Articles tagged with Fisheries
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
The study found that coral reefs' capacity to provide essential benefits and services, including food and livelihoods, has declined significantly. The decline in coral reef coverage and biodiversity is attributed to climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.
Global demand for aquatic foods is set to double by 2050, with aquaculture production expected to meet the majority of this growth. This 'blue food revolution' has the potential to tackle malnutrition, lower environmental footprints and provide livelihoods, particularly in regions where people rely heavily on these systems.
The Minnesota Sea Grant project aims to increase Yellow Perch production in indoor RAS systems, addressing supply chain limitations and improving fish growth rates. The project will also develop a guide for producers on best practices and cost estimates for RAS production.
The study analyzed fishery data and interviewed 155 artisanal fishers, identifying 37 species as overfished, including bluefish, dusky grouper, and crevalle jack. Smaller species like beltfish and gray triggerfish are increasingly being targeted.
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
Researchers applied supervised machine learning to lidar data from fishery surveys, automating the identification process in regions with a strong possibility of harboring fish. The technique decreased manual inspection in datasets from Yellowstone Lake and Gulf of Mexico studies by 61.14% and 26.8%, respectively.
Climate change poses a pervasive threat to the availability of essential micronutrients from marine fish catches, impacting 40% of countries, including tropical nations. Fisheries micronutrient supplies are less vulnerable to overfishing, but climate change is more critical.
A study in the Peruvian Amazon reveals that declining fish biodiversity poses a significant risk to human nutrition, particularly for iron and essential fatty acids. The researchers predict that a tipping point will be reached when 40 of 60 food species become scarce or extinct, leading to a nosedive in nutritional value.
A new study found that aquaculture and fisheries have led to the loss of biodiversity along China's 18,000 km long coastline, with commercially exploited species dominating all regions. The study discovered that the uniformity of bivalve species is largely due to human activities, including intensive fishing practices.
Research identifies two critical thresholds for stream flow and salmon survival, with a historic mean flow of 10,712 cfs providing an important target for managing water resources. Enacting flows to match this threshold could increase salmon survival rates by doubling or tripling in some years.
Sea turtle nesting populations in the Cayman Islands have recovered significantly after conservation efforts, with loggerhead and green turtle numbers increasing dramatically. However, hawksbill turtle nest numbers remain low and populations still face threats including illegal hunting and artificial lighting on nesting beaches.
A new study found an aggregation site of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, with estimated mortality rates potentially three times higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about conservation efforts and highlights opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism.
Three new snailfish species, Paraliparis echongpachot, P. kadadakaleguak, and P. marianae, have been named after student suggestions in the Chamorro language. The specimens were collected in the 1980s but not examined until recently, when they were analyzed by Oregon State University alums Bruce Mundy and David Stein.
Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers appear to be increasing in UK waters after a long period of decline. Researchers have documented this growth using data from citizen scientists, eco-tourism vessels, and fisheries records, revealing that these fish arrive in May and stay until January, with peak sightings between August and October each year.
A new study reveals tilapias adapt to stress by growing smaller, not reproducing earlier. The Gill Oxygen Limitation Theory explains how fish like tilapia survive in rough environments by stopping growth and stunting reproduction.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society addresses the impacts of COVID-19 and Cyclone Harold on Indo-Fijian small-scale fishers. The research highlights the need to prioritize vulnerable groups in economic recovery efforts, as they are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and natural disasters.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change found that warm river habitats provide pulses of growth potential during the spring and fall shoulder seasons, fueling fish energy to travel to cooler parts. This challenges conventional conservation strategies that prioritize cold-water habitats alone.
A student from UNIST proposed a ship-arrival time prediction model based on Artificial Intelligence and won the grand prize. The model aims to improve the efficiency of shipping and port logistics by accurately predicting vessel arrival times.
A new analysis shows that Southern Resident killer whales prey on a variety of fish species throughout the year, including Chinook, steelhead, chum, and coho salmon. The researchers found that the whales' diet becomes less diverse during lean times, highlighting the need for strategies to support their food supply.
