Urbanisation and reduced direct contact with nature have weakened children’s opportunities to interact with wildlife, making it harder for them to feel concerned about biodiversity loss (Truong & Clayton, 2020). Existing research has predominantly focused on familiar, terrestrial vertebrates, contributing to a persistent taxonomic bias that favours charismatic species when addressing conservation issues (Bègue-Shankland, 2022). Given the central ecological importance of marine ecosystems, fostering awareness and understanding of ocean biodiversity among younger generations is essential.

While few studies have examined empathy as a precursor to pro-environmental behaviour, compassion has not received any empirical attention despite its potential as a driving force for conservation. Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share another’s emotional state (Decety & Holvoet, 2021), while compassion (motivational empathy) adds an action-oriented component aimed at alleviating others’ suffering. Understanding these emotional mechanisms is therefore crucial for environmental education: is developing empathy sufficient, or must compassion be cultivated to encourage meaningful conservation behaviour?

Children remain notably understudied despite their potential to become powerful agents of environmental change (Gottesdiener & Davallon, 1999). Building on Miralles et al. (2019), who suggested that individuals preferentially choose phylogenetically closer species, we developed a serious game in partnership with Océanopolis. The study replicated their paradigm using only marine species from ten different clades across two conditions. In the empathy condition, participants selected the species they felt closest to; in the compassion condition, they chose which species they would save. Contrary to Miralles et al. (2019), no significant differences emerged for empathy. However, significant effects appeared in the compassion condition (p < .05), with children more likely to save phylogenetically closer species. This work contributes to the broader question of compassionate conservation, whereby emotional connections with animals increase the likelihood of humans acting to protect them.

The considerable decline in wild populations of the sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus in the Yucatán Peninsula has been driven principally by overfishing and illegal harvesting. Consequently, aquaculture has been developed as an alternative to commercial fishing and as a strategy for the restoration of natural populations. Nevertheless, the emergence of various health issues, such as a larval disease and the skin ulceration syndrome (SUS), in juveniles has limited the success of its cultivation under controlled conditions. This study analyzed changes in the intestinal and skin microbiota of cultured juveniles during an outbreak of SUS. Juvenile I. badionotus were obtained from an experimental culture in Telchac Puerto, Yucatán, during a SUS outbreak. Samples of intestinal and skin tissues were processed for histological examination and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize microbial communities. Histological analysis revealed that apparently healthy juveniles exhibited tissue alterations compatible with an early stage of SUS. Intestinal inflammation was detected in both stages of disease. However, severe epithelial damage and bacterial clusters were only observed in juveniles in the advanced stage of SUS. Microbiota analyses revealed significant differences in bacterial composition, particularly in the intestine, with a marked decrease in Vibrio and an increase in Halarcobacter (syn. Arcobacter), suggesting a dysbiosis process during disease progression. These findings highlight the complex microbial dynamics underlying SUS and emphasize the importance of microbiota monitoring for effective health management in I. badionotus aquaculture.

Introduction: Locomotion is a very important behaviour exhibited by animals for foraging, survival, escaping from predators, etc. The locomotory behaviour of zebrafish is extensively used as a reliable behavioural marker in the area of ecotoxicological, pharmacological, and neurotoxicological research. The locomotory robustness and high sensitivity to any external stimuli of zebrafish make them a convincing model with which to study cognitive biology. The aim of our research is to study the decision-making ability of adult zebrafish from the perspective of foraging.

Methods: In order to obtain a crucial understanding of the decision-making skills of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) for food search, we have created an experimental model system that focuses on the fundamental idea of foraging and the possibility of finding the quickest or simplest path to a food source. The model consists of a common zone and four different pathways (Path A, B, C, and D). Among them, the first one (Path A) is straight, the second (Path B) is curved and is simpler the third path (Path C) is blocked, and is the simplest path, and the fourth one (Path D) is the most complicated pathway.

Results: Our findings indicate that the majority of fish selected Path C to reach the food source, despite this route being obstructed. This observation suggests that the fish preferentially chose Path C because it represents the most direct and accessible route to the food source, and its comparatively greater width may facilitate easier navigation relative to the other available paths.

Conclusions: Adult zebrafish demonstrated a preference for the most direct and seemingly simple route to the food source, even when obstructed. In our study, we highlight zebrafish as a "species in the spotlight", and provide an exmple of how to better understand their decision-making abilities in terms of locomotor decisiveness.

