Search Results (35)

Nowadays, microplastic (MP) pollution has attracted increasing interest from the scientific community. This systematic review investigated the MP concentration in various tissues of five commercial fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Boops boops, Sardina pilchardus, Sardinella aurita, and Trachurus mediterraneus) in different Mediterranean water bodies in order to identify spatial trends and key analytes influencing their variation. The reported concentrations of MPs in all fish ranged from 4.2 particles/individual in the southeastern Mediterranean to 1.2 particles/individual in the western part, but these values are highly uncertain due to inconsistent methodologies, absence of recovery tests, and incomplete data reporting. No significant difference was found in the MP concentration of the different tissues of these species. The key factor affecting the MP concentration was the water body from which they were collected. This systematic review suggests that fewer than six samples may not provide statistically reliable results, and that a lack of detailed data reporting, despite the advances in chemical characterization techniques, continues to limit the robustness of MP studies. Additionally, this study evaluated how methodological differences could influence the reported MP concentrations. These findings offer a comprehensive overview of the MP expansion in the Mediterranean waterbodies and fish species, and provide recommendations for future research design improvement. Full article

Background: Anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) are a component of the Mediterranean diet and among the most fished species. Despite Italian consumers showing a strong preference and willingness to pay more for locally caught anchovies, cases of mislabeling with non-local or different species have been documented. Molecular techniques like DNA barcoding offer reliable species identification, even in processed products, where morphological traits are no longer detectable. This pilot study applied a DNA barcoding technique targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to authenticate anchovies caught in the Italian Southern Adriatic Sea. Objectives: The study evaluated seasonal variations in the chemical and nutritional composition of anchovies, particularly the fatty acid profiles, highlighting their health benefits. Methods: During 2021, two fish samplings of anchovies were conducted per season from two fishing areas in Southern Adriatic Sea, one sample was used for mitochondrial DNA analyses, the other was used for morphometric measurements, physical, bromatological and chemical analyses. Results: Fish collected in summer showed higher total weight and edible yield relative to those fished in winter (p < 0.05). Anchovies fished in summer contained the highest concentration of proteins (p < 0.05) as compared to those caught during winter and autumn, while, in turn, they showed the highest amount of fat (p < 0.01). Fillets from anchovies fished during spring and summer contained a greater (p < 0.05) concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-3 fatty acids than samples collected in autumn and winter. Conclusions: This study paves the way for further investigation to refine and validate the genetic identification and nutritional features of anchovies caught in the Italian Southern Adriatic Sea and marketed to consumers. Full article

This study aims to develop nutritionally improved alternative fast-food products by incorporating anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), a fish with high nutritional value, into three popular fast-food items (toast, burger, and pizza) frequently consumed by fast-food consumers. Anchovies, due to their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, vitamins A and D, and minerals, are a valuable food source for public health. Within the scope of this study, the nutritional compositions (crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, moisture, carbohydrate, energy) and sensory properties of the developed products were determined. According to the results of the analysis, the highest crude protein (18.64%) and crude ash (4.38%) content were found in anchovy-enriched toast, while the highest crude fat content (10.82%) was observed in anchovy burger (p < 0.05). Sensory analyses indicated that the panelists generally accepted all products. Specifically, the anchovy-enriched burger received the highest scores for appearance (90%) and aroma (40%). These findings demonstrate that anchovy-enriched fast-food products are both nutritionally rich and consumer-accepted, nutritionally improved food alternatives. Furthermore, this study identifies significant potential for utilizing aquatic products within the nutritionally enriched, seafood-based product sector. Full article

Winter and Spring variations of the fat and fatty acid compositions of discards from six species of the Aegean Sea were investigated to assess the potential suitability for human or aquaculture consumption. European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), curled picarel (Centracanthus cirrus), gilt sardine (Saridenella aurita), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) and bogue (Boops boops) were collected from the local fishing wharf during winter and spring. In most species, the specimens caught in spring exhibited elevated fat and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, with Sardina pilchardus showing an increase in DHA from 13.59% to 16.06% and Engraulis encrasicolus from 20.36% to 23.41% of the total identified fatty acids. Despite their lower commercial value, the high n-3 LC-PUFA content renders them nutritionally valuable and eligible for use by the aquafeed industry as an alternative to the increasingly costly fish oil. Moreover, in accordance with EU legislation banning discards and mandating the landing of unwanted catches, the valorisation of these species, in line with circular economy principles, could enhance fishers’ income, reduce waste and contribute to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems. Full article

