varano lagoon for the presence of species known to be sympatric with the carpet clam, based on our judgement on the bionomic classification of Frisoni et al. (1984). The data analysis on the presence/absence of benthic indicators shows that Varano lagoon is divided into three Zones from among those described by Frisoni. The existence of two areas with the characteristics of a Zone III fulfilled the first prerequisite of our working hypothesis. In October 2002, N° 50,000 seed clams were placed in the park in Zone III. The clams grew from 16 to 35 mm in 21 months with growth concentrated in summer with lost of 20%.

Coastal lagoons are highly connected to the sea and many fish species enter into these environmentsremaining there for short periods. The European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.), is a speciesintensely exploited by fishing in the Adriatic Sea, and it occurs in the Lagoon of Lesina only during thespring-summer months, when it finds in the lagoon suitable environmental conditions that could enhancethe fitness of individuals. The purpose of this work was to characterize the European anchovy populationin the Lagoon of Lesina, by studying the reproductive biology and estimating the age, size and growthparameters of the specimens. The study also aimed at identifying any relationship between the growth andmaturity of anchovy and some environmental parameters. To achieve this goal, samples of Europeananchovy were collected about every fifteen days between May and September 2012, using fyke-nets. Atthe same time, water temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration and pH were measured with amultiparametric probe. In addition, water samples were collected for the chlorophyll a and suspendedparticulate matter measurements, and to describe phytoplankton assemblages of the lagoon. In thelaboratory, each specimen was measured and weighted; the otoliths were removed and stored dry inlabelled envelopes for age determination. The sex was determined and the fish gonads weremacroscopically classified. Moreover, gonad samples (at least 10 specimens for each sampling) werefixed in 4% buffered formalin for histological analysis. Water samples for photosynthetic pigments weresequentially filtered to separate three size classes: total, micro- and nano-phytoplankton forspectrofluorometric measurements. Water samples for total suspended solids were filtered and dried toestimate their concentrations. The phytoplankton cells were counted and identified by invertedmicroscope and the organisms were classified and grouped into three main taxonomic components:diatoms, dinoflagellates and others. The most significant results are illustrated.

The aims of this study were to analyse sediment characteristics and macrobenthic assemblages in two very close Italian coastal lagoons (Lesina and Varano) and to assess the different behaviour between the two basins and the relationship between sediment matrix and benthic organisms within and between the two lagoons. The comparative study was performed in July 2007 at 13 sampling sites in Lesina lagoon and 15 sites in Varano basin for sediment grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and macrobenthic structure analyses. Both lagoons were generally dominated by fine-grained sediments (clay and silt components). The average contents of TOC and TN measured in Lesina was higher than in Varano (3.31% vs 2.52% for TOC and 5,200 mu g center dot g (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) vs 3,713 mu g center dot g (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) for TN); in contrast, the TP was lower (540 mu g center dot g (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) vs 620 mu g center dot g (-aEuro parts per thousand 1)). Based on macrobenthic community patterns, the central zone in Varano lagoon and the eastern area in Lesina lagoon were characterised by the lowest abundance (168.7 ind center dot m (-aEuro parts per thousand 2) and 503.2 ind center dot m (-aEuro parts per thousand 2), respectively) and by the lowest number of species, as highlighted by the diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener, H (') range was 0.47-1.45 for Lesina and 0.00-1.68 for Varano; Margalef species richness, d range was 0.00-1.67 for Lesina lagoon and 0.00-2.38 for Varano basin). Ordination diagrams suggested an influence of marine and freshwater inputs on the sediment distribution in Varano lagoon and on macrobenthic assemblages in Lesina lagoon.

