Articles tagged with Fisheries Management
A recent study highlights the alarming exploitation of shark populations in Pacific Panama, with many species caught immature and vulnerable to intensive fishing. The research recommends implementing seasonal fishing bans and monitoring programs to improve conservation strategies.
A team of researchers created tools to incorporate social and cultural needs into fisheries management. The new models consider the trade-offs between economic, social, and ecological benefits. Spatial closures often resulted in wins, but areas marked for closure must be carefully considered.
A new tool has been developed to help manage the Nova Scotia lobster fishery in the face of climate change. The tool incorporates projected changes in ocean climate onto a geographic management area, enabling fishermen and resource managers to plan for future sustainability.
A new study using FAD tracking data, ocean models and simulation methods reveals the trajectories and potential impact of FADs on fisheries and island nations. The research found that over 2000 FADs wash up on beaches and coral reefs every year, with significant impacts on bycatch species and reef damage.
A study suggests that existing laws in the US and EU have adaptive and transformative capacities to respond to environmental changes. Innovative cooperation between government and nongovernment entities is necessary to leverage these capacities and keep up with environmental change.
A new UN high-seas treaty could effectively manage all fish species in international waters if it includes measures to address non-targeted species. The proposed treaty must close gaps in biodiversity governance to protect over 95% of deep ocean fish species that currently have no assessments.
A new study reveals that global fisheries are highly connected, with fish larvae drifting across ocean currents and impacting fisheries worldwide. The findings suggest that poorly managed fisheries or environmental disturbances in one area could have significant economic consequences on fisheries globally.
A new study reveals that the world's marine fisheries form a single network with over $10 billion worth of fish caught in another country each year. The study shows that ocean regions are connected through larval dispersal, highlighting the need for international cooperation to conserve natural resources and ensure food security.
A new study suggests that periodic closures of fishing grounds can promote fish stock recovery while still providing enough to eat. The researchers found that well-managed fisheries with pulse harvests achieved better outcomes than those with permanent no-take MPAs.
Researchers developed a new tool to pinpoint areas where improved wastewater management and landscape practices can benefit downstream reefs. This study highlights the importance of coordinating local actions across land and sea to promote resilience of coral reefs to global climate change.
Researchers at Newcastle University found a significant discrepancy between reported and actual catches of vulnerable species like sharks and rays in small-scale fisheries. The study highlights the urgent need for global efforts to assess their impact on the environment.
A Duke University economist argues that federal subsidies for US commercial fisheries should be rejected due to their lack of scientific merit. The proposed rule change could lead to overfishing, weak economic performance, and increased by-catch and habitat impacts if finalized.
A five-point plan proposes integrating recreational fishing into global fisheries management to address conflicts and loss of social welfare. The proposal aims to consider the unique needs of anglers, who support a significant number of jobs worldwide.
A study suggests that policymakers must recognize the growing role of recreational fishing in affecting fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. The authors propose five suggestions for guiding reform, including integrating angling targets into management and improving monitoring to moderate impacts on fish stocks.
A study by Oregon State University found that extreme draining of Fall Creek Reservoir helps juvenile spring chinook salmon migrate downstream, but also changes the aquatic food web and releases potential predators. The effects on the entire river system are uncertain, but the impacts for juvenile salmon are twofold.
The ESA releases new research on the Great Barrier Reef, where sharks are declining despite protected areas. The study suggests that illegal fishing is a major factor, while stricter regulations have led to fish population recovery in the Northeast Atlantic.
A recent study of 89 fishing communities in East Africa reveals that neighborly agreements are uncommon, highlighting the challenges of sustainable use and the tragedy of the commons dilemma. The researchers found that predictable factors like activities proposed and historical context influence perceptions of costs and benefits.
A new study highlights the urgent need for nations to tackle both climate change and sustainable fisheries management. By adopting effective management practices and limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, significant increases in food, fish, and economic activity are possible.
Research suggests that proactive implementation of fisheries management and climate action can create a more bountiful future for the world's oceans. The study finds that concerted responses to climate change can lead to increased fish populations, food availability, and profit for fishermen.
Researchers found that harvesting sustainable seafood globally can lead to higher food production and profits, even considering declining fish populations due to ocean warming. The study suggests that implementing adaptive management practices could offset the negative impacts of climate change on fisheries.
A new paper warns of the shortcomings of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems for fisheries, which can discourage development of equitable alternatives. ITQs regulate fisheries access by dividing up total catch limits among individual quota owners, leading to negative consequences for small-scale fisheries and marginalized groups.
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.
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 new tool called EcoCast uses satellite data, maps, and observations to help fishers locate the most productive fishing spots while avoiding protected species. The study shows that this approach can be up to 10 times more efficient in protecting species than previous management styles.
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 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.
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.
A new study reveals that commercial fishing is a major cause of New Zealand sea lion decline, contrary to government assumptions. The research found that sea-lion exclusion devices have not effectively reduced bycatch, and instead may be hiding deaths or causing injury.
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.
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.
A team of scientists analyzed nearly 30 years of revenue and permitting records for Alaskan fishers, showing that those who purchased multiple permits had significantly less income variability. The researchers found that diversifying one's catch can lead to more stable income for fishers.
