Articles tagged with Fishing
A special issue of PNAS explores the latest science on marine reserves, revealing that well-designed reserves can benefit both fish and fishermen. Studies show that reserves can play a major role in reducing cumulative impacts on marine ecosystems in areas like the South China Sea and Coral Triangle.
A University of Exeter study shows coral reefs located in marine reserves can recover from the devastating effects of global warming. The research found that reducing fishing levels is a viable way to protect delicate aquatic ecosystems.
A team of experts found that knowing fish spawning habits and oceanographic models can increase both conservation and fisheries profitability. Spatial information is key to achieving this balance.
Researchers found that marine reserves replenish harvested species outside the reserve, producing larger fish and more plentiful populations. The establishment of reserves also supports larval production, benefiting fished populations.
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 recent study by researchers found that only people who engage in vigorous outdoor sports, like hiking and backpacking, tend to become supporters of mainline conservation groups. The typical backpacker gave $200 to $300 per year after a dozen-year lag. In contrast, casual woodland tourists do not support these causes.
The fisheries industry's pursuit of consumer-friendly fish products is impacting fish populations worldwide. Scientists have found that repeated selective harvesting is causing changes in fish morphology, development, and behavior.
A recent coastal shark survey from Florida to Delaware caught 1,675 sharks from 19 different species, with sandbar sharks being the most common. The survey provides valuable data on shark populations and their role in marine ecosystems.
A new research method uses both conventional tags and ultrasonic telemetry tags to estimate mortality rates of sub-adult red drum. This approach provides more precise data on natural and recreational fishing mortality, enabling informed decisions for long-term fish population health.
A new study proposes banning or restricting fishing gear to aid in the recovery of coral reefs and fish populations. The research found that spear guns, fish traps, beach seine nets, and gill nets can be particularly damaging to corals and fish species, leading to accelerated decline and loss of reef resilience.
A study suggests that banning certain types of fishing gear, such as spear guns and fish traps, could aid in the recovery of reefs and fish populations affected by coral bleaching events. The research proposes that temporary bans or selective gear restrictions offer a middle ground for reef managers and fishers, reducing pressure on th...
A new study finds nearly a doubling of illegal fishing in the Northeast multispecies groundfish fishery, with 12-24% annual harvest taken illegally. The study recommends a 'smart compliance policy' to combat noncompliance and protect fish stocks.
Researchers found that largemouth bass vulnerability to being caught by anglers is influenced by genetic factors. The study showed that repeated catches increase an individual fish's susceptibility to angling, making it more vulnerable to future catches.
Scientists found that 26-73% of fishers used tiger salamanders as bait and 26-67% released them into fishing waters. A quarantine program could help prevent the introduction of non-native pathogens into threatened populations.
A North Atlantic right whale was administered a sedation mixture, allowing rescuers to remove 90% of the entangling gear. The new sedation delivery system enabled the team to successfully free the animal in two days, improving the chances of its survival.
Researchers demonstrate that fish can return to normal size after size-selective fishing is eased, reversing detrimental evolution. The study suggests a slow recovery process, with full recovery estimated to take many decades for commercially harvested species.
The Voices from the Fisheries project, led by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, documents the human experience with the nation's coastal environments and living marine resources. The archive features oral histories from recreational and commercial fishermen, as well as communities and families that rely on them.
The annual bonefish census reported a modest decrease in population numbers to 321,000, attributed to increased participation among counters. The survey found that the population is relatively stable, with no significant difference year-over-year.
The study uses electronic tracking to monitor the movements of Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing new insights into their migratory patterns, physiology, and population structure. The data show that fish from different populations forage together on common grounds before moving to distinct spawning areas.
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.
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 on leatherback turtle migration patterns reveals that they respond to strong ocean currents with rapid movements to maintain their southern route. The researchers identified specific high-use areas occupied by the turtles, providing crucial information for conservation efforts.
Numerous studies have documented adverse effects of lead on wildlife, particularly waterbirds and scavenging species, due to ingested lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers. The use of lead ammunition remains common despite bans on waterfowl hunting, with upland game and scavenging birds continuing to be exposed.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals a disturbing rise in cetacean strandings off Cornwall's coast, with most incidents attributed to bycatch in marine fisheries. The researchers are calling for increased conservation efforts and regulations to safeguard the future of Cornish cetaceans.
Penguin populations are declining globally due to human influences such as climate change, commercial fishing, and oil spills. The threats to these species are likely to intensify in the coming years, highlighting the need for coordinated conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that no-take marine reserves can lead to rapid comebacks of exploited fish species, with coral trout populations increasing by up to 68% in just two years. The findings provide an encouraging message for biodiversity protection and have positive implications for tourism.
A new analysis suggests that compensatory mitigation of fisheries bycatch could do more harm than good, and is unlikely to succeed in reducing impacts on threatened species. The researchers found that bycatch affects a wide range of nontarget species, making it difficult to implement effective mitigation strategies.
A recent study by NOAA scientists shows that certain metals can repel sharks from fishing gear, potentially reducing bycatch and saving millions of animals. The study used a palladium neodymium alloy to alter the swimming patterns of juvenile sandbar sharks, temporarily deterring feeding in groups.
The 5th annual Keys bonefish population census has shown a fairly steady population of approximately 364,000 bonefish, indicating reliable research methods. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the bonefish population for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in Florida.
Dr. Rochet will compare the impact of selective and non-selective fishing on marine ecosystems, aiming to pinpoint the least harmful method to reduce wasteful bycatch and promote ecosystem conservation.
Fan Meng, a visionary leader from China, has been awarded the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to expand and improve a marine protected area network in southeast China. The fellowship will help safeguard coastal areas from industrial pollution and unsustainable fishing.
A cooperative fishery program for Kodiak rockfish reduced bycatch and improved retention rates, resulting in a boost to the local economy. The program also increased production of value-added fillets and helped achieve conservation goals, with almost 50% more pelagic gear catches.
Scientists studying ancient fish bones in Scandinavia have discovered that warm-water species like anchovies and black sea bream are returning to Danish waters as temperatures rise. This finding suggests that sustainable cod populations can be maintained in the North Sea even during climate change, but with reduced fishing pressure.
Researchers warn that Caribbean coral reefs will decline permanently unless measures are taken to address overgrowth with seaweed and protect key grazers like parrotfish. The study suggests a need for policy changes to control fish traps and promote reef regeneration.
Research shows small-scale fishing operations pose a significant threat to the survival of north Pacific loggerhead sea turtles, with mortality rates reduced through local conservation efforts. The study highlights the importance of educating fishermen and removing dangerous gear to protect these endangered species.
A small-scale Mexican fishery has been found to kill as many critically endangered loggerhead sea turtles as all of the industrial fishing fleets in the North Pacific Ocean. The research led by University of California, Santa Cruz Ph.D. candidate Hoyt Peckham resulted in a voluntary turnaround in the fleet's fishing practices and the d...
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia argue that 'mumming,' a centuries-old ritual where villagers disguise themselves and threaten violence, is a way to communicate trust and trustworthiness. In this tradition, participants make themselves vulnerable to prove their commitment to each other.
A six-week survey of the Yangtze River found no Yangtze River dolphins, a species considered one of the world's most endangered. The baiji's decline is attributed to fishing nets and habitat degradation, raising concerns about human-caused extinctions of marine mammals worldwide.
A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that removing invasive predators from island breeding colonies could offset 'bycatch' losses, saving more seabirds at a lower cost. This approach could be an effective means of conservation, particularly for species affected by fishing and invasive species.
Researchers found that commercially important species take a quarter of a century to recover fully, while ecological equilibrium takes even longer to achieve. Fish recovery rates vary among species due to competition for resources.
Researchers found that fishermen's movement patterns are comparable to those of natural predators, such as albatross or seals. This convergence suggests that fishermen are not solely economic agents but part of the ecosystem, influencing fish stock management and requiring an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
A Humboldt penguin was found in Alaskan waters, and researchers believe it was brought there by being kept as a pet on a fishing boat. The penguins were probably kept by the crews of the vessels, which would have traveled far north from their native southern waters.
A cooperative research program between fishermen, scientists, and industry has successfully reduced halibut bycatch in the Gulf of Alaska trawl fishery by 52%. The modified excluder device, designed to slow water flow through the net, shows promise in reducing losses of larger cod.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that light sticks used in longline fisheries attract turtles, which can lead to entanglement and death. The researchers suggest that adjusting the lighting or using colors undetectable to turtles could reduce turtle deaths.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new molecular 'fishing' technique using atomic force microscopy, allowing for fast and precise measurement of chemical concentrations. The method could be adapted for various chemicals and made faster by parallel testing.
By analyzing lobster fishing operations in American and Canadian waters, researchers found that reducing fishing efforts can substantially decrease entanglement risks. Implementing a 6-month lobster fishing season and decreasing trap numbers could greatly benefit the critically endangered species while providing benefits to fishermen.
The vaquita, the smallest living cetacean, is critically endangered due to accidental mortality in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to reduce bycatch and protect the species, but progress has been slow. The Mexican Government has taken steps to protect the vaquita's habitat and compensate affected fishermen.
Researchers found that reef shark abundance on reefs open to fishing is about ten times lower than on unfished reefs. High reef shark abundance was only apparent on the most strictly enforced no-take zones, suggesting moderate poaching can derail conservation efforts.
Research finds that commercial fishing causes significant variability in exploited fish populations, leaving them vulnerable to collapse. The study suggests that managing fish stocks must account for this increased variability to ensure their long-term sustainability.
A new study by Wake Forest University biologists reveals that fishermen caught and killed an estimated 1 percent of the world's waved albatrosses in a year. The research highlights the unintentional killing of birds in fishing nets and intentional harvesting for human consumption.
Researchers found that jellyfish have overtaken fish in terms of biomass in heavily fished waters off Namibia's coast. Jellyfish abundance has risen significantly, with a total biomass estimated at 12.2 million metric tons, mostly contributed by large A. forskalea species.
Researchers used satellite tracking to follow ten turtles from Cape Verde, discovering they adopted two distinct approaches to finding food linked to their size. This challenge current conservation efforts, highlighting the need for an international cooperative strategy to safeguard these animals.
Researchers found that in two-thirds of world's largest marine ecosystems, fishermen chose to target additional kinds of fish, leading to changes in catch composition. Landings of more valuable fish remained the same or increased, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to ensure sustainability.
Researchers will explore the Oculina Bank's deepwater coral reefs, which support dense and diverse populations of fish species and are critical breeding grounds for commercially important populations. The team aims to verify a newly produced high-resolution sonar map and assess the extent of the reefs to inform protection efforts.
A rapid assessment survey found a type of sea squirt, Didemnum sp., in Cobscook Bay that can damage ocean floor habitats and commercial species. The bay is an important source of seafood, but further research and monitoring are needed to determine the extent of the threat.
A recent study found that green turtles in Nicaragua have a mere 50% chance of survival due to heavy fishing. WCS researchers urge drastic reductions in fishing levels to prevent the turtles' extinction.
The North Atlantic right whale population is critically low, with estimates suggesting only 350 individuals remain. Human activities such as shipping and fishing are major contributors to the decline, resulting in numerous deaths and entanglements that threaten the species' survival.
The North Atlantic right whale population is in a state of crisis, with 50 whales reported dead since 1986, mainly from human activities like ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. To prevent extinction, researchers recommend emergency measures such as reducing ship speeds and eliminating fixed fishing gear.
The North Atlantic right whale is facing extinction due to the failure of government protections, with at least 50% of deaths attributed to ship collisions and fishing gear entanglements. The species has seen a significant increase in mortality rates over the past 16 months, including six adult females with near-term fetuses.
Research from Newcastle University finds that tourism is becoming a vital source of income for coastal fishing towns, as traditional fishing industries decline. The study highlights the importance of carefully managed development and community engagement in avoiding 'theme park'-like transformations.