Coastal lagoons are highly vulnerable to climate change-related pressures, such as floods and increasing temperatures, which lead to higher oxygen consumption, anaerobic metabolism and dystrophic events. Although these factors have a significant impact on the carbon cycle, the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in these systems have not been extensively investigated. DOM can be analytically determined from the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and/or from the spectral properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), which is the light-absorbing fraction of DOM. In the present study, we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of surface water trophic variables (Chl a and DOC) and CDOM in two Mediterranean lagoon systems, the Oristano Lagoon-Gulf system (OLG) and the Varano Lagoon (VL), in order to provide quantitative information on the dynamics of DOM in these systems. Furthermore, we assessed the value of CDOM-related indices (i.e. absorption coefficients, spectral slopes and Specific UV Absorbance at 254 nm [SUVA254]) as tools for describing the dynamics of DOM in coastal lagoons, irrespective of geographical settings, environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressures. In OLG, spatial heterogeneity and compartmentalization, with salinity varying from <1 (riverine sites) to >50 (Mistras Lagoon), affected the distribution of DOC and CDOM, with the lowest values on the south side and at sites far from riverine input. In OLG, the highest DOC and CDOM values were found in the sediment pore-water of the organic-rich Cabras Lagoon, where they were nearly double those of the water column. In VL, salinity was homogeneously distributed throughout the lagoon, which indicated a mixing of freshwater with marine waters. DOC and CDOM values were on average lower in VL than in OLG. However, in VL, DOC and CDOM showed strong peaks following a flood (September 2014) and a dystrophic event (July 2015), demonstrating the quick response of the system to environmental perturbation. In OLG, absorption coefficients at 280 nm and 350 nm were slightly negatively correlated with salinity, which indicated the influence of terrigenous inputs at riverine sites. In contrast, in VL, CDOM varied linearly and positively with salinity as a result of the in situ input of organic matter from phytoplankton during the dry season. Segment analysis showed that besides the differences between the two investigated systems, the trophic variables and optical parameters analyzed in the present study shared a common relationship. These results suggest that CDOM indices can be good predictors for the estimation of DOM. Overall, the present study provides insight into the dynamics of DOC and CDOM in little-studied Mediterranean lagoons and demonstrates that the CDOM indices can be a valuable, cost-effective and simple tool for describing the trophic conditions of these systems.]

The concentrations of 16 PAHs in surface sediments collected from four Italian lagoons, exploited for aquaculture and fishing activities, during the period 2004-2007, were analysed. Some molecular ratios and Pearson correlations were used in order to estimate the origin of the pollution and similar transport of PAH sources. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis were used in order to highlight dissimilarities among sampling sites. Concentrations of total 16 PAHs varied significantly among the lagoons as well as within the same basin. Sediments of Orbetello lagoon showed the highest level of contamination (mean of 98.78 ng g1), followed by that in Santa Giusta (48.15 ng g1), Lesina (31.06 ng g1) and Varano (25.19 ng g1). These results were linked to the greater industrialisation and urbanisation of the catchment area of both Orbetello and Santa Giusta compared with Lesina and Varano. A considerable predominance of 4-rings PAHs was observed for Lesina (52%,), Varano (77%), Orbetello (50%) and Santa Giusta (57%) and Pyrene was the dominant compound. On the other hand, phenanthrene is the dominant compound of low molecular weight contaminants for all the studied lagoons. A meaningful pyrolytic contribution to pollution was found in the sediments of Lesina lagoon, dominated by benzo[a]pyrene (7.27 ng g1) and benz[a]anthracene (4.14 ng g1), due to intensive traffic. For Varano, an evident petrogenic contamination was observed along the western area, due probably to accidental oil spillage. All 16 PAHs were found to be correlated in Orbetello and Santa Giusta lagoons and the compounds present in Santa Giusta sediments, near the urban centre, were shown to be mainly of pyrolytic origin. A much more complex situation was observed in Orbetello, where a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs was observed.

1 -In this study recent changes of the distribution of three phanerogam species (Ruppia cirrhosa, Cymodocea nodosa, and Nanozostera noltii) were studied in the Orbetello lagoon, a meso-eutrophic and human stressed ecosystem. 2 -The aim was: I) to produce SURFER distributions maps, and II) to statistically evaluate significant changes in the spatial distribution taking into account two different factors (basin and year). For these reasons, percentage of coverage (CP) of each species was estimated in 38 sites equally distributed inside the Eastern and Western basins both in summers 2003 and 2009. 3 -The geostatistical maps evidenced changes in phanerogams distribution during the studied period but only variations observed for the N. noltii species at basin level resulted significant on a statistical basis. Significant differences at basin level were also obtained by the multivariate analysis. These results might be explained by the different ecological characteristics existing between Western and Eastern basins.

