Dinoflagellates play a key ecological role in marine environments, contributing significantly to primary production and, in some cases, causing harmful algal blooms (HABs). They exhibit diverse morphologies and ecological strategies to colonize a wide range of habitats. Research has predominantly focused on HAB-forming species due to their associated health risks, potentially underrepresenting benthic diversity. In this study, we bring the first report of the unarmored benthic dinoflagellate Bispinodinium angelaceum from a sandy-bottom tide pool in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Morphological identification was based on the observation of live cells using light microscopy (LM) to identify diagnostic features such as dorsoventral cell flattening, a centrally located epicone with a circular apical groove, symmetrical cingulum, brownish-yellow lobular chloroplasts, and a U-shaped spinoid apparatus connecting two lateral pyrenoids. B. angelaceum specimens from Tenerife were slightly larger when compared to previous descriptions but exhibited consistent proportions and structural organization which likely reflected methodological rather than taxonomical differences. This new record extends the known geographic range of the species and provides valuable baseline data for future ecological and taxonomic studies of benthic dinoflagellates, emphasizing the need to better explore and document the hidden diversity of non-HAB taxa.

Ring sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) engage in symbiotic associations with octocorals by attaching to their branches and surrounding them with tissue junctions, causing a significant reduction of the host’s coenenchyme. They have previously been reported from the North Atlantic, Western Indian, and Pacific Oceans, from 30 m to aphotic depths, colonising species of sea fans and sea pens in potentially parasitic relationships. Here, we report the first record of ring sea anemones from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea mesophotic waters, living on an octocoral host of the family Ellisellidae at 97 m depth. Through morphological and phylogenetic analyses based on the sequencing of the 12S small subunit rRNA region, we confirmed the identification of these ring sea anemones as Peronanthus sp. (Actiniaria, Amphianthidae). While expanding our knowledge on the geographic range of this genus, this finding emphasises the importance of explorations of coral-associated fauna at mesophotic depths, to better understand their diversity, their relationships with their hosts, and their potential ecological roles within these ecosystems.

Fishing has historically altered marine ecosystems around the Mediterranean, so that present assessments often reveal a distorted representation of past, pristine marine assemblages and food webs. Marine protected areas (MPAs), where fishing is restricted or prohibited, could provide reference information about the structure of fish assemblages under healthier (protected) conditions. Here, we collected rocky reef fish data using visual census at three MPAs in the Ligurian Sea (Bergeggi Island, Portofino, and Cinque Terre; NW Mediterranean) across a protection gradient: fully and partially protected conditions within the MPAs, and conditions open to fishing outside MPAs. Results show that: (i) fish assemblages’ structures (i.e. taxa composition and relative biomasses) change with the protection level; (ii) total fish biomass and the biomass of high-level fish predators are positively correlated with the level of protection; (iii) biomass of target species (i.e. Epinephelus marginatus, Sciaena umbra, Diplodus sargus, and D. vulgaris) are positively correlated with the protection level. In conclusion, this study shows that: (i) effective protection against fishing may allow the recovery of rocky reef fish assemblages; (ii) MPAs may enable us to better understand the structure of coastal assemblages, which are dominated in terms of biomass by high-level fish predators under healthier (protected) conditions. This study thus offers grounds for discussion of how important is the adoption of systematic ecological monitoring to assess the effectiveness of each individual MPA, but also, more importantly, to properly effectively achieve international conservation targets, such as the ‘30×30’ target, agreed by the international community.

James Croxall Palmer served during the United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842 as assistant surgeon aboard the Peacock from late February to mid-April 1839 when it sailed with the pilot boat Flying-Fish on a difficult and treacherous high-latitude foray west of the Antarctic Peninsula. The papers of the Flying-Fish were lost with the destruction of the Peacock at the mouth of the Columbia River in July 1841, thus the book Palmer authored in 1843 under the title Thulia (a pseudonym for the Flying-Fish) became both the sole surviving firsthand account of the excursion and the first Antarctic poetry. A quarter century later, Palmer revisited, revised, and expanded Thulia, publishing it as Antarctic Mariner’s Song in 1868. Palmer’s own proof copies of Antarctic Mariner’s Song were retained by his descendants but were otherwise unknown until they recently surfaced. The proofs with Palmer’s numerous annotations contribute to the expedition’s history. A presentation and discussion constitute this report.

