Climate change is expected to alter the timing, duration, and intensity of coastal upwelling, a process that drives nutrient availability and supports fisheries. This shift may lead to reduced latitudinal variation in coastal upwelling, influencing global marine biodiversity.
A report suggests global warming will increase ocean upwelling in several systems, enhancing marine productivity and fisheries. However, a thicker, warmer top layer may reduce upwelling's ability to energize coastal ecosystems, posing a significant threat to global fisheries and marine biodiversity.
Researchers have created a reliable growth curve for white sharks in the western North Atlantic, revealing they grow more slowly and mature later than initially estimated. The study found males reach maturity at around age 26 and females at around 33, leading to new estimates of population replacement rates.
A high-seas moratorium would improve fisheries income distribution among maritime nations, with European and developed nations benefiting the most. Coastal catches could increase by up to 18% in a catch-neutral scenario, while others may face significant losses.
A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.
The new system, developed by NOAA scientists, can track individual whales and increase the sample size of the population count. This allows for more accurate estimates of population size and helps conservation efforts.
Research shows that fluctuations in river flows are increasing with climate change, scrounging away salmon eggs and exhausting young fish. Habitat restoration projects and reducing stormwater runoff can ease flooding and peak flows threatening salmon redds.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that spiny lobsters are abundant and support local fisheries. The study recommends increasing the size limit to make the fishery more sustainable.
The Global Conference on Inland Fisheries emphasizes the significant role of freshwater fish in global development, food security, and ecosystem health. Experts urge policymakers to prioritize inland fisheries, which provide vital protein, micronutrients, and economic benefits for millions worldwide.
A recent study by MSU-led researchers found that oxygen-depleted dead zones between dams in the upper Missouri River are directly linked to the failure of endangered pallid sturgeon hatched embryos to survive to adulthood. This is a major breakthrough in understanding the decline of this species, which can live up to 100 years.
The study reveals that dam-induced changes in riverine sediment transport lead to reduced oxygen levels, causing hatched pallid sturgeon embryos to die. The research provides vital information for pallid sturgeon conservation and is a significant breakthrough in understanding the species' decline.
A new analysis of seven years of bird sightings by volunteer birdwatchers found increasing trends for 14 species, including cormorants and harlequin ducks. The study suggests that these birds may be turning the corner, with positive trends also reported in nesting surveys.
China's enormous aquaculture sector is under scrutiny for its impact on global seafood supplies. The Stanford-led study suggests a more sustainable alternative using processing waste to reduce pressure on wild fisheries.
A new model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately identify stream sections suitable for wild brook trout, helping fisheries managers protect habitat. The model uses characteristics like water temperature and soil type to predict brook trout occurrence in the eastern United States.
Scientists studied four commercial and recreational fish stocks in Northeast U.S. waters and found that climate change affects their distribution, while fishing pressure has significant impacts on a more immediate time scale. The study shows that different species respond differently to temperature and fishing pressure.
A new study predicts eastern Pacific marine species will shift poleward due to climate change, altering fish communities and fishing grounds. The study suggests some species will move into habitats of other marine life to the north, while others may disappear from areas at their southern ends.
Researchers used a new endocrine-based approach to determine the age at sexual maturity for wild stocks of western Atlantic bluefin tuna, finding they mature at a considerably younger age than currently assumed. This discovery could lead to changes in fisheries scientists' estimates of population size.
A study from Michigan State University found that concerns about wolf hunting are split more by social geography than physical geography, revealing the importance of social identity theory in understanding the divisive debate.
Naturally spawned juvenile sockeye are migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate than others released from hatcheries. The analysis indicates that the program to save the species has succeeded in rebuilding populations in the wild, with the species regaining fitness.
Biologists believe the increased return rate of naturally spawned sockeye is high enough for the species to eventually sustain itself in the wild. Naturally spawned fish are returning at rates up to three times higher than those released from hatcheries.
