Search Results (53)

Deep-sea trawling in the Mediterranean Sea, while economically significant, has profound ecological implications due to high discard rates and the practice’s impact on deep-sea biodiversity. This study examines the composition of discards and bycatch in Antalya Bay, a key deep-sea fishing area in the Eastern Mediterranean, during a commercial fishing season, focusing on seasonal and depth-related variations. Data were collected from deep-sea bottom trawl operations conducted between September 2016 and April 2017, analyzing species diversity and catch composition in terms of discarded and bycatch species. The results revealed an average discard rate of 70.7% of the total catch, with significant seasonal fluctuations. In total, 75 species were identified, comprising 48 Osteichthyes, 11 Elasmobranchii, 10 Crustacea, 4 Mollusca, 1 Brachiopoda, and 1 Echinodermata. Discarded species primarily consisted of juveniles of commercially valuable species (Merluccius merluccius and Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis), endangered elasmobranchs, and non-target benthic invertebrates. Depth-stratified analysis indicated that higher discard ratios and greater biodiversity loss occur at depths between 200 and 700 m, where slow-growing species and vulnerable deep-sea assemblages dominate. CPUE estimates for target, bycatch, and discarded species were calculated as 72.26, 145.12, and 385.52 kg/h, and CPUA values were calculated as 0.79, 1.59, and 2.92, respectively. These findings underscore the disproportionate impact of bottom trawling on deep-sea ecosystems and highlight the need for sustainable fisheries management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has contributed significatively to the growing problem of the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, posing a serious global challenge to the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. For these reasons, there is a current and growing interest in the development of effective alternative or complementary strategies to antibiotic therapy for the prevention of fish diseases, which are mainly based on the use of probiotics—in particular, those belonging to the Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) group. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterise, evaluate the genetic diversity and assess the safety of candidate probiotic LAB strains for aquaculture isolated from faeces and intestines of European hakes (Merluccius merluccius, L.) caught in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (Ireland). Methods: The direct antimicrobial activity of the LAB isolates was tested by the Stab-On-Agar method against key ichthyopathogens. Subsequently, their taxonomic classification and genetic diversity were determined by 16SrDNA sequencing and Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR), respectively. To ensure the in vitro safety of the LAB isolates, their biofilm-forming ability was assessed by a microtiter plate assay; their sensitivity to major antibiotics used in aquaculture, human and veterinary medicine by a broth microdilution method and their haemolytic and gelatinase activity by microbiological assays. Results: All LAB isolates were biofilm producers and susceptible to chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline, flumequine and amoxicillin. A total of 30 isolates (85.7%) were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. None of the 35 LAB isolates showed haemolytic or proteolytic activity. Conclusions: Among the isolated strains, five LAB strains exhibiting the highest antimicrobial activity against aquaculture-relevant ichthyopathogens, taxonomically identified as Streptococcus salivarius, Enterococcus avium and Latilactobacillus sakei, were selected for further characterisation as potential probiotic candidates to promote sustainable aquaculture. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that hake intestines and faeces represent viable ecological niches for the isolation of LAB strains with antimicrobial activity. Full article

In this study, the real-time shelf life of frozen fillets of two different types of fish, tuna (Thunnus albacares) and hake (Merluccius hubbsi), was studied, simulating a bulk system sale. A glaze treatment was used on all the samples at the beginning, and during the 60-day storage period, the glaze was reapplied at regular intervals on half of the samples (“glazed”), while the other half was not re-glazed (“control”). To assess the quality changes in the two products, the peroxide value (PV), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), biogenic amines and volatile composition were determined every twenty days. Our results showed that both the glazed and control products did not exceed the legal limits of 35 mg/100 g of TVB-N and 100 mg/kg of histamine. In the hake fillets, in particular, glazing reduced the alteration phenomena associated with oxidative processes. In contrast, because of the high initial thickness of the glazing layer (20% of the weight of the frozen product), the reapplication of glazing during the storage period did not lead to any significant differences between the glazed and control tuna fillets. In conclusion, the different fishes’ compositions affect their conservation after the freezing process, which was improved by means of glazing in the case of the hake fillets. Full article

