Oliva Paterna, Francisco José

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Oliva Paterna, Francisco José

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Oliva Paterna, Francisco José

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Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física

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Eutrophication-induced shifts in fish assemblages from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon
(Elsevier, 2025-10-24) Zamora López, Antonio; Guerrero Gómez, Adrián; Torralva Forero, María del Mar; Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física; Facultad de Biología
Eutrophication remains a critical threat affecting estuarine and coastal lagoon ecosystems, largely driven by intensified anthropogenic pressures and exacerbated by climate change. Understanding the impacts of eutrophic processes on biological communities is essential to ensure effective conservation and management of these vulnerable environments. This study investigates the ecological consequences of eutrophication-induced algal blooms and hypoxia-mediated mass mortality events on fish communities in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (Western Mediterranean Sea). We assessed temporal changes in fish assemblage structure and composition across three different periods: a baseline reference period (2002–2004), an algal bloom period (2018–2019), and a mass mortalities period (2020–2021). For that purpose, multiple community metrics were assessed, including species richness, abundance, biomass, β-diversity, functional guilds, and species dominance. Significant disturbances in fish abundance and biomass in response to critical eutrophic events were found, though species richness remained stable. Community similarity decreased during warmer seasons of eutrophic periods, but β-diversity values remained constant. Species-specific responses highlighted a marked decline of benthic taxa closely associated with bottom habitats, while zooplanktivores and planktivores became dominant, suggesting the emergence of top-down trophic control mechanisms. Additionally, during hypoxic events, large macrobenthivorous species appeared to seek refuge in shallow and more oxygenated areas, thus leading to evident shifts in fish assemblage composition. These findings provide robust evidence of structural and functional disruption in fish assemblages under eutrophic stress conditions. Our study underscores the relevance of long-term biological monitoring and adaptive management strategies in transitional systems, particularly under future climate and nutrient enrichment scenarios.
Open Access
Unauthorized translocations of threatened fauna in freshwater ecosystems: insights from the Iberian southeast
(Wiley, 2025-07-22) Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Guerrero Gómez, Adrián; Zamora López, Antonio; Torralva, Mar; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Sánchez Fernández, David; Zoología y Antropología Física
Unauthorized translocations of native and threatened wildlife are widely conducted for conservation purposes. This illegal practice remains understudied and is poorly considered by wildlife managers despite its important socioecological implications. By focusing on the southeastern Iberian Peninsula as a case study, we combined data from freshwater biodiversity monitoring programs, published records and local expert knowledge to provide a comprehensive assessment of the magnitude of unauthorized translocations in freshwater ecosystems. A total of 14 cases of covertly translocated populations were recorded, involving 10 freshwater vertebrate species (six fish and four amphibians). All these species are classified as threatened taxa (i.e., critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable) at a global, national or regional level, seven of them being Iberian endemisms. At least nine out of these unauthorized translocations have resulted in self-sustaining populations, but their impact on local biodiversity and recipient ecosystems' functioning remains to be assessed. This case study suggests that unauthorized translocations could be an emerging conservation issue in freshwater ecosystems, highlighting the need for implementing integrative management approaches to halt this illegal practice at source. These management approaches should include a more proactive attitude by environmental authorities towards official conservation translocation programs and increased social awareness of the potential impacts of unauthorized translocations.
Open Access
Non-indigenous aquatic fauna in transitional waters from the Spanish Mediterranean coast: A comprehensive assessment
(2023) Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Herrero Reyes, Antonio A.; Ruiz Navarro, Ana; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física
Open Access
Non-indigenous aquatic fauna in transitional waters from the Spanish Mediterranean coast: A comprehensive assessment
(Elsevier, 2023-04-06) Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Herrero Reyes, Antonio A.; Ruiz Navarro, Ana; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física
Understanding drivers of spatial variation in non-indigenous species (NIS) is a key goal in invasion biology, but comprehensive assessments providing high-resolution data are extremely scarce. Anthropogenic modifications to transitional waters facilitate the invasion of NIS where they cause both ecological and economic important damage. By screening validated data sources, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of non-indigenous aquatic fauna in Spanish Mediterranean transitional waters (30 sites), as well as assessed introduction pathways, native regions, NIS assemblage patterns and temporal introduction rate. One hundred and twenty-nine NIS were inventoried, with 72 % established and more than half listed before 1980. Two intentional (release, escape) and two unintentional (contaminant, stowaway) introduction pathways were dominant. Recorded NIS originated mostly from North America and Asia. A clear nested pattern in NIS assemblages was observed across sites, suggesting secondary spread from the most invaded waters placed in the northern regions. Our updated inventory should be pivotal for designing prevention protocols and informing specific management plans on non-indigenous fauna in transitional waters.
