A study by the University of York suggests that small-scale fishing vessels are underutilized and need support to ensure sustainable fisheries in England. The researchers argue that a length-based definition of scale is flawed, as it doesn't account for fishing capacity.
Researchers developed a simple body-shape analysis method to identify the geographic origins of yellowtail snapper, outperforming more costly techniques. The method detected subtle differences in fish shape between locations, allowing accurate identification of 80% of the test sample.
A large-scale analysis of vessel interactions exposes potential for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. Transshipment, a common practice in fisheries, lacks regulation and transparency, hindering sustainable management.
Researchers found that fish adjust their escape behavior and keep a safe distance outside the shooting range when a speargun is present. The level of timidity varies depending on the size of the fish, type of diver, and location within protected areas.
Scientists have developed a new mapping technique to identify areas where ocean fronts and eddies bring together masses of fish, fishermen, and predators, increasing the risk of entangling non-target species. This insight can help inform dynamic ocean management and reduce bycatch of protected species.
A study evaluates ocean characteristics that influence fisheries bycatch on the US west coast, threatening ecological and economic sustainability. The analysis revealed an increased bycatch risk for protected species, including cetaceans and sea turtles, in areas with dynamic physical structures.
A new study estimates that 65% of global freshwater fish catch is underreported, with millions of people relying on these 'hidden harvests' for protein. Inland fisheries play a crucial role in food security, especially in low-income countries where they are dispersed across the landscape.
A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.
A recent study found that climate change is causing fish species to migrate across national boundaries, leading to new conflicts over fisheries resources. The researchers suggest implementing flexible arrangements for trading fishing permits or quotas across international borders to avoid these disputes.
A Rutgers-led study found that new fisheries are likely to appear in over 70 countries due to climate change, sparking conflict among nations. The movement of fish species is disrupting fisheries, leading to overfishing and reducing food, profit, and employment for many.
A new study exposes the widespread practice of killing aquatic mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and otters for use as bait in global fisheries. The review highlights that more than 40 species have been utilized as bait since 1970, with over 80% deliberately killed for at least one fishery.
New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.
A new online tool, EcoCast, provides fishermen with computer-generated maps to target productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. By predicting where different marine species are likely to be found under various ocean conditions, EcoCast aims to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa identified areas with high recovery potential for coastal fishery stocks on each island. The study reveals that areas such as east Kaua'i, southeast O'ahu, and Ma'alaea bay support abundant fish populations, which could be replenished to overfished areas.
Seagrass meadows support global fisheries production by providing nursery habitat, promoting health of connected habitats, and supplying trophic support. However, the coastal distribution of seagrasses makes them vulnerable to threats such as land runoff and trawling, leading to declines in seagrass and fisheries.
A new camera system is tracking Antarctic penguin breeding and population dynamics, providing a low-cost window into the health of the ecosystem. The network includes 51 cameras across Antarctica's Peninsula and Islands, monitoring three species of penguins with high accuracy.
A Rutgers University-led study reports that hundreds of ocean fish and invertebrate species will move northward due to climate change, disrupting fisheries in the US and Canada. The study projects that some species will shift as much as 900 miles north, leading to longer trips and higher fuel costs for commercial fishermen.
New research by the University of British Columbia reveals that industrial fisheries using bottom trawling methods waste 437 million tonnes of fish and miss out on $560 billion in revenue. Small-scale fisheries, on the other hand, generate significantly more value due to their targeted fishing practices.
A new study reveals that bigger female fish produce significantly more offspring than smaller ones, with a scaling pattern where larger mothers produce exponentially more eggs. This finding has implications for fisheries management and suggests that larger fish are crucial for replenishing marine populations.
The Persian Gulf may lose up to 12% of its marine biodiversity if climate change is not addressed. Some species may migrate north, but the area suitable for them will shrink under climate change.
