Search Results (193)

Marine envenomations are common non-infectious hazards for travelers. Lionfish, venomous fish native to Indo-Pacific waters, have become an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and threat to native marine ecosystems. Various control measures have been implemented in response to rapidly expanding lionfish populations, including licensed culling by recreational divers. We herein review lionfish envenomation through framing with a case that occurred during a diving trip to Curacao for the purpose of lionfish spearfishing. Following initial management in Curacao with hot water immersion, wound care, and antibiotic prophylaxis, the patient continued to have persistent swelling, bruising, and pain to the puncture site and was referred to our outpatient clinic for further evaluation. In addition to reviewing clinical syndromes and approach to management for common marine envenomations that may be encountered in the post-travel setting, we situate this case within the broader ecological context of expanding invasive species ranges with climate change and rising sea temperatures. Pre-travel providers should counsel patients at high risk for marine envenomations on preventative measures, along with how and when to seek care following exposure. Post-travel providers should be familiar with the immediate and long-term sequelae of non-infectious envenomations and intoxications, including marine exposures. Larger national and multinational collaborations are required to mitigate the effects of climate change and international marine movement on invasive species, especially those that incur risk to marine and human health alike. Full article

The increasing contribution of non-dispatchable renewable energy sources has changed the operating patterns of hydropower plants, especially in run-of-river schemes with limited storage capacity. Under intermittent dispatch, turbine shutdowns may occur while environmental-flow requirements must still be maintained. In these situations, spillway releases become more frequent, creating hydraulic conditions that can lead to total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream. This study evaluates TDG supersaturation as an operational constraint in an Amazonian run-of-river hydropower plant. This assessment combines field measurements with controlled laboratory exposure tests using representative native fish species. Total gas pressure (TGP) was measured in both field and laboratory settings and converted into TDG saturation percentages. A laboratory-scale TDG generation system was developed to reproduce supersaturation conditions associated with spillway operation. Field measurements recorded TDG levels above 130% during spillway-activation events associated with dispatch decisions. In the laboratory, exposure tests showed rapid loss of viability in native Amazonian fish at TDG levels of 115% and above. These results indicate operational warning ranges for sustained spillway use. The findings suggest that TDG supersaturation should not be treated solely as an environmental issue. Rather, it represents a technical constraint on hydropower dispatch in systems with increasing renewable penetration. Incorporating TDG-related limits into operational planning and spillway management may help preserve hydropower flexibility while supporting environmental compliance. Full article

With over 140 species of primary freshwater fish, including 73 that are endemic, Greece is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot in Europe. However, like freshwater systems worldwide, these ecosystems face serious threats, particularly from the introduction of non-native species. This ongoing increase in invasive species has heightened scientific and policy-maker awareness, as such introductions can lead to population declines and even extinctions of native fish. In response to this growing concern, various risk assessment tools have been developed to evaluate the potential hazards posed by non-native species, both those already established and those likely to be introduced. These tools are critical for informing policy decisions and managing biological invasions effectively. In the current study, a new tool, the Hellenic Risk Assessment (HeRA), is proposed. Unlike its predecessors, HeRA places greater emphasis on assessing the biological traits of introduced species and incorporates region-specific considerations tailored to the Mediterranean basin. Its scoring system evaluates both the likelihood of a species establishing itself and its potential environmental impact, making it a valuable resource for stakeholders in prioritizing management actions and making informed decisions regarding the import of live fish species. Full article

