Articles tagged with Marine Fishes
A new study found that bluefin tuna accumulation rates are highest in the Mediterranean and decrease in the north Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and north Atlantic Ocean. The researchers linked methylmercury accumulation to regional seawater and zooplankton concentrations, revealing global patterns of mercury pollution.
Researchers found that areas protected under 'whole-site' Marine Protected Area (MPA) status have four-fold increases in fish abundance and diversity compared to unprotected areas. The study also showed significant benefits for commercially important fish species and conservation.
A study by University of Plymouth researchers found that seabed habitats and species recover more quickly following extreme storms than from the impacts of bottom-towed fishing. The research examined the impact of the 2013/14 winter storms on the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area, off southern England's coast.
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
A new study found that baby coral reef fishes have evolved to grow larger muscles and swim faster than their non-reef relatives, allowing them to outpace other fish in the ocean. This adaptation is thought to be related to their association with reefs, where they need to navigate open ocean currents to find a home.
Newly discovered fish fossils from an eastern Egyptian desert site show that marine fishes thrived in at least some tropical areas during the PETM. The study provides a snapshot of an ecosystem during an extreme warming event and may provide insights for the future.
A recent study by URI researchers shows that the Gulf Stream's position relative to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland can predict rapid warming of the Northwest Atlantic Shelf. The team used satellite data to observe the mechanism behind these changes, which block the southwestward transport of cold water and lead to marine heat waves.
Three of five sawfish species are critically endangered due to easily caught rostra in fishing nets and valuable fins in the shark fin trade. Conservation efforts focus on eight countries where protections can save the species; adequate protections exist in Australia and the US for some remaining populations.
A new study found that partially protected marine areas, which allow some fishing, had no more fish, invertebrates, or algae and did not attract users more highly than open areas. In contrast, fully protected areas had higher biodiversity and were valued more by coastal users.
The study explores how independent transitions of marine fish species into different water column habitats result in the recurrent evolution of similar body shapes. This suggests that limited sets of high-fitness solutions exist due to environmental constraints.
A new study reveals that floating DNA bits in seawater can reveal the relative abundance of fish species, allowing for an inexpensive and harmless way to monitor fisheries and track shifting marine life. The technique, known as eDNA, has vast applications in ocean conservation and research.
Analysis highlights diverse strategies used to sustain fishing livelihoods in modern era, prioritizing diversity and flexibility. Alternative approaches to management and licensing needed to maintain small-scale fishing operations worldwide.
This study uses sedimentary DNA to track the abundance of three major fish species over 300 years, providing a new tool for evaluating evolution and responses to climate changes. The results suggest that sedimentary DNA concentrations can reflect the abundance of aquatic species, enabling long-term monitoring efforts.
Mislabeling seafood products in the US results in 190,000-250,000 tons of environmentally damaged products being sold annually. Collaborative approaches are needed to reduce seafood mislabeling and its negative impacts on marine population health and fishery management.
A study by Rutgers University suggests that pre-war fisheries management could boost ocean protein contributions during a global food emergency, but widespread overfishing would not offset land-based food losses after a nuclear war. Effective regulation could lead to significantly higher catches in the first year post-war.
Research at the Panama Canal has recorded 11 new marine fish species, replacing freshwater fishes in Lake Gatun. The Suez Canal expansion also led to increased salt levels, allowing more non-native species to enter the Mediterranean.
Researchers used high-resolution models to predict where marine heatwaves will occur and intensify, revealing stark regional variability. The study found intense heatwaves more likely off Tasmania's coast and along the US Gulf Stream's shoreline.
Researchers have successfully replaced fishmeal and fish oil in farm-raised Kampachi diets with algae oil, a cost-effective alternative that maintains growth rates and fillet yield. The study's findings have significant implications for ocean sustainability and the growing demand for seafood worldwide.
A new study reveals that marine angelfish exhibit the highest incidence of hybridization among coral reef fish, with nearly half of all known species creating hybrids. The research found that angelfish can hybridize even between distantly related species and across vast genetic distances.
A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that park-like tsunami defenses, featuring strategically arranged green hills along coastlines, can provide an effective alternative to towering seawalls. These designs prioritize coastal access, ecological function, and community well-being while offering improved risk mitigation benefits.
