Short communication, Note

https://doi.org/10.32582/aa.58.2.15

Social networks allow early detection of non indigenous species: first record of the red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in Italian waters

Joachim LANGENECK orcid.org/0000-0003-3665-8683 ; Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
Massimiliano MARCELLI ; Bioscience Research Center, Aurelia Vecchia 32, 58015, Orbetello (GR), Italy
Michel BARICHE orcid.org/0000-0001-6831-4311 ; Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Ernesto AZZURRO ; ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Livorno, Italy

Abstract

The red drum Sciaenops ocellatus is a large demersal fish that represents one of the top predators in estuarine environments of its native range. This species is commonly reared in aquaculture
facilities, and it has already been reported as non indigenous from several countries. Here we report its first sighting in Italian waters, as well as the second documented occurrence for the Mediterranean
Sea. The individual was landed in southern Sicily by artisanal fishery and this unusual observation was immediately shared on Facebook. The importance of considering social networks as tools for
NIS detection is briefly discussed in light of the recognized difficulties to properly track biological introductions in the marine environment.

Keywords

red drum; aquaculture; Italy,; Mediterranean Sea; social network

Hrčak ID:

193973

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/193973

Publication date:

12.12.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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