Live bait fishing, which was initiated around the 1950s on the coast of Dakar for the exploitation of tropical tunas, remains poorly studied. This study aims to examine the ichthyological diversity in Hann Bay and analyze the seasonal variation in species used as live bait. Ten experimental fishing campaigns were conducted between February and November 2023, using a beach seine and a purse seine. Captured individuals were sorted by species, counted, and weighed. Salinity and temperature drive seasonal changes in live bait fish communities in Hann Bay. Beach seine captured 389,171 individuals from 65 species, representing a biomass of 1743 kg. Purse seine yielded 9408 individuals from 62 species, representing a total of 306 kg. Ten species were identified as live bait, ten of which were caught with beach seine (Engraulis encrasicolus dominated) and eight with purse seine (Sardinella maderensis dominated). Eight of the ten live bait species were caught by both purse seine and beach seine. For beach seine, Shannon’s index was higher during the cold season, indicating a better distribution of species abundance. For purse seine, species abundance was lower in the cold season. Pielou’s evenness index indicated a more balanced assemblage in the cold season for beach seine (0.65) and in the warm season for purse seine (0.74). The number and weight of live baits did not vary significantly between seasons. These results may support the sustainable management of coastal small pelagics, whose juveniles are used as live bait. Full article

This study developed edible composite films incorporating the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) byproduct protein hydrolysate (ABPH) into a chitosan matrix and evaluated their physicochemical, structural, and functional properties for food packaging applications. ABPH, produced by Flavourzyme enzymatic hydrolysis, exhibited high hydrolysis (54–57%) and high protein content (80.7 ± 0.94%). Films were produced using 1%, 2%, and 3% ABPH (CH-FP1, CH-FP2, and CH-FP3) by the casting method. Characterization of the films revealed that a higher ABPH concentration increased water swelling, solubility, and opacity, while tensile strength decreased and elongation at break improved, indicating greater flexibility. FTIR analysis showed that ABPH was incorporated through enlarged amide I and II bands and broader -OH/NH regions, suggesting hydrogen bonding and protein–polysaccharide interactions. SEM images demonstrated good dispersion at low concentrations and more uniform surfaces at higher ABPH levels. This suggests that chitosan–ABPH composite films can serve as biodegradable, protein-enriched packaging materials with adjustable mechanical and barrier properties to valorize fishery waste and sustainable food packaging solutions. Full article

The use of multiple sampling instruments during ichthyoplankton surveys could require a significant amount of time for sample collection procedures; moreover, their use is highly dependent on weather conditions. During surveys aimed at the application of the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM), two different kinds of sampler are employed: PairoVET and Bongo 40. The possibility of using only one of these samplers may allow for a reduction in the sampling time on board and the subsequent analyses; thus, a study was carried out to test the use of the Bongo 40 sampler alone (i.e., without PairoVET sampling) in DEPM application. Samples collected during five ichthyoplankton surveys (from 2007 to 2010 and in 2014) were analyzed to compare the efficiency in anchovy egg collection. Although the compared ichthyoplankton samplers provided differences in the collected number of eggs, as well as in the filtered volume, non-significant differences between them were recorded in the egg density. An ANCOVA revealed a significant relationship (F_1,5 = 606.80; p < 0.001) between the density estimates from the two nets, but no differences were recorded among years (F_1,5 = 0.99; p < 1). The slopes of the linear regressions for the two datasets were close to 1, suggesting a substantial equivalence of the two samplers in estimating the egg density. Finally, since only a few sampling stations showed densities higher than 20 ind. m⁻², conversion equations were provided to estimate the PairoVET density from the Bongo 40 data at different density levels (i.e., 20 ind. m⁻² or higher). Full article