Scientists have discovered a new breeding site for the world's rarest seal species, the Mediterranean monk seal, in northern Cyprus. At least three pups were born at one cave between 2016-19, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A new study highlights the importance of preserving intraspecific variation within species, which supports essential ecological functions and benefits nature provides for people. The loss of this variation can have serious ecological consequences, including boom-bust population cycles and reduced medicinal properties in plants.
A global biological assessment of rivers reveals a striking loss of biodiversity in Japan and New Zealand over the past 20-30 years. Poor living conditions for fish and macroinvertebrates are also widespread across Europe, North America, Australia, and South Korea.
Researchers are studying ways to reduce waste in the seafood industry by using market incentives, with a focus on Mexico's SmartFish program. The study found that while the model improved sustainability, it also introduced new points of waste, including plastic packaging.
Small hydropower dams in Brazil are found to cause more significant disruptions to fish migration patterns than large hydropower projects. The study highlights the cumulative impacts of these smaller dams on river connectivity and biodiversity.
New research on a Great Lakes fish species, kiyis, found that they have regained a genetic trait allowing them to see in dim blue-shifted waters, similar to their ancient ocean-dwelling ancestors. This adaptation is likely helping the fish thrive in the deeper regions of Lake Superior.
Researchers studied the impact of a marine heatwave-associated harmful algal bloom on Dungeness crab fishing communities. They found that 71% of vessels temporarily left the industry, but those who adapted by participating in other fisheries or moving to more favorable locations were better resilient.
The US seafood industry is experiencing a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly fresh seafood exports declining by up to 43% and catches dropping by 40% in some months. The study suggests that American fishmongers may struggle without government aid.
A new study reveals that individual fish caught, released and recaught are more likely to be caught again than anticipated. The findings raise questions for policy makers tasked with preserving sustainable fisheries.
A recent NOAA study published in Ecology and Evolution reveals higher interaction rates between spiny dogfish and Atlantic cod than previously observed. The study uses genetic testing to confirm cod presence in dogfish stomachs, finding that small cod are more likely to be well-digested, making identification challenging.
The workshop aimed to address the knowledge gap in tidal marshes by discussing key issues, including public awareness, conservation efforts, and sea-level rise impacts. The meeting drew experts from various fields, from undergraduate students to retired leaders, to share perspectives on tidal marsh ecology.
A new study finds that the Mount Polley tailings spill in 2014 is still affecting Quesnel Lake, with turbidity increasing each spring and fall due to resuspended contaminants. The phenomenon raises concerns about long-term impacts on the lake's ecology, including effects on fish populations and algal communities.
Tropical fisheries face significant threats from climate change, with global seafood trade and distant-water fishing linked to extratropical natural systems. This telecoupling effect generates cascades of impacts that affect not only local economies but also distant regions.
Researchers develop a One Health framework to improve sustainability in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, which now accounts for half of global seafood consumption. The strategy emphasizes metrics such as access to nutritious food, employment quality, and ecosystem health.
Researchers used social media network models to analyze fish populations in the Mediterranean Sea, finding that warming seas have significant and widespread effects on biodiversity. The study suggests that winter warming may lead to changes in fish communities, potentially causing some species to disappear from certain areas.
A new study reveals that two key species of Australian aquarium corals are particularly susceptible to bleaching due to recurrent heatwaves. The study's findings emphasize the need for targeted in-situ monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coral industry.
Size-selective fisheries can impair reproductive success in fish populations by reducing the availability of reproductively superior large individuals. This, in turn, affects population growth and resilience, as sexual selection cannot operate effectively without a sufficient pool of optimal mates.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that only about 2% of microplastic particles in Pacific oysters can be confirmed as plastics. The team used advanced methodologies to accurately identify and catalog microplastics, revealing a lower abundance than previously thought.
A new study predicts that future 'blobs' will exacerbate climate change impacts on fish stocks, causing biomass to decrease and distribution shifts. This could lead to significant declines in fisheries sectors along the west coast of Canada and USA.
A new study found a dramatic increase in the global abundance of Anisakis worms, also known as herring worms, which can be transmitted to humans through raw or undercooked seafood. The parasite's rise could have implications for human health and marine mammal populations.
