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Cited by 17Marine and fisheries researchFish Ecology and Management StudiesOceanographic and Atmospheric Processes

Environmental Conditions along Tuna Larval Dispersion: Insights on the Spawning Habitat and Impact on Their Development Stages

Open access
Russo, Stefania, Torri, Marco, Patti, Bernardo, Musco, Marianna, Masullo, Tiziana, Di Natale, Marilena Vita, Sarà, Gianluca, Cuttitta, Angela·2022·Water
DOI 10.3390/w14101568
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Abstract

Estimated larval backward trajectories of three Tuna species, namely, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus, Linnaeus, 1758), Bullet Tuna (Auxis Rochei, Risso, 1801) and Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788) in the central Mediterranean Sea, were used to characterize their spawning habitats, and to assess the impact of changes due to the major environmental parameters (i.e., sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration) on larval development during their advection by surface currents. We assumed that the environmental variability experienced by larvae along their paths may have influenced their development, also affecting their survival. Our results showed that the Tuna larvae underwent an accelerated growth in favorable environmental conditions, impacting on the notochord development. In addition, further updated information on spawning and larval retention habitats of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Bullet and Albacore Tunas in the central Mediterranean Sea were delivered.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Backward Lagrangian simulations of tuna larvae in the Strait of Sicily were used to infer spawning habitats and relate environmental conditions experienced during dispersal to notochord development stages. The study reports species-specific hatching temperatures, oligotrophic spawning waters, and significant links between SST/Chl-a and developmental timing for Atlantic Bluefin and Bullet Tuna, but not Albacore.

Key findings

  • Estimated larval ages averaged 5 days for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ABT), 8 days for Bullet Tuna, and 7 days for Albacore Tuna; the maximum estimated age was 21 days for an ABT specimen in 2016.
  • Estimated hatching-site SST medians were 25.16 °C for ABT, 25.98 °C for Bullet, and 26.32 °C for Albacore; Chl-a medians were 0.048, 0.055, and 0.049 mg m⁻³, respectively, indicating oligotrophic waters. Bottom-depth medians were −283 m for ABT, −209 m for Bullet, and −507 m for Albacore.
  • For ABT, late pre-flexion larvae were associated with higher Chl-a than normal pre-flexion larvae (p < 0.001); in 2016, late pre-flexion ABT were associated with lower SST and higher Chl-a (both p < 0.001).
  • For Bullet Tuna at flexion stage, SST differed among developmental sub-groups (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.01), with early development at higher temperatures and late development at lower temperatures (Wilcoxon p < 0.01). No significant differences were found for Albacore across all years.

Methods

  • Ichthyoplankton samples came from summer surveys (June–August) in the Strait of Sicily from 2010 to 2016, using Bongo 40 and Bongo 90 nets towed from the surface to 100 m or in the surface mixed layer.
  • Larval ages were estimated from standard length using published otolith daily-increment relationships; backward trajectories were simulated with GNOME using CMEMS surface currents, wind forcing, horizontal diffusion, and 1000 particles per station, with simulation duration equal to estimated larval age.
  • Satellite SST and Chl-a were extracted along daily dispersion clouds, bottom depth from ETOPO1, and larvae were classified as preflexion, flexion, or post-flexion and as early, normal, or late based on standard-length quartiles; differences were tested with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Limitations

  • The authors state they did not evaluate genotypic differences or parental effects due to purely genetic factors, and recommend more in-depth genetic studies; they also note Albacore results are based on few observations and that further insights into physical processes affecting larval fate are needed.
  • Evident from the text: the study is correlational and does not directly measure larval survival or mortality; hatching locations and ages depend on empirical age-length relationships and Lagrangian model assumptions.
  • Evident from Table 1: sample sizes are uneven across species and developmental sub-categories, with some groups very small (e.g., Albacore early post-flexion n = 2).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/w14101568

Cites

72 of 72 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

33 of 62 cited sources checked · 16 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Biotic and abiotic conditions of the water column, particularly the surface layers, can strongly influence the distribution and abundance of fish larval stages, thereby affecting the reproductive success of many fish species.

