Articles tagged with Fishing
After 10 years of monitoring, a UCSB analysis reveals that MPAs in the Channel Islands network are enhancing ecological communities. Fish species targeted by fishermen have greater density and biomass inside MPAs, while unprotected areas show increases in fished species.
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.
Researchers found a clear transition in catches at depths of 600 to 800 meters, with significant increases in biodiversity and discarded biomass. The study suggests that a depth limit at around 600 meters could have specific conservation benefits.
A University of Washington biologist has spotted a rare nautilus species, Allonautilus scrobiculatus, for the first time in three decades. The sighting highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect this ancient lineage from illegal fishing practices and potential extinction.
A three-year fishery closure around Robben Island increased African penguin chick survival rates by 18%, a significant improvement for the endangered species. The study highlights the importance of small no-take zones in improving demographic parameters of mobile species like the African penguin.
A new study found that catch-and-release practices in recreational fishing may influence the evolutionary path of species, favoring fish with lower metabolisms. Researchers compared largemouth bass populations from fished and unfished lakes, showing a significant difference in metabolic rates.
Researchers found that no-take marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef significantly reduced coral disease levels, four times lower inside reserves compared to outside. The study highlights the benefits of marine reserves for enhancing coral health and managing fishing-related damage.
The Irukandji box jellyfish uses its nematocyst clusters like experienced fishermen use their lures. The tiny but deadly jellyfish actively targets and catches complex fish that are often larger than itself, displaying a surprising complex prey capture strategy.
A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst fisheries biologist Andy J. Danylchuk is assessing the impact of catch-and-release fishing on the golden dorado fish in South America. The study aims to develop conservation strategies and sustainable fishing practices for this iconic species, which is crucial to the regional ecotouris...
Research led at the University of Strathclyde suggests that predatory seals are a major obstacle to cod stock recovery in Scottish waters. The study found that grey seal predation has increased to compensate for declining fishing efforts, leading to losses of over 40% of the total stock.
The 'GESTOIL' system enables significant fuel savings of up to 25% in troll fishing and 10% in purse-seine vessels. Energy audits on fishing vessels help optimize energy consumption through technical and operational improvements.
Research reveals that removing predatory fish through fishing causes significant changes to the reef's fish populations, altering the balance of the ecosystem. The study supports the continued use of marine reserves, which are effective in preserving predator numbers.
Researchers found female chimps predominantly hunt with tools, using a spear-like tool to capture galagos. This technique may be due to social tolerance and access to prey in the Fongoli savanna habitat.
A new study reveals that fishing likely contributes to population collapses in forage fish, including herring, anchovies, and sardines. The research suggests that suspension of fishing when populations fall below half their average can prevent 64% of collapses with minimal impact on fisheries.
A long-term study found that green zones have more than doubled coral trout biomass since the 1980s, while fished reefs experienced stable numbers and increases in large, reproductively-mature fish. Effective protection networks help reef fishes cope with stresses and maintain populations.
A team of Brazilian scientists calls for urgent public and private collaboration on fisheries management to protect the nation's aquatic fauna. The scientists emphasize the importance of annual research-based updates to lists of threatened species and a permanent stock evaluation system to reduce extinction risk.
A Scottish community-led marine reserve has shown benefits for both fisheries and conservation, with juvenile scallops thriving in a protected area. The reserve has boosted the size and reproductive capacity of adult scallops, potentially seeding surrounding fishing grounds.
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.
A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.
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.
Scientists studied four commercial and recreational fish stocks in Northeast U.S. waters and found that climate change affects their distribution, while fishing pressure has significant impacts on a more immediate time scale. The study shows that different species respond differently to temperature and fishing pressure.
Researchers analyzed thousands of newspaper articles to reveal a significant decline in Queensland's pink snapper fishery catch rates, from hundreds of fish per hour to just one-ninth of historical levels. This study provides unparalleled insights into the history of the fishery and helps understand changes over time.
Researchers have developed a new method to predict illegal fishing patterns in offshore marine reserves, enabling authorities to better protect these areas. The study, which analyzed data from the Cocos Island National Park, identified hotspots and lunar phases associated with illegal fishing, allowing for more targeted patrols.
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.
Derelict fishing traps are a significant problem in US waters, catching fish and other species beyond their target. Researchers recommend a collaborative approach to manage and prevent gear loss, involving the fishing industry and examining regional challenges.
Scientists have found that venom proteins in invasive lionfish may be acting as ciguatoxin mimics, leading to false positives in testing. Cooking or boiling lionfish samples before testing can help ensure safe consumption.
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.
A recent report analyzed Mediterranean fish species from 1990 to 2010, showing a steadily increasing exploitation rate and deteriorating stocks. The researchers recommend advanced management plans, better enforcement, and investments in data collection to improve sustainability.
The Great Barrier Reef's rezoning has led to the creation of green zones, protecting 30% of the reef and conserving biodiversity. The plan also minimizes impacts on fishing industries while increasing fish and shark populations in protected areas.
Research from NOAA Fisheries reveals how a shift in prey species led to cod aggregating in a small area, making them easily caught by fishermen. This change affected fishery management and assessment results, highlighting the need for accurate indicators of stock abundance.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers maps cultural ecosystem services to guide landscape-level natural resource management. Key findings include environmental quality, accessibility, and fish abundance as primary factors influencing angler enjoyment, with social capacity low in coastal plain areas.
Researchers tracked northern gannets' movement and behaviour using GPS devices, finding that fishing vessels influence their distribution and foraging patterns. The study suggests each boat can significantly impact seabirds within a 22km diameter circle surrounding it.
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.
Researchers analyzed angler catch records for evidence of a lunar cycle's effect on muskie behavior. They found that muskellunge are caught consistently more around the full and new moon phases, with anglers catching 5% more fish during peak lunar days.
A University of Strathclyde report suggests that EU's ban on ditching unwanted fish could have unintended consequences on wildlife and fail to improve fish stocks. Changing fishing practices to eliminate unwanted catches has dramatic effects on the entire food web, with major benefits for birds, mammals, and fish stocks.
A major European seafloor survey has found widespread marine litter, including plastic and fishing debris, in the deepest ocean depths. The study reveals that human litter is present in all marine habitats, from beaches to remote parts of the oceans.
Research from Oregon State University shows that handling frozen fish is a major cause of injuries on commercial freezer-trawlers and longliners. The study identifies specific hazards and prevention strategies to reduce injuries and fatalities in the fishing industry.
Researchers from SISSA and ICTP developed a model simulating collective behavior of groups, finding the number of informed individuals, sociality, and decision strength as critical variables. The study suggests that even minimal fluctuations in these variables can lead to catastrophic changes.
A new analysis reveals the complex nature of global bycatch, highlighting the need for international cooperation to reduce ecological harm. Strategies like depth variation and turtle excluder devices have been shown to increase target catch and reduce bycatch in fisheries.
Researchers have created artificial muscles that generate far more force and power than human muscles of the same size, using fibres from fishing lines and sewing threads. These inexpensive muscles can quickly lift weights up to 100 times heavier than humans can, with applications in medical devices, humanoid robots, and prosthetic limbs.
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.
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed artificial muscles that can lift 100 times more weight and generate 7.1 horsepower per kilogram than human muscle, powered by temperature changes. These powerful muscles have vast application opportunities in robots, exoskeletons, and wearable technology.
A survey of Malagasy fishing villages found that most fishers support gear restrictions but are less supportive of protected areas and species restrictions. The study suggests an implementation approach prioritizing widely accepted restrictions to increase compliance with current and future fisheries regulations.
A new study uses GPS traffic maps to identify high-risk areas for leatherback turtles caught in industrial longlines, guiding fisheries towards more sustainable management practices. The research highlights the need for international cooperation and technology-driven solutions to mitigate bycatch risks.
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 new EU fishing ban faces criticism from researchers who say it may not be enough to ensure sustainable fisheries. The study, published in the journal Fisheries Research, highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to reducing fishing mortality and increasing selective fishing practices.
NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.
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.
Researchers found a unique arrangement of spin glass behavior in these new quasicrystals, which is distinct from the magnetic ordering seen in crystalline structures. The discovery provides insight into magnetism in complex environments and opens up new avenues for studying rare-earth quasicrystals.
Researchers found that northern gannets avoid visiting neighboring colonies' fishing grounds, suggesting a mathematical explanation rather than territorial behavior. The birds follow specific patterns and routes to find food opportunities, reinforcing cultural transmission within their colonies.
Scientists attached a device to entangled whales, showing how fishing lines change their behavior and deplete energy. The study highlights the dangers of added drag and buoyancy from fishing gear, posing significant threats to whales' ability to eat, migrate, and survive.
Researchers analyzed Hawaiian petrel bones to determine the impact of industrial fishing on open-ocean food webs. They found a shift in diet from large prey to smaller fish and squid within a century, indicating profound changes in the Pacific's ecosystem.
Researchers analyzed Hawaiian petrels' ancient and modern remains, finding a drastic shift in diet towards lower-level prey. This change coincides with the growth of industrialized fishing, prompting concerns for other species' fate.
Research reveals many marine mammal populations are increasing, with some recovering to near carrying capacity. The MMPA's strong protections against commercial and accidental killing have contributed to these recoveries.
Researchers at UBC estimate China's foreign catch is 4.6 million tonnes per year, taken from the waters of at least 90 countries, including 3.1 million tonnes from African waters.
Researchers examined biological and environmental properties of invasive species, finding three to four key factors that influence their success. This discovery opens new avenues for marine research and management.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that fishers in Hawaii's nearshore fisheries travel longer distances to catch fish due to the placement of marine protected areas. Despite this, their social and economic status remain unchanged.
A team of scientists discovered that the ancient piranha relative Megapiranha paranensis had a bite force that could crush bone and pierce through thick shells, rivaling even the mighty T. rex. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used computer simulations to estimate the bite forces of living and extinct piranhas.