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%.

Nell'ambito di un progetto finalizzato alla produzione di biocombustibili da biomasse acquatiche, è stato eseguito un monitoraggio abiotico (acqua e sedimenti) nella Sacca Orientale della laguna di Lesina durante il 2010. A maggio, luglio e ottobre 2010, in 30 siti, sono stati misurati in situ i parametri chimico-fisici e raccolti campioni di acqua per le analisi dei nutrienti e clorofilla a. In 10 stazioni sono stati, inoltre, raccolti campioni di sedimento superficiale per le analisi del carbonio organico totale (TOC). E' stata, inoltre, effettuata una identificazione delle specie macroalgali presenti, soprattutto quelle utili ai fini del progetto (Chara sp., Chaetomorpha linum e Chladophora sp.). La temperatura, la salinità e l'ossigeno disciolto mostrano il tipico trend stagionale con fluttuazioni spaziali più marcate durante il mese di luglio. In estate, infatti, quando gli input di acqua dolce sono minimi e le alte temperature favoriscono l'evaporazione, vengono registrati valori di salinità maggiori, dovuti anche all'entrata di acqua di mare del canale Schiapparo (come mostrato dalle distribuzioni spaziali). In particolare la presenza di acque più fredde, meno salate e più ossigenate risulta essere evidente in prossimità degli input di acqua dolce (fiume Lauro e Idrovora Lauro), sebbene nessuna correlazione sia stata osservata tra l'ossigeno e la salinità. Una netta diminuzione della concentrazione media dei silicati fu osservata da maggio (94,12 ?M) a luglio (7,93 ?M) ed un aumento da luglio ad ottobre (78,96 ?M). Inoltre, la forte ed inversa correlazione tra i silicati e la temperatura indicherebbe che le concentrazioni dei silicati sono influenzate dai bloom stagionali della componente fitoplanctonica.In relazione ai sedimenti, i contenuti medi di TC furono costanti durante il periodo di osservazione, mentre il TOC variava, aumentando le sue concentrazioni nei mesi di luglio e ottobre, in cui si registrarono valori alti di 5,12-6,78 % nei siti localizzati nell'estremità nord-est della Sacca Orientale.

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.

The effects on coastal lagoons of floods resulting from intense rainfall need to be assessed using a multidisciplinary approach, able to describe in real time the occurrence of changes in sediment quality, anticipating risk situations. In the present study the effectiveness as pre-screening tool of the MOT-test, an innovative bioassay that uses sperm motility as endpoint, has been evaluated; its response has been compared with the sediment chemical characterization, in order to determine the effects of a flood event occurred in the Varano lagoon, a poorly anthropized Mediterranean coastal lagoon. The MOT-test effect percentages ranged from 10% to 30%, fully reflecting data from chemical analyses. Organic pollutants showed concentrations always below the critical levels. The highest metal values were found in the south-eastern area; however, only for few metals (mainly Cd), and in few sites, they reached the limits defined by the sediment quality guidelines; consistently, these sites are located in the area where a higher stressors' impact was expected and the highest MOT-test effect percentages were recorded. In conclusion, even if results exclude the occurrence of serious contamination events as a consequence of the flood, the runoff resulting from the intense rainfall event has caused a pollutant load in the lagoon, consistent with the localization of the main anthropogenic activities in the catchment area. Moreover, preliminary data indicate the validity of the approach adopted for the post-flood quality assessment, proving the usefulness of the MOT-test as early-screening tool in the case of extreme events.

