Paracentrotus lividus - Laboratorio di Ecologia Marina

Rapporti Tecnici del
Dipartimento di Ecologia
Università di Palermo (Italia)
viale delle Scienze, ed. 16
90128 Palermo
VOLUME 2 (1)/ 2010
Technical Reports of
the Department of Ecology
University of Palermo (Italia)
viale delle Scienze, ed. 16
90128 Palermo, Italy
VOLUME 2 (1)/ 2010

Overview
P. Gianguzza and P. Guidetti °
Department of Ecology, University of Palermo
° Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies,
University of Salento
Sea urchins have long attracted attention from scientists and lay people
worldwide. Several decades ago, scientists from northamerica published
seminal papers emphasising the ecological role of sea urchins in coastal
areas. Sea urchins came out to be ecological (trophic) crossroads between
apical predators and macroalgal beds in coastal ecosystems. Entire communities
structures associated to kelp beds and related ecosystem functions
were found to strictly depend on grazing by urchins.The further ecological
literature from both tropical and temperate regions reinforced the important
of urchins besides the local scale or the health status of single ecosystems.
Sea urchins, in addition, have been used as a food resource by humans
since prehistory, and presently they are one of the important sea food (both
exploited from the wild and in part obtained from aquaculture) consumed
in many regions, but also exported-imported through the world.
In the Mediterranean and parts of the Atlantic coasts similar ecological
and economical roles are played by the purple sea urchin,
Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck) (Echinodermata: Echinoidea).This species is
a commercially lucrative macroalgivore, sometimes being a non-selective
omnivore grazer, which is intensively exploited in many Mediterranean
sectors. It can been found from very shallow habitats down to 80 m
(although it is more abundant down to approx 15-20 m depth), on rocky
substrates and in Posidonia oceanica (L.) beds .
Studies of the growth rings found in skeletal plates of P. lividus demonstrated
that life span may exceed 9 years.This species is characterised by variable
densities, depending on several factors, such as predation, competition,
recruitment, larval survival, substrate type, abiotic environmental conditions
(i.e. water temperature) and habitat heterogeneity.With respect to its reproduction,
an annual cycle of gonadal growth is documented in Mediterranean
populations, with one or two spawning periods each year.This variability may
be related to environmental factors such as temperature or quantity and
quality of food, hydrodynamic and abiotic conditions.
Our international workshop focuses on P. lividus primarily for its economic
value and its crucial role in the dynamics of benthic macrophyte communities
and related associated animal components, from vagile to sedentary species. It
is well known that P. lividus grazing may cause important changes in the distribution
patterns of benthic communities, exerting a paramount role in the transition
from macroalgal beds to coralline barrens, characterised by lower complexity
and diversity, and a clearly different functioning at ecosystem level.
3

P. lividus is well known for the distinctive palatably and the desirable taste
of its gonads that, cooked or raw, are considered a gastronomic delicacy in
many parts of the Mediterranean. In the past, this species was locally fished
and consumed. Presently the market of this sea food is expanding, and therefore
major concern should be devoted to avoid overexploitation and possible
community-wide effects of overfishing. The ecological effects of the
fishery of P. lividus on the species itself are poorly investigated. Marine
Protected Areas have become crucial to experiment management measures
for preserving this resource, often important for the local economy. Studies
conducted in MPAs showed that intensive human exploitation is a key process
in determining P. lividus abundance and size-structures of populations in
Mediterranean rocky reefs. An intensive P. lividus fishing affects not only its
size, but may also may have indirect consequences on non-target species,
such as the significant increase of density and biomass of the co-occurring,
non edible, black sea urchin, Arbacia lixula. One of the aim of the workshop
is to highlight how specific management measures should be applied and
enforced to also accomplish conservation objectives. Better management
of exploited wild populations and/or aquaculture is increasingly considered
to be necessary to sustain sea urchin production in the future. From
this perspective, it becomes crucial to assess the potential of landbased,
closed-cycle echinoculture.
In this international workshop, therefore, we would like to make the
point on the outcomes of the research carried out in these last decades
about P. lividus, but also to make it possible for the most recognised experts
in this field to discuss and find the constructive occasion to finalise collaborations
and fruitful research for the future.
5

SSUUMMMAARRYY
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
PAG. 10 Shears N. T.
Sea urchin fisheries and trophic cascades:
Can marine reserves protect sea urchins and their predators?
PAG. 11 Hereu B., Linares C., Sala E., Garrabou J.,
Garcia-Rubies A., Diaz D., Zabala M.
Long-term monitoring of sea urchins populations on MPAs in the NW Mediterranean
PAG. 12 Bonaviri C., Vega Fernández T., Fanelli G., Badalamenti F.,
Riggio S., Agnetta D., Di Trapani F., Galasso N., Gianguzza P.
Roles of the two sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula in
maintaining Mediterranean barren.
PAG. 13 Bulleri F.
Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula: functional redundancy and
implications for the management of exploited populations
PAG. 14 Guala I., Simeone S., Baroli M.
Effects of different management measures on sea urchin populations
in two Sardinian Marine Protected Areas
PAG. 15 Addis P. , Secci M., Corrias S., Andreotti V., Cau A.
A new approach for the stock assessment of the Paracentrotus lividus
in Sardinia (W Mediterranean)
PAG. 16 Pais A.
Effects of professional and recreational harvesting of Paracentrotus lividus in a coastal
district of North western Sardinia: implications for resource management and trade
POSTER
PAG. 18 Agnetta D., Vizzini S., Badalamenti F., Di Trapani F.,
Bonaviri C., Vega Fernandez T., Fanelli G., Gianguzza P.
Diet and trophic interactions of Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula in two
alternative stable states of the Mediterranean rocky sublittoral community.
PAG. 19 Fraschetti S., Vierucci E.
Roles of the two sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula in
maintaining Mediterranean barren.
PAG. 20 Gianguzza P., F. Luzzu, A. Scannavino, D. Perricone,
V. Incontro, G. Mazza, S. Calvo
Mapping the distribution of urchin barren grounds using sidescan sonar:
the experience of the “Plemmirio” MPA
PAG. 21 Pinna S., Pais A., Campus P. , Meloni G., Sechi N., Ceccherelli G.
Laboratory evaluation of Paracentrotus lividus habitat preferences.
PAG. 22 Visconti G., Butera E., Gianguzza F. , Riggio S. and Gianguzza P.
Larval Development of Arbacia lixula (Linneo,1758) in two Marine Protected Area:preliminary data.
PAG. 23 Campolmi M., Soro M.C., Doneddu R.
Sea urchin fishery’s management measures in sardinian coastal
waters (Central Western Mediterranean).
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA:
THE AQUACULTURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
PAG. 26 Shpigel, M., Marciano, S., Ben-Ezra, D., Ben-Amotz, A. and Lupatsch I.
Introduction of the European sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) in a land based integrated system.
PAG. 27 Chiantore M., Aluigi M.G., Atack T., Carboni S., Co R., Dini L.,
Falugi C., Hausovic M., Helman D., Hughes A., Kelly M.S. Kozul V.,
Privitera D., Reho G., Rosenfeld H., Shpigel M., Tenuzzo B.,
PAG. 28
Tomsic S., Treasurer J., Vignier J.
The approach of integrated aquaculture for the sustainability of Paracentrotus lividus resource.
Ingle E., Paoloni C., Ruggiero L., Ciripicchio A.
Reproduction, breeding and storage of sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus);
classification of production and relaying areas
PAG. 29 Fanelli G., Portacci G., Guarnieri G., Felline S., Tedesco P., Terlizzi A.
Sea urchins in polyculture: the Apulian experience
PAG. 30 Miccichè L., Vizzini S., Scariano P., Mazzola A.
A new formulated diet for sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) aquaculture.
PAG. 31 Aluigi M.G., Falugi C., Privitera D. and Chiantore M.
Environmental impact and survivorship of Paracentrotus lividus larvae:
implications for young and adult distribution.
PAG. 32 Gianguzza F., Casano C., Emanuele M., Visconti G., Gianguzza P.
Plp38MAPK activity in embryogenesis, morphogenesis and stress response:
an indicator of perfect health?
PAG. 33 Matranga V., Bonaventura R., Costa C., Zito F.
Larvae and juveniles of Paracentrotus lividus: a regional mariculture project in a
Northwestern Sicilian costal area.
PAG. 34 Maltagliati F., Di Giuseppe G., Barbieri M., Castelli A., Dini F.
Historical demography of Paracentrotus lividus as revealed by sequences of the
mitochondrial gene Cyt b
PAG. 35 Bonaventura R., Costa C., Karakostis K., Pinsino A., Russo R.,
Zito F., Agnello M., Roccheri M.C. and Matranga V.
Effect of environmental stress on sea urchin embryos and larvae:
from developmental to molecular biology analyses.
PAG. 36 Tanner C.A., Gambi M.C. and Levin L.A.
Responses of Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula larvae to
reduced pH at shallow water CO2 vents.
POSTER
PAG. 40 Arizza V., Giaramita F.T., Vazzana M., Parrinello N.
Modulation of cell-mediated immune defences of Paracentrotus lividus exposed to cadmium
PAG. 41 Privitera D., Noli M., Falugi C., Chiantore M.
Temperature and substrate effect on larval development and metamorphosis of the sea urchins
Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus.
PAG. 42 Ragusa M.A., Gianguzza M., Roccheri M.C., Gianguzza F.
The early response to sublethal Cadmium exposition of
Paracentrotus lividus embryos: a molecular approach.
PAG. 43 Cammarata M., Rizzo C., Di Carlo M., Pancucci A. and Parrinello N.
Molecular analysis of Paracentrotus lividus populations living in a
stressing environment by RAPD fingerprinting.
PAG. 44 Sugni M., Ciappellano S.G., Biressi A., Fernandes D., Porte C.,
Candia Carnevali M.D.
Sexual dimorphism in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus: morphological and biochemical analysis.
PAG. 45 Tricarico S., Burlini N., Del Giacco L., Ghilardi A., Barbaglio A.,
Biressi A., Bonasoro F., Candia Carnevali M.D.
New insights into mutable collagenous tissue: work in progress
and applied perspectives in Paracentrotus lividus.
PAG. 46 Pinsino A., Bonaventura R. and Matranga V.
Monitoring marine environmental stress: long-term accumulation of
heavy metals is correlated to increased HSP70 levels in Asterias rubens.
SUMMARY

FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
Shears N.T.
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Sea urchin fisheries and trophic cascades:
Can marine reserves protect sea urchins
and their predators?
Department of Statistics, University of Auckland,
Auckland, New Zealand
Address for correspondence: n.shears@auckland.ac.nz
Recovery of predators in marine reserves can have negative indirect effects
on lower trophic level species such as sea urchins. Subsequently no-take
reserves may not provide a viable management option for harvested prey
species, unless direct harvesting on prey species outside reserves has greater
regulatory control than predators inside reserves. Sea urchins are ecologically
important prey species on temperate reefs that also support large
fisheries in many regions. Data from New Zealand and Californian marine
reserves were used to investigate the net effects of marine reserve protection
on the density, size, biomass and potential production of both fished and
unfished species of sea urchins. The response of sea urchins to protection
varied considerably depending on the degree of harvesting outside reserves
and the biological attribute used to describe sea urchin populations. While
densities were generally lower in reserves, urchins were consistently larger
which meant the overall biomass and potential production was typically greater
from reserves. This unexpected result is most likely due differences in
size-selectivity between harvesting and predators as well as other compensatory
mechanisms that lead to greater urchin size in reserves. These results
demonstrate that reserves can play an important role in protecting both predator
and prey species.
10
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Long-term monitoring of sea urchins populations
on MPAs in the NW Mediterranean
Hereu B.*, Linares C., Sala E.°, Garrabou J.°°, Garcia-Rubies A.°,
Diaz D.°°°, Zabala M.
Departament d'Ecologia, Universitat de Barcelona.
Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
° Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CSIC).
Accés a la cala Sant Francesc, 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain
°° Institu de Ciencies del Mar (CSIC).
Passeig Marítim de la Barcelneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
°°° Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (IEO).
Moll de Ponent s/n. 07015 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
* address for correspondence: hereu@ub.edu
Here I present long time series of data (19 and 30 years) of the monitoring
of two distinct Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas, which suffered conspicuous
changes along the last decades.
In Port Cros National Park, sea urchin populations after 1980 declined
abruptly due to the bold-sea-urchin disease, and afterward remained low,
with a soft but a constant decline.
In Medes Islands Marine Reserve, with high fish densities, we did not observed
significant differences between the protected and non-protected areas
on sea urchins densities, although recruitment peaks were more conspicuous
outside the MPA.
Contrarily, the type of substrate was more important to determine sea
urchins populations. An exceptional storm occurred in December 2008
along the Catalan coast caused profound changes on benthic communities in
the area, producing a drastic loss of density and biomass of sea urchins.
A. lixula densities remained low and constant during the whole study period,
without a clear relationship with P. lividus densities, neither with SST.
These series of data suggest that not only cascading effects but other biological
and environmental processes acting at different time and spatial scales
(from micro to mesoscale and from annual to decades) can modify the overcome
of linear trophic processes that regulate sea urchins populations
11
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Roles of the two sea urchins PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss
lliivviidduuss and AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa in maintaining
Mediterranean barren.
Bonaviri C.*,Vega Fernández T. °, Fanelli G. °°, Badalamenti F. °, Riggio S.,
Agnetta D., Di Trapani F., Galasso N.°, Gianguzza P.
Università di Palermo, Dipartimento di Ecologia,
via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo (PA), Italy.
° CNR – Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero, Laboratorio di
Ecologia Marina, via G. da Verrazzano 17,
91014 Castellammare del Golfo (TP), Italy
°° CNR – Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero,
Talassografico “A. Cerruti”, via Roma 3, 74100 Taranto, Italy
* address for correspondence: chiabon@libero.it
Erect algae canopy can be extensively reduced by loss of top-down control
on grazers, leading to a shift towards an alternative phase dominated by sea
urchins and encrusting organisms named barren. It is generally assumed that
Paracentrotus lividus is the species responsible for barren formation and maintenance
in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the contribution of the cooccurring
Arbacia lixula to this process has been generally overlooked. The
relative and combined effects of P. lividus and A. lixula on the persistence of
the barren state were tested experimentally, using orthogonal exclusion of
the two species in Ustica MPA barren.The results of the experiment showed
significant spatial and temporal variability in the colonization of barren by
benthic organisms. A. lixula and P. lividus had different impacts on the studied
community. A. lixula exclusion, regardless of the presence of
P. lividus, led to a significant decrease of bare rock coverage and a strong
change of the whole assemblage, demonstrating a major role of
A. lixula in maintaining the barren state.
12
Bulleri F. , 2 *
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss and AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa:
functional redundancy and implications for
the management of exploited populations
Dipartimento di Science Botaniche, Ecologiche e Geologiche,
Università di Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100, Sassari, Italy
2 Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, CoNISMa,
via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
* address for correspondence: fbulleri@biologia.unipi.it
The sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, plays an important role in maintaining the
structure of assemblages on Mediterranean shallow rocky reefs.Thus, understanding
the consequences of the commercial exploitation of this species
requires a comprehensive understanding of its ecological role.Assessing how
grazing effects of P. lividus relate to those of the co-occurring sea urchin species,
Arbacia lixula, can be key to plan conservation strategies.The results of
an experimental study, consisting in the orthogonal manipulation of both P.
lividus and A. lixula (present vs absent), suggest that the effects of grazing by
A. lixula are, to some extent similar, to those traditionally predicted for P. lividus.
Another study, carried out to evaluate the effects of both partial and
total loss of one or both urchin species on algal assemblages shows, however,
that even the partial loss of one of the two species of urchins can result
in a large increase of filamentous algal forms. Overall, these results suggest
the ability of A. lixula to mitigate the effects of shrinking population of P. lividus
on macroalgal assemblages are likely to be density-dependent and variable
through time and space.
13
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Effects of different management measures on
sea urchin populations in two Sardinian
Marine Protected Areas
Guala I.*, Simeone S., Baroli M.
Fondazione IMC Centro Marino Internazionale Onlus,
Loc. Sa Mardini 09072 Torregrande, Oristano, Italy
* address for correspondence: i.guala@imc-it.org
Over recent years, populations of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus
have been overexploited in several areas of Sardinia (Western
Mediterranean, Italy). Marine Protected Areas have become crucial to experiment
management measures for preserving this resource, important for
the local economy.
The status of Paracentrotus lividus, in terms of abundance and population
structure, was investigated in two Sardinian MPAs with different fishing pressures,
namely high at “Penisola del Sinis - Isola Mal di Ventre” and low at
“Tavolara - Punta Coda Cavallo”.
Within each MPA, density measurements of sea urchins larger than 10 mm
were conducted at three depths (-2, -5 and -10 m depth) and population
structure was assessed gathering sea urchins within the 2 mm size class.
The mean density at Sinis (high fishing pressure) was six times higher than
at Tavolara (low fishing pressure). Considering only individuals of commercial
size (diameter exceeding 50 mm) mean values were similar between the two
MPAs, especially in the shallower stands. Moreover, at Sinis the number of
individuals of commercial size made up 19% of the whole population, while
at Tavolara the population was characterized by a fairly large fraction (57%)
of medium-large individuals.
Results are discussed in relation to sea urchin harvesting and fishing pressure
in both MPAs in order to highlight how specific management measures
should be applied and enforced to accomplish conservation objectives.
14
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
A new approach for the stock assessment
of the Paracentrotus lividus in Sardinia
(W Mediterranean)
Addis P. *, Secci M., Corrias S.,Andreotti V., Cau A.
University of Cagliari, Department of Animal Biology and Ecology,
viale Poetto 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
* address for correspondence: addisp@unica.it
The fishery of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus had a poor record
of sustainability due to a lack of appropriate stock assessments and ineffective
management. In this session we present a geostatistic method to
evaluate the biomass of P. lividus at fine spatial scale in four fishing zones
of Sardinia, a technique successfully used in fishery management.
The investigation was carry out in Autumn 2007 in four fishing zones of
Sardinia. Quantitative surveys were conducted on a spatial grid (50 x 50 m
cells); a total of 120 stations geo-located (Lat/Long) were chosen randomly
in the depth range of 0 - 10m.The spatial autocorrelation explained by variographic
analyses was used to evaluate density of P. lividus in each fishing zone;
map density obtained by the punctual Kriging technique and size categorization
enabled to estimate diverse scenarios of the harvestable sea urchin biomass
(specimens _>
50mm).
We conclude that the geostatistical approach, which takes into consideration
the spatial autocorrelation of samplings, seems to be a good estimator of P.
lividus biomass and can be proposed as a pragmatic tool for the management
of the local fishery.
15
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
Pais A.
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Effects of professional and recreational harvesting
of Paracentrotus lividus in a coastal
district of North western Sardinia: implications
for resource management and trade
Section of Aquaculture and Management of Aquatic Resources -
Department of Animal Science, University of Sassari, Italy
* address for correspondence: pais@uniss.it
Paracentrotus lividus harvesting is intensively practiced by both professional
and recreational collectors in many Italian regions, particularly in Sardinia
with peaks in late fall and winter to supply the domestic market demand, and
in summer to supply the tourism demand.This paper reports on the effects
of this activity in shallow rocky reefs near Alghero (North western Sardinia),
where P. lividus population structure was assessed before and after the regular
fishing season at two locations where edible sea urchin harvesting frequently
occurs, and at two controls within an adjacent Marine Protected
Area where this activity is prohibited. Density, size and average biomass of P.
lividus were significantly greater at the controls than at the exploited locations.
However, similar results were detected before and after the fishing
season, suggesting that the higher accessibility of fished locations may produce
effects much _>
more evident than those due to fishery restrictions.
Furthermore, chemical analyses carried out on sea urchin gonads legally and
illegally commercialised in different coastal zones revealed significant differences
in their composition and quality (i.e., moisture, ash, protein, lipid and
carbohydrate content).These results emphasize the urgent need of regulating
P. lividus harvesting (to prevent severe effects on its populations) and
trade (to safeguard consumers) in Sardinia.
16
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
POSTER

