Artisanal Fishermen Research Articles

Evidence of plastics contamination and sewage-derived residues in a Brazilian Hope Spot for conservation of marine biodiversity - Cagarras Islands and surrounding waters

Cagarras Islands Archipelago, a no-take MPA in Southeast Brazil, was designated as Natural Monument (MONA Cagarras) and, more recently, recognized as Hope Spot for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess plastic contamination by analyzing marine litter and microplastics in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters. Marine litter (34.12 kg) was caught by artisanal fishermen in MONA Cagarras proximities, and plastics represented ∼79 %. Personal hygiene items and strains of hair were found, suggesting sewage-derived contamination from Ipanema SSO. Microplastics were detected in MONA Cagarras surface waters. Fragments and black particle were the most frequently found microplastic shape and color, respectively. μ-FTIR analysis identified, in descending order of occurrence, polystyrene-PS, polyethylene-PE, polyvinyl chloride-PVC, polypropylene-P, and polyamide-PA. Our integrated results of macro and microplastic contamination highlight an issue of effective conservation and health of marine biodiversity in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters and a concern for better management of Brazilian MPAs.

Unraveling the spawning and reproductive patterns of tomato hind grouper, Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828) from south Kerala waters.

The objective of this study is to provide information on the reproductive biology of tomato hind grouper, Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828) for conservation and management purposes. Fish caught by artisanal fishermen from September 2019 to August 2021 were analysed. A total of 280 females, 31 males, and 4 transitional and 178 sex-undetermined fish were analysed. The female to male sex proportion was 9:1, and the fish reached a maximum total body length of 38.5 and 54.5 cm for females and males, respectively. The following microscopic stages were identified: immature, developing, ripe, running ripe/releasing, and spent in both males and females. Several asynchronous development patterns were observed in the studied gonads, including multiple oocyte stages and early and advanced stages of sexual transition. High gonadosomatic index (GSI) for both males and females was recorded in March, May, and November. Running ripe and releasing stages in females were identified in the months from March to June, which indicates the spawning season. The absolute and relative fecundity of the species ranged from 162,723 ± 207,267 and 239 ± 285, respectively. An exponential relationship was found between fecundity and total body length (TL), fecundity and total body weight (TW), and fecundity and gonad weight (GW).

The spatio-temporal distribution of small-scale fisheries along the northern Panay Gulf, Philippines: Implications for management

The small-scale fisheries along the northern region of the Panay Gulf face a distinctive challenge as multiple communities compete for access to the same fishing areas and resources. In response, neighboring coastal municipalities implemented conventional management measures, such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and seasonal closures, aiming to enhance the abundance of fisheries resources. However, these measures only imposed economic hardships on artisanal fishermen. To address this issue, a survey involving 135 informants from coastal barangays was conducted between June to November 2021. The study used semi-structured questionnaires and GPS data loggers to collect essential information on the spatial and temporal distribution of fishing activities and specific target catches. The integration of local knowledge played a crucial role in bridging critical data gaps within the study site, facilitating the identification of more effective management reforms. The findings revealed that traditional harvest locations for various gear types exhibited zonation patterns across the gulf. Fishing activities were strategically conducted in areas with available resources, often disregarding municipal fishing boundaries. Coordinated management strategies are deemed imperative due to the varying timing of seasonal closures among municipalities. On the other hand, the temporal analysis of fishing activities revealed peak seasons of fisheries resources, providing a basis for adjusting the selection of target species and the duration of seasonal closures. Interestingly, the existing management measures failed to reduce the annual fishing activities and were ineffective, contrary to popular claims. This outcome was primarily due to constant shifts in the types of fishing gear used and target catches between seasons, highlighting the displacement of exploitation. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of aligning fisheries policies with the dynamic nature of small-scale fisheries. Unless these policies adapt to the evolving conditions of the sector, they are likely to remain ineffective in addressing issues faced by artisanal fishermen in the region.

Species Composition and Abundance of the Cichlid Fishes in Owalla Reservoir, Osun State, Nigeria

Fish production plays crucial roles in enhancing food security and alleviating poverty of many people in Nigeria. As demand for fish increases steadily over the years, production becomes inadequate. One of the ways in which adequate fish production could be met is adequate conservation efforts. This study was conducted with a view of providing a more recent catalogue and update of species composition and abundance of cichlid fishes in Owalla reservoir. Sampling for cichlids fishes in the reservoir was done monthly for 24 weeks with the use of dugout canoe. Four experimental gillnets, each measuring 2 by 30 m, with various stretched mesh sizes (25.4, 38.1, 50.8 and 63.5 mm) were designed to sample various sizes of the fishes. Other sampling techniques adopted include the use of cast net, fish traps and hook and line. The six species of cichlid fishes identified during study are Hemichromis fasciatus (SL=7.35±0.12 cm; mean weight=15.58±9.01g), Sarotherodon galilaeus (SL=11.77±3.12 cm; mean weight=89.48±14.17 g), Oreochromis niloticus (SL=8.35±1.90 cm; mean weight=36.11±10.02 g ), Tilapia zilli (SL=9.95±1.09 cm; mean weight=88.03±16.04 g ), Tilapia mariae (SL=9.83±1.07 cm; mean weight=57.81±14.01 g ) and Tilapia dageti (SL=11.12.±2.01 cm; mean weight=85.30±20.01 g). The fish species were adequately represented, well distributed and occurred frequently in both wet and dry seasons, though the occurrence was higher in the wet season. The mean values of length and weight recorded for the fishes were small when compared with the values of cichlids from similar Nigerian inland waters and was attributed to the indiscriminate use of gillnets with unregulated mesh sizes. Overfishing by the artisanal fishermen could not be ruled out due to lack of regulations on the reservoir. Therefore, regular qualitative and quantitative information on cichlid fishes in the reservoir is necessary for enhancement of management and appraisal of the fisheries potential of the reservoir becomes essential.