As the largest inter-basin water diversion project in eastern China, the Eastern Route of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project (ER-SNWDP) plays a crucial role in alleviating water shortages and ensuring regional ecological security. However, large-scale water diversion that uses natural lakes as impounded lakes across different basins has impacted on the structure and function of the original ecosystems. To explore the changes in the food web and ecosystem structure of the impounded lakes during different operation periods of the ER-SNWDP, we constructed Ecopath models for Hongze Lake in 2010–2011 (pre-operation), 2017–2018 (initial operation), and 2023–2024 (operational period). Our results showed that the trophic energy flow in Hongze Lake was dominated by the detrital food chain, with the highest trophic level ranging from 3.06 to 3.50. Energy flows at trophic levels I and II accounted for a high proportion of the total throughput, and the interactions between trophic levels were relatively simple, indicating that Hongze Lake is approaching a mature ecosystem. Compared with the pre-operation period, the average trophic level, food chain length, and energy conversion efficiency of Hongze Lake declined during the initial operation period, but rebounded during the operational period, though still remaining lower than the pre-operation period. Ecosystem stability followed a similar trajectory: the total primary production/total respiration (TPP/TR) and the system omnivory index (SOI) indicated that ecosystem maturity decreased during the initial operation and increased during the operational period. Fishing activities had negative effects on most functional groups during the pre-operation and initial operation periods, whereas the negative effects from zooplankton and non-native species groups increased during the operational period. Based on changes in the food web structure and ecosystem of Hongze Lake across different water diversion periods, we suggest that the management of Hongze Lake should establish precautionary fishing management measures targeting the effects of filter-feeding functional groups and non-native species, optimize the species and quantities of restocking initiatives, prioritize the protection of critical habitat integrity, and implement long-term ecological monitoring. Full article

Introduction: River connectivity is a fundamental component of lotic ecosystems, frequently disrupted by anthropogenic barriers. Fishways are critical mitigation tools for restoring this connectivity; however, their temporal use by fish is often assumed to be restricted to specific seasonal windows (mainly spawning season). Understanding the fine-scale temporal dynamics of fishway use by native species such as the common barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) is essential for effective, long-term river management and the conservation of Iberian freshwater biodiversity. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the daily and seasonal patterns of use of pool-type fishways by L. bocagei, in order to improve the determination of their temporal period of use and provide data-driven recommendations for their management. Methodology: The study was conducted in the middle reach of the Duero River (Burgos province). Over a multi-year period, more than 1000 individual barbels were captured, tagged with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags, and released. Movements were continuously monitored across two pool-type fishways. Telemetry detection data were analyzed to evaluate daily rhythms and seasonal use, as well as to estimate the start and end dates of the movement periods. Results: Our analysis revealed a highly marked daily pattern in fishway use, showing a clear increase during daylight hours, with more pronounced peaks at dawn and dusk. This daily activity dynamically adjusts throughout the year in response to the solar cycle. Furthermore, we successfully determined that the seasonal activity extends from March to November, a pattern that remained consistent throughout the different study years. Crucially, the telemetry data empirically demonstrated that L. bocagei utilizes fishways for a substantial portion of the year, indicating relevant non-reproductive movements. Conclusions: The extended temporal use of these fishways indicates their potential ecological functions throughout much of the year. This must be reflected in management and maintenance protocols that ensure sufficient flow conditions, cleaning, and active vigilance during most of the year. Additionally, this predictability reinforces the value of fishways as strategic biological monitoring stations for endemic populations. Full article

Introduction: Longlines are traditional fishing gear and are widely used in marine systems for both quantitative and qualitative sampling of large predators like tuna, swordfish, sailfish, marlin or sharks. This highly selective method has been applied for the sampling of European catfish (Silurus glanis), the largest freshwater fish in Europe. This apex predator is a highly valuable fish species in its native localities of Central and Eastern Europe (commercial fishing, anglers’ trophy fishing, biomanipulation purposes) but a dangerous alien invasive species in South and Western Europe. Objective: The efficiency and selectivity of longlines for European catfish sampling were compared with more traditional fishing methods like gillnets and electrofishing. Methodology: European catfish were sampled in native areas (Římov, Žlutice, Vrchlice, Hubenov, Lipno, Želivka reservoirs; Czech Republic) and areas of invasion (Lakes Campagna, Avigliana Grande, Maggiore; Italy; Belver, Meimoa, Cedillo reservoirs; Portugal; Iznajar, Mequinenza reservoirs; Spain) following the protocols of best catfish (Silurus glanis) capture methodologies in small and large lakes and reservoirs established for the current needs of the European Commission within the LIFE PREDATOR project. Results: The longline efficiency expressed as the proportion of individual hooks catching catfish (live baits exposed overnight) was from low to medium (5–25%; Czech reservoirs, Italian lakes, Meimoa reservoir) to very high (up to over 50%; Portuguese and Spanish reservoirs). In many water bodies, specifically in areas of invasion, catfish represented 100% of the longline catch (Campagna, Maggiore, Cedillo, Iznajar, Mequinenza). In the rest of the water bodies, the by-catch ranged from 2 to 20% with the highest values occurring in its native localities (due to the presence of large individuals of Northern pike, Esox lucius, another predatory fish in these systems). In areas of invasion, the inconsiderable by-catch was composed of other non-native predatory fish species like pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), European perch (Perca fluviatilis) or channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Both the efficiency and selectivity of longlines were higher compared to gillnets and electrofishing, and longlines also caught larger catfish individuals. Conclusions: Longlines represent an efficient and extremely selective method for European catfish sampling, reduction and even eradication, especially in areas of invasion. Their usage, however, requires specific equipment, skills and also baits. Full article

