Researchers argue that inland fisheries can be protected by extending sustainable seafood initiatives to freshwater species. Modified approaches would be needed due to smaller and more concentrated fisheries in developing countries.
Antarctic killer whales perform rapid migrations to warmer tropical waters in search of relief from cold temperatures. The whales shed their thick layer of diatoms, which helps with skin regeneration in the warmer environment.
Scientists have revised their estimate of the North Pacific humpback whale population, increasing it from 20,000 to possibly over 21,000. This new research uses a refined statistical analysis of data compiled in 2008 and suggests a strong recovery from whaling.
Researchers found that timid fish are more likely to be caught using angling techniques near rocky outcrops or submerged vegetation, while bolder fish are targeted by beach seining. The study's findings suggest that boldness can influence an individual's capture technique and habitat preference.
A new study provides a predictive sequence of events leading to coral reef collapse and identifies key sustainability targets for managing coral reefs. Researchers found that well-protected areas typically have 1000-1500 kilos of reef fish per hectare, and regulations restricting gear or species can help maintain biomass.
Two key Southern California fisheries have collapsed due to a combination of overfishing of spawning areas and changes in oceanographic conditions. The study found that despite stable catch rates, the population sizes of barred sand bass and kelp bass decreased by 90% since 1980.
Three NOAA scientists, James Morris, Erin Oleson, and David Richardson, have been recognized for their outstanding work in ecology, whale and dolphin research, and fishery dynamics. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of invasive species, marine conservation, and sustainable fishing practices.
A major shift in European fish stocks is already underway due to rapidly rising temperatures, with some species' losses being others' gains. The study found that over 72% of common fish species have changed in abundance related to warming trends, with three out of four species increasing in numbers.
The number of sea turtles accidentally caught and killed in US fishing gear has declined by 90% since 1990, according to a new study. This drop is attributed to measures reducing bycatch in many fisheries and overall declines in US fishing activity, which have led to fewer turtle deaths annually, from over 300,000 to around 460.
A team of experts recommends ending most commercial fishing in the deep sea due to their unsustainability. The study suggests redirecting subsidies to rebuild fish populations in closer-to-coastal waters.
The USGS presented several studies on various fish-related topics, including the benefits of habitat restoration for juvenile salmon and the importance of targeting younger silver carp to control their population. Climate change may impact smallmouth bass populations, with warmer temperatures affecting growth in southern climates.
A global study found that seven out of 61 species are threatened, with the southern bluefin tuna being one of them. The main factors contributing to this are the fish's high dollar value leading to heavy fishing pressure and their slow reproduction rate.
Researchers found that environmental factors, such as warming waters, are shifting the distribution of Atlantic mackerel northeastward and into shallower waters. This could impact U.S. commercial and recreational mackerel fisheries, which may face more variable resource conditions in the future.
A new population model explains Atlantic herring population trends driven by haddock egg predation. The study suggests that when haddock populations are high, conservative fishing efforts can trigger severe declines in herring populations due to predation on eggs.
Patricia Soranno is pioneering landscape limnology, a new field of research that studies bodies of water as integrated elements in the landscape. The goal is to create a new understanding for natural resource managers to address unique freshwater resources in a landscape context.
The study assesses the impact of ocean acidification on mollusk harvests worldwide, particularly in poor and developing nations. Nations with high dependence on shellfish and lack of aquaculture are most vulnerable, with Senegal, Madagascar, Gambia, Mozambique, and Haiti expected to be heavily impacted.
A study tracking 126 leatherbacks found that they migrate across vast Pacific areas and require greater international collaboration for protection. The researchers discovered diverse foraging behaviors influenced by oceanographic features, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Research published in Nature reveals Canadian cod populations are recovering, with haddock playing a dominant role, and a reversal of predator-prey roles contributing to the growth of smaller fish species. The study suggests an ecological transition towards balance is underway.