Age determination through reading annual rings in whole otoliths is a complicated, time-consuming task that can lead to errors in population age structure, negatively affecting marine fish management plans. Recently, Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIRS) has been successfully used to evaluate annual age, at least in several long-life fish species. European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is an important pelagic species for its ecological role and socioeconomic value. In the Mediterranean Sea, anchovy stocks are regularly monitored for assessment purposes, and fish age is calculated by traditional otolith reading. In the present study, anchovies, caught over a decade (2012 to 2023) during on-board surveys in four different areas (i.e., North Tyrrhenian, South Tyrrhenian, North of Sicily, and Strait of Sicily), provided an otolith collection used to acquire absorption spectra by FT-NIRS. These spectra were processed to optimize calibration models, and the best linear models obtained revealed a good predictability for anchovy annual age (coefficient of determination of 0.90, mean squared error 0.3 years, bias < 0.001 years). The calibration model developed for all regions combined proved more robust than the models for each area, demonstrating its efficacy for the entire study area. FT-NIRS analyses proved suitable for predicting age, when applied to E. encrasicolus individuals within the age range of 0 to 3, also when compared to traditional aging methods. Moreover, this methodology improved the standardization of age estimates. Finally, this preliminary study encourages the further application of FT-NIRS also to short-life pelagic species involved in stock assessment plans. Full article

Fish sustainability has become an ever more important issue in recent years, as increases in consumption are leading to overfishing practices, resulting in the depletion of the seas and environmental damage. Therefore, fish companies have been adhering to sustainability programs, although these sustainable practices are not well valued and thus well known by end consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of sustainability label information on the hedonic perception of a consumer group regarding two fish species threatened by overfishing: European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). The approach used was a blind–expected–informed evaluation. The results showed a positive perception of the species with the sustainability label by recording higher informed hedonic scores than blind ones. Thus, in conclusion, fish sustainability positively influenced the consumers, increasing their liking scores from the blind to the informed session. This study can expand previous knowledge on environmental sustainability, especially fisheries sustainability, and understand the relationships between sustainability eco-labels and consumer behaviour. Full article

Microplastics (<5 mm) are an emerging threat to marine ecosystems and organisms, including fish. Recent studies have ranked the Black Sea as one of the most plastic-polluted European seas. Although there is evidence of microplastic ingestion in various fish species in the Black Sea, data for the Romanian sector are still lacking. This study presents the first assessment of microplastic abundance, color, shape, and size in the gastrointestinal tract and gills of Engraulis encrasicolus (European anchovy) collected from different locations along the Romanian coast (NW Black Sea). Ingested plastics were identified using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) chemical digestion and analyzed under a stereomicroscope. We observed a high frequency of plastic ingestion, with up to 88% of anchovies containing microplastics (98.5%) and mesoplastics (1.5%), with a mean of 3.03 plastic items/individual, marking the highest reported abundance in the Black Sea. The most common types found were transparent fibers, within the size range of 330 µm–1 mm. Our assessment is the first to demonstrate microplastic contamination in commercial European anchovies from the Romanian coast. Further studies are required to completely understand the extent of microplastic pollution in Black Sea anchovies and its potential impact on both human health and the ecosystem. Full article

This study was conducted using monthly data collected between July 2015 and June 2016 in the marine area of Hamsilos Nature Park, located in Sinop, Southern Black Sea. The primary objectives were to determine the diversity of ichthyoplankton assemblages, examine seasonal variations, assess spatial differences between the inner and outer parts of Hamsilos Bay, and highlight the ecological relationships of the predominant species with environmental factors. The comprehensive collection during the study resulted in a mean abundance of 2217 eggs.10 m² and 2743 larvae.10 m², with 28 species belonging to 21 families identified. Specifically, Engraulis encrasicolus is the most abundant in spring and summer, Gaidropsarus mediterraneus is the most abundant in autumn, and Sprattus sprattus is the most abundant in winter. A temporal analysis revealed the highest abundances in August, September, and July, with the lowest in April, May, and February. Significant seasonal differences in abundance and diversity were detected. No spatial differences were found between the inner and outer areas of Hamsilos Bay. Small pelagic species dominated the ichthyoplankton community, while demersal species, though diverse, were less abundant. According to the results of the DistLM analysis, the structure of the ichthyoplankton community is influenced by temperature and salinity. During the study, the water temperature ranged from 8.35 °C in February to 25.50 °C in August, and the salinity varied from 17.67 psu in September to 19.04 psu in May. Full article

