 |
|
Commercial fishing causes dangerous fluctuations in fish populations
October 19, 2006Commercial fishing causes serious fluctuations in fish populations leaving them in danger of total collapse, says new research published today. These fluctuations mean current measures in place to control fish stocks may not be sufficient to ensure their sustainability.
The research, which is published in today's Nature, involved compiling the largest ever survey of both exploited fish and non-exploited fish off the California coast. The research team looked at how the abundance of both types of fish varied over a 50 year period, and found the first evidence that exploited species' population levels vary far more than non exploited species' in the same ecosystem.
Researchers concluded that this increased variability in exploited fish stocks was most likely to be caused by the effect fishing has on the age structure of a population. Heavily-fished populations are unlikely to contain any fish older than a few years old, and as such are wholly reliant on the successful growth of larvae into baby fish (recruits) to maintain population numbers year on year.
Professor John Beddington from Imperial College London's Division of Biology, who worked on the study, explained: "Intensive fishing makes populations vulnerable because if they rely on recruits to replenish their numbers, there is always the danger that some kind of environmental factor will devastate the recruits in one season. This would leave the population close to collapse, with very few young fish coming into the group to replace those being caught."
Professor Beddington adds that the increased variability has serious implications for the way in which fish stocks are managed: "Typically fish populations are managed by governments setting total allowable catch limits (TACs), but a fixed TAC which doesn't take into account the variability of abundance over time, may mean that in some years it is completely incompatible with the population size. This means that fishing vessels could unwittingly overexploit the population, even though they are abiding by set limits."
Researchers hope that their findings will mean future decisions about fishery management take into account the variations caused by fishing, to safeguard the future of key fish populations.
Imperial College London
Professor John Beddington from Imperial College London's Division of Biology, who worked on the study, explained: "Intensive fishing makes populations vulnerable because if they rely on recruits to replenish their numbers, there is always the danger that some kind of environmental factor will devastate the recruits in one season. This would leave the population close to collapse, with very few young fish coming into the group to replace those being caught."
Professor Beddington adds that the increased variability has serious implications for the way in which fish stocks are managed: "Typically fish populations are managed by governments setting total allowable catch limits (TACs), but a fixed TAC which doesn't take into account the variability of abundance over time, may mean that in some years it is completely incompatible with the population size. This means that fishing vessels could unwittingly overexploit the population, even though they are abiding by set limits."
Researchers hope that their findings will mean future decisions about fishery management take into account the variations caused by fishing, to safeguard the future of key fish populations.
Imperial College London
Fishing Current Events and Fishing News RSSUnknowlingly consuming endangered tuna
While most of us would never willingly consume a highly endangered species, doing so might be as easy as plucking sushi from a bento box.
TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers
Policy makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century.
Studies show marine reserves can be an effective tool for managing fisheries
Studies conducted in California and elsewhere provide support for the use of marine reserves as a tool for managing fisheries and protecting marine habitats, according to biologists at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Scientists are first to 'unlock' the mystery of creating cultured pearls from the queen conch
For more than 25 years, all attempts at culturing pearls from the queen conch (Strombus gigas) have been unsuccessful-until now.
North Atlantic Fish Populations Shifting as Ocean Temperatures Warm
About half of 36 fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, many of them commercially valuable species, have been shifting northward over the last four decades, with some stocks nearly disappearing from U.S. waters as they move farther offshore, according to a new study by NOAA researchers.
Remotely Operated Vehicles and Satellite Tags Aid Turtle Studies
Researchers are using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and satellite-linked data loggers to learn more about turtle behavior in commercial fishing areas and to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear.
World interest in Australian fishery impact test
An Australian method for assessing the environmental impact of marine fisheries has caught the eye of fishery management agencies worldwide.
UAB research could boost coastal economics with crustacean molting on demand
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers are close to unraveling intricate cellular pathways that control molting in blue crabs. The discoveries could revolutionize the soft-shell crab industry, generating new jobs and additional profits for the U.S. fishing industry along the coastal Southeast.
World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science.
Fewer hikers means less support for conservation, study says
Serious hikers and backpackers tend to become supporters of environmental and conservation groups while casual woodland tourists do not, a new study says -- and a recent fall-off in strenuous outdoor endeavors portends a coming decline in the ranks of conservation backers.
