MEDITS Coordination Meeting, Maó (Menorca) 16-17 April 2015 IRIS-SES pilot action developed during...

MEDITS Coordination Meeting, Maó (Menorca) 16-17 April 2015

IRIS-SES pilot action developed during MEDITS

Cristina García, Beatriz Guijarro, María Valls, Antonio Esteban,

Francesc Ordines, Antoni Quetglas and Enric Massutí

• DG ENV pilot project

• Period: October 2014 – May 2015

• Partners: 9 institutes from 8 countries

• General aim: To support management of human activities and their effects in EU waters by

providing tools for integrated environmental monitoring for the Marine Strategy Framework

Directive (MSFD), based on existing sampling across various disciplines (e.g. physical, chemical

and biological) and potential joint programs (within and between Member States)

The MSFD aims for clean, healthy and productive marine ecosystems (GES: good

environmental status) within all EU member states by 2020

National and European monitoring programs are running in Mediterranean and Black Seas

There is a need for integration of the fragmentation and duplication of monitoring activities

Current monitoring and assessing marine environmental programs need reshaping to

meet the needs of MSFD and should be addressed in a balanced manner to reduce overall

cost


Integrated Regional monitoring Implementation Strategy in the South European Seas

(PP/ENV D2/SEA 2012)

http://iris-ses.eu/

Project

http://iris-ses.eu/

http://iris-ses.eu/

http://iris-ses.eu/


To help Member States interpret what GES means in practice, the Directive sets out descriptors, which describe what the environment will look like when GES has been achieved

1. Biodiversity [is maintained]

2. Non-indigenous species [do not adversely alter the ecosystem]

3. Commercial fish and shellfish [are healthy]

4. Food webs [their elements ensure long-term abundance and reproduction]

5. Eutrophication [is minimized]

6. Sea-floor integrity [ensures functioning of the ecosystem]

7. Hydrographical conditions [does not adversely affect the

ecosystem]

8. Contaminants [give no effects]

9. Contaminants in seafood [below safe levels]

10. Marine litter [does not cause harm]

11. Energy (including underwater noise) [does not adversely affect the

ecosystem]

There are set of detailed criteria and indicators to help Member States determine what each descriptor means in practice and measure progress

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

http://www.msfd.eu/

http://www.msfd.eu/

• Specific aim: To assess, through pilot sampling actions within existing monitoring

programs, the feasibility of proposed integrated monitoring strategies (among others)


MEDITS pilot action developed by IEO in IRIS-SES project

In the Mediterranean, several continuous and extensive monitoring programs, covering the European waters, are conducted within the framework of international convention and EU Directives

e.g. MEDITS surveys

Data Collection Framework (Council Regulation EC Nº 199/2008, of 25 February 2008, concerning the establishment of a Community framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the Common Fisheries Policy)

Article 12. Research surveys at sea: Member States shall carry out research surveys at sea to evaluate the abundance and distribution of stocks, independently of the data provided by commercial fisheries, and to assess the impact of the fishing activity on the environment

MEDITS data base allowed the development of indicators for the descriptors 1 and 3 for the elaboration of the initial environmental status assessment report made by the Spanish Government for the MSFD

http://iris-ses.eu/


MEDITS surveys in Spain

R/V Miguel Oliver• Ministry of Agriculture,

Food and Environment

• Multidisciplinary vessel

• Size: 70 x 14 m

• GT: 2480 t

• Capacity: 18 scientists

• Laboratories:

• Fisheries

• Hydrography

• Acoustics

• …

http://iris-ses.eu/


Potentiality of MEDITS survey in Spain for MSFD

According to MEDITS protocol, samples should be taken during daylight hours.

Therefore, during daylight extra time, sunset and nighttime R/V Miguel Oliver

constitutes a platform that could become useful to develop additional sampling with

multi-beam echo-sounders, side-scan sonar, beam trawls, sledge and dredges, or water

column sampling. Moreover descriptors 1 and 3, from these samples and data, it would

be possible to reach better estimations of indicators for descriptors 1 and 6 (the gear

used up to now during MEDITS surveys is efficient to catch nekto- and mega-benthic

species), and to develop new indicators related to epi-, supra- and endo-benthos.

