Farm Management and Fisheries Agency, Andalusia

This paper reports the first record of a rare deep-sea fish Ijimaia loppei Roule, 1922 (Ateleopodiformes: Ateleopodidae) in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula, based on a single specimen (total length 1271 mm) bottom trawled in the mud volcano field in the Gulf of Cadiz, Spain (36º 28′ 54'' N, 7º 07′ 47'' W), at a depth of 585 m, on April 24, 2024. The morphometric and meristic measurements of I. loppei and its congener, I. antillarum, are presented and compared to previously published data. Further, this study provides insights into the diet of I. loppei and fills a gap in the known geographical distribution of the species, thereby contributing to the understanding of the ichthyofaunal biodiversity in the Gulf of Cadiz and establishing conservation strategies for habitats of ecological importance, such as the mud volcanoes.

The Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus, a sciaenid fish native to the North Atlantic American coast, holds importance in recreational and commercial fisheries. Moreover, its potential as an invasive species should be noted, given its expansion and establishment in Atlantic European waters. This study reports its southernmost occurrence in Europe, in the Gulf of Cadiz. Morphological and molecular analysis confirmed its identity, revealing genetic similarities to US sequences. A comprehensive review of historical non-native distribution records underscored the species' expansion throughout European waters, suggesting human-mediated introduction. The escalating frequency of such arrivals emphasises the critical need for effective monitoring and management efforts in order to control non-native species in this region.

The present study reports the occurrence of several specimens of the penaeid shrimp Penaeus notialis in the Gulf of Cadiz (Spain). The southern pink shrimp is a penaeid originating from east and west Atlantic tropical coastal waters. New observations of tropical species in temperate waters have increased in the last 20 years. This species may have been able to expand successfully northward to European waters, probably favored by global warming, although an accidental introduction by ballast waters cannot be completely discarded. The widespread presence of African biota such as P. notialis in the Gulf of Cadiz ecosystem underscores the necessity of establishing a long-term monitoring program that focuses on this and other currently established non-native species.

Abstract Farmers' preferences toward practice- and results-based agri-environmental schemes (AES) are analysed using a labelled choice experiment. The analysis focuses on schemes involving an innovative satellite-based monitoring system, with different environmental objectives. Olive groves in southern Spain are used as a case study. Results show no statistically significant differences in farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) payment for participating in practice- versus results-based AES when the scheme targets carbon sequestration. By contrast, farmers require a significantly higher WTA payment for results-based AES when targeting biodiversity (using bird species as an indicator), mostly due to the uncertainties related to its provision and monitoring. WTA significantly increases with provision level and remote sensing monitoring, regardless of the type of scheme. Significant preference heterogeneity is observed, partly explained by farmers' attitudes toward risk and their beliefs about environmental service provision and monitoring capacity. The results suggest useful policy implications, including the potential of making use of joint provision of environmental services in the design of results-based AES and accompanying them with uncertainty mitigating measures.

Two specimens of the deep–sea fish Tetragonurus cuvieri Risso, 1810 and Notacanthus bonaparte Risso, 1840 were captured in the Gulf of Cadiz on January 2023 at a depth of 14.15 m and on March 2023 at a depth of 532 m, respectively. The identity of the specimens was verified using both morphological and genetic criteria. In this study, we compile information on the global occurrences of these two deep–see species, and they are uncommonly observed in these shallow waters of the Iberian Peninsula. It highlights the importance of conducting further research to understand the full range of species inhabiting these shallow waters. The presence of these species can provide insights into the environmental conditions and specific habitats within the Gulf of Cádiz, as these fish are often associated with particular depth ranges and oceanographic features.

During official phytosanitary surveys for citrus pests, the Afrotropical citrus leafhopper, Penthimiola bella (Stal) (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), was found in Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Madeira island (Portugal). This data and tracking of a photo sharing website show that P. bella has been present in the south and east of the Iberian Peninsula and on the island of Madeira since 2017 and 2022, respectively. The species was found throughout the year, mainly in or around citrus plots. Morphological description of adults and some biological notes are provided.