A Michigan State University study explores how attitudes about knowledge and power drive the wolf debate, identifying four themes: mistrust among decision-makers, special interest groups disenfranchising voters, political influencers overriding science, and local sources of information being ignored.
A pilot program in Kenya gave communities the ability to develop and enforce their own fisheries rules, leading to improved livelihoods for fishermen and a shift towards conservation. Local communities developed mini-marine reserves, reducing ecological losses while increasing community benefits.
Researchers highlight the importance of inland capture fisheries to global food security, citing underreported data and degraded fish habitats. The study emphasizes the need for a collective voice to be heard in policies and decisions regarding food security and water use.
A new study suggests that fleet diversity is crucial for successful fishery management, particularly in fisheries targeting multiple species. By promoting balanced catches across species, diverse fishing fleets can increase overall profits while reducing overfishing of slow-growing species.
Researchers found that cautious fish are more vulnerable to fishing, while active exploratory behavior increases risk. Fish reared in enriched environments outperform those in traditional environments, showing improved survival rates in the wild.
A new study by WCS found that implementing stricter fisheries management overcame the expected detrimental effects of climate change disturbances in coral reef fisheries. Rapid implementation of fisheries restrictions countered adverse climate effects and increased fisheries catches.
Researchers call for networks of marine protected areas, co-ordinated governance, and local community involvement to tackle overfishing and habitat destruction. Small-scale fisheries, which involve 90% of the world's fishers, are a major threat, with destructive practices like bottom trawling causing widespread damage.
A study published in Bioscience explores the paradox of ecologists not sharing data, despite sharing findings. The researchers argue that increased data sharing will allow more diverse people to participate in research, leading to greater impact on science.
Research shows that larger females produce far more eggs than smaller fish, increasing population productivity and stability. Older fish also provide a 'storage effect', allowing them to spawn successfully when conditions are favorable.
A study by researchers at the University of York found that domestic fish supplies have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years, with only one fifth of recommended consumption levels met. The report also highlights the environmental costs of aquaculture and calls for sustainable production methods.
Climate change is projected to drive large-scale shifts in fish populations, with some species moving away from their current habitats at a rate of up to 26 kilometers per decade. This could lead to significant losses in tropical regions, including the loss of important fisheries and communities that rely on fish for food and nutrition.
Phytoplankton are crucial for fish populations and Earth's carbon cycle, with a perpetual dance between predators and prey affecting their growth cycles. Tiny imbalances in this relationship cause massive phytoplankton blooms, impacting ocean productivity, fisheries, and carbon cycling.
Researchers at Michigan State University investigate whether diverse research teams foster sharing of data and giving credit to colleagues. The study aims to improve scientific practices and build trust in the community.
Derelict fishing traps are a significant problem in US waters, catching fish and other species beyond their target. Researchers recommend a collaborative approach to manage and prevent gear loss, involving the fishing industry and examining regional challenges.
A comprehensive look at America's estuaries reveals human activities impact ecosystems and fishing resources, providing a framework for managers to address priorities and allocate funding.
A major study analyzing all penguin species highlights the need to mitigate effects of habitat degradation, food scarcity, and climate change. The authors recommend measures such as establishing marine protected areas and implementing ecosystem-based management methods to protect biodiversity.
Researchers tracked bigeye tuna movements for up to 292 days, revealing a wide geographical range from Georges Bank to the Brazilian shelf. The study provides valuable habitat use data and informs future management approaches for this commercially important species.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
A new study found large differences in survival rates of 12 shark species caught by commercial longline fishing operations. The most vulnerable species include bigeye thresher, dusky, and scalloped hammerhead sharks.
A recent report analyzed Mediterranean fish species from 1990 to 2010, showing a steadily increasing exploitation rate and deteriorating stocks. The researchers recommend advanced management plans, better enforcement, and investments in data collection to improve sustainability.