    “The biotic and abiotic conditions of the water column, particularly the surface layers, can strongly influence the distribution and the abundance of the fish larval stages, thereby affecting the reproductive success of many fish species [1].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Cuttitta, 2018, Linking surface hydrodynamics to planktonic ecosystem: The case study of the ichthyoplanktonic assemblages in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Hydrobiologia source
  • Premisecitation

    The larval time interval is very short for Tuna species compared with other marine fish larvae.

    “This time interval is also very short for Tuna species compared with other marine fish larvae [19].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Mather, F.J., Mason, J.M., and Jones, A.C. (1995). Historical Document: Life History and Fisheries of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. source

      The Hypothetical Migration Model (page unavailable) describes Atlantic bluefin tuna development as extremely rapid and says larvae become active swimmers in 15 days. The Definitions section describes the larval stage of nearly all tuna species by length, but the available passages do not compare its duration with that of other marine fish larvae. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Interpretationcitation

    The Atlantic Ionian Stream (AIS) was one of the main drivers affecting larval advection.

    “In agreement with other studies focused on the same region, AIS was one the main drivers affecting larval advection [36,60,61].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [36] Patti, 2020, General surface circulation controls the interannual fluctuations of anchovy stock biomass in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Sci. Rep. source
    • cites [60] Torri, 2018, Planktonic stages of small pelagic fishes (Sardinella aurita and Engraulis encrasicolus) in the central Mediterranean Sea: The key role of physical forcings and implications for fisheries management, Prog. Oceanogr. source

      The Discussion (p. 11) links offshore larval transport in the northwest zone to a synergy between the AIS and upwelling, citing earlier studies. It does not identify the AIS alone as one of the main drivers of the transport analysed here; the Abstract (p. 1) and Discussion (p. 11) instead emphasize Mistral wind forcing and the resulting cold filament. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [61] Patti, 2018, Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) early life stages in the Central Mediterranean Sea: Connectivity issues emerging among adjacent sub-areas across the Strait of Sicily, Hydrobiologia source
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of backward larval trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Tuna larvae drift passively during the early life stage.
  • Premisecitation

    In agreement with other studies focused on the same region, AIS was one of the main drivers affecting larval advection.

    “In agreement with other studies focused on the same region, AIS was one the main drivers affecting larval advection [36,60,61].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim3 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [36] Patti, 2020, General surface circulation controls the interannual fluctuations of anchovy stock biomass in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Sci. Rep. source
    • cites [60] Torri, 2018, Planktonic stages of small pelagic fishes (Sardinella aurita and Engraulis encrasicolus) in the central Mediterranean Sea: The key role of physical forcings and implications for fisheries management, Prog. Oceanogr. source

      The Discussion (p. 11) links offshore larval transport to a synergy between the AIS and upwelling, supporting a role for AIS in advection. It does not identify AIS as one of the main drivers of the transport studied here; the Discussion (p. 11) instead emphasizes wind-induced cross-shore transport. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [61] Patti, 2018, Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) early life stages in the Central Mediterranean Sea: Connectivity issues emerging among adjacent sub-areas across the Strait of Sicily, Hydrobiologia source
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.
  • Premisecitation

    The Capo Passero area is characterized by a thermohaline front and warmer/saltier surface waters that favor the aggregation of larval stages of different fish species, including Tunas.

    “In particular, the Capo Passero area, characterized by a thermohaline front and warmer/saltier surface waters favoring the aggregation of larval stages of different fish species, including Tunas [30,[56][57][58]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [30] Russo, 2021, Unveiling the Relationship Between Sea Surface Hydrographic Patterns and Tuna Larval Distribution in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Front. Mar. Sci. source
    • cites [56][57][58]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims. 30
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 18
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Faster-growing individuals are favored over slower-growing individuals, the latter being exposed for a longer time to a vulnerable status characterized by higher mortality rates induced by predation and harder feeding conditions.