Moreover, non intrusive methods, as ROV or photogrammetric sleds, could be also

used to survey sensitive habitats (e.g. maërl and crinoid beds, coralligenous bottoms)

and/or rocky bottoms. The introduction of new sampling procedures of samples

collected with the GOC-73 during MEDITS, or new sampling methods such as CTD

casts and benthic dredges, could also generate information for descriptors 4 (food

webs), 10 (litter), 7 (hydrographic conditions) and 8-9 (contaminants).

http://iris-ses.eu/

• Additional budget

• Extra time vessel for new sampling

• Participation/collaboration of more technicians and experts

• MEDITS sampling (08:00-19:00)

• New data/sampling from GOC-73 catches:

• Stomach contents analysis (on board)

• Samples for stable isotopes analysis

• Intersex (descriptor 8)

• Litter (descriptor 10)

• New sampling (20:00-00:00)

• Beam trawl

• Taxa composition and density (number and weight per 500 m2)

• Length frequency of some fishes, cephalopods and decapods crustaceans


descriptor 4

Pilot action during 2014 MEDITS in GSAs 1-2, 5 & 6

http://iris-ses.eu/



Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam Trawl

Francesc Ordines, Beatriz Guijarro & Cristina García

http://iris-ses.eu/


Main objectives of Descriptors 1 and 6

• Habitat distribution

• Habitat characteristics

• Type, abundance, biomass and extent of relevant habitats

• Extent of marine bottoms significantly affected by human activities in each habitat

• Estate of the benthic community

• Biomass of sensible/tolerant species

• Species richness and Shannon diversity by habitat


http://iris-ses.eu/



Opening Mean (m) CV

Horizontal 17.1 7.8

Vertical 2.4 6.9

Bottom Trawl opening

20 mm mesh cod-end

GOC-73

http://iris-ses.eu/


Opening m

Horizontal 1.3

Vertical 1.2

Beam Trawl opening

10 mm mesh cod-end


http://iris-ses.eu/



GOC-73 (bottom trawl)

MEDITS stratum

Samples(total)

Depth range (m)

Mean swept area (m2)

CV (%)

B 6 (22) 58-81 28215 6.2

C 4 (14) 137-151 46274 15.1

D 4 (9) 257-499 102246 2.6

E 5 (13) 577-698 93750 9.0

Beam trawl

MEDITS stratum

SamplesDepth

range (m)Mean swept

area (m2)CV (%)

B 6 58-78 225 45.2

C 4 140-149 762 7.4

D 4 252-495 1196 6.6

E 5 578-720 1168 7.8

Sampling

GSA 1-2

GSA 5

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlCatch composition

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlDifferences in abundance/biomass of main species

Top ten species GOC-73 50-100m Top ten species BT 50-100m

Algae (kg/250m2)

Peyssonnelia spp. 0.56 Lithothamnion valens 46.8Rhodoliths (Corallinaceae) 0.13 Peyssonnelia spp. 14.5

Phyllophora crispa 0.12 Spongites fruticulosus 14.5Osmundaria volubilis 0.06 Phyllophora heredia 13.0

Halopteris filicina 0.04 Peyssonnelia rosa-marina 10.3Spongites fruticulosus 0.04 Phymatolithon calcareum 7.4

Codium vermilara 0.04 Rhodoliths (Corallinaceae) 7.0Lithothamnion valens 0.02 Osmundaria volubilis 6.1Laminaria rodriguezii 0.02 Phyllophora crispa 4.5

Flabellia petiolata 0.01 Flabellia petiolata 2.1

Crustacean (N/250m2)

Inachus thoracicus 0.89 Inachus thoracicus 111.0Inachus dorsettensis 0.54 Inachus dorsettensis 89.6

Dardanus arrosor 0.41 Galathea intermedia 63.6Pagurus prideaux 0.15 Liocarcinus corrugatus 58.4

Processa macrophthalma 0.10 Ebalia tuberosa 55.9Pilumnus spinifer 0.10 Periclimenes sagittifer 55.5

Xantho pilipes 0.05 Pagurus prideaux 44.4Paguristes eremita 0.04 Anapagurus laevis 32.9

Pisa armata 0.03 Pagurus anachoretus 24.7Ascidonia flavomaculata 0.01 Parthenopoides massena 23.5

Fish (N/250m2)

Spicara smaris 51.7 Buenia jeffreysii 40.8Trachurus trachurus 4.9 Gobius gasteveni 14.9

Gymnammodytes cicerelus 3.7 Diplecogaster bimaculata 14.2Crystallogobius linearis 1.0 Parablennius tentacularis 13.8

Boops boops 0.9 Scorpaena notata 1.9Scyliorhinus canicula 0.5 Scorpaena scrofa 1.7

Serranus cabrilla 0.4 Odondebuenia balearica 1.7Sardinella aurita 0.4 Arnoglossus thori 0.7

Mullus surmuletus 0.2 Chelidonichthys cuculus 0.6Pagellus erythrinus 0.2 Speleogobius sp. 0.3

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlTaxonomic composition

*

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlTaxonomic composition

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlHabitats: indicator species

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlHabitats: characteristics/protected species

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlComplementary sampling methods

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptors 1 and 6: GOC-73 vs. Beam TrawlConclusions

• Both sampling methods (GOC-73 and beam trawl BT) are complementary and needed to get an accurate estimation of the demersal and epi-benthic biodiversity

