The first occurrence of Lagocephalus guentheri in Maltese waters is validated through morphologic... more The first occurrence of Lagocephalus guentheri in Maltese waters is validated through morphological and molecular analysis of a specimen collected in 2023. This non-indigenous tetraodontid entered into the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal and has established itself in the Levantine basin. The finding represents a first indication of L. guentheri westward expansion toward the Malta-Sicily Channel within the central sector of the Mediterranean Sea.
This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus... more This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus rostratus (Risso, 1827), in the Mediterranean Sea. Ten sharks caught as bycatch between 2009 and 2019 in the northern sectors of the Strait of Sicily, the south Tyrrhenian Sea, the northwestern Ionian Sea, and the south Adriatic Sea using drifting longlines, as well as five retrieved from the Tripoli (Libya) marketplace, were morphologically confirmed to represent S. rostratus. The sharks exhibited typical characteristics for this species and were all caught from deep waters, indicating a potential mesopelagic habit. The study also utilized literature reviews and global databases for a comprehensive mapping of S. rostratus distribution in the Mediterranean Sea, which revealed sporadic occurrences in the eastern Mediterranean and an absence in the north Adriatic Sea. Morphometric data provided insights into the reproductive characteristics of S. rostratus. The study highlights the ecological significance of the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) for the species, indicating it as a likely spawning area, and underscores the impact of the interactions between sharks and pelagic drifting swordfish fisheries in the Mediterranean, which result in increased mortality rates for threatened shark and ray species. Prioritizing conservation measures for endangered elasmobranch populations is crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem balance and ensuring fishery resource sustainability.
A single individual of Ariidae was captured in 2022 in the Palestinian waters off the Gaza Strip,... more A single individual of Ariidae was captured in 2022 in the Palestinian waters off the Gaza Strip, eastern Mediterranean. A comprehensive description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimen was conducted. Molecular identification was performed through sequence analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI). The specimen was identified as Ariopsis felis, both morphologically and genetically. The natural range of this species is the western Atlantic and, to the best of our knowledge, the species has never been reported before from Mediterranean waters. The singular occurrence of this fish in the basin prompts further discussion, raising questions about the possible vectors that may be responsible for this new introduction in the Mediterranean Sea.
A recently discovered fish specimen representing the family Diodontidae has been documented in th... more A recently discovered fish specimen representing the family Diodontidae has been documented in the waters off Mazara del Vallo in southwest Sicily, Italy. A detailed description of the morphological and meristic characteristics of the specimen is reported. Molecular identification was performed through sequence analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI). The specimen was identified as Chilomycterus reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) both morphologically and genetically. The finding marks the third confirmed record of Chilomycterus reticulatus in the Mediterranean Sea and Italian waters. The significance of the presence of this uncommon fish in the basin is briefly discussed, shedding light on its occurrence and potential implications.
This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus... more This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus rostratus (Risso, 1827), in the Mediterranean Sea. Ten sharks caught as bycatch between 2009 and 2019 in the northern sectors of the Strait of Sicily, the south Tyrrhenian Sea, the northwestern Ionian Sea, and the south Adriatic Sea using drifting longlines, as well as five retrieved from the Tripoli (Libya) marketplace, were morphologically confirmed to represent S. rostratus. The sharks exhibited typical characteristics for this species and were all caught from deep waters, indicating a potential mesopelagic habit. The study also utilized literature reviews and global databases for a comprehensive mapping of S. rostratus distribution in the Mediterranean Sea, which revealed sporadic occurrences in the eastern Mediterranean and an absence in the north Adriatic Sea. Morphometric data provided insights into the reproductive characteristics of S. rostratus. The study highlights the ecological significance of the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) for the species, indicating it as a likely spawning area, and underscores the impact of the interactions between sharks and pelagic drifting swordfish fisheries in the Mediterranean, which result in increased mortality rates for threatened shark and ray species. Prioritizing conservation measures for endangered elasmobranch populations is crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem balance and ensuring fishery resource sustainability.
