https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/13768 2026-06-01T23:45:50Z 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/123456789/145342 Title: A spatio-temporal study of the presence of vessels within a Natura 2000 marine protected area of the Maltese Islands Authors: Abela, Sarah Anne; Deidun, Alan; Gauci, Adam; Gauci, Ritienne Abstract: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for preserving marine biodiversity; yet they face challenges from various human pressures, including vessel activities. This study examines the extent, spatial distribution, and temporal variability of vessel activity within the Southwest Marine Protected Area (MT101), a Natura 2000 site off the Maltese Islands, with the aim of identifying where and to what degree different vessel categories overlap with protected marine habitats. Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data spanning 2017–2022, a cumulative, normalised vessel density approach was applied to five vessel types: passenger, fishing, cargo, tanker, and tug and towing vessel, and spatially integrated with the distribution of four Annex I habitat types, including sandbanks, Posidonia oceanica meadows, reefs, and sea caves. The analysis reveals distinct spatial and temporal hotspots of vessel presence, with passenger and fishing vessels showing consistently high overlap with ecologically sensitive habitats, particularly within bay areas and along sections of the MPA boundary, while cargo, tanker, and tug activities are more concentrated offshore. While direct ecological impacts were not quantified and vessel density serves as a proxy for potential pressure, the results highlight areas where vessel-related pressures are likely to be most pronounced and where management intervention is most urgently required. By linking long-term vessel activity patterns with habitat distribution, this study delivers a spatially explicit and transferable framework for assessing cumulative maritime pressures, providing an evidence base to support targeted, habitat-specific management measures, improved enforcement, and marine spatial planning within MPAs. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z