A new genetic analysis reveals that two male whales fathered over half of the calves born since 1990, indicating inbreeding in the Southern Resident killer whale population. The limited breeding number reduces the population's resilience to change, potentially compromising individual animals' survival.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has slowed down by about 15 percent since the 1950s, with recent years showing a record low. This weakening is linked to rising carbon dioxide levels and impacts fish distributions, ocean temperatures, and fisheries in the Northeast U.S. Shelf.
A two-year scientific study by the University of Exeter and Cefas is tracking Atlantic bluefin tuna movements in UK waters to aid conservation efforts. The study aims to improve knowledge on the species' migration patterns, habitat use, and interactions with fisheries.
A new model estimates the economic toll of fisheries closures off the West Coast, predicting losses of $5.8 million to $8.9 million and 200 to 330 job losses. The study aims to help policymakers anticipate the effects of future closures and plan management decisions accordingly.
A European project is developing circular economy solutions using agricultural and fisheries waste to improve soil quality and reduce CO2 emissions. The Horti-BlueC project replaces non-renewable resources with local waste, producing bio-energy, biochar, and biodegradable materials.
New research reveals that larger coral reefs can moderate the impact of ocean warming on Caribbean fish populations, leading to a reduction in fish population decline. The study found that doubling reef area can reduce changes in fish composition by 30-80%, highlighting the potential effectiveness of reef conservation and restoration.
A new UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.
Researchers found that sustainably managing fisheries can halt declines of seven to 13 bycatch populations, but not eliminate bycatch completely due to other factors. Maximizing fish stocks can increase global fishing yields by up to 15% and associated profits by as much as 80%.
Ocean conditions off the US West Coast are returning to average after a marine heat wave, but salmon catches remain depressed. Feeding conditions have improved for sea lions and seabirds, while plankton species have shifted back towards fat-rich, cool-water species beneficial for fish growth.
A new study predicts that global fisheries will be 20% less productive in 2300, with the North Atlantic and western Pacific experiencing significant declines. Climate change is expected to alter wind patterns, boost ocean temperatures, and melt sea ice, leading to a reduction in phytoplankton growth and nutrient transfer.
A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.
A study found that economic benefits from considering ecosystem factors in fisheries management are minor, but the approach offers help in avoiding worst-case scenarios and identifying 'safe zones' for managing fisheries. This framework allows managers to identify specific zones with low risks of major economic losses.
Researchers found a 515% increase in American lobster abundance in the Gulf of Maine from 1985 to 2014, while southern New England saw an 78% decline. Proactive fishery conservation measures may help mitigate climate change effects on commercial fisheries.
Financial aid to fisheries in developing countries has declined significantly, impacting food security and livelihoods. Sustainable fishing practices are crucial for climate change resilience, nutritional value, and employment opportunities.
The California sea lion population has fully rebounded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), reaching carrying capacity in 2008. The species' recovery reflects an important success for the MMPA, which recognized marine mammals as a central element of their ocean ecosystems.
A study led by Leandro Castello explores the link between deforestation and fisheries yields in the Amazon, finding that lakes with intact floodplain forests provide greater fish yields. The research has implications for managing and conserving the Amazon's fisheries and food security of local populations.
A team of scientists from NOAA Fisheries and California agencies recommend modernizing tracking technologies to improve Sacramento River winter-run Chinook management. The new approach aims to enhance water delivery system monitoring, genetic fingerprinting, and real-time tracking to promote fish recovery.
Researchers at Arizona State University propose a spectral analysis tool to predict fisheries production and inform flow management strategies in the Mekong basin. A new study suggests this tool could provide innovative solutions for preserving river flow and biodiversity conservation in developing countries.
Researchers found that controlled dam pulses and flood magnitudes significantly impact fisheries. The study suggests prolonged drying followed by sudden flooding could increase fish yields by a factor of 3.7, offering a promising solution to sustainable fisheries.
Scientists from NOAA Fisheries' Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Aerial Imaging Solutions have developed a cheaper, faster way to gauge the condition of leopard seals using drone photos.