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896), a native to western Atlantic coasts, is widely recorded in various Mediterranean regions,including the Gargano lagoons in the Adriatic Sea. This study investigated selected biological traits of Callinectes sapidus females in theLesina and Varano lagoons during their breeding migration to more saline waters. In total, 19 individuals of Callinectes sapidus, 15 femalesand four males, were collected in the lagoons near the mouths of the seaward channels. The specimens' Carapace Width ranged from 115 to230 mm, classifying them as medium to large crabs. In Varano lagoon in April and May 2014, two ovigerous females with egg masses of63.39 g and 11.65 g respectively were captured. This represents the first record of ovigerous females of C. sapidus in this lagoon. Theaverage Gonado-Somatic Index was 2.91±1.82 and 1.65 ± 0.65 for the specimens captured in Varano and Lesina lagoons, respectively. Theaverage Hepato-Somatic Index was 3.88±0.80 and 4.22±0.31 for specimens captured in Varano and Lesina, respectively. Egg diameterranged between 0.23 and 0.35 mm. Histological analysis of gonads showed stages from III to V, with individuals in emission or postissuancestages. This study presents evidence of the establishment of C. sapidus populations in Varano lagoon in the south-west Adriatic Seaand provides additional information on this species in the Lesina and Varano lagoons.

The occurrence of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is documented in the surroundings of Lake Varano (Puglia region, SE Italy), testifying to the ongoing diffusion of this invasive crayfish in north-eastern Puglia, an area characterised by an extensive network of natural and artificial watercourses. In addition, the species is recorded for the first time in the Salento Peninsula, in the south-western part of the region. The hydrology of the area is dominated by karstic phenomena, and the ecological consequences of the colonization of hypogean environments by P. clarkii are discussed. These records, in conjunction with a number of recent observations made in Puglia and in other regions of southern Italy including Sicily and Sardinia, indicate that the species is far more widespread in the area than previous studies have suggested.

Bio-physical properties along a transect from coastal to offshore waters of the Southern AdriaticSea (Gulf of Manfredonia) were monitored during a multidisciplinary cruise in March 2012 and are herereported. Absence of stratification and presence of two systems with different bio-physical characteristicswere highlighted. Coastal waters resulted colder and less salty than off-shore waters. Primary biomassdata evidenced an increase of the values from the surface coastal waters to the depth of 25 m. A decrease ofphytoplankton biomass was also detected at the off-shore waters.

Hydrobiological properties along a transect from coastal to offshore waters of the Southern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Manfredonia) were monitored during a multidisciplinary cruise in March 2012 and are here reported. Absence of stratification and presence of two systems with different hydrobiological characteristics are highlighted. Coastal waters resulted colder and less salty than off-Shore waters. Primary biomass data evidenced an increase of the values from the surface coastal waters to the 25 m layer. A decrease of phytoplankton biomass was also detected at the off-shore waters.

The mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi (Smith, 1869) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Panopeidae), was studiedin Varano lagoon at two different sites. 10 adult specimens were caught using traditional traps. An increasein catches was observed over time, as well as an extension of the distribution in the lagoon basin comparedwith previous observations. The results suggest that the species has found trophic and environmentalconditions suitable for its survival.

