Unveiling the biochemical and haematological profile of blue shark (Prionace glauca) in the Mediterranean after bycatch.
Por:
Toomey L, Bellodi A, Bottaro M, Consiglio A, Fiocchi E, Soncin M, Bertazzo V, Follesa MC, Manfrin A, Niedermüller S, Prato G and Carbonara P
Publicada:
20 sep 2025
Ahead of Print:
20 sep 2025
Resumen:
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is the most frequently by-caught species in longline fisheries targeting swordfish in the Mediterranean Sea. The IUCN classifies the Mediterranean blue shark population as critically endangered, but no information on haematological or biochemical parameters is available for this population. Based on a multi-year dataset of 63 blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and 18 physiological parameters, this study provides the first detailed insights into the variability of physiological indicators following bycatch in the Mediterranean Sea. We also examined differences across three post-capture condition groups and assessed the potential influence of sex and life stage (juvenile vs. adult) on physiological variability. While no significant differences emerged between sexes or life stages, clear distinctions were observed between condition groups, particularly when compared to moribund or dead individuals (condition group 3). These sharks showed signs of enhanced physiological stress, including reduced glucose, elevated lactate, and altered osmoregulatory function (lower urea and chloride, higher phosphorus). These patterns align with stress responses previously described in other shark species. Overall, the study provides a valuable baseline for future research into the physiology and conservation of Mediterranean blue sharks' population.
Filiaciones:
Toomey L:
COISPA, Fondazione COISPA ETS, via dei Trulli 18/20, 70126, Bari, Italy
Bellodi A:
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, via T. Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
Department of Integrated Marine Ecology, Calabria Marine Center, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), C.da Torre Spaccata, Località Torre Spaccata, 87071 Amendolara, Italy
Bottaro M:
Department of Integrative Ecology, Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa del Principe, Piazza del Principe 4, 16126, Genoa, Italy
Consiglio A:
COISPA, Fondazione COISPA ETS, via dei Trulli 18/20, 70126, Bari, Italy
Fiocchi E:
Reference Laboratory for Fish, Mollusc and Crustacean Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
Soncin M:
SCS3-Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
Bertazzo V:
SCS3-Laboratory Medicine, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
Follesa MC:
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, via T. Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
Manfrin A:
Reference Laboratory for Fish, Mollusc and Crustacean Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), Viale dell'Università, 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
Niedermüller S:
WWF-Mediterranean, WWF, via Po 25/c, 00198, Rome, Italy
Prato G:
WWF-Italy, WWF, via Po 25/c, 00198, Rome, Italy
Carbonara P:
COISPA, Fondazione COISPA ETS, via dei Trulli 18/20, 70126, Bari, Italy
Open Access
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