A flourishing population of the Massawan mantis shrimp, Erugosquilla massavensis, an Erythraean s... more A flourishing population of the Massawan mantis shrimp, Erugosquilla massavensis, an Erythraean species, is recorded off Sicily, Italy, one year after the very first specimen was collected off the eastern coast of the island. The species is already established as a minor, albeit valuable, fishery resource. Once its population increases, however, it may compete with the native Mediterranean spot-tail mantis shrimp, Squilla mantis. This article presents the results of a joint effort between members of the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Comiso and local fishermen to monitor non-indigenous species in Sicilian waters.
This paper concerns records of species that have extended their distribution in the Mediterranean... more This paper concerns records of species that have extended their distribution in the Mediterranean Sea. The finding of the rare brackish angiosperm Althenia filiformis in the island of Cyprus is interesting since its insertion in the Red Data Book of the Flora of Cyprus is suggested. The following species enriched the flora or fauna lists of the relevant countries: the red alga Sebdenia dichotoma (Greece), the hydrachnid mite Pontarachna adriatica (Slovenia), and the thalassinid Gebiacantha talismani (Turkey). Several alien species were recorded in new Mediterranean localities. The record of the burrowing goby Trypauchen vagina in the North Levantine Sea (Turkish coast), suggests the start of spreading of this Lessepsian immigrant in the Mediterranean Sea. The findings of the following species indicate the extension of their occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea: the foraminifer Amphistegina lobifera (island of Zakynthos, Greece), the medusa Cassiopea andromeda (Syria), the copepod Centropages furcatus (Aegean Sea), the decapod shrimp Melicertus hathor (island of Kastellorizo, Greece), the crab Menoethius monoceros (Gulf of Tunis), the barnacles Balanus trigonus, Megabalanus tintinnabulum, Megabalanus coccopoma and the bivalves Chama asperella, Cucurbitula cymbium (Saronikos Gulf, Greece).
... Citazione: LILLO F, MARRONE F, SICILIA A, CASTELLI G., & ZAVA B (2005). An invasive p... more ... Citazione: LILLO F, MARRONE F, SICILIA A, CASTELLI G., & ZAVA B (2005). An invasive population of Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802) in Italy. HERPETOZOA, 18(1/2), 63-64. Autori: LILLO F; MARRONE F; SICILIA A; CASTELLI G; ZAVA B. ...
Marettimo island is the furthest of the Aegadian archipelago from the coast of northwestern Sicil... more Marettimo island is the furthest of the Aegadian archipelago from the coast of northwestern Sicily. Nevertheless, the presence of continental and non-endemic mammals on the island has been documented since the Mesolithic period. Over the course of historical times the introduction of mammals on the small island has continued without any apparent solution of continuity, even attempting to involve neo-Arctic species such as the Eastern cottontail. Recently, evidence has been found of the monk seal visiting some of the island's caves.
Novel di-and tri-organotin(1V) derivatives of amoxicillin (amoxicillin-= Amox-= 6-[D(-)-/?aminoph... more Novel di-and tri-organotin(1V) derivatives of amoxicillin (amoxicillin-= Amox-= 6-[D(-)-/?aminophydroxyphenylacetamido]penicillinate) have been prepared. The isolated compounds showed stoichiometries of the type R,SnCIAmox * 2H,O, R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 and R,SnAmox,. 2H,O (R=Me, Bu, Ph). The infrared spectra suggest that Amox-, in both R,SnCIAmox * 2H20 and R2SnAmox,. 2H,O, behaves as a monoanionic bidentate ligand, coordinating the tin(1V) atom through the ester-type carboxylate, as well as through the lactamic carbonyl. In R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20, Amox-coordinates the organotin(1V) moieties through the lactamic carbonyl. In all of the compounds, water molecules are not involved in coordination, as inferred by thermogravimetric (TG) investigation. In both R,SnCIAmox. 2H20 and R,SnCIAmoxNa .2H,O, trigonal bipyramidal configurations are proposed in the solid state, on the basis of infrared (IR) and Mossbauer spectroscopy, while in R,SnAmox2. 2H20 the coordination geometry at tin could be a skew-trapezoidal bipyramid, with two chelating amoxicillin residues which act as bidentate ligands in the trapezoidal plane, and with the organic groups in axial positions. The C-S n-C angles calculated from the experimental Mossbauer quadrupole splitting predict a bent skeleton in all the R2SnAmox2 2H20 derivatives. 'H and ' ,C NMR measurements showed that both R,SnCIAmox * 2H20 and R,SnAmox,. 2H20 are stable in DMSO-d, solutions, maintaining their solid-state configuration, while R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 dissociates. Coordination hypotheses have been checked through the correlation between the Mossbauer isomer shift (6) and the partial atomic charge on tin atoms (Qs.) performed, for all the new organo-Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. tin(1V) compounds, on the basis of an equalization procedure applied to idealized trigonal bipyramidal structures for R2SnCIAmox 2H20 and R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 and octahedral trans-R, for R2SnAmox2. 2H20.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