La degradazione della sostanza organica sedimentaria dipende da complessi processi fisico-chimici in grado di influenzare la disponibilità dei nutrienti in soluzione acquosa e di modulare, indirettamente, le proliferazioni macroalgali. La presenza/assenza di ossigeno rappresenta un fattore chiave interferendo a vari livelli con le reazioni chimiche in atto. Nonostante ciò, le relazioni tra il livello di ossigeno e la composizione biochimica della sostanza organica sedimentaria non sono ben documentati. In questo studio, carote di sedimento prelevate in un sistema lagunare meso-eutrofico (Orbetello), sono state incubate per un mese in condizioni di ossigenazione/anossia forzata effettuando prelievi di acqua interstiziale e di sedimento a cedenza regolare durante il periodo di studio. I risultati ottenuti hanno evidenziato che l'ossigenazione forzata riduce i livelli di carbonati e fosfati in acqua ed accelera il processo di nitrificazione producendo una dominanza di nitrati rispetto alle forme di nitriti e ammoniaca maggiormente presenti in condizioni di anossia. Un significativo incremento della sostanza organica refrattaria, associato ad una riduzione delle forme labili e del rapporto proteine/carboidrati, è osservabile nei sedimenti ossigenati. L'ossigeno agisce aumentando la conversione del ferro nella forma ferrica, riducendo i livelli degli orto fosfati in acqua mediante adsorbimento e chelazione. I trattamenti differiscono significativamente dai controlli entro i primi sei centimetri di spessore dello strato sedimentario ad indicare una diffusione limitata dell'ossigeno e dei suoi effetti sulla degradazione della sostanza organica in assenza di perturbazioni meccaniche del sedimento superficiale.

Il sedimento rappresenta il comparto di accumulo principale dei contaminanti ambientali quali xeno biotici, idrocarburi e metalli in tracce. Negli ecosistemi di transizione, interessati da un elevato dinamismo geomorfologico, processi multifattoriali a ciclicità stagionale possono indurre oscillazioni significative dei livelli di queste sostanze nel corso dell'anno solare in seguito a fenomeni di cessione dal sedimento e trasferimento alla rete trofica. Un contributo sostanziale in questo senso può essere rappresentato da up-take da parte delle biomasse vegetali. Questo studio ha valutato la significatività dei fattori stagione e copertura vegetale del substrato sui livelli di contaminanti presenti nel sedimento. Sono state individuate sei aree interne alla laguna di Orbetello caratterizzate da concentrazioni elevate di contaminanti e da una diversa copertura vegetale. Nel corso del biennio 2007-2008, sono stati effettuati rilievi dei principali descrittori della colonna d'acqua, prelievo di sedimento e biomasse vegetali secondo un modello logico di campionamento a cadenza stagionale replicata. I risultati conseguiti hanno evidenziato una dipendenza notevole dei livelli di alcuni contaminanti ambientali rispetto al fattore stagione mostrando l'esistenza di dinamiche di tipo molecola-specifiche all'interno del sistema di studio. La presenza di copertura vegetale costituisce fattore significativo sulla discriminazione dei livelli di questi composti nel sedimento indicando fenomeni di uptake complessi. Sono state riscontrate alcune relazioni significative tra i livelli di contaminanti ed alcuni fattori abiotici stagionali in grado di interferire con la mobilitazione delle molecole dal sedimento quali, ad esempio, le condizioni meteorologiche, il livello di ossigenazione della colonna d'acqua e torbidità.

There has been a worldwide increase in the number of Marine Protected Areas and marine reserves over the last decade. In these areas, the protection measures adopted are related to specific management goals; nevertheless, actual knowledge of the effectiveness of the restrictions is far from exhaustive. This article aims to contribute to knowledge of the environmental quality of the marine reserves in the Tuscan Archipelago (Mediterranean central area) which is composed of seven islands at different levels of protection. A monitoring programme spanning multiple years was performed on water and sediment samples to finalise a definition of the trophic levels and the response of microbiological indicators (total heterotrophic bacteria, Actynomyces, hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria) to persistent organic pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, 1,1-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene, hexachlorobenzene and polybrominated diphenyl ethers) was assessed. The results showed that these reserves were generally of good quality. A clear fingerprint produced by human activities along the coast and significant differences relating to the level of protection were observed. There exists the need to also consider basin dynamics when planning the protection management strategies adopted for marine reserves.