• The BT is much more efficient to catch epi-benthic species than the GOC-73 and provides more accurate estimates of the abundance/biomass of most epi-benthic species, including those that are habitat indicators

• An important fraction of the species collected, although sampling the same habitats, are exclusively caught using one or another gear

• Some indicator macro-epibenthic species (e.g. L. rodriguezii) and characteristic/protected ones (e.g. C. longispinus and A. aranciacus) presented null or very low occurrences when using the BT

• GOC-73 provides better estimates of the occurrence of some macro-epibenthic species presenting low abundances, although various habitats may occur along the area swept in a single haul

• BT can provide information on the patchiness distribution of the species/habitats whereas GOC-73 may sample larger scales than those of patches distribution

• Using both methodologies will improve the biodiversity estimations, and the description of epi-benthic habitats, allowing a better assessment of the anthropogenic impacts on the habitats, hence, improving the objectives required in descriptors 1 and 6 of the Marine Strategy.

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptor 4: marine food webs

María Valls


http://iris-ses.eu/



• “All elements of the marine food webs, to the extent that they are known, occur at normal abundance and diversity and levels capable of ensuring the long-term abundance of the species and the retention of their full re-productive capacity.”

• KEY ATTRIBUTES

– Energy flows in food webs (changes in Trophic Level-TrL)

– Structure of food webs (size and abundance)

http://iris-ses.eu/



• Material & methods

Research vessel Indoor laboratory Scientific personal(1-2 people)

10 ind/spp/haul

Logistically difficult

Time consuming

High sample sizes

Final dataset

Medits 2008 Medits 2009 Medits 2010 Medits 2011 Medits 2012

N ind N with contents Spp N ind N with contents Spp N ind N with contents Spp N ind N with contents Spp N ind N with contents Spp

2424 1366 23 2624 1712 29 2243 1426 22 1350 868 22 1668 1104 30

50 hauls/year

Stomach contents analysis

http://iris-ses.eu/



• Material & methods

Research vessel No extra spaceFreezer (-20ºC)

No extra personal

5-10 ind/spp/area(5g muscle tissue)

Stable Isotope analysis (δ13C & δ15N)

Drying Homogenization Weighing

Mass spectrometre

Final dataset

Laboratory analysis (mass spectrometre) Cost: 6-10 €/sample

http://iris-ses.eu/



Fish

Cephalopods

ElasmobranchsBalearic food web

Zooplankton

POM

Mesopelagic fish

Valls et al. (2014)

http://iris-ses.eu/



• Assessment of food webs will need to include:

Biological groups that will respond quickly to system change

Groups that are targeted by fisheries

Habitat-defining groups

Charismatic or sensitive groups often found at the top of the food web

• TrL (δ15N) variability related to:

Ontogenetic diet shifts

Spatial-specific variability (depth & location)

Stable Isotope Protocol

http://iris-ses.eu/



Hake δ15N: Ontogenetic shift?

Balearic Islands (GSA5) Mainland (GSA6)

40 80 120 160 200 240 2806

7

8

9

10

11

LT (mm)

δ15N

40 80 120 160 200 240 2806

7

8

9

10

11

LT (mm)

δ15N

δ15N =7.78‰

δ15N =8.62‰ δ15N =8.75‰

Recruits: <180 mm Juveniles: 180-250 mm

YES NO

http://iris-ses.eu/



Isotopic variability: Hake case study

-20.9‰7.16‰

GSA6 - Mainland

GSA5 - Balearic Islands

http://iris-ses.eu/



Hake TrL: Spatial variability?

3.0

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

4.0

<180 180-250

Hake

TrL

Balearic Islands

Mainland

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptor 8: Contaminants and pollution effects

Beatriz Guijarro & Antonio Esteban


http://iris-ses.eu/



Main objectives of Descriptor 8

• Contaminants are defined in the European legislation as: “substances (i.e. chemical elements and compounds) or groups of substances that are toxic, persistent and liable to bio-accumulate and other substances or groups of substances which give rise to an equivalent level of concern” (Water Framework Directive, Article 2(29))

• Examples of such substances found in the marine environment include pesticides, anti-foulants, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals, among others.

