International initiatives aimed at generating genomic resources, and particularly reference genomes, have flourished in recent years. Some focus on specific taxa, such as the Vertebrate Genomes Project, Bird Genome 10K Project, Bat1K Project, Global Invertebrate Genomics Alliance, 10 000 Plant Genomes Project, and 1000 Fungal Genomes project. Others focus on geographic regions, such as the California Conservation Genomics Project, Darwin Tree of Life for Britain and Ireland, Catalan Initiative for the Earth BioGenome Project in the Catalan territories, Endemixit in Italy, Norwegian Earth Biogenome Project, and SciLifeLab in Sweden, on applications such as the LOEWE Translational Biodiversity Genomics in Germany, or on ecological systems such as the Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics project. Collectively part of the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), in Europe these initiatives are organized under the umbrella of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA). A genome atlas of European biodiversityERGA is a pan-European scientific response to the current threats to biodiversity. Approximately one fifth of the ~200 000 eukaryotic species present in Europe can be inferred to be at risk of extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classification (this estimate only considers the assessed species; https://www.iucn.org/regions/europe/our-work/biodiversity-conservation/european-red-list-threatened-species).ERGA aims to generate reference genomes of European eukaryotic species across the tree of life, including threatened, endemic, and keystone species, as well as pests and species important to agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystem function and stability. ERGA builds upon current genomic consortia in EU member states, EU Associated Countries, representatives of other countries within the European bioregion, and international collaborators. These reference genomes will address fundamental and applied questions in conservation, biology, and health. ERGA seeks to alert the EU about the potential of conservation genomics, and particularly the role of reference genomes, in biodiversity assessment, conservation strategies, and restoration efforts.

There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, additionally the rate of spread for some species has also been shown to be increasing. However, the challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized. Recent developments in citizen science (CS) provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS while ensuring effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Advances in technology, particularly on-line recording and smartphone apps, along with the development of social media, have revolutionized CS and increased connectivity while new and innovative analysis techniques are emerging to ensure appropriate management, visualization, interpretation and use and sharing of the data. In early July 2018 we launched a European CO-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address multidisciplinary research questions in relation to developing and implementing CS, advancing scientific understanding of AS dynamics while informing decision-making specifically implementation of technical requirements of relevant legislation such as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS. It will also support the EU biodiversity goals and embedding science within society. The Action will explore and document approaches to establishing a European-wide CS AS network. It will embrace relevant innovations for data gathering and reporting to support the implementation of monitoring and surveillance measures, while ensuring benefits for society and citizens, through an AS CS European network. The Action will, therefore, increase levels of participation and quality of engagement with current CS initiatives, ensuring and evaluating educational value, and improve the value outcomes for potential users including citizens, scientists, alien species managers, policy-makers, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders.

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Most of the Mediterranean members of the family Tetraodontidae are non-native to the region, and include species of both Atlantic and Indo-Pacific origin. Anthropogenic activities are synergistically causing the populations of these non-native species to expand, causing ecological and economical losses in the Mediterranean Sea. The current study evaluated the morphological and the genetic characteristics of six Tetraodontidae species collected from the Mediterranean Sea. Two mitochondrial sequences, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the control region were studied covering over 1400 bp from each specimen, with Lagocephalus sceleratus and L. suezensis exhibiting the lowest intraspecific divergence, while Torquigener flavimaculosus exhibited the largest intraspecific divergence. Comparative analyses of the current data with other publically available COI data show the need to further evaluate species diversity of Tetraodontidae not only in the Mediterranean but also in their native range. Filling knowledge gaps for improved taxonomic identification of species is essential to accurately track these species and their populations in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Summary The movement of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) across international boundaries necessitates traceability strategies that would provide more accurate information needed for stock assessment. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the main contributors to ABFT reproduction and global population genetic diversity. In the present study this genetic variability was investigated using 193 samples of adult bluefin tuna from Spain, Turkey and Malta – a longitudinal distance of 3400 km. Analysed were 13 microsatellite loci (eight of which were newly‐tested) as genetic markers for the population study. Allele richness measured per locus and sampling location varied from 1.89 to 8.88, taking into account rarefaction. ABFT private alleles were detected in each of the three sampling sites. No significant spatial genetic divergence was found between pairs at the studied locations (FST values <0.0001; P‐values >0.05). Bayesian clustering analysis corroborated a single and panmictic ABFT population in the Mediterranean Sea. Statistical power analyses indicated a high probability of detecting genetic differentiation and population structure with the sample size and microsatellites used, even at an FST value of 0.005. From the results it may be postulated that migrating ABFT during the spawning season are allowing gene flow within the Mediterranean Sea. The complex interplay of movements, including plasticity in the selection of spawning sites with increasing age and environmental conditions, require multiple and new fisheries monitoring and management techniques in order to target the ABFT long‐term conservation effectively.

This paper presents morphometric and genetic barcoding analyses of the first record of the Cocoa Damselfish, Stegastes variabilis in the Mediterranean Sea. A single specimen was captured from Senglea waterfront, Malta (Central Mediterranean) on the 15 th of September 2013. The species is non-indigenous in the Mediterranean, as it is native to the tropical Western Atlantic. Apart from undertaking identification through meristics and morphometric measurements of the specimen, genetic analyses of the 3410 bp mtDNA genes were carried out to confirm the species' identity. The latter was useful given that the genus Stegastes is known to be composed of morphologically very similar species, with variable colour patterns.

Background: Alien fish species are increasing in the Mediterranean Sea, urging closer monitoring of coastal habitats and biodiversity towards achieving timely assessment and management. Among the alien fish species found in Maltese waters there are members of the Abudefduf genus. Methods: Research work undertaken with the cooperation of fishermen allows for additional monitoring effort to record the presence of alien species and their possible impacts. One such alien fish specimen collected from Maltese waters in January 2014 was studied through morphological, meristic and genetic analyses. Mitochondrial DNA barcoding analyses were undertaken to confirm the species' identity given that the specimen found belonged to the genus Abudefduf which is composed of a number of congeners that have similar morphological characters. Results and conclusion: This research led to the identification of the first record of the African Sergeant, Abudefduf hoefleri (Steindachner 1881) (Perciformes: Pomacentridae), in the Mediterranean Sea. This alien tropical species is native of the East Atlantic and may aggressively compete with native Mediterranean reef species for territories and resources.

“New records of rare species in the Mediterranean Sea” (October 2021)