Open Access
Comercio electrónico de flora y fauna exótica invasora
(LIFE INVASAQUA, 2022-11) Olivo del Amo, Rosa; López Cañizares, Celia; Guillén Beltrán, Antonio; Anastácio, Pedro; Banha, Filipe; Barca, Sandra; Casals, Frederic; Cobo, Fernando; Machodorm, Annie; Miranda, Rafael; Oscoz, Javier; Martínez Olmedo, B.; Perdices, Anabel; Pico, A.; Ribeiro, Filipe; Sánchez González, Jorge R.; Torralva Forero, María del Mar; Vieira-Lanero, Rufino; Gómez Calmaestra, R.; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física; Facultad de Biología
Open Access
Aquatic invasive alien species of freshwater and estuarine systems: awareness and prevention in the Iberian Peninsula: actions, key-instruments & lessons learned
(LIVE INVASAQUA, 2023-10-31) Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Olivo del Amo, Rosa; López Cañizares, Celia; Guillén Beltrán, Antonio; Torralva Forero, María del Mar; Anastácio, Pedro; Banha, Filipe; Brandão, Pedro; Miranda, R.; Oscoz, Javier; Cobo, Fernando; Barca, S.; Casals, F.; Ribeiro, F.; Perdice, Anabel; Clavero-Sousa, H.; Numa, Catherine; Zoología y Antropología Física; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Olivo del Amo, Rosa; López Cañizares, Celia; Garrido García, S.; Facultad de Biología
The Spanish and Portuguese societies have a limited understanding of the threats posed by invasive alien species (IAS) in aquatic ecosystems. This gap of knowledge and awareness about IAS problems hampers any policy proposed by administrations and stakeholders, contributing to missing an IAS management strategy. We present the actions, main results and some learned lessons achieved in the Environmental Governance and Information LIFE project—LIFE INVASAQUA—that will run between 2018 and 2023 in the Iberian Peninsula. The main goal of INVASQUA was to increase the Iberian public and stakeholders’ awareness of aquatic IAS problems and to develop instruments and tools that will improve an efficient management and Early Warning and Rapid Response frameworks for IAS in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. This Technical Report focus on tangible results, key-instruments and outcomes of the project to explore some of the problems and lessons encountered in the implementation.
Open Access
Population dynamics, habitat use and trapping efficiency of the invasive crab Callinectes sapidus in a Mediterranean hypersaline coastal lagoon
(Pensoft Publishers, 2025-10-07) Herrero Reyes, Antonio A.; Guerrero Gómez, Adrián; Zamora López, Antonio; Torralva, Mar; Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) has rapidly invaded several coastal lagoons along the Western Mediterranean. However, there are still no comprehensive assessments of its population biology, habitat use and trapping efficiency in critical habitats. A two-year study (November 2021 – September 2023) was conducted in a natural corridor zone placed between the hypersaline Mar Menor coastal lagoon and the Mediterranean Sea. Our main goal was to assess the population structure, habitat use and trapping efficiency (four types of traps) of the blue crab. The blue crab shows a population dynamic and structure that reflects its full settlement and reproductive movements across the study area. Most captures corresponded to adults and subadults, peaking in summer, and largest crabs were recorded in November. A significant relationship was found between crab size, habitat type (Cymodocea nodosa meadows, Caulerpa prolifera meadows and bare substrates) and trap effectiveness. Trapping efficiency varied with both habitat characteristics and crab size, showing a positive relationship of juveniles and adults with muddy substrates, while water depth had a negative influence on juveniles and subadults. However, results supported great plasticity at the microhabitat scale. Fyke nets were identified as the most effective trapping method. Trap type significantly affected the number of captures as a function of crab size and sex, with subadults and females being predominantly captured in fyke nets. These findings provide novel insights into the species’ population biology in invaded regions and cost-efficient control methods, enabling the design of priority management strategies in shallow waters to minimize impacts from crab invasions and to ensure ecological integrity.
Open Access
First record of winter pregnant males of two pipefish species in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon
(Wiley, 2025-08-22) Guerrero Gómez, Adrián; Zamora López, Antonio; Herrero Reyes, Antonio Andrés; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Madrid Ruiz, Jorge; Álvarez-Navarro, Víctor M.; Peñalver Miras, Rocío; Torralva Forero, María del Mar; Zoología y Antropología Física; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Biología
Syngnathus abaster Risso, 1827 and Syngnathus typhle L., 1758 are key components of fish assemblages in European transitional waters, with well-documented reproductive cycles typically occurring from spring to autumn. However, recent warming trends in the western Mediterranean has raised questions about potential shifts in their breeding phenology. In January 2025, three pregnant S. abaster males and one S. typhle male were detected in the Mar Menor Coastal lagoon (western Mediterranean), representing the first recorded winter breeding event for both species. The size structure of S. abaster in winter 2025 also contrasted with colder winters, further supporting this interpretation. These findings may reflect a response to recent thermal anomalies and highlight the phenological plasticity of these species. To our knowledge, this is the first indication of potential phenological shifts in syngnathids from transitional waters, with implications for understanding how climate change may influence their reproductive dynamics.