In the marine environment, fish parasites are present in most seafood species. The most common are nematodes of the genus Anisakis, which can parasitize human tissues, causing anisakiasis and allergies—in some cases with a strong reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. This happens when people ingest live or dead larvae present in the muscles or viscera of a wide range of fish and cephalopods. Consumer education has been positioned as one of the most effective alternatives for its prevention. This study, carried out in Asturias (northwest Spain), sought to identify the seafood products that present the greatest risk of anisakiasis for consumers, taking into account their consumption, the prevalence of Anisakis, and consumer knowledge about this parasitosis. In the results, hake (Merluccius merluccius) and cod (Gadus morhua), frequently consumed in the region and with high parasite prevalence, do not pose a great risk because they are consumed when well cooked. Instead, sardine (Sardina pilchardus), highly consumed and less parasitized, and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), highly parasitized and less consumed, would exhibit a medium risk. Young participants know more about the risks of anisakiasis from raw seafood. The gaps detected in the knowledge about the ability of temperature treatments to eliminate parasites, especially in allergic people, must be addressed for better prevention. We suggest campaigns adapted to the population sectors. Full article

Marine fish populations can be affected by various infectious and parasitic diseases. The species investigated during 2021–2023 along the Romanian coast was European anchovy [Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758)], a small pelagic fish with both economic and ecological value. Four species of endoparasites (nematodes) were identified, namely: Hysterothylacium sp. Ward & Magath, 1917, Contracaecum sp. Railliet & Henry, 1912, Porrocaecum sp. Railet & Henry, 1912, and Anisakis sp. Dujardin, 1845. Nematode worms were found as larvae and infested the abdominal cavity, both in the free state and enclosed in internal organs. The parameters analyzed included abundance, prevalence, and average intensity. Abundance results indicated 14 parasites/fish in length classes ranging from 11–12 cm. A prevalence of 100% was reported in the anchovy population sampled from several stations. A high level of infestation intensity was recorded in 11 cm long specimens (15 nematode worms/host). In this study, the accumulation of nematode worms was observed in large mature specimens, with a negative impact on the host organism through the presence of internal lesions, slowing of growth rate, appetite reduction, and disturbance of the reproductive process. The potential risks to anchovy stock status, threats to human health, and control measures are also tackled. Full article

In a balanced diet, regular fish consumption provides positive outcomes for human health. On the other hand, the seafood supply chain faces a significant food safety risk due to the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In the present study, to assess the risk for Italian consumers, the concentrations of five PTEs, namely lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, nickel, and aluminum, were determined in the three most consumed preserved fish in Italy: tuna (Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). Samples were collected from the national market, and the instrumental analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analyzed PTEs were found in all the species that were investigated. However, after considering the target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI), it was observed that the three fish preserves did not pose any risk of chronic toxicity for the average consumer, even at the highest concentrations detected. However, for significant consumers, mercury detected in tuna samples represented almost 90% of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), representing a matter of concern for consumers, particularly regarding developmental neurotoxicity, whose HI exceeded 111%. The acute toxicity of nickel was also considered for significant consumers at the highest concentration detected, and the margin of exposure (MOE) calculated was above 7000, much higher than the value of 30 indicated by EFSA. Due to the lack of data on non-professional carcinogenicity or human intake through foods with low cancer risk, this toxicity was not considered in the analysis of PTEs. Full article

Studies based on fish early life stages can provide information on spawning grounds and nursery areas, helping to determine the implications for stock biomass fluctuations of recruitment variability. This study describes the composition, abundance, spatial distribution and differences in day/night vertical distribution of ichthyoplankton in the southern Adriatic Sea. Samples were collected within the framework of the COCONET project (Towards COast to COast NETworks of marine protected areas) from 9 to 18 May 2013 by the R/V Urania, using the electronic multinet EZ-NET BIONESS (Bedford Institute of Oceanography Net Environmental Sampling System). A total of 20 species, belonging to 20 genera and 13 families, were identified. Of the collected larvae, 74.3% were meso- or bathypelagic species, 24.7% were epipelagic and 0.9% were demersal. The community was dominated by Gonostomatidae, followed by Engraulidae, Myctophidae and Photychthaidae. The most abundant species was Cyclothone braueri (45.6%), followed by Engraulis encrasicolus, Ceratoscopelus maderensis, Cyclothone pygmaea, Vinciguerria attenuata and Myctophum punctatum. An inshore/offshore increasing gradient in biodiversity and abundance was observed. Different weighted mean depths (WMDs) were observed for larvae and juveniles. No diel vertical migrations were observed. The high abundance of meso- or bathypelagic species in the upper 100 m confirms the epipelagic zone as an important environment for the development of the larval stages of these fish. Full article