This study investigated the occurrence of fibrous microplastics and natural and artificial cellulose microfibers in the gastrointestinal tracts of Mullus barbatus and Merluccius merluccius specimens from the Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean), an important hotspot for marine litter accumulation. Red mullet and European hake were chosen due to their roles as bioindicators of marine pollution in the Mediterranean, and their economic relevance as fishery resources. Microfibers were found in 72% of M. barbatus and 68% of M. merluccius, at levels ranging from 1 to 67 particles/individual. Most of the microfibers extracted were textile fibers that were blue (33.6%), clear (26.1%), and black (20.3%) in color, while the length distribution showed the prevalence of microfibers in the size range of 350–950 µm. This visual identification, corroborated by the micro-FTIR analysis of a sub-sample of microfibers, revealed that natural and artificial cellulose microfibers were more common (80%) than fibrous microplastics. The results confirmed that both of these fish species are susceptible to microfiber ingestion and indicated the high availability of natural and artificial cellulosic fibers in the Adriatic Basin. Despite the increased evidence of microfiber pollution in the marine ecosystem, only a limited number of studies examine natural/artificial microfiber contamination and ingestion by marine biota. Therefore, greater attention should be given to this new type of contaminant, considering its implications in terms of environmental health, food security, and food safety. Full article

One specimen of the non-native European hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758), was caught in July 2023 in the offshore waters of the Bulgarian Black Sea. The species was identified based on its morphological characteristics (15 morphometric and 5 meristic) and DNA barcoding. The male specimen had a total length of 375 mm and a weight of 417.5 g. Its age was determined as 4 years. A fragment of the cytochrome b gene from its mitochondrial DNA was sequenced to support species identification. A phylogenetic analysis revealed a 100% genetic identity between the Bulgarian specimen and a M. merluccius sequence available in GenBank. This is the first documented report of this boreal-subtropic, benthopelagic fish species along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The record of the European hake confirms its presence along the western Black Sea coast. Full article

This study revisits the taxonomy of Anthocotyle merluccii, originally described from the European hake Merluccius merluccius in the northeast Atlantic, addressing discrepancies in clamp morphology across populations. The original description from Belgium noted near-equal anterior clamp sizes, contrasting with populations from Plymouth (Atlantic) and the Mediterranean, which show marked size differences, questioning their conspecificity. We describe A. radkeaminorum n. sp. from M. merluccius in the western Mediterranean (off Algeria), distinguished from A. merluccii (Belgium) by differing anterior clamp size, genital atrium spine number, and overall anterior clamp dimensions. Populations from Plymouth, previously attributed to A. merluccii, are herein assigned to A. aff. merluccii based on differences in morphometrical traits pending further investigations. Additionally, A. radkeaminorum n. sp. differs from A. americanus in body and clamp size, atrial spine count, and hosts. Based on analysis of morphological and molecular data, we refute the synonymy of A. merluccii and A. americanus, and we reinstate the latter as a valid species. The distinction between A. merluccii and A. americanus was further supported by divergence in cox1 gene sequences analyzed from GenBank (10–11%). Finally, inconsistencies in terminal lappet hook morphology are discussed, cautioning against its use in species delineation. This work highlights the need for continued research to resolve species relationships within this genus. Full article

The evisceration of infested species on board commercial fleets and the throwing of viscera into the sea, as is mostly the case for hake, is common practice for reducing the occurrence of Anisakis in fishery products. Moreover, the high levels of infestation and the lack of technically and economically feasible solutions hinder the possibility of recovering viscera with other fish processing byproducts as raw material for feed without the risk of transmission of allergens to humans, with the subsequent risk for public health. The aim of this work was to study the fate of Anisakis simplex allergens during 11 days of silage of infested hake (Merluccius merluccius) viscera, as a potential method for eliminating this risk. While the viscera were almost completely liquefied, an increase in the allergenicity of the soluble fraction was observed, which decreased only slightly after day 9. As we are aware of the resistance of parasite allergens to gastrointestinal enzymes, silage was also analyzed after 12 and 15 months. While the lower molecular weight fragments of Anisakis proteins are fully digested, some larger fragments with potential allergenicity resisted autolysis after long silage periods, but they were present in a very low concentration. The study concludes that there is the potential of silage as a method for recovering fish viscera infested with Anisakis. Full article