A New Confirmation Record of the Introduced Sailfin Catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Weber, 1991) in the Inland Waters of Syria (Orontes River)

A new occurrence of the sailfin catfish, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, has been documented in the inland waters of Syria, specifically in the Orontes River. The specimens measured between 23.5 and 27 cm in total length and weighed between 100 and 150 g. They were captured by artisanal fishermen using a trammel net at a depth of approximately 2-3 meters and recorded the surface temperature at 20°C. The reappearance of Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus indicates potential changes in freshwater biodiversity. Monitoring these developments is crucial for understanding the regional ecosystem. These findings underscore the necessity for further research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of these emerging phenomena.

Assessment of trace metal bioaccumulation in Mytilus galloprovincialis of the central Atlantic ocean after installation of treatment sewage facilities

Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) are vital to Morocco's artisanal fishermen both nutritionally and economically. This study probed the bioaccumulation of trace metals zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in mussels from three sites north of Agadir: Anza, Aourir, and Imouran. Analyzed using atomic absorption techniques across different seasons, findings indicated variable metal concentrations, with Imouran notably presenting the highest, potentially due to influences from the new wastewater plants of Anza and Aourir. While lead was not detected, cadmium, albeit in lower concentrations, posed potential health concerns upon regular consumption. Individual Mean Bioaccumulation Index (IMBI) demonstrated fluctuations, majorly influenced by Zn, Cd, and Cu levels. These trends in IMBI between 2017 and 2018 for Aourir and Imouran hinted at similar environmental impacts or exposure levels. Despite site differences, Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values consistently pointing to analogous potential toxicity due to metal combinations. Intricate relationships between trace metals and their environmental parameters were evident, with multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) showcasing differing correlations between variables. These results highlight the nuanced interactions between trace metals and bioaccumulation indices, such as MPI and IMBI. In conclusion, the findings accentuate the imperative of regular coastal water quality checks and effective management strategies to curtail pollutant discharges.

Patterns of hyperostosis during the ontogenic development of Atlantic spadefish (Broussonet, 1782) in Brazilian coast.

Marine teleost species of commercial interest are often reported with hyperostosis, an osteological condition that results in bone thickening. Various specimens of Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (n = 86) obtained from artisanal fishermen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were radiographed and assessed to detect the occurrence of hyperostosis across four different size classes. Of the examined individuals, 58.62% displayed signs of hyperostosis, which manifested in eight skeletal regions, notably in the supraoccipital crest, cleithrum and supraneural areas. In the vertebral column, hyperostosis was more frequently observed in haemal spines than in neural spines, predominantly between the sixth and eighth caudal vertebrae. The smallest size class (<200 mm total length) showed a low frequency of hyperostosis at 7.89%. This frequency escalated for larger classes, reaching 94.12% in individuals measuring 200-300 mm in total length and was observed in all individuals exceeding 300 mm. Hyperostosis exhibited an ontogenetic development pattern, where both the occurrence frequencies and the sizes of the affected bones expanded in proportion to the fish size. This is the first description of the hyperostosis pattern of development for the species, an important commercial resource.

Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Porogobius schlegelii and Bathygobius soporator from Buguma Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria

The present study investigated the length-weight relationship and condition factor of two fish species Bathygobius soporator and Porogobius schlegelii, in Buguma Creek. Over a three-month period (March – May 2018), 2000 different size fish samples each of B. soporator (1000) and P. schlegelii (1000) were collected by artisanal fishermen in Buguma Creek. The study collected total length and total weight data using a meter ruler and a digitally sensitive scale (Sartorius Model H987) for each species allowing determination of the growth exponent(b), coefficient of determination (r2) and mean condition factor values for the fish species. The study found that B. soporator ranged in total length from 7.00 to 18.80cm and from 2.00 to 14.70g, while P. shlegelli measured 4.50 to 11.50cm and weighed 1.30 to 7.10g. The growth exponent (b) ranged from 1.77 to 2.64 for B. soporator and 1.26 to 2.41 for P. schlegelli, indicating a negative allometric growth pattern for the two species, while the r2 values for B. soporator ranged between 0.61 and 0.89 and for P. schlegelli between 0.52 and 0.81 in Buguma Creek. The mean condition factor values for B. soporator ranged from 0.88 to 1.51, while for P. schlegelli it ranged from 0.38 to 0.39, suggesting that B. soporator had a higher condition factor than P. schlegelli, indicating better health and body condition for B. soporator and raising concern for the health of the P. schlegelli population in Buguma Creek. There is therefore an urgent need to establish conservation areas or fishing restrictions to allow the P. schlegelli fish population to recover and maintain a healthy population of the creek.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in vulnerable populations: what are the most common body parts affected?

