1. Where and how : new insight for brown algal forest restoration in the AdriaticMartina Orlando-Bonaca, Gilda Savonitto, Valentina Asnaghi, Domen Trkov, Valentina Pitacco, Milijan Šiško, Tihomir Makovec, Petra Slavinec, Ana Lokovšek, Saul Ciriaco, Mariachiara Chiantore, Sara Kaleb, Emmanuelle Patricia Descourvières, Marina Srijemsi, Annalisa Falace, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Several anthropogenic factors are responsible for the decline of Cystoseira sensu lato (hereafter Cystoseira) forests along Mediterranean coasts. Some Cystoseira species are already regionally extinct, and their decline has been widely recorded. Sustainable and efficient techniques for the restoration of Cystoseira are needed. In this context, the objectives of this study were i) to analyse the reproductive traits of three populations of Gongolaria barbata from three nearby donor sites in the northern Adriatic Sea, assessing the differences in their reproductive potential and reproductive success; and ii) to evaluate the outplanting success in terms of the effectiveness of G. barbata restoration, in relation to the different donor and receiving sites (Miramare MPA and in front of the Marine Biology Station Piran - MBSP) and implemented methods (ex situ and hybrid method combining a mesocosm cultivation and a suspended culture in the field). After 2 weeks of cultivation in mesocosms, half of the tiles with germlings were transported to the receiving sites and placed on suspended lantern nets (hybrid method), which were later (after 3 months) transferred to the seabed on concrete plates with protective cages. The remaining tiles were placed on the seabed on concrete plates with protective cages after a 4-week culture (ex situ method). At both sites, lantern nets and plates were randomly placed at 3 m depth. Thallus length was measured monthly in each treatment. Seedlings in suspended culture showed lower performance at the Miramare MPA, most likely due to the unfavourable environmental conditions. The satisfactory results obtained at MBSP demonstrate the efficiency of the hybrid method and confirm its potential to reduce the cost and time required for cultivation. Since unpredictable climatic events pose the greatest threat to restoration performance, these challenges must be considered when establishing new restoration practices. Moreover, herbivore regulation is extremely urgent and should be planned and implemented on a larger regional scale.
Keywords: canopy-forming algae, restoration, ex situ, cultivation, Mediterranean Sea
Published in DiRROS: 17.07.2024; Views: 1; Downloads: 0
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2. Contribution to the knowledge of Gongolaria barbata (Sargassaceae, Fucales) from the Mediterranean : insights into infraspecific diversityAnnalisa Falace, Chiara Manfrin, Giovanni Furnari, Sara D’Ambros Burchio, Alberto Pallavicini, Emmanuelle Patricia Descourvières, Sara Kaleb, Ana Lokovšek, Daniele Grech, Giuseppina Alongi, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Gongolaria barbata (Sargassaceae, Fucales) is a widespread species for which several infraspecific taxa have been described, indicating its polymorphism. This study contributes to the understanding of the molecular, nomenclatural, morphological and ecological aspects of G. barbata in the Mediterranean and sheds light on the infraspecific diversity and its implications for the taxonomy of this species. Molecular analyses were performed using sequencing of the mitochondrial cox1 gene on both haptophytic and pleustophytic forms from different sites in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas. Vegetative and reproductive morphology was studied on thalli samples from the Adriatic. Our results showed that there are different morphotypes within G. barbata populations related to specific environmental conditions, suggesting infraspecific variation. In contrast, molecular analyses showed no differences between samples, regardless of whether individuals are growing “attached” to a substrate or “unattached”. We also discussed the taxonomic status and nomenclatural issues related to certain infraspecific taxa previously proposed for G. barbata. In particular, the confusion surrounding Cystoseira aurantia is clarified.
Keywords: ecotypes, taxonomy, Northern Adriatic, Cystoseira s.l.
Published in DiRROS: 16.05.2024; Views: 178; Downloads: 104
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