Articles tagged with Fisheries
A study in PLOS ONE suggests that Galápagos penguins may accumulate microplastics at a high rate within their food web, with the excretion rate playing a key role. The research uses modeling to simulate microplastic movement through the Galápagos penguin ecosystem and highlights the potential for biomagnification across trophic levels.
A global study reveals that shark fishing mortality is increasing globally, with over 100 million sharks killed annually, despite widespread regulations aimed at reducing finning. The study found that coastal fisheries account for 95% of total shark fishing mortality, with no decrease in catches between 2012 and 2019.
Researchers developed a pipeline to evaluate the risk of infections by aquatic animals. The study found no evidence of human-associated viruses in aquatic animal transcriptomes, confirming their safety as protein sources. However, proper handling and storage are crucial to controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread through cold-chain food.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the length of a food chain supporting newly hatched anchovies correlates strongly with population booms and busts. Shorter food chains are more efficient, resulting in more energy reaching anchovy larvae, while longer chains lead to less energy availability, causing busts.
ECOTIP presented recommendations to enhance biodiversity monitoring in Greenlandic fisheries, focusing on data analysis and animal tissue samples. The recommendations aim to improve biodiversity monitoring in the Arctic region.
A H2020-funded project reviewed 'local ecological knowledge' for Greenland and interviewed fishers in West, South and East Greenland. The recommendations are available in English, Danish, and Kalaallisut for informing Greenlandic fisheries policy.
Researchers found 22 globally threatened elasmobranch species in Cyprus' coastal waters, with simple measures like limiting net lengths crucial for sustainability. Local authorities have banned trading of 15 species, and conservation efforts are underway to protect the marine ecosystem.
The Klamath River dam removal project is expected to aid salmon populations by restoring habitat and reducing pathogens. However, researchers caution that disease outbreaks may still occur, and thoughtful restoration efforts are necessary.
A new AI-powered method has been shown to be more accurate than traditional models in predicting the sustainable catch of fish populations. The CMSY++ model, which uses an artificial neural network, allows for more efficient assessment of fish stocks with limited data inputs.
Researchers have pinpointed the emergence of muddy flavors in farmed fish by measuring the concentration of geosmin and other compounds. The study highlights the importance of water quality management to prevent the production of off-flavor compounds, which can impact aquaculture industry revenue and sustainability.
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
A recent study by the University of Exeter and Wildlife Conservation Society found tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays are caught annually off the Republic of the Congo. Most of these species are juveniles and vulnerable to extinction.
Researchers found that reducing the amount of gear in the water is more effective than dynamic approaches in minimizing whale entanglements and disruptions to the fishing season. A 30% reduction in gear emerged as the optimal course of action, addressing the problem directly and not relying on surveys or monitoring efforts.
Researchers analyzed 78 documented incidents of porpoise harassment by Southern Resident killer whales from 1962 to 2020. The study suggests three plausible explanations: mismothering behavior, limited opportunities to care for young due to malnutrition, and a specialized salmon diet that makes eating porpoises highly unlikely.
Researchers developed a framework for climate-resilient fisheries, analyzing 18 diverse fisheries across ecological, social and governance dimensions. The framework identifies five archetypes of resilient fisheries with unique pathways to achieve sustainability and benefits to society.
A recent study published in Water Biology and Security challenges the hypothesis that cyanobacteria produce β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a non-protein amino acid linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The study found no detectable levels of BMAA in laboratory-cultured strains and natural cyanobacterial bloom samples.
Sperm and northern bottlenose whales frequently feed on live halibut escaping from a deep-sea trawler net. The study found that these whales were only spotted when the catch was Greenland halibut, not redfish or thorny skate.
A new study identifies over 800 bivalve species that humans harvest and find to be more resilient to extinction due to their adaptability in various climates. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management to preserve these populations, but also warn of potential risks if human demand exceeds their capacity.
Researchers analyzed over 650 dam removal projects and found median costs vary by height, with the Northwest accounting for the highest cost. The tool will help decision-makers manage large numbers of aging dams approaching obsolescence.
Researchers found that replacing forage fish with formulated diets increased crude protein content in largemouth bass muscles, while also altering fiber characteristics. The study suggests that this dietary shift can improve the nutritional aspects and meat quality of largemouth bass.
Research found that warmer ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves lead to increased overlap between Chinook salmon and Pacific hake, raising the risk of salmon bycatch. The study used 20 years of data and modeled behavioral changes to show how salmon move lower into the water column during higher temperatures.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that biodegradable fishing gear (BFG) does not significantly reduce the cost of ghost fishing due to decreased fishing efficiency. The study suggests that implementing BFG could still have economic benefits, but only if it can achieve similar fishing efficiency as traditional gear.
A new study published in Global Change Biology suggests that large-scale ocean iron fertilization could exacerbate climate change-driven nutrient shortages and productivity losses in the tropics, potentially harming coastal fisheries. The research also showed a five percent decline in fish and marine species biomass in tropical areas d...
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
A study examines over 20,000 newspaper articles from Brazil to understand changes in marine biodiversity over the past 180 years. The research found that high-trophic level species decreased in frequency while low-level organisms increased, reflecting broader trends of overfishing.
A landmark study reveals that more than 90% of global aquaculture and capture fisheries face substantial risks from environmental change. The study highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for transboundary collaboration, diversification, and stakeholder engagement to adapt to climate change.
