Ilaria Biagiotti
Technologist
Ancona
From 1989/90 to date, seven acoustic surveys have been conducted in the Ross Sea during which data have been collected on the two krill species (Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias) that constitute the Middle Trophic Level (MTL) of this Region aimed at studying their biomass and geographic distribution, demography, surrounding environment (through CTD and XBT sampling) and, in some campaigns, studying their predators through visual surveys. Krill is a key resource for a wide variety of marine mammals and birds, and the establishment of the Marine Protected Area in the Ross Sea could be an important initiative to safeguard it; however, the level of krill abundance should be monitored regularly and rigorously, also to ascertain any benefits that the establishment of the protected area may foster. The acoustic survey also allows monitoring of Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica).
The present project is proposed as a continuation of similar studies carried out in past years (2004, 2014 and 2016) by conducting a survey covering the area that includes the two main cores of abundance of the two krill species, known from the knowledge gained during previous campaigns. The results of this project will allow the comparison of the abundance and spatial distribution of the two krill species in years close to each other, in relation to fluctuations in key environmental parameters. It will also be possible to increase the body of knowledge useful for the identification of Antarctic silverfish aggregations, while preliminary models on its specific acoustic reflectivity (Target Strength) are already available; an estimate, albeit preliminary, of its biomass can then be made.
Referent:
Programme: PNRA
Duration: September 2, 2019 - September 1, 2022
Budget IRBIM: 193.600,00 €
Areas of Research:
Technologist
Ancona
Technical Collaborator
Ancona
Technical Collaborator
Ancona
Technologist
Ancona
Researcher
Ancona
Technical Collaborator
Ancona
Senior Researcher
Ancona
Referent:
Andrea De Felice
Expand and integrate knowledge about Antarctic toothfish and fill current knowledge gaps about its life cycle in the Ross Sea.
Referent:
Michela Martinelli
NAUTILOS was created with the goal of complementing and expanding existing observational instruments and services in the EU, and enabling the collection of marine data with greater spatial resolution, temporal regularity, and length than currently available.
Referent:
Francesca Falco
Quantitative evaluation of bycatch and the main sources of production of by-products of the Sicilian fish supply chain.
Referent:
Alessandra Campanelli
Monitoring of offshore platforms in the Adriatic Sea aimed at verifying effects following the discharge of production water from offshore platforms into the sea and the absence of hazards to water and aquatic ecosystems.
Referent:
Enrico Arneri
To provide national and EU administrations, as well as regional-level fisheries management bodies such as the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), with scientific data and appropriate tools to undertake programming interventions and adopt management measures in line with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).