A group of experts from UBC and Scripps Institution criticizes the MSC for failing to promote sustainable fishing practices, citing concerns over declining fish populations and high-impact methods like bottom trawling.
A pilot study in North Carolina found that mailing surveys instead of calling people on the phone yields higher response rates and more complete data. This method is being tested as a replacement for the current home telephone survey used by NOAA to determine which areas off the coast are overfished.
A new survey of Antarctic krill reveals high biomass densities and stable populations in shallow waters, challenging traditional offshore survey methods. The study's findings have significant implications for krill fishery management.
Researchers will develop a forecasting ability to predict toxic dinoflagellate blooms and build a mobile lab to investigate the key driver behind fish-killing algae. The goal is to provide seasonal predictions and minimize public health risks.
A new study challenges the long-held critical depth hypothesis, which suggests that phytoplankton bloom in temperate oceans due to improving light conditions. Instead, researchers found that winter storms play a key role in creating blooms, and warmer ocean temperatures may actually curtail productivity.
NOAA has selected Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, to lead a new research partnership, CIMEC, to study climate change and coastal ecosystems. The institute will focus on ecosystem-based management of fisheries and continue the longstanding work of JIMO in climate and ocean sciences.
A recent study analyzed worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years, finding that fishermen prioritize profit over top predators. The research revealed that nearly all high-catch fisheries are already developed, with few new opportunities existing today.
A new study in Nature highlights the importance of population diversity within species for maintaining stable fisheries. Without sufficient diversity, fisheries would close more frequently, leading to economic instability. The study emphasizes the need to preserve habitat networks to maintain population diversity.
A study reveals the European Common Fisheries Policy has promoted unsustainable fishing practices, including the expansion of fleets into vulnerable ecosystems. To reverse this trend, experts propose new regulations, such as creating marine reserves and adopting more sustainable fishing methods to protect marine biodiversity.
Scientists propose a new approach to selective fishing that prioritizes ecosystem health and biodiversity, challenging traditional methods. The 'balanced exploitation' approach combines reduced fishing effort with better use of non-target species to achieve sustainable yields while maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Research found that forestry access roads can negatively affect walleye populations in remote lakes, with lakes containing the species needing more protection. The presence and location of roads also impact lake fishing quality and accessibility.
Researchers found trawl fish landings peaked in 1937 at 14 times higher than today and bottom-living fish availability fell by 94%. The decline in popular fish stocks such as cod, haddock, and plaice is more profound than previously thought. The study suggests a longer period of damage to fisheries has taken place
A new understanding of marine ecology has emerged, revealing that mussel populations are connected across vast distances through communication. This discovery has significant implications for the design of marine reserves and fisheries management.
Researchers analyzed genetic evidence from 139 killer whales and found clear differences among species in the Antarctic and North Pacific. The study suggests that two types of killer whales are separate species, with additional analysis needed to confirm other possible species.
A new study estimates that up to two million sea turtles may have been caught in commercial fishing gear since 1990, highlighting the need for guidelines to reduce turtle bycatch. The study suggests that using circle hooks and Turtle Excluder Devices can significantly reduce losses.
A new model forecasts Atlantic croaker population increases and shifts due to climate change, with potential for higher yields. The study demonstrates the importance of considering environmental factors in fisheries management.
The Pew Environment Group announced five individuals receiving the 2010 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to address pressing challenges in ocean conservation. The Fellows will focus on projects such as reducing seabird bycatch, protecting coral reefs, and enhancing shellfish management.
Scientists on a research vessel are trawling for prey of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gather data on their feeding ecology. The study will help conserve and protect these endangered large whales by understanding how they utilize their environment.
Researchers propose limiting longline fishing in summer months and areas over 35 nautical miles from land to drastically reduce accidental loggerhead turtle captures. Using fish as bait may also help, but could affect swordfish catches.
The study aims to understand how changing climate affects phytoplankton growth and organic carbon distributions. Researchers will collect data on sea surface temperatures, salinities and chlorophyll levels to refine biogeochemistry models.