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.
Using marine reserves can allow fishermen to catch more of the profitable fish they want while protecting weaker fish that can be caught inadvertently by fishing gear. This approach could also help sustainably manage global fisheries and rebuild depleted species.
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.
Researchers examined spearfishing practices in the Caribbean, finding that compressor divers targeted higher-quality fish more efficiently than free divers. The study highlights the importance of understanding fishing methods to develop effective management strategies for coral reefs.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus has identified new genetic markers in sockeye salmon that can help improve management of fish populations. These markers allow researchers to distinguish between different variants of sockeye salmon, enabling precise identification and monitoring of population numbers.
A new study finds that all but one coastal shark species are increasing in abundance, following decades of declining numbers. The gains are attributed to the enactment of fishing regulations in the early 1990s.
Effective management reforms can lead to a nearly 90 percent increase in profits and a third more fish in the water, even with climate change. The research also shows that improved management can increase fish and prosperity for many fisheries.
A study found that 39 populations of sharks meet biological sustainability criteria, accounting for 9% of the global catch. The researchers offer five recommendations to achieve sustainable shark fisheries, including protection of low-productivity species and international cooperation.
A study highlights challenges and opportunities of fishery management in China, promoting institutional reform for sustainable marine resource management. The researchers recommend new institutions, secure fishing access, policy consistency, educational programs, and increased public access to scientific data.
A new study suggests that China's success in sustaining large catches is due to reducing predatory fish populations, allowing preyed-upon species to increase. This approach can lead to increased harvests, but may also have negative impacts on biodiversity.
A joint study by Chinese and international researchers recommends new institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access, and policy consistency across provinces. The authors believe that China's 13th Five-Year Plan provides a policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration of fisheries.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that successful fisheries management is critical to maintaining productive fish populations. The research found that science-based stock assessments, limits on fishing pressure, and adequate enforcement are key attributes of effective management systems.
A study found that community-based management of freshwater lakes in the Amazon can significantly boost arapaima populations, offering both food security and income for local communities. The approach, which includes local stewardship and enforcement, has been shown to be effective in replenishing depleted fish stocks.
Researchers found that in cases of constant misreporting, the impact on fishery status is less critical than trend analysis, suggesting more sustainable management possible despite missing catch data. Misreporting can happen frequently worldwide, but many fisheries can still be well-managed with trends in population changes considered.
Researchers found that warmer North Atlantic Oscillation conditions reduced cod larval recruitment by 17 percent, resulting in fewer young fish. This effect persisted until the fish were 6 years old, affecting cod catch for up to two decades.
A University of Washington professor argues that closing parts of the ocean to fishing is not enough to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He suggests regulating fisheries over the entire economic zone as a more effective approach to conservation.
Climate change is altering inland fish reproduction, growth, and habitats, with both positive and negative impacts on recreational fishing. Studies reveal changes in species ranges, migration timing, and predator-prey dynamics, highlighting the need for conservation and research strategies to sustain resilient fish communities.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean hosted a regional workshop to discuss deepsea canyons ecosystem and existing management programs. Participants emphasized research, data sharing, outreach, and solutions to address pollution and climate change impacts on the canyons.
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and the Environmental Defense Fund propose rights-based approaches that could increase fish populations, food production, and profits. By 2050, this approach could increase profits by 204% and provide a significant source of protein for an additional 500 million people.
Fish populations that gather and spawn in large groups face growing threats from overexploitation and inadequate management. Insufficient regulation allows a few active boats to deplete these vulnerable populations, while changing economic conditions may lead to rapid species declines.
Scientists have identified a new potential spawning ground for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Slope Sea off the northeastern US coast. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of a single Gulf of Mexico spawning area, suggesting that western Atlantic bluefin may be less vulnerable to fishing and stressors.
A multi-disciplinary team from James Cook University has developed a roadmap for sustainable fishing tourism in Papua New Guinea. The project aims to benefit local communities while promoting conservation of the Papuan Black Bass, one of the world's toughest sportfish.
Researchers found that each smaller group of herring varied out of sync with others, but their collective diversity helped stabilize the population. This 'local matters' perspective highlights the importance of protecting local diversity in ensuring overall sustainability of the resource.
A James Cook University study found that turtles are left vulnerable due to gaps in reporting of bycatch, a common cause of sea turtle deaths. The researchers recommend pooling bycatch records across fisheries and states over time to better measure the impact on turtle populations.
A study found that catch shares management reduced risky behavior in fishing by 79% during stormy weather. This shift in behavior corresponds to a 87% reduction in safety incidents and is expected to lead to fewer injuries, vessel losses, and deaths.
A new study finds that dynamic closures can reduce bycatch up to three times more efficiently than static measures, while minimizing economic impact on fishermen. By managing at finer scales, managers can zero in on transitory hotspots and reduce the need for large-scale closures.
A new report by the National Science Foundation links rapid warming of ocean waters to the collapse of New England's cod fishery. The study found that increasing water temperatures reduced cod production and increased mortality of young fish, leading to a decline in sustainable stock levels.