Seabirds are experiencing a decline in their populations because of climate change and human activities. Understanding their spatiotemporal dynamics is crucial for effective conservation, but the distribution and movement patterns of pelagic seabirds are not yet fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the seasonal movements and wintering areas of Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Hydrobates monorhis, a Near Threatened species that breeds primarily on islands in the north-western Pacific. The data analyses of geolocators retrieved from four birds showed that Swinhoe’s Storm-petrels migrated across the north-western Pacific and Indian Oceans and wintered in the Arabian Sea. The distance between their breeding colony and the wintering area was approximately 6,700 km, and the tracking distance for a seasonal migration exceeded 12,000 km. The migration pathway was characterised by large-scale movements in both north–south and east–west directions in the Eurasian offshore regions, which previously had been inferred from direct observations at such areas but not empirically confirmed. Wintering areas in the Arabian Sea overlapped with regions where plankton blooms are triggered by the monsoon in winter, which may produce high marine productivity and support the wintering of Swinhoe’s Storm-petrels in this sea area.

The Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus, a Critically Endangered species, faces population declines across its range, yet limited data exist on its nesting ecology and causes of breeding failure. This study used camera trapping and systematic nest searches to locate and monitor nests in southern Ghana to investigate nest-site characteristics and causes of nest failure. Eight active nests were found, mostly on tall native or introduced trees, with an average tree height of 24.94 ± 3.68 m. The nests were positioned at an average hight of 18.7 ± 4.73 m above the ground, typically in a fork formed by at least three branches. Nest-sites were in areas with greater canopy cover, that were closer to water, and with taller surrounding trees compared with non-nesting sites. Nesting success was high with a 75% fledging rate from the studied nests. Camera traps revealed that egg failures at two nests were caused by inadvertent crushing of the eggs by adult vultures while arranging nest materials, and one chick mortality resulted from parental cannibalism. However, adults at one nest successfully re-laid and fledged a chick after the initial egg loss. The findings show higher nest placement in southern Ghana than in previous studies from savanna regions, reflecting differences in habitat structure and available tree species. The study also identified nest destruction by humans and targeted tree removal as major threats to nest success in the study area. The findings highlight the complexity of natural nesting environments, where even unintentional behaviours, such as egg crushing, can affect reproductive outcomes. They also underscore the need to integrate behavioural studies into vulture conservation strategies. Addressing anthropogenic threats, including persecution, nest removal, and loss of nesting and roosting trees, is critical for the survival of this Critically Endangered species.

Invasive non-native species proceed through the Invasion Process upon introduction to a new location, with stages comprising establishment, growth, spread, and invasive impact. High fecundity, driven by fast growth, short lifespan, and a long reproduction period, can lead to high population densities, facilitating stage progression. The Asian date mussel (Arcuatula senhousia) is a marine intertidal–subtidal species, recently established in the UK. Given its potential to impact ecosystem services in Northern Europe, understanding the Invasion Process stage it has reached is imperative for assessing potential invasiveness and informing management. Therefore, population parameters of subtidal A. senhousia in the UK were evaluated from April 2021 to March 2022 to assess invasion stage. Specimens were collected (n = 1,029) via dredging and processed for condition index, gonadosomatic index, gonad index, length-frequency distribution, and electronic length-frequency analyses. While densities were low (<1 individuals per m2), maximum lifespan was high (23 months) and growth rate was high (1.8 mm per month), relative to other populations within the species’ global range. Results confirmed June to October spawning as previously reported in the UK and France but also evidenced secondary spawning (in November) for the first time in Northern Europe. Successful recruitment from primary and secondary spawning in 2020 was also apparent. Findings indicate A. senhousia has reached the Growth stage, and that further spread within the UK and Northern Europe is likely. Climate change will likely increase larval survivorship and individual and population fecundity, facilitating progression to invasive impact, potentially within the next decade.

An understanding of bird movement and habitat use in breeding and non-breeding areas is critical for the conservation of migratory birds. Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii breeds in Japan and Russia then migrates more than 6,000 km to its non-breeding sites in Australia. It is at risk because it favours areas under pressure from urban development. We investigated the movement patterns of Latham’s Snipe at a key non-breeding site – Jerrabomberra Wetlands, in Canberra, Australia. We tracked 32 Latham’s Snipe using GPS telemetry devices in the 2022/3 and 2023/4 seasons. The tracked birds remained at Jerrabomberra Wetlands for their non-breeding season and formed distinctive and predictable patterns of roosting and foraging. The distance range between roosting and foraging sites was similar across both the 2022/3 and 2023/4 seasons, with 75% of birds travelling less than 2.5 km and the majority of birds travelling <6 km. Approximately one third (31%) of birds travelled up to 30 km overnight before returning to the wetlands, and two birds (6%) travelled up to 140 km for up to three days. Home range sizes averaged 19 ha and did not significantly differ among individuals in either season. The relatively small size of the home ranges and short foraging trip distances suggest that conservation of non-breeding habitat in urbanised areas can be achieved through the protection of small areas, providing the habitat is suitable. However, individuals varied in their use of the broader landscape and therefore their susceptibility to threats may vary. From an urban planning perspective, habitat protection should prioritise roost sites while ensuring a diversity of foraging habitat within 6 km.

The right to roam – balancing inclusion and enclosure. In Norway, the right to roam is an old custom – a right to traverse and gather berries, herbs and firewood on uncultivated lands – dating back to the Viking Age. In 1957, this right was included in Norwegian laws, in the Outdoor Life Act (Friluftslova). The law transformed agrarian lands into areas for outdoor life and recreation, primarily walking and hiking. However, due to modernisation, the activities performed today are very different than those in the 1950s, involving many sorts of technical devices and installations, commercial activities and a different landscape. The law was a manifestation of the Norwegian outfields as a commons, but what is a commons for some can be an enclosure for others. This is the topic of this article: how the right to roam includes many and much but represents encroachment, displacements and enclosures and has created crowding, natural wear and tear and urges for management regimes. The article describes this as a balance between inclusion and enclosure. The article has two major parts: one presenting the academic discussion about inclusion and enclosure, the other discussing the implementation of the principle in Norway in light of this theory.

Algal beds are biodiversity hotspots in coastal ecosystems, forming complex food webs based on seaweeds. Epifauna serve as important indicators of algal productivity and environmental change, interacting closely with their host seaweeds. This study compared the composition of epifaunal assemblages associated with different seaweed species in the Noto Peninsula, Japan, to elucidate their characteristics. A survey of epifaunal communities on 13 seaweed species around Tsukumo Bay revealed significant differences in abundance and composition among species. Epifaunal abundance was particularly high in Sargassum siliquastrum and Sargassum patens. Differences in assemblage structures were observed among seaweed species and sampling sites. Fucales seaweeds harboured more diverse epifaunal communities compared with Laminariales species. Variations in epifaunal composition among taxa suggest that interactions with host seaweed species play a crucial role in shaping assemblage structure.

The full understanding of the parasite fauna of a host species requires sampling individuals across their entire distribution range. However, very few studies include an analysis considering such geographical coverage. The Ocellated killifish, Floridichthys polyommus, is an endemic estuarine fish whose distribution spans from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico to Belize. Here, we aimed at describing the metazoan parasite fauna of F. polyommus in localities across the Yucatán Peninsula to assess the parasite species richness at regional and local scales. From 2022 to 2024, 409 specimens of F. polyommus were collected from six localities. Data from three localities from a previous study were also included. Individuals were dissected, and examined for ecto and endoparasites. Twenty-four metazoan parasite taxa were identified using morphological characters and/or molecular data. Thirteen parasite taxa correspond to larval stages. Nine parasite taxa represent new host records, increasing to 35 the total number of metazoan parasites known for F. polyommus. The nematode Contracaecum sp. was found in all sampled localities, whereas the cestode Glossocercus caribaensis and the copepod Ergasilus sp. were found in seven, with variable prevalence and mean intensity of infection values. Two general patterns were uncovered irrespective of the geographical scale of the analyses (local or regional): (1) Digeneans were the most species-rich parasite group and (2) F. polyommus harboured more larval parasite taxa than adults. It seems that the parasite fauna of the Ocellated killifish in each sampling site represent a subsample of the total species richness at the regional level.