The three sympatric angel shark species occurring in the Mediterranean – Squatina squatina (the a... more The three sympatric angel shark species occurring in the Mediterranean – Squatina squatina (the angelshark), Squatina aculeata (the sawback angelshark), and Squatina oculata (the smoothback angelshark) – are all classed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. There is a clear need to better quantify their current status, using appropriate non‐destructive methods, to help inform future conservation measures. This study introduces an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay able to detect and distinguish S. aculeata, S. oculata, and S. squatina in the Mediterranean Sea by combining probe‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology and Sanger sequencing. The assay targets a 173‐bp barcode in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. It was tested in silico, in vitro on tissue‐extracted DNA, and on eDNA extracted from filtration samples. This genus‐specific assay was applied to detect the presence of S. squatina...
The findings of Notospermus geniculatus from Sicily in 2019 and 2020 and from Rhodes Island in 20... more The findings of Notospermus geniculatus from Sicily in 2019 and 2020 and from Rhodes Island in 2008 are documented, extending knowledge concerning the distribution of this ribbon worm in the Mediterranean basin. Key words: Nemertea, Notospermus geniculatus, Distribution, Sicily, Rhodes, Mediterranean Sea
The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiv... more The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiversity. NIS may in time become invasive (i.e. invasive alien species \u201cIAS\u201d) and may cause biodiversity loss and ecosystem service changes. In the Mediterranean Sea, due to multiple human-borne stressors, the number of recorded NIS has currently reached a number around 1000 NIS. Sicily and its surrounding islands, also including a high number of Marine Protected Area (MPAs), as a consequence of their geographic position and the intense maritime traffic volumes, including fisheries and recreational \ufb02eets that foster the introduction of marine alien species, is a region particularly vulnerable and prone to NIS invasions. Since frontiers do not exist in the sea, biological invasions may severely a\ufb00ect MPAs, whose major aim is biodiversity conservation, because they are also located in proximity to ports and marinas or are frequently used by small recreational or fishing boats as well as tourists. Assessing e\ufb00ects that IAS have on MPAs is crucial for planning suitable management activities which also require sound knowledge of the pathways of introduction, the impact and current distribution of IAS. Therefore, the distribution, pathways and spread dynamics of invasive taxa recorded till now in Sicilian MPAs, based on relevant publications, grey literature, unpublished data and in situ observations, is presented here and discussed. Altogether, 18 alien and 3 cryptogenic species have been recorded from Sicilian MPAs. Unexpectedly, even though in the southern coast of Sicily the maritime traffic is more intense, the MPAs located in the north-western coast of Sicily (Egadi Islands MPA with 19 species and Ustica Island with 7 species) are the most affected by this phenomenon. The creation of permanent observatories and alarm systems might be an effective tool in the management of present and future introductions of NIS in MPAs
In November 2015 an immature male individual of great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnae... more In November 2015 an immature male individual of great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus 1758), was caught as by-catch by a bottom trawler in the Strait of Sicily, in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The shark, reaching 266 cm in length and weighing 290 Kg, was identified and measured by means of a video provided by fishers. This record is discussed considering the available information on the presence of the great white shark in the area and confirms the importance of the Strait of Sicily for the conservation of this vulnerable species.