This research investigates the dynamics of contaminant exposure in European hake (Merluccius merluccius, L. 1758) from the Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) by examining the levels of total mercury (THg) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscle fish tissues. The study explores the correlations between these pollutants and somatic indexes to identify the early warning signals of pollution and ecological effects. The levels of pollutants are influenced by season and sex. Lipids appear to have a minimal effect on the PAH levels, whereas they exhibit a positive correlation with mercury levels in the muscle. No significant relationships between the pollutants and condition indexes were observed, except for a positive correlation between THg and the gonadosomatic index, indicating a potential impact on the reproductive health of fish. In contrast, PAHs showed no meaningful correlation with condition indexes. Differences in contaminant accumulations and lipid levels between sexes reflect variations in metabolic activity, reproductive costs, and adaptive strategies to seasonal changes and energy demands. This study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to improve pollution management, environmental conservation, and the protection of marine organisms’ health. Full article

Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) were obtained from different fish sources using a combination of microbial enzymes. The industrially produced FPHs from blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) were compared to freeze-dried FPHs generated in-house from hake (Merluccius merluccius) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in terms of their physicochemical composition and functionality. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the protein, moisture, and ash contents of the FPHs, with the majority having high levels of protein (73.24–89.31%). Fractions that were more extensively hydrolysed exhibited a high solubility index (74.05–98.99%) at different pHs. Blue whiting protein hydrolysate-B (BWPH-B) had the highest foaming capacity at pH 4 (146.98 ± 4.28%) and foam stability over 5 min (90–100%) at pH 4, 6, and 8. The emulsifying capacity ranged from 61.11–108.90 m²/g, while emulsion stability was 37.82–76.99% at 0.5% (w/v) concentration. In terms of peptide bioactivity, sprat protein hydrolysate (SPH) had the strongest overall reducing power. The highest Cu²⁺ chelating activity was exhibited by hake protein hydrolysate (HPH) and mackerel protein hydrolysate (MPH), with IC₅₀ values of 0.66 and 0.78 mg protein/mL, respectively, while blue whiting protein hydrolysate-A (BWPH-A) had the highest activity against Fe²⁺ (IC₅₀ = 1.89 mg protein/mL). SPH scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals best with IC₅₀ values of 0.73 and 2.76 mg protein/mL, respectively. All FPHs displayed noteworthy scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.48–3.46 mg protein/mL. SPH and MPH showed the highest scavenging potential against superoxide radicals with IC₅₀ values of 1.75 and 2.53 mg protein/mL and against hydrogen peroxide with 2.22 and 3.66 mg protein/mL, respectively. While inhibition of α-glucosidase was not observed, the IC₅₀ values against α-amylase ranged from 8.81–18.42 mg protein/mL, with SPH displaying the highest activity. The stability of FPHs following simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) showed an irregular trend. Overall, the findings suggest that marine-derived protein hydrolysates may serve as good sources of natural nutraceuticals with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Full article

The main goal of this work was to develop bio-based and ecofriendly intelligent films as freshness indicators to monitor European hake (Merluccius merluccius) quality during storage by using a visual, non-destructive, and real-time technique. Locust bean gum (LBG)/κ-carrageenan (Car) films incorporating blueberry extract (BLE) or beetroot extract (BEE) were developed and their effectiveness to detect hake deterioration during 7 days of storage at 4 °C was evaluated. A visible color response from pink to blue was observed on the BLE films at the end of hake storage, which correlated with the hake deterioration profile, namely an increase in pH values (from 6.60 ± 0.04 to 8.02 ± 0.03), total viable count (TVC, from 4.61 ± 0.36 to 8.61 ± 0.21 log CFU/g), and total volatile basic nitrogen content (TVB-N, from 10.21 ± 1.97 to 66.78 ± 4.81 mg/100 g) beyond the spoilage threshold. The results of this study are very promising, since it was possible to develop a new effective intelligent bio-based responsive indicator film incorporating natural dye BLE, which has the potential to contribute to food waste reduction and improve food safety by detecting the hake freshness status. Full article

