Articles tagged with Fisheries
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers aim to uncover information on blotchy bass syndrome's prevalence, distribution, and potential risks through data collected by citizens. The study will help determine which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune.
A cooperative-based organization of various stakeholders helps coastal communities develop without increasing pressure on resources, supporting resilience to stock changes. Northern shrimp Indigenous fisheries in eastern Québec demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in fostering community resilience.
A long-term marine conservation effort in the US Virgin Islands has helped recover a key fish species, the red hind, with average fish size increasing by over 35% and population reaching sustainability. The recovery is attributed to management decisions and adherence to fishing closures.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Researchers found 61 out of 86 species threatened with extinction, with coastal sharks facing greatest conservation concern. Increased protections and international trade regulations are crucial to prevent extinctions among these species.
Researchers warn that climate change will cause significant food losses in tropical coastal communities due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The study predicts greater losses for fisheries than agriculture, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation.
A new study synthesizes the impact of metal and coal mines on salmon and trout in northwestern North America, revealing severe and long-lasting harm to watersheds and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the need for more complete and transparent science-based policies to inform mining governance.
A new sorting technology at Chalmers University of Technology reduces fish waste by up to 50%, creating five nutritious cuts from the whole fish. The innovation is being implemented in a Swedish herring processing plant, which aims to produce healthier and more sustainable food products.
A new study found that the 2021 heat wave caused widespread death among shellfish due to a combination of low tides, high air temperatures, and location. The research team analyzed hundreds of field observations and found that some species fared better than others in terms of survival.
The Amazon River's biodiversity is under strong fishing pressure, indicating a stress that menaces the region's ability to provide protein and other essential nutrients. The research found that large-bodied species are more vulnerable to overexploitation and being replaced by smaller species.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that bony fish head cartilage contains abundant proteoglycans, including aggrecan, with similar CS structures to salmon nasal cartilage. This finding reveals the potential of sturgeon as an alternative source of CSPGs for health food formulations.
A new study reveals that foreign fishing fleets and international seafood trade are taking fish nutrients away from malnourished populations, exacerbating nutrition insecurity. The research found that over 60% of countries receive net gains in fish-derived nutrients through international trade, while a third have net losses.
Researchers identified Tenacibaculum maritimum, a bacterium causing ulcerative disease, and piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), a virus causing disease in Pacific salmon worldwide. The study links PRV to negative impact on wild Pacific salmon survival in B.C.
Researchers found that over 99.6% of caught scallops were in pots with lights, and video footage shows the shellfish piling into the pots. This novel method could be a game-changer for sustainable seafood production and reduce environmental impact.
A team led by Flinders University archaeologist Dr Martin Polkinghorne is reuniting ancient ceramics with their ships of origin, developing a narrative of ancient global trade. The research project will also promote cultural value and awareness among communities in Indonesia and Australia.
A new study reveals that smaller females of North Atlantic right whales have fewer offspring per reproductive year, likely contributing to the species' low birth rates. This decline in body size may be a result of human-caused stressors such as entanglements and vessel strikes, which could limit population growth if not addressed.
The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.
Mariculture holds great potential to help satisfy global demand for meat, but requires careful governance and efficient operations. The study suggests that finfish and shellfish farms can increase seafood availability, while maintaining ecosystem health.
A new study by UBC researchers found that climate change is altering the species served on Vancouver restaurant menus, with warmer waters favoring Humboldt squid and sardines. This shift may lead to reduced availability of sockeye salmon, making way for other fish species.
A study from the University of New Hampshire found US seafood workers were twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as workers in other food industries. The researchers identified high-density workplaces like seafood processing plants and fishing vessels as major risk factors.
A new study found that marine cold spells are becoming less intense and frequent due to ocean warming. This shift could reduce the impact of mass die-off events but also diminishs refuges from heat waves, threatening ecosystem resilience.
The Save Our Seas Foundation awarded 25 new small grants in 2022, supporting young scientists in their research on shark and ray conservation. The projects focus on sustainable fisheries approaches, local knowledge, and community engagement to address species extinction risks and improve conservation efforts.
A Peruvian trial of underwater sound devices called pingers reduced bycatch of dolphins by 83%, but failed to deter humpback whales. The study found that lower-frequency pingers may be needed to address whale interactions.
Researchers found that pelicans primarily eat native fish species like Utah sucker and chub, with only a small percentage of cutthroat trout consumed. This discovery provides managers with more insight into the ecological dynamics of the reservoir, allowing them to focus on other factors impacting trout populations.
