Articles tagged with Fisheries
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.
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.
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 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.
A new report by the University of Washington reveals 253 known fish species living in the Salish Sea region, including some newly added and removed species. The comprehensive survey represents the first thorough analysis of Salish Sea fishes in 35 years.
The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program provides funding to organizations responding to stranded marine mammals and collecting health data. Funding supports rehabilitation and conservation efforts for marine mammal populations in the wild.
Research shows low-level oil exposure leads to later heart defects, weaker swimming, and reduced survival in Alaskan fish populations. Subtle changes in heart formation have delayed but important consequences for first-year survival, determining the long-term abundance of wild fish populations.
New research reveals that the Mary Rose's cod provisions were sourced from distant waters, including the northern North Sea and Icelandic fisheries. The findings suggest a globalized fish trade played a significant role in the growth of the English navy during the Tudor period.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have announced $10 million in funding for 45 new research projects across eight countries, tackling pressing issues like ocean acidification, malarial transmission, and climate adaptation.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new method to identify the nursery grounds of winter flounder using otoliths, revealing regional groupings for stocks from Cape Cod to New Jersey. This technology could help restore plummeting populations along the East Coast and protect essential habitats.
A study by Penn State researchers found that climate change will reduce the availability of cold water habitats for wild brook trout, leading to fewer angling opportunities. The study projected a significant increase in driving distances for trout fishermen due to warming waters.
The global seafood supply will be substantially altered by climate change, overfishing, and ocean acidification, leading to a decline in fisheries and marine biodiversity. Researchers recommend improving ocean governance and limiting carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate these effects.
Researchers found that populations of largemouth bass taken from recreational fisheries had significantly lower resting metabolic rates than those from unexploited reference populations. This suggests that recreational fishing may favor fish with lower metabolic rates, which tend to be more aggressive and easier to catch.
The opah's unique design allows its entire body to maintain an elevated temperature through counter-current heat exchange in its gills. This adaptation enables the fish to swim faster, react more quickly, and see better, making it a high-performance predator in cold waters.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean fronts increase total ecosystem biomass and fisheries production. By incorporating front dynamics into current climate models, researchers found that these regions can aggregate food and resources, leading to higher productivity in the ocean.
Fraser River sockeye salmon infected with sea lice are less successful at consuming food than their lightly infected counterparts, according to a recent study. The research suggests that sea lice may indirectly affect the survival of juvenile sockeye through reduced foraging success.
A study by Aksel Sundström reveals that bribery among South African government inspectors contributes to overfishing, allowing fishermen to break rules and exploit protected areas. The researchers found that inspectors are often bribed or blackmailed into ignoring regulations, putting marine resources at risk.
Low-oxygen zones off the Oregon Coast are affecting fish populations, with some species like Dover sole remaining largely unaffected. The study found that low oxygen levels drive sensitive species away, while others may be pushed into less desirable habitats and grow more slowly.
Researchers from Purdue University and collaborators found that offspring survival in Lake Michigan is on the rise despite smaller parent size, with potential benefits for juvenile smelt. The study suggests that fewer adults may be allowing hatchlings to thrive due to reduced predation pressure.
Climate change is expected to alter the timing, duration, and intensity of coastal upwelling, a process that drives nutrient availability and supports fisheries. This shift may lead to reduced latitudinal variation in coastal upwelling, influencing global marine biodiversity.
Researchers have created a reliable growth curve for white sharks in the western North Atlantic, revealing they grow more slowly and mature later than initially estimated. The study found males reach maturity at around age 26 and females at around 33, leading to new estimates of population replacement rates.
A high-seas moratorium would improve fisheries income distribution among maritime nations, with European and developed nations benefiting the most. Coastal catches could increase by up to 18% in a catch-neutral scenario, while others may face significant losses.
The Global Conference on Inland Fisheries emphasizes the significant role of freshwater fish in global development, food security, and ecosystem health. Experts urge policymakers to prioritize inland fisheries, which provide vital protein, micronutrients, and economic benefits for millions worldwide.
