Papers by Martina Milanese
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2015
This study analyses the organization of the aquiferous system of the sponge species Chondrilla nu... more This study analyses the organization of the aquiferous system of the sponge species Chondrilla nucula (Porifera, Demospongiae) by means of bi-and three-dimensional models elaborated from sequential sections. The structure shows a hierarchical scheme based on canal diameters. The skeleton elements are disposed in the cortex and around the canals giving a solidity to the whole organism.
Scuba diving tourism encourages conservation, generates revenue, and supports local communities. ... more Scuba diving tourism encourages conservation, generates revenue, and supports local communities. Understanding its interactions with environmental, social, and economic factors is important in the context of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), where dynamics between role players are complex. This study provides insights into the problems affecting the sustainability of the scuba diving tourism industry in two MPAs in Italy and Mozambique. The interactions between the industry and environment, economy, non-monetary aspects, society, governance, and scientific community were investigated via questionnaire surveys and interviews with 20 scuba diving operators. Operators felt the importance of scuba diving to themselves, MPAs, and resident communities, although they lamented limited support to the industry by other stakeholders. Recommendations to enhance sustainability include actions ranging from engagement in planning and management to education and social responsibility. However, the heterogeneity of issues perceived by the industry, reflected in differences between the case studies, calls for ad hoc measures.
Recreational diving engages 20 million people worldwide. Most of the literature refers to tropica... more Recreational diving engages 20 million people worldwide. Most of the literature refers to tropical destinations but at least 1 million dives per year take place in Mediterranean marine protected areas (MPAs). 2. Divers may negatively affect underwater habitats. However, if effectively engaged, they can contribute to science, territorial management and more sustainable local economies. 3. During 2006–2014, volunteers trained by the not-for-profit organization Reef Check Italia (RCI) completed 24 714 observations and 2417 dives in six Mediterranean countries, contributing to a dataset that supports scientific papers about climate change, rare and non-indigenous species (NIS), and informs MPA management decision-making. 4. The wide range of opportunities offered by this dataset is illustrated with two examples relevant to marine conservation in the context of MPA management. They concern: (i) the spread of the NIS Caulerpa cylindracea along the Ligurian coasts, with a focus on Portofino MPA, and (ii) the distribution and abundance of protected species in the Portofino MPA. 5. A diver-focused survey showed that RCI volunteers are highly committed, and that participation in RCI activities has led to a better understanding of, and a sense of stewardship towards, favoured dive sites and the marine world. Knowing who volunteers are, and why they volunteer in their favourite sector, is crucial to designing citizen-science based projects able to achieve their multiple goals.
Regional Environmental Change, 2014
to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the extent and locations of such impacts, an... more to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the extent and locations of such impacts, and of any derived socio-economic consequences, remains limited.
Regional Environmental Change 14 (Suppl 1):S5–S17
As has been shown for other ecosystems, the
ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate cha... more As has been shown for other ecosystems, the
ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change
on Mediterranean intertidal habitats are highly variable in
space and time. We conducted field and laboratory measurements
of cellular, ecophysiological and behavioural
responses of selected intertidal invertebrates (mussels,
gastropods and sponges) and completed a literature
review to determine what is known of socio-economic
consequences of these biological changes. Results suggest
significant gaps in our knowledge that may impede a
complete understanding of likely impacts (physical, biological
and socio-economic) and that sufficient data
for such an analysis are available only for mussels.Application of ecological models for native mussels
Mytilaster minimus and invasive Brachidontes pharaonis
bivalves indicates that the current distribution of these
species is linked to the availability of food and local
temperature. Choosing Israel as a case study, the study
focused on the identification of ecosystem services and
goods provided by the Mediterranean rocky intertidal and
on the assessment of conservation approaches. Intertidal
systems were poorly represented in the socio-economic
literature, and there was low awareness of the value of
these ecosystems among stakeholders. Subsequently,
conservation efforts for intertidal communities were
minimal. While climate change will very likely continue to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the
extent and locations of such impacts, and of any derived
socio-economic consequences, remains limited.
Biol. Mar. Medit. (2005), 12 (1): 351-353
This study analyses the organization of the aquiferous system of the sponge species Chondrilla nu... more This study analyses the organization of the aquiferous system of the sponge species Chondrilla nucula (Porifera, Demospongiae) by means of bi- and three- dimensional models elaborated from sequential sec- tions. The structure shows a hierarchical scheme based on canal diameters. The skeleton elements are dispo- sed in the cortex and around the canals giving a solidity to the whole organism.