    “During this phase, faster-growing individuals are favored over slower-growing individuals, the latter being exposed for a longer time to a vulnerable status, characterized by higher mortality rates induced by predation and harder feeding conditions [2].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Anderson, 1988, A review of size dependent survival during pre-recruit stage of fishes in relation to recruitment, J. Northw. Atl. Fish. Sci. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The spawning behavior of Bluefin Tuna can respond to environmental or physical signs, or a mix of both.

    “The spawning behavior of Bluefin Tuna, in particular, can respond to environmental or physical signs, or a mix of both [18].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Reglero, 2012, Geographically and environmentally driven spawning distributions of Tuna species in the western Mediterranean Sea, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. source

      The section on spawning strategies says bluefin tuna follow environmental signals, and the Results link their spawning distribution strongly to oceanographic conditions. The Introduction says geographic and environmental cues can mix in fish generally, but the paper does not establish that bluefin tuna respond to geographic cues or a mixture of the two; the Results attribute less than 3% of explained variance to position alone. Page numbers were not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Three Tuna species reproducing in the Mediterranean Sea-Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Bullet Tuna, and Albacore Tuna-overlap their spatial ranges during the vulnerable reproductive phase and share spawning grounds and larval habitats.

    “Three Tuna fish species reproducing in the Mediterranean Sea also overlap their spatial ranges during the vulnerable reproductive phase, i.e., Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (ABT) (Thunnus thynnus, Linnaeus, 1758), Bullet Tuna (Auxis rochei, Risso, 1810) and Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga, Bonnaterre, 1788).”
    • Also stated in: § 1. Introduction · plain
      “this study analyzed the backward trajectories of larval specimens of the three Tuna species that overlap spatially during the summer season, sharing their spawning grounds and larval habitats [28,35].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [28] Alemany, 2010, Characterization of the spawning habitat of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna and related species in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean), Progr. Oceanogr. source
    • cites [35] Koched, 2013, Spatial distribution of Tuna larvae in the Gulf of Gabes (Eastern Mediterranean) in relation with environmental parameters, Mediterr. Mar. Sci. source

      The Introduction (p. 1) identifies all three named species as occurring in the Mediterranean, and the larval-abundance results (p. 5) place bluefin and bullet tuna larvae in the surveyed area. But the three species whose larvae the study found were bluefin, bullet tuna, and Atlantic black skipjack—not albacore. The paper therefore does not establish that all three species named in the claim overlap during reproduction or share spawning grounds and larval habitats. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The geographical distribution of Tuna species is closely linked to oceanographic conditions, which also influence their spawning behavior.

    “The geographical distribution of Tuna species is closely linked to oceanographic conditions, which also influence their spawning behavior [18].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] Reglero, 2012, Geographically and environmentally driven spawning distributions of Tuna species in the western Mediterranean Sea, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. source

      The Results report that oceanographic conditions strongly constrained bluefin tuna spawning locations, supporting a link between oceanography and spawning distribution. But the Abstract and Results say albacore and bullet tuna spawning habitats were driven mostly by geography. The claim overgeneralizes that oceanographic link to tuna species as a whole and to their geographical distribution beyond spawning. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Natal homing behavior is beneficial and is considered a strategy used by many organisms, including Tunas, to increase the likelihood of reproductive success and maximize larval survival.

    “natal homing behavior is beneficial and is considered a strategy used by many organisms, including Tunas [12,13], to increase the likelihood of reproductive success and maximize the larval survival.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [12] McMahon, 2013, A review of ecogeochemistry approaches to estimating movements of marine animals, Limnol. Oceanogr. source
    • cites [13] Rooker, 2014, Crossing the line: Migratory and homing behaviors of Atlantic bluefin Tuna, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. source

      The Discussion (page unavailable in our copy) says bluefin tuna return to natal sites to spawn and names other marine vertebrates that display homing. It does not say that natal homing increases reproductive success or maximizes larval survival; searches for those outcomes found no supporting passage. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fish larvae can make only small individual, mainly vertical, movements, but they undergo passive travel because they cannot decisively oppose currents.