L'anguilla europea è ampiamente usata come biomonitor nelle lagune costiere per la sua capacità di accumulare contaminanti durante la sua lunga vita, per i suoi bassi tassi di espulsione, per il suo comportamento ecologico e tolleranza ad alti livelli di inquinamento. In tale studio viene valutata la bontà dell'anguilla come bioindicatore di inquinamento in due lagune italiane (Orbetello e Varano). Campioni di sedimento superficiale e tessuti (fegato e muscolo) di anguille argentine, provenienti da catture commerciali, sono stati raccolti con lo scopo di determinare il contenuto degli inquinanti (organici ed inorganici), di valutare l'arricchimento nei tessuti e di correlare tali livelli alla potenziale differente pressione umana. Per valutare l'accumulo di contaminanti legato alle attività umane sono stati calcolati i fattori di arricchimento biologico (BEF), mentre l'analisi multivariata è stata usata per confrontare la pressione antropica sui due ecosistemi e l'influenza delle sorgenti di scarico. I risultati evidenziano una differenza significativa tra le lagune di Orbetello e Varano per ciò che riguarda i contaminanti organici nei sedimenti, con valori medi largamente più alti nella laguna di Orbetello. Stesso risultato è stato riscontrato dalle analisi dei tessuti delle anguille, evidenziando la presenza di un importante fonte locale di tale contaminazione ad Orbetello rispetto a Varano. In relazione agli inquinanti inorganici, arricchimenti significativi di alcuni elementi in traccia (per es. Zn e Cu) sono stati ritrovati in entrambi le lagune, con valori di BEF sensibilmente più alti nella laguna di Orbetello. In conclusione, i risultati ottenuti in questo studio confermano che l'anguilla europea rappresenta un buon indicatore della qualità delle lagune costiere. Sebbene la laguna di Varano risulti essere meno impattata da un punto di vista della qualità chimica rispetto ad Orbetello, dai fattori di accumulo è stato possibile differenziare la pressione antropica (origine) sulle due lagune. Nella laguna di Varano prevale l'inquinamento inorganico da elementi in traccia, dovuto ad intense attività agricole nel bacino imbrifero, mentre nella laguna di Orbetello è maggiore la biodisponibilità degli inquinanti organici, dovuti ad una maggiore industrializzazione ed urbanizzazione dell'area.

This Collective Article presents information on 26 taxa belonging to 8 Phyla and extending from the western Mediterranean to the Levantine Sea. The new records were found in 9 countries as follows: Spain: first record for the Mediterranean of the crab Cancer bellianus; Algeria: further records of the alien fish Lagocephalus sceleratus in western Algerian waters; Italy: first report on the presence and establishment of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in Lessina and Varano Lagoons (W. Adriatic) and of Penaeus aztecus in Corigliano Gulf (Italian Ionian). Moreover, the extension of the distribution range of the polychaete Branchiomma bairdi to W. Sicily as well as that of the crab Ocypode cursor and the bryozoan Catenicella paradoxa to E. Sicily are cited. Slovenia: the record of the rare saccoglossan gastropod Placida cremoniana from Piran (Gulf of Trieste) is the first for the Adriatic; Greece: the native sea slug Eubranchus farrani is the first from the Eastern Mediterranean; many sightings of the bamboo corals Isididae distributed along all the E. Ionian Sea and the establishment of P. aztecus in all Greek waters are also reported for first time; the westernmost extension of the alien urchin Diadema setosum in Cretan waters is cited and new sightings of the alien species Goniobranchus annulatus and Pterois miles are presented. Turkey: the alien fish Champsodon capensis is reported for first time from the Aegean Sea and the native acari Agauopsis microrhyncha from the Levantine Sea; a new observation of the alien crab Atergatis roseus in Güllük Bay-Aegean is also mentioned; Cyprus: first records of the alien urchin D. setosum and Lobotes surinamensis in Cypriot waters; Lebanon: several sightings of Monachus monachus from Lebanese waters indicate a potential better status for the species in the area; Egypt: first records of the alien crab Dorippe quadridens and the alien gastropods Nerita sanguinolenta and Conomurex persicus from the Mediterranean Egyptian waters; extension of the distribution range of Diodora funiculata and Diodora rueppellii and a second record of the alien Fulvia fragilis in the same area.

