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Representative examples of epibenthic communities on the shipwrecks. A) Aggregations of serpulid polychaetes (e.g. Rhodopsis cf. pusilla) on dead coral skeletons (Madracis pharensis, Phyllangia mouchezii), sponges, calcareous and green algae and ascidians; Zenobia, 34m depth. B) Live azooxanthellate M. madracis corals, branching bryozoans (e.g. Caberea sp.), brachiopods and other species overgrown by sponges, mostly Chondrosia reniformis; Zenobia, 36m depth. C) Large clusters of bivalves (e.g. Chama pacifica, Pinctada imbricata radiata) fouled by filamentous algae, ascidians and sponges; Alice-B, 32m depth. D) Pigmented and dead M. pharensis colonies on a calcareous structure within turf-algae, sponges and ascidians; Alice-B 32m depth.
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Artificial reefs, in the Eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus,) became a popular and frequently used tool, in fisheries and biodiversity conservation management. Even though evaluation studies about the efficacy of artificial reefs are plentiful in the rest of the Mediterranean (Central and Western), in the Eastern Basin they are largely absent. As the Ea...
Citations
... The highest index values were in the western Mediterranean and decreased eastwards, as also highlighted by other studies [173,174]. This gradient likely depends on the extensive range of physicochemical water conditions suitable for many organisms in the western region and the influx of Atlantic species [174]. ...
Integrated Environmental Assessment systems and ecosystem models study the links between anthropogenic and climatic pressures on marine ecosystems and help understand how to manage the effects of the unsustainable exploitation of ocean resources. However, these models have long implementation times, data and model interoperability issues and require heterogeneous competencies. Therefore, they would benefit from simplification, automatisation, and enhanced integrability of the underlying models. Artificial Intelligence can help overcome several limitations by speeding up the modelling of crucial functional parts, e.g. estimating the environmental conditions fostering a species’ persistence and proliferation in an area (the species’ ecological niche) and, consequently, its geographical distribution. This paper presents a full-automatic workflow to estimate species’ distributions through statistical and machine learning models. It embeds four ecological niche models with complementary approaches, i.e. Artificial Neural Networks, Maximum Entropy, Support Vector Machines, and AquaMaps. It automatically estimates the optimal model parametrisations and decision thresholds to distinguish between suitable- and unsuitable-habitat locations and combines the models within one ensemble model. Finally, it combines several ensemble models to produce a species richness map (biodiversity index). The software is open-source, Open Science compliant, and available as a Web Processing Service-standardised cloud computing service that enhances efficiency, integrability, cross-domain reusability, and experimental reproduction and repetition. We first assess workflow stability and sensitivity and then demonstrate effectiveness by producing a biodiversity index for the Mediterranean based on ∼\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\sim $$\end{document}1500 species data. Moreover, we predict the spread of the invasive Siganus rivulatus in the Mediterranean and its current and future overlap with the native Sarpa salpa under different climate change scenarios.
... Behind the apparent benefits of shipwrecks to the general biodiversity of an area, that is, by providing free substrate for epibenthic species that are fast and successful colonizers (Hoeksema et al., 2023) and refuge for mobile species increasing thus the biodiversity (Monchanin et al., 2021), wrecks might also contribute to local pollution by leaking chemicals (e.g., van der Schyff et al., 2020). Such is the case with Zenobia shipwreck in Cyprus, where rich epibenthic communities of corals and sponges live closely related to chronic leakage of oil, noticeable in various sections of the wreck's structure (Jimenez et al., 2017a). ...
... For example, the high abundance and diversity of fish and colorful epibenthic communities are well known among the international diving community that ranks Zenobia among the most popular recreational dives sites of the world (Scuba, 2022). A more detailed description of the shipwreck and the biotic and environmental factors that operate in the Larnaka Bay area can be found in Jimenez et al. (2017a). For this study, two contrasting environments of the wreck were selected: the Car Deck and the Smokestacker areas, both at 25m depth ( Figure 1B). ...
