INSTM Bulletin : Marine and Freshwater Sciences https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin <p>The<strong> INSTM Bulletin: Marine and Freshwater Sciences </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">is an annual Bulletin successor of the INSTOP Bulletin and the SOS Bulletin created in 1924. It is a <strong>peer-reviewed open access journal</strong> which publishes original papers related to </span><strong>Marine</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><strong>Freshwater Sciences</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> research</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> including various fields such as</span> <strong>Oceanography, Biology</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><strong>Ecology</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><strong>Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Geology, Pollution</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><strong>Toxicology, Fishery, Seafood and Aquaculture</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The key criteria are that the work clearly demonstrates its novelty, its importance to a particular field as well as its interest to the wide scientific community. Reviews on current topics are welcome. Selected papers or extended abstracts from symposia or workshops may also be considered. Short notes about new records of marine species are accepted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The current <a href="https://www.oceandocs.org/handle/1834/156">Bulletin’s archive</a> contains several hundred articles </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">covered in Google Scholar and indexed and abstracted in the</span> <strong>Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA)</strong> <strong>database</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">. <a href="http://instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/management/settings/context#masthead//index.php/bulletin/about">See More</a></span></p> en-US Lassaad.chouba@instm.rnrt.tn (Prof. Lassaad CHOUBA ) amir.jandoubi@instm.rnrt.tn (Amir JANDOUBI - IT Assistant INSTM) Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 OJS 3.2.1.4 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Resistance profiling, evolution of biofilm formation and genetic diversity of Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from aquaculture systems https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1674 <p>This study analyzes 26 presumptive <em>Vibrio</em><em> alginolyticus</em> strains extracted from two fish farms (Khenis and Hergla, East Tunisia) that raised sea bream (<em>Sparus aurata</em>) and sea bass (<em>Dicentrarchus labrax</em>). In addition, from a shellfish farm located in Menzel Jmil, North Tunisia that raises mussels (<em>Mytilus edulis</em>) and oysters (<em>Crassostrea gigas</em>).</p> <p>We have evaluated (i) the discriminatory power of PCR-RFLP for identification of closely related strains, (ii) the antibiotic resistance of the <em>V. alginolyticus</em> strains and (iii) their ability to form a biofilm in aquaculture farm.</p> <p>Results showed that there is great heterogeneity in the diversity observed via the PCR-RFLP method related to the number of 20 genotypes generated by the two enzymes <em>Sdu</em>I and <em>Faq</em>I tested. The heterogeneity was observed in both fish (aquaculture farm) and bivalve (shellfish farm) origins, as well as in the same sample.</p> <p>For antibiotic resistance, all isolates present a high resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin, cefotaxime, kanamycin and doxycycline. The resistance is displayed by 15 distinct profiles.</p> <p>The Multiple Antibiotic resistance (MAR) index was ranged from 0.55 to 0.80 for the isolates from the aquaculture farm of Hergla followed by the index aquaculture farm of Khenis (0.55 to 0.75). While for the shellfish farm of Menzel Jmil the index ranges from 0.50 to 0.65. This finding indicated high-risk sources of antibiotic contamination in the three locations. Isolates from aquaculture systems with strong biofilm formation have been found to be resistant to antibiotics, which may allow them to survive longer in these environments.</p> <p>Present findings could be relevant in aquaculture systems and underscore the importance of the linkage between adhesion, antibiotic susceptibility, and genetic diversity of these pathogenic bacteria to avoid fish and shellfish diseases. The results will provide helpful guidance on how to use antibiotics to control <em>Vibrio alginolyticus</em> diseases in aquaculture to be healthy.