New study finds that limiting human activity in parts of the ocean can enhance marine environment health and benefit nearby coastal communities. MPAs with strict fishing restrictions sustain fisheries and improve income and food security for nearby residents.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
A new study examines the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries and ecosystems, providing insights for managing these disruptions. The research highlights both winners and losers in the face of warming waters, emphasizing the need for adaptable management strategies to mitigate losses and capitalize on unexpected gains.
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.
A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.
A pair of studies finds that the US Magnuson-Stevens Act is working as intended to rebuild threatened fish populations and increase their size. In contrast to critics' claims, the policy does not unduly limit catch or revenue, but rather rebuilds depleted stocks with significant gains in size.
A new article in Science challenges the notion that fish growth slows down when they spawn. Research by Dr. Pauly and Dr. Froese found that fish actually grow faster after reproducing, as their energy is redirected towards other activities. The study also notes that reproduction does not impact growth in mammals.
Researchers recorded and identified mating and feeding sounds of 21 ocean species, including those influenced by the moon. The study's findings will contribute to the development of the Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds (GLUBS), an open-access online platform for monitoring changes in marine environments.
A study by Oregon State University found that a metal bar installed on the crab-sorting table can reduce the strain on fishermen's bodies and prevent injuries. The researchers tested different banger bar configurations and found that higher bars and triangular bars were the most effective in reducing muscle activity and joint moment.
The Save Our Seas Foundation has awarded a record 75 grants to support shark and ray conservation projects worldwide. The foundation's 20th anniversary year highlights growing commitment to protecting these vital ocean species.
A University of British Columbia study suggests that jellyfish size can influence their nutritional value. The researchers found that larger jellyfish tend to have higher levels of healthy fats, making them potentially more nutritious.
The Chinese sturgeon, critically endangered with a limited spawning ground, has a polygynandry mating system and breeding interval of 2-6 years. Genetic diversity remains relatively high despite inbreeding coefficients indicating low detrimental effects on offspring.
A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.
The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.
Researchers found that current anti-predator gear can reduce clam mortality by four- to tenfold, with double-layered treatments showing the highest survival rates. However, rays were still capable of interacting with the gear for prolonged periods, potentially diverting them from other natural habitats.
The study finds that aquatic foods are rich in essential nutrients, potentially diminishing malnutrition and heart disease risks. Implementing blue food policies can also promote a more environmentally friendly and sustainable food system.
A recent UBC study has found that southern resident killer whales require high-energy prey to survive, with spring-run Chinook salmon being the most suitable. The study's findings have significant implications for managing both species and mitigating the decline of this critically endangered population.
Researchers have studied sailfish hunting behavior for the first time, revealing a unique hunting strategy. The study estimates that sailfish need roughly half of a tuna per day to meet their energetic demands, shedding light on their basic biology.
A team of researchers is using the Frontera supercomputer to develop medium to long-term fishery forecasts driven by high-resolution coupled climate forecasts. They find that changes to upwelling are predicted to be warmer, not colder, and may impact the sustainability of fisheries in the US and globally.
A study by the University of Exeter found that 74% of green turtles foraging in Cyprus feed at Lake Bardawil, an Egyptian lagoon. The number of turtle nests has increased almost tripled since the early 1990s, but their dependence on this single location leaves them vulnerable to changes in conditions.
A new study reports that SharkGuard, a shark deterrent device, significantly reduces the number of blue sharks and pelagic stingrays caught in tuna fisheries. The technology emits a localized electric field around a baited hook, discouraging sharks from biting without getting hooked on other fish.
A regime shift in the Southeast Greenland marine ecosystem has led to a permanent change from an ice-infested to a more temperate system, with large numbers of fin and humpback whales migrating to the area. This tipping point may be irreversible, having cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.
A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.
A new study finds that seafood farming's growth rate has already peaked in 1996 and is now declining, requiring rebuilding of wild fish stocks to meet future demand. Without this approach, relying solely on aquaculture could lead to a global seafood shortage by 2030.
A new dataset shows that over 55,000 suspected intentional disabling events of Automatic Identification System devices occurred between 2017 and 2019, obscuring nearly 5 million hours of fishing vessel activity. The majority of these events were concentrated in areas with overlapping EEZ claims or high transshipment activity.
Scientists discovered that ancient fish favored cold, dark waters of the deep sea, challenging the assumption that shallow habitats have always been diverse. The study revealed three major events that drove speciation rates in the deep sea, including the breakup of Pangea and the Cretaceous Hot Greenhouse period.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
Researchers found that short-term changes in health of juvenile sockeye salmon are related to the quality of zooplankton, not biomass or composition. This highlights concerns about climate change affecting ocean conditions and salmon populations.
A new study found that social, economic and political barriers hinder the global distribution of the $424 billion aquatic food industry's benefits. The study calls for policies to ensure equitable access to this sector, which supports both welfare-based benefits like jobs and affordable nutrition, as well as wealth-based benefits.
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
Researchers gauged small-scale fishers' willingness to use vessel tracking systems, finding that safety functionality and ownership of data were key factors. In a survey of 211 fishers, 67% were willing to pay for the technology, while those citing corruption as their main problem were more likely to participate if paid.
Researchers developed a lifecycle assessment-based framework to manage offshore oil spill cleanup waste. The study suggests combining centrifugation and landfilling as the most suitable remediation approach for low-impact spills.