A study on Southern Resident killer whales found that they mate within their own pods, leading to a reduction in genetic diversity. This behavior may be unique to the population's small size and could put them at risk of genetically deteriorating further.
A monitoring and testing program has consistently shown amounts of toxic substances in Gulf seafood 100-1,000 times smaller than health concerns. Safety monitoring continues despite lingering concerns among scientists and consumers.
A new study reveals that small-scale fisheries in Peru are capturing tens of thousands of turtles from across the Pacific. The researchers found that thousands of sea turtles are likely to be caught annually while foraging in Peru's waters, often resulting in injuries from becoming tangled in fishing gear.
A study published in Fish and Fisheries reveals that 28% of cod products sold in Ireland are mislabeled, compared to 7% in the UK. The research found that most mislabeled products were less expensive fish species substituted for cod.
The study highlights the urgent need for effective management of tuna and billfish populations. Five species of tuna are in the threatened or Near Threatened categories, while three billfish species are also at risk.
A new study reveals that Antarctic krill feed on iron-rich fragments from the sea floor, releasing it into the water and stimulating phytoplankton growth. This process enhances the ocean's natural storage of carbon dioxide, with implications for managing commercial krill fisheries.
A new study suggests that the threat posed by invasive Asian carp to the Great Lakes ecosystem is real and warrants action. The research finds that separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through hydrological separation could provide a permanent solution to prevent further ecological and economic harm.
A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.
A recent study reveals that international seafood markets are overfishing Madagascar's waters, leading to a decline in key species groups such as shrimp, shark, and sea cucumber. The impact on local food security is significant, with two-thirds of the population facing hunger.
A potent toxin, ciguatoxin, has been discovered in Hawaiian monk seals, posing a significant threat to their dwindling population. The toxin accumulates in fish consumed by humans and causes acute gastrointestinal and neurological illness.
Researchers developed a mutant form of wheat called 'sweet wheat', which contains more sugars and healthful carbohydrates than regular wheat. The new flour may provide health benefits when used in foods like breads and cakes.
Researchers developed a forensic mitochondrial DNA species identification technique to distinguish between sardines and horse mackerel. The method has been applied to over 20 sardine and 20 horse mackerel species, facilitating fisheries imports monitoring and tracking.
A new study finds that small fish populations are just as likely to have collapsed in the last 50 years as large fish stocks. Small species were up to twice as likely to have suffered a major decline due to overfishing, highlighting their importance in the oceanic food chain.
A new method for measuring biomass reveals that fish stocks are more stable than widely believed, with only 12% collapsed and 26% overexploited. The study suggests that biomass data can ground truth catch trends, revealing biases in catch data estimates.
A new study finds that human responses to a changing environment determine environmental tipping points in ecosystems. Regulatory choices can influence behavior and alter ecosystem outcomes. Strong institutional support is crucial for effective management.
The spread of non-native zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes has caused significant ecological changes, stripping lakes Michigan and Huron of life-supporting algae. This has resulted in a remarkable transformation and threatens multibillion-dollar U.S. fisheries.
Researchers developed new models to predict seabird bycatch, using remotely sensed data to project where birds and boats are likely to intersect. The models demonstrate potential for improved conservation efforts in predicting bird habitats.
Researchers observed killer whales favoring Weddell seals as their primary target despite the availability of other prey species. The study provides insight into the cooperative hunting behavior of killer whales in Antarctic waters.
Marine biologists from the University of Miami have created a probabilistic survey approach to count reef fish, increasing efficiency and accuracy. This framework can support long-term sustainability of reef resources globally, informing management decisions for coral reefs in various regions.
Predatory fish such as cod, tuna, and groupers declined by two-thirds while small forage fish like sardine, anchovy, and capelin more than doubled between 1880 and 2007. This trend suggests that humans are impacting ecosystems globally.