POSTER
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Diet and trophic interactions of
PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss and AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa in
two alternative stable states of the
Mediterranean rocky sublittoral community.
Agnetta D.*,Vizzini S., Badalamenti F. °, Di Trapani F., Bonaviri C.,
Vega Fernandez T. °°, Fanelli G.°°, Gianguzza P.
Department of Ecology, University of Palermo,
via Archirafi, 18, 90123 Palermo -Italy.
° CNR - IAMC, via G. da Verrazzano, 17, 91014
Castellammare del Golfo (TP) - Italy
°° CNR - IAMC,Via Roma, 3, 74100 – Taranto – Italy
* address for correspondence: davimaxit@yahoo.it
In temperate water, the upper rocky infralittoral community can display two
alternative stable states one dominated by erect macro-algae (EMA) and the
other by encrusting algae communities (barren). The consumption of algal
biomass by sea urchins is lower in EMA than in barren areas. Despite this and
the fact that barren areas are considered limited in food resources, abundances
of sea urchins, both P. lividus and A. lixula, are reported to be high in the
barren. It is generally accepted that P. lividus is an herbivore while the diet of
A. lixula is unclear.The present study identifies and compares the diet as isotopic
composition in δ 13 C and δ 15 N of the two co-occurring sea urchin species
in the two alternative states at Ustica Island.The diet of the two species
resulted distinct and the differences were consistent between EMA and barren.
Furthermore a “State” effect was not significant. Isotopic data revealed
that P. lividus does not assimilate coralline algae while A. lixula does not assimilate
erect macroalgae. Results suggest a complementary role in affecting the
dynamics of benthic assemblages.
18
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Multiple stressor effects on the recovery
of rocky subtidal assemblages
Fraschetti S.*,Vierucci E.
Laboratorio di Zoologia e Biologia Marina, DiSTeBA,
Università del Salento, CoNISMa, 73100, Lecce
* address for correspondence: simona.fraschetti@unisalento.it
Human threats on the world ocean are multiple and escalating.These increasing
pressures are causing long-standing regime shifts from high diversity
ecosystems to low diversity, degraded ones, usually featured by reduced resilience.The
understanding of the effects of multiple threats in affecting marine
ecosystems, and the identification of the processes allowing for the recovery
of biodiversity are a challenge to ecology. In some areas of the
Mediterranean Sea, rocky assemblages can be reduced to complete barrens
by the illegal date-mussel fishery.This low diversity state is maintained by sea
urchin grazing.These substrates are paradigmatic examples of the degraded
state of marine ecosystems after human impact. We explored, through a
manipulative experiment, the interplay between nutrient supply and grazing
pressure in the recovery trajectories of benthic assemblages impacted by the
date mussel fishery. Our results show that grazing pressure significantly
affects the resilience of disturbed assemblages, strongly decreasing their
recovery rates. Recolonization by macroalgae occurred only when grazing
activity is removed.When grazing was removed and nutrients were enhanced,
there was a gradual increase over time of the number of taxa, which
implies a change in the structural diversity of the benthic assemblages.These
findings suggest that 1- The presence of grazers imperils any potential of
restoration of disturbed assemblages, 2- in enriched plots where grazers
were also removed, recolonization by macroalgae (e.g. Cystoseira spp.) can be
observed in 12 months. This experimental study is likely to provide useful
indications for the management of disturbed assemblages to promote the
recovery of assemblages under different trophic conditions.
19
POSTER