In recent decades, animal welfare has attracted the attention of various groups for reasons including its role in achieving SDGs, community health, prevention of zoonotic diseases, and ethical issues. Stockmen have a vital role in fostering animal welfare. Given the crucial role of stockmen in ensuring animal welfare, this study attempts to assess the factors affecting the occurrence of pro-animal behavior among dairy farmers using an expanded version of Campbell's theory. In this study, a cross-sectional survey and a closed-ended questionnaire were used to collect data. Also, through a random sampling approach, 122 traditional stockmen and 208 industrial stockmen were selected in Iran. In addition, in order to assess the measurement model, test the hypothesis and provide descriptive data, Smart-PLS₃ and SPSS₂₆ software were used. The results revealed that access to livestock inputs (Beta=0.21; Sig=0.0001), anthropomorphism view (Beta=0.12; Sig=0.009), and attitude (Beta=0.53; Sig=0.0001) had positive and significant effects on pro-animal behavior. Moreover, cost (Beta=-0.14; Sig=0.004) had a negative and significant effect on pro-animal behavior. In total, independent constructs could explain 44 percent of pro-animal behavior variance. This study contributes to the development of the literature in animal welfare, social psychology and sustainability fields. In addition, it helps policymakers, scientists and related organizations to strengthen pro-animal behavior among stockmen in order to build up animal welfare.

Gnathophis mystax, commonly known as the thinlip conger, is a benthic species inhabiting muddy or sandy substrates of the continental shelf and upper continental slope, typically between 80 and 400 m deep. This fish is distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a predatory species feeding mainly on benthic organisms and small fish, occasionally caught by deep trawl nets or longlines (palangres). Although its flesh is of good quality, it is not a target of specific fisheries and appears in markets only in small quantities.

Knowledge about the parasitic fauna of G. mystax is currently lacking. This study provides the first parasitological assessment of G. mystax from the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Calabria, Italy), focusing on the presence, prevalence, and morphology of nematodes belonging to the genus Cucullanus. A total of 41 specimens of G. mystax were examined. The fish were collected along the Tyrrhenian coast of southern Calabria, specifically in the areas of Vibo Valentia and Gioia Tauro, provided by local professional fishermen.

Helminths were collected, mounted, photographed, preserved, and identified morphologically, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. The recovered nematodes were assigned to the genus Cucullanus and prevalence and mean intensity values were calculated. However, comparisons remain limited due to the absence of previous parasitological studies on G. mystax, underscoring the novelty and significance of these findings. Differences in host biometric data between the two sampling sites, and correlations between parasite abundance and fish length or weight, were also analyzed.

To our knowledge, this study represents the first record of Cucullanus spp. in Gnathophis mystax. The genus Cucullanus comprises a diverse group of gastrointestinal nematodes commonly parasitizing marine teleosts. This research adds valuable data to the parasitic biodiversity of Mediterranean fishes and provides a basis for future taxonomic and ecological investigations.

The global seafood sector generates substantial volumes of by-products, such as fish viscera, heads, skins, frames, and crustacean shells. These materials are often treated as waste, contributing to environmental pressure and economic loss, despite being rich in compounds with functional value. Their valorisation represents an opportunity to reduce waste generation, enhance resource efficiency, and support the transition toward more sustainable and circular production systems.

In this context, the present study focused on the recovery of high-value bioactive compounds from marine processing side streams, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein hydrolysates, and natural antioxidant molecules. Particular attention was given to crustacean by-products, which are notable for their high content of carotenoids and peptides with recognised nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential, expanding the range of compounds that can be sustainably produced from seafood by-products.

The extraction of astaxanthin and peptide fractions was carried out using green extraction techniques, specifically Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. These techniques preserve the quality of the recovered compounds while limiting solvent use and environmental impact. The antioxidant activity, assessed through radical scavenging (DPPH) assays, confirmed their high bioactive properties, supporting their potential use as functional ingredients for nutraceutical, feed, food, and cosmeceutical applications.

The results demonstrate a basis for scalable and transferable valorisation pathways, supporting the development of high-value bio-based products derived from seafood by-products. By shifting from disposal to resource utilisation, this work strengthens circularity, reduces environmental pressure, and contributes to a more sustainable, efficient, and competitive seafood sector.

Abstract

Introduction: Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a vector-borne pathogen with significant implications for canine health. This study investigated the prevalence of D. immitis in 84 herd and domestic dogs in Bon County, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The objective was to evaluate prevalence rates across different age groups and sexes, providing data to inform regional preventive strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional field study was conducted between December 2024 and March 2025 following ethical guidelines. Blood samples were collected from 84 dogs and analyzed using serological assays (ELISA) for antigen detection. Necropsy findings, where available, were utilized to confirm adult worm presence in positive cases. Statistical associations between infection status, age, and sex were analyzed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

Results: The overall prevalence of D. immitis infection was 13.1% (11/84; 95% CI: 6.5–19.7%). A statistically significant association was observed regarding sex, with male dogs showing a higher infection rate (14.3%) compared to females (10.2%) (p < 0.05), which may reflect differences in exposure patterns. Age was also a significant factor, with the highest prevalence recorded in the 4–6 year age group (21.7%), while the 0–2 year group showed the lowest rate (5.5%).

