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- Pseudechidna brummeri: an unexpected discovery in the North-East Atlantic raises concernsPublication . Parrinha, Joaquim; Seixas, SóniaGlobal changes are currently underway, resulting in the discovery and introduction of new species in unexpected locations. One notable case involves the Indo-Pacific species Pseudechidna brummeri, which was observed and captured on film during a nocturnal dive in Portugal. This situation raises the question: How did this species come to inhabit this area? Two primary explanations appear plausible: a) The species may have been introduced through ship ballast water, a common pathway for the unintentional transport of aquatic organisms. Given the proximity of a large port, this possibility gains significance. b) Alternatively, the species could have originated from a home aquarium, a factor that remains poorly understood. The potential for species to escape or be released from aquariums into natural ecosystems is an area that requires further investigation. Another pertinent question to consider is whether there is only one individual of this species or if there are more individuals present?
- Incorporation of abandoned and lost fishing gear into the structure of Dendrophyllia ramea in the Atlantic coast of PortugalPublication . Seixas, Sónia; Parrinha, Joaquim; Gomes, Pedro; Bessa, FilipaPlastic pollution poses global and societal concerns, especially from discarded fishing gear, threatening seabed environments like coral reefs. This study examines the incorporation of lost and/or abandoned fishing gear - specifically synthetic lines, and filaments - into the structure of orange tree coral, Dendrophyllia ramea along the coast of Portugal, in the North-East Atlantic Ocean. The specimens were inadvertently captured by local fishers (Sines and Cascais), with 6 % showing filaments inside their structure, raising questions about their potential impact on coral health. We discuss the implications of understanding the interactions between plastics, fishing gear, and corals, which is important for developing conservation strategies. We address the need for improved of measures aimed at reducing the impact of fishing gear on corals, emphasizing the importance of endorsing biodegradable fishing materials and supporting lost gear retrieval initiatives. Furthermore, we emphasize the urgent need to communicate these issues to both fishers and stakeholders.
- Exploring the effects of crustacean fishing on cold-water coral and gorgonian ecosystems: conservation strategies for Carbon sequestrationPublication . Seixas, Sónia; Parrinha, Joaquim; Gomes, PedroCrustacean fishing has significant impacts on cold-water coral and gorgonian communities. These coldwater corals include Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) such as Dendrophyllia ramea and D. cornigera. Our observations indicate that fishing gear used to capture crustaceans like lobster, brown crab, and European crab along the western coast of Portugal is frequently abandoned or anchored in rocky areas. When these traps are brought aboard, they often retrieve cold-water corals and gorgonians attached to them. Sometimes, only small branches are collected, while entire structures may come to the surface on other occasions. Fishermen tend to break the corals into smaller pieces to avoid damaging their gear. These organisms play a crucial role in carbon fixation, yet they face significant destruction. The only effective way to mitigate this destruction is through educational initiatives aimed at fishermen, encouraging the return of salvaged corals and gorgonians to the sea whenever possible. Furthermore, any corals that cannot be returned should be taken ashore for proper restoration and rehabilitation, followed by subsequent reintroduction into their natural habitat. Implementing such measures is essential for minimising the impact on carbon sequestration dynamics and safeguarding the region's overall biodiversity.