</p> Rim LAJNEF, Miguel Angel MORIÑIGO, Abdennaceur HASSEN, Lotfi BEN ABDALLAH Copyright (c) 2024 Rim LAJNEF, Miguel Angel MORIÑIGO, Abdennaceur HASSEN, Lotfi BEN ABDALLAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1674 Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Age and growth of Carcinus aestuarii Nardo,1847 (Portunidae) and Maja squinado Herbst, 1788 (Majidae) in the Gulf of Gabes, Southeastern Tunisia, Central Mediterranean https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/920 <p>The Mediterranean green crab, <em>Carcinus aestuarii</em> Nardo, 1847 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Portunidae), and the spider crab <em>Maja squinado</em> (Herbst) are common inhabitant of the shallow waters in the Gulf of Gabes (southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean).&nbsp;</p> <p>The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters CW∞/CL∞, k and t<sub>0</sub> were estimated on the basis of Length-frequency modal progression analysis method. The values of CW∞ (mm), K (year<sup>-1</sup>) and t<sub>0</sub> (year) would be, respectively, 95.61, 0.84 and -0.104 for males; 73.92, 1.11 and -0.149 for females in <em>Carcinus aestuarii</em> and, CL∞ (mm), K (year<sup>-1</sup>) and t0 (year) would be, respectively, 172.46, 0.68 and -0.147 for males; 147.05, 0.6 and -0.175 for females in <em>Maja squinado</em>.</p> <p>These results were obtained, as the first attempt to study age and growth of these two crustaceans which will be of a great use for their eventual stock assessment studies.</p> Olfa BEN ABDALLAH, Sonia BAKLOUTI, Nader BEN HADJ HAMIDA, Basma NAFKHA, Othman JARBOUI Copyright (c) 2024 Olfa BEN ABDALLAH, Sonia BAKLOUTI, Nader BEN HADJ HAMIDA, Basma NAFKHA, Othman JARBOUI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/920 Thu, 23 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of the green macroalgae Chaetomorpha linum liquid extract on the germination, growth and pigments concentration of the chickpea Cicer arietinum L., 1753 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1684 <p>Fertilizer production and application are growing excessively with increased agricultural expenses and environmental damage. As alternatives, organic fertilizers issued from natural resources such as seaweed liquid extracts (SLE) are considered as potential plant biostimulant agents. In this study, the impact of the green algae <em>Chaetomorpha linum </em>SLE on seed germination, yield and pigmenting characteristics of the chickpea <em>Cicer arietinum </em>was investigated in laboratory settings and in pots. Several SLE concentrations varying from 1%, 3%, 5%, 8% to 10% were prepared using distilled water.</p> <p>The application of SLE significantly affected all assessed parameters over the control (0%). Use of SLE at the lowest concentration (1%) showed maximum seed germination, root and shoot length and contents of total chlorophyll, chl (a), and chl (b). Accordingly, the results suggest that <em>C. linum </em>SLE could be used as an alternative organic fertilizer because it is environmentally friendly and profitable. This extract, rich in plants growth components, could find its future use in various sectors.</p> Leila CHEBIL AJJABI, Leila KTARI, Imen BEN DOUAOUA, Marwa MELKI Copyright (c) 2024 Leila CHEBIL AJJABI, Leila KTARI, Imen BEN DOUAOUA, Marwa MELKI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1684 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Frequency histograms, condition parameters and size-depending metal accumulation in two species belonging to Phorcus genus https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1710 <p>This work is a biological and ecotoxicological investigation in two Trochidae species <em>Phorcus turbinatus</em> and <em>Phorcus articulatus</em> taken from four stations, monthly for biological study and seasonally for size-depending metal monitoring. Our results related to biological characterization suggested mostly polymodal frequency histograms associated with a continual renewal of juveniles indicating a laying period spread over several months.</p> <p>The condition index revealed similar values slightly decreasing during hot seasons probably due to the coincidence of the spawning period with the spring and the summer. As for the condition factor, it also presented close values with a slight increase during the periods of March-April, June-July and even September-November probably resulting from algal proliferation and trophic availability during those months.</p> <p>The estimation of metal pollution indicators proposed an increasing classification of contamination related to the amounts of waste ejections at each locality coming from industrial activity, large fishing ports and mooring areas. Size-depending metal analyses revealed that despite the strong contamination, a moderate concentration decrease was associated with size growth. This life strategy would allow these species to counteract unfavorable conditions and ensure their persistence and thus justify their frequent use as bio-indicators of the state of health in coastal ecosystems.