A new special issue of Oceanography presents groundbreaking research on seamounts, highlighting the importance of these underwater mountains for marine life and global ocean health. The study reveals devastating impacts from overfishing and habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices.
A recent study by an international working group of economists, marine scientists, and seafood experts emphasizes the need for sustainable fisheries to ensure global food security. The researchers highlight the complex environmental, political, and economic factors threatening global seafood supplies and livelihoods.
Researchers are working with commercial fishermen to track monkfish migration patterns using electronic tags implanted under the skin. The study aims to improve understanding of the fish's biology and behavior, including its age and growth rate, as well as its interaction with ocean currents and tides.
A new acoustic telemetry system, JSATS, detects 98% of tagged fish in juvenile salmon migration studies, allowing for more precise survival estimates and reducing the number of fish needed. The system's smaller tag size and flexible receiver placement capabilities also improve conservation efforts.
A team of experts found that knowing fish spawning habits and oceanographic models can increase both conservation and fisheries profitability. Spatial information is key to achieving this balance.
Researchers use new acoustic sensors to monitor endangered North Atlantic right whales and reduce ship strikes, a leading cause of their deaths. The tools improve monitoring capabilities and enhance management efforts to protect these whales.
A new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that catch share programs increase predictability in fisheries but do not necessarily lead to better ecological conditions. The research analyzed 15 catch share programs in the US and Canada, concluding they work well to avoid erratic swings, but may not result in larger fish populations.
A new study found that the abundance of roundscale spearfish, a look-alike species of white marlin, clouds the accuracy of past population size assessments. This misidentification might have impacted management efforts and highlights the need for updated biological knowledge on white marlin.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered a downward curve in the pitch of blue whale songs across the globe. The decline may be due to an increase in population size, allowing males to sing lower frequency songs that don't need to travel as far.
Marine aquaculture has the potential to meet global food demand as freshwater resources are limited and terrestrial agriculture struggles. Expanding marine aquaculture operations using low-on-the-food-chain organisms like plankton and algae can achieve sustainable growth.
The discovery of massive methane pits in the Hudson Canyon has significant implications for the region's marine ecosystem. The pits, found by Rutgers University and NOAA researchers using a robotic underwater vehicle, are believed to be related to the dissolution of gas hydrates and could support a diverse range of fish species.
Researchers have unraveled the evolutionary relationships among various species of box jellyfish, providing insight into their toxicity. The study could help develop antivenoms and treatments for deadly stings.
A UBC study suggests that finding alternative feed sources for farm animals can significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries, while contributing positively to climate change. The researchers propose new strategies to effect swifter and larger-scale changes in the fishing industry.
Researchers found that marine reserves replenish harvested species outside the reserve, producing larger fish and more plentiful populations. The establishment of reserves also supports larval production, benefiting fished populations.
A collaborative project between NOAA, the Town of Riverhead, and a commercial oyster farmer is measuring the effect of a FLUPSY on water quality and sediment characteristics in Riverhead's East Creek. The study aims to determine the impact of floating shellfish nurseries on the local environment.
A study by NOAA researchers found that about half of 36 fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean have shifted northward over the last four decades, with some nearly disappearing from U.S. waters as they move farther offshore. Fish species are adapting to changing temperatures by moving to cooler or deeper waters.
Scientists will investigate hypoxia's development and impact on Gulf fish populations, including shrimp and croaker. The research aims to refine management strategies for the dead zone, a critical threat to commercial and recreational fisheries.
Two juvenile loggerhead turtles have been tracked with satellite-linked data loggers since August, providing insights into their behavior and habitat. The researchers are now working to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear, using the data to improve conservation efforts.
The researcher aims to understand the nesting ecology of bog turtles in southwestern Virginia and evaluate factors limiting nesting success. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to examine ovarian cycle and clutch characteristics.
