Articles tagged with Fisheries
Researchers found that adult female great white sharks spend more time in warm-water eddies than cold-water eddies, particularly at depths of 450 meters. These preferences may be driven by the abundance of fish and squid in the warmer eddies.
A new analysis finds that small, wild-caught fish and farmed mollusks have the lowest environmental impact, while industrial beef production and farmed catfish are the most taxing. The study used life-cycle assessments to compare environmental costs across various types of animal protein production.
New research reveals tens of thousands of sea turtles are caught each year by small-scale fishers off South America's Pacific coast, with over 16,000 killed. The study highlights Ecuador and Peru as key places to tackle this issue, which threatens critically endangered species like leatherbacks and hawksbills.
A Rutgers University-led study reports that hundreds of ocean fish and invertebrate species will move northward due to climate change, disrupting fisheries in the US and Canada. The study projects that some species will shift as much as 900 miles north, leading to longer trips and higher fuel costs for commercial fishermen.
New research by the University of British Columbia reveals that industrial fisheries using bottom trawling methods waste 437 million tonnes of fish and miss out on $560 billion in revenue. Small-scale fisheries, on the other hand, generate significantly more value due to their targeted fishing practices.
Researchers found that the Baltic Sea is experiencing extreme changes, such as warming and oxygen-free zones, which can be used to predict future global ocean changes. The region's unique characteristics make it an ideal model for studying coastal ocean management and sustainable development.
The Persian Gulf may lose up to 12% of its marine biodiversity if climate change is not addressed. Some species may migrate north, but the area suitable for them will shrink under climate change.
Scientists successfully assembled and annotated the genome of California Yellowtail fish, a high-value species in the sashimi industry. The study improves understanding of sex determination and provides insights into developing more palatable farmed fish and optimizing aquaculture practices.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has slowed down by about 15 percent since the 1950s, with recent years showing a record low. This weakening is linked to rising carbon dioxide levels and impacts fish distributions, ocean temperatures, and fisheries in the Northeast U.S. Shelf.
New research reveals that dolphins are not only being accidentally caught in fishing nets but may be actively seeking them out for food. The study found that acoustic deterrents were ineffective and may even attracted more dolphins, highlighting the need for effective fish stock management to break the vicious cycle of overfishing.
A European project is developing circular economy solutions using agricultural and fisheries waste to improve soil quality and reduce CO2 emissions. The Horti-BlueC project replaces non-renewable resources with local waste, producing bio-energy, biochar, and biodegradable materials.
A new study found that despite the Philippine government's ban on destructive fishing methods in 1932 and 1998, many fishers continue to use explosives and poison, causing significant damage to coral reefs. The research suggests that ensuring young fishers engage with sustainable fishing methods is crucial to reducing this harm.
A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.
A University of Washington-led study found that Chinook salmon populations across the West Coast have declined in size, with Alaska and Washington showing the biggest reductions. Fishing pressure and marine mammal predation are believed to be contributing factors.
Researchers found that controlled dam pulses and flood magnitudes significantly impact fisheries. The study suggests prolonged drying followed by sudden flooding could increase fish yields by a factor of 3.7, offering a promising solution to sustainable fisheries.
Research highlights seagrass meadows' role as crucial fishing grounds worldwide, supporting daily food supply and livelihoods. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of these ecosystems to mitigate the 'tragedy of the seagrass commons',
Researchers found that seagrass meadows are globally extensive fishing habitats, with significant impact on daily food supply and livelihoods in developing countries. The study highlights the need for recognition of seagrass habitats' value in supporting fisheries.
A UC Davis study reveals that seagrass biodiversity is essential for effective restoration, outperforming single-species approaches. Planting mixtures of diverse species improves survival and growth rates, highlighting the importance of ecosystem complexity.
Research reveals that climate shifts can significantly alter the length of marine food chains in Southern California. The study found that extreme environmental conditions, such as El Niño events, shortened the food chain by reducing population sizes and diversity. This change indicates a decline in ecosystem resilience.
A study suggests that exclusion devices in fishing nets may be linked to elevated post-release mortality and reproductive failure among New Zealand sea lions. The research found a negative correlation between pup production and annual growth rates and the estimated interaction rate with the Auckland Islands squid fishery.