Conclusions: This study documents the endemicity of D. immitis in Bon County, a region with specific climatic conditions distinct from previously studied hyper-endemic areas. The results highlight D. immitis as a clinically relevant pathogen in this rural dog population. Given the identified infection rates, particularly among adult males, the implementation of integrated control measures, including vector management and chemoprophylaxis, is recommended to mitigate clinical risks.

Fish are an essential part of a balanced diet and represent the Mediterranean dietary model, which is renowned for its health benefits and nutritional value.

The high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and essential minerals found in fish have led to increasing consumer demand for seafood. However, the continuous expansion of this market, together with sustainability challenges, highlights the need to diversify seafood production through innovative processing strategies that aim to enhance the sustainability, productivity, and quality of seafood products.

Promoting underutilized marine species, such as Spicara smaris, and seasonal species, such as Coryphaena hippurus, through innovative processing and preservation techniques has the potential to reduce pressure on target species, enhance marine biodiversity, and minimize waste. This approach is based on the principles of the circular economy and promotes the sustainable exploitation of marine ecosystems.

Recent technological advances have focused on the study of the application of traditional methods, such as salting and smoking, reinterpreted through innovative and sustainable technologies. In particular, the use of salting and cold smoking techniques using low-sodium salt mixtures and natural antioxidants has been investigated as an effective strategy to enhance the sensory quality, nutritional profile, and microbiological stability of underutilized fish species.

The objective of the present study was to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in order to evaluate the quality of the processed product, through sensorial, biochemical and technological analyses. The results obtained highlighted the possibility of producing a product with a sodium content reduced by more than 30% that preserves the sensory characteristics, high protein content, and omega-3 fatty acid levels of traditional products.

In conclusion, adopting innovative processing strategies can contribute significantly to the sustainable use of aquatic resources by turning underutilized species into high-quality products, reducing dependence on conventional target species, and fostering new economic opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Introduction: The marine environment is an ecosystem where toxic metals can accumulate, affecting the health of aquatic organisms. Filtrating species, such as crustaceans, can be considered sentinels of marine environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of toxic metals in crustaceans, crabs, and shrimps from the Mediterranean Sea.

Methods: The study was carried out on the carapace and pulp of various crabs, including warty crab (Eriphia verrucosa), brown crab (Cancer pagurus), and marbled crab (Pachygrapsus marmoratus), and on carapace and abdomen of pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), collected along the Sicilian coastlines. All samples were digested with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ and analyzed in ICP-MS for the determination of Hg, Cd, Pb, and As. Data were considered significant at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01.

Results: The results confirmed the presence of toxic metals in all crustacean samples, with the highest concentration of Hg and Pb, an intermediate concentration of As, and the lowest of Cd. The metal content was higher in the carapace than in the pulp of crabs and in the abdomen of shrimps. In particular, in the carapace pulp of E. verrucosa, Hg (0.543 ± 0062 mg/Kg) and Pb (0.554 ± 0.016 mg/Kg) were higher than MRL of 0.50 mg/kg, while in C. pagurus, only the Pb levels were higher (0.671 ± 0.062 mg/Kg) [1]; in both crabs and shrimps, As was higher than the MRL of 0.10 mg/kg [2]. However, the Metal Pollution Index (MPI), which calculates the metal accumulation in each organ and tissue, was < 1 (the safety level) in crabs and shrimps.

Conclusions: The results obtained confirmed that crabs and shrimps can be valid sentinel species of the Mediterranean Sea. Metal pollution is correlated to its exposure in the aquatic environment and the residual levels of Hg, Pb, and As, higher than the MRLs, also represent a potential toxicological risk for consumers.

REFERENCES: [1] EU Regulation 2023/915; [2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1891.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most widely cultivated freshwater fish species, with an annual global production of nearly 900,000 tonnes. However, a major challenge is its susceptibility to a wide range of pathogens, which leads to severe disease outbreaks and significant economic losses in fish farms. To mitigate these impacts, genetic improvement programs can be accelerated through quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping aimed at identifying genomic regions that are associated with disease resistance. Nonetheless, variations among studies, as well as differences in the quality and density of genetic maps, often hinder the identification of consistent QTLs across traits and experiments. To overcome these limitations, meta-analysis has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance the reliability of QTL detection. In this study, a meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis was performed to identify stable genomic regions associated with pathogen resistance in rainbow trout. In total, 138 QTLs related to pathogen resistance traits were collected from previous studies, resulting in the identification of 26 MQTLs. The average confidence interval (CI) of these MQTLs was reduced to 2.5 times smaller than the original QTLs, demonstrating enhanced precision in their genomic positioning. Notably, the MQTL located on chromosome 3 exhibited the narrowest CI and the highest number of projected QTLs, whereas chromosome 8 contained the largest number of MQTLs. These regions might represent key genomic hotspots for pathogen resistance, providing valuable targets for functional genomics research and supporting the development of disease-resistant rainbow trout lines.