Los “márgenes multifuncionales” son franjas de terreno con vegetación espontánea o sembrada implantados en los márgenes de las parcelas, para mejorar la biodiversidad. Esta práctica se incluye en una medida agroambiental destinada a cultivos herbáceos de secano en Andalucía, y es compatible con los futuros eco-regímenes. Para valorar la disposición de los agricultores andaluces a realizar esta práctica, se aplica un modelo de valoración contingente doble dicotómica, realizado a partir de una encuesta telefónica. La disposición a aceptar de los agricultores obtenida supera el importe previsto en la medida actual, lo que tiene implicaciones para el diseño de políticas.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the circulation and risk factors associated with West Nile virus (WNV) exposure in equine and wild bird populations following the largest epidemic outbreak ever reported in Spain. A total of 305 equids and 171 wild birds were sampled between November 2020 and June 2021. IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were detected by blocking ELISA (bELISA) in 44.9% (109/243) and 87.1% (54/62) of unvaccinated and vaccinated equids, respectively. The individual seroprevalence in unvaccinated individuals (calculated on animals seropositive by both bELISA and virus microneutralization test (VNT)) was 38.3% (95%CI: 33.1-43.4). No IgM antibodies were detected in animals tested (0/243; 0.0%; 95%CI: 0.0-1.5) by capture-ELISA. The main risk factors associated with WNV exposure in equids were age (adult and geriatric), breed (crossbred) and absence of a disinsection program on the facilities. In wild birds, IgG antibodies against flaviviruses were found in 32.7% (56/171; 95%CI: 26.8-38.6) using bELISA, giving an individual WNV seroprevalence of 19.3% (95%CI: 14.3-24.3%) after VNT. Seropositivity was found in 37.8% of the 37 species analyzed. Species group (raptors), age (>1 year old) and size (large) were the main risk factors related to WNV seropositivity in wild birds. Our results indicate high exposure and widespread distribution of WNV in equid and wild bird populations in Spain after the epidemic outbreak in 2020. The present study highlights the need to continue and improve active surveillance programs for the detection of WNV in Spain, particularly in those areas at greatest risk of virus circulation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CONTEXT: In the Middle Ages, the Muslims introduced communal water management in the Iberian Peninsula. Some irrigation systems of medieval origin are still in operation in the mountainous areas of Southern Spain. Snowmelt runoff is diverted during spring from high-altitude streams into contoured recharge ditches that convey the water to areas of high infiltration (shallow aquifers). This regulates and delays discharge into the main river, from which downstream flow is diverted, during late spring and summer, to irrigation ditches that supply terraces and fields on river plains. The Busquístar irrigation ditch and its irrigation scheme comprise one of these ancient systems. OBJECTIVES: 1) To characterize the Busquístar system, its water source and regulation, its water users' association, its multi-functionality, and its quality as a nature-based solution for water security. 2) To review the irrigation efficiency concept applied to the restoration of ancient irrigation systems, taking into account their ecosystem services. METHODS: i) Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders to evaluate irrigation system operation and perceptions of multi-functionality; ii) field surveys for description of the irrigation ditch and its riparian flora; iii) satellite imagery for quantifying riparian vegetation; iv) water balance for irrigation efficiency computation.

The European Union Tobacco Products Directive (EU TPD) mandates enhanced reporting obligations for tobacco manufacturers regarding 15 priority additives. Within the Joint Action on Tobacco Control (JATC), a review panel of independent experts was appointed for the scientific evaluation of the additive reports submitted by a consortium of 12 tobacco manufacturers. As required by the TPD, the reports were evaluated based on their comprehensiveness, methodology and conclusions. In addition, we evaluated the chemical, toxicological, addictive, inhalation facilitating and flavoring properties of the priority additives based on the submitted reports, supplemented by the panel’s expert knowledge and some independent literature. The industry concluded that none of the additives is associated with concern. Due to significant methodological limitations, we question the scientific validity of these conclusions and conclude that they are not warranted. Our review demonstrates that many issues regarding toxicity, addictiveness and attractiveness of the additives have not been sufficiently addressed, and therefore concerns remain. For example, menthol facilitates inhalation by activation of the cooling receptor TRPM8. The addition of sorbitol and guar gum leads to a significant increase of aldehydes that may contribute to toxicity and addictiveness. Titanium dioxide particles (aerodynamic diameter

Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) and Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez Farfante, 1967), commonly known as pink shrimps, are two commercially important penaeid species caught by artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The currently known southern distribution for F. brasiliensis extends to Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), while F. paulensis reaches the coastal waters of Buenos Aires (Argentina), although Uruguay represents the southern limit of commercial captures for the latter. In the shrimp season of 2019 (February-May) the presence of F. brasiliensis was recorded together with F. paulensis in the brackish coastal lagoons of Uruguay (34 °30’ to 34°50’S). A total of 143 specimens of F. brasiliensis and 152 of F. paulensis were analyzed evaluating morphological, morphometric and genetic differences. The presence of both species was validated based on morphological differences and sequencing the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) mitochondrial gene. Significant morphometric differences were found between both species, particularly, the larger rostral length in relation to the carapace and cephalothorax length in F. paulensis compared to F. brasiliensis. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed record and commercial catch of F. brasiliensis in Uruguayan waters. This southwards expansion could be explained by extending climatic variability events associated with prolonged periods of positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the region. Given the potential commercial relevance of the species, a better understanding of the southward expansion of F. brasiliensis into Uruguayan waters would be helpful in developing efficient management and conservation strategies under a scenario of increasing water temperatures.