    “During the early life phase, fish larvae can make only small individual, mainly vertical, movements, but they undergo passive travel because they cannot decisively oppose the currents [19,23,24].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [19] Mather, F.J., Mason, J.M., and Jones, A.C. (1995). Historical Document: Life History and Fisheries of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. source

      In “Presence of Pelagic Eggs and Larvae” (page unavailable), the paper discusses estimating passive transport from currents, supporting current-driven travel in early bluefin tuna. It does not say larval movements are mainly vertical or explicitly state that larvae cannot oppose currents. The “Hypothetical Migration Model” (page unavailable) adds that bluefin larvae become active swimmers within 15 days, so the claim should not be applied to the entire early life phase. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [23] Mariani, 2010, Modelling retention and dispersion mechanisms of bluefin Tuna eggs and larvae in the northwest Mediterranean Sea, Prog. Oceanogr. source
    • cites [24] Burgess, 2022, Individual variation in marine larval-fish swimming speed and the emergence of dispersal kernels, Oikos source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) says newly hatched larvae spend several days drifting before they can swim and navigate, supporting passive travel at the earliest stage. But it also says later larvae can influence dispersal through horizontal swimming, and the Discussion reports that faster swimmers were displaced less by a prevailing current. The claim's restriction to small, mainly vertical movements throughout the early-life phase is therefore not supported. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The Lagrangian simulation technique has already been successfully applied to study larval stages and their relationships with environmental conditions.

    “This technique has already been successfully applied to study larval stages and their relationships with environmental conditions [37,38].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [37] Cuttitta, 2015, Larval population structure of Engraulis encrasicolus in the Strait of Sicily as revealed by morphometric and genetic analysis, Fish. Oceanogr. source

      The Introduction (p. 2) says the study examines anchovy larvae in relation to environmental variability, and the Discussion (p. 9) considers how water dynamics may transport them. But the paper describes otolith, morphometric and genetic analyses—not an application of a Lagrangian simulation technique. Searches for that technique and for particle-tracking simulations found no supporting passage. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [38] Torri, 2021, Signals from the deep-sea: Genetic structure, morphometric analysis, and ecological implications of Cyclothone braueri (Pisces, Gonostomatidae) early life stages in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Mar. Environ. Res. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A Lagrangian simulation approach is able to estimate the larval path and identify spawning areas by backward calculation.

    “we used a Lagrangian simulation approach, which is able to estimate the larval path [36] and also to identify, by backward calculation, the spawning areas.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [36] Patti, 2020, General surface circulation controls the interannual fluctuations of anchovy stock biomass in the Central Mediterranean Sea, Sci. Rep. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The classification of larval developmental stages based on notochord and caudal fin ray morphology by Blanco et al. [55] is valid.

    “following the classification based on morphological characteristics of the notochord and caudal fin rays made by Blanco et al. [55].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [55] Blanco, 2019, The effect of nutritional condition by two nucleic acid derived indices on the growth to post-flexion of Atlantic bluefin Tuna and Atlantic bonito larvae, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Empirical relationships from previous Mediterranean studies accurately estimate the age of Tuna larvae from otolith daily increments and standard length.

    “we used the empirical relationships estimated in previous studies in the Mediterranean Sea on the daily increment of otolith rings related to standard length (SL) [40,41].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [40] Alemany, 2006, First data on growth and nucleic acid and protein content of field-captured Mediterranean bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) and Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) Tuna larvae: A comparative study, Sci. Mar. source
    • cites [41] Quintanilla, 2013, Hydrographic patterns conditioning variable trophic pathways and early life dynamics of Bullet Tuna Auxis rochei larvae in the Balearic Sea, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. source

      The Growth analysis section (page not available) says the authors measured standard length and estimated larval age by counting daily otolith increments. The larval growth results report linear fits, supporting the existence of an empirical age–length relationship for bullet tuna larvae in the Balearic Sea. The paper does not establish that such relationships accurately estimate age, or validate their use for tuna larvae generally. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Tuna fish are multiple batch spawners, and the reproductive events follow one another within their reproductive season.