A new study predicts that future 'blobs' will exacerbate climate change impacts on fish stocks, causing biomass to decrease and distribution shifts. This could lead to significant declines in fisheries sectors along the west coast of Canada and USA.
A study led by HKU marine biologist Dr Celia Schunter reveals that reef fishes are directly affected by heatwaves, but their responses vary greatly among species. The research tracked the molecular response of five species to the 2016 heatwave conditions on the Great Barrier Reef.
A University of Queensland-led international study found that at least 26% of the world's oceans need urgent conservation attention to preserve Earth's marine biodiversity. The study identified a total ocean area required for conservation varying from 26-41%, depending on species range conservation proportions.
Researchers found that expansion of Pacific Remote Islands and Papahanaumokuakea marine national monuments increased catch per unit effort for the Hawaii-based longline industry, showing no significant economic losses. The study controlled for factors like ocean conditions and regulations to assess impacts on the fishery.
A global distribution map of fish genetic diversity has been created, revealing uneven distribution across marine and freshwater species. Temperature plays a key role in shaping genetic diversity among marine fish, while habitat complexity and changes over time are crucial for freshwater species.
A study reveals that effective fisheries management can increase fish stock abundance and reduce yield loss from overfishing. In regions with less developed management, high fishing pressure results in a three-fold greater harvest rate compared to well-managed areas.
A new fossil stingray, Lessiniabatis aenigmatica, has been discovered with an exceptional anatomy that differs from living species. The find provides insights into the evolution of these animals and their recovery in marine ecosystems after the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.
A recent study reveals that inland fisheries are providing vital micronutrients and animal-source protein to sustain 159 million people. The global economic value of inland catch is estimated at $24 billion, highlighting its importance in local rural economies.
A new UN high-seas treaty could effectively manage all fish species in international waters if it includes measures to address non-targeted species. The proposed treaty must close gaps in biodiversity governance to protect over 95% of deep ocean fish species that currently have no assessments.
Researchers found an optimal management scenario that benefits both winter-run chinook salmon and threatened green sturgeon by releasing warmer water in the spring and cold water in the summer. This strategy minimizes harm to young green sturgeon while meeting the needs of downstream agricultural users.
A new study finds that restricting inshore potting for crab and lobster within marine protected areas generates a win-win for both fishermen and the environment. Crab caught in low-potting areas were found to be heavier than those caught in areas with medium-high potting levels or unfished control areas.
A new study reveals that the world's marine fisheries form a single network with over $10 billion worth of fish caught in another country each year. The study shows that ocean regions are connected through larval dispersal, highlighting the need for international cooperation to conserve natural resources and ensure food security.
Commercial fishers believe they can play a key role in reducing marine litter, with many already participating in initiatives like Fishing for Litter. The study found that fishers are passionate about their seas and believe collective action is needed to address the issue.
Researchers found that a specific gene, Fads2, helps marine stickleback synthesize DHA, essential for development and health. The ability to utilize this nutrient determines where fish colonize freshwater habitats.
The global fishing fleet increased from 1.7 million to 3.7 million vessels between 1950 and 2015, with a significant expansion in Asia. Meanwhile, catch per unit effort (CPUE) decreased globally, except for Oceania, where it increased.
Researchers found that variations in a single gene led to changes in phosphorus release and calcium uptake in fish, potentially triggering ecosystem-wide effects. The study suggests a link between genetic variation and ecological implications, highlighting the importance of understanding how species adapt to their environments.
A new study suggests that snoek species may recolonize the Beagle Channel and Southern Western Atlantic, negatively impacting hake populations and regional economies. Researchers analyzed ancient zooarcgaeological remains to reconstruct trophic networks in the region.
Researchers found that female Magellanic penguins are more likely to be stranded along the South American coast due to their northward migration. The study suggests that females are at greater risk of encountering threats such as water pollution and marine transport hazards, leading to increased stranding.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth College has created a more sustainable feed for aquaculture by replacing fishmeal with a marine microalga co-product. The study found that the co-product had higher protein content and digestibility of essential amino acids, including omega-3 fatty acids.
A recent study found that high seas fisheries play a negligible role in addressing global food security, with only 60% of species caught being targeted for human consumption. The majority of high seas catch is sold to countries like the EU, US, and Asia.