• Preventing and reducing inputs to the marine environment, with a view to phasing out pollution, is clearly stated as one of the main objectives of the Marine Directive, in line with international commitments at global and regional level. Pollution by contaminants is one form of pollution of the marine environment and the aim of descriptor 8 is to ensure that levels of contaminants in the marine environment do not to give rise to effects.

http://iris-ses.eu/



• Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) alteration endocrine system effects on reproductive system

• Fish are particularly vulnerable to their effects

– Decreasing reproductive capacity

– Sexual development problems feminizing of males (intersex)

Mullus barbatus (males). Martin-Skilton et al. (2006): evidence of endocrine

alteration in highly polluted areas vs low polluted in the NW Med; higher in

spring (reproductive period) vs autumn.

http://iris-ses.eu/


Descriptor 8: Contaminants and pollution effectsIntersex

Cabo Palos-Santa Pola

Tarragona-Barcelona

Delta Ebro

GSA 5GSA 6

Sampling plan: 60 samples in 4 areas (based on data from previous surveys)

http://iris-ses.eu/



• Sampling:

– M. barbatus, males, 14-20 cm

– Remove gonad (during the biological sampling)

– Gonad stored in neutral buffered formalin 10% (24-48 h)

– Removed from formalin and stored in ethanol 70% until being processed

• Processing:

– Dissection, dehydration, fixing, cutting, staining and microscopic visualization

– Histological sections

• Recount of ovotestis (gonad with both testicular and ovarian aspects)

• Thickening of connective tissue septa and fibrosis

• Total time for processing: 6/8 days by sample (shorter with series: microscopic visualization 20-40 samples/day)

Intersex

http://iris-ses.eu/



Sampling achieved: 60 samples in 3 areas and 15 samples in 1 area

http://iris-ses.eu/



Results

• Still in process

• First results do not show any signal of intersex

Martin

-Skilto

n et al. (2006)

Arrow: ovotestis

(*) thickening of connective tissue septa and fibrosis

Arrows: Thickening of connective tissue septa and fibrosis

http://iris-ses.eu/



Conclusions

• Simple additional sampling, not especially difficult requirements information about pollution effects

• MEDITS period is adequate for this sampling (reproductive period)

• Processing samples need time and expertise in histology

Martin-Skilton et al. (2006) detected delayed gamete maturation, intersexuality, fibrosis

and depressed ovarian P450 aromatase activity in M. barbatus from polluted sites in NW

Mediterranean, during spring. Less evident in autumn fish might be more susceptible

to endocrine disrupting chemicals during the reproductive period.

http://iris-ses.eu/


Questions for discussion

• With additional budget for extra time/days of vessel and more technicians/scientist,

do you believe that MEDITS program could contribute to MSFD more than currently?

• e.g. marine litter, already agreed and incorporated to MEDITS protocol

• Is it possible to incorporate:

• new sampling methods different than GOC-73?

• and new sampling from GOC-73 catches?

• Which of these methods and new sampling could be incorporated in all GSAs?

• Vessel capacity and operability

• Scientific team

• Sampling Equipment

• Efficiency: sampling effort vs. indicators/descriptors

• Opportunity

• ...

• Is it possible to assess new habitats? e.g. Circa-littoral and bathyal rocky bottoms

http://iris-ses.eu/


Requests from IRIS-SES EU Project (http://iris-ses.eu/)

QUESTIONNAIRE (1/3)

• LOGISTIC CAPACITIES

• Characteristics of the vessel (e.g. length)

• Daily cost of the vessel

• How many hours by day are required nowadays for carrying out all the sampling activities within MEDITS surveys?

• Can the vessel work continuously (24 h a day) in a routine way? In case of positive answer, would this represent any increase in the daily cost (additional crew, fuel,…)?

• Is it possible a rough estimation of such additional cost?

• Maximum capacity for scientific personnel

• Capacity actually used

• Daily cost of scientific personnel on board (mean value by person)

http://iris-ses.eu/

http://iris-ses.eu/



QUESTIONNAIRE (2/3)

• RELATIONSHIP WITH MSFD

• Up to your knowledge, will be the information provided by your MEDITS surveys used for addressing MSFD indicators/descriptors?

• If so, what indicators/descriptors?

• Are you carrying out nowadays complementary sampling activities, other than those already specified in the MEDITS sampling protocols?

• If so, describe briefly:

http://iris-ses.eu/

http://iris-ses.eu/



QUESTIONNAIRE (3/3)

• OPTIMIZATION AND ADAPTATION TO MSFD REQUIREMENTS POSSIBILITIEs

• It would be possible to carry out some additional sampling activities based on the samples already available from the actual protocols (e.g. taking samples for isotopic or contaminants in biota studies from individuals captured with the GOC-73)?

• If so, would this imply any additional cost (e.g. additional scientific personnel on board)? In case of positive answer, can you provide a rough estimation of such additional cost, in terms of further men power required?

• There would be any possibility of, considering logistic capacities of the vessel related to equipment and personnel, as well as time constrains, of carrying out further sampling activities within the survey (e.g. hauls with epi-benthic sledges, dredges, plankton tows, ROV)?

• If the limitations derive mainly for time constrains, it would be feasible to extend the survey for some days (whenever additional economic resources be provided) to carry out complementary sampling activities? Up to how many days?

http://iris-ses.eu/

http://iris-ses.eu/

MANY THANKS

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