Introduction: The circum-Mediterranean region is a global biodiversity hotspot, hosting a highly distinctive freshwater fauna with a high degree of endemism and conservation concern. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by biological invasions, particularly by non-native fish species, which represent a major driver of biodiversity loss. Objective: This study aims to compile a comprehensive and updated inventory of non-native inland fish species across the circum-Mediterranean region and to identify the main taxonomic, biogeographical, and socio-environmental drivers shaping their distribution. Methodology: We conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature, online databases (including EASIN, GISD, and CABI), and technical reports to compile records of non-native fish species across inland and transitional waters of Mediterranean-climate basins. Analyses focused on species composition, taxonomic representativeness, introduction pathways, native regions, and the relationship between species richness and selected environmental and socio-economic variables. Results: A total of 151 non-native fish species were recorded across the study area. Italy, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, and Croatia exhibited the highest numbers of established species. Taxonomic representation was uneven, with Salmoniformes and Esociformes overrepresented among established non-native species, while Siluriformes and Characiformes were underrepresented. Most introductions originated from Europe, Asia, and North America, primarily through intentional releases and escape events. Non-native species richness was positively correlated with gross domestic product, precipitation, and the number of dams, highlighting the role of economic development and habitat modification in facilitating invasions. Conclusions: Biological invasions by non-native fishes are widespread across the Mediterranean basin and are strongly driven by human activities and environmental conditions. The high invasion levels observed in this biodiversity hotspot pose a significant threat to endemic freshwater faunas. These findings underscore the need for coordinated transnational management strategies, stricter regulation of introduction pathways, and prioritization of high-risk species to mitigate further impacts. Full article

Introduction: The global ornamental fish trade is a rapidly expanding sector and a major pathway for the introduction of non-native species, particularly in freshwater ecosystems in developed countries. The introduction of non-native species can result in a range of ecological impacts, including predation, competition, hybridization, and disease transmission, often leading to ecosystem degradation and biotic homogenization. Therefore, it represents a clear ecological risk, especially serious in freshwater systems with a high endemism rate, such as the Iberian Peninsula. The occurrence of ornamental non-native species in the Iberian Peninsula has been common, yet little has been done to describe the overall ornamental fish trade as a first step to evaluate invasion risk. Objective: This study characterizes the import dynamics of ornamental freshwater fish in Portugal between 2020 and 2024 and evaluates its potential role as a pathway for species introductions. Methodology: Data were obtained from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests database, including information on species composition, quantities, sizes, prices, and countries of origin. A total of 431 records were analyzed, resulting in 27,689 validated entries of imported freshwater fish, which were taxonomically verified and filtered to retain only freshwater species. Results: A total of 666 species from 88 families were identified, with an average of 380 species imported annually, reflecting high taxonomic diversity. Import volumes increased from approximately 1.25 million individuals in 2020 to 1.75 million in 2024, while total import value nearly doubled from €300,000 to €600,000. Imports were predominantly from five Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam, and largely supported by aquaculture production (88%). A stable core of highly traded species, including Carassius auratus, Poecilia reticulata, and Paracheirodon innesi, suggests a sustained and very high propagule pressure, while some species variability was observed on yearly basis, suggesting the importance of monitoring programs on actual imports. Conclusions: Overall, the ornamental fish trade represents a significant and growing pathway for biological invasions in Portugal. The combination of increasing trade volume, high species diversity, and persistent dominance of key taxa highlights the need for improved monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness to mitigate ecological risks. Full article