The results presented in this work are part of a pilot project aimed at the evaluation of the potential biodiesel production from algal biomass. Specifically, macroalgal and phytoplanktonic biomass of two Italian lagoon, Orbetello (north Tyrrhenian Sea) and Lesina (south Adriatic Sea), regarded as highly productive and eutrophic, were monitored in spring and summer 2011 and 2012. The study has been divided in two main sections. Firstly, a general qualitative outline of the submerged vegetation distribution by visual census techniques was conducted. Secondly, macroalgae and water samples for chlorophyll a determination were collected in order to study the primary production (in Kg.m-2 and ?g.L-1 for macroalgae and phytoplankton, respectively). Accordingly the lagoons have been divided into transects oriented according to the direction NS and WE. We obtained a total of 18 transects oriented in NW-SE direction in the Orbetello (8 in the western basin and 10 in the eastern basin) and 13 in the Lesina (10 of them in the "Sacca Orientale"). At the same time, physico-chemical parameters were measured by multiparametric probe. The results show a basic difference between the two systems, with a productivity shift towards phytoplankton biomass in Lesina and macroalgae in Orbetello. In Lesina, mean concentrations of chlorophyll a were 2.97 ± 3.63 ?g.L-1 (spring, with maximum of 15.27??g.L-1) and 2.36 ± 2.60 ?g.L-1 (summer, with peak of 12??g.L-1), while macroalgal biomass ranged from 1.9 to 2.6 kg.m-2 for both observation periods. Conversely, in Orbetello lagoon mean phytoplanktonic chlorophyll a did not exceed the level of 0.51 ±0.31 ?g.L-1 in spring and 0.81 ± 0.70 ?g.L-1 in summer (with maximum of 3.21 ?g.L-1), while biomass of submerged vegetation was always an order of magnitude greater. In particular, macroalgal biomass was higher in the western basin than in the Eastern one with mean values that increased from spring (28.2 Kg.m-2) to summer (66.1 kg.m-2). This study indicates that the high macroalgal production in Orbetello lagoon could be evaluated for biodiesel production, while in Lesina the macroalgae distribution is more casual e quantitatively less abundant.

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.

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.

1 - Total levels of persistent organic pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in sediments and edible tissues (muscle and liver) from a fish species of great local commercial interest (Anguilla anguilla L., yellow phase) were determined in Varano and Orbetello lagoons, Italy. 2 - The aim of this study was to improve knowledge on relationships occurring among levels of chemicals in sediments and fish tissues relating them reciprocally and to different intensities of human pressure. 3 - Studied ecosystems were selected due to the notable scientific knowledge acquired by previous detailed research on meteorology, geomorphology, hydrodynamics, types and distribution of local factors linked to different sources of human-made pollution. Samplings were performed in July 2009 according to a logic model based on a priori defined factors of interest and obtained results were statistically analysed in order to evaluate the significance of observed data segregation related to the selected factors. 4 - Concerning levels measured in sediments, significant differences were observed between lagoons in terms of ?PAHs and ?OCPs. According to National and international recognised sediment quality guidelines, results evidenced the occurrence of non-critical POPs values in sediments. 5 - Results on sediments are associated to very high levels in eel's tissues. Concerning eels, Orbetello lagoon is characterized by significant higher values of ?OCPs than Varano, evidencing the presence of an important OCPs local source. 6 - Different human pressure levels produce significant differences in both sediments and eel's tissues in Varano and Orbetello lagoons. © 2013 University of Salento- SIBA.