When assessing meat, consumers use a large number of perceived and objective quality cues. This study analyses consumers’ preferences for perceived and objective quality cues in traditional meat products, focusing on several cues largely unstudied to date. It relies on a labelled discrete choice experiment administered to consumers of Iberian ham, an archetypal traditional Spanish meat product. The results indicate that the feeding-and-management system (acorn-fed or fodder-fed) generally determines the consumers’ preferences, with objective quality cues (breed purity and slicing type) influencing preferences regardless of the management system and perceived quality cues linked to the high-natural-value production agrosystem of the Dehesa only doing so for the acorn-fed system. There is a high degree of heterogeneity among consumers’ preferences, especially for the agrosystem of origin, suggesting that campaigns to raise awareness about the associated environmental and sociocultural values and a package design referencing the agrosystem are useful business strategies to integrate this added value into the product. • Highlights • Objective quality and agrosystem of origin largely determine consumers’ WTP • Written and graphic information on the agrosystem of origin (Dehesa) influences WTP • Environmental awareness campaigns and suitable package design are highly recommendable

This study focused on the assessment and quantification of discards generated by clam fisheries along the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean). Discard samples (n = 278) were collected throughout one year on board nine commercial vessels. A total of 129 species were identified, mostly represented by molluscs (72 spp.), arthropods (20 spp.) and echinoderms (12 spp.). Molluscs dominated in terms of abundance (67.5%) and biomass (94.2%). The superfamily Paguroidea (i.e. hermit crabs), together with undersized target individuals, were the most abundant taxa. The abundance and biomass of discards displayed significant maximum values in winter, which could be partly related to biotic factors including population dynamics of some dominant species. Multivariate analyses indicated the presence of different assemblages related to the targeted bivalve species, reflecting the transition between a fine surface-sands biocoenosis exposed to wave action and a well-sorted fine sands biocoenosis below 5 m depth. Analysis of biogeographical affinities showed that most discarded species (73.2%) have an extensive Atlantic range, whereas 7.1% have a restricted distribution within the Mediterranean. The presence of subtropical species highlights the uniqueness of this area (the Atlantic–Mediterranean transition) in European seas. The usefulness of discard analysis for biodiversity assessment is discussed.

Across the European Atlantic Arc (Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Spain, and Portugal) the shellfish aquaculture industry is dominated by the production of mussels, followed by oysters and clams. A range of spatially and temporally variable harmful algal bloom species (HABs) impact the industry through their production of biotoxins that accumulate and concentrate in shellfish flesh, which negatively impact the health of consumers through consumption. Regulatory monitoring of harmful cells in the water column and toxin concentrations within shellfish flesh are currently the main means of warning of elevated toxin events in bivalves, with harvesting being suspended when toxicity is elevated above EU regulatory limits. However, while such an approach is generally successful in safeguarding human health, it does not provide the early warning that is needed to support business planning and harvesting by the aquaculture industry. To address this issue, a proliferation of web portals have been developed to make monitoring data widely accessible. These systems are now transitioning from “nowcasts” to operational Early Warning Systems (EWS) to better mitigate against HAB-generated harmful effects. To achieve this, EWS are incorporating a range of environmental data parameters and developing varied forecasting approaches. For example, EWS are increasingly utilizing satellite data and the results of oceanographic modeling to identify and predict the behavior of HABs. Modeling demonstrates that some HABs can be advected significant distances before impacting aquaculture sites. Traffic light indices are being developed to provide users with an easily interpreted assessment of HAB and biotoxin risk, and expert interpretation of these multiple data streams is being used to assess risk into the future. Proof-of-concept EWS are being developed to combine model information with in situ data, in some cases using machine learning-based approaches. This article: (1) reviews HAB and biotoxin issues relevant to shellfish aquaculture in the European Atlantic Arc (Scotland, Ireland, England, France, Spain, and Portugal; (2) evaluates the current status of HAB events and EWS in the region; and (3) evaluates the potential of further improving these EWS though multi-disciplinary approaches combining heterogeneous sources of information.

The increased frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is a major environmental concern worldwide, resulting not only in increased treatment costs for drinking water but also in impacts on tourism, commercial fishing and aquaculture and risks to human and animal health. Traditional strategies with ship-based approaches based on field sampling and laboratory analysis have been adopted to assess HABs. However, these methods are labour intensive and costly and do not provide synoptic views of the bloom conditions. Here, we show that the Sentinel-2 twin satellite mission of the Copernicus programme, in combination with in situ data, is a powerful tool that can offer valuable spatiotemporal information about a bloom of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra that occurred on the SW iberian Peninsula. Using the robust ACOLITE atmospheric correction processor combined with the normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI), the enhanced mapping of small blooms can be performed at a 10 m spatial resolution, revealing surface patches and a heterogeneous distribution. This research also demonstrates the improved capabilities of Sentinel-2 compared to those of Landsat-8 and Sentinel-3 for continuous monitoring. The Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-2 missions provide ecosystem observations that allow the environmental community and water managers to evaluate changes in water quality and bloom distribution and that facilitate field-based measurements. Therefore, the value added by the copernicus products in terms of frequency and synoptic observations is of paramount importance for ecological and management purposes at regional and national scales.

The presence of natural and artificial radionuclides in the marine environment produces the accumulation of radionuclides in bivalve molluscs consumed by humans, and therefore it could result in a radiological hazard. In this study, the activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po, ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁰Pb and ²³⁴Th were determined in different types of bivalve molluscs sampled during the period of May 2014–June 2015, along coastal areas from the Andalusian region (South of Spain), through alpha-particle spectrometry and low-level gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po; ⁴⁰K; ²¹⁰Pb and ²³⁴Th varied between 40 ± 2 and 515 ± 9 Bq kg⁻¹ dry weight (d.w.); 121 ± 7 and 674 ± 34 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w.; ND (lower than limit of detection) and 73 ± 10 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w.; and ND and 126 ± 27 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w., respectively. The committed effective dose to humans was calculated to range from 41 to 479 μSv year⁻¹. Both activity concentrations and dose levels were comparable to previous studies from other countries. Finally, a multivariate statistical analysis of natural radioactivity content allowed the discrimination between bivalve molluscs from Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

In this study, the activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb were determined in different types of bivalve molluscs sampled during the period of May 2014-June 2015 along the Andalusian littoral. Radioactivity concentrations of 210Po were determined through alpha-particle spectrometry using 209Po as an internal tracer. Radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb were determined through low-level gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb varied between 40 ± 2 and 515 ± 9 Bq kg-1 dry weight (d.w.), and ND (lower than limit of detection) and 73 ± 10 Bq kg-1 d.w., respectively. The committed effective dose to humans was calculated to range from 39 to 477 μSv year-1. Radioactivity and dose levels were compared with previous studies from other countries.

We assessed the potential for simulation and modelling of the blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) population in the Strait of Gibraltar to discriminate the environmental effects of fishery impacts. A discrete biomass-abundance dynamic model was implemented to obtain a simulated monthly time series of blackspot seabream biomass. On this simulated time series, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were fitted. The best ARIMA fit provided a significant correlation of 0.76 and persistence index higher than 0.85. The proportion of variance non-explained by the ARIMA models was correlated with a time series of sea surface temperature (SST) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The analysis of global, annual and winter correlation between the proportion of variance not explained by the ARIMA models and environmental variables showed that significant associations were not detected over the full time series. Our analysis therefore suggests that overexploitation is the main factor responsible for the commercial depletion of blackspot seabream in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Cynoscion is a genus of fish in the family Sciaenidae from the Atlantic and Pacific American coasts that is important in recreational and commercial fisheries. Morphological analysis identifies a species inhabiting the Gulf of Cádiz (southern Spain) as the weakfish, Cynoscion regalis, a native of the northwest Atlantic. This finding is also confirmed by molecular identification using 16S and Cox1genes. Based on the examination of a previous manuscript, the assignation of this species to the spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, is considered a misidentification. C. regalis has been reported in the area since 2011 and is now considered an established species that is distributed along the Guadalquivir River estuary and is a target of local artisanal fisheries. The pathway of introduction is unknown, but possible mechanisms are considered, of which ballast water seems to be the most plausible. A revision of non-native sciaenids also found in European waters is carried out. The ecological impact of weakfish on the local fish community is still unknown and should be object of future studies.