The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is a highly sought after, overfished commercial species with a high ecological value. Otolith morphometric characteristics were employed from 150 individuals captured from the Central Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean) using a commercial trawler. Age reading was independently performed by three readers. A multivariate methodology identified the morphometric factors that significantly affect age estimation, and easy to use equations using limited morphological otolith characteristics with a high degree of accuracy were produced as a practical tool for fisheries management. A second tool using ML algorithms produced a highly accurate ML model with the ability to further predict European hake’s age using limited otolith morphometric characteristics. Both tools are important for assessing fish population dynamics, managing sustainable fishing practices, and ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems. Practically, the models could be implemented by collecting fish otolith samples, measuring limited morphometric features using imaging techniques, and inputting these measurements into the machine learning model. Both model outputs will allow researchers and fisheries managers to obtain rapid and reliable age estimates without the need for labor-intensive traditional methods. By integrating these models into routine fisheries assessment workflows, stakeholders could make more informed decisions about fish stock assessments and conservation strategies. Full article

Frequently, diseases in aquaculture have been fought indiscriminately with the use of antibiotics, which has led to the development and dissemination of (multiple) antibiotic resistances in bacteria. Consequently, it is necessary to look for alternative and complementary approaches to chemotheraphy that are safe for humans, animals, and the environment, such as the use of probiotics in fish farming. The objective of this work was the Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatic and functional analyses of S. salivarius MDI13 and L. sakei MEI5, two LAB strains isolated from the gut of commercial European hakes (M. merluccius, L.) caught in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The WGS and bioinformatic and functional analyses confirmed the lack of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, the lack of virulence and pathogenicity issues, and their potentially probiotic characteristics. Specifically, genes involved in adhesion and aggregation, vitamin biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism were detected in both strains. In addition, genes related to lactic acid production, active metabolism, and/or adaptation to stress and adverse conditions in the host gastrointestinal tract were detected in L. sakei MEI5. Moreover, a gene cluster encoding three bacteriocins (SlvV, BlpK, and BlpE) was identified in the genome of S. salivarius MDI13. The in vitro-synthesized bacteriocin BlpK showed antimicrobial activity against the ichthyopathogens Lc. garvieae and S. parauberis. Altogether, our results suggest that S. salivarius MDI13 and L. sakei MEI5 have a strong potential as probiotics to prevent fish diseases in aquaculture as an appropriate alternative/complementary strategy to the use of antibiotics. 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

The protein, essential amino acid, and fatty acid composition of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), and deep water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) from the central Mediterranean Sea were investigated. All the species showed an essential amino acid content of about 50% of total amino acids, while the protein and total fatty acids content varied from 19.9 to 24.8% and from 1.4 to 5.1%, respectively. The fatty acid profile mainly followed the order SFA (39.1–52.6%) > PUFA (21.0–39.3%) > MUFA (15.6–24.3%). Palmitic and stearic acids were predominant among saturated fatty acids (38–52% and 21–25%, respectively), while palmitoleic and oleic acids were the most represented of the total monounsaturated acids (10–21% and 55–68%, respectively). All the species, as expected, showed a more significant proportion of n-3 PUFA (EPA + DHA) of about 81–93% of the total PUFA, with the highest values was found in European pilchard. Also, several fat quality index values, such as n-6/n-3 ratio, PUFA/SFA, the index of atherogenicity (IA), the index of thrombogenicity (IT), the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH), and fish lipid quality/flesh lipid quality (FLQ) were calculated to assess the nutritional quality. All the obtained results, along with the fat quality indexes, indicated the excellent nutritional values of the selected species. Full article