Introduction: The Iberian killifish (Apricaphanius iberus), an endemic cyprinodontid of the Spanish Mediterranean coast, is a key conservation species due to its restricted distribution, high sensitivity to habitat alteration and invasive fish, and ecological role in saline wetlands. Classified as Endangered by national administration and listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive, its populations have undergone severe declines across its native range. Coastal salt pans have become critical refuges for the persistence of this species, often supporting some of the highest population densities recorded. However, the conservation value of these anthropogenic systems strongly depends on hydrological management, which directly influences habitat stability and suitability. Objectives: This study aims to assess the long-term population responses of A. iberus under contrasting hydrological management regimes in coastal salt pans. Methodology: We analysed ten years of monitoring data across five salt pan circuits in the perimeter area of the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain), covering a salinity gradient and three management regimes: economic exploitation (EE), preventive management (PM), and non-management (NM). Population metrics (occurrence, abundance and breeder proportion) were evaluated. Results: Population performance differed markedly among management regimes. EE circuits showed consistently high occurrence and abundance, including in hypersaline ponds, high breeder proportions, low interannual variability, and weak dependence on meteorological conditions and ephemeral prey. PM circuits displayed intermediate patterns. In contrast, NM circuits exhibited low occurrence and abundance, low breeder proportions, high temporal fluctuations, and strong dependence on meteorological variability. Conclusions: Hydrological management is a key determinant of A. iberus population stability in coastal salt pans. Maintaining or restoring traditional management practices enhances habitat suitability, buffers environmental variability, and supports conservation actions such as reintroduction. These findings highlight the critical role of managed anthropogenic wetlands as refuges for endangered fishes and provide a transferable framework for conservation under global change. Full article

Introduction: Freshwater fish communities in Mediterranean basins have undergone profound changes over recent decades due to biological invasions, habitat alteration, and hydrological regulation. The Segura River basin (SE Spain), particularly in the Region of Murcia, represents a paradigmatic case of these transformations, with increasing pressures on native ichthyofauna and growing relevance for recreational fisheries. Objective: This study aims to provide an updated inventory of fish communities in the rivers and reservoirs of the Region of Murcia, assessing current composition, relative abundance, and conservation status. Methodology: Fish assemblages were surveyed during sampling campaigns conducted in autumn 2023, 2024 and 2025. Sampling sites included representative reservoirs and river reaches within the middle sector of the Segura River basin, focusing on areas of interest for recreational fishing. Passive fishing gears were used in reservoirs, while electrofishing was conducted in riverine habitats. Presence and relative abundance data were recorded for all detected taxa. Results: A total of 15 taxa were identified (8 in reservoirs and 15 in river reaches). Reservoir communities were almost entirely dominated by non-native invasive species, including Cyprinus carpio, Alburnus alburnus, Sander lucioperca, Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis gibbosus, and Gambusia holbrooki, with Luciobarbus sclateri as the only native species. Riverine sections of the main channel also showed a strong dominance of exotic taxa, with additional species such as Esox lucius, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Gobio lozanoi, and Pseudochondrostoma polylepis. Native species detected included L. sclateri (dominant), Anguilla anguilla, and Salariopsis fluviatilis, the latter showing a recent expansion likely linked to human-mediated introduction. Isolated tributaries hosted the most valuable assemblages, including populations of L. sclateri, Squalius tartessicus, and the endangered Valencia hispanica (recently unauthorized translocations into the Segura river basin). Conclusions: Current fish communities in the Region of Murcia reflect a marked ecological degradation compared to historical conditions, driven by the proliferation of non-native species and habitat alteration. Changes over the last 30 years have been particularly pronounced in reservoirs and regulated sections of the main river channel, where local extinction of the native S. tartessicus has also been detected. Only the headwaters of certain tributaries retain fish assemblages of notable conservation interest, highlighting their priority for management and protection. Full article