</p> Wafa BOULAJFENE, Sabiha TLIG-ZOUARI Copyright (c) 2024 Wafa BOULAJFENE, Sabiha TLIG-ZOUARI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1710 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Human health risk assessment of heavy metal(oid)s in four fish species harvested from the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia) https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1709 <p>This study investigated the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) exposure in the child and adult populations in Tunisia. The heavy metal(loid) (HM) content in muscle and the organ mixture of four commercial species of fish widely available and consumed were determined (<em>Sparus aurata</em>, <em>Dicentrarchus labrax</em>, <em>Liza aurata, Sarpa salpa</em>).</p> <p>The fish samples were prepared using a wet digestion method, and the HM analysis was carried out using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results indicated that all fish organs had high amounts of Pb and As and high levels of Cd and Zn in some organs. Based on the exploratory data analysis, fish species can be differentiated according to their diet.</p> <p>The estimated daily intake values for the children's population have exceeded the permissible levels for Cd and As, whereas they were only exceeded for As for the adult population. Only Fe's Target Hazard Quotient exceeded the permissible limit. The evaluation of the carcinogenic risk associated with the consumption of the four fish species from the Bizerte lagoon indicated a potential carcinogenic effect related to lead (Pb) exposure. In this lagoon, HM contamination of fish is requiring both a short-term and long-term approach to ensure the safety of marine products.</p> Khaoula TELAHIGUE , Imen RABEH , Zied MDAINI, Ridha GHALI , Lassaad CHOUBA , Tarek HAJJI Copyright (c) 2024 Khaoula TELAHIGUE , Imen RABEH , Zied MDAINI, Ridha GHALI , Lassaad CHOUBA , Tarek HAJJI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1709 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Cellular compartmentalization and accumulation of Aluminium in the halophyte of Arthrocnemum indicum https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1712 <p>It has been demonstrated that halophytes had the potential to accumulate heavy metals and therefore had the remediation potential of soils affected by metals. In this context, <em>Arthrocnemum indicum</em> was supplied with increased doses of Aluminium (Al) (200, 500, 800 µM) alone or added to NaCl (200 mM). Results demonstrated that Al was found mainly in the cell wall in the shoots and the roots.</p> <p>The addition of the salt displaced the localization of Al in the roots, it was found bound to intercellular and proteiccomponents. These results suggest that the subcellular distribution of Al plays an important role in avoidance of metal toxicity.</p> Dhouha BELHADJ SGHAIER Copyright (c) 2024 Dhouha BELHADJ SGHAIER https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1712 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Marine endemic species in Tunisia: Biogeography and ecological state in front of anthropogenic activities and climate change, 1. Flora https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/142 <p>The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot of biodiversity, and has a relatively high rate of endemism. In Tunisia, around 35% of marine species are threatened, and Tunisian marine waters seem to have a high rate of endemism. Several factors, linked to anthropogenic activities and climate change, have threatened marine biodiversity, mainly endemic species and their habitats. Given the lack of inventory and data on marine endemic species in Tunisia, this work establishes a non-exhaustive list of marine endemic macrophytes (including seagrasses and macroalgae) present in Tunisia. A description of the status of the listed species was given with the biogeographical distribution areas and main threats.</p> <p>In total, about twenty marine endemic flora species are inventoried in this work, including one Magnoliophyta (<em>Posidonia oceanica</em>) and the others are macroalgae.</p> Ahmed AFLI Copyright (c) 2024 Ahmed AFLI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/142 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Marine endemic species in Tunisia: Biogeography and ecological state in front of anthropogenic activities and climate change, 2. Fauna https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/207 <p>Historically, most Mediterranean biocenosis has been reconstituted from immigrants from the Atlantic that penetrate through the Strait of Gibraltar after its almost total desiccation during the Messinian crises approximately 5-6 million years ago, and their descendants have become Mediterranean endemic species over time. Currently, Mediterranean Sea is considered as a true hotspot of biodiversity and endemic species compared to other seas and oceans, and Tunisian coasts present a mosaic of bottom types from muddy-sandy to rocky bottoms. This offers diverse habitats and