This Collective Article presents information on 22 species belonging to 5 Phyla, arranged geographically from west to east. The new records were found in 8 countries as follows: Spain: first record of the two scarcely known nemerteans Baseodiscus delineatus and Notospermus geniculatus in Formentera; Malta: second record of the alien fish Lagocephalus sceleratus; Italy: the alien polychaete Syllis pectinans and the isopod Paranthura japonica, as well as the cryptogenic opisthobranch Anteaeolidiella lurana, were found in the fouling assemblages along the docks of the port of Livorno. New decapod records are reported from Sicily (the alien Callinectes sapidus and the native Pachygrapsus maurus) and Apulia (Percnon gibbesi and Procambarus clarkii); the lesser amberjack Seriola fasciata extended its geographical range to the Egadi Isands and Siganus luridus was documented for the first time along the Ionian coasts of Apulia and Calabria. Slovenia: the first record of the alien bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis is reported, together with a survey of up to date Adriatic records. Greece: the first record of the gastropod Rhinoclavis kochi is reported from Gavdos island. In addition, two records of endangered and rare cartilaginous fish were reported, namely, the shark Hexanchus griseus and the ray Leucoraja fullonica, as well as additional records of Siganus luridus for Lesvos and Malleus regula and Fulvia fragilis from Astypalaia. Turkey: the black wing flyingfish Hirundichthys rondeletii is reported for the very first time from the Black Sea. Egypt: the Indo-Pacific crab Halimede ochtodes is reported as established in Port Said. In addition, biometric parameters and meristic counts are reported for Anthias anthias in Damietta. Cyprus: the alien opisthobranch gastropod Bursatella leachii is reported for first time.

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is native to the coastal waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, and along the US coasts the species supports an important fishery. The crab was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. To date, the species is considered invasive and it has been extensively recorded in southern European waters (SEW), where it is starting to penetrate the shellfish market. Here, an integrated management strategy is proposed for the blue crab in SEW, including the Mediterranean and Black Sea and the eastern Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. Taking as introductory examples two case studies represented by the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus and the green crab Carcinus maenas, a framework of key issues is reviewed, considering the double nature of the species as invaders and shellfish products. A SWOT analysis is eventually presented for C. sapidus, in order to perform a state-of-the-art synthesis of the proposed scenario, highlighting the potential opportunities as well as the weaknesses related with the limited knowledge of the ecological and economic impact of the species in invaded habitats. The review is concluded by an appraisal of the current trends in global and European crustacean fisheries. The ongoing expansion of C. sapidus might represent a useful management case study, where the need to control an invasive species and mitigate its ecological impact can be harmonized with the opportunity to value it as a fishery resource.

1 - The purpose of this study was to describe the basic characteristics of the European anchovy occurring in the Lagoon of Lesina in order to increase our knowledge of the ecology of the species in a lagoon ecosystem. 2 - Samples were collected between May and November 2012 using fyke nets. A hundred individuals per sample were measured and weighed. Sex was determined and the fish gonads were macroscopically classified. Length-frequency histograms were obtained, and the length-weight relationships and condition factors were estimated. 3 - The results of this study showed that the anchovies caught in the Lagoon of Lesina were relatively small. The growth of anchovies in the lagoon was often positively allometric (b>3) and exponent b was frequently greater than the value estimated for specimens in the Adriatic Sea in the same months. 4 - The sex ratio of anchovies in this study was skewed towards females in almost all the sampling period. Macroscopic analysis of the gonads revealed that spawning took place during spring-summer, and it prolonged until October in the females. One peak of ripe females and males was observed in June and one in August-September. 5 - This study suggests that the anchovy population in the Lagoon of Lesina is probably composed of a large number of young individuals at the first maturity. Individual growth seems to be positively affected by the environmental conditions of the lagoon, which probably provide the anchovies with a substantial trophic advantage. © 2013 University of Salento- SIBA.

This study analyses some aspects of Carcinus aestuarii biology within the project MOLEVAR funded byFEP ( European Funds for Fishing) in order to evaluate the crabs, Carcinus aestuarii, as a new economicresource for Varano Lagoon (S Italy). The population structure and reproductive biology of this specieswill be studed in three different sites of the lagoon. A total of 148 specimens were obtained from May toAugust 2012; 139 males and 9 females were observed. Length (CL) and width (CW) of the carapace andtotal weight (TW), were determined sex and development stage. At the same time, water temperature,salinity, oxygen concentration and pH were measured with a multiparametric probe. The reproductivebiology of C. aestuarii will be performed through the histological study of the reproductive cycle of thefemale and will be calculated the sex ratio.