Vessels, specifically ballast water and hull fouling, are a major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European seas. The Mediterranean is one of the world's marine regions where their invasion is heaviest. The shallow Adriatic basin is a highly sensitive area that is already experiencing its consequences. The secondary spread of NIS over a wider area through natural dispersion is a complex process that depends on a wide range of oceanographic factors. This work analysed the dataset of the BALMAS project, in whose framework twelve ports in the Adriatic Sea were subjected to a Port Baseline Survey (PBS), to estimate the natural spread of NIS organisms from their port of arrival to the wider Adriatic basin. Its findings indicate that the prevailing water circulation patterns facilitate the natural dispersal of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP).

The seasonal variability of physico-chemical and biological parameters was observed from October 2012 to October 2013 inside and outside a farming area in the Southern Adriatic sea (Italy), to assess the impact of the mussel farming on ecology and biology of the area. Temperature showed a typical seasonal trend from 7°C to 27°C, while the salinity range was 34-39 psu. Oxygen saturation was close to 100% at the surface layers and decreased up to 60% near the bottom during the spring, suggesting its consumption by organic matter mineralization processes, which affected ammonia and phosphorous, with the highest concentrations measured outside area (4.73 ?M and 2.12 ?M, respectively). Increased values of oxidative nitrogen in winter (12.01 ± 3.67 ?M) were highlighted. A typical seasonal trend was observed for silicates from 5.59 ± 2.36 ?M in winter to 0.45 ± 0.28 ?M in spring. Chlorophyll a values reflected mixing and upwelling processes, with a peak of 6.70 ?g.l-1 in March, characteristic of the maximum phytoplankton production (1.53 x 106 cell.l-1). Diatoms represented the predominant taxonomic group (52%) in abundance and number of species for all the period, suggesting constant eutrophic conditions in both sites. The temporal trend of diatoms is roughly similar for both the sites, except for the spring-summer period, when a decrease of 50% of diatoms abundance was observed outside and a greater deviation of 80% was found inside the farming area.

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 - This study related recent distribution changes in seven macroalgae taxa (Acetabularia acetabulum,Chaetomorpha linum, Cladophora sp., Gracilariopsis longissima, Spyridia sp., Ulva laetevirens,Valonia aegagrophyla) to spatial (basin) and temporal (time) trophic differences in a meso-eutrophicMediterranean coastal lagoon (Orbetello, Italy).2 - In July 2003 and July 2009, the coverage percentage (CP) of each considered taxon was measuredin 38 stations equally distributed in the Western and Eastern lagoon basins. All data were analysedusing SURFER v8.0 software along with ANOVA, ANOSIM and multivariate analyses to producegeostatistical spatial distribution maps and to estimate statistical probabilities for "basin" and "time"factors.3 - Data from this study were integrated with data on phanerogams reported by Giovani et al. (2010)to evaluate changes occurring at a functional group level from 2003-2009 using the EcologicalEvaluation Index (EEI).4 - Observed macroalgae changes may have been due to lagoon management activities performed duringthe study period. The removal of direct nitrate inputs seems to have forced specie-specific shifts thatwere highly significant only in the Western basin.5 - Statistically significant differences at the taxon level have been indicated for Spyridia sp. (basinand time) and Cladophora sp. (time) taxa. Other non-significant changes included a rarefaction ofChaetomorpha linumin the Western basin and Spyridia sp. in the Eastern basin, and an increase ofGracilariopsis longissima, C. linum and Valonia aegagrophyla in the Eastern basin.6 - EEI application indicated a general improvement in water quality due to management measuresapplied in Western basin, whereas the Eastern basin evidences stability/slight degradation from2003-2009.

