A new study reveals that coral reef ecosystems support diverse small-scale fisheries, providing essential micronutrients vital to the health of millions in the tropics. Following bleaching events, reef fisheries can remain rich sources of these nutrients, even increasing their nutritional value for some minerals.
Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.
New research explores how climate extremes affect the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery and its impact on whale conservation. The study recommends combining improved forecast systems, technological innovations, and understanding human behavior to reduce whale entanglements.
A new holistic framework helps fisheries identify actions for resilience, empowering them to withstand climate change impacts. The tool considers ecological, governance, and socio-economic dimensions, shedding light on potential risks and weaknesses.
Researchers used seabird prey data to inform fisheries management and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the marine ecosystem. The study revealed a surge in anchovy populations and changes in rockfish recruitment, informing ecologists and fisheries managers.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that forests surrounding rivers flowing into the sea increase the diversity of threatened fish species in Japan's estuaries. In contrast, waters surrounded by agricultural land show a decrease in fish populations.
The NOAA Fisheries Milford Lab used underwater video and environmental DNA sampling to investigate how fish interact with oyster cages. The study found that seven fish species were present, including four species consistently associated with the cages, revealing new insights into fish behavior and ecology.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
A team of scientists led by Piers Chapman will develop a sustainable blue decision support system to help West Coast communities dependent on fisheries. The project aims to provide climate-informed information for fisheries management and decision-making, enabling stakeholders to make better long-term decisions.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
A new study projects that marine heatwaves will wipe out hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fish available for catch in a country's waters by the century's end. Researchers warn that extreme temperatures will exacerbate impacts on fisheries and human communities, leading to significant job losses.
Millions of Europeans depend on fishing for food and livelihood, with ocean warming affecting fish distribution and abundance. Regional differences in climate risk highlight the need for locally adapted approaches, including social safety nets and income support.
Scientists at UEA have identified a way to determine the age of lobsters using DNA. The method is based on quantifying DNA changes that accumulate with age within a lobster. This breakthrough could help manage lobster fisheries more sustainably by providing accurate estimates of lobster ages.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that many catch share fisheries globally are not paying royalties on their harvests, despite generating an estimated US$17.7 billion in value. The study highlights that countries like Canada do not charge for the use of these natural resources.
The study found that coral reefs' capacity to provide essential benefits and services, including food and livelihoods, has declined significantly. The decline in coral reef coverage and biodiversity is attributed to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
Global demand for aquatic foods is set to double by 2050, with aquaculture production expected to meet the majority of this growth. This 'blue food revolution' has the potential to tackle malnutrition, lower environmental footprints and provide livelihoods, particularly in regions where people rely heavily on these systems.
A new study highlights the need to balance wildlife conservation with local community needs in Peru and Chile. Small-scale fisheries are struggling due to protected sea lion and seal populations, which compete for resources and damage fishing gear.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that seagrass ecosystems are more vulnerable to loss and degradation than mangrove ecosystems. Communities with greater reliance on fisheries and tourism income have higher socio-economic sensitivity due to low adaptive capacity, leading to limited alternatives to fishing. Improving acce...
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
A study by Louisiana State University found that over 44 million people in the US continued to fish during the pandemic, with many citing stress relief and social bonding as motivations. The economic impact was also significant, with a positive ripple effect for the economy and fisheries management.
A new analysis found that managing large, prolific fish is crucial for improving fisheries productivity and sustainability. The study suggests that better protection of these fish can lead to a reduction in overharvesting and an increase in sustainable catches.
A study published in Fisheries Magazine explores how colonialist attitudes toward native fishes were rooted in elements of racism and sexism, leading to overfishing and degradation of native species. The study recommends shifting to a new paradigm that's more inclusive and beneficial to all fish and people.
Climate change poses a pervasive threat to the availability of essential micronutrients from marine fish catches, impacting 40% of countries, including tropical nations. Fisheries micronutrient supplies are less vulnerable to overfishing, but climate change is more critical.