Shellfish culture, based on ecological and market assessment, is considered a driving force for socio-economic change in ecologically complex coastal systems such as lagoons throughout the Mediterranean area. To diversify fish production, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was cultured at commercial farms in the Varano Lagoon (SE Italy). The aims of this study were to evaluate through four condition indices (CI, CICG, CIE and AFNOR index), the Polydora index (PI), lipid content, quality and market aspects of oysters reared at two different sites (FO and LA) of the Varano Lagoon, which are characterized by different hydrodynamic conditions. The results of this study highlighted the potential economic benefits associated with sustainable aquaculture development in the Varano Lagoon, proving that the area surrounding the LA site was more suitable for oyster culture, reaching commercial size (60 mm) in a shorter time (6-8 months). Higher growth performance of oysters was observed in the spring, when the nutrient availability positively affected the feeding response of suspension feeders. The opposite was found in winter and in summer, when the decrease in growth could be due to the reduction of nutrient and to the increase of salinity, TSM and ISM. The presence of the mud blister worm (Polydora sp.) during rearing could be a real problem, as it damages oyster market value and threatens serious financial loss to the local farmers.

1 - In this study recent changes of the distribution of three phanerogam species (Ruppia cirrhosa,Cymodocea nodosa, and Nanozostera noltii) were studied in the Orbetello lagoon, a meso-eutrophicand human stressed ecosystem.2 - The aim was: I) to produce SURFER distributions maps, and II) to statistically evaluate significantchanges in the spatial distribution taking into account two different factors (basin and year). For thesereasons, percentage of coverage (CP) of each species was estimated in 38 sites equally distributedinside the Eastern and Western basins both in summers 2003 and 2009.3 - The geostatistical maps evidenced changes in phanerogams distribution during the studied period butonly variations observed for the N. noltii species at basin level resulted significant on a statisticalbasis. Significant differences at basin level were also obtained by the multivariate analysis. Theseresults might be explained by the different ecological characteristics existing between Western andEastern basins.

Specimens of Engraulis encrasicolus (Osteichthyes: Clupeiformes) (Linnaeus, 1758) werecollected monthly from the Adriatic purse seine fishery from June to December 2013 in order to studythe reproductive traits and the condition of the population. Temporal trend of gonadosomatic index andmacroscopic examination of the maturity stages of gonads show that the temporal changes in anchovycondition appear to be related to the sexual cycle. Furthermore, anchovy seems not separate feeding andreproduction over the time.

Specimens of Engraulis encrasicolus (Osteichthyes: Clupeiformes) (Linnaeus 1758) werecollected monthly from the Adriatic purse seine fishery from June to December 2013 in order to study thereproductive traits and the condition of the population. Temporal trend of gonadosomatic index andmacroscopic examination of the maturity stages of gonads show that the temporal changes in anchovycondition appear to be related to the sexual cycle. Furthermore, anchovy seems not separate feeding andreproduction over the time.

1 - This study analyses some aspects of Carcinus aestuarii biology within the project MOLEVAR (PilotProject For The Production Of Moleche (C. aestuarii): New Economy For Varano Lagoon) fundedby FEP-Puglia 2007-2013 (European Funds for Fishing) in order to evaluate the crabs, Carcinusaestuarii, as a new economic resource for Varano Lagoon (Southern Italy).2 - The Varano lagoon is located on the Northern coast of the Gargano Promontory (Southern AdriaticSea). The lagoon and the neighboring coastal area are exploited by mussel farming, although suchactivity was recently reduced within the lagoon, where the fishery is now the most important resource.3 - The population structure of C. aestuarii will be studied in three different sites of the Varano lagoon.A total of 205 specimens were obtained from May to December 2012; 192 males and 13 females wereobserved. Length (CL) and width (CW) of the carapace and total weight (TW), were determined sexratio. The overall sex ratio was in favor of males (?2= 11.08). At the same time, water temperature,salinity, were measured with a multiparametric probe.4 - The ovigerous females (n=2) were caught only December in Capojale site. The catches highest(n=46) were recorded in June month in the Capojale site. The highest abundance was found duringJune 2012 (44 males and 2 females) of which 23 in Capojale, 22 in Varano and 1 specimen in SanNicola Imbuti station, respectively.5 - The information on the abundance, life cycle and functional role of this crab is still lacking forVarano lagoon. The data so far do not allow us to have a complete picture of the dynamics of thepopulation, especially because it lacks most of the female component.

