Coispa Tecnologia & Ricerca

🌊 New FAO|GFCM publication on the sustainable management of Mediterranean red coral! 🪸

A significant new FAO report, supported by COISPA’s contribution, has been released to address critical knowledge gaps regarding the management of red coral (Corallium rubrum) across the Mediterranean. This publication presents the comprehensive results of the GFCM research programme (2020–2023), which involved a wide network of international research institutes to provide science-based technical advice for the species' long-term protection.

This collaborative work represents a fundamental advancement in bridging scientific research with international policy, ensuring a more sustainable future for this iconic Mediterranean resource.

📖 Full publication: https://doi.org/10.4060/ce0224en
🔗 Card page: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/ce0224en

New research on the critically endangered sawback angelshark in the Central Mediterranean! 🦈

Such a recent study provides vital new data on the sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata), a species facing severe population decline. Through an integrative taxonomic approach—combining morphometric assessments and analysis of a captured specimen—the study offers fresh insights into the biology and distribution of this elusive predator.

🔹 Morphometric and biological analyses have confirmed specific growth patterns and dietary habits
🔹 Vertebral band analysis provided new data on the species' early life stages.

The findings suggest the possible existence of essential breeding and nursery areas in the Central Mediterranean. These results emphasize the urgent need for enhanced protection efforts and the development of a coordinated Mediterranean monitoring network to safeguard this vulnerable species.

A significant step forward in documenting and protecting the biodiversity of our marine ecosystems. 🌊💙

📖 Full study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-026-01671-z

Revisiting the sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata Cuvier, 1829): new insights on distribution, morphology, and conservation in the Central Mediterranean Sea - Marine Biodiversity The sawback angelshark (Squatina aculeata Cuvier, 1829) is a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea, facing severe population decline due to overfishing and bycatch. This study provides biomolecular and morphological analyses of a specimen captured off Avola, in the eastern part of S...

📢 We are proud to announce COISPA’s latest contribution to the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences collection, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jeff Hutchings, a visionary leader in global fisheries science. 🌊📖

Our study addresses the critical challenge of assessing stock productivity in the Adriatic and Western Ionian Seas evaluating the biological and economic impacts of various management and climate scenarios.

🔗 Read our full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2024-0382
🔗 Explore the complete Special Issue (Tribute to Jeff Hutchings): https://cdnsciencepub.com/topic/jeff-hutchings-tribute