Assessing the impact of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi on artisanal fisheries in the Venice Lagoon: an interdisciplinary approach

Massive blooms of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi (sea walnut) in Venice Lagoon have significantly disrupted artisanal fisheries, marking one of the first documented socioeconomic impacts of this species in the Mediterranean. Research combining fishers’ local knowledge, long-term landing data, and field sampling revealed that landings declined sharply during blooms, coinciding with rising water temperatures. The study also identified mechanical obstruction of fishing nets by ctenophores as a critical operational barrier. This interdisciplinary approach provides foundational evidence for short- and long-term ecological and socioeconomic consequences, offering actionable insights to inform mitigation strategies for vulnerable lagoon ecosystems.

Piccardi, F., Poli, F., Sguotti, C., Tirelli, V., Borme, D., Mazzoldi, C., & Barausse, A. (2024). Assessing the impact of the invasive ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi on artisanal fisheries in the Venice Lagoon: an interdisciplinary approach. Hydrobiologia, 852(8-9), 2387–2405. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-024-05505-6