International team discovers two new species of six-gilled sawsharks in the West Indian Ocean, raising concerns about their vulnerability to overfishing. The discovery highlights the importance of assessing shark and ray biodiversity globally.
Research shows that West Coast Dungeness crab numbers are stable or increasing, with Central California catches averaging five times those of past decades. The fishery's success may be attributed to fishing regulations protecting reproductive potential and natural variability in ocean conditions.
A study estimates that women worldwide catch 3 million tonnes of marine fish and seafood per year, generating $5.6 billion in value or 12% of global small-scale fisheries catches. The economic impact is even higher at $26 billion when adjusted for purchasing power parity.
Research reveals over 8 million to 14 million tonnes of unreported fish catches are traded illicitly annually, costing the legitimate market $9-17 billion. The economic impact is felt heavily in Asia, Africa, and South America, affecting millions' nutritional food security and livelihoods.
Research finds high levels of selenium in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta fish, causing spinal deformities and affecting their ear bones. The study provides insights into how the fish encounter selenium, shedding light on potential management strategies.
Researchers found that expansion of Pacific Remote Islands and Papahanaumokuakea marine national monuments increased catch per unit effort for the Hawaii-based longline industry, showing no significant economic losses. The study controlled for factors like ocean conditions and regulations to assess impacts on the fishery.
A new study reveals that recreational catches of sharks and rays have grown to account for 54,000 tonnes of the total 900,000 tonnes caught every year. Many species are already threatened due to commercial fishing and illegal activities.
A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science found that eDNA (environmental DNA) can identify more species of marine vertebrates than traditional trawl nets. The research team collected water samples and analyzed the DNA to detect the presence of important species such as great white sharks and salmon.
Bears prefer small streams to catch salmon due to easy prey and early spawning times, which provide a crucial feeding opportunity after hibernation. This study highlights the importance of protecting smaller habitats in environmental impact assessments.
A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.
The world's first 'Fisheries Index Insurance' scheme aims to protect Caribbean fishing communities from extreme weather events. However, policymakers must complement climate risk insurance with adaptations actions in coastal ecosystems to ensure its effectiveness.
Researchers analyzed over 65 years of records and data on hatchery-origin Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea, finding that larger fish are being released but still vulnerable to predators. The study suggests a narrow two-week window of release may lead to 'boom or bust' dynamics, affecting sustainability.
A study by Masumi Yamamuro and colleagues found that neonicotinoid pesticide use led to a 83% decrease in average springtime zooplankton biomass, causing the collapse of two commercial fisheries on Lake Shinji. The impact was felt throughout the aquatic food chain, with smelt harvests plummeting from 240 tons to 22 tons in just one year.
A new study estimates that the western South Atlantic humpback whale population has grown to 25,000, recovering more quickly than previously thought. The population was depleted to only 450 whales in the early 1900s due to intense whaling pressure.
A game of chance experiment revealed that German commercial fishermen are more honest than students when not under suspicion. However, when told to report their results in favor of the EU, almost one in three fishermen answered dishonestly. The study highlights the importance of trust between fishermen and regulatory authorities.
Researchers found a significant decline in top predatory fish populations in Lake Simcoe from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s due to commercial fishing. However, once recreational fishing increased, the number of top predators began to recover, suggesting resilience in the system.
Researchers tracked 105 mako sharks over 12 years, finding that they return to the same productive waters in Southern California Bight each year. The study demonstrates impressive memory and navigation skills, with sharks traveling up to 90 miles a day and staying within specific temperature ranges.
An international study found that longline fisheries globally impact migrating shark populations, with approximately a quarter of their migratory paths affected. The research used satellite tracking and big data analysis to examine shark movements at a global scale.
A study by University of Jyväskylä and Luke found that enriched rearing significantly enhances the survival of fish from bacterial infection in aquaculture. The results may advance natural disease prevention methods in aquaculture, improving post-release survival after stocking into the wild.
A study examining fishing boat captains found that those who explored new territory experienced less impact from disruptions when popular grounds were closed, suggesting the benefits of exploration in uncertain environments. This strategy may provide a way to future-proof livelihoods by drawing on knowledge of alternatives.