POSTER
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Mapping the distribution of urchin barren
grounds using sidescan sonar: the experience
of the “Plemmirio” MPA
Gianguzza P.*, Luzzu F., Scannavino A., Perricone D., Incontro V.°,
Rizza P. °, Mazza G.°, Calvo S.
Dipartimento di Ecologia Università degli Studi di Palermo,
viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo.
° Consorzio Amp Plemmirio Piazza Euripide 21, 96100 Siracusa
* address for correspondence: pgiangu@unipa.it
In the Mediterranean Sea, high densities of the sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus
and Arbacia lixula may promote and maintain formation of areas overgrazed
by sea urchins, usually referred to as urchin barrens, leading to drastic
changes in ecosystem functioning. Urchin barrens are habitats of low primary
production and habitat structure, that negatively affect local biodiversity.
At Plemmirio MPA, abundance of both sea urchin species increased dramatically
after the start of enforcement in 2005 consequently triggering the formation
of “barren” seascape, evidence of a desertification process.
This study focuses on the results of a high-resolution Side scan sonar (Klein
3900) surveying carried out in the July of 2010 to acquire sonograms along
the shallow rocky coasts of the Plemmirio MPA.The track lines were performed
by R/V “Antonino Borzì” using a navigation software that showed as
background a morpho-bathymetric map previously acquired by a Multibeam
Sonar System (Reson SeaBat 8125).
Side scan sonar mapping confirmed that urchin barrens were present within
the MPA, above all in the B zone. Our results put in evidence that sonar is
an excellent tool for mapping and monitoring barren habitats.
20
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Laboratory evaluation of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss
LLiivviidduuss habitat preferences
Pinna S.*, Pais A.°, Campus P. °, Meloni G.°, Sechi N., Ceccherelli G.
Dipartimento di Scienze Botaniche, Ecologiche e Geologiche,
Università di Sassari, via Piandanna 4, 07100 Sassari
° Sezione di Acquacoltura e Gestione delle Risorse Acquatiche,
Dipartimento di Scienze Zootecniche, Università di Sassari,
via E. De Nicola 9, 07100 Sassari
* address for correspondence: pinnaste@uniss.it
A laboratory experiment was conducted to explore the eventual preference
by Paracentrotus lividus in which the sea urchin is provided with the two
habitats (P=Posidonia oceanica and R=rocks), and the number of individuals
moving into each habitat are compared with what is expected when there is
no choice.Aquaria of 1x1x0.5 m in size were divided into two equal sections,
each containing a different habitat. Boulders covered by macroalgal assemblages,
P. oceanica shoots and P. lividus individuals were collected and taken to
the laboratory to reproduce R and P habitats, respectively. In total, four treatments
(with three replicates each) were used: two choice (P/R* and P*/R)
and two no-choice (P*/P and R*/R) treatments. For each trial, ten individuals
where positioned in the middle of one section [the superscript (*) shows the
section where sea urchins were placed at the beginning]. Movements of the
individuals were recorded after 3, 6 and 24 h. Preference of P. oceanica habitat
by P. lividus was evidenced by comparing the percentage of sea urchins
that move from the initial habitat into the other, compared to the percentage
that move from one section into the other of the same sort.
21
POSTER

POSTER
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Larval Development of AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa
(Linneo, 1758) in two Marine Protected
Area: preliminary data.
Visconti G.*, Butera E., Gianguzza F. °, Riggio S. and Gianguzza P.
Department of Ecology, University of Palermo,
viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
° Department of Cellular and Development Biology, University of
Palermo, viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
* address for correspondence: viscontigiulia@unipa.it
The sea urchin Arbacia lixula is a crucial species in driving the algal assemblages
dynamic of the infralittoral zone. A. lixula is considered a thermophilic species
and its increase in abundance in western Mediterranean waters, probably
is due to an increase in seawater temperature.
The aim of this study was to examine the reproductive success of A. lixula by
larval development.The study was conducted within two Sicilian MPA (Capo
Gallo-Isola delle Femmine and Ustica), characterized by photophilic algae, the
same exposure and seawater temperature.
In each area, twenty random specimens was sampled from May to September
2010, and mature gametes were collected from six males and six females to
prepare embryos reared in experimental conditions.
The larvae were monitored for 48h after the fertilization to assess the different
stages and times of development. Our results showed a different larval
development within two MPA, in time and quality of embryos. The samples
from Ustica had a slower developmental rate and a higher mortality than samples
from Capo Gallo.We hypothesize that in Ustica, A. lixula allocates almost
resources into body components (Aristotele’s lantern) affecting reproductive
success, than in Capo Gallo, probably due to an intra-specific competition relative
to others factors here not investigated.
22
FIRST SCIENTIFIC SESSION
SEA URCHIN DYNAMICS IN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS.
Sea urchin fishery’s management measures
in sardinian coastal waters (Central
Western Mediterranean).
Campolmi M., Soro M.C., Doneddu R.
Regione Autonoma della Sardegna - Assessorato dell’Agricoltura e Riforma
Agro-pastorale – Servizio Pesca - via Pessagno 4, 09126 Cagliari (Italy)
* address for correspondence: agr.pesca@regione.sardegna.it
Sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus, Lamark 1816) fishery in Sardinia has
shown an increasing socio-economic importance since the 1990’s. In the
last decade the exploitation of this resource has been kept at high levels
not only for the high number of fishermen involved, but also for the number
of specimens collected.
The Sardinian Regional Administration in order to ensure sustainable exploitation
of sea urchin since 1994 has enacted a specific regulation on professional
scuba-dive fishery (decree n. 277/1994) and on sea urchin harvesting
(decree n. 276/1994).These have been gradually implemented in the last 15
years. Recently further management measures on professional scuba-dive
fishery have been introduced (decree n. 102/2009) and since 2008 a specific
classification of coastal waters for sea urchin fishery has been performed
(Commission Regulation (EU) No 854/2004).
Currently the sea urchin fishery feeds a remarkable yielding sector, involving
189 professional scuba-dive fishermen, an important share of professional
coastal waters fishermen, a large number of ho.re.ca. operators and an
increasing number of SMEs from the processing sector.
At present the main management measures include (decree n. 117/2009):
limited fishing season (1st November - 2nd May), daily quotas for professional
fishermen (1500 specimens) and sport fishermen (50 specimens), limited
fishing gears (only manual harvesting with knife permitted), minimum size (50
mm without spines) and fishing data collection.
Furthermore, the Regional Administration has been funding specific researches
in order to collect biological data and periodical stock assessment
along the Sardinian coast and at present it is involved in the implementation
of an experimental project aimed at testing an integrated management
model for a sustainable fishery.
Nevertheless the regulation in place in Sardinia needs further improvement
in order to be effective for the conservation of the resource as highlighted
by recent scientific studies and to promote more responsible harvesting and
socio-economic sustainability.
23
POSTER

SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN
PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN
MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE
AQUACULTURE PERSPECTIVE
AND THE EFFECTS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
1

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Introduction of the European sea urchin
(PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss) in a land based integrated
system.
Shpigel, M.*, Marciano, S., Ben-Ezra, D., Ben-Amotz,A., and Lupatsch I.
National Center for Mariculture, Israel Oceanographic and
Limnological Research, Eilat, Israel
* address for correspondence: shpigelm@agri.huji.ac.il
The sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, was introduced as a candidate species in
a fish, seaweed and sea urchin multi trophic system in Eilat, Israel.While fish
represent the main product, effluents from fish culture support the growth
of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria conferta. Both seaweeds were
used as a biofilter to remove dissolved nutrients from the water and as the
main food source (dry or wet) for the sea urchins.
Sea urchin performances in parametres such as growth, survival, food conversion
ratio (FCR), protein and energy use, gonad production, and gonad
color were evaluated. Growth from spawning to commercial size (45 mm)
on the seaweed diet took ca 36 months, FCR on a wet weight basis ranged
between 5-7, and survival rates from settlement were 70-80%.Three
months before harvest, prepared diets are introduced in order to improve
raw growth. In addition, nitrogen budget of the integrated system was
evaluated as well.
26
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
The approach of integrated aquaculture for
the sustainability of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss
resource.
Chiantore M.* a ,Aluigi M.G. b ,Atack T. c , Carboni S. d , Co R. e , Dini L. f ,
Falugi C. b , Hausovic M. f , Helman D. g , Hughes A. i , Kelly M.S. i , Kozul V. m ,
Privitera D. a , Reho G. m , Rosenfeld H. n , Shpigel M. n , Tenuzzo B. f ,
Tomsic S. l ,Treasurer J. c ,Vignier J. c
a DipTeRis, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
b DiBio, Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy
c Viking Fish Farms Ltd Ardtoe Marine Laboratory, Scotland, UK
d Institute of Aquaculture, Stirling University, Scotland, UK
e Aqua SRL, Lavagna, Italy
f DiSTeBa, Università del Salento, Italy
g Mirna Luka cooperative, Ston, Croatia
h Ardag Ltd, Eilat, Israel
i Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban, Argyll, Scotland, UK
l Institute for Marine and Coastal Research, University of Dubrovnik, Croatia
m Giulio Reho, Gallipoli, Lecce, Italy
n Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research, Eilat, Israel
* address for correspondence: chiantor@dipteris.unige.it
Paracentrotus lividus roe is a luxury food product and is widely consumed in
Europe. The demand for this delicacy is partially fulfilled by a high fishing
pressure on wild specimens, leading to an overexploitation of the resource,
now at risk. Up to date, the effort of Mediterranean Countries to setup
commercial sea urchin rearing is not fully successful mostly because of the
artificial food supplied (represented by fish products, altering roe smell and
colour). ENRICH (http://www.enrichnet.eu/) is a 30 months project founded
by the EU (FP7-Theme: Projects targeted to special groups-SMEs), aiming at
establishing interactions among RTDs and SMEs involved in fish farming, in
order to implement the number of commercially relevant marine species
and enhance European SMEs competitiveness in international markets. The
overall objective of the project is to obtain environmentally friendly seabased
and land-based integrated systems (breeding of different species, including
the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus) that will represent a chain of food
and waste that provides a high quality food product for commercialisation
and exportation.The consortium of excellence is made up of institutions and
SMEs with specific and complementary skills from Italy (DipTeRis of the
University of Genoa is the project coordinator), Scotland, Croatia and Israel.
27
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Reproduction, breeding and storage of sea
urchins (PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss); classification
of production and relaying areas
Ingle E.*, Paoloni C.°, Ruggiero L.°°, Ciripicchio A.°°°
ASL RM/F Local Sanitary Services; Animal Health Unit,
via Molise 12, 00053 Civitavecchia (RM) Italy
° Civita Ittica srl, via Aurelia Nord snc, Civitavecchia (RM) Italy
°° Researcher in Marine Environmental Sciences,
piazza Lodi 2, 00182 Roma Italy
°°° Department of ecology and sustainable economic development,
University of Tuscia, largo dell'Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo Italy
* address for correspondence: e.ingle@email.it
Embryonic eggs was obtained by artificial insemination: male and female
gametes was mixed in a sea water beaker.
Larval breeding was accomplished into fibreglass tanks of different sizes.
After hatching, larvae fed on phytoplankton (Isocrysis galbana, Nannochloropsis
salina, Chaetoceros calcitrans).
At competent larvae stage (14 to 20 days), survival rate was 30%.
Juvenile sea urchins, harvested in sea water and fed with commercial zootechnical
feeds (mainly corn-based), did not show a significant growth.
However, survival rate was nearly 100%.
The storage tests of sea urchins at commercial size pointed out the feasibility
to maintain an elevate biomass density for up to 10-12 days, without a
significant decrease in gonad size.
Regulation EC No 854/2004 applies to live bivalve molluscs and, by analogy,
to live echinoderms, setting out that harvesting and breeding of sea urchins
are authorized only in classified production areas.
As echinoderms are not filter feeding animals, they are not subject to treatments
in purification centres. Consequently, they must came only from Class
A areas, and placed on the market through a dispatch centre.
28
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Sea urchins in polyculture:
the Apulian experience
Fanelli G.*, Portacci G., Guarnieri G.°, Felline S.°,Tedesco P. °,Terlizzi A. °
CNR, Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero, UOS Talassografico
“A. Cerruti”, via Roma 3, 74123 Taranto, Italy
° Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali,
Università del Salento, CoNISMa, 73100 Lecce, Italy
* address for correspondence: fanelli@iamc.cnr.it
Sea urchins are often described in negative terms because of their unselective
grazing activities, which can dramatically reduce the abundance
and biodiversity of rocky bottom assemblages. The Project "REPORT”,
however, aimed at testing whether this feature of sea urchins could be
used at productive level controlling the development of fouling communities
in oyster farms.
The development of fouling on both oyster cages and oyster shells determine
a reduced growth of farmed mollusc and a reduction of the selling price.
Farmers control the development of fouling by drying or high pressure
water jetting procedures, with an impact on production costs.
Through a series of field experiments we demonstrate that the action of biocontrol
by sea urchins on the fouling is comparable to that of traditional
antifouling methods. Moreover, the oysters grown in polyculture with
urchins are qualitatively better than those treated traditionally.
From a business point of view the use of sea urchins to control fouling
is particularly interesting because it results in a reduction in working
time (- 60-80 %) and production costs (-10-16 %).
Although this represents a short-term trial (9 months) results have encouraged
the continuation of the experiments in a pilot plant.
29
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
A new formulated diet for sea urchin
(PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss) aquaculture.
Miccichè L.*,Vizzini S., Scariano P., Mazzola A.
Dipartimento di Ecologia, Università di Palermo,
via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo
address for correspondence: lucamicciche@unipa.it
Market demand of the sea urchins has encouraged the development of culture
methods for Paracentrotus lividus. Owever, these methods have still to be
fully developed. One of the main aim to be still achieved is the formulation
of diets that allow the improvement of sea urchin gonads.
The main aim of this study was to appraise the use of terrestrial vegetables
in the formulation of an artificial diet for the culture of Paracentrotus lividus.
In the first feeding experiment, a stock of wild P. lividus was reared and fed
ad libitum with terrestrial vegetables (Beta vulgaris, Brassica oleracea, Lactuca
sativa) and the seaweed Ulva lactuca.
The terrestrial vegetables that had led to the best performance in terms of
roe biomass (i.e. L. sativa and B. vulgaris) were then used in high proportion
in the formulation of an artificial diet, which also included a small percentage
of fish proteins and marine macroalgae.
The artificial diet resulted in a noticeable roe growth (roe weight was 3 to
5 times higher than in control sea urchins). In addition, roes preserved the
organoleptic characteristics, in terms of taste, color and texture and increased
their content in lipids, proteins and carbohydrates.
30
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Environmental impact and survivorship of
PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss larvae: implications
for young and adult distribution.
