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Chinese wisdom and modern innovation of aquaculture

This study introduces modern innovations in Chinese aquaculture, focusing on genetic breeding, fertility biotechnology, polyculture, eco-agriculture, smart aquaculture, and eco-engineered aquaculture. The research proposes ten paradigm changes to promote sustainable aquaculture development and global food security.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 11, 2024

Where have all the right whales gone?

Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Conservation actions for SA’s white shark population now a matter of urgency

A group of marine biologists challenge the notion of a stable white shark population shifting eastwards along South Africa's coastline. They argue that data cannot support population stability or redistribution claims, citing issues with dataset presentation and the onset of declines predating orca appearances.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2024

Study shows how local fishers respond to climate challenges

Local fishers in Mexico's Gulf of California respond to climate challenges through self-governance and organizational structures, with cooperative fishing organizations adopting conservation measures for specific high-value species. The study reveals tradeoffs between specialization and adaptability, suggesting that social structures c...

SourceDuke University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Galápagos penguin is exposed to and may accumulate microplastics at high rate within its food web, modelling suggests

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Safety of aquatic animals as human protein sources amid SARS-CoV-2 concerns

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.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalReproduction and Breeding·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 26, 2023

Study proposes new explanation for California anchovy booms and busts

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023

Threatened sharks and rays caught off Cyprus

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Large swings in past ocean oxygen revealed

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.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 11, 2023

Reducing fishing gear could save whales with low impacts to California’s crab fishermen

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBiological Conservation·DateSep 29, 2023

Why are killer whales harassing and killing porpoises without eating them?

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2023

Do cyanobacteria make the neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA)?

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.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2023

Warmer ocean temperatures increase risk of salmon bycatch in Pacific hake fishery

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFish and Fisheries·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Can using biodegradable fishing gear help reduce the cost of ghost fishing?

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.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023

New research uncovers potential benefits, consequences of ocean iron fertilization

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...

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2023

New research finds that more than 90% of global aquaculture faces substantial risk from environmental change

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 26, 2023

Significant citizen participation: Study examines the fate of plastic particles

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.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Lessons from ‘The Blob’ will help us manage fisheries during future marine heatwaves

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateJun 5, 2023

Fish’s growth is not reduced by spawning

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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

Do fish bay at the moon? Can their odd songs identify Hawaiian mystery fish? Eavesdropping scientists progress in recording, understanding ocean soundscapes

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.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 26, 2023

Fishermen-developed “banger bar” helps reduce risk of injury on crab boats, OSU study finds

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.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023