Introduction: Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) is a salmonid fish considered a genetically and geographically highly structured species. The species is catalogued as vulnerable in the Spanish Red List since 1992. Based on morphological differentiation, some authors have proposed splitting Salmo trutta into many taxa and in recent years, several binomials involving morphologically differentiated Western Mediterranean brown trout morphs have regained relevance as distinct species and are now assessed in the IUCN Red List. However, Spanish legislation still considers a single species, S. trutta, inhabiting Atlantic and Mediterranean rivers. Analyses of mitochondrial DNA variation across the species’ native range have revealed numerous matrilineal lineages and helped disentangle the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of brown trout. Four largely distant evolutionary lineages defined by sequencing the mitochondrial control region (Adriatic, AD, Mediterranean, ME, Atlantic, AT and Duero, DU) are native among the Iberian brown trout populations. Stocking activities have resulted in introgressive hybridization of these native populations with non-native northern Atlantic stocks throughout the Iberian rivers and compromise the evolutionary singularities of brown trout in the Iberian Peninsula. Methodology: In this study, we compare complete mitogenomes from Iberian brown trout specimens with those from other regions, using both newly sequenced samples and whole mitogenomes from the GenBank database and estimate their divergence times relative to those observed among species of other Salmoninae genera, such as Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus, to assess patterns of species-specific divergence among Iberian brown trout populations. Results: The evolutionary relationships of the specimens using their mitogenomes fitted with previous analyses using partial mitochondrial sequences and confirmed the strong differentiation among the Iberian lineages. All the branches involving distant Iberian mitogenomes are sister branches with taxa historically described under different binomials (such as Salmo macrostigma, S. multipunctatus, S. pallaryi). Conclusions: The results provide evidence supporting the existence of potentially distinct and undescribed native Salmo species in the Iberian rivers. Full article

Introduction: The Guadiana basin harbours one of the most threatened freshwater fish faunas in Europe, concentrating a high number of Iberian endemisms and species of high conservation interest. Among these, the Iberian minnowcarp (Anaecypris hispanica) and the Iberian Arched-Mouth Nase (Iberochondrostoma lemmingii) stand out as threatened species whose populations are in serious decline. Methodology: In March 2023, an obsolete river barrier, the Galaches weir, was removed from the Odeleite River (Guadiana basin), releasing an 8 km lotic stretch previously inaccessible to downstream fish fauna. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of weir removal on the composition and structure of the fish community, using a Before-After design with fish sampling conducted before (2022) and after (2024) weir removal. Fish sampling took place in early summer by means of electrofishing in two 150 m long river sites, one upstream and one downstream of the weir. Results: Before removal, both upstream and downstream sites were dominated by native leuciscids (A. hispanica, I. lemmingii, Squalius pyrenaicus, and Pseudochondrostoma willkommii) and cyprinids (Luciobarbus spp.), with non-natives Lepomis gibbosus and Australoheros facetus occurring in lower abundance. After removal, native species remained clearly dominant at both sites, while A. facetus was no longer detected and L. gibbosus did not increase in abundance, suggesting that barrier removal did not favour the spread of non-native fish. Species size–structure revealed the presence of multiple size classes, possibly supporting a regular recruitment of key native taxa: A. hispanica occurred almost exclusively with total lengths of 4 to 6 cm, whereas I. lemmingii and other native leuciscids displayed broader size ranges, spanning juveniles to adults, consistent with sustained reproduction and growth in the restored river stretch. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that weir removal has improved the sustainability of native fish populations such as A. hispanica by improving habitat connectivity and increasing recruitment. The results highlight the importance of weir removal for the conservation of threatened species in Mediterranean river systems. Full article

Mediterranean rivers experience various pressures that cause native fish populations to decline. This is the case of Achondrostoma asturicense, a threatened endemic species recently classified as "endangered" (EN) by the Portuguese Red Book. In northeastern Portugal, the main populations occur in the Carvalhais (Tua basin), Maçãs, and Angueira (Sabor basin) rivers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of small weirs on the distribution, abundance, and habitat use of A. asturicense populations along the longitudinal gradient of River Angueira. Three river zones (Z1 to Z3) affected by small weirs were selected along the watercourse. In each zone, four sampling sites were distributed relative to the weir, as follows: A1—200 m downstream; A2—immediately downstream; A3—under the influence of the reservoir; and A4—200 m upstream (reference). Sampling was carried out in three seasons: winter, spring, and summer 2025. Physical–chemical (water), hydromorphological (habitats), and biological (fish) elements were assessed in accordance with the protocols of the Water Framework Directive. The results revealed the worst water quality in the summer season due to flow reduction, dissolved oxygen depletion, elevated conductivity, and high nutrient (N, P) concentrations, leading to eutrophication phenomena. The distribution and abundance of A. asturicense were negatively influenced by the presence of small weirs, which were dominated by the non-native species Lepomis gibbosus. PERMANOVA analysis (two-way, p < 0.05) identified significant differences (Pseudo-F = 28.349, p < 0.05) between sampling sites and river zones, and paired similarity analysis tests (ANOSIM; one-way, p < 0.05) confirmed that these differences occur only between the weir reservoir (A3) and the remaining sampling sites. A. asturicense showed a maximum length (Lmax) of 135 mm, isometric growth only in the upstream zone (Z1), and significant differences in body condition (0.75 < K < 0.84). This species showed a preference for rheophilic habitats, with coarse substrate and diversity of currents and distinct cover mainly guaranteed by submerged aquatic macrophytes. A. asturicense populations are severely affected in the River Angueira by habitat fragmentation, riparian degradation, pollution, invasive alien species (e.g., L. gibbosus, P. clarkii, N. vison), and climate change, justifying the development of mitigation and restoration measures for the conservation of natural habitats and native threatened species. Full article