    “In fact, Tuna fish are multiple batch spawners, and the reproductive events follow one another within their reproductive season [59].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Ciannelli, 2015, Evolutionary and ecological constraints of fish spawning habitats, ICES J. Mar. Sci. source

      The Adult and larval physiology section (page not available) says bluefin tuna are multiple batch spawners, with batches separated by an average of 1.2 days. This supports successive spawning events, but the passage establishes that pattern for bluefin tuna, not tuna species generally. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Tuna fish are multiple batch spawners, and their reproductive events follow one another within their reproductive season.

    “In fact, Tuna fish are multiple batch spawners, and the reproductive events follow one another within their reproductive season [59].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [59] Ciannelli, 2015, Evolutionary and ecological constraints of fish spawning habitats, ICES J. Mar. Sci. source

      The Adult and larval physiology section (page not provided) says bluefin tuna are multiple batch spawners, with batches separated by an average of 1.2 days. This supports successive spawning events, but the passage does not establish that all tuna species are multiple batch spawners. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Condition, growth and survival in marine fish larvae are influenced by food, temperature, hydrographic patterns, and environment in general.

    “Condition, growth and survival in marine fish larvae are influenced by food [68], temperature [69], hydrographic patterns [70], and environment in general [71].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [68] Green, 1999, Influence of larval feeding history on the body condition of Amphiprion melanopus, J. Fish. Biol. source
    • cites [69] Green, 2004, Temperature influences swimming speed, growth and larval duration in coral reef fish larvae, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. source

      The Results (§3.2; page unavailable) show that rearing temperature affected larval size and growth. The ecological discussion (§4.1; page unavailable) argues that lower temperature may reduce survival by extending the larval period and reducing swimming speed. The paper does not establish a temperature effect on larval condition; the food, hydrographic-pattern and general-environment clauses have separate citations and are not assessed here. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [70] Stiansen, 2002, Effect of larval ontogeny, tur- bulence and light on prey attack rate and swimming activ- ity in herring larvae, J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Recent tagging studies on adult ABT in the same reproductive area have shown different adult migratory behaviors.

    “More in-depth studies involving genetic aspects are recommended, especially after recent tagging studies on adult ABT in the same reproductive area have shown different adult migratory behaviors [74].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [74] Rouyer, T., Bernard, S., Kerzérho, V., Giordano, N., Giordano, F., Ellul, S., Ellul, G., Derridj, O., Canet, R., and Deguara, S. (2022). Electronic tagging of Bluefin Tunas from the Maltese spawning ground suggests size-dependent migration dynamics. Environ. Biol. Fishes. source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Embryo and larval characteristics, developmental rate, and metabolism are affected by the parents' genotype.

    “Embryo and larval characteristics, developmental rate, and metabolism are affected by the parents' genotype [72,73].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [72] Chambers, 1989, Egg size, female effects, and the correlation between early life history traits of capelin, Mallotus villosus: An appraisal at the individual level, Fish Bull.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [73] Green, 2005, Maternal and paternal effects determine size, growth and performance in larvae of a tropical reef fish, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. source

      The Introduction states that embryo and larval characteristics, including developmental rate and metabolism, are affected by the female parent's body condition and genotype. The paper also reports paternal effects on some offspring traits, but the passages do not establish that both parents' genotypes affect every characteristic listed, particularly metabolism. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The observed average ages of collected Tuna larvae were 5 days for ABT, 8 days for Bullet Tuna, and 7 days for Albacore Tuna.

    “Considering the whole available dataset, the observed average ages of collected larvae were 5 days for ABT, 8 days for Bullet Tuna, and 7 days for Albacore Tuna.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Tuna larvae underwent accelerated growth under favorable environmental conditions, and this impacted their notochord development.

    “Our results showed that the Tuna larvae underwent an accelerated growth in favorable environmental conditions, impacting on the notochord development.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Larvae with similar age, depending on their origins, could experience different paths, covering large or short distances, and could often be found in common retention areas.

    “It was also interesting to note how larvae with similar age, depending on their origins, could experience different paths, covering large or short distances, and could often be found in common retention areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    For Bullet, greater bottom depth values refer to origin points located in the Ionian Sea, and reflect the local orography, characterized by a narrow shelf area and a very steep continental slope but very close to the coastline.