This study evaluates recent distribution changes of three phanerogam (Ruppia cirrhosa, Cymodocea nodosa, Nanozostera noltii) and seven macroalgae taxa (Acetabularia acetabulum, Chaetomorpha linum, Cladophora vagabunda, Cladophora battersii, Gracilariopsis longissima, Spyridia filamentosa., Ulva laetevirens, Valonia aegagrophyla) in a meso-eutrophic Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Orbetello, Italy). The aim of this study was to relate, on a statistical basis, distribution and dominance changes to different factors: low-range trophic differences between lagoon areas (basin), temporal changes (year), levels of surfactants (pollution). In July 2003, 2009, and 2011 the percentage of coverage of each considered species was estimated in 38 sites equally distributed inside Western and Eastern basins. Collected data were analysed using SURFER v8.0 and Primer E package v6.0 software to produce respectively geostatistical distribution maps and associated probabilities. Surfer maps evidenced changes in macroalgae distribution during the studied period and statistical analyses supported observed differences related to factors years, basin, and pollution. Major effects are due to changes recorded for only changes of Nanozostera, Cladophora and Spyridia taxa concerning both distributions and abundances. Observed changes could have been due to management activities performed during 2003-2009. The removal of direct nitrate inputs produced specie-specific shifts characterized by a rarefaction of C. linum, Cladophora sp., and Spyridia sp. and an increase of G. longissima and V. aegagrophyla.

Mediterranean lagoons are naturally exposed, during the dry season, to dystrophic and hypoxicevents determining dis-equilibrium conditions along temporal and spatial scales, which are linked tometabolism and life cycle of the biotic components.2 - In summer 2008, Lesina lagoon (SE Italian coastline) was interested by a geographically localizeddystrophic crisis which affected up to 8% of the total lagoon surface.3 - Temporal dynamics of principal descriptors of abiotic (water, sediment) and biotic (phytoplankton,benthic macroinvertebrate) compartments have been followed during the 2008 by collecting datainside stressed and control lagoon areas before a dystrophic event and in the six months after thedystrophic event.4 - The aim of the study was to analyse the pathways of ecosystem responses to dystrophic stress,searching for the characteristic scales of ecosystem compartment resistance and resilience.5 - The characteristic time-scale of abiotic and biotic component time responses varied from days,for the selected markers of the water column, to year, for the benthic ones. Short-term biotic andabiotic responses in the water column were strongly coupled while biotic and abiotic responses atthe sediment level were remarkably un-coupled. Dynamics and recovery time of water column andbenthic components do not match in Lesina following the dystrophic crisis, highlighting an intrinsicindividualistic behavior within the lagoon community driving ecosystem processes and ecosystemlevel responses.6 - Taxonomic and non-taxonomic descriptors of both phytoplankton and benthic macroinvertebratesshowed different response patterns as early warning signals and overall resilience. The emphasizeddifferences in the stability components, i.e., resistance and resilience, of water column andsediment abiotic and biotic characteristics as well as of taxonomic and non-taxonomic descriptorshas key implication in planning monitoring strategies and programs for transitional waters in theMediterranean and Black Sea EcoRegions.

Integrated classification maps were produced by combining sediment grain-size and hydrological data (water renewal time, WRT) from two Mediterranean lagoons, Lesina (LL) and Varano (LV), Italy. The geophysical characteristics of the two basins, derived from detailed bathymetric charts, are quite distinct: similar to 30% of LL (mean depth similar to 1 m) but only 3% of LV (mean depth similar to 3 m) is shallower than 1 m. The sediments of both lagoons are mainly composed of mud (similar to 80%). A detailed multivariate analysis of grain-size data by Entropy Max classified the lagoon beds of LL and LV into five sedimentary facies. WRT data, computed by a hydrodynamic model, indicated different hydrological conditions in the two lagoons: LL showed a sharp west-east gradient, with a basin-wide average of similar to 190 days, whilst LV showed a fairly uniform distribution and a higher basin-wide average (similar to 260 days). The distribution of sedimentary fades and water renewal times were combined in a composite map representing the distribution of environmental patterns. The approach outlined in this study can be used to improve zonation schemes by providing a hydromorphological perspective on transitional and coastal environments.