Introduction: Inland fisheries in their diverse forms are an important activity in Portugal, currently involving about 100,000 fishers. Despite their relevance, there is still limited knowledge regarding the economic multiplier effect associated with this activity, including its contribution to local and regional economies, its broader socio-economic impacts, and its role in promoting nature-based tourism. Objective: The INFISHERIES.PT project aims to characterize the socio-economic value of inland fisheries in Portugal. Methodology: The three main fishing activities in Portugal (professional, sport, and recreational fisheries) were considered to assess inland fisheries’ economic value. Data on annual expenditures of competitive sport anglers were collected through an online questionnaire distributed by the Portuguese Federation of Sport Fishing, while data on recreational fishers were obtained through face-to-face surveys. The analysis of professional fisheries was based on official catch declarations submitted to the national licensing authority (ICNF) between 2012 and 2024. Interim Results: Results for sport fisheries indicate an estimated mean annual direct expenditure of €6.7 million, with fishing equipment accounting for the largest share, followed by travel, meals, and accommodation. Social interaction was identified as the main motivation for recreational fishing, followed by contact with nature, as well as motivations related to peace, relaxation, and entertainment. Respondents most frequently reported annual expenditures between €100 and €499 on fishing equipment, travel, and food during fishing trips. Regarding professional fisheries, results highlight the increasing importance of non-native species in total catches, particularly the red swamp crayfish, in recent years. Native migratory species, such as the European eel, sea lamprey, and allis shad, despite lower catch volumes, maintain high market value and make a significant contribution to total revenue. Conclusions: The results obtained to date in this project indicate that freshwater fishing in Portugal is a relevant activity, both in its commercial and non-commercial forms, and plays an important economic role at local and regional levels. Moreover, sport and recreational angling, in particular, also serve as drivers of nature-based tourism, potentially contributing to increased environmental awareness among the population and pressuring authorities to maintain freshwater ecosystems in good ecological condition. Full article

Marine biological invasions are rapidly reshaping Mediterranean ecosystems, with growing consequences for biodiversity and fisheries. This study investigates recent changes in the composition of commercially important crustacean assemblages along the south-eastern coast of Sicily (central Mediterranean), focusing on penaeid shrimps (Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus kerathurus) and stomatopods (Erugosquilla massavensis and Squilla mantis). Field surveys were conducted during the fishing seasons of 2021 and 2025 at major landing sites and markets (Portopalo di Capo Passero, Syracuse and Catania), using standardized subsampling protocols applied to catches obtained by trammel nets and bottom trawls. Species composition was quantified through repeated sampling events, and temporal differences were analyzed using non-parametric tests and binomial generalized linear models, incorporating year and fishing gear as explanatory variables. Quantitative data were complemented by local ecological knowledge derived from structured interviews with professional fishers. Across the four-year interval, both taxonomic groups exhibited a pronounced shift in species dominance. The proportion of the invasive shrimp P. aztecus increased from approximately 20% in 2021 to over 80% in 2025, while the invasive stomatopod E. massavensis rose from about 2% to nearly 90% of total landings. These changes were statistically significant and independent of fishing gear. Fishers’ perceptions closely mirrored the quantitative trends, confirming the rapid replacement of native species by non-indigenous taxa and highlighting emerging socio-economic implications for local fisheries. Our findings document a rapid shift in the composition of commercial crustacean landings in Sicilian coastal waters, with invasive species becoming the dominant component of catches within a few years. This study underscores the need for adaptive fisheries management and integrated monitoring frameworks capable of responding to accelerating biological invasions in Mediterranean marine ecosystems. Full article