Aluigi M.G.; Falugi C.*; Privitera D. and Chiantore M.
Università di Genova (DIBIO);
Università di Genova (DIPTERIS), Italy
address for correspondence: falugi@unige.it
Early developmental stages of echinoderms, in particular sea urchins, represent
a convenient experimental model to investigate the mechanisms driving
development and differentiation in higher organisms, including mammalians.
Actually, reproduction success is linked to a number of cell to cell and cellenvironment
interactions, where any interference from the environment
may be dangerous and, sometimes, fatal.This is particularly crucial in benthic
organisms with planktonic larva at the settlement phase.
The effects of environment may be exerted mainly in the following phases of
development:
1 fertilization is driven by a complex series of chemical and electrical
interactions, where Na+, Ca2+ and membrane permeability play a major role;
2 cleavage is a self-controlled event, where temperature, salinity etc are
relevant for the regulation of intracellular dynamics;
3 although marine invertebrates generally undergo a mosaic development,
the sea urchin embryo cell differentiation is regulated by instructive
signals, and in particular larvae show plasticity depending on
environmental conditions;
4 metamorphosis is induced by environmental cues.
In all these events, contaminants, but also generally environmental conditions,
such as substrate type, presence of co-specific adults and food availability
play a role, thus conditioning the distribution and density of adult specimens
and affecting relative abundance of co-occurring species.
31
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Plp38MAPK activity in embryogenesis, morphogenesis
and stress response: an indicator
of perfect health?
Gianguzza F. *, Casano C., Emanuele M.,Visconti G.°°, Gianguzza P.°°
Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo – viale Delle Scienze,
Parco D’Orleans Edificio 16, Università di Palermo, Italia
°° Dipartimento di Ecologia – viale Delle Scienze, Parco D’Orleans
Edificio 16, Università di Palermo, Italia
* address for correspondence: gianfab@unipa.it
P38 conveys a variety of signals, including conventional growth, migratory
and death signals, as well as responding to environmental and mechanical stimuli.
These signals induce phosphorylation of p38, which triggers both its
translocation to the nucleus and the activation of its catalytic function. In
Paracentrotus lividus we have shown that for a correct cilia re-generation the
p38 activation is essential; we also showed, by time course Western blotting,
two activation peaks during development (morula and early gastrula
stages) with a precise localization of activated p38 in micromere and
micromere derived cells (Nichel treatment higlighted this feature), and in
the oral apical region.These results suggest that, like in Lytechinus variegatus,
p38 activation/inactivation is involved in O-A axis specification, in
gastrulation and in skeletogenesis.
We found, in fact, that inhibiting (with SB203580) the p38 activation
during cleavage (up to the morula stage) anomalies were observed in
gastrulation (exogastrulae); later inhibition treatment (morula/blastula
transition) impaired skeleton formation. Finally we was also able to
demonstrate that in P. lividus are present four p38 isoforms differentially
involved in different stress responses.
All these features driven us to analyze if p38 activation is involved in high
density population response in the “Ustica Island” MPA.
32
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Larvae and juveniles of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivvii-dduuss:
a regional mariculture project in a
Northwestern Sicilian costal area.
Matranga V.*, Bonaventura R., Costa C., Zito F.
Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare “A. Monroy”,
Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Palermo, Italy
* address for correspondence: matranga@ibim.cnr.it
Since ancient times sea urchin roes have been considered a culinary delicacy
in many regions of the world and some old texts even describe their use
for therapeutic properties. Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for sea
urchins coming from European and international markets, given the worldwide
consumption and their consequent overexploitation.Thus, the establishment
of a sea urchin aquaculture technology would enhance the competitiveness
of SMEs based so far on fish production. Recently, we optimized, in
a laboratory-based maintenance, breeding and aquaculture facility, the conditions
for the methamorphosis of larvae and early growth of juveniles of the
Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. In the frame of a target project
financed by Regione Sicilia (POR Sicilia 2000/2006, misura 4.16), we visited
a few Japanese aquaculture national and prefectural institutions as well
as familiar farms. We combined the procedures developed and applied in
European laboratories with those established since many decades in
Japanese aquaculture laboratories and centers. Laboratory cultured organisms
were later released in mariculture plants of a Northwestern Sicilian
costal area. Necessary conditions for the establishment of juvenile’s production
together with actions for the management of sea urchin stocks in the
Mediterranean sea need to be evaluated and discussed.
33
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Historical demography of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss
lliivviidduuss as revealed by sequences of the
mitochondrial gene CCyytt bb
Maltagliati F.*, Di Giuseppe G., Barbieri M., Castelli A., Dini F.
Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, via Derna, 1, I-56126, Pisa, Italy
* address for correspondence: fmaltagliati@biologia.unipi.it
Phylogeographical analysis of Paracentrotus lividus was carried out by means
of sequencing Cyt b gene of 260 individuals collected at 22 Mediterranean
and 4 Atlantic localities.Three weakly differentiated populations were found
corresponding to the Atlantic, Western + Eastern Mediterranean, and
Adriatic regions. Mismatch distributions were bimodal for the total data set,
Adriatic, Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Bimodal distributions are
generally interpreted as a signature of long-term population stability.
Conversely, the Atlantic sample exhibited unimodal distribution that is
commonly seen as consequence of population expansion. SSD, Hri, FS and R2
values were consistent, with a few exceptions, with the hypothesis of
demographic expansion. In the interpretation of the bimodality of the above
described distributions the presence of genetic structuring in the data set
may play an important role; therefore, we believe that demographic stability/expansion-based
interpretations should be used with great care. Other
factors, such as the influence of differential selection across haplotypes and
variance of reproductive success could affect the historical demography scenario,
even though recent investigations showed that the former factor plays
a minor role. Pleistocene events with drastic modifications of ecological characteristics
of coastal habitats and local mass-mortality phenomena may
account for past demographic fluctuations.
34
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Effect of environmental stress on sea urchin
embryos and larvae: from developmental to
molecular biology analyses.
Bonaventura R.*, Costa C., Karakostis K., Pinsino A., Russo R.,
Zito F.,Agnello M.°, Roccheri M.C.° and Matranga V.
Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare “A. Monroy”, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
° Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo “A. Monroy”,Università
di P alermo, viale delle Scienze, Parco d’Orleans, 90128, Palermo, Italy
* address for correspondence: bonaventura@ibim.cnr.it
Sea urchin embryos and larvae represent suitable models to investigate the
effects of environmental contaminants on development and gene expression.
Among pollutants, heavy metals are widely studied because they are able to
accumulate into marine organisms and trophic chain to the mankind. We
have used Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos and larvae to study the
effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2).We have shown that continuous exposures
of sea urchin embryos to sub-lethal CdCl2 concentrations caused
developmental abnormalities, such as a general developmental delay, reduced
gut elongation, and skeleton defects. Moreover, we analyzed the expression
of detoxification genes and stress proteins levels after different time of treatment.
When sea urchin larvae were cultured in the presence of environmentally-relevant
CdCl2 concentrations, we found delays and abnormalities
in larval growth, as well as increased apoptotic events. Later, we focused our
studies on the effects of UV-B, a physical agent of major concern, given its
increase in the environment as result of the ozone layer reduction. In addition
to morphological malformation, affecting mainly embryonic skeleton
growth and patterning, we found changes in differentiation and stress markers,
both at the protein and gene levels. Since the marine environment
maybe loaded with different types of chemical and physical contaminants, we
are currently investigating the combined effects of CdCl2 and UV-B radiation.
On the basis of ongoing studies we recommend the sea urchin embryo as a
valuable tool in assessing the effects of environmental stressors and analyzing
the molecular pathways involved in stress response and defence.
35
ORAL COMMUNICATION