Regional Environmental Change, Oct 2012
As has been shown for other ecosystems, the ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate chan... more As has been shown for other ecosystems, the ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change on Mediterranean intertidal habitats are highly variable in space and time. We conducted field and laboratory measurements of cellular, ecophysiological and behavioural responses of selected intertidal invertebrates (mussels, gastropods and sponges) and completed a literature review to determine what is known of socio-economic consequences of these biological changes. Results suggest significant gaps in our knowledge that may impede a complete understanding of likely impacts (physical, biological and socio-economic) and that sufficient data for such an analysis are available only for mussels. Application of ecological models for native mussels Mytilaster minimus and invasive Brachidontes pharaonis bivalves indicates that the current distribution of these species is linked to the availability of food and local temperature. Choosing Israel as a case study, the study focused on the identification of ecosystem services and goods provided by the Mediterranean rocky intertidal and on the assessment of conservation approaches. Intertidal systems were poorly represented in the socio-economic literature, and there was low awareness of the value of these ecosystems among stakeholders. Subsequently, conservation efforts for intertidal communities were minimal. While climate change will very likely continue to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the extent and locations of such impacts, and of any derived socio-economic consequences, remains limited.
Chemistry and Ecology, 2011
Chemistry and Ecology, 2011
This commentary describes a gap in the qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the provision of... more This commentary describes a gap in the qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the provision of benefits to humans from the intertidal ecosystems of the Mediterranean and offers a framework for quantification of the benefits provided by these systems. The identification of such benefits, understanding their spatial distribution and their subsequent quantification will be critical to the design of policy responses to future climate change, sea level rise and seawater acidification. A baseline understanding of the current state of ecosystem functions, as well as of the provision of related ecosystem services, is therefore needed. Further, researchers must strive to generate forecasts of the changes in these functions and services conditional on policy responses and the range of expectations for climate change.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 2004
Numerous natural products from marine invertebrates show striking structural similarities to know... more Numerous natural products from marine invertebrates show striking structural similarities to known metabolites of microbial origin, suggesting that microorganisms (bacteria, microalgae) are at least involved in their biosynthesis or are in fact the true sources of these respective metabolites.
Fisheries Research, 2008
Natural bath sponges (genera Spongia and Hippospongia, Porifera, Demospongiae) have been harveste... more Natural bath sponges (genera Spongia and Hippospongia, Porifera, Demospongiae) have been harvested for millennia to be used as aids to beauty and body tools, in traditional and modern medicine as well as in painting. Recently, a series of severe epidemics have affected Mediterranean commercial sponges fostering the overexploitation of remaining fishing grounds. Furthermore, Mediterranean bath sponges attain the highest prices compared to Caribbean or Indo-Pacific ones but little or no correct information on origin is transferred to the final buyer. A complex network of re-selling activities and the lack of labelling make it almost impossible to track the pathway of sponge trade.
Invertebrate Biology, 2005
Abstract. The reproduction of the demosponge Chondrilla nucula in Portofino (Ligurian Sea, Italy)... more Abstract. The reproduction of the demosponge Chondrilla nucula in Portofino (Ligurian Sea, Italy) was studied during August 2001. Eighteen individuals were sampled and examined with light microscopy for the presence of gametes, and 5 individuals carrying oocytes were found. In addition to microscopic observations, reproductive individuals could be easily identified as female even at the macroscopic level because of the presence of a grayish layer in the mesohyl where oocytes were concentrated. Oogenesis resulted in modifications of the external sponge morphology and of the aquiferous system. Approximately one-third of the sponge body was filled with oocytes with the consequent disappearance of choanocyte chambers in the reproductive portion of the sponge. Under laboratory conditions, we obtained fertilized eggs from females and observed the first stages of embryonic development. Our observations suggest that fertilization in specimens of Chondrilla nucula occurs internally and not in the water. During the 2 years following these observations, no reproductive specimens were found among the same population during the reported reproductive period.
Aquatic Microbial Ecology, 2007
Bacteria were isolated seasonally from the Mediterranean sponges Chondrilla nucula and Petrosia f... more Bacteria were isolated seasonally from the Mediterranean sponges Chondrilla nucula and Petrosia ficiformis and screened for antibacterial activities. Selected isolates were taxonomically identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 416 different bacterial strains were isolated, 60 (14.4%) of which displayed variable degrees of antimicrobial activity. Of the bioactive strains, 58.3% were able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, 6.7% were active against Bacillus subtilis, 11.7% against both Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, 38.3% against Pseudoalteromonas atlantica and 33.3% against Pseudomonas elongata. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that 2 isolates, 1 from seawater samples and 1 from P. ficiformis, were most closely related to Bacillus subtilis (99% similarity) and that another isolate from P. ficiformis was most closely related to a previously described sponge-associated Alphaproteobacterium NW001 (98% similarity). Two isolates from C. nucula were most closely related to Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum (99% similarity) and Shewanella algae (89% similarity). The high percentage of bioactive isolates derived from the 2 sponges suggests that marine microorganisms, whether animal-associated or planktonic, are promising sources for drug discovery.
