Gelatinous zooplankton, widespread in pelagic environments, pose a challenge for surveillance due to their delicate, see-through bodies. Their presence often seems irregular, with fluctuating populations occasionally forming dense swarms. These efficient and non-selective feeders compete with fish for resources, and their abundant proliferation can alter the marine food web and result in ecosystem degradation. Hence, monitoring gelatinous zooplankton is crucial. In this study, we document their encounters over six years along the northeastern Adriatic coast, an important spawning area for small pelagic fish now experiencing frequent gelatinous zooplankton blooms. We compare findings from the north to those in the southern Adriatic. Continuous monitoring revealed that the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, predominantly present in the northern basin, significantly altered the taxonomic composition, temporal occurrence, and intensity of gelatinous zooplankton blooms, shifting dominance from native to introduced species.
NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands - ORCID: 0000-0002-4189-7841
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0001-8933-7475
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0002-4075-3934
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0009-0009-2759-4850
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0002-6591-3017
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0001-9924-9364
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0009-0004-4682-5996
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0001-8929-1614
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0002-5412-0644
University of Pula, Croatia - ORCID: 0000-0003-2189-3154
Chapter Title
Monitoring Gelatinous Zooplankton and its dynamics in the eastern Adriatic (2018-2023)
Authors
Andrea Budiša, Neven Iveša, Petra Burić, Gioconda Millotti, Moira Buršić, Emina Pustijanac, Ante Žunec, Ines Kovačić, Mauro Štifanić, Nataly Milovan, Paolo Paliaga
Language
Italian
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6.06
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
Tenth International Symposium Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques
Book Subtitle
Livorno (Italy) 11th-13th June 2024
Editors
Laura Bonora, Marcantonio Catelani, Matteo De Vincenzi, Giorgio Matteucci
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2024
Copyright Information
© 2024 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-0556-6
eISBN (xml)
979-12-215-0557-3
Series Title
Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques
Series E-ISSN
2975-0288