Age and growth of L. crocodilus (Osteichthyes, Myctophidae) were estimated using otoliths by direct and backcalculation methods. Data were collected in the Ionian Sea during nine seasonal trawl surveys carried out between 2000 and 2004. The maximum age identified was 8 years. The age-length keys obtained by the two different methods provided comparable results

Data on the soft bottom benthic communities of the Vlora Gulf along the Albanian coast were collected in the context of the international Centro Internazionale di Scienze del Mare (CISM) project funded by the Apulian region. The present study investigated and mapped the different communities inside the Gulf of Vlora, Albania, which are continuously affected by various natural and anthropogenic sources. Two research cruises were carried out in the Vlora Gulf during May 2007 and January 2008. During the first exploratory survey, the depth and morphology of the soft bottom was identified with a multibeam echo sounder and the Side-Scan–Sonar system; a preliminary map of the biocoenosis was created and a sampling plan was defined. In the second survey, 58 sampling stations were established in the study area using Van Veen grabs and scuba dives. A total of 151 taxa were identified (1 Foraminifera, 6 Cnidaria, 3 Nemertea, 2 Sipuncula, 36 Mollusca, 53 Annelida, 25 Crustacea Decapoda, 7 Bryozoa, 15 Echinodermata, 1 Hemichordata, and 2 Tunicata); 54 species were reported for the first time in Albania. The analyses showed there were three main habitats in the investigated area: the biocoenosis of terrigenous mud; a wide, muddy matte of Posidonia oceanica; and the narrow residual areas of P. oceanica meadows. The present study represents the first experience in mapping the benthic biocoenosis of the Vlora Gulf of Albania and shows a progressive decay of the benthic communities in the area, especially if compared with the previous few studies.

Using longline a comparison of H. dactylopterus abundance and length distribution between coral and non coral habitats inside the Santa Maria di Leuca coral province is provided

Two experimental longline surveys were carried out in the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) cold-water coral province (Mediterranean Sea) during May-June and September-October 2010 to investigate the effect of corals on fish assemblages. Two types of “megahabitat” characterized by the virtual absence of fishing were explored. One was characterized by complex topography including mesohabitats with carbonate mounds and corals. The other type of megahabitat, although characterized by complex topographic features, lacks carbonate mounds and corals. The fishing vessel was equipped with a 3000 m monofilament longline with 500 hooks and snoods of 2.5 m in length. A total of 9 hauls, using about 4500 hooks, were carried out both in the coral megahabitat and in the non-coral megahabitat during each survey. The fish Leucoraja fullonica and Pteroplatytrygon violacea represent new records for the SML coral province. The coral by-catch was only obtained in the coral megahabitat in about 55% of the stations investigated in both surveys. The total catches and the abundance indices of several species were comparable between the two habitat typologies. The species contributing most to the dissimilarity between the two megahabitat fish assemblages were Pagellus bogaraveo, Galeus melastomus, Etmopterus spinax and Helicolenus dactylopterus for density and P. bogaraveo, Conger conger, Polyprion americanus and G. melastomus for biomass. P. bogaraveo was exclusively collected in the coral megahabitat, whereas C. conger, H. dactylopterus and P. americanus were found with greater abundance in the coral than in the non-coral megahabitat. Differences in the sizes between the two megahabitats were detected in E. spinax, G. melastomus, C. conger and H. dactylopterus. Although these differences most probably related to the presence-absence of corals, both megahabitats investigated play the role of attraction-refuge for deep-sea fish fauna, confirming the important role of the whole SML coral province as a refuge area from fishing.

Using a towed camera system a total of 422 individuals belonging to 62 taxa, of which 33 identified at species level, were counted in the Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) coral province, updating the knowledge on the biodiversity of this area and on the depth records of several species. The presence of coral mounds mostly in the north-eastern sector of the SML coral province seems to influence the large scale distribution of the deep-sea benthopelagic fauna, playing a role of attraction-refuge with respect to the barren muddy bottoms where fishing occurs in northward areas. Indeed, 38% of the species identified are of commercial interest and all are accidentally captured by trawling and/or longline outside the SML coral area. The Multiple Correspondence Analysis identified three main species/taxa groups: one including species/taxa more strictly linked to the bottom, resting and/or moving on the seabed, often sheltering and feeding; another group mostly consisting of species/taxa quietly swimming in the water column and mostly observed on rugged bottoms; and a third group made up of species/taxa actively swimming and hovering near the seabed. The behavioural patterns mostly related to activity and position of the fauna seem to determine their small-scale distribution while the effects of different benthic macrohabitats appear to be less important. Even less the depth within the bathymetric range examined. The behavioral patterns reflect aspects of the species life strategies, revealing common features in phylogenetically and ecologically distant species. Typical pelagic species, such as squids, were mostly observed to swim in the water column near to the bottom. Small individuals of Lepidopus caudatus, searching for food in very deep sediment, revealed a completely different behaviour from that known in adults. Aristeus antennatus was mostly observed in sediment-dominated bottoms in different positions and activities. The teleost Helicolenus dactylopterus exhibited a clear behavioural pattern of resting on seabed in different macrohabitats. The golden shrimp Plesionika martia and the fish Pagellus bogaraveo were mostly observed quietly swimming and hovering respectively near seabed. These two species seem to be influenced by the presence of corals.

The Santa Maria di Leuca (SML) coral banks represent a rare example of living Lophelia-Madreporabearing coral mounds in the Mediterranean Sea. They are located between 350 and 1100m in depth, in the northern Ionian Sea (eastern-central Mediterranean). Using a multi-beam echo sounder, side-scan sonar, high-resolution seismics and underwater video, the zones were identified for the sampling demersal fauna without damaging the coral colonies. During September–October 2005 experimental samplings were carried out with longlines and trawl nets inside the coral habitat and outside, where fishery exploitation occurs. No significant differences were shown between the abundance of fish recorded using longlines in the coral and non-coral habitat even though some selachians and teleosts were more abundant in the former than in the latter. Large specimens of rockfish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) and blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) were commonly caught using longlines in the coral habitat. Data from trawling revealed refuge effects in the coral habitat and fishing effects outside. Significant differences were detected between the recorded abundances in the two study areas. Greater densities and biomasses were obtained inside the coral area, and fish size spectra and size distributions indicate a greater abundance of large fish inside the coral habitat. The SML coral habitat is a spawning area for H. dactylopterus. The remarkable density of the young-of-the-year of the deep-water shark Etmopterus spinax as well as of Merluccius merluccius, Micromesistius poutassou, Phycis blennoides and H. dactylopterus, indicates that the coral habitat also acts as nursery area for these demersal species, which are exploited outside. Considering the evidence of the negative impact of bottom trawling and, to a lesser extent, of longlining, the coral banks can provide a refuge for the conservation of unique species and habitats as well as in providing benefit to adjacent fisheries through the spill-over effect both of eggs, larvae, juveniles and adults.

Adequacy in describing the growth of the elasmobranch Etmopterus spinax (Squaliformes, Etmopteridae) of the classical von Bertalanffy growth model in contrast with a two-phase growth model is discussed. Values computed for Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and AIC weight testify that the best trade off between descriptive precision and complexity lies in the two-phase growth model.

Canyons play a fundamental role in enhancing the abundance and diversity of marine organisms through the transport of organic matter and food resources, the presence of complex physical habitats and the absence of trawl fishing. During four baited lander deployments carried out in the Bari Canyon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean), at depths of 443–788 m, about 43 h of video records were taken, for a total of 619,200 video frames. A total of 12 benthopelagic fish species (five chondrichthyes and seven osteichthyes) were identified. The blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) was the most often observed fish species. The depth of 787 m represents a new depth record for this fish in the Adriatic Sea. Groups of up to 40 individuals of P. bogaraveo were attracted to the bait and were shown in single frames. The individuals were observed both exploring the area and feeding actively on the bait. The European conger (Conger conger) was recorded at each deployment. Clear scavenger behaviour was also observed in this teleost fish and in the shark Etmopterus spinax. The shark species Centrophorus granulosus and Hexanchus griseus, which are considered ‘vulnerable’ on the published IUCN Mediterranean Regional Red List, were also recorded but, although attracted by the bait, they were never seen feeding on it. Other fish species, harvested on fishing grounds, such as Merluccius merluccius, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Polyprion americanus, were also recorded. This study represents the first in situ documentation, at very low impact, of the fish fauna in the Bari Canyon, providing new insights into its small scale distribution and behaviour, the first in situ direct observation of the variable feeding behaviour of P. bogaraveo and its gregarious habits, as well as indicating that this canyon could act as a refuge area for species that are vulnerable to fishing on the open slope.

The relationships between the abundance of demersal resources, environmental variables, and fishing pressure in the northwestern Ionian Sea in the last two decades were evaluated. Data on the density collected during seventeen trawl surveys carried out from 1985 to 2005 were used. The following species were considered: Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Nephrops norvegicus, and Parapenaeus longirostris for crustaceans; Merluccius merluccius, Phycis blennoides, and Mullus barbatus for teleost fish. The recruitment index was also considered for N. norvegicus, P. longirostris, M. merluccius and Mullus barbatus. Six candidate models were evaluated for each density and recruitment data set either combining fishing effort with global (NAO) and regional (SST and precipitation) climatic indices, or models separately involving fishing effort, NAO, or regional climatic indices as the only predictive variable. Model selection was carried out using an information-theoretical approach that applies Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). High changes over time were observed for the density data and recruitment indices in each species. Apart from hake abundance and recruitment data, for which a clear positive relationship with the NAO index alone was detected, the changes observed in the other species seem to be the consequence of the interaction between bottom-up effects linked to changes in physical environment and top-down ones due to the fishing pressure.

The complexity in the management of marine biological resources is due to the manifold variables concerning environmental phenomena, technological aspects and socio-economic problems as well as the uncertainties in the assessment of stochastic processes related to the exploited populations. After a short review of the state of art at world level, the authors focus on the Mediterranean and Italian seas providing information on global capture production of fishery resources and economical aspects of fishery, raising the need for a management approach that should be robust with uncertainties, suitable for multi-species fisheries and that meets ecosystem objectives. In this respect, the authors report the main recommendations of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and measures indicated in the Council Regulation (EC) 1967/2006 and Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Occurrence of juveniles of Scyliorhinus canicula and Mustelus mustelus was investigated as part of trawl surveys carried out from 1994 to 2009 in the North-western Ionian Sea. Two main finding areas were observed for juveniles of S. canicula and one of M. mustelus

Occurrence and behaviour of Paromola cuvieri (Crustacea, Decapoda) were recorded by means of the MEMO lander equipped with two digital cameras and deployed in the cold-water coral community of the Santa Maria di Leuca (Mediterranean Sea). A total of 14 individuals were observed at depths between 547 and 648 m; 10 in the coral habitat on coral mounds and 4 off the coral habitat on muddybottoms. Thirteen specimens recorded were females, one male and all were shown to scavenge the bait. All the specimens carried a sponge on their exoskeleton using the fifth pereiopods. The specimens were distinguishable by the size and shape of the carried sponge. The present observations demonstrate both passive covering behaviour and active behaviour of discouraging approach and attack from competitors or predators, respectively. This study represents the first in situ documentation of Paromola cuvieri behaviour interacting with other deep-sea species in the Mediterranean Sea.

The presence of the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus (Lamniformes: Cetorhinidae) in the central-eastern Mediterranean Sea has been documented by means of 15 sightings and two accidental catches which occurred from February 2011 to January 2014 in the northwestern Ionian and southern Adriatic Sea. Specimens were observed exhibiting typical feeding behaviour, swimming slowly on the surface, during each sighting. In the case of the accidental catches, the basking shark specimens were released still alive by local fishermen. The observed specimens measured between 4 and 9 m in total length (TL). The sightings could be due to an increase in effort in the monitoring of the species occurring in the Mediterranean Sea as a consequence of a rise interest in the conservation of threatened species.

Blackbelly rosefish Helicolenus dactylopterus is a zygoparous fish whose males are equipped with the copulating organ named urogenital papilla (UP). This study deals with the morphology and the glycoconjugate pattern of the UP epidermis, which is the male tissue interacting with the female internal body during copulation. The carbohydrate content was studied by means of conventional and lectin histochemistry. The epidermis was shown to be a stratified cuboidal epithelium and to exhibit characteristic intraepithelial pits in the apical zone. The mucous cells are scattered in the epidermis. The epidermal cell layers and their thickness as well as the size of mucous cells varied along the UP. Conventional histochemistry showed that the mucous cells contained i) only neutral glycoproteins in the basal zone; ii) both neutral and acidic nonsulphated glycans as well as only acidic non-sulphated or sulphated glycoconjugates in the intermediate zone; iii) neutral and sulphated glycoconjugates in the apical zone. The mucous cells in the basal region expressed O-linked (mucin type) glycans terminating with αGalNAc, Galβ1,3GalNAc which could be α2,3-linked to sialic acid, and high mannose type N-linked glycans terminating with fucose, lactosamine, and sialic α2,6-linked to galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine; terminal Gal and terminal/internal GlcNAc were also found. The mucous cells in the intermediate zone lacked Galβ1,3GalNAc and showed less terminal α2,3-linked sialic acid, lactosamine, fucose, galactose, and internal N-acetylglucosamine residues. In the apical region, mucous cells only exhibited O-glycans terminating with GalNAc and N-acetylglucosamine. The demonstrated region-specific differences in the UP skin provide new insights into the reproductive biology of fishes with internal fertilization.

The spatio-temporal distribution pattern of Munida rutllanti in the north-western Ionian Sea has been studied. Data were collected during 14 experimental trawl surveys conducted from 1997 to 2010 as part of the international MEDITS project. The hauls were carried out during day-light hours between depths of 10 and 800 m in the spring season. A progressive increase in the abun¬dance index (N/km2) of M. rutllanti was observed from 2000 to 2008, then a sharp decrease was shown in the last two years. The greatest and lowest abundance indices were observed in the Apulian and central Calabrian sub-areas, respectively. The species was collected between 107 and 795 m in depth, with a significant increase and decrease over time in the maximum and minimum depth of finding, respectively. A highly significant increase over time in the mean carapace length was also observed in the whole study area. The widespread occurrence and increasing abundance of this species in the Ionian Sea could be related to the increase in temperature and the variation in hydrographic conditions which occurred in the Ionian basin during the EMT-BiOS phenomenon.