New research suggests that slow degradation of recreational fisheries is common due to changes in technology, infrastructure, and angler attitudes. Anglers and managers can stabilize and improve fisheries by embracing challenges, reducing fishing mortality, supporting monitoring funding, and managing high catch rates.
Researchers assess predictive skills of ocean heat content in two state-of-the-art seasonal forecasting systems, finding potential to predict sub-surface warming up to two seasons in advance. This could aid mitigation of extreme events and provide early warnings for industries such as aquaculture and fishing.
A study by University of California, Davis, and NOAA Fisheries confirms a sharp decline in basking shark sightings off California's coast since the 1970s. The researchers found a significant link between shark presence and environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature and El Niño oscillations.
The project aims to grow Golden Shiners from eggs to market size within one year using four different strategies. The goals are to serve the bait industry, aquaculture and aquaponics producers, and anglers in Minnesota, while reducing pressure to import bait fish from other states.
Over one quarter of Europe's 20 most highly-fished marine species will face extreme pressure by 2100 if no action is taken to address climate change, overfishing, and mercury pollution. The study projects a significant decline in population size for key species like great Atlantic scallop, red mullet, and common octopus.
New research finds the ocean's middle depths are already losing oxygen at unnatural rates and will reach a critical threshold in 2021. Climate change is expected to impact marine ecosystems worldwide, affecting fisheries and other resources.
A new species of angel shark, Squatina mapama, has been identified in the Central American Caribbean, shedding light on the region's biodiversity. Genetic analyses reveal distinct characteristics from other related species, emphasizing the importance of forensic science in understanding cryptic species within the genus.
Researchers have discovered that participants in California's Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod, highlighting the importance of global maritime trade. The findings were made possible through genetic analysis of 18 cod bones recovered from Thompson's Cove, which confirmed the importation of Atlantic cod during the late 1850s.
Researchers found that in 2020, 93% of Guinea worms detected worldwide were in dogs in Chad. Dogs eating infected fish carry the parasite larvae, which means they maintain the life-cycle and humans can still catch the disease.
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
A study predicts that 6,150 km of new Pacific salmon habitat will emerge in the Pacific mountains by 2100, with most occurring in Alaska and the transboundary region. This newly formed habitat can support rapid colonization by salmon populations, offering local opportunities for some species but posing challenges under climate change.
A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.
Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.
Research reveals that warm-water habitats in Upper Klamath Lake provide essential energy for cold-water fish during spring and fall, while providing limited food sources in summer. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple habitats for mobile species like redband trout in climate change conservation.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found that anglers who experienced shark depredation were more likely to target sharks for harvesting, highlighting the need for human-centered conservation strategies. Over 77% of respondents reported having a fish taken by a shark at least once in the last five years.
Researchers used DNA analysis to confirm traditional Tsleil-Waututh Nation fishing practices that promoted sustainable management and conservation. These practices, which selectively harvested male salmon, allowed for larger harvests while maintaining healthy populations and successful spawning.
FAU researchers custom-build multi-sensor tag combined with AI to observe goliath grouper species in the wild. The study identified 13 behaviors, including hovering, forward swimming, and vocalizations, using video footage from the tags.
Two hundred ninety scientific researchers from 46 countries urge the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ban harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The signatories cite research showing that such subsidies lead to unsustainable fishing practices, contravening UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Late-migrating juvenile spring-run Chinook salmon of California’s Central Valley have a survival advantage during droughts and ocean warming due to their ability to grow in cool-water habitats. The study highlights the importance of secure habitats for fish to survive difficult conditions, emphasizing the need for reintroduction to sav...
Researchers found fish, reptiles, and mammals made up the jaguar's diet, with aquatic prey providing energy to burn or play. The high density of jaguars was attributed to abundant aquatic subsidies in the region.
Researchers used stable isotopes and fatty acids to unlock the secrets of jellyfish feeding. They found that jellyfish diets could look quite different than expected, with some species not incorporating certain prey into their bodies.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
Researchers found that wild and hatchery coho salmon demonstrate different genetic markers for negative assortment, a common finding in mating. They are now trying to emulate the natural mating of coho salmon in a hatchery environment using genetic profile information.
Millions of Europeans depend on fishing for food and livelihood, with ocean warming affecting fish distribution and abundance. Regional differences in climate risk highlight the need for locally adapted approaches, including social safety nets and income support.
A new study by the University of British Columbia found that many catch share fisheries globally are not paying royalties on their harvests, despite generating an estimated US$17.7 billion in value. The study highlights that countries like Canada do not charge for the use of these natural resources.