ORAL COMMUNICATION
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Responses of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss and
AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa larvae to reduced pH at
shallow water CO2 vents.
Tanner C.A., Gambi M.C. ° and Levin L.A.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA (USA)
° Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Napoli, Laboratory of Functional and
Evolutionary Ecology, Benthic Ecology Group, Ischia, Italy.
* address for correspondence: gambimc@szn.it
Shallow-water CO2 vents in Ischia Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) present a
model system to study the impacts of anthropogenic ocean acidification on
marine life, including planktonic larval stages. At these vents Arbacia lixula and
Paracentrotus lividus, common Mediterranean Sea urchins, are absent from
areas of high venting.This phenomenon has been attributed to the physiological
sensitivity of the adult stage, yet we hypothesize that abnormal larval
development may be a key factor preventing populations from establishing in
venting regions. We used an in situ larval culturing technique to investigate
the response of A. lixula larvae and P. lividus larvae to three pH treatments
(ambient mean pH: 8.0; low mean pH: 7.7; extreme low mean pH: 7.2). A. lixula
larvae were transferred to the field twelve hours post-fertilization and cultured
in situ for two days. Morphological analysis revealed that lowered pH
slowed larval growth. Survivorship however, was not directly affected by pH.
P. lividus larvae were transferred to the field two weeks post-fertilization and
cultured in situ for five days. Morphological analysis revealed that larvae
exposed to extreme pH had negative growth. Survivorship for this species
also was not directly affected by pH.This study is the first of its kind to investigate
the role of reduced mean pH on invertebrate larvae in situ and document
the susceptibility of echinoid larval stages to ocean acidification.These
results will also be discussed in relation to laboratory experiments which
have investigated the role of either temperature and/or pH as an environmental
factor influencing larval health.
36

SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN
PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN
MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE
AQUACULTURE PERSPECTIVE
AND THE EFFECTS OF
ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
1
POSTER

POSTER
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Modulation of cell-mediated immune
defences of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss exposed
to cadmium
Arizza V. *, Giaramita F.T.,Vazzana M., Parrinello N.
Dipartimento di Biologia Animale, Università di Palermo,
via Archirafi, 18 90123 Palermo
* address for correspondence: arizza@unipa.it
Phagocytosis and plaque lysis activity (PLA) of coelomocyte from
Paracentrotus lividus were examined after exposure to cadmium chloride
(CdCl2·H2O), a potentially toxic metal salt, widely used in industry. P. lividus
specimens were exposed at different Cd concentration (100, 200, and
400 µg l-1) for 24 hours (sampled at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hrs) at 15°C, in tanks
containing artificial sea water (ASW) or injected with ASW containing the
metal at 50, 100 and 200 µg l-1 in to the coelomic cavity. The treatment
without Cd did not affect phagocytosis and PLA, whereas treatment with
Cd, significantly lowered.This effect was dose and time dependent, presumably
dependent on the cytotoxic effect of cadmium on coelomocyte as indicated
by neutral uptake assay.
This work was supported by MIUR grants.
40
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Temperature and substrate effect on larval
development and metamorphosis of the sea
urchins AArrbbaacciiaa lliixxuullaa and PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss.
Privitera D. *, Noli M., Falugi C. °, Chiantore M.
Dip.Te.Ris. - Università di Genova
° Di.Bio. - Università di Genova
* address for correspondence: davide.privitera@unige.it
Recruitment is a crucial factor influencing population dynamic and community
structure of marine species. Marine invertebrates with planktonic
larvae recruitment follows three principal steps: larval supply, settlement
and juveniles survival.
Temperature effect on the co-occurring echinoids species Arbacia lixula and
Paracentrotus lividus larval development and settlement inducing properties of
different substrates (Naked stones, Lithophyllum incrustans, Dyctiota dicotoma,
Stypocaulon scoparium, Corallina elongata,Turf forming algae and Posidonia oceanica)
have been studied. Cultured larvae conditions in two rearing sets
(18°C, 22C°) have been monitored. Data on metamorphosis have been analyzed
through ANOVA (Factors: Larval Stock; Substrate).
At 18C° P. lividus larval development was homogenous with high survival
rates; A. lixula larvae completely died in the first week.At 22°C P. lividus
larval development was very heterogeneous; A. lixula larvae were
able to reach competence.
No substrate selection was observed for P. lividus. A. lixula metamorphosis
occurred only over stones and coralline algae (typical barren substrates).
The enhancement of Mediterranean temperature may thus advantage A.
lixula larval survival and negatively affect P. lividus. Considering that A.
lixula population growth may favorite barren grounds extension this may
lead to a positive feedback in which A. lixula populations would grow
together with barren grounds areas.
41
POSTER