    “For the same species, greater bottom depth values refer to origin points located in the Ionian Sea, and reflect the local orography, characterized by a narrow shelf area and a very steep continental slope but very close to the coastline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The backward trajectories of ABT and Bullet in 2014 mimic the average AIS path.

    “It is worth noting the case of ABT and Bullet in 2014, where the trajectories mimic the average AIS path (Figures S1e and S2e).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Albacore Tuna larvae showed the lowest estimated average ages in all surveys.

    “Albacore Tuna larvae showed the lowest estimated average ages in all surveys.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The estimated mean age of Bullet Tuna larvae was relatively stable over the sampling years, except in 2016, which was characterized by a low number of observations.

    “The estimated mean age of Bullet Tuna larvae was relatively stable over the sampling years, except in 2016, which was characterized by a low number of observations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For Chl-a, the difference between normal pre-flexion and late pre-flexion ABT larvae was significant (p < 0.001), with late pre-flexion associated with higher Chl-a concentrations.

    “On the contrary, for Chl-a, the difference between normal pre-flexion and late pre-flexion larvae was significant (p < 0.001; Figure 5a), with late pre-flexion associated with higher Chl-a concentrations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Examining ABT data by year, only in 2016 were some significant differences detected when comparing normal pre-flexion and late pre-flexion larval stages vs. SST (p < 0.001) and vs. Chl-a (p < 0.001), with late pre-flexion associated with lower SST and higher Chl-a concentrations.

    “Examining ABT data by year, only in 2016 were some significant differences detected when comparing”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Sampled larvae of the three species originated in highly oligotrophic waters, with quite low average concentration values, especially for ABT.

    “Figure 4b,e,h shows that sampled larvae of the three species originated in highly oligotrophic waters, with quite low average concentration values (Table 2) especially for ABT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The surface current transported the planktonic fish stages and concentrated them in the southeastern retention area, where other larvae coming from the eastern sector also converge.

    “The surface current transported the planktonic fish stages and concentrated them in the southeastern retention area, where other larvae coming from the eastern sector also converge.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Albacore larvae also showed a wider thermal range skewed towards warmer waters, though results for this species are based on few observations.

    “The same applies to Albacore, though results for this species is based on few observations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Larvae originating from spawning events in the Ionian Sea tend to converge south of Capo Passero, where they join with larvae from the western sector.

    “Larvae originating from spawning events in the Ionian Sea tend to also converge south of Capo Passero, where they join with larvae from the western sector (Figures S1-S3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Early development Bullet larvae were found at higher temperatures and late development larvae at lower temperatures.

    “Therefore, the early development larvae were found at higher temperatures and the late development larvae at lower temperatures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The surface current transported planktonic fish stages and concentrated them in the southeastern retention area, where other larvae from the eastern sector also converge.

    “The surface current transported the planktonic fish stages and concentrated them in the southeastern retention area, where other larvae coming from the eastern sector also converge.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of backward larval trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Tuna larvae drift passively during the early life stage.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The spawning habitat and the larval habitat have common characteristics, although some larvae have undertaken long transport routes.

    “The spawning habitat and the larval habitat have common characteristics, although some larvae have undertaken long transport routes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of backward larval trajectories represent the hatching sites.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the Mediterranean Sea, Tunas' larval habitats seem to be linked to specific temperature conditions, hydrographic characteristics, oceanographic mesoscale structures such as gyres and fronts, and oligotrophic waters that ensure larvae encounter fewer predators.

    “In the Mediterranean Sea, Tunas' larval habitats seem to be linked to specific temperature conditions, hydrographic characteristics, oceanographic mesoscale structures such as gyres and fronts, and oligotrophic waters that ensure the larvae encounter fewer predators [28][29][30].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28][29][30]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Marine currents carry and disperse pelagic eggs and larvae through different habitats, and consequently affect their fate.

    “Marine currents carry and disperse pelagic eggs and larvae through different habitats [5], and consequently affect their fate”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Vasile, 2018, Evaluation of hydrodynamic ocean models as a first step in larval dispersal modelling, Cont. Shelf Res. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Larval abundances are currently used as a proxy for assessing spawning stock biomass.

