1. Enhancing ex situ cultivation of Mediterranean Fucales: species-specific responses of Gongolaria barbata and Ericaria crinita seedlings to algal extractsAna Lokovšek, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Edi Gljušćić, Andrea Bilajac, Ljiljana Iveša, Alberta Di Cave, Saverio Savio, Federico Ortenzi, Domen Trkov, Roberta Congestri, Annalisa Falace, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Mediterranean brown algal forests, dominated by Cystoseira sensu lato species, are undergoing widespread decline due to the cumulative effects of anthropogenic pressure and climate-related stressors. Restoration efforts increasingly rely on ex situ cultivation and outplanting of seedlings, yet early developmental stages often suffer from low survival and growth rates. This study investigated the potential of algal extracts to enhance the seedling development and survival in two canopy-forming species, Gongolaria barbata and Ericaria crinita. We tested extracts from a cyanobacterium (Trichormus variabilis), two microalgae (Desmodesmus sp. and Cylindrotheca closterium), and a commercial macroalgal formulation (AlgatronCifo®) at varying concentrations under controlled mesocosm conditions. Seedling performance was significantly influenced by extract type, and target species identity. Notably, a low-concentration Desmodesmus sp. extract (0.07 mg mL− 1 ) improved survival and growth, whereas T. variabilis exerted an inhibitory effect on G. barbata. AlgatronCifo® did not outperform Desmodesmus sp. extract in promoting seedling development. These findings suggest that specific extracts from green microalgae could improve protocols for the early stages of restoration, offering a scalable tool for rehabilitating degraded marine forests. However, the results underscore the importance of species-specific optimization and the need for in situ validation of biostimulant-based restoration approaches.
Keywords: Cystoseira s.l., seaweed biostimulants, microalgal extracts, seedling development, restoration, Mediterranean sea
Published in DiRROS: 22.09.2025; Views: 797; Downloads: 441
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2. Polychaetes associated with calcareous red algae Corallina officinalis in the Northern Adriatic SeaValentina Pitacco, Moira Buršić, Ante Žunec, Petra Burić, Neven Iveša, Ines Kovačić, Emina Pustijanac, Ljiljana Iveša, Tanja Vojvoda Zeljko, Borut Mavrič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Polychaetes are important marine invertebrates that contribute to sediment bioturbation, nutrient recycling, and food web dynamics. This study examines the diversity and structure of the polychaete assemblages associated with the red algae Corallina officinalis in areas with different levels of anthropogenic pressures of the Northeastern Adriatic Sea. Sampling was performed in the intertidal zones. Altogether, 54 species from 13 families were found, with Syllidae being the most abundant. Polychaete richness, relative abundance and diversity at sampling locations with and without anthropogenic pressures showed no significant difference. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in species composition between sites under anthropogenic pressures and those without, with key species such as Sphaerosyllis pirifera, Syllis rosea, Syllis prolifera, Syllis gerundensis, and Platynereis dumerilii playing significant roles. Syllis rosea was the most abundant in locations without anthropogenic pressures, while S. pirifera was the most abundant in locations under anthropogenic pressures. These results suggest that while polychaete communities are resilient, anthropogenic pressures are causing shifts in species composition. This pattern is consistent with the results of related studies, indicating a broader ecological trend. The shifts observed here should raise concern among conservation ecologists, underscoring the importance of long-term monitoring to understand and mitigate the impacts of human activities on coastal ecosystems.
Keywords: Polychaeta, Syllidae, Nereididae, intertidal area, coastal biodiversity, hard bottom, anthropogenic pressure
Published in DiRROS: 24.06.2025; Views: 1003; Downloads: 841
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3. Toward the first documented extinction of a marine macroalga in the Mediterranean Sea?Emmanuelle Patricia Descourvières, Vinko Bandelj, Adriano Sfriso, Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Vesna Mačić, Ljiljana Iveša, Silvija Kipson, Edi Gljušćić, Claudio Battelli, Isabella Moro, Cosimo Solidoro, Annalisa Falace, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Fucus virsoides is a glacial relict-species endemic to the Adriatic that was widespread from northern Italy to southern Albania. In recent decades, however, it has suffered an alarming decline. In this study, all available records were reviewed to reconstruct its historical and current occurrence and to investigate the possible causes of its decline. Comprehensive mapping revealed a continuing decline with a significant shift, leaving only about 20 fragmented populations. While the species is already classified as critically endangered in Albania, F. virsoides could be considered functionally extinct in Istria (Croatia), critically threatened with extinction in Italy and Montenegro and locally extinct in Slovenia. The status of the species in the rest of Croatia is still unclear. The remaining populations are located in areas characterised by low temperatures, low salinity and high nutrient concentrations. Long-term analyses of these key abiotic factors revealed profound changes that suggest a link to the species' decline. This study provides a thorough assessment of the overall status of F. virsoides and argues for its inclusion on the IUCN Red List. Immediate conservation measures are needed for the long-term survival of this species.
Keywords: Adriatic sea, endangered species, distribution, hydrobiology, marine biology
Published in DiRROS: 28.08.2024; Views: 1857; Downloads: 1151
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