A new study by Newcastle University highlights the risk of dolphins and porpoises being caught in small-scale (artisanal) fisheries, particularly in low- and middle-income regions around the tropics and sub-tropics. The study's findings emphasize the need for international collaboration and cooperation to address this threat and balanc...
A computer modeling study found that declining fish biodiversity can lead to a decrease in essential nutrients like zinc and iron, exacerbating existing health issues like anemia. The study's findings have significant implications for food security and fisheries sustainability worldwide.
A study in the Peruvian Amazon reveals that declining fish biodiversity poses a significant risk to human nutrition, particularly for iron and essential fatty acids. The researchers predict that a tipping point will be reached when 40 of 60 food species become scarce or extinct, leading to a nosedive in nutritional value.
A small Japanese fishing community recovered from the 2011 Tohoku tsunami through cooperative activity, including joint operations and fixed-net fishing. This phenomenon challenges the 'disaster utopia' concept, which suggests temporary collaborative behavior after emergencies.
A new study reveals that fish biodiversity can provide benefits to mixed-stock fisheries, such as stabilizing catches, but comes with the cost of increased conservation risks. By targeting specific productive stocks and avoiding unproductive weak ones, fisheries can maintain high harvest rates while reducing these risks.
African waters contribute to global fish supply, generating $15 billion for Africa's GDP in 2011. However, climate change and pollution threaten fish stocks, raising concerns about sustainability. A new study uses AIS satellite data to describe spatial characteristics of African and foreign industrial fishing activities.
A new study by the University of Melbourne found that combining fishing and ocean warming has a devastating impact on fish populations. The research, published in PNAS, discovered that four generations are needed for the effects to manifest, with strongest declines observed where large individuals were fished out.
Three new snailfish species, Paraliparis echongpachot, P. kadadakaleguak, and P. marianae, have been named after student suggestions in the Chamorro language. The specimens were collected in the 1980s but not examined until recently, when they were analyzed by Oregon State University alums Bruce Mundy and David Stein.
Researchers will conduct scientific research cruises, sampling fixed stations to understand how the Chesapeake Bay plume changes over time and its impact on fisheries and nutrient cycling. The project aims to develop a hydrodynamic model of the plume and gather empirical data to inform ecosystem-based management applications.
Genetic sleuthing reveals that Indus and Ganges river dolphins are separate species, differing in tooth count, coloration, growth patterns, and skull shapes. This distinction is crucial for conservation efforts, with only a few thousand individuals remaining, making them critically endangered.
A student from UNIST proposed a ship-arrival time prediction model based on Artificial Intelligence and won the grand prize. The model aims to improve the efficiency of shipping and port logistics by accurately predicting vessel arrival times.
A new study using genetic techniques found that both large and small fish play a crucial role in sustaining fisheries. The researchers discovered that older fish are more fertile and contribute significantly to replenishing populations.
Researchers found that small-scale fisheries employ diverse approaches to adapt to climate change, emphasizing flexibility and knowledge. The study highlights the importance of community-level responses and non-asset-based adaptive mechanisms.
A genomic study of over 500 common dolphins across 1,500 sq km reveals complex population structure and connectivity across state and international jurisdictions. The research emphasizes the importance of inter-jurisdictional collaboration to mitigate fisheries interactions and protect dolphin populations.
The report reviews available tools and current understanding of the health status and trends of individual whales and the species. It concludes with recommendations for additional information needs and necessary management actions to enhance the health of individual right whales.
Shellfish aquaculture provides direct economic benefits and ecosystem services, including habitat for native species and improved water quality. A study estimated that replacing shellfish aquaculture with traditional engineered nutrient reduction strategies would cost between $2.8-5.8 million per year.
Researchers found that prolonged algal blooms lead to larger fish catches, particularly for sardines and squid, in the Red Sea. The study used satellite images to analyze phytoplankton bloom timings and their effect on marine food webs.