Scientists found anchovies and sardines spawning earlier and longer in Northwest waters due to unusually warm ocean conditions. This change may have unforeseen consequences on the food web, including competing with other species for food.
The Newport Line, a decades-long ocean monitoring program off the Pacific Northwest coast, has been recognized for its significant contributions to marine science. The PICES Ocean Monitoring Service Award acknowledges the program's value in understanding climate patterns, salmon returns, and ocean currents.
A new statistical model confirms a decline in North Atlantic right whale population since 2010, with adult females experiencing a significant drop. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.
Researchers use modern genetic sequencing tools to analyze more than 1,000 single-letter changes in the genetic code, finding new evidence that three similar-looking corals may be three separate species. This discovery could aid in conservation efforts and provide insight into coral epigenetics.
A new paper aims to establish a global standard for social responsibility in the seafood sector by focusing on human rights violations and improving food and livelihood security. The initiative calls for governments, businesses, and nonprofits to work together to address these social challenges.
A study by the University of British Columbia found that only 16% of global fisheries subsidies went to small-scale fishing, despite employing over 22 million people and supporting food security. Large-scale fisheries receive 60% of subsidies promoting overfishing due to fuel-efficient technology and port development subsidies.
A new study reveals that 27% of commercial marine landings were diverted to uses other than direct human consumption from 1950 to 2010. Most of the diverted fish are classified as food-grade or prime, used in aquaculture and livestock production, threatening global food security.
A new Duke-led analysis reveals that hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico drive up the price of large shrimp relative to smaller sizes, causing economic ripples for consumers, fishermen, and seafood markets. The study provides the first evidence linking Gulf hypoxia to economic impacts.
Researchers investigate Tambora's effects on coastal fish and commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Maine, revealing parallels with current climate change phenomena. The study suggests that past extreme events can inform resilience strategies and that complex solutions require a multi-faceted approach.
Researchers found that well-diversified fishing communities in Alaska experienced little change in revenue despite fluctuations in fish abundance and market prices. Communities with high diversity were able to shift to different fisheries, increasing their revenue streams.
Dungeness crabs and groundfish such as rockfish and sole are expected to decline due to ocean acidification, while coastal pelagic fish are only slightly affected. The study projects a $220 million annual value decline in Dungeness crab fisheries over the next 50 years.
Researchers found that Caribbean spiny lobsters get 20% of their food from lucinid clams with chemosynthetic bacteria in their gills. This discovery highlights the importance of chemosynthesis in shallow waters, supporting populations and fisheries worth millions.
A new study using acoustic networks has documented a 34% per year decline in Mexico's critically endangered vaquita porpoise. The decline is attributed to resumption of illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, despite conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new model to predict the survival of fish embryos in high temperatures, taking into account the relationship between egg size and water flow. The study found that larger eggs require more oxygen and can survive in slower-flowing waters, but this relationship is not always consistent with laboratory results.
A new study estimates that coastal Indigenous people consume 74 kg of seafood per capita, 15 times more than non-Indigenous populations in the same country. This highlights the need to consider Indigenous food sovereignty and cultural identity as part of fisheries policy.
Researchers conclude that incentive-based solutions can help address environmental threats facing the world's oceans. Positive incentives work better than negative ones, converting near-disaster situations into sustainable fisheries and cleaner water.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that 90% of globally caught fish are from rivers with high environmental stress levels. Freshwater fish provide animal protein for 158 million people worldwide, particularly in countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh.
Researchers found a connection between unusually warm ocean conditions and the magnitude of the toxic bloom, which resulted in the highest levels of domoic acid contamination. The study identified a single species of diatom as the dominant cause of the bloom, leading to widespread ecosystem damage.
Researchers found that collective intelligence is more accurate than individual diagnoses when doctors have similar levels of accuracy. The study suggests that assembling groups with similar diagnostic abilities can lead to better medical outcomes.
A recent study reveals that marine fisheries catches in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being under-reported by 86%, threatening the marine environment and local livelihoods. The research calls for urgent policy action to establish more accurate catch limits, taking into account both commercial and local consumption of seafood.
