Report on the occurrence of the hydromedusa Odessia maeotica (Ostroumoff, 1896) in the north-eastern Atlantic revealed by citizen science and integrative taxonomy

Abstract

Gelatinous zooplankton are essential components of healthy ecosystems. Given their characteristic life cycle, ecological aspects and adaptability to a variety of oceanic conditions, these organisms are considered indicators of climate change, having particular advantages relative to other taxa. Citizen science initiatives are becoming increasingly frequent, providing data that are otherwise difficult to collect and interesting results for different taxa worldwide, allowing for example the detection of new occurrences. The ongoing citizen science program GelAvista, running since 2016, gathers data reported by observers on jellyfish occurrences in Portuguese waters, in the north-eastern Atlantic. The program has enhanced the knowledge of these organisms, providing data on biodiversity, and the dynamics of their distribution and abundance. Particular sightings of hydromedusae were received through GelAvista for mainland Portugal, close to the Tagus River, in the Lisbon Bay region. The species was morphologically and molecularly identified as Odessia maeotica, comprising its first reported occurrence in the Lisbon Bay. The details on the occurrence of the species are provided and discussed given the current knowledge of the species.