Monitoring Gelatinous Zooplankton and its dynamics in the eastern Adriatic (2018-2023) Andrea Budiša NIOO-KNAW, Netherlands Neven Iveša University of Pula, Croatia Petra Burić University of Pula, Croatia Gioconda Millotti University of Pula, Croatia Moira Buršić University of Pula, Croatia Emina Pustijanac University of Pula, Croatia Ante Žunec University of Pula, Croatia Ines Kovačić University of Pula, Croatia Mauro Štifanić University of Pula, Croatia Nataly Milovan University of Pula, Croatia Paolo Paliaga University of Pula, Croatia This is a section of Tenth InternationaSymposium Monitoring of Mediterranean Coastal Areas: Problems and Measurement Techniques(DOI: 10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6) by Laura Bonora, Marcantonio Catelani, Matteo De Vincenzi, Giorgio Matteucci Firenze University Press Florence 2024 https://doi.org/10.36253/979-12-215-0556-6.06

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Gelatinous zooplankton, widespread in pelagic environments, pose a challenge for surveillance due to their delicate, see-through bodies. Their presence often seems irregular, with fluctuating populations occasionally forming dense swarms. These efficient and non-selective feeders compete with fish for resources, and their abundant proliferation can alter the marine food web and result in ecosystem degradation. Hence, monitoring gelatinous zooplankton is crucial. In this study, we document their encounters over six years along the northeastern Adriatic coast, an important spawning area for small pelagic fish now experiencing frequent gelatinous zooplankton blooms. We compare findings from the north to those in the southern Adriatic. Continuous monitoring revealed that the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, predominantly present in the northern basin, significantly altered the taxonomic composition, temporal occurrence, and intensity of gelatinous zooplankton blooms, shifting dominance from native to introduced species.

 Eastern Adriatic Gelatinous zooplankton Istrian coast Monitoring

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