A team of scientists released key recommendations to build and sustain land in coastal Louisiana using Mississippi River sediment diversions. The plan aims to mimic natural processes that originally built the land, taking advantage of winter flood peaks and spring sand, while minimizing socio-economic effects.
The Adélie penguin population in Antarctica is facing significant threats from climate change, with some colonies expected to decline by 30% by 2060 and 60% by 2099. Climate warming in certain regions has led to population declines, while cooling conditions have resulted in stable or increasing populations.
A new study by University of Hawaii researchers found that dinoflagellates can stress copepods, reducing their energy for growth, reproduction, and lipid biosynthesis. This impacts the food source for young fish and potentially affects fisheries.
A new study by NOAA Fisheries finds that ocean acidification may slow development and reduce survival of Dungeness crab larvae, which are key to the Northwest marine ecosystem. The research suggests that lower pH levels could extend vulnerable larval periods or jeopardize timing in relation to food sources.
Researchers found that zooplankton communities in the Southern Ocean migrate vertically to escape predators and feed on phytoplankton blooms at the sea ice edge. Long-term measurements revealed annual cycles of migration, with disruptions during the southern summer due to food abundance.
A new study suggests that most of the world's fisheries can be recovered in just 10 years, leading to a doubling of global fish populations by 2050. This recovery would bring significant increases in seafood production and profit for fishermen, with an expected 204% increase in profits by 2050.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $3 million grant from the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to develop an experimental research project for growing bonefish for stock enhancement. The project aims to restore the declining bonefish population in the Florida Keys.
Scientists have created detailed maps charting seasonal movements and population densities of 35 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The maps provide insights into habitats, tracking regional differences in population densities and large seasonal shifts in migratory baleen whales.
Jacquet aims to identify expected winners and losers of closing the high seas to fishing and explore feasibility of changing fisheries policies. Her research focuses on large-scale cooperation dilemmas like climate change and wildlife exploitation.
Research reveals improved fish numbers, survival, and reproduction in rivers with restored habitats through intensively monitored watersheds (IMWs). Studies show significant increases in juvenile fish populations and survival rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of IMWs in assessing restoration impacts.
The 2016 Environmental Performance Index reveals both optimism and concern as nations expand access to water and sanitation while failing to reverse air quality degradation and fisheries decline. Concerted efforts have reduced deaths from waterborne diseases, but 8% of the world's population lacks clean water access.
A study by researchers at William & Mary's Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that removal of derelict crab pots and lobster traps can increase landings by 293,929 metric tons and boost annual revenues by $831 million. The effort generated more than $20 million in harvest value for area watermen in Chesapeake Bay.
A new study by NOAA researchers predicts that ocean temperatures in the Northeast U.S. may warm twice as fast and three times faster than previously estimated. This accelerated warming is driven by a higher resolution climate model that better reflects regional ocean circulation patterns.
A new study finds that climate change could lead to declines in herring and salmon catches, affecting the livelihoods of indigenous communities along British Columbia's coast. By 2050, First Nations may experience catch losses between $6.7 million to $12 million annually.
Three of the earth's mightiest rivers, Amazon, Congo and Mekong, are being ravaged in the name of progress due to hydropower expansion. This study highlights the negative impacts of hydroelectric development on fish diversity and ecosystems of tropical rivers.
A new study highlights the true costs of hydroelectric dams in tropical regions, including significant impacts on biodiversity and fisheries. Researchers warn that dam site selection is crucial for conserving biodiversity, but many countries lack protocols to ensure careful planning.
A new study uses radiocarbon dating to estimate ages, growth rates and reproductive maturity of sea turtles in the wild. The technique provides more accurate estimates than current methods, shedding light on factors influencing endangered sea turtle populations.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that vessel speed is the most influential factor in how much noise from boats reaches endangered killer whales. The research used digital acoustic recording tags and laser positioning system to track boat noise levels and found that speed was the main contributor.
Researchers have developed a non-destructive sensing method to determine fish freshness in frozen state using autofluorescence spectroscopy. This technique offers high sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for rapid detection of freshness conditions.
Researchers tracking northern Atlantic cod stock off Newfoundland and Labrador report significant recovery over the past decade, with tens of thousands to several hundred thousand tonnes of fish. The study credits favourable environmental conditions, including an increase in capelin as a key food source, and severe reduction of fishing.