Articles tagged with Fisheries Management
The Florida Keys bonefish census showed a 25% decline in bonefish population, with only about 240,000 fish found compared to an 8-year average of 316,805. The decline may signal broader ecosystem problems and requires careful future monitoring.
Researchers developed the FishSmart program to improve fisheries management, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. The program resulted in more conservative harvest measures for king mackerel in the Southeast United States, protecting both commercial and recreational interests.
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.
Research found that forestry access roads can negatively affect walleye populations in remote lakes, with lakes containing the species needing more protection. The presence and location of roads also impact lake fishing quality and accessibility.
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.
Scientists on a research vessel are trawling for prey of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico to gather data on their feeding ecology. The study will help conserve and protect these endangered large whales by understanding how they utilize their environment.
A joint study by American and Kazakhstani scientists reveals that reducing adult mortality is key to recovering beluga sturgeon populations. The study suggests that limiting the take of adult and subadult sturgeon will contribute more to population growth than hatchery supplementation.
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.
A new study found that the abundance of roundscale spearfish, a look-alike species of white marlin, clouds the accuracy of past population size assessments. This misidentification might have impacted management efforts and highlights the need for updated biological knowledge on white marlin.
Researchers tracked fish movements through telemetry to better understand their life histories, including habitat preferences and vulnerability to fishing. The study found that certain fish gravitate to specific bottom types, such as limestone ledges, which can help prioritize reef areas for management.
A recent coastal shark survey from Florida to Delaware caught 1,675 sharks from 19 different species, with sandbar sharks being the most common. The survey provides valuable data on shark populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
A new research method uses both conventional tags and ultrasonic telemetry tags to estimate mortality rates of sub-adult red drum. This approach provides more precise data on natural and recreational fishing mortality, enabling informed decisions for long-term fish population health.
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.
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.
A two-year study by scientists reveals that steps taken to curb overfishing are beginning to succeed in five of the 10 large marine ecosystems. Management solutions such as catch quotas, community management, and fishing closures offer promise for restoring fisheries and ecosystems.
A new analysis suggests that global fisheries are showing positive signs of recovery, with five out of ten large marine ecosystems studying well. However, 68% of worldwide fisheries still require rebuilding and more stringent regulations are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species.
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.
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...
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.
A new study finds nearly a doubling of illegal fishing in the Northeast multispecies groundfish fishery, with 12-24% annual harvest taken illegally. The study recommends a 'smart compliance policy' to combat noncompliance and protect fish stocks.
Researchers found that juvenile bluefin tuna from both regions return to their birthplace to spawn, contradicting previous assumptions about fish migration patterns. This study has significant implications for managing bluefin tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic.
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.
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.
Researchers propose alternative explanation for increase in skates and dogfish populations, suggesting migration from connected waters. This hypothesis challenges current management approach, emphasizing ecosystem-based fisheries management.
To make global environmental treaties more effective, Professor Lawrence Susskind recommends engaging civil societies in treaty-making and enforcement. He also suggests offering incentives for countries that ratify and comply with treaties, as well as establishing meaningful timetables and targets with economic penalties.
Researchers are exploring ways to manage fisheries in Southern California, with a focus on sustainability and community involvement. The collaboration aims to develop lower-cost, effective management strategies that involve all stakeholders.
Researchers will use a novel technique to track the dispersal of coral reef larvae and assess the effectiveness of marine protected areas in protecting fish stocks. The new approach, known as TRAnsgenerational Isotope Labeling (TRAIL), involves introducing an artificial tag into mature female fish just before spawning.
The report outlines practical approaches toward ecosystem-based fishery management, citing the success of Alaska and North Pacific fisheries. The Marine Conservation Alliance recommends 13 best practices to ensure sustainable fishing practices while preserving ecosystem health.
The Oregon State University salmon tracking program is expanding to northern California waters to gather data on the distribution of salmon in the ocean. The goal is to support informed fisheries management decisions that balance the harvest of healthy stocks with the protection of weakened runs.
A new report highlights Alaska's successful ocean conservation efforts and calls for continued vigilance to address climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. The 'Alaska Model' has been cited as a leading example of science-based management, with catch limits set below recommended harvest levels.
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.
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.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist advocates for collecting more and better data in fisheries management. This focus on data quality can lead to more accurate assessments of fish populations, ultimately improving the sustainability of fisheries and reducing environmental harm.
Researchers propose a holistic approach to fisheries management, emphasizing the need to consider entire ecosystems and monitor catch characteristics. The 'Ten Commandments' outline specific action items to improve sustainability and efficiency in marine management.
Researchers question current fisheries management practices, highlighting the importance of older fish in maintaining productive populations. The study reveals that eliminating older generations drastically reduces a population's ability to replenish itself, leading to collapse of West Coast fisheries.
A pioneering North Sea fisheries management plan proposes recognizing fishermen's role in protecting the marine ecosystem. The plan, developed by Newcastle University scientists, aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and involve fishermen in decision-making.
A new study reveals that recreational fishing accounts for nearly a quarter of the total take of overfished populations, including many economically valuable species. Recreational catches outstrip commercial landings in specific depleted populations, such as red snapper and gag in the Gulf of Mexico.
A new paradigm for fishery management prioritizes ecosystem health over individual species, considering predator-prey relationships and habitat quality. The approach aims to reduce destructive single-species management, instead focusing on the entire food web.
Researchers at UNC found that 77% of red snapper samples were mislabeled as another species, including lane snapper and vermilion snapper. This widespread mislabeling threatens to distort fish stock estimates and fisheries management.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has uncovered cliques in the food web, a complex network of interconnecting food chains. This breakthrough provides a new way to understand and manage ecosystems for sustainability.
The book examines California's commercial and recreational fisheries, discussing natural history and ecological health. With over 125 leading scientists contributing to the report, it provides valuable insight into the relationship between marine resources and economic prosperity.
Researchers propose a 30% set-aside rule to ensure long-term profitability and prevent extinction of marine resources. This model, developed by Stanford Professor Joan Roughgarden, computes the best strategy for small-scale sustainable fisheries to optimize profit and social welfare.
A study published in Nature reveals that global fisheries catch has been declining steadily since the late 1980s, with vast over-reporting by China contributing to a false picture of ocean health. The study's authors warn that flawed data has led to complacency and unwise investment decisions.
The HCRC combines faculty members, students, facilities, and expertise from several Virginia institutions to develop effective management strategies for horseshoe crabs. Researchers are conducting studies on population changes, biomedical industry impact, and shorebird interactions to inform conservation efforts.
The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 to ten ocean ambassadors from five continents tackling pressing issues like marine pollution and coastal conservation. The 2000 recipients will conduct interdisciplinary projects applying sound science to urgent challenges.