Studies investigating vulnerable populations have shown that work-related musculoskeletal disorders have a negative impact on quality of life. However, no study has examined the body regions commonly affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders in vulnerable populations. To describe the body regions commonly affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders in vulnerable populations. Cross-sectional study. We used the ABEP questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and a self-report questionnaire to determine morning-evening in human circadian rhythms (chronotype assessment). To reduce the possibility of information bias, we provided prior training in the use of the instruments and created an electronic database that was filled out in duplicate (in cases of disagreement, a third researcher was consulted). We tested the normality of the data using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The sample consisted of 132 participants, but there was a sample loss of 41.6% (final sample n = 77). We observed the predominance of those who worked from 6 to 8h/day, rest of 1h during the working day, from 1 to 10years of service and only 1 employment relationship. Regarding the quality of life, we observed a worse result in the domain related to the environment, as well as a stress level of 15.43 (± 7.52) with a maximum of 30. Finally, we observed the presence of pain self-reported by the artisanal fishermen in several regions of the body, lumbar being the most mentioned. The neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, forearms, wrists, back, lumbar spine, and lower limbs are the most common parts of the body affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders in artisanal fishermen.

Fair trade and artisanal fishing in Paraná coast: between speech and reality

Paraná Coast has 90 kilometers of coastline with an approximate population of 4,256 artisanal fishermen who carry out their activities in the bays and in the open sea, most of them classified as small fishermen, who historically have an asymmetrical distribution of commercialization profits imposed by retailers. Thus, in view of the need to establish new patterns of fish commercialization in the region, this research aimed to carry out a case study related to the fair trade of fish in this region. Descriptive exploratory research was carried out with 10 (ten) fishermen and the management of the only regional company that includes the practice of fair trade in its values. The study revealed that positive factors, especially security in commercial relations, fair value paid for fish and valuation of family labor, were the issues most valued by the interviewed fishermen. In relation to the negative factors, the company not absorbing the entire production, the time to pay for the production and the limited hours for delivering the fish, were the most cited issues, however they were not classified as situations that could be factors of rupture of the business process. Finally, the analysis of the fairtrade system adopted in the investigated company, allows to consider that it was installed, empirically tested and has had positive results, and can be classified in fact as a fairtrade practitioner. This model can be classified as an alternative development tool or model to the dominant neoliberal model in Brazil that can be replicated in whole or in part in other fishing regions.

Resistance of traditional people and communities to the State and coloniality

In this article, we discuss how colonialism operated and continues to operate forms of violence against traditional peoples and communities. These collectives resist the overcoding processes of their territories by the State and by capital holders; and fight for access to rights and recognition of their modes of existence. In recent years, legislation and conventions, national and international, have been drawn up that deal with issues related to these peoples, however, they are not guaranteed that their lands will be demarcated. On the contrary, state policies to expand extractivism and monocultures have advanced, dismantling their living territories. The ethnographic research on which this article is based was carried out with the Rede Puxirão de Povos e Comunidades Tradicionais do Paraná – an organization that brings together indigenous people, quilombolas, faxinalenses, cipozeiros, slanders, artisanal fishermen and healers –, seeking to understand their forms of resistance to coloniality.

Knowledge Level and Attitude of Artisanal Fishermen towards Covid-19 prevention in fishing Communities in Eket Agricultural zone, Nigeria

The study assessed artisanal fishermen level of knowledge and attitude towards Covid-19 prevention in Eket Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom State. Data were obtained from 120 fishermen using multi-stage sampling procedure and analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results showed that majority (95.8%) of artisanal fishermen were aware that COVID-19 can be prevented. On the mode of prevention 91.7% of the respondents had high knowledge on avoiding contact by wearing facemask. Results revealed that artisanal fishermen had positive attitude (83.8%) in terms of isolating themselves from infected persons, while poor attitude of fishermen were revealed towards taking Covid-19 vaccine (75%). Findings further showed that gender (p &gt; 0.01), education (p &gt; 0.01), extension contact (p &gt; 0.01) and cooperative membership (p &gt; 0.05) were positive and significantly influence fishermen level of knowledge. The major determinants of fishermen attitude were age (p &gt; 0.1), education (p &gt; 0.01), and accessed to extension contact (p &gt; 0.01). The study recommended that educational interventions should be reinforced to enhