Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Microplastics found in all sea turtle species

A recent study has revealed that all seven species of sea turtles have ingested microplastics, with over 800 synthetic particles detected in just 102 turtles. The study's findings highlight the widespread presence of microplastics in marine ecosystems and raise concerns about their potential impact on turtle health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 4, 2018

Protecting adult female North Atlantic right whales from injury and death key to recovery

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.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 7, 2018

Hook injury caused by catch-and-release hampers feeding performance in fish

A study by University of California - Riverside researchers found that mouth injuries caused by hook removal after catch-and-release fishing reduce feeding performance in suction-feeding fish, including bass, salmon, and trout. The study suggests that fishing-induced injuries impact a fish's ability to feed while the mouth is healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 9, 2018

Troubled waters

A study by UCSB researchers reveals that wealthy countries' industrial fishing fleets dominate the global oceans, with China, Taiwan, and Japan leading the list. This dominance has significant implications for food security and access to healthy food sources, particularly in less-wealthy countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 2018

Something fishy on the high seas

New studies track transshipment of fish catch worldwide, revealing key findings on vessel types, fisheries involved and seafood supply chains. The research provides a complete, global view of transshipment and demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address critical challenges.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2018

The origins of pottery linked with intensified fishing in the post-glacial period

A three-year study by researchers at BioArCh, the University of York, suggests that ceramic vessels were used by early hunter-gatherer ancestors to store and process fish, with an association remaining stable even after climate warming. The study reveals new insights into prehistoric food processing habits during the post-glacial period.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

Study on economics of fishing on the high seas

A new study by National Geographic Society researchers found that 54% of high seas fishing industry is unprofitable at current scale without large government subsidies. The global cost of fishing in high seas ranged between $6.2 billion and $8 billion USD, with profits ranging from a loss of $364 million to a profit of $1.4 billion USD.

SourceNational Geographic Society·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 6, 2018

Cod harvesting and habitat shifts

Researchers used population dynamics modeling to assess the effects of size-specific and age-specific harvesting of Atlantic cod on the eastern Scotian Shelf, Canada. Fishing practices were found to drive a significant increase in cod habitat deepening, with depths of up to 120m accounting for nearly 100% of observed changes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2018

The global footprint of fisheries

A team of scientists from UCSB and Global Fishing Watch analyzed satellite data to track the movements and activities of over 70,000 commercial fishing vessels worldwide. Their findings reveal that cultural patterns and politics play a significant role in shaping fishing practices, while natural cycles such as fish migrations are less ...