https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13767 2026-05-28T18:37:23Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146844 Title: A new alien arrival to the Sicilian coast of the Ionian Sea : Trachysalambria palaestinensis (Steinitz, 1932) Authors: Tiralongo, Francesco; Leotta, Paola; Marrone, Alessio; Deidun, Alan Abstract: Trachysalambria palaestinensis, a penaeid shrimp native to the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, has recently expanded its distribution within the Mediterranean Sea as part of the ongoing Lessepsian migration process. Here we provide the first confirmed records of this species from the Ionian sector of Sicily, representing not only the first evidence for the Sicilian Ionian coast, but also the first documented occurrence in the Ionian Sea at large. The species was recorded on four separate occasions between 2021 and 2025 from trammel net fisheries targeting cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). Morphological analysis confirmed species identification. Specimens were deposited in the scientific collection of the Ente Fauna Marina Mediterranea located in Avola, Italy. These findings draw further attention to the growing number of Indo-Pacific crustaceans colonizing Mediterranean ecosystems. We discuss the biogeographical significance of this record, the possible ecological implications for native assemblages and fisheries, and the need for long-term monitoring. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146712 Title: BlueNIGHTs : bringing a touch of blue in the EU researchers' nights for a more sustainable use of the ocean Authors: Alvisi, Francesca; Figueiredo, Daniela; Villa, Erica; Bernet, Sacha; Bratfanof, Edward; Candeias, Rute; Deidun, Alan; Lheureux, Guillaume; Mashkina, Olga; Vesikko, Ljudmila Abstract: The main objective of BlueNIGHTs was to plant 'blue' seeds across Europe to improve Ocean Literacy (OL) and grow a new network of European Researchers' Nights (ERN s) focused on Ocean issues and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative, specifically targeting SDG 14, aligns with the United Nations (UN) Decade for Ocean Science, the EU StarfishMission and major European initiatives dedicated to OL, such as EU4Ocean. Our aim was to show European citizens the different facets and faces involved in marine research by organising a series of interconnected ERNs. BlueNIGHTs brought together researchers from different European countries who collectively address Ocean challenges and solutions to demonstrate their deep understanding of the complexity of human-Ocean interaction. In this chapter, we illustrate the process of developing such a project, from conception to partnership building and work package development. We believe that sharing this experience is essential because it fosters fruitful interactions between the scientific community and society, connecting researchers with pupils and teachers and bringing Ocean issues to local communities, both near and far from the sea. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146473 Title: Much can happen in three months : the proliferation of the bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana Lesson, 1831) within Maltese coastal waters since its first record Authors: Deidun, Alan; Prieto Gomez, Laura; Gauci, Adam; Zava, Bruno; Corsini-Foka, Maria; Marrone, Alessio Abstract: The rapid colonisation of Maltese coastal waters by the non-indigenous Sepioteuthis lessoniana Lesson, 1831 is hereby documented through the ‘Spot the Alien’ citizen science campaign, to which a considerable number of catches and sightings of the species were submitted in rapid sequence over a three-month timeframe. The study also compares sea surface temperature values for the July-December period of 2015, 2020 and 2025 for the same waters, in order to explore the putative influence that sea temperatures might have on the observed rapid expansion of this non-indigenous species (NIS). The findings of this study highlight both the notable spread of the species across local waters and the important role of citizen science in early detection and monitoring of non-indigenous species. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145381 Title: Innovative methods for detecting sea turtle nests : a combination of UAV photogrammetry, GPR, and artificial intelligence for non-invasive monitoring and conservation Abstract: Sea turtle nesting represents one of the most vulnerable stages in their life cycle; therefore, protecting nesting sites is essential for the long-term survival of their populations. Traditional nest detection methods are often invasive and may disturb nesting females. This study introduces a non invasive approach for detecting and monitoring sea turtle nests through the combined use of advanced technologies. Specifically, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are employed to automatically identify turtle tracks and assist in locating potential nesting sites. As part of this study, fieldwork was conducted at Golden Bay, Malta, where a simulated nest of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) was put together to evaluate how effectively and accurately GPR can find an underground chamber containing eggs. To confirm the radar data, a 3D LiDAR model was made of the internal structure of the simulated nest, thus providing a reference dataset for the interpretation of radargrams. Meanwhile, an AI algorithm was instructed to automatically recognize turtle tracks from beach photos, thus facilitating the identification of potential nesting areas. The integrative approach of these techniques demonstrates the potential of non-invasive technologies to enhance the efficiency of sea turtle nest detection and conservation. The findings contribute to the development of modern conservation strategies, particularly within small Mediterranean rookeries such as Malta, where nesting events are rare and spatially constrained. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z