Researchers found that ribbed mussels were effective at removing nitrogen and other excess nutrients from the Bronx River, with an estimated 138 pounds of nitrogen removed. The study suggests that mussel farming could be a viable tool for improving water quality in urban estuaries.
The recovery of killer whales, sea lions, and harbor seals on the West Coast has led to a significant increase in their consumption of chinook salmon. This shift may now exceed the combined harvest by commercial and recreational fisheries, creating complex tradeoffs for conservation efforts.
A new study found that albatross populations have halved over the last 35 years on Bird Island due to environmental change and deaths in longline and trawl fisheries. Climate change and bycatch were found to be major contributors to this decline, with grey-headed albatrosses being particularly affected.
Research highlights seagrass meadows' role as crucial fishing grounds worldwide, supporting daily food supply and livelihoods. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of these ecosystems to mitigate the 'tragedy of the seagrass commons',
Researchers found that seagrass meadows are globally extensive fishing habitats, with significant impact on daily food supply and livelihoods in developing countries. The study highlights the need for recognition of seagrass habitats' value in supporting fisheries.
University of Guelph researchers have developed a model that allows fisheries to meet rising consumer demand while ensuring adequate income and replenishment of natural stocks. The model encourages fisheries to reduce short-term harvests to realize higher long-term yields, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Research reveals that climate shifts can significantly alter the length of marine food chains in Southern California. The study found that extreme environmental conditions, such as El Niño events, shortened the food chain by reducing population sizes and diversity. This change indicates a decline in ecosystem resilience.
Researchers from the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center used a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two of the least known species. The study provides new insights into their behavior, revealing that they dive as deep as 870 meters in search of food.
The partnership will expand AFS publications' global reach, providing enhanced digital presence and new services for members. AFS's renowned magazines and journals, including Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, will be published by Wiley.
A new study uses DNA analysis of albatross feces to assess their diet and interactions with fisheries, revealing a high level of fishery involvement in some areas. This non-invasive technique provides a valuable tool for improving fisheries management and monitoring marine biodiversity.
Scientists found anchovies and sardines spawning earlier and longer in Northwest waters due to unusually warm ocean conditions. This change may have unforeseen consequences on the food web, including competing with other species for food.
A WCS study of fish traders in coastal Kenya found that women largely occupied fisheries with low profits and are excluded from more profitable fisheries. To promote gender coexistence and sustainability, the authors suggest increasing gear and market diversity and providing better access to fisheries knowledge and education for women.
The Newport Line, a decades-long ocean monitoring program off the Pacific Northwest coast, has been recognized for its significant contributions to marine science. The PICES Ocean Monitoring Service Award acknowledges the program's value in understanding climate patterns, salmon returns, and ocean currents.
A new study finds that protected waters have fostered a resurgence of West Coast rockfish, with larvae increasing in number within conservation areas. The research suggests that these areas can seed surrounding waters with offspring, supporting the long-term recovery of the species.
A new statistical model confirms a decline in North Atlantic right whale population since 2010, with adult females experiencing a significant drop. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Scientists have found that queen conch populations in the Caribbean are fragmented into multiple distinct subpopulations, each with limited genetic exchange. This suggests that local management of fisheries is crucial to conserve these treasured marine snails.
A $1.5 million NSF grant will investigate the social and ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries in Wisconsin's Northern Highland Lake District. The project aims to understand how human activities and ecological processes impact fish populations, with a focus on effective governance and communication between anglers and lake managers.
New research by NOAA Fisheries shows that seabird predation, particularly common murres, affects salmon survival in the California Current. Changes in ocean conditions influence bird predation on salmon from San Francisco Bay, highlighting the complex relationships between species and their environment.
The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.
A record-breaking marine heatwave, lasting 251 days and seven times larger than Tasmania, was driven by a surge of warm water in the East Australian Current. Climate change made this event several times more likely, with temperatures 2.9°C above normal.