More Fishing Current Events and Fishing News Articles
 |
Okuma Voyager Travel Fishing Kit (100/6) by Okuma Okuma Voyager Travel Spinning Pack... just the thing for the trail! Great for travel, camping and backpacking! Take this handy Fishing Kit just about anywhere! Includes 5-Pc. 6' graphite composite rod teamed-up with a spinning ball bearing reel. And when you're done fishing, everything packs away in the soft-sided, space-saving carry case! Light, corrosion-resistant aluminum spool. Durable ceramic guides; Comfy cork grip; Stainless steel hooded reel seats. Save on this go-everywhere fishing kit! Order Today! Okuma Voyager Travel Spinning Pack |
 |
Casio Men's Pathfinder Forester Fishing Moon Phase Watch #PAS400B-5V by Casio The Casio Forester moon phase fishing watch is the perfect timepiece for avid anglers, with a stylish design well suited for both land and sea wear. In addition to the automatic time, day, month and date displays, this convenient digital watch also indicates the best times to fish based on the moon's phase, latitude and longitude. The watch displays the moon's age, phase and time, as well as sunrise and sunset information, for the current or designated day. A handy vibration alert can be used with the daily alarm, hourly time signal, or fishing timer so as not to disturb the quiet on the water. The watch also offers a time memo, a 1/100 second stopwatch, and five daily alarm settings. An automatic electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow makes the display easy to read at any time, and... |
 |
Grip 9 Piece Fisherman's Tool Kit by 54581 Ideal set for scaling and cleaning all kinds of fish, deer, and small game. Stainless steel blades resist rust and corrosion and provide superior durability in extreme conditions. Contents: 1 pc 8" boning knife, 1 pc 6" boning knife, 1 pc 5" two sided knife with saw teeth, 1 pc 8" kitchen scissors, 1 pc heavy duty plastic cutting board, 1 pc spring loaded scale, 1 pc 12" knife file, 1 pair of dotted gloves, 1 pc blow mold storage case. |
 |
Rapala Rattlin 05 Fishing Lures (Bluegill, Size- 2) by Rapala Cast out a Rattlin' Rapala and watch the swimming action at slow to very fast retrieve rates--you'll be amazed. This extra-loud shallow-running crankbait is equipped with 2 full-size treble hooks for sure hookups. Special "tuned" sound chamber is loaded with rattlin' BBs that are harmonic, uniform and "in tune" with nature, and alert and arouse the attack instinct in fish |
 |
Fogo Rocket Rod Jet Cast Fishing Rod by Spin Master Finally, a fishing system that lets kids truly enjoy the fishing experience. The Rocket Fishing Rod accurately casts up to 30 feet, just pump, launch & reel 'em in! Patented safety bobber hides the hook until it hits the water. Makes fishing fun and safe, just pull back, point and cast. The safety bobber ensures that there are no accidental hooks. Quality engineered - patented design and rugged ABS construction to thrive in the great outdoors. A huge innovation in family fishing. |
 |
Premium Stainless Steel Fishing Pliers, Crimper, Line Cutter by Senter An outstanding value in a premium-grade fishing tool appreciated by beginners and experts. Includes adjustable wrist lanyard and heavy-duty belt holster with hook-&-loop closure. |
 |
Plano Tackle Box - 2 Tray with 136 Piece Tackle Kit by South Bend Takle kit includes: three assorted floats, one 1/8 oz. jig head, one 1/4 oz. jig head, ten each size BB, 3/0 & 7 split shot, one 6' poly stringer, thirty size 2 baitholder hooks, two 6" curl tail worms, two each 3" & 4" curl tail grubs, thirty-one each size 4 & 6 baitholder hooks and one hook disgorger. |
 |
World Smallest Mini Fishing Fish Rod Pen Reel Pole by AIMStore Made of high quality stainless steel and polished aluminum. This fishing rod is small but can catch fish up to 4lbs. When closed: 8 inches and fully extends to 37inches. It's not just a toy, you can actually catch fish! It's small and lightweight, you can store it anywhere. Dont buy junk, get the real thing. Come with stainless steel reel: forward and reverse ratchet stop with drag control and casting brake. Capacity: 120 yd on 5lb line. (also includes hooks, everything you need to get started fishing) Gear ratio 5:1 |
 |
What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing by Frank Baron (Author) Expert, field-tested advice for anglers at every level This comprehensive, entertaining, and foolproof guide covers everything novice and avid anglers need to know to catch freshwater fish--from bass and trout to salmon and walleye--and reveals the two basic ways to catch ALL fish. With numerous photographs and illustrations, easy-to-follow instructions, and a liberal dose of good humor, the author shares his 40 years of angling expertise, including how to: Read the waters and the weather Select the right baits and lures for particular fish and situations Know which gear is essential and which is merely desirable Get maximum results on a minimum budget Practice proper etiquette and ethics Turn a tough day into a great one with dozens of tricks and tips Laced... |
 |
Life is Simple - Fish T-Shirt - Large by Earth Sun Moon Life is Simple. Eat. Sleep. Fish. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |