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Scientists offer new take on selective fishing

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2010

The bivalve effect

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

New study finds catch shares improve consistency, not health, of fisheries

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.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2009

Global curbs on overfishing are beginning to work

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2009

New hope for fisheries

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.

NOAA bans commercial harvesting of krill

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.

How can the world's fisheries be sustainable?

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...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2009

Policy transparency key to saving world's fisheries

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.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 22, 2009

New study offers solution to global fisheries collapse

A study finds that catch shares can reverse fisheries collapse, with nearly a third of open-access fisheries collapsing compared to half for those managed under catch share systems. Catch shares create incentives to protect fish populations and reduce bycatch, leading to better biological outcomes.

SourceSeaWeb·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2008

Tuna populations at risk

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission's failure to adopt effective conservation measures is threatened by rising pressures from fishing fleets and nations demanding increased fleet sizes. Urgent action is needed to protect tuna stocks, including time and area closures and research into fish aggregating devices.

New guide to sharks and rays of Indonesia

A five-year survey of catches at local fish markets provided the first detailed description of Indonesia's shark and ray fauna. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research published a 330-page field guide, Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia, featuring over 20 new species.

Mistaken identity? When a white marlin may not always be a white marlin

A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of an enigmatic billfish species, the roundscale spearfish, which overlaps with the distribution of the white marlin. The discovery raises concerns about the true numbers of threatened white marlin populations and suggests that recent population assessments may have been overestimated.