Articles tagged with Fisheries
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.
Four new studies reveal global fisheries' significant economic contribution of $225-$240 billion per year, while also highlighting the devastating impact of overfishing. The research shows that healthier fisheries could have prevented malnourishment in nearly 20 million people in poorer countries.
A new survey of Antarctic krill reveals high biomass densities and stable populations in shallow waters, challenging traditional offshore survey methods. The study's findings have significant implications for krill fishery management.
The University of Michigan predicts a larger-than-average Gulf dead zone this year, with a range of 6,500 to 7,800 square miles. The impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the size of the dead zone is unclear, but it could either increase or decrease due to various factors.
Underwater gliders are being tested for tracking tagged fish in Alaska, providing a new method for scientists. The technology allows researchers to follow the movements of tagged fish over long distances and gather oceanographic information simultaneously.
A new survey technique has led to a significant increase in estimated narwhal populations, now estimated to be over 60,000. The technique uses dive data and accounting for biases to improve accuracy and provides a more accurate picture of the population's size and distribution.
Scientists at UC San Diego discovered a downward curve in the pitch of blue whale songs across the globe. The decline may be due to an increase in population size, allowing males to sing lower frequency songs that don't need to travel as far.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has selected Marinette Marine Corporation to build the 254-foot Alaska Region Research Vessel, a state-of-the-art platform for studying climate change and its implications on the Arctic environment. The $123 million contract is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
A UBC study suggests that finding alternative feed sources for farm animals can significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries, while contributing positively to climate change. The researchers propose new strategies to effect swifter and larger-scale changes in the fishing industry.
Two juvenile loggerhead turtles have been tracked with satellite-linked data loggers since August, providing insights into their behavior and habitat. The researchers are now working to develop new ways to avoid catching turtles in fishing gear, using the data to improve conservation efforts.
A UBC-led study finds that climate change will lead to major shifts in ocean fisheries productivity, affecting global food supply. Tropical regions are expected to see significant declines in catch potential, with Indonesia, US, Chile, and China among the hardest hit.
Researchers say nations alone can't resolve global challenges like climate change, citing examples of ozone depletion and antibiotic resistance. They propose a new order of cooperative institutions to enforce compliance and address common threats.
The NOAA survey found high numbers of juvenile sea scallops and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank, while recruitment in the Mid-Atlantic was weaker than expected. Biomass remained high, but declined in certain areas, such as the Elephant Trunk rotational area.
A 16-nation research project is surveying the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for biodiversity, discovering potential new species and shedding light on deep-sea communities. The NOAA-led expedition aims to understand the ecosystem's structure and how it interacts with human activities.
A new form of unregulated whaling is emerging along Japan and South Korea's coastlines, threatening minke whale stocks. DNA analysis reveals that up to 300 whales may be killed annually through bycatch whaling, equivalent to Japan's scientific whaling program.
The Alaska Region Research Vessel (ARRV) will support scientific research in high-latitude waters, collecting sediment samples and hosting remotely operated vehicles. The vessel will enable scientists to study global issues like sea-level rise and climate change affecting Alaska's fisheries and ecosystems.
Scientists at the University of Iceland and Marine Research Institute report a significant difference in Darwinian fitness between shallow-water and deep-water adapted cod. The study found that intense habitat-specific fishing pressure led to rapid elimination of shallow-water fish, drastic effects on populations and fisheries.
A study by Florida State University researcher Chris Stallings reveals a 'sobering' decline of large predatory fishes in the Caribbean, mainly caused by overfishing. The research documents patterns across a greater geographic scale than previous studies, highlighting the impact on marine food webs and coral reefs.
The University of Washington's DEIMOS acoustic package has joined the Monterey Accelerated Research System (MARS) ocean observatory to monitor movements of fish and zooplankton in Monterey Bay. The system uses an echo sounder to reveal what's in a narrow cone of water above the instrument, providing insights into ocean life dynamics.
A new study suggests that over-dramatized fish health benefits put pressure on wild fish stocks, threatening food security in developing nations. The research highlights the need for sustainable seafood consumption and warns against 'triaging' food sources without verifying their impact.
A long-term study reveals that the average weight of red knots has declined significantly since their primary food source, horseshoe crab eggs, was reduced. The population size of red knots has declined by over 75 percent due to increased harvest of horseshoe crabs.
Climate change is expected to drastically impact world fisheries, with US Atlantic cod populations projected to decline by 50% by 2050. The study, led by William Cheung, simulates changes in ocean temperature and current patterns caused by various climate scenarios.
A 'hot spot' for toxic harmful algal blooms has been discovered off the Washington coast, where microorganisms can trigger harmful blooms that force shellfish bed closures.
The Nile Delta fishery has grown significantly due to the influx of nutrients from fertilizers and sewage discharges, with 60-100% of production supported by these sources. This unexpected expansion raises questions about the value of anthropogenic nutrient inputs to ecosystems.
A study published in Science estimates the total biomass of fish in the world's oceans at 2 billion tonnes. Fish play a significant role in mitigating climate change by maintaining the ocean's pH balance, with their calcium excretion process affecting ocean acidification.
Researchers found that key ecological threats can be detected in advance, allowing for swift policy change. Monitoring and analysis of ecosystem data are crucial to preventing regime shifts and averting ecological harm. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting environmental disaster and informing conservation efforts.
Over 8,000 scientists support creating marine protected areas for endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles and hammerhead sharks. The International Union for Conservation of Nature's resolution aims to safeguard the critically endangered species from industrial fisheries by identifying and protecting their migratory routes.
A study has found nearly 3,000 sea turtles dead along a 27-mile stretch of coast in Baja California, highlighting the impact of bycatch on loggerhead sea turtle populations. Conservation efforts, including awareness-raising and sustainable fishing practices, are being implemented to mitigate this threat.
Researchers used otolith chemistry to identify individuals from different nurseries and found that over half of juvenile bluefin tuna in North American waters were of Mediterranean origin. The study also shows that over 95% of adult bluefin tuna return to their place of origin to spawn, with critical implications for fisheries management.
Small-scale fisheries, which employ over 12 million people worldwide, are being disproportionately harmed by eco-labelling initiatives and fuel subsidies. As a result, many small-scale fishers are unable to compete in the market and struggle to survive due to unfair advantages given to large-scale industrial fleets.
The Marine Conservation Alliance will document its work on halibut and salmon excluder devices for trawl nets, as well as its marine debris cleanup efforts, at the American Fisheries Society Meeting in Ottawa. The MCA Foundation's cleanup work removed over 175 metric tons of plastic debris from Alaska shorelines last year.
UBC researchers suggest redirecting fuel subsidies from fishing fleets to re-training fishers to address the economic and environmental impact of rising fuel costs. The study found that governments spend $6.4 billion annually on fuel subsidies, which could be better spent supporting sustainable fisheries.
A study tracking leatherback turtles in the eastern Pacific Ocean has revealed a narrow corridor they consistently follow, potentially leading to fishing suspension and improved management. The turtles' movements are correlated with environmental features and fishing activity, providing new opportunities for conservation efforts.