New research reveals whales have a powerful impact on oceans, global carbon storage, and commercial fisheries. The recovery of great whale populations may buffer marine ecosystems from climate change threats by recycling nutrients and enhancing productivity.
Leading scientists warn that tropical coastal waters are under pressure due to growing populations and climate change, highlighting the need for holistic management approaches. They advocate for expanded use of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to balance competing demands from fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, and other human activities.
Research from NOAA Fisheries reveals how a shift in prey species led to cod aggregating in a small area, making them easily caught by fishermen. This change affected fishery management and assessment results, highlighting the need for accurate indicators of stock abundance.
A new University of Florida study found that great white shark numbers are likely growing and not endangered along the California coast. The research team reanalyzed data from multiple aggregation sites and estimated a total population of at least 2,000 sharks, contradicting earlier claims of alarmingly low numbers.
A new study provides an updated picture of white shark distribution and abundance patterns in the western North Atlantic Ocean, showing signs of population recovery. The analysis of over 200 years of records suggests that white sharks are more common along coastal waters than offshore areas.
A fully mapped salmon genome will help improve aquaculture operations, address conservation challenges, and promote environmental sustainability. The international collaboration also provides a basis for global coordination to address fisheries and aquaculture challenges.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that high seas fish and aquatic life remove 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, valued at $148 billion US. This compares to the $16 billion paid for 10 million tonnes of caught fish, highlighting their importance as a natural carbon sink.
Researchers found that fishing boats affect seabird behavior across a vast distance of up to 22 kilometers. Gannets were drawn to the abundance of discards and boat activity rather than driftwood or idle vessels.
Researchers tested the hearing of seven Bristol Bay beluga whales, finding surprisingly little variation in their abilities. The study provides a baseline for the population's health and may inform conservation efforts and validate studies of hearing in captivity.
Researchers found the bio-duck sound is made by Antarctic minke whales, which stay in ice-covered waters year-round or migrate to lower latitudes. The discovery helps improve understanding of the species' distribution, abundance, and behavior.
Researchers from PNNL explore ways to protect fish from barotrauma, a phenomenon caused by dramatic shifts in water pressure near dams. Modifying turbines to minimize pressure change is a promising solution, improving turbine designs and reducing injuries to fish.
The study of natural history provides essential knowledge for various fields, including human health, food security, and conservation. However, support for this field has declined in developed countries, resulting in costly mistakes such as the collapse of fisheries and forest fire suppression.
Scientists tracked 18 individual minke whales using passive acoustic monitoring, finding that each species uses a unique call sequence to interact with others. The findings provide insight into minke whale social interactions and migration patterns.
A new analysis reveals the scope of by-catch in various regions, with high rates found in the eastern Pacific, Mediterranean, southwest Atlantic, and Southern Indian oceans. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and data-driven approaches to mitigate by-catch, particularly in less-regulated small-scale fisheries.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed new statistical models to increase the accuracy of ocean forecasting. The models improved predictability of sea surface temperature extremes, wind fields, and plankton distribution, ultimately benefiting fisheries and ecosystems.
A new analysis reveals the complex nature of global bycatch, highlighting the need for international cooperation to reduce ecological harm. Strategies like depth variation and turtle excluder devices have been shown to increase target catch and reduce bycatch in fisheries.
Researchers argue that life history strategy and social behavior should guide management approaches, as 73% of carnivore species are declining. Highly cohesive social species require strict participation from all group members to ensure population persistence.
A Finnish study found that brown trout exhibit predictable individual differences in behavioral traits such as activity levels and stress tolerance. The research, published in press, reveals that certain behaviors are heritable at a level of 14%, indicating a potential impact on fish populations and fisheries catches.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that approximately 90% of black sea bass with visible barotrauma survived, similar to those without injury. The findings inform stock assessments for sustainable fishing practices and may provide insights into mortality rates for other species.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying copepods to understand their response to global climate change. They have published a transcriptome for the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which provides insights into population changes and may help predict future declines.