Sarah DuRant, a Virginia Tech doctoral student, has received two national awards for her research with wood ducks. Her work explores the effects of slight changes in incubation temperature on early growth and stress endocrinology in wood ducklings. This novel approach reveals profound impacts on the health of baby birds after hatching.
A UBC-led study finds that climate change will lead to major shifts in ocean fisheries productivity, affecting global food supply. Tropical regions are expected to see significant declines in catch potential, with Indonesia, US, Chile, and China among the hardest hit.
A joint US-Norwegian study, known as MENU, compared marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic and North Pacific to identify factors supporting fisheries production. The researchers found underlying patterns that were not apparent in single-ecosystem studies.
Researchers say nations alone can't resolve global challenges like climate change, citing examples of ozone depletion and antibiotic resistance. They propose a new order of cooperative institutions to enforce compliance and address common threats.
The fisheries industry's pursuit of consumer-friendly fish products is impacting fish populations worldwide. Scientists have found that repeated selective harvesting is causing changes in fish morphology, development, and behavior.
The report highlights changes in ocean water temperatures due to climate change, pressures from increasing human populations along the coast, and extensive fishing by domestic and foreign fleets. The ecosystem's natural and human-related changes require effective management and mitigation strategies.
The NOAA survey found high numbers of juvenile sea scallops and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank, while recruitment in the Mid-Atlantic was weaker than expected. Biomass remained high, but declined in certain areas, such as the Elephant Trunk rotational area.
A recent coastal shark survey from Florida to Delaware caught 1,675 sharks from 19 different species, with sandbar sharks being the most common. The survey provides valuable data on shark populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System has awarded grants to support ocean observing activities from Long Island Sound to the Canadian Maritimes. The funds also support projects to improve ocean and coastal data, fisheries management, and ecosystem conservation.
Fish populations are being increasingly affected by emerging diseases, exacerbated by climate change and other stresses. As a result, population fluctuations, extinction, reduced health, and increased susceptibility to predation are expected, according to Dr. Jim Winton of the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center.
A two-year study by an international team of scientists found that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems examined. This has led to improved fish abundance and reduced exploitation rates, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries.
A two-year study by scientists reveals that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems. Management solutions such as catch quotas, community management, and fishing closures offer promise for restoring fisheries and ecosystems.
A two-year study by international researchers shows that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five large marine ecosystems, providing new hope for rebuilding troubled fisheries. However, significant work remains to be done, with sixty-three percent of fish stocks still needing to be rebuilt.
A new analysis suggests that global fisheries are showing positive signs of recovery, with five out of ten large marine ecosystems studying well. However, 68% of worldwide fisheries still require rebuilding and more stringent regulations are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species.
A UBC study proposes reducing fishing catch by just five percent to safeguard large areas of British Columbia's coastline. This approach, if implemented, could result in significant conservation gains and help achieve established conservation goals.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has prohibited commercial krill harvesting in the Exclusive Economic Zone off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This rule aims to protect the krill's role as a key food source for numerous marine species, including some listed as threatened or endangered.
A 16-nation research project is surveying the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for biodiversity, discovering potential new species and shedding light on deep-sea communities. The NOAA-led expedition aims to understand the ecosystem's structure and how it interacts with human activities.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that most fisheries management regimes are lagging behind international standards, highlighting the need for transparent policy-making processes. The research assessed global fisheries management practices and evaluated their effectiveness in ensuring sustainability.
The study assesses the effectiveness of world fisheries management regimes using evaluations from nearly 1,200 fisheries experts. It reveals that most regimes are not meeting international standards and that transparency in converting scientific advice into policy is key to sustainability. Wealthier countries face challenges from exces...
A new study by Florida State University researchers found that low river flow can lead to a decrease in phytoplankton concentration on the continental shelf, affecting food availability for young fish larvae. This could have significant implications for offshore fisheries.
Scientists predict a massive dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening commercial and recreational fisheries. The predicted size could be as large as New Jersey, caused by nutrient runoff from agricultural activity.