    “In fact, larval abundances are currently used as a proxy for assessing spawning stock biomass [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] Tugores, 2021, Assessing the spawning stock biomass of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the western mediterranean sea from a non-linear larval index (2001–2019), Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Tunas follow specific signals to commence reproductive events together, but this depends on species.

    “Tunas follow specific signals to commence reproductive events together, but this depends on species [14][15][16][17].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14][15][16][17]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    In some cases, Tuna larvae can be trapped by local mesoscale oceanographic structures.

    “while in some cases they can be trapped by local mesoscale oceanographic structures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: Tuna larvae behave as passive particles transported by surface currents and wind.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Wind influences surface circulation patterns.

    “The influence of wind on surface circulation patterns was also taken into account”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] NASA, GSFC, and NOAA (2016, September 30). Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform Ocean Surface Wind Vector L3.0 First-Look Analyses. Ver. 1. PO.DAAC, CA, USA, Available online: https://doi.org/10.5067/CCF30-01XXX.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The early life stage analyzed here represents the most critical period in the life history of fish, affected by the highest mortality rates.

    “The early life stage analyzed here represents the most critical period in the life history of fish, affected by the highest mortality rates [75].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [75] Hjort, 1914, Fluctuations in the great fisheries of northern Europe, Rapp. Proces Verbaux La Comm. Int. Pour L’exploration Sci. La Mer

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    This study did not evaluate any genotypic differences or a parental effect due to purely genetic factors.

    “In this study we did not evaluate any genotypic differences and a parental effect due to purely genetic factors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Understanding the links between ocean patterns, spatial distribution and paths of early life stages, and other environmental parameters is crucial for the sustainable management of fishery resources.

    “In fact, understanding the links between ocean patterns, spatial distribution and paths of early life stages, and other environmental parameters is crucial for the sustainable management of fishery resources [77,78].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [77] Chavez, 2003, From anchovies to sardines and back: Multidecadal change in the Pacific Ocean, Science source
    • cites [78] Knust, 2007, Climate change affects marine fishes through the oxygen limitation of thermal tolerance, Science source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Parental genotype together with environmental parameters can lead to morphological differences and affect recruitment success.

    “Together with the environmental parameters, they can lead to the manifestation of morphological differences and can affect the success of recruitment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The AIS seems to be fundamental in larval advection, and the front plays a key role trapping the larvae in a specific environment.

    “Therefore, the AIS seems to be fundamental in larval advection, and the front plays a key role trapping the larvae in a specific environment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The origin points of backward larval trajectories represent the hatching sites.
    • Rests on an assumption: Tuna larvae drift passively during the early life stage.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Understanding Tuna population dynamics is essential for determining the fundamental features of survival processes in the early life stages.

    “Understanding Tuna population dynamics is essential for determining the fundamental features of survival processes in the early life stages [76].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [76] Cowen, 2009, Larval dispersal and marine population connectivity, Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci. source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    Better information on spawning areas and larval habitats can help establish marine protected areas or areas closed to fishing, for a valid protection strategy for these important fish species.

    “Furthermore, as suggested by Mariani et al. [23], better information on spawning areas and larval habitats can help establish marine protected areas or areas closed to fishing, for a valid protection strategy for these important fish species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] Mariani, 2010, Modelling retention and dispersion mechanisms of bluefin Tuna eggs and larvae in the northwest Mediterranean Sea, Prog. Oceanogr. source
44 of 44

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Environmental variability experienced by larvae along their paths may have influenced their development and also affected their survival.

    “We assumed that the environmental variability experienced by larvae along their paths may have influenced their development, also affecting their survival.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    How environmental conditions affect larval survival and development during larval dispersal is still an open question.

    “However, how environmental conditions affect larval survival and development during larval dispersal is still an open question.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Tuna larvae behave as passive particles transported by surface currents and wind.

    “transport of passive particles (in the present study, Tuna larvae)”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The daily surface current field from altimetry products is the main mover of fish larvae.

