http://hdl.handle.net/10174/987 2026-06-12T19:34:47Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42112 Title: Do offspring characteristics reflect parental migration variation? Authors: Berry, Madeleine; Davidsen, Jan; Nevoux, Marie; Aarestrup, Kim; Alexandre, Carlos M.; Silva, Sara; Thorén, Alexander; Engstöm, Anders; Ahvenainen, Matilda; Höjesjö, Johan Abstract: Sea trout, Salmo trutta, display a wide range of migratory behaviours, and one aspect of variation comes from freshwater migration distance. The overall aim of this study was to determine if offspring of long- and short-distance migrants exhibited phenotypic differences relating to parental migration distance. For that purpose, we conducted several behavioural tests (dyadic contest, boldness scoring and open field test) and morphological analysis (relative pectoral-fin length) in multiple freshwater systems across the distribution range of the target species in Europe. It was expected that offspring of long-distance migrants would be more active, bold and dominant than those of short-distance migrants and would have longer pectoral fins relative to body length. Additionally, we investigated if boldness varied in relation to latitude. We showed that offspring of long-distance migrants were more dominant in two cases and more active in one case than those of short-distance migrants; however, there was no difference in swimming distance or velocity. Boldness and relative pectoral-fin length were significantly related to site of origin; however, the direction of this relationship differed between systems. Generally, we detected a decrease in boldness with declining latitude. In summary, we have detected variation among juveniles related to location within a stream; however, the drivers and processes behind these are likely more complex than purely parental migratory strategy. Our results can inform suitable management and conservation efforts directed to anadromous Salmo trutta. For example, habitat restoration and removal of migration barriers can increase the possible range of migration distances helping maintain the phenotypic diversity of offspring. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42096 Title: Spatial variability in juvenile sea trout data collection and assessment methods across Europe: Limitations and opportunities for standardizing analyses Authors: Alexandre, Carlos; Berry, Madeleine; Magnusson, Katarina; Silva, Sara; Louhi, Pauliina; Walker, Alan; Höjesjö, Johan; Malcolm, Iain Abstract: Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) is a widely distributed fish species native to Europe, with high phenotypic plasticity, including resident and anadromous (sea trout) forms. Many populations are in decline, especially the anadromous ecotype towards the southern edge of their range. Evidence-based management is dependent on reliable assessment methods to characterise underperforming populations and identify mitigation actions. Assessment methods based on juvenile data are useful for trout given the species' plasticity. These typically involve comparisons between observed and expected juvenile densities, which vary geographically and with habitat quality. These estimates are mostly obtained through wading electrofishing and field-based habitat surveys. Although some national and regional trout assessment methods have been developed, efforts to develop range-wide evaluations have been constrained by a lack of common protocols. This paper summarises the national methods used to characterise juvenile trout and associated habitat based on information compiled by national representatives of the ICES WGTRUTTA. It then considers opportunities for harmonising data with the aim of developing a range-wide assessment. Survey methods varied substantially within and between countries but showed no clear spatial patterns of coherence. Development of a single set of survey and data collection methods appears highly unlikely. A more pragmatic approach could involve harmonising existing data to make them broadly comparable. This could involve selective use of fish survey data, integration of range-wide macro-scale spatial and habitat data obtained from spatial datasets and use of appropriate modelling frameworks. We also emphasise the critical importance of population data from index rivers to validate and scale juvenile assessments and to compare sampling methods. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41957 Title: Maximising biodiversity potential in Europe’s mines and quarries: A key role for EU Nature Restoration Regulation targets Authors: Ballesteros, Miguel; Řehounková, Klara; Decleer, Kris; Martínez-Ruiz, Carolina; Alday, Josu G; Gentili, Rodolfo; Nunes, Alice; Salgueiro, Pedro A; Mahy, Gregory; Bouchoms, Samuel; Kirmer, Anita; Tischew, Sabine; Carabassa, Vicenç; Nikolic, Nina; Marrs, Rob; Prach, Karel Abstract: Amid the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the EU’s Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which aims to restore degraded areas in the coming decades, post-mining sites must be integrated into biodiversity and ecosystem recovery strategies as key contributors. While mining, quarrying, and other extractive activities have considerable environmental impacts, they also present massive opportunities to create valuable habitats, support biodiversity, guide restoration efforts, and contribute to conservation. A strong foundation of scientific and practical knowledge is already in place, yet implementation gaps persist, and regulatory frameworks remain under-utilised for restoring these degraded areas. Under-exploited pathways exist to reconcile development needs with NRR restoration goals. To maximise the biodiversity potential of post-mining sites, we emphasise the need for: (1) Site-specific scientific assessments and long-term monitoring; (2) Practical restoration guidelines for European habitats; (3) The strategic use of restored site networks as demonstration areas; (4) Active stakeholder engagement; and (5) Supportive policies. 2025-09-02T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41549 Title: The burden of breast, cervical, and colon and rectum cancer in the Balkan countries, 1990–2019 and forecast to 2030 Authors: Todorovic J, J; Stamenkovic Z, Z; Stevanovic A, A; Terzic N, N; Kissimova-Skarbek K, K; Tozija F, F; Mechili, E A; Devleesschauwer, B; Terzic-Supic, Z; Vasic, M; Bjegovic-Mikanovic, M; Santric-Milicevic, M; Liew, A; Mentis, AF; Mereke, A; Sousa, Ana Catarina; Manda, AL; Gkitakou, A; Adam, B; Oancea, B; Socea, B; Unim, B; Smarandache, CG; Ngwa, CH; Santoso CMA, CMA; Sur, D; Plass, D; Pallari, E; Nena, E; Gazzelloni, F; Fisher, F; Mulita, F; Collatuzzo, G; Lewison, G; Wyper, G; Samouda, H; Negoi, I; Penalvo, JL; Gonzalez, JMG; Haagsma, J; Dokova, K; Lorenzovici, L; Monasta, L; Ortiz, MR; Hostiuc, M; Gissler, M; Speybroeck, N; Varga, O; Gaal, P; Kostoulas, P; O’Caoimh, R; Cuscieri, V; Namorado, S; Mestrovic, s; Gorasso, V; Zadnik, V; Mevsim, V; Kabir, Z Abstract: the second leading cause of mortality, closely following circulatory system diseases. Objective To describe trends in the burden of breast, cervical, and colon and rectum cancer in the Balkan region and per country between 1990 and 2019, including a forecast to 2030. Methods We described the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates for breast, cervical, and colon and rectum cancers in eleven Balkan countries over the period 1990–2019, including incidence, years lived with disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates per 100,000 population and accompanied 95% uncertainty interval. With the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, we forecasted these rates per country up to 2030. Results In the Balkan region, the highest incidence and DALYs rates in the study period were for colon and rectum, and breast cancers. Over the study period, the DALYs rates for breast cancer per 100,000 population were the highest in Serbia (reaching 670.84 in 2019) but the lowest in Albania (reaching 271.24 in 2019). In 2019, the highest incidence of breast cancer (85 /100,000) and highest YLD rate (64 /100,000) were observed in Greece. Romania had the highest incidence rates, YLD rates, DALY rates, and YLL rates of cervical cancer, with respective 20.59%, 23.39% 4.00%, and 3.47% increases for the 1990/2019 period, and the highest forecasted burden for cervical cancer in 2030. The highest incidence rates, YLD rates and DALY rates of colon and rectum cancers were continuously recorded in Croatia (an increase of 130.75%, 48.23%, and 63.28%, respectively), while the highest YLL rates were in Bulgaria (an increase of 63.85%). The YLL rates due to colon and rectum cancers are forecasted to progress by 2030 in all Balkan countries. Conclusion As most of the DALYs burden for breast, cervical, and colon and rectum cancer is due to premature mortality, the numerous country-specific barriers to cancer early detection and quality and care continuum should be a public priority of multi-stakeholder collaboration in the Balkan region. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z