The first occurrence of Lagocephalus guentheri in Maltese waters is validated through morphologic... more The first occurrence of Lagocephalus guentheri in Maltese waters is validated through morphological and molecular analysis of a specimen collected in 2023. This non-indigenous tetraodontid entered into the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal and has established itself in the Levantine basin. The finding represents a first indication of L. guentheri westward expansion toward the Malta-Sicily Channel within the central sector of the Mediterranean Sea.
This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus... more This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus rostratus (Risso, 1827), in the Mediterranean Sea. Ten sharks caught as bycatch between 2009 and 2019 in the northern sectors of the Strait of Sicily, the south Tyrrhenian Sea, the northwestern Ionian Sea, and the south Adriatic Sea using drifting longlines, as well as five retrieved from the Tripoli (Libya) marketplace, were morphologically confirmed to represent S. rostratus. The sharks exhibited typical characteristics for this species and were all caught from deep waters, indicating a potential mesopelagic habit. The study also utilized literature reviews and global databases for a comprehensive mapping of S. rostratus distribution in the Mediterranean Sea, which revealed sporadic occurrences in the eastern Mediterranean and an absence in the north Adriatic Sea. Morphometric data provided insights into the reproductive characteristics of S. rostratus. The study highlights the ecological significance of the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) for the species, indicating it as a likely spawning area, and underscores the impact of the interactions between sharks and pelagic drifting swordfish fisheries in the Mediterranean, which result in increased mortality rates for threatened shark and ray species. Prioritizing conservation measures for endangered elasmobranch populations is crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem balance and ensuring fishery resource sustainability.
A single individual of Ariidae was captured in 2022 in the Palestinian waters off the Gaza Strip,... more A single individual of Ariidae was captured in 2022 in the Palestinian waters off the Gaza Strip, eastern Mediterranean. A comprehensive description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimen was conducted. Molecular identification was performed through sequence analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI). The specimen was identified as Ariopsis felis, both morphologically and genetically. The natural range of this species is the western Atlantic and, to the best of our knowledge, the species has never been reported before from Mediterranean waters. The singular occurrence of this fish in the basin prompts further discussion, raising questions about the possible vectors that may be responsible for this new introduction in the Mediterranean Sea.
A recently discovered fish specimen representing the family Diodontidae has been documented in th... more A recently discovered fish specimen representing the family Diodontidae has been documented in the waters off Mazara del Vallo in southwest Sicily, Italy. A detailed description of the morphological and meristic characteristics of the specimen is reported. Molecular identification was performed through sequence analysis of the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI). The specimen was identified as Chilomycterus reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) both morphologically and genetically. The finding marks the third confirmed record of Chilomycterus reticulatus in the Mediterranean Sea and Italian waters. The significance of the presence of this uncommon fish in the basin is briefly discussed, shedding light on its occurrence and potential implications.
This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus... more This study investigates the distribution and morphometrics of the little sleeper shark, Somniosus rostratus (Risso, 1827), in the Mediterranean Sea. Ten sharks caught as bycatch between 2009 and 2019 in the northern sectors of the Strait of Sicily, the south Tyrrhenian Sea, the northwestern Ionian Sea, and the south Adriatic Sea using drifting longlines, as well as five retrieved from the Tripoli (Libya) marketplace, were morphologically confirmed to represent S. rostratus. The sharks exhibited typical characteristics for this species and were all caught from deep waters, indicating a potential mesopelagic habit. The study also utilized literature reviews and global databases for a comprehensive mapping of S. rostratus distribution in the Mediterranean Sea, which revealed sporadic occurrences in the eastern Mediterranean and an absence in the north Adriatic Sea. Morphometric data provided insights into the reproductive characteristics of S. rostratus. The study highlights the ecological significance of the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) for the species, indicating it as a likely spawning area, and underscores the impact of the interactions between sharks and pelagic drifting swordfish fisheries in the Mediterranean, which result in increased mortality rates for threatened shark and ray species. Prioritizing conservation measures for endangered elasmobranch populations is crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem balance and ensuring fishery resource sustainability.
