Articles tagged with Fishing
A groundbreaking study found that marine reserves can restock fish populations in areas open to fishing. The research tracked the dispersal of baby coral trout and stripey snappers from reserve sites, finding that up to 30km away, a significant proportion settled on reefs open to fishing.
A new project, WhaleWatch, uses satellite data and migration models to identify high-risk areas for whale entanglement and ship strikes. The study aims to provide key information on whale migration patterns and inform management policies.
Shrimp fishermen are assisting biologist Kai Wätjen in monitoring rare fish species in the North Sea. They are using cameras to document catches and a data logger to record water temperature and depth information.
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 scientific team reports that a 'balanced harvest' can achieve productive fisheries while conserving environmental factors, according to the journal Science paper. This approach maximizes production and minimizes ecological effects by targeting multiple species and sizes.
Sawfishes use their saws to impale prey on rostral teeth and detect electric fields, enabling agile hunting in murky waters. Their unique sensing abilities challenge traditional views of these critically endangered fish.
A new study has identified high-use areas in the Pacific Ocean as potential danger zones for critically endangered leatherback turtles. The research found that leatherbacks can be tracked across entire ocean basins, increasing the risk of being caught in fishing gear and undermining conservation efforts.
The US government has been slow to implement a ban on commercial fishing in the nation's protected Pacific Islands Marine National Monuments, threatening unique ecosystems and populations. The monuments, established in 2009, are home to rare species and sensitive habitats that could be damaged by fishermen.
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 model developed by European Commission scientists allows for the first time an overall view of bluefin tuna habitats in the Mediterranean Sea. The model uses satellite remote sensing data to identify preferred habitats and track changes over time, providing valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management.
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 Virginia Tech researcher has developed an app called Small Craft Motion Program (SCraMP) that provides boat operators with motion analysis data, including acceleration, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The app aims to help captains make informed decisions about their vessel's stability and safety.
The number of sea turtles accidentally caught and killed in US fishing gear has declined by 90% since 1990, according to a new study. This drop is attributed to measures reducing bycatch in many fisheries and overall declines in US fishing activity, which have led to fewer turtle deaths annually, from over 300,000 to around 460.
Researchers found a marked decline in Atlantic salmon populations in Spanish rivers, particularly in Asturias, due to increased fishing effort and higher temperatures. The study suggests that conservation measures should be implemented to protect these populations, which are experiencing cyclic fluctuations.
Researchers found that microtubules, which act like 'fishing lines,' often incorrectly hook onto chromosomes, resulting in 90% of chromosomes getting connected in the wrong way. This error-prone process can lead to female infertility and miscarriages due to incorrect chromosome separation.
A new study finds that reducing catches of small 'forage' fish like sardines and anchovies can protect larger predatory species. Halving fishing rates for high-impact species could greatly reduce ecosystem impact while achieving 80% of maximum sustainable yield.
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.
The study highlights the urgent need for effective management of tuna and billfish populations. Five species of tuna are in the threatened or Near Threatened categories, while three billfish species are also at risk.
A ban on fisheries discards in the North Sea is expected to promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research. The study compared long-term data sets on cod, haddock, saithe, and herring in the North Sea with those in Norwegian waters, where a discard ban was introduced in the late 1980s.
Research by Kofi Vondolia finds that a tax on foreign fishing in Africa can regulate fishing, preserve stocks at sustainable levels, and steer more income towards the country. The proposed tax takes into account ecological and socio-economic factors, including fish migration and reproduction rates.
Existing protected areas may be insufficient to safeguard sea turtles from fishing nets, according to a new study. International cooperation is needed to extend and manage the waters where olive ridley sea turtles spend most of their time.
A growing seal population has led to increased damage to fish and fishing gear, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Scientists have identified certain seals as specialists in attacking trap equipment, but also found that pot fishing can be a viable alternative to net fishing.
A new method for measuring biomass reveals that fish stocks are more stable than widely believed, with only 12% collapsed and 26% overexploited. The study suggests that biomass data can ground truth catch trends, revealing biases in catch data estimates.
The UK's first fully protected marine reserve is already providing positive results for both fishermen and conservationists after only two years in operation. The reserve has seen a significant increase in commercially valuable scallops and several species of algae promoting biodiversity.
Researchers developed new models to predict seabird bycatch, using remotely sensed data to project where birds and boats are likely to intersect. The models demonstrate potential for improved conservation efforts in predicting bird habitats.
Researchers found that fish exposed to speargun fishing are wary and keep their distance, fleeing earlier than those in protected zones. In some cases, the flight distance increased by 2.6 meters, putting them beyond spear range.
A 10-year study found that restricting fishing gear, including small-mesh seine nets, promotes predatory fish species and increases body length. Even unregulated areas saw improvements to the fish community. Strong management can also benefit adjacent weakly managed areas.