micro-habitats for flora and fauna, mainly for endemic species. Several factors affect biodiversity and endemic species in Tunisian waters, and most often act concurrently, such as climate change, water acidification, urban and industrial discharges, excessive fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and biological invasions. To date, there is neither a complete inventory of endemic marine species nor a study on their status, geographic distribution, and nuisance factors, with the exception of some work on certain groups such as fish. In this work, we have established a non-exhaustive list including more than sixty marine endemic species of fauna which have been observed in Tunisia, with information on their ecological state, their geographical distribution, and the main nuisances which threaten them.</p> Ahmed AFLI Copyright (c) 2024 Ahmed AFLI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/207 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Use of meiofauna to assess the environmental status of Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia) with a focus on the taxonomic and functional diversity of free-living nematodes https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1715 <p>The Bizerte lagoon, Tunisia, undergoes notable environmental shifts caused by both natural factors and human activities, disrupting its natural dynamics. Meiofaunal bioindicators, focusing on the diversity and functional traits of free-living marine nematodes, were used in biomonitoring at 5 characteristic lagoon sites. The analysis of meiofaunal abundance and specific diversity of nematodes revealed that the "M. Ab" station exhibits the highest overall abundance of various meiobenthic taxa, while the "MG" and "M.B" stations show comparatively lower abundances.<br />The specific inventory of nematodes highlighted the dominance of certain species at specific stations, suggesting an adaptation to particular types of pollution, providing them with greater opportunities for multiplication in these environments. Furthermore, the observed functional variations underscore the complexity of ecological interactions within these ecosystems. They also attest to the adaptive capabilities of nematodes to environmental conditions characteristic of each station in the Bizerte Lagoon. This study offers important insights for environmental management and the preservation of biodiversity in these sensitive environments.</p> Mohamed ALLOUCHE, Sirine JEBALI, Amel HANNACHI, Sahar ISHAK, Hamouda BEYREM; Fehmi BOUFAHJA; Mohamed DELLALI Copyright (c) 2024 Mohamed Allouche, Sirine JEBALI, Amel HANNACHI, Sahar ISHAK, Hamouda BEYREM; Fehmi BOUFAHJA; Mohamed DELLALI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1715 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Enzymatic and antioxidant properties of bacterial symbionts of the sea cucumber Holothuria forskali https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1711 <p>In several countries around the world, the sea cucumber fishery is currently in danger in view of the increasing demand for their nutritional benefits. Study associated bacteria provide a better understanding of sea cucumber biology, potential threats to its survival and root-active biomolecules synthesis.</p> <p>In the present work, we investigated the biotechnological potential of symbiotic bacteria associated with the intestine of the sea cucumber, <em>Holothuria forskali</em>. An important diversity was revealed with the isolation of 143 bacterial isolates on Zobell agar medium. The study of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the strains collection shows 19 different haplotypes. Molecular identification by 16S gene sequencing permitted the affiliation of the symbiotic bacteria of the holothurian intestine to the <em>Vibrio</em>, <em>Halomonas</em>, <em>Pseudomonas</em>, <em>Staphylococcus</em> and <em>Bacillus</em> genera. Particularly <em>Vibrio</em> and <em>Bacillus</em> strains exhibited the greatest amylase, protease, cellulase, esterase, and agarase activity, which reflects their involvement in the degradation of several polymers inside the cucumber tract.</p> <p>The supernatant of these bacteria also shows an important ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging ability, exceeding 80% in some <em>Bacillus</em> strains. To confirm the safety and effectiveness of these strains in vivo, further studies are needed.</p> Khaoula TELAHIGUE , Khaled EL MNASRI, Imen RABEH , Samira BEN ROMDHANE, Cherifa TISSAOUI, Mariem KHARROUBI, Ahmed Slaheddine MASMOUDI, Lassaad CHOUBA , Tarek HAJJI Copyright (c) 2024 Khaoula TELAHIGUE , Khaled EL MNASRI, Imen RABEH , Samira BEN ROMDHANE, Cherifa TISSAOUI, Mariem KHARROUBI, Ahmed Slaheddine MASMOUDI, Lassaad CHOUBA , Tarek HAJJI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://www.instm-bulletin.tn/index.php/bulletin/article/view/1711 Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000