POSTER
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
The early response to sublethal Cadmium
exposition of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss
embryos: a molecular approach.
Ragusa M.A.*, Gianguzza M., Roccheri M.C., Gianguzza F.
Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Università di Palermo,
viale delle Scienze Edificio 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
* address for correspondence: marag@unipa.it
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal contaminating coastal environments,
especially the estuary of polluted areas.
The toxic effects of high Cd concentration have been studied in embryos of
marine invertebrates. In particular, Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos
developed in 1mM CdCl2 undergo to development arrest or severe malformations.
Cd is able to activate different molecular responses (HSPs synthesis,
autophagic or apoptotic processes) that can allow embryo survival.
This research is aimed to study the early defense strategies activated by
P. lividus 30 hours phenotypically normal embryos, in response to exposition
to lower doses of Cd (100uM CdCl2), analyzing the induced transcriptome
and comparing it to that of control untreated embryos by
RDA technique, that synergically exploits the characteristics of both
subtractive hybridization and PCR.
Our preliminary results suggest the activation of a typical defensome
response, they show in fact the up regulation of four metallothionein
genes, selenophosphate synthase gene and genes coding for different
oxidoreductases. Moreover, membrane transport protein coding genes
are activated, like Na/K ATPase, ABC family members, and signal transduction
kinases, like BMPR1, TAK1, histidine kinase. To confirm these
results, we are going to check the variations in gene expression levels by
quantitative real-time RT-PCR.
42
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Molecular analysis of PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss
populations living in a stressing environment
by RAPD fingerprinting.
Cammarata M.*, Rizzo C., Di Carlo M.°, Pancucci A.°° and Parrinello N.
Department of Animal Biology, University of Palermo,
via Archirafi 18, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
° Molecular Immunology and Biomedicine Institute (IBIM)
"Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy.
°° National Centre for Marine Research Greece.
* address for correspondence: camat@unipa.it
Echinoids present a degree of populational genetic divergence that, in some
cases, have been related to environmental modifications.
Sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, shows a wide intraspecific phenotypic plasticity.
In the Mediterranean sea Delmas firstly described a small sized P. lividus
population subjected to domestic pollution.We described a similar situation
in the Amvrakikos Gulf (Western Greece, Ionian Sea), where anthropogenic
activities caused serious disturbance to the marine ecosystem.
Since difficulties can arise in distinguishing ecophenotypic from genetic variation,
and considering that studies on protein encoding loci may lead to the
underestimation of genetic diversity, we searched for neutral nuclear markers
by using a Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) procedure to
assess the genetic variation of Paracentrotus lividus populations living in the
Amvrakikos Gulf in which two morphologically distinguishable populations
can be detected compared to external population. A UPGMA dendrogram
constructed from pairwise ºst values among populations revealed that the
small and medium-sized populations living inside the Amvrakikos are grouped
together while normal-sized populations (from Ionio and Tyrrhenian
Seas) were positioned at an genetic distance. AMOVA analysis indicated an
genetic differentiation among the populations living in the Tyrrhenian sea and
Amvrakikos Gulf.
43
POSTER

POSTER
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Sexual dimorphism in the sea urchin
PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss: morphological and
biochemical analysis.
Sugni M.*, Ciappellano S.G., Biressi A., Fernandes D.°, Porte C.°,
Candia Carnevali M.D.
Università degli Studi di Milano - Dipartimento di Biologia,
Sez. Zoologia e Citologia, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italia
° Environmental Chemistry Departement - IIQAB-CSIC,
C/Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
* address for correspondence: michela.sugni@unimi.it
As most echinoderms, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is a gonochoric
species without an evident sexual dimorphism.This characteristic obviously
represents a disadvantage in those experimental contexts, where could be
helpful to distinguish the sex in vivo, without biopsies or spawning induction
(these latter strategy being useful only when gonads contain mature gametes).The
present study aims to demonstrate the presence of sexual dimorphism
at the level of the genital papillae by using different microscopy techniques:
stereomicroscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.
Possible differences between sexes were also investigated looking at sexual
hormones (testosterone and estradiol) levels within coelomic fluids. Our
results confirmed the presence of morphologically different genital papillae:
in particular males presented a short conical papilla, lined by a ciliated epithelium,
whereas females presented a flattened papilla, slightly sunken in the
body surface and without ciliation. Biochemical analysis confirmed the existence
of sex specific differences, in particular referred to estradiol levels
(higher in females). The results obtained so far suggested the presence of
morphological and physiological adaptations in both sexes and provided a
non invasive tool for in vivo sex recognition in this important species.
44
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
New insights into mutable collagenous tissue:
work in progress and applied perspectives
in PPaarraacceennttrroottuuss lliivviidduuss.
Tricarico S.*, Burlini N. °, Del Giacco L. °°, Ghilardi A.°°, Barbaglio A.,
Biressi A., Bonasoro F., Candia Carnevali M.D.
Università degli Studi di Milano - Dipartimento di Biologia,
Sez. Zoologia e Citologia, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano Italia
° Università degli Studi di Milano - Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e
Biotecnologie, Sez. Biochimica delle proteine, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano Italia
°° Università degli Studi di Milano - Dipartimento di Biologia, Sez. Functional
and Reproductive Biology (FURBI), via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano Italia
* address for correspondenc: serena.tricarico@unimi.it
The mechanically adaptable connective tissue of echinoderms (Mutable
Collagenous Tissue, MCT), which can undergo drastic nervously-mediated
changes in stiffness, tensile strength and viscosity, represents a promising
model for biomaterial design and biomedical applications. MCT
could be a source of inspiration for new composite materials whose
molecular interactions and structural conformation can be changed in
response to external stimuli.
MCT is composed of collagen fibrils comparable to those of mammals plus
other fibrillar structures, proteoglycans and glycoproteins.According to literature,
the extracellular matrix of holothurians includes at least two glycoproteins,
stiparin and tensilin, that can modulate the aggregation of collagen
fibrils and their capacity for reciprocal sliding.
This contribution presents the latest results of a detailed analysis of MCT
components in Paracentrotus lividus: focusing on biochemical characterization
of the fibrillar components (extraction, purification, quantification) and biomolecular
analysis of the glycoprotein components.The final aims will be to
confirm the presence and the role of these glycoproteins in echinoids and
to manipulate simpler components in order to produce a composite with
mutable mechanical properties.
In the long term, MCT could provide inspiration for biomimetic materials
and offer great potential for economically relevant biotechnological and clinical
applications that require the controlled and reversible plasticization
and/or stiffening of connective tissue.
45
POSTER

POSTER
SECOND SCIENTIFIC SESSION
THE EDIBLE SEA URCHIN PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA: THE AQUACUL-
TURE PERSPECTIVE AND THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS.
Monitoring marine environmental stress:
long-term accumulation of heavy metals is
correlated to increased HSP70 levels in
AAsstteerriiaass rruubbeennss.
Pinsino A.*, Bonaventura R. and Matranga V.
Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare “A. Monroy”, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche, via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
* address for correspondence: pinsino@ibim.cnr.it
Marine environment is under increasing environmental stress caused by pollution,
overfishing, and degradation of coastlines. While national and local
authorities should commit themselves to control and reduce the deterioration
of the environment, experts emphasize that integrated methodologies
can provide more realistic pro?les of polluted habitats.
In recent years, we have attempted to establish the use of echinoderms as
sentinel organisms able to sense persistent environmental stresses, using
biomarkers of long-term biological effects. Our team showed for the first
time, in laboratory and field studies, that immune cells (coelomocytes) from
sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus respond to trauma or chemical stress by a
great increase in the number of a coelomocyte subpopulation (red amoebocytes)
and the augmented expression of the heat-shock proteins 70 (HSP70)
(Matranga et al. 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006; Pinsino et al. 2008). Similarly, we
demonstrated in amputated sea star Asterias rubens, a rapid renewal of circulating
coelomocytes associated to an increased HSP70 level (Pinsino et al
2007). Here we show that HSP70 levels measured in coelomocytes from A.
rubens, collected during a field study along the Sòrfjord (SW coast of
Norway), are directly correlated with long-term accumulation of heavy
metals in the tegument, reflecting the industrial pollution gradient of stations
along the fiord.
46
/

Editors in Chief
A. Mazzola and R. Chemello
Department of Ecology,
University of Palermo (Italia)
viale delle Scienze, ed. 16
90128 Palermo, Italy
Production Editor
P. Gianguzza
Department of Ecology,
University of Palermo (Italia)
viale delle Scienze, ed. 16
90128 Palermo, Italy