Articles tagged with Fisheries
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.
Researchers have discovered that specific areas within the Nushagak River watershed are critical for salmon production and growth, with favorable locations changing year to year due to climate conditions. The study highlights the importance of protecting or restoring the entire basin scale to maintain ecosystem function.
A recent study found that more than 1400 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labeled products showed less than 1% species mislabeling rate, significantly lower than the global average of 30%. The study suggests that the MSC's ecolabeling and Chain of Custody program is an effective deterrent for deliberate species substitution and fraud.
Researchers found that dammed rivers in Mexico's Pacific states experience severe coastal recession, with mangrove forests and commercial fishery habitats being particularly affected. The study highlights the need to consider the environmental and economic impacts of hydroelectric dams on entire regions.
An international team of scientists discovered a new species of killer whale, Type D, off the coast of Cape Horn, Chile. Genetic samples collected will help determine whether this animal is indeed new to science.
A new study found that achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target could increase global fishers' revenues and seafood workers' income, while reducing household expenditures. The largest gains would occur in developing countries, with a projected 6.5% increase in top revenue-generating fish species globally.
Alaska's longline fisheries have reduced seabird bycatch by 77-90% since adopting streamer lines in 2002, saving thousands of birds per year. However, recent years have seen an increase in bycatch rates, particularly for albatrosses and northern fulmars.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that aquaculture has expanded seafood production but does not contribute to fishery conservation. The research suggests that prioritizing socially sustainable seafood production and regulating industry practices are essential for advancing conservation goals.
Researchers discovered that the European flounder, once abundant in the Gulf of Finland, has almost completely disappeared due to worsening environmental conditions. The decline mirrors the loss of this species from local assemblages, highlighting the need for proper management and monitoring.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel method for counting Pacific salmon by analyzing DNA from the slime left behind in their spawning streams. This new approach, funded by The National Geographic Society, uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to accurately count fish in many more streams than currently monitored.
A WCS study finds Tropical Cyclone Winston damaged homes and fisheries in Fiji, with mud crab fisheries particularly vulnerable. The cyclone led to a significant decline in catch rates and local consumption of crabs, affecting women fishers who rely on them for income.
Global seabird food consumption decreased by 13 million tonnes between 1970 and 2010, while fisheries increased their catches of prey species. Seabirds are facing extinction due to unfair competition with massive vessels for food, entanglement in fishing gears, and plastic waste.
A new study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that reef fisheries can still provide stable catches despite extreme coral bleaching. However, the fishery's success is more patchy and dependent on fewer species, with algal-feeding fish like rabbitfish providing a temporary boost.
Researchers found that preserving the lives of adult females in the North Atlantic right whale population is crucial for promoting population growth and recovery. Most deaths are attributed to entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these animals.
New research reveals modern slavery promotes overfishing by allowing distant-water fishing fleets to remain profitable, with crews from China, Taiwan, and Russia facing high risk of labour abuses. Global marine fish catches are declining at a rate of 1.2 million tonnes per year.
A new study explains recent Bay nettle scarcity, attributing it to warm waters and decreased reproductive rates. The research warns of potential cascading impacts on Bay fisheries and ecosystems, as climate change may increase the prevalence of low-oxygen bottom waters and alter food web dynamics.
New research reveals that EU fishing policies harm traditional artisanal fishing, driving fishermen out of the sea and leaving vulnerable fish stocks under intense pressure. The study calls for a shift towards more sustainable approaches to conserving fish stocks.
The study found that shark catches have increased by more than double since six decades ago, leading to almost 60% of shark species being threatened. Sustainable fishing practices are challenging to enforce in the high seas, particularly in unmanaged fisheries of less economically developed countries.
A new NOAA report finds that 49 million adults participated in ocean and coastal recreation, spending $141 billion and supporting 3.1 million jobs. The Pacific region had the largest participation, with nearly 14 million participants spending over $39 billion.
A new study found that global fishing fleets have doubled their distance traveled to catch only a third of what they did 65 years ago. The top 20 fishing countries are responsible for 60% of the world's industrial fishing catch, with declines in catch rates and increased fuel consumption.
International research found many marine protected areas inefficiently located and costly, failing to meet global targets. The study suggests a more strategic approach could reduce costs and improve conservation outcomes.
A study evaluates ocean characteristics that influence fisheries bycatch on the US west coast, threatening ecological and economic sustainability. The analysis revealed an increased bycatch risk for protected species, including cetaceans and sea turtles, in areas with dynamic physical structures.
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.
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.
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.
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.