Researchers developed models that predict the month-by-month movements of longline fishing fleets on the high seas. These predictions can help regulatory agencies pinpoint potential hotspots where by-catch risks are greatest and take proactive measures to reduce accidental kills.
Researchers found that recreational scallop harvesting disrupts native sea turtle behavior, causing them to change their distribution and habitat use. The study suggests that reducing boat density and implementing measures to avoid turtle collisions could minimize ecological damage.
A study evaluates ocean characteristics that influence fisheries bycatch on the US west coast, threatening ecological and economic sustainability. The analysis revealed an increased bycatch risk for protected species, including cetaceans and sea turtles, in areas with dynamic physical structures.
The SYMBIOSIS system integrates acoustic and optical technologies to monitor schools of fish in deep waters, providing reliable information on fish stocks and their movements. The system will inform fishing policy development and enhance protection of the marine environment.
A new report in Science shows that larger females invest disproportionately more in the number of eggs and size of individual eggs. This finding is critical for fisheries management, suggesting a focus on reducing fishing pressure on large fish rather than small ones.
A new study reveals that bigger female fish produce significantly more offspring than smaller ones, with a scaling pattern where larger mothers produce exponentially more eggs. This finding has implications for fisheries management and suggests that larger fish are crucial for replenishing marine populations.
A new research project aims to support small-scale fisherman livelihoods while achieving national and international conservation goals. The project builds on the successful Lyme Bay project, which showed that conservation gains can be achieved while benefiting local fishermen.
A UCLA-led team of biologists reports that a six-mile-wide asteroid crash 66 million years ago created an enormous evolutionary void for marine fish to diversify. Today's rich biodiversity among marine fish shows the fingerprints of this mass extinction, with six major acanthomorph groups producing almost all marine fish diversity.
Ocean conditions off the US West Coast are returning to average after a marine heat wave, but salmon catches remain depressed. Feeding conditions have improved for sea lions and seabirds, while plankton species have shifted back towards fat-rich, cool-water species beneficial for fish growth.
A team of scientists has confirmed a new species of sixgill sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, based on genetic testing. The discovery was made using mitochondrial genes and found significant differences between the Atlantic and Pacific/Oceanic species.
A record-breaking marine heatwave, lasting 251 days and seven times larger than Tasmania, was driven by a surge of warm water in the East Australian Current. Climate change made this event several times more likely, with temperatures 2.9°C above normal.
A newly discovered ancient reptile from Switzerland shows its unique scale armor for the first time. The Eusaurosphargis dalsassoi has a life on land skeleton despite being found with fish and marine reptiles.
A study highlights challenges and opportunities of fishery management in China, promoting institutional reform for sustainable marine resource management. The researchers recommend new institutions, secure fishing access, policy consistency, educational programs, and increased public access to scientific data.
A new species of twirler moth, Neopalpa donaldtrumpi, has been discovered in California and Baja California, Mexico. The moth's yellowish-white scales on its head were used to create an amusing reference to Donald Trump's hairstyle.
A joint study by Chinese and international researchers recommends new institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access, and policy consistency across provinces. The authors believe that China's 13th Five-Year Plan provides a policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration of fisheries.
Scientists have discovered a new species of coral-reef fish, Tosanoides obama, that lives exclusively within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The fish is special because it is the only known species of coral-reef fish endemic to the Monument.
A new study by the University of Southampton uses jellyfish to track marine animals' movements and locations, providing a powerful tool against food fraud. The research can also be used to maintain healthy sustainable fish stocks and ensure consumer confidence in marine eco-labelling.
A recent study reveals that marine fisheries catches in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being under-reported by 86%, threatening the marine environment and local livelihoods. The research calls for urgent policy action to establish more accurate catch limits, taking into account both commercial and local consumption of seafood.
A study finds that fishing closures in Indonesia's shark sanctuary increase shark abundance, while also forcing fishermen to fish in unprotected areas, often turning to illegal practices. Ecotourism may provide an alternative livelihood, but its impact on fishing pressure and illegal activity is uncertain.
Bioluminescence has evolved independently 27 times in 14 major fish clades, underscoring its importance to vertebrate fish in the deep seas. The phenomenon is found throughout the ocean and is used for signaling, camouflage, and species recognition.