A scaling down mapping of Pinna nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) through the combination of scientific literature, NATURA 2000, grey literature and citizen science data

Abstract

This research investigates the occurrence of Pinnanobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Mediterranean Sea, where it is an endemic and the largest bivalve species. Such a species is protected under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC since 1992, being exposed to anthropogenic impacts. The distribution of this species has been known, in the past, only from reports in scientific literature. Presently, the concerns, threats and risks for P.nobilis are increasing and a more detailed mapping of the actual distribution from a largest to a local spatial scale is essential for the implementation of monitoring, management and conservation actions. Here we provide a systematic review on the occurrence of P.nobilis, employing and combining different sources of information, such as scientific and grey literature, NATURA 2000 geodata and citizen science records. The methodological approach is a pilot test based on a scaling down of the geographical area of study, from the whole of the Mediterranean Sea to the Italian and Apulian coastline (South-East Italy); accordingly, the above mentioned sources of data have been gradually included. The results show that the combination of multiple sources of information provide a more exact determination of the species distribution at a local scale, identifying sites where in-depth actions are required to ensure the species conservation and restoration. Also, the IUCN has recently underlined that the conservation of P.nobilis has become a difficult challenge, so that each of the spatial scales for the investigation is crucial to enable a better preservation and conservation of the species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Gap Analysis for DNA Barcode Reference Libraries for Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Species in the Apulia Region (Southeast of Italy)

“…Furthermore, the lagoon hosts different species of crustaceans and mollusks. Among these, the endemic Mediterranean bivalve Pinna nobilis is included in Annex IV of The Habitats Directive and is listed as an endangered species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List [29,30].…”

Epidemiology of Noble Pen Shell (Pinna nobilis L. 1758) Mass Mortality Events in Adriatic Sea Is Characterised with Rapid Spreading and Acute Disease Progression

“…Published data about P. nobilis population in Adriatic Sea offer only limited information about population ecology and genetics, and a recent study on animal health status are available [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Fisheries data and marine ecosystem surveys suggest that P. nobilis populations in the Adriatic Sea have been in decline, likely due to various anthropogenic and environmental influences such as habitat destruction (reduction of Posidonia oceanica meadow areas), illegal fishing, pollution, anchoring damage, invasive species, and climate change [ 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

The governance of marine restoration: insights from three cases in two European seas

“…The main aim of this coalition is to preserve Pinna by developing protective regulation and to designate no-take areas. Marine scientists, interested actors, and prominent science journalists provide and disseminate knowledge on Pinna status, through reports, direct survey work (Marrocco et al 2019), or articles in widely circulated newspapers (e.g. Becatoros 2018), facilitating actions and influencing public opinion.…”

“…Other scientists and international and national NGOs (e.g. IUCN, MEDPAN, ARCHIPELAGOS) have picked up on the issue, which has led to various awareness and monitoring programs, including the involvement of the public through citizen science (Cabanellas-Reboredo et al 2019;Marrocco et al 2019). The IUCN has prominently recommended addressing the loss of Pinna (IUCN 2020).…”