Open Access
Outcomes of the LIFE INVASAQUA project: an integrated approach for the prevention and awareness of aquatic invasive species in the Iberian Peninsula
(Pensoft Publishers, 2025-10-07) López Cañizares, Celia; Olivo del Amo, Rosa; Guillén Beltrán, Antonio; Torralva, Mar; Anastácio, Pedro; Banha, Filipe; Brandão, Pedro; Barca, Sandra; Cobo, Fernando; Vieira-Lanero, Rufino; Casals, Frederic; Sánchez-González, Jorge R.; Perdices, Anabel; Machordom, Annie; Miranda, Rafael; Oscoz, Javier; Numa, Catherine; Clavero-Sousa, Helena; Ribeiro, Filipe; Oficialdegui Aladren, Francisco Javier; Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física
Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a growing threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services and human well-being, particularly in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. These species lead to severe environmental and economic impacts by altering habitats, disrupting ecological processes and outcompeting native species. In the Iberian Peninsula, IAS represent a major risk to its unique freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, which are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions due to their connection to human activities and high number of endemic species. Awareness of IAS and their impacts among the general public and stakeholders in Spain and Portugal remains limited, hindering effective management strategies and policies. The LIFE INVASAQUA project (2018–2023), co-funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Commission (LIFE17 GIE/ES/000515), aimed to support management, communication and the dissemination of information on aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula. To achieve this, diverse partners were involved, including universities, research institutions, an environmental news agency and NGOs. Key actions included the production of governance tools such as strategic recommendations and IAS priority lists and communication resources such as a traveling exhibition for the public and codes of conduct for stakeholders. The project delivered 98 training activities to over 2,900 participants and engaged more than 430 institutions and 246,000 people through 598 public events in Spain and Portugal. LIFE INVASAQUA significantly enhanced public awareness and transnational collaboration, evidenced by improved communication, increased social media engagement, and positive shifts in public perception, as revealed by 7,078 records of a survey based on a questionnaire on the Iberian public’s perspectives. These outcomes foster strengthened IAS management frameworks and support implementation of relevant European and national regulations. The project’s long-term efforts focus on developing and replicating actions with the greatest audience reach and the highest impact on public perception of IAS issues. Lessons learned include the importance of sustained public engagement, the need for continued stakeholder collaboration, and the effectiveness of integrating educational campaigns with policy enforcement for sustained success in IAS management.
Open Access
Shallow waters as critical habitats for fish assemblages under eutrophication-mediated events in a coastal lagoon
(Elsevier, 2023-07-24) Zamora López, Antonio; Guerrero Gómez, Adrián; Torralva Forero, María del Mar; Zamora Marín, José Manuel; Guillén Beltrán, Antonio; Oliva Paterna, Francisco José; Zoología y Antropología Física
Eutrophication is a major driver of the degradation of transitional waters worldwide, especially in environments with a restricted connection to the sea, such as coastal lagoons. In recent decades, intensive agriculture and urban water inputs around the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (Western Mediterranean) have disturbed this originally oligotrophic aquatic system. The nutrient input into the lagoon has triggered its eutrophication, leading to dystrophic crises and mass mortality events for aquatic biota, transforming it into one of the most eutrophication- impacted transitional waters in the Mediterranean basin. In this study, we applied a fish-based indicator to assess the ecological quality of shallow waters under different eutrophication-mediated environmental stress scenarios (from pre-eutrophic reference periods to critical eutrophic periods), as well as to explore the role of confinement (i.e., water renewal time) and shoreline anthropogenic pressure as factors modulating the indicator response. Despite the high magnitude of the eutrophication impact on the lagoon, the ecological quality of the shallow waters decreased only slightly after the mass mortality events. The level of confinement also had slight effects on the ecological quality of the most confined shallow areas in the summer during eutrophic periods. Hence, shallow waters could play a critical role as refuge habitats, both for fish assemblages and other aquatic taxa, by buffering euxinic conditions during eutrophication processes.”. In fact, shallow waters could act as critical habitats, allowing for the recolonisation of aquatic biota from more impacted areas in the lagoon. This attribute further reinforces the need to properly manage and protect the shoreline areas of transitional waters, particularly under eutrophication scenarios.