Histological-based characterization of ovarian developmental stages in blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) within the spawning season in the central western Adriatic Sea.

The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) is a euryhaline and eurythermal species native to the Atlantic coasts of the Americas. Although its widespread distribution across the Mediterranean basin is well documented, information on its reproductive patterns remains limited. This study focused on the combination of both macroscopic and histologic characterization of ovarian developmental stages in female blue crabs along the north-central Italian Adriatic coast, within the spawning period.

Microplastics evidence in yolk and liver of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), a pilot study.

The potential toxicity of microplastics is a growing concern for the scientific community. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is particularly inclined to accidently ingest plastic and microplastic due to its long-life cycle features. The possible transfer of microplastics from the female to the eggs should be investigated.