Biomolecular Engineering, 2003
The use of sponges for marine bioremediation in a farming scenario has been investigated focusing... more The use of sponges for marine bioremediation in a farming scenario has been investigated focusing on Chondrilla nucula . We report experiments examining clearance and retention rates of the bacterium Escherichia coli . Despite low values expressed for clearance tests, C. nucula exhibited a marked ability to retain high quantities of bacteria. One square meter patch of this sponge can filter up to 14 l/h of sea water retaining up to 7 )/10 10 bacterial cells/h. This suggests that C. nucula is a suitable species for marine environmental bioremediation. #
Books by Martina Milanese
The SPECIAL project is delivering breakthrough technologies for the biotechnological production o... more The SPECIAL project is delivering breakthrough technologies for the biotechnological production of cellular metabolites and extracellular biomaterials from marine sponges. These include a platform to produce secondary metabolites from a wide range of sponge species, a novel in vitro method for the production of biosilica and both in situ and recombinant protocols for the production of marine collagen. Alongside this research, the project is focused on applications, such as the identification and characterization of potential anticancer drugs and novel biomedical/industrial applications of biosilica and collagen, hereby taking advantage of the unique physico-chemical properties of these extracellular sponge products.
What is your perception of seas? What is your attitude towards science, and marine sciences in pa... more What is your perception of seas? What is your attitude towards science, and marine sciences in particular? Have you ever been involved in events dealing with oceans and/or marine sciences? What do we need the seas for? These, and many other questions, were circulated throughout Italy, Poland, Ukraine and the UK, eliciting our (potential) audience´s response. Indeed, we wanted to define our strategy, identifying the best topics and methods to engage in the dialogue about science and marine sciences with the public. Our preliminary assessment consisted in two questionnaires designed for kids and adults. Having reached over 3.500 people, we gathered a huge bulk of information, and used it to identify the topics to be addressed in our exhibitions and side events, together with the best tools to address them. To our best knowledge, this was the first research ever carried out to directly address people´s instinctive imagery, stereotypes and expectations concerning seas and oceans. Indeed, social and economic science researches dealing with people and marine issues have always investigated either the degree of knowledge on marine topics, or people´s position towards a specific action or statement.
Uploads
Papers by Martina Milanese
ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change
on Mediterranean intertidal habitats are highly variable in
space and time. We conducted field and laboratory measurements
of cellular, ecophysiological and behavioural
responses of selected intertidal invertebrates (mussels,
gastropods and sponges) and completed a literature
review to determine what is known of socio-economic
consequences of these biological changes. Results suggest
significant gaps in our knowledge that may impede a
complete understanding of likely impacts (physical, biological
and socio-economic) and that sufficient data
for such an analysis are available only for mussels.Application of ecological models for native mussels
Mytilaster minimus and invasive Brachidontes pharaonis
bivalves indicates that the current distribution of these
species is linked to the availability of food and local
temperature. Choosing Israel as a case study, the study
focused on the identification of ecosystem services and
goods provided by the Mediterranean rocky intertidal and
on the assessment of conservation approaches. Intertidal
systems were poorly represented in the socio-economic
literature, and there was low awareness of the value of
these ecosystems among stakeholders. Subsequently,
conservation efforts for intertidal communities were
minimal. While climate change will very likely continue to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the
extent and locations of such impacts, and of any derived
socio-economic consequences, remains limited.
Books by Martina Milanese
ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change
on Mediterranean intertidal habitats are highly variable in
space and time. We conducted field and laboratory measurements
of cellular, ecophysiological and behavioural
responses of selected intertidal invertebrates (mussels,
gastropods and sponges) and completed a literature
review to determine what is known of socio-economic
consequences of these biological changes. Results suggest
significant gaps in our knowledge that may impede a
complete understanding of likely impacts (physical, biological
and socio-economic) and that sufficient data
for such an analysis are available only for mussels.Application of ecological models for native mussels
Mytilaster minimus and invasive Brachidontes pharaonis
bivalves indicates that the current distribution of these
species is linked to the availability of food and local
temperature. Choosing Israel as a case study, the study
focused on the identification of ecosystem services and
goods provided by the Mediterranean rocky intertidal and
on the assessment of conservation approaches. Intertidal
systems were poorly represented in the socio-economic
literature, and there was low awareness of the value of
these ecosystems among stakeholders. Subsequently,
conservation efforts for intertidal communities were
minimal. While climate change will very likely continue to impact these systems, our predictive capacity for the
extent and locations of such impacts, and of any derived
socio-economic consequences, remains limited.