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 Italian Fixed-point ObservatoryNetwork (IFON) integrates well-established oceaninfrastructures managed by various national researchinstitutions (CNR, OGS, and ENEA). Theimplementation of this network was one of the aim ofthe SP5-WP3 of the Flagship Project RITMARE. Inthe first four years of the project, the state of art ofthe 15 operative sites has been completed and 2 morestations are operative from 2015-2016. For each site,the technical characteristics and methods oftransmission have been described, and for some sites,several upgrades were accomplished in order todevelop, integrate, and consolidate the network.Periodically, oceanographic cruises for themaintenance and implementation of the sites werecarried out.After the definition of the minimum requirements, thecriteria for the validation of physical andbiogeochemical data were determined. They include aselection of existing rules, procedures andrecommendations on automatic data Quality Control(QC), and their validation in Near Real Time (NRT).These procedures are intended to unify the validationcriteria of the parameters collected daily from thenetwork and to provide the scientific community witha homogeneous and comparable set of data of theItalian seas. Within the WP3, a relocatable observingsystem for emergencies at sea was implemented. Somenew instruments were bought and some others wereupgraded. In addition, the IFON was enriched with anair-sea observatory in Lampedusa Island with a newbuoy deployed during summer 2015

This study investigates how multiple forcing factors such as rivers, surface marine circulation and winds affect hydrology and biogeochemical processes in the Gulf of Manfredonia and the seas around the Gargano peninsula, in the south-western Adriatic Sea. The study adopted an integrated approach, using in situ and remote sensing data, as well as the output of current models. The data reveal variability in the area's hydrography induced by local freshwater sources, the Western Adriatic Current (WAC) flowing from the north along the Italian coast, and the current patterns under different wind regimes. Specifically, exchange with offshore waters in the gulf induces variability in salinity and biogeochemical content, even within the same season, i.e. winter, in our case. This strong dependence on physical and biogeochemical factors makes the Manfredonia-Gargano ecosystem vulnerable to climate change, which could compromise its important role as a nursery area for the Adriatic Sea.

Changes in environmental stressors inevitably lead to an increasing need for innovative and more flexible monitoring tools. The aim of this work has been the characterization of the motility pattern of the cryopreserved sea bream semen after exposure to a dumpsite leachate sample, for the identification of the best representative parameters to be used as endpoints in an ecotoxicological bioassay.Sperm motility has been evaluated either by visual and by computer-assisted analysis; parameters concerning motility on activation and those describing it in the times after activation (duration parameters) have been assessed, discerning them in terms of sensitivity, reliability and methodology of assessment by means of multivariate analyses. The EC50 values of the evaluated endpoints ranged between 2.3 and 4.5 ml/L, except for the total motile percentage (aTM, 7.0 ml/L), which proved to be the less sensitive among all the tested parameters. According to the multivariate analyses, a difference in sensitivity among "activation" endpoints in respect of "duration" ones can be inferred; on the contrary, endpoints seem to be equally informative either describing total motile sperm or the rapid sub-population, as well as the assessment methodology seems to be not discriminating. In conclusion, the CRYO-Ecotest is a multi-endpoint bioassay that can be considered a promising innovative ecotoxicological tool, characterized by a high plasticity, as its endpoints can be easy tailored each time according to the different needs of the environmental quality assessment programs. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Samples of surface sediments and tissues (liver and muscle) of commercially available European silver eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) collected from Varano lagoon (Italy) were analysed to determine trace element contents. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to highlight both the differences between sampling sites and the influence of channel discharges. Atomic ratios indices for sediment data and biological enrichment factors (BEF) for eel tissues were calculated in order to evaluate the enrichment factor due to human activities. The highest levels of As (11.9 mu g g(-1)) and Zn (14.1 mu g g(-1)) were observed in the south-eastern zone of the lagoon, which is influenced by urban and agricultural discharges. The low levels of Hg observed in this study (0.04 mu g g(-1)) led us to exclude both natural and human local sources of this element. Trace element concentrations of all elements were lower in muscle than in liver tissue. Significant enrichment of Cu and Zn was found in livers.

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.