Scientific watch

The tropical ascidian Herdmania momus has been rapidly expanding its distribution in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. This study examined the role of temperature resilience on the invasion success of H. momus by conducting field surveys at Achziv Marine Protected Area

Rare and cryptic fish species such as the cusk-eel Ophidion rochei, an endemic sand-dwelling Mediterranean fish, are likely to go undetected by traditional non-invasive monitoring techniques commonly used to survey biodiversity. This study located for the first time O. rochei

Animal forests promote marine habitats morphological complexity and functioning. The red gorgonian, Paramuricea clavata, is a key structuring species of the Mediterranean coralligenous habitat and an indicator species of climate effects on habitat functioning. Paramuricea clavata metrics such as population

Pinna nobilis is an endemic bivalve of the Mediterranean Sea and a vulnerable species registered as endangered and protected under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC and the Barcelona Convention. This bivalve has been worryingly impacted by a mass mortality that

Citizen Science (CS) strengthens the relationship between society and science through education and engagement, with win-win results. Marine Citizen Science (MSC) is increasingly popular, thanks to society’s growing interest in marine environments and marine issues. This study explores different case

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been advocated as a major tool for recovery and conservation of marine resources. This study assessed the effects of a network of no-take areas (Cabo de Gata Natural Park, Spain, Mediterranean Sea) on different stages

The number of marine protected areas (MPAs) has grown exponentially worldwide over the past decade in order to meet international targets. Most of these protected areas allow extraction of resources and are therefore designated as “partially protected areas” (PPAs). However,

Currently, human society is predominantly powered by fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) yet also ultimately depends on goods and services provided by biodiversity. Fossil fuel extraction impacts biodiversity indirectly through climate change and by increasing accessibility, and directly

Recent international negotiations have highlighted the need to protect marine diversity on the high seas (the ocean area beyond national jurisdiction). However, restricting fishing access on the high seas raises many concerns, including how such restrictions would affect food security.

Between 1950 and 1989, marine fisheries catch in the open-ocean and deep-sea beyond 200 nautical miles from the shore increased by a factor of more than 10. While high seas catches have since plateaued, fishing effort continues to increase linearly.