Researchers mapped regions with high numbers of undersized fish and crustaceans, which are typically discarded due to size limits. This helps identify areas for fishing restrictions to ensure more sustainable fisheries and conservation efforts.
Researchers found that juvenile fish in the North Sea and West of Scotland are getting bigger, while adult fish are getting smaller due to rising sea temperatures. This change in body size may impact commercial fisheries yields and marine ecosystems, particularly those with predator-prey relationships.
A new study finds that households' ability to glean seafood in rough weather is influenced by shallow habitat area and type. This highlights the importance of context-specific understanding of dynamic coastal livelihoods for sustainable fisheries management.
Scientists have created a technique using stable isotopic analysis of eye lenses to reveal a fish's life history and diet. The study found that fish on floodplains grew faster and had different dietary signatures than those in rivers or hatcheries, providing valuable insights for managing habitats and conservation efforts.
Researchers found that diverse groups created models closer to expert-developed models than homogenous groups. This highlights the benefit of diversity in collective problem-solving for complex issues like fisheries management.
A new study reveals that California's coastal gillnet fisheries took a greater toll on harbor porpoises than previously thought, with the population recovering dramatically since their ban. The Morro Bay stock has rebounded by seven-fold, from an estimated 570 animals in 1991 to approximately 4,200 porpoises today.
A new study published in Nature Sustainability found that more management measures employed in fisheries lead to better outcomes for fish populations. The research team analyzed data from nearly 300 fish populations and confirmed that increased management attention is linked to healthier fisheries.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara offer approaches for sustainable expansion of the US seafood industry, citing challenges from trade wars and COVID-19. They recommend 'precise and strategic fisheries reforms' to address complexities and promote growth.
Researchers studied the impact of a marine heatwave-associated harmful algal bloom on Dungeness crab fishing communities. They found that 71% of vessels temporarily left the industry, but those who adapted by participating in other fisheries or moving to more favorable locations were better resilient.
The study found that five of seven SDG 14 targets are achievable with spatial management tools, such as marine protected areas and fully protected areas. Single-sector tools are not effective for all targets, while multi-sectoral tools facilitate the achievement of a wide range of targets.
A Rutgers-led study finds that planning ahead for climate change can help protect marine species and commercial fisheries by setting aside parts of the ocean for conservation and fishing. Effective ocean planning can lead to better safeguards with few tradeoffs.
A comprehensive analysis finds that traditional salmon fishing practices and governance show promise for rebuilding resilient fisheries. Indigenous communities' focus on terminal fisheries and selective fishing tools can deliver better results for all communities.
An 81-year-old midnight snapper caught off the coast of Western Australia has become the oldest recorded tropical reef fish, surpassing the previous record by two decades. The study found that long-lived fish are generally considered vulnerable to fishing pressure, highlighting the need for sustainable management of commercial fisheries.
The US seafood industry is experiencing a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly fresh seafood exports declining by up to 43% and catches dropping by 40% in some months. The study suggests that American fishmongers may struggle without government aid.
The US seafood industry experienced a significant decline in catches, imports, and exports during the pandemic. Small-scale fisheries were more affected than large-scale production systems, highlighting the need for targeted federal support to preserve local operations and promote resilience.
Analysis highlights diverse strategies used to sustain fishing livelihoods in modern era, prioritizing diversity and flexibility. Alternative approaches to management and licensing needed to maintain small-scale fishing operations worldwide.
A new study reveals that individual fish caught, released and recaught are more likely to be caught again than anticipated. The findings raise questions for policy makers tasked with preserving sustainable fisheries.
A recent NOAA study published in Ecology and Evolution reveals higher interaction rates between spiny dogfish and Atlantic cod than previously observed. The study uses genetic testing to confirm cod presence in dogfish stomachs, finding that small cod are more likely to be well-digested, making identification challenging.
A study by Rutgers University suggests that pre-war fisheries management could boost ocean protein contributions during a global food emergency, but widespread overfishing would not offset land-based food losses after a nuclear war. Effective regulation could lead to significantly higher catches in the first year post-war.