In order to assess the fishery potential of the Aquatina lake we applied the methodof VATOVA (1953) which relates the quality and quantity of the benthic macrofaunawith the maximum sustainable yield in fish. Samples of benthic macrofauna weretaken in October 2006 and November 2007. The forthcoming data revealed thatthe fishery potential was 16 kg/ha in 2006 and 36 kg/ha in 2007, consisting in 60%of seabass, seabream and eel and 40% grey mullet. According to the bionomicscheme of FRISONI et al. (1984), 80% of Aquatina basin falls within Zone III andZone IV.

The native distribution of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the western Atlantic extends from Nova Scotia to Argentina. Introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, it is currently recorded almost ubiquitously in the Mediterranean and in the Black Sea. An overview of the occurrence, abundance, and ecological impact of the species in southern European waters is provided; additionally, we present a pragmatic assessment of its management scenarios, explicitly considering the dual nature of C. sapidus as both an invasive species and a fishery resource. We emphasise that the ongoing expansion of C. sapidus in the region may represent a stimulating challenge for the identification and implementation of future strategies in the management of invasive crustaceans. The impact of the invader could be converted into an enhancement of the services delivered by southern European coastal ecosystems, while mitigation costs could be transformed into profits for local populations.

The study analyses the composition, distribution and structure of CrustaceanDecapods in Varano lagoon (S. Italy) for ten months. Samplings monthlyof Decapod Crustaceans were carried out from May 2012 to march 2012in three different stations within the Varano lagoon (Capojale and Varanomouths and San Nicola Imbuti) . In each station the main environmentalparameters were recorded by mean multiparametric probe (T °C, S psu).Were found a total 254 specimens Crabs belong to five several families:Portunidae (86%), Grapsidae (4%), Menippidae (2%), Panopeidae (3%),Varunidae (5%). Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847 (Portunidae) was themost abundant and widespread among the species found during the studyperiod in all stations considered. A total 218 specimens of C. aestuarii (205males and 13 females) were caught. The station abounding in fish, in termsof crabs, seems to be called Capoyale, near the mouth of the northwest.Among the species found there is the presence of an alien species of originNorth-West Atlantic, the Panopeidae Dyspanopeus sayi (Smith, 1869). Thiswork contributes to the knowledge of Decapod Crustaceans populations inone of the largest lagoons in the Mediterranean. control of these populationsalso in terms of composition could be a good method of indirect control ofthe environment.

Soft bottom macrozoobenthic distribution, as well as its composition, biomass and diversity werestudied at 9 stations in the Gulf of Manfredonia. Polychaeta were numerically the dominant component(71%), followed by Crustacea (21%) and Bivalvia (2%). The highest biodiversity was observed at thestations in near-shore of the study area.

Lo scopo del lavoro è stato quello di descrivere lo stato ecologico della Sacca Orientale della laguna di Lesina (FG), considerando la comunità macrobentonica e la vegetazione sommersa. Sono stati fatti campionamenti stagionali (2010) in 13 stazioni. In ogni stazione sono state misurate T°C, Salinità e O% dell'acqua e prelevato mediante box-corer (0.0225m2) la macrofauna bentonica e la vegetazione. Il campione, separato dalla vegetazione è stato setacciato in situ, con setaccio di 1 mm. Per ogni stazione è stata rilevata la biomassa umida (gr/m2) e le specie vegetali, l'abbondanza (ind/m2), la biomassa umida (gr/m2) e calcolato gli indici strutturali della comunità bentonica. Per la vegetazione sono state identificate 8 categorie, 7 determinate a livello di specie e 1 a livello di genere. Della macrofauna bentonica sono stati identificati 16 taxa, 15 a livello di specie e 1 a livello di genere, raggruppati in 13 famiglie. Il numero maggiore di famiglie apparteneva ai crostacei (4). Il gruppo più abbondante sono stati i gasteropodi (50%), seguito dai bivalvi (21%) e crostacei (11%). I bivalvi e i crostacei sono stati i più ricchi di specie (4). L'abbondanza media non ha mostrato differenze significative sia tra i campionamenti che tra le stazioni (Anova, p non significativo). Differenze significative tra i mesi sono state osservate per l'indice di Shannon (p<0.05). L'abbondanza, l'indice di Shannon e Margalef hanno mostrato correlazioni positive con la presenza della vegetazione (r=0.61, r=0.34,r=0.34; p<0.05). I risultati hanno evidenziato una comunità bentonica strutturata, ricca di specie e di famiglie, dominate dai Filtratori-Detrivori e Erbivori-Detrivori.