A recent study by MSU-led researchers found that oxygen-depleted dead zones between dams in the upper Missouri River are directly linked to the failure of endangered pallid sturgeon hatched embryos to survive to adulthood. This is a major breakthrough in understanding the decline of this species, which can live up to 100 years.
A new study reveals that Dolly Varden, a char species in southeast Alaska, have successfully adjusted their migrations to follow the timing of salmon spawning, ensuring access to a key food source. This adaptability suggests that at least some species may be more resilient to climate-induced changes in migration timing.
Researchers found two distinct populations of blue whales in the southeastern Pacific, with one population potentially consisting of pygmy-type blue whales. This discovery could help inform effective conservation plans for this endangered species.
A study from Michigan State University found that concerns about wolf hunting are split more by social geography than physical geography, revealing the importance of social identity theory in understanding the divisive debate.
Researchers highlight the importance of inland capture fisheries to global food security, citing underreported data and degraded fish habitats. The study emphasizes the need for a collective voice to be heard in policies and decisions regarding food security and water use.
Researchers found that cautious fish are more vulnerable to fishing, while active exploratory behavior increases risk. Fish reared in enriched environments outperform those in traditional environments, showing improved survival rates in the wild.
A study published in Bioscience explores the paradox of ecologists not sharing data, despite sharing findings. The researchers argue that increased data sharing will allow more diverse people to participate in research, leading to greater impact on science.
New study finds that seafood mislabeling distorts true abundance of fish, defrauds consumers, and causes unwanted exposure to harmful pollutants like mercury. The researchers found that even MSC-certified fish can have high mercury levels if substituted with other species from the same geographic area.
A study published by University of Notre Dame scientists estimates that bighead and silver carp biomass in Lake Erie could be up to 25 metric-tons/km2, potentially increasing Yellow perch biomass by 15-50% but decreasing Walleye biomass by 10-40%. The experts emphasize the importance of considering uncertainty in decision-making.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
A new study found large differences in survival rates of 12 shark species caught by commercial longline fishing operations. The most vulnerable species include bigeye thresher, dusky, and scalloped hammerhead sharks.
New research reveals whales have a powerful impact on oceans, global carbon storage, and commercial fisheries. The recovery of great whale populations may buffer marine ecosystems from climate change threats by recycling nutrients and enhancing productivity.
A new University of Florida study found that great white shark numbers are likely growing and not endangered along the California coast. The research team reanalyzed data from multiple aggregation sites and estimated a total population of at least 2,000 sharks, contradicting earlier claims of alarmingly low numbers.
Researchers found that fishing boats affect seabird behavior across a vast distance of up to 22 kilometers. Gannets were drawn to the abundance of discards and boat activity rather than driftwood or idle vessels.
A 20-year study found greatly reduced green turtle catch rates in Nicaragua's legal, artisanal fishery, likely resulting from over-fishing. The catch rates declined by 56% over two decades, posing a concern for conservationists and local communities.
Researchers are studying the Amazon ecosystem's response to extreme weather events like droughts and floods to predict its impact on climate change. They will analyze data from NASA satellites, field observations, and fishery activities to understand how changes in water levels affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
A Finnish study found that brown trout exhibit predictable individual differences in behavioral traits such as activity levels and stress tolerance. The research, published in press, reveals that certain behaviors are heritable at a level of 14%, indicating a potential impact on fish populations and fisheries catches.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that approximately 90% of black sea bass with visible barotrauma survived, similar to those without injury. The findings inform stock assessments for sustainable fishing practices and may provide insights into mortality rates for other species.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying copepods to understand their response to global climate change. They have published a transcriptome for the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which provides insights into population changes and may help predict future declines.
A comprehensive review of global marine turtle fisheries reveals that over 42,000 turtles are caught annually through legal means. This number is largely driven by the green turtle species, with the majority coming from the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific regions.