    “the daily surface current field, i.e., the main”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The bulk of larval abundance is concentrated from the surface down to the maximum depth of the mixed layer.

    “the bulk of the larval abundance was likely to be concentrated from the surface down to the maximum depth of the mixed layer”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The origin points of estimated backward trajectories represent the hatching sites.

    “starting from the origin points of their estimated backward trajectories, which represent the hatching sites.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Backward Lagrangian simulations accurately reconstruct the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives.

    “Through backward Lagrangian simulations runs, the environmental conditions experienced by larvae throughout their lives were evaluated”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The estimated ages of larvae are accurate enough to infer spawning events.

    “The estimated ages allowed us to verify heterogeneity from year to year, indicating multiple spawning events within the studied area at different times.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The origin points of backward larval trajectories represent the hatching sites.

    “starting from the origin points of their estimated backward trajectories, which represent the hatching sites.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Tuna larvae drift passively during the early life stage.

    “environmental conditions experienced by larvae along their passive drifting phase”
10 of 10

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Bigeye tuna recruits experience exceedingly high mortality throughout the hatching and early life stages.

    “It is worth noting that the recruits experience exceedingly high mortality throughout the hatching and early life stages (Anderson, 1988; Russo et al., 2022; Shropshire et al., 2022).”

    From Impacts of phytoplankton availability on bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) recruitment in the Indian Ocean (2024) · cites this paper as Russo et al., 2022

    The Introduction says tuna eggs and larvae have high mortality, and the Discussion calls early life the period with the highest mortality rates (pages unavailable). But the paper's three studied species are Atlantic bluefin, bullet, and albacore tuna, not bigeye tuna; it does not establish the claim specifically for bigeye recruits. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Bullet Tuna authority year differs

    Minor

    The abstract gives Risso's authority year for Bullet Tuna as 1801, while the introduction gives it as 1810.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Tugores, 2021, Assessing the spawning stock biomass of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the western mediterranean sea from a non-linear larval index (2001–2019), Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 78, 276
  2. 2004, First data on the nutritional condition of the Mediterranean bullet tuna larvae, Auxis rochei, from the Balearic archipelago, Rapp. Comm. Int. Mer. Médit., 37, 337
  3. Quintanilla, 2010, Variable growth of bullet tuna larvae (Auxis rochei) related to hydrographic scenarios off the Balearic Sea, Rapp. Comm. Int. Mer. Medit., 39, 563
  4. Chambers, 1989, Egg size, female effects, and the correlation between early life history traits of capelin, Mallotus villosus: An appraisal at the individual level, Fish Bull., 87, 515
  5. Hjort, 1914, Fluctuations in the great fisheries of northern Europe, Rapp. Proces Verbaux La Comm. Int. Pour L’exploration Sci. La Mer, 20, 1

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Russo, S., Torri, M., Patti, B., Musco, M., Masullo, T., Di Natale, M. V., Sarà, G., & Cuttitta, A.
Affiliations
  • National Research Council (IT)
  • CNR-ISMed, National Research Council, Institute for Studies on the Mediterranean, 90145 Palermo, Italy
  • University of Palermo (IT)
Corresponding author
  • Russo, Stefania
  • Torri, Marco
ORCID
Venue
Water
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2022-05-13
Volume
14
Issue
10
Pages
1568
ISSN
2073-4441 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/w14101568
OpenAlex
W4280496393
Cited by
17
References
70
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 2
FWCI
1.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Water (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Nova Science Publishers (Nova Science Publishers, Inc.) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Funders
  • Italian Ministry MIPAAF
  • Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission (DG MARE)
  • Sicilian Regional Government
  • Italian Ministry of Economic Development
  • Italian Ministry of Education
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Marine and fisheries research
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Fish Ecology and Management Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Oceanography › Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes
Keywords
tuna larvae, larval dispersal, spawning grounds, larval development, larval growth, notochord development, Thunnus thynnus, bullet tuna, Auxis rochei, albacore tuna, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll a, larval advection, surface currents, Central Mediterranean

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-16.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-16.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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