A 10-year study found that restricting fishing gear, including small-mesh seine nets, promotes predatory fish species and increases body length. Even unregulated areas saw improvements to the fish community. Strong management can also benefit adjacent weakly managed areas.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia estimate that Arctic fisheries catches totaled 950,000 tonnes from 1950 to 2006, significantly higher than previously reported. The study reveals a lack of accurate data on small-scale fisheries and their impact on biodiversity in the region.
A new survey suggests that over 90% of former oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, with the majority being found in North America. The decline is mainly attributed to over-harvesting and disease, highlighting the need for improved mapping efforts and sustainable fishing practices.
A new research agenda prioritizing baseline data for marine species is needed to diagnose population recovery after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The authors emphasize focusing on endangered species and economic impacts to inform management strategies.
Community-based co-management is a promising solution for sustaining world's fisheries, according to new study. The approach shares responsibility between government and users, fostering social cohesion, clear incentives, and protected areas.
A study finds that community-based co-management is key to sustaining aquatic resources and the livelihoods of communities depending on them. Co-management involves sharing responsibility for resources between governments and users, leading to successful and sustainable fisheries worldwide.
A study found that growing hypoxic zones are reducing oxygen-rich waters preferred by billfish and tuna. The shrinking habitat may lead to increased catches, giving a false impression of more abundant fish stocks.
Marine ecologists at Oregon State University have shown that tiny fish larvae can drift with ocean currents and replenish fished areas long distances. This discovery adds credibility to the effectiveness of marine reserves in rebuilding fishery stocks, providing a significant demonstration of their ability to sustain fisheries beyond t...
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
Mandy Karnauskas, a Ph.D. student at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, won the best student poster award for her research on marine reserves in Belize to understand why fishers and scientists often have different perceptions of change in fish abundance around these areas.
A new study measures the spatial expansion of global fisheries, revealing a nearly five-fold increase in catch from 1950 to 2005. The study's findings indicate that fisheries have expanded at an unsustainable rate, leaving no room for further expansion.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
The Florida Keys bonefish census showed a 25% decline in bonefish population, with only about 240,000 fish found compared to an 8-year average of 316,805. The decline may signal broader ecosystem problems and requires careful future monitoring.
A new analysis by an international team of fisheries scientists found that the widely adopted indicator, average catch trophic level, led to inaccurate conclusions in 13 out of 29 trawl surveys from 14 ecosystems. The study suggests that this measure is a woefully inadequate assessment of marine fisheries health.
A new analysis by an international team of scientists found that changes in trophic levels of caught fish have little correlation with ecosystem health. In fact, global catches of fish at all trophic levels have generally increased since the mid-80s, contradicting previous warnings about 'fishing down food webs'.
Scientists have discovered that whales' feces pump up ocean productivity, increasing phytoplankton growth and secondary productivity. This boost has a significant impact on fisheries, resulting in bigger fisheries and higher fish abundances.
A recent study tracked Atlantic sturgeon migrations, revealing vast oceanic distances traveled and highlighting the need for long-range conservation measures. The research suggests that PSAT technology can effectively study sturgeon behavior and define critical habitat.
Iowa State University researchers estimate a new fisheries system will reduce fishing costs by up to $22 million annually. The system uses tradable permits to control catch amounts, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the fishing industry.
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Chesapeake Biological Laboratory is rebuilding its historic research pier after receiving a $1.7 million National Science Foundation grant. The pier, which has played a crucial role in climate change and fisheries management research since 1936, sustained major damage from r...
Researchers developed the FishSmart program to improve fisheries management, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. The program resulted in more conservative harvest measures for king mackerel in the Southeast United States, protecting both commercial and recreational interests.
Four new studies reveal global fisheries' significant economic contribution of $225-$240 billion per year, while also highlighting the devastating impact of overfishing. The research shows that healthier fisheries could have prevented malnourishment in nearly 20 million people in poorer countries.
Leading international scientists propose a new approach to marine tenure to reverse the 'tragedy of the commons' and restore fish stocks. A successful experiment in Chile shows that co-operative models for fishery management can improve sustainability.