... The diverse epibenthic communities of Zenobia thrive at the shaded undersides of the wreck's external structures and inside the hull, where the high heterogeneity of surfaces, relatively open areas (e.g., cabins, corridors), and multitude crannies offer shelter from direct exposure to the sunlight. The benthic cover (>25% on average) is mainly composed by sponges, corals, bryozoans, and other organisms (Jimenez et al., 2017a). ...
Chemical pollution in marine ecosystems is a factor of stress interacting in multiple and complex ways with other major causes of deterioration, such as warming seas due to climate change. Here we surveyed epibenthic communities from a shipwreck in the Levantine Basin for temporal and spatial changes in the community in relation to chronic oil pollution, comparing results collected from an area of the wreck characterized by chronic oil leakage with another area not affected by oil. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bioaccumulation analyses were integrated with characterization of the efficiency of xenobiotics biotransformation processes and antioxidant network of the scleractinian coral Madracis pharensis, chosen as bioindicator species. Results highlighted the two areas hosting different epibenthic communities over a period of 11 years. Significant changes in the percentage cover of M. pharensis could be the result of recent mass mortality associated to Marine Heat Waves. Biological investigation conducted in M. pharensis tissues revealed an increased content of PAHs in specimens collected from the oil-impacted area, coupled with an increased capability of oxyradicals scavenging capacity and a lower functionality of phase II biotransformation mechanisms associated to glutathione S-transferase. Overall, the results suggest that M. pharensis has the capability to develop cellular and physiological adaptations to chemical-mediated stress, with yet unknown possible energy trade-offs to sustain stress response.
... Recent investigations show that the artificial coral reef communities on sunken vessels support scientists in monitoring environmental changes by comparing the natural reefs with long-term population dynamic studies (Lee et al. 2023 (Ferreira 2023). In the study performed by Jimenez et al. (2017) focusing on epibenthic community structure around the wreck sites in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it was found that the benthic cover of corals on shipwrecks was the highest among other groups of marine biota. ...
... Recent investigations show that the artificial coral reef communities on sunken vessels support scientists in monitoring environmental changes by comparing the natural reefs with long-term population dynamic studies (Lee et al. 2023 (Ferreira 2023). In the study performed by Jimenez et al. (2017) focusing on epibenthic community structure around the wreck sites in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it was found that the benthic cover of corals on shipwrecks was the highest among other groups of marine biota. ...
The book can be downloaded at https://tudav.org/en/our-fields/publications/books/
The battleships sunk during the Çanakkale Naval and Gallipoli Land Battles, their stories 108 years ago, and their current situations are examined from historical, military, cultural, and marine biodiversity perspectives. Known as the most powerful and deadliest of their time, these battleships, lying at the depths, for more than a century, are now shelters for marine species and biodiversity hotspots. In addition to the importance of biodiversity on and around the shipwrecks, the book includes social issues such as evaluating the shipwrecks as our cultural heritage and declaring them as new touristic destinations. As TUDAV, on the 100th anniversary of our Republic, we dedicate this book to those who lost their lives for their country in the Gallipoli Wars.
... Among the wreck sites (HMAS Perth-Australia, SS Yongala-Australia, SMS Karlsruhe-Greece, USS Liberty-Indonesia, Fujikawa Maru-Micronesia, SS President Coolidge-Vanuatu, USS Oriskany-USA, SS Thistlegorm-Egypt, HMS Hermes-Sri Lanka), some served as having abundant and diverse coral existence represent the most attractive artificial coral reef spots for divers in the world (Ferreira 2023). In the study performed by Jimenez et al. (2017) focusing on epibenthic community structure around the wreck sites in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it was found that the benthic cover of corals on shipwrecks was the highest among other groups of marine biota. ...
In this study, the sponge and Anthozoa fauna on the shipwreck sites (Majestic, Helles Barges), was studied. A total of 24 sponge species and 5 anthozoan were identified, 1 of which Pseudosuberites sulphureus is reported for the first time from the North Aegean coasts of Türkiye.
... Ship hulls can act as artificial substrate for a variety of marine fouling organisms and may therefore be potential vectors for their introduction and dispersal in non-native areas (Hewitt et al., 2009;Farrapeira et al., 2011). When sunken vessels and other metal structures become covered by marine benthos, they may become artificial reefs (Jimenez et al., 2017;Ilieva et al., 2019;Monchanin et al., 2022;Pinto et al., 2021;Higgins et al., 2022); as such, they function as potential substrates for marine invasive species and as steppingstones in their range expansions (Miranda et al., 2020;Derouen et al., 2020;Soares et al., 2020;Castro et al., 2021). Shipwrecks play a role in marine pollution when they leak chemicals and cause physical damage to the surrounding seafloor (Kelly et al., 2012;van der Schyff et al., 2020;Pinto et al., 2021). ...
Little is known about early coral settlement on shipwrecks with regard to their species and size compositions. Hurricanes in the Caribbean have a long history of sinking ships but a link with new coral settlement is understudied. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused the sinking of over 300 vessels in the coastal waters of Saint Martin, eastern Caribbean. In 2021, coral settlement was studied on one of them, which included two native, one non-native, and two cryptogenic species. The corals were smaller than 8 cm in diameter. The invasive Tubastraea coccinea was the most abundant scleractinian and was predominantly represented by juveniles. A cryptogenic species, Stragulum bicolor, new for the Caribbean, was the most common octocoral. Because they can be harmful to the environment, shipwrecks should be monitored frequently for the occurrence of non-native species, especially when they are only a few years old.
... Sessile organisms (>1mm) were identified to the lowest taxonomic group and percentage of cover was classified into nine main categories (substrate, calcareous algae, macroalgae, bryozoans, cyanobacteria, sessile molluscs, porifera, corals, and other organisms) according to other similar surveys in Cyprus (Jimenez et al., 2017a(Jimenez et al., , 2017b. Here, the analysis of the data will be limited to these categories as a whole; a more detailed description of the data and analysis is in preparation. ...
In the current state of a changing world, understanding the role of disturbance, anthropogenic or natural, as a driving force behind biodiversity, communities, and habitats and ecosystems is more relevant than ever. Ongoing mass-mortality events in the marine realm are only surpassed by the consequences of man-made activities. This study assessed the dramatic destruction of coralligenous concretions and benthic sciaphilic communities in the MPA Cape Greco (Cyprus), which was documented a few days after large vessels anchored in the MPA's buffer zone at the beginning of 2021. At 23m depth, more than 30 large boulders (the largest ca. 12m 3) were dislodged or broken off from the rocky sea bottom and displaced far from the detachment points. It was also observed meters-long scars on the bottom, large slabs and sockets from where the broken pieces of rock came from. Anchors and chains from large vessels usually leave this telltale type of damage. Sciaphilic communities that originally thrived below the large boulders were directly exposed to sunlight. The absence of clear signs of necrosis and onset of general mortality in those organisms at the time of the initial survey, suggests that the destruction occurred a few days before the visit. In order to document the damage on those communities, the benthic cover was determined with the use of photo-quadrats and assigned to main categories, such as live/necrotic/dead corals, calcareous algae, and sponges. The preliminary results suggest that important sciaphilic biodiversity was affected and irremediably lost. Given that many of these species are usually confined to dark habitats, mortality is usually the final outcome when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time and to predation by biological agents. The damage to the sea bottom and biodiversity was of geological proportions.
... The benthic cover was calculated using photoQuad image processing software (Trygonis & Sini, 2012) with a systematic lay-out of 200 points. Sessile organisms (>1mm) were identified to the lowest taxonomic group and percentage of cover was classified into nine main categories (substrate, calcareous algae, macroalgae, bryozoans, cyanobacteria, sessile molluscs, porifera, corals, and other organisms) according to other similar surveys in Cyprus (Jimenez et al., 2017a(Jimenez et al., , 2017b. Here, the analysis of the data will be limited to these categories as a whole; a more detailed description of the data and analysis is in preparation. ...
In the past twenty years, the effect of anthropogenic pressures on coralligenous reefs has been extensively investigated through field surveys and experiments, whilst, there are few studies that investigate the re-colonization dynamic of impacted reefs and their recovery. Here, we introduce results from the 10-years monitoring (from 2012 to 2021) of coralligenous reefs from 45 up to 70 m depth following the Concordia shipwreck. The monitoring activities were carried out through Rapid Visual Assessment (RVA, using FULL-HD recorded video footages) and photographic samplings along fixed monitoring station used for assessing both the structure of coralligenous assemblages and applying both diversity and COARSE index. After the baseline surveys carried out in 2012, a significant reduction in coralligenous reefs' health status was highlighted in 2013 and 2014 due to the wreck removal activities. From 2015 to 2018, the seabed was cleaned from fine sediment and heavy debris that represented the major pressures affecting the reefs. Coralligenous concretions buried under fine sediments and cement, characterized by no biological coverage, were brought to light after the cleaning activities. Such bare surfaces represent unique substrates to study the re-colonization dynamic and the natural recovery of coralligenous reefs. From 2018, we have observed a slow and gradual recovery of the reefs, although the assemblages have not yet fully recovered their original structure. These results are confirmed by the indices that reported a good but not high ecological quality. Such patterns are mainly due to the presence and, in some cases, the dominance of opportunistic taxa that settled on the impacted reefs, such as Carpomitra costata, Antho (Antho) inconstans, Reteporella grimaldii, and Halocythia papillosa. The long-term monitoring of the seabed impacted by the Concordia shipwreck provides unique and new information on the recovery patterns of coralligenous reefs, highlighting the role of several taxa in the resilience processes.
... The benthic cover was calculated using photoQuad image processing software (Trygonis & Sini, 2012) with a systematic lay-out of 200 points. Sessile organisms (>1mm) were identified to the lowest taxonomic group and percentage of cover was classified into nine main categories (substrate, calcareous algae, macroalgae, bryozoans, cyanobacteria, sessile molluscs, porifera, corals, and other organisms) according to other similar surveys in Cyprus (Jimenez et al., 2017a(Jimenez et al., , 2017b. Here, the analysis of the data will be limited to these categories as a whole; a more detailed description of the data and analysis is in preparation. ...
Described in 2012, « coralligenous atolls » are rings (diameter=25 m) composed of a coralligenous central core and a crown made of rhodoliths. Thousands exist in a unique place: a 4-km² area at -115 m in the Natural Marine Park of Cape Corse and Agriate (French Mediterranean) and outside the french exclusive economic zone. In summer 2021, the Gombessa 6 expedition used oceanographic tools and then an innovative diving technics (autonomous saturation diving with electronic rebreathers) in order to implement the protocols of 41 researchers. The aim was to discover the mysterious origin of the rings, evaluate their age and dynamics of change, and study their associated flora and fauna.
Two central cores were cored by divers ; results are expected for the autumn. The central cores seem to gradually disappear under sedimentation and crevices according to 3D models compared between 2014 and 2021. Fifty species of fish were detected using environmental DNA metabarcoding. Sediment samples analyses are still in progress in order to study the diversity and functions of micro-organisms and to study the trophic conditions (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) in relation to the presence (if any) of particular substances (gas, fresh water). Measures of current velocity dit not show any gas or water vertical effusion. Fine bathymetry was surveyed over 6,815 ha in order to complete the existing maps of 2011 and 2014. The analysis of these maps, coupled with images from divers and ROV and geologic maps showed that the rings are located between faults and next to a fossil coastline presenting an alignment of large underwater caves over 5 km. The knowledge about this unique ecosystem is well advanced and the enigma of the origin of the rings is perhaps being solved. A sequel to the expedition is being planned for summers 2022 and 2023.
... Fishing, especially bottom trawling, damages UCH and leads to the entanglement of ghost gear [11]. Eutrophication alters the community structure on otherwise similar shipwrecks [12]. The ecological disaster of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill altered microbial communities and accelerated corrosion of metal on historically important shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico [13]. ...
Underwater cultural heritage (UCH) supports marine biodiversity and influences connectivity. UCH structure, colonizing organisms, and anthropogenic stressors interact to shape sites over time, but these interactions are poorly understood. Here, we express the urgent need for biology–archeology collaborations to address interdisciplinary questions. We also codify the emerging field of Maritime Heritage Ecology.