A redescription of Cloeosiphon aspergillus is presented based on the type material and additional specimens from Madagascar, South Africa, and New Caledonia. Cloeosiphon aspergillus is characterized by its pineapple-shaped anal shield, bidentate hooks arranged in rings, and a continuous longitudinal muscle layer. Additionally, a new species, Cloeosiphon mexicanus sp. nov. is described from the southern Mexican Pacific. This new species differs from C. aspergillus by having an inconspicuous secondary tooth on posterior hooks and the absence of spherical units along the basal margin of the anal shield. Furthermore, a discussion on the synonyms of C. aspergillus is included. This study expands the taxonomic knowledge of the genus Cloeosiphon and highlights the importance of the detailed description for accurate species recognition.

Agricultural intensification has profoundly transformed Europe’s landscapes, driving widespread declines in farmland bird populations. Among the most pressing threats is the loss of meadows, either through conversion to arable land as a result of intensification, or through agropastoral abandonment leading to shrub encroachment. Although farmland bird populations in Central and Eastern Europe have historically declined more slowly than in other regions, recent evidence shows that even once-common species are now in decline. This highlights the urgent need to quantify these trends and identify their underlying drivers. In this study, we investigate habitat preferences and factors underlying the severe, over 30-year decline of Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio, an iconic farmland species and key bioindicator of grassland biodiversity. Our research focused on a 440-ha alluvial floodplain in Slovenia’s Sub-Pannonian region, a site considered a national stronghold for the species. Territory surveys were conducted intermittently from 1992 to 2025, with detailed habitat mapping available from 2004 to 2022. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated that breeding Red-backed Shrikes primarily occupied ecotonal habitats marked by extensive meadow cover, moderate shrub density, and high habitat heterogeneity. Alarmingly, between 1992 and 2025, the population declined by 92.44%, decreasing from 172 territories to just 13. The steep decline observed was likely driven by agricultural intensification, persisting under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with conversion of meadows into arable land and the loss of traditional management leading to shrub encroachment. The latter emerged as the strongest predictor of population decline in the most recent years. Our findings emphasise the urgent need to protect, manage, and restore meadows to prevent further biodiversity loss. Considering the relatively better historical status of farmland bird populations in Central and Eastern Europe compared with their Western European counterparts, this worrying trend indicates that similar declines are likely widespread, highlighting the need for immediate research and targeted conservation efforts.

Sabellaria miryaensis is capable of growing massive reefs of several meters long in the subtidal area. However, no occurrence of S. miryaensis has been recorded in the Arabian Sea since its original description in 1990. This manuscript presents a new record of S. miryaensis in the Bay of Bengal, confirming its presence there. In addition, details on its ecology, including environmental parameters and the associated benthic biodiversity of S. miryaensis reefs are included. Four 1-m2 quadrat samples were collected from subtidal sabellariid reefs (∼15 m depth) off Gopalpur in March 2024, and associated macrofauna were preserved in 5% formalin for taxonomic analysis. Water parameters (temperature, salinity, and pH) and sediment texture were measured using standard field and laboratory protocols. The reef built by this species supports high macrofaunal and meiofaunal diversity, particularly polychaetes and other invertebrates. Morphological analysis confirms its identity with minor intraspecific variations. The reef also serves as a critical habitat for commercially important fish, underscoring its ecological and economic value. These findings highlight the need for further ecological assessments and conservation of sabellariid reef ecosystems in Indian coastal waters.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, was crushed by Antarctic sea ice and sank in November 1915. Since then, it has been widely considered that Endurance was the strongest polar ship of its time and was lost because ice tore away the rudder. Based on expedition diaries, Shackleton’s correspondence, and structural analysis, this paper shows that Endurance was not among the strongest ships of its time and that the rudder was not the main cause of the vessel sinking. While the final reason was tearing off the keel, Endurance sank because the vessel was simply crushed in compression by ice. This is not surprising, Endurance was not designed for compressive conditions in the Antarctic pack ice, but for easier conditions at the ice edge in the Arctic. The weakest part of its hull was the engine room area, which was not only larger than in other early Antarctic ships but also lacked beams to give strength against compression by ice. Comparison with other wooden polar ships is not favourable for Endurance: ships designed for compressive pack ice were stronger. It is also evident from archive research that Shackleton was well aware of the weaknesses of Endurance even before his expedition set sail for Antarctica.