Articles tagged with Fisheries
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.
A new study provides guidance for conserving endangered marine species in a changing climate. The research outlines the most likely future scenarios for aquatic animals, helping decision makers and biologists assess impacts and incorporate that information into conservation decisions. Trends such as increased ocean acidification and wa...
Researchers found EU governments pay 75% of annual access fees, which account for just 1.5% of revenue generated from selling catch. The industry benefits more than developing countries, perpetuating overfishing and contradicting the EU's development goals.
Researchers used Google Earth satellite imagery to estimate 1,900 fishing weirs along the Persian Gulf coast in 2005, catching approximately 31,000 tonnes of fish. The official reported catch was significantly lower at 5,260 tonnes.
A study by Canadian and Peruvian researchers found that the bulk of Peruvian landings' value comes from producing seafood for human consumption. The Peruvian anchovy generates up to one-third of the world's fishmeal supply but only accounts for 31% of sector revenue.
A species of cold water plankton in the North Atlantic is declining as oceans warm, putting pressure on fisheries that rely on it. The study found no evidence of adaptation to warmer temperatures over 50 years, suggesting its range will continue to contract and eventually disappear.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has improved African basket traps with escape gaps, reducing bycatch and increasing fish size. The new design caught larger fish while allowing undersized and non-target species to escape.
A study using Hawaiian restaurant menus from the mid-20th century found a significant decline in reef fish populations and a rise in large pelagic species. The analysis suggests that this shift paralleled drops in wild abundance, pointing to changes in public tastes and supply-side information as contributing factors.
According to a major international effort, many European fish stocks in the northeast Atlantic are being fished sustainably, with populations expected to recover over time. The study highlights the importance of maintaining low fishing pressure until stocks rebuild their populations.
A new study shows that shark ecotourism generates over $314 million annually and is expected to more than double to $780 million in the next 20 years. The landed value of global shark fisheries has been declining for the past decade, with an estimated 38 million sharks killed per year to feed the fin trade.
Researchers used fish temperature preferences as a 'thermometer' to assess climate change's impact on the world's oceans between 1970 and 2006. They found that warm-water species dominated global fisheries catches, while tropical regions experienced reduced marine species and catches.
Researchers found no evidence of widespread Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes, but detected DNA from bighead and silver carp. Live fish are considered the most likely source of the DNA, contradicting reports of bird or boat spread.
Researchers found that most environmental reviews were completed within one to two years, contradicting the government's claim of a slow and inefficient process. The study recommends standardized assessment methods, streamlined administration, and more empirical studies to address delays during high economic activity.
Dolly Varden trout in Alaska's Chignik Lake watershed use their intestines to gorge on salmon eggs, doubling in size, then shrink back down after the food pulse ends. This adaptation helps them survive months of scarcity and thrive despite nutrient-poor environments.
Researchers found that ship noise increases crab metabolic rate, indicating elevated stress, and larger crabs are affected most strongly. This study highlights the importance of reducing noise in busy shipping areas to protect commercially important crustacean species.
A study found that salmon use the geomagnetic field as a navigational aid, with changes in intensity correlating with their migration route. The results suggest that the fish imprint the magnetic field during their juvenile stage and use it as a proxy for geographic location when returning as adults.
A study on heat-resistant corals reveals how they withstand extreme temperatures, potentially holding key to species survival for organisms worldwide. The research identified a genetic process allowing some corals to resist climate change, with 'frontloaded' genes already turned on before stress begins.
A new study identifies 27 countries most vulnerable to declining coral reef fisheries, with low-income nations lacking adaptation capacity and middle-income nations sensitive to climate change. The top two countries at risk are Indonesia and Liberia, while Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the least vulnerable.
A VCU study found evidence of fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in the James River, a finding that may lead to guidelines and protections for future management and recovery. The research also highlights the need to understand unique ecological traits of the James River population.
A team of researchers, including UBC scientists, assessed global ocean health and created the Ocean Health Index, scoring countries from 36 to 86. Canada and the US performed well with scores of 70 and 63 respectively.
A NOAA-led study reveals that high levels of background noise from ships have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other by about two-thirds. The study found that right whales now find themselves living in a world full of acoustic smog, making it difficult for them to gather ...
The seafood industry frequently employs a combination of fishing and aquaculture techniques, making traditional categories insufficient for accounting for its growth potential and environmental impacts. Hybrid classification schemes can help improve the accuracy of data on seafood production and enhance sustainable supply management.
A study led by University of British Columbia researchers found that the EU pays less than it did two decades ago while catching more fish in Madagascar's waters. The total annual income for Madagascar decreased by almost 90% between 1986 and 2010 due to unfair access fees.
A recent study by NOAA researchers reveals a drastic decline in white abalone populations, which have dwindled by approximately 78% over the last ten years. The species' ability to reproduce is being questioned, with scientists suggesting that a captive breeding program may be necessary to enhance populations and prevent extinction.
Three SFU scientists, engaged in collaborative research on conservation and ecology, critique the federal government's proposal to reduce fish habitat protection. They argue that current policies suffice for protecting fish habitat, contrary to assertions from the federal fisheries minister.
A study found that marine reserves on Australia's Great Barrier Reef produce approximately half of all juvenile recruitment to both reserve and fished reefs. The reserves, which account for just 28% of the local reef area, help sustain valuable fisheries.
A new study estimates that reef shark numbers have dropped substantially around populated islands, with numbers declining by more than 90% compared to untouched reefs. The research uses towed-diver surveys to compare shark populations at reefs spanning from heavily impacted ones to pristine areas.
Researchers detected eight high-trophic level marine fish in commercial aquaculture feed, including Peruvian anchoveta and Pacific cod. The study suggests that aquaculture contributes to overfishing by feeding farm fish with wild species.
Research from North Carolina State University finds that broadening circle hook requirements could decrease catch rates for yellowfin tuna and other non-billfish species. Circle hooks were only 60-70% as effective as J hooks in catching these species, making them less suitable for offshore anglers.
A new UBC study analyzing 50 shark species reveals the average fin-to-body mass ratio is 3%, significantly lower than the 5% limit set by EU and other countries. This suggests that current laws may not prevent waste or overfishing, despite efforts to protect sharks.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation supports projects promoting green infrastructure, marine protected areas, and sustainable fisheries management. Six new recipients will work on climate adaptation strategies, goliath grouper conservation, and analysis of French fisheries subsidies.
Research by UBC scientists finds that adding ocean acidification and deoxygenation to climate change projections can significantly reduce fish catch potential in certain regions. For example, the Norwegian Sea may see a 15% decrease in fisheries catch potential due to combined effects of warming and acidification.
A new study published in Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences estimates the economic impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on commercial and recreational fisheries and mariculture in the Gulf of Mexico. The study predicts losses of $US8.7 billion over 7 years, affecting around 22,000 jobs.
Researchers used satellite imagery from Google Earth to count fish farming cages in the Mediterranean, estimating a total of 225,736 tonnes of finfish production. The study suggests that both Greece and Turkey underreport their farmed fish production, but overall, Mediterranean countries are giving accurate counts.
Researchers develop a mathematical methodology to predict critical transitions in complex systems like fisheries and economies. The approach utilizes traditional intuition and understanding, reducing the need for large amounts of data, to enhance chances of 'seeing it coming'.
Fishing practices have led to a 90-per-cent decrease in top predators in North Atlantic and Pacific waters since the 1950s. The impacts are now being felt globally, with southern hemisphere predators facing a similar decline. This study highlights the need for strict management and enforcement to prevent further biodiversity loss.
A new UBC study reveals how climate change can impact the economic viability of current fisheries practices, with many regions expecting losses in revenues. The study highlights the need for governments and policymakers to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change on fisheries.
Researchers argue that inland fisheries can be protected by extending sustainable seafood initiatives to freshwater species. Modified approaches would be needed due to smaller and more concentrated fisheries in developing countries.
Researchers found that timid fish are more likely to be caught using angling techniques near rocky outcrops or submerged vegetation, while bolder fish are targeted by beach seining. The study's findings suggest that boldness can influence an individual's capture technique and habitat preference.
A team of experts recommends ending most commercial fishing in the deep sea due to their unsustainability. The study suggests redirecting subsidies to rebuild fish populations in closer-to-coastal waters.
Research by Clemson University scientists found that up to 8% of certified Chilean sea bass are not from the South Georgia/Shag Rocks population, with some being labeled as other species entirely. The study highlights issues with the supply chain and eco-labeling of sustainably harvested seafood.
The Scientific Steering Committee of the Census of Marine Life was awarded the 2011 International Cosmos Prize for its groundbreaking research on marine biodiversity, distribution, and abundance. The prize recognized the Committee's comprehensive approach to understanding relationships among living organisms and their global environment.
A monitoring and testing program has consistently shown amounts of toxic substances in Gulf seafood 100-1,000 times smaller than health concerns. Safety monitoring continues despite lingering concerns among scientists and consumers.
A new study reveals that small-scale fisheries in Peru are capturing tens of thousands of turtles from across the Pacific. The researchers found that thousands of sea turtles are likely to be caught annually while foraging in Peru's waters, often resulting in injuries from becoming tangled in fishing gear.
A study published in Fish and Fisheries reveals that 28% of cod products sold in Ireland are mislabeled, compared to 7% in the UK. The research found that most mislabeled products were less expensive fish species substituted for cod.
Research at the University of Strathclyde found that seabed-living fish in the Firth of Clyde have reached their highest level since 1927. Most fish caught are too small to be landed due to changes in species composition and size.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia estimate that Arctic fisheries catches totaled 950,000 tonnes from 1950 to 2006, significantly higher than previously reported. The study reveals a lack of accurate data on small-scale fisheries and their impact on biodiversity in the region.
A new study measures the spatial expansion of global fisheries, revealing a nearly five-fold increase in catch from 1950 to 2005. The study's findings indicate that fisheries have expanded at an unsustainable rate, leaving no room for further expansion.
A recent study tracked Atlantic sturgeon migrations, revealing vast oceanic distances traveled and highlighting the need for long-range conservation measures. The research suggests that PSAT technology can effectively study sturgeon behavior and define critical habitat.
Scientists have mapped the unexplored offshore Northern San Andreas Fault, revealing deep rifts and high walls with areas supporting animal life. The study aims to understand past earthquakes and their impact on biological diversity.