L'obiettivo principale del lavoro è stato quello di stabilire una possibile zonizzazione nella laguna di Lesina, attraverso lo studio del comparto bentonico. In particolare, l'approccio utilizzato è stato quello di descrivere le variazioni spazio-temporali nella diversità e nella struttura del macrobentos e nelle caratteristiche chimico-fisiche dei sedimenti (granulometria, carbonio organico totale e macronutrienti), al fine di comprendere il potenziale effetto dell'habitat sedimentario sull'organizzazione spaziale della componente biotica. Campionamenti annuali (tarda primavera-estate), per un periodo di tre anni (2007, 2008, 2009), sono stati eseguiti su una griglia di n. 13 stazioni. I risultati granulometrici hanno mostrato che il settore orientale della laguna, soprattutto la linea di costa settentrionale, è caratterizzato dalla componente più grossolana, dove probabilmente la dinamica delle correnti previene l'accumulo delle particelle più fini che coprono la zona sud-orientale (silt) e quella occidentale (clay). E' stato osservato un aumento del contenuto medio di TOC dal 2007 (3,07%) al 2009 (3,72%), con i valori più alti nel settore orientale ed in corrispondenza del centro urbano. L'analisi multivariata sulle variabili ambientali non ha evidenziato zone della laguna significativamente differenti durante il periodo di studio, mentre una significativa differenza tra gli anni di osservazione fu ottenuta attraverso l'applicazione del test ANOSIM (analisi delle similarità) che h prodotto un fattore R=0,241, p=0,01%). In relazione al macrozobentos, è stato riscontrato un numero totale di specie pari a 20 dove il taxa dominante è costituito da i molluschi bivalvi (80%) e la specie più abbondante è rappresentata dall'Abra segmentum (61%). Contrariamente alle variabili ambiental, la Cluster analysis e l'ANOSIM test hanno identificato gruppi di stazioni caratterizzati da comunità macrozoobentiche significativamente diverse. Analogamente al TOC, l'abbondanza media degli organismi sembra aumentare nel corso degli anni e sembra mostrare altresì un gradiente Ovest-Est. I risultati biotici hanno evidenziato che gli assemblaggi macrozoobentici in laguna sono caratterizzati da un alta eterogeneità spaziale su piccola scala (ad esempio, centinaia di metri) in relazione ai cambiamenti ambientali fisici e chimici.

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896), a native to western Atlantic coasts, is widely recorded in various Mediterranean regions, including the Gargano lagoons in the Adriatic Sea. This study investigated selected biological traits of Callinectes sapidus females in the Lesina and Varano lagoons during their breeding migration to more saline waters. In total, 19 individuals of Callinectes sapidus, 15 females and four males, were collected in the lagoons near the mouths of the seaward channels. The specimens' Carapace Width ranged from 115 to 230 mm, classifying them as medium to large crabs. In Varano lagoon in April and May 2014, two ovigerous females with egg masses of 63.39 g and 11.65 g respectively were captured. This represents the first record of ovigerous females of C. sapidus in this lagoon. The average Gonado-Somatic Index was 2.91 +/- 1.82 and 1.65 +/- 0.65 for the specimens captured in Varano and Lesina lagoons, respectively. The average Hepato-Somatic Index was 3.88 +/- 0.80 and 4.22 +/- 0.31 for specimens captured in Varano and Lesina, respectively. Egg diameter ranged between 0.23 and 0.35 mm. Histological analysis of gonads showed stages from III to V, with individuals in emission or postissuance stages. This study presents evidence of the establishment of C. sapidus populations in Varano lagoon in the south-west Adriatic Sea and provides additional information on this species in the Lesina and Varano lagoons.