Occurrence of 'soft flesh' condition induced by Kudoa thyrsites parasite in the Iberian European sardine stock.

European sardine Sardina pilchardus is a commercially valuable coastal pelagic fish species. Spain is one of the largest sardine suppliers in Europe and the Iberian stock is of particular significance. Kudoa parasites are known to infect sardines causing the so-called 'soft flesh' condition; however, data on the occurrence of 'soft flesh' in this sardine stock are limited.

Monk seal faeces as a non-invasive technique to monitor the incidence of ingested microplastics and potential presence of plastic additives.

Anthropogenic debris, including plastics, has recently been identified as a major threat for marine mammals and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims to achieve the good environmental status of European waters by addressing among other criteria, the effects of marine litter on biota. This study implemented for the first time a non-invasive technique for collecting monk seal samples to assess microdebris ingestion in combination with identifying plastic additives and porphyrins biomarkers. A total of 12 samples of monk seal faeces were collected from marine caves in Zakynthos Island, Greece.

First Documented Uses of Caves along the Coast of Albania by Mediterranean Monk Seals (, Hermann 1779): Ecological and Conservation Inferences.

Information on the habitat use of the Mediterranean monk seal () along the coast of Albania (Adriatic and Ionian Sea) has so far been limited to vague and generalised data. A survey conducted in the National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan in the summer of 2019 identified two marine caves with morphological characteristics best suited for use by such species. The two caves were subsequently equipped with infrared camera traps in 2020.

Microplastics in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) intestines: Are they associated with parasite aggregations?

Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals.

Microplastic Extraction from Marine Vertebrate Digestive Tracts, Regurgitates and Scats: A Protocol for Researchers from All Experience Levels.

It is essential to provide a protocol for the separation and identification of microplastics in marine vertebrates (mammals, birds, turtles and fish) that is easy to follow and adaptable depending on research infrastructure. Digesting organic material is an effective way to analyze samples for microplastics. Presented here is an optimized protocol which uses potassium hydroxide (KOH) for processing samples of digestive tracts, scats and regurgitates.