A flourishing population of the Massawan mantis shrimp, Erugosquilla massavensis, an Erythraean s... more A flourishing population of the Massawan mantis shrimp, Erugosquilla massavensis, an Erythraean species, is recorded off Sicily, Italy, one year after the very first specimen was collected off the eastern coast of the island. The species is already established as a minor, albeit valuable, fishery resource. Once its population increases, however, it may compete with the native Mediterranean spot-tail mantis shrimp, Squilla mantis. This article presents the results of a joint effort between members of the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Comiso and local fishermen to monitor non-indigenous species in Sicilian waters.
This paper concerns records of species that have extended their distribution in the Mediterranean... more This paper concerns records of species that have extended their distribution in the Mediterranean Sea. The finding of the rare brackish angiosperm Althenia filiformis in the island of Cyprus is interesting since its insertion in the Red Data Book of the Flora of Cyprus is suggested. The following species enriched the flora or fauna lists of the relevant countries: the red alga Sebdenia dichotoma (Greece), the hydrachnid mite Pontarachna adriatica (Slovenia), and the thalassinid Gebiacantha talismani (Turkey). Several alien species were recorded in new Mediterranean localities. The record of the burrowing goby Trypauchen vagina in the North Levantine Sea (Turkish coast), suggests the start of spreading of this Lessepsian immigrant in the Mediterranean Sea. The findings of the following species indicate the extension of their occurrence in the Mediterranean Sea: the foraminifer Amphistegina lobifera (island of Zakynthos, Greece), the medusa Cassiopea andromeda (Syria), the copepod Centropages furcatus (Aegean Sea), the decapod shrimp Melicertus hathor (island of Kastellorizo, Greece), the crab Menoethius monoceros (Gulf of Tunis), the barnacles Balanus trigonus, Megabalanus tintinnabulum, Megabalanus coccopoma and the bivalves Chama asperella, Cucurbitula cymbium (Saronikos Gulf, Greece).
... Citazione: LILLO F, MARRONE F, SICILIA A, CASTELLI G., & ZAVA B (2005). An invasive p... more ... Citazione: LILLO F, MARRONE F, SICILIA A, CASTELLI G., & ZAVA B (2005). An invasive population of Xenopus laevis (Daudin, 1802) in Italy. HERPETOZOA, 18(1/2), 63-64. Autori: LILLO F; MARRONE F; SICILIA A; CASTELLI G; ZAVA B. ...
Marettimo island is the furthest of the Aegadian archipelago from the coast of northwestern Sicil... more Marettimo island is the furthest of the Aegadian archipelago from the coast of northwestern Sicily. Nevertheless, the presence of continental and non-endemic mammals on the island has been documented since the Mesolithic period. Over the course of historical times the introduction of mammals on the small island has continued without any apparent solution of continuity, even attempting to involve neo-Arctic species such as the Eastern cottontail. Recently, evidence has been found of the monk seal visiting some of the island's caves.
Novel di-and tri-organotin(1V) derivatives of amoxicillin (amoxicillin-= Amox-= 6-[D(-)-/?aminoph... more Novel di-and tri-organotin(1V) derivatives of amoxicillin (amoxicillin-= Amox-= 6-[D(-)-/?aminophydroxyphenylacetamido]penicillinate) have been prepared. The isolated compounds showed stoichiometries of the type R,SnCIAmox * 2H,O, R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 and R,SnAmox,. 2H,O (R=Me, Bu, Ph). The infrared spectra suggest that Amox-, in both R,SnCIAmox * 2H20 and R2SnAmox,. 2H,O, behaves as a monoanionic bidentate ligand, coordinating the tin(1V) atom through the ester-type carboxylate, as well as through the lactamic carbonyl. In R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20, Amox-coordinates the organotin(1V) moieties through the lactamic carbonyl. In all of the compounds, water molecules are not involved in coordination, as inferred by thermogravimetric (TG) investigation. In both R,SnCIAmox. 2H20 and R,SnCIAmoxNa .2H,O, trigonal bipyramidal configurations are proposed in the solid state, on the basis of infrared (IR) and Mossbauer spectroscopy, while in R,SnAmox2. 2H20 the coordination geometry at tin could be a skew-trapezoidal bipyramid, with two chelating amoxicillin residues which act as bidentate ligands in the trapezoidal plane, and with the organic groups in axial positions. The C-S n-C angles calculated from the experimental Mossbauer quadrupole splitting predict a bent skeleton in all the R2SnAmox2 2H20 derivatives. 'H and ' ,C NMR measurements showed that both R,SnCIAmox * 2H20 and R,SnAmox,. 2H20 are stable in DMSO-d, solutions, maintaining their solid-state configuration, while R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 dissociates. Coordination hypotheses have been checked through the correlation between the Mossbauer isomer shift (6) and the partial atomic charge on tin atoms (Qs.) performed, for all the new organo-Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. tin(1V) compounds, on the basis of an equalization procedure applied to idealized trigonal bipyramidal structures for R2SnCIAmox 2H20 and R,SnCIAmoxNa. 2H20 and octahedral trans-R, for R2SnAmox2. 2H20.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
The three sympatric angel shark species occurring in the Mediterranean – Squatina squatina (the a... more The three sympatric angel shark species occurring in the Mediterranean – Squatina squatina (the angelshark), Squatina aculeata (the sawback angelshark), and Squatina oculata (the smoothback angelshark) – are all classed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. There is a clear need to better quantify their current status, using appropriate non‐destructive methods, to help inform future conservation measures. This study introduces an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay able to detect and distinguish S. aculeata, S. oculata, and S. squatina in the Mediterranean Sea by combining probe‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology and Sanger sequencing. The assay targets a 173‐bp barcode in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. It was tested in silico, in vitro on tissue‐extracted DNA, and on eDNA extracted from filtration samples. This genus‐specific assay was applied to detect the presence of S. squatina...
The findings of Notospermus geniculatus from Sicily in 2019 and 2020 and from Rhodes Island in 20... more The findings of Notospermus geniculatus from Sicily in 2019 and 2020 and from Rhodes Island in 2008 are documented, extending knowledge concerning the distribution of this ribbon worm in the Mediterranean basin. Key words: Nemertea, Notospermus geniculatus, Distribution, Sicily, Rhodes, Mediterranean Sea
The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiv... more The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been pointed out as a major threat to biodiversity. NIS may in time become invasive (i.e. invasive alien species \u201cIAS\u201d) and may cause biodiversity loss and ecosystem service changes. In the Mediterranean Sea, due to multiple human-borne stressors, the number of recorded NIS has currently reached a number around 1000 NIS. Sicily and its surrounding islands, also including a high number of Marine Protected Area (MPAs), as a consequence of their geographic position and the intense maritime traffic volumes, including fisheries and recreational \ufb02eets that foster the introduction of marine alien species, is a region particularly vulnerable and prone to NIS invasions. Since frontiers do not exist in the sea, biological invasions may severely a\ufb00ect MPAs, whose major aim is biodiversity conservation, because they are also located in proximity to ports and marinas or are frequently used by small recreational or fishing boats as well as tourists. Assessing e\ufb00ects that IAS have on MPAs is crucial for planning suitable management activities which also require sound knowledge of the pathways of introduction, the impact and current distribution of IAS. Therefore, the distribution, pathways and spread dynamics of invasive taxa recorded till now in Sicilian MPAs, based on relevant publications, grey literature, unpublished data and in situ observations, is presented here and discussed. Altogether, 18 alien and 3 cryptogenic species have been recorded from Sicilian MPAs. Unexpectedly, even though in the southern coast of Sicily the maritime traffic is more intense, the MPAs located in the north-western coast of Sicily (Egadi Islands MPA with 19 species and Ustica Island with 7 species) are the most affected by this phenomenon. The creation of permanent observatories and alarm systems might be an effective tool in the management of present and future introductions of NIS in MPAs
In November 2015 an immature male individual of great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnae... more In November 2015 an immature male individual of great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus 1758), was caught as by-catch by a bottom trawler in the Strait of Sicily, in the Central Mediterranean Sea. The shark, reaching 266 cm in length and weighing 290 Kg, was identified and measured by means of a video provided by fishers. This record is discussed considering the available information on the presence of the great white shark in the area and confirms the importance of the Strait of Sicily for the conservation of this vulnerable species.
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