Researchers tagged and tracked leatherback turtles for five years, revealing why they linger in the gyre despite its nutrient-poor conditions. The data suggest that jellyfish are abundant in the area, providing a crucial source of food for the turtles, which explains their feeding behavior and diving patterns.
Scientists have identified three distinct migration routes taken by female leatherback turtles from Gabon to feeding grounds across the South Atlantic, with one route spanning over 7,500km. This research is crucial for informing conservation efforts and protecting these endangered creatures.
A new genetic analysis published in PLoS One found that Franciscana dolphins entangled in fishing nets are more likely to be mother-offspring pairs, leading to reduced genetic diversity and reproductive potential. The study's findings have significant implications for the conservation of small marine mammals.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
A new analysis by an international team of fisheries scientists found that the widely adopted indicator, average catch trophic level, led to inaccurate conclusions in 13 out of 29 trawl surveys from 14 ecosystems. The study suggests that this measure is a woefully inadequate assessment of marine fisheries health.
A new analysis by an international team of scientists found that changes in trophic levels of caught fish have little correlation with ecosystem health. In fact, global catches of fish at all trophic levels have generally increased since the mid-80s, contradicting previous warnings about 'fishing down food webs'.
Researchers have found that up to 16,000 endangered turtles are being caught annually in Madagascar, highlighting the need for sustainable management. The study uses a new approach involving local communities to document turtle catches and provides a conservative estimate of annual catch rates.
Iowa State University researchers estimate a new fisheries system will reduce fishing costs by up to $22 million annually. The system uses tradable permits to control catch amounts, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the fishing industry.
The study found that China's enormous population drives its high ranking, despite low per capita fish catch and consumption. The United States comes in third, while Peru ranks second in catch but not top 20 in consumption.
The University of Guam Sea Grant Extension Program aims to revive traditional Chamorro fishing practices, which were replaced by Western technology. The project will teach the community how to build and repair indigenous canoes and fish using pre-contact equipment, promoting sustainable seafood supply and cultural preservation. Environ...
A recent study analyzed worldwide catch and economic data for the past 55 years, finding that fishermen prioritize profit over top predators. The research revealed that nearly all high-catch fisheries are already developed, with few new opportunities existing today.
A 12-year study by Wildlife Conservation Society found that fishery closures and gear restrictions in Kenya's coast increased revenue and net profits for local fishermen. The study revealed that closures attracted more preferred species and larger fish, commanding higher prices per pound, which boosted fishers' incomes.
A new study suggests that setting time limits for hunting and fishing, rather than quotas, could help prevent wildlife population collapses. By limiting the number of days allowed for hunting and fishing, managers can better protect fragile species from over-exploitation.
Scientists propose a new approach to selective fishing that prioritizes ecosystem health and biodiversity, challenging traditional methods. The 'balanced exploitation' approach combines reduced fishing effort with better use of non-target species to achieve sustainable yields while maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Mediterranean red coral populations thrive in three decades-old Marine Protected Areas, but future conservation efforts may be needed to ensure species resilience. The areas have proven effective in conserving this slow-growing species.
Researchers found trawl fish landings peaked in 1937 at 14 times higher than today and bottom-living fish availability fell by 94%. The decline in popular fish stocks such as cod, haddock, and plaice is more profound than previously thought. The study suggests a longer period of damage to fisheries has taken place
A team of researchers at NIST developed methods to accurately measure the length of nanopores, which could enable rapid DNA analysis. They created 'molecular rulers' using exotic techniques, including a molecular-scale version of ice fishing, to calibrate tailor-made nanopores.
A new study estimates that up to two million sea turtles may have been caught in commercial fishing gear since 1990, highlighting the need for guidelines to reduce turtle bycatch. The study suggests that using circle hooks and Turtle Excluder Devices can significantly reduce losses.
A new model forecasts Atlantic croaker population increases and shifts due to climate change, with potential for higher yields. The study demonstrates the importance of considering environmental factors in fisheries management.
Researchers at University of Leeds assess the impact of a proposed EU fishing discard ban on North Sea gannet success. Gannets have developed specialized feeding habits, with some relying heavily on discards, making a ban potentially harmful to their breeding.
A comprehensive study found that community involvement is crucial for the success of marine reserves. Residents' compliance with reserve rules was linked to ecological health and fish stocks. Community participation in setting up and monitoring reserves is vital to their success.
Researchers propose limiting longline fishing in summer months and areas over 35 nautical miles from land to drastically reduce accidental loggerhead turtle captures. Using fish as bait may also help, but could affect swordfish catches.
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.
Damage to Gulf of California habitats can be reversed through conservation efforts, as protected areas have shown increased biomass and flourishing fish populations. Key protection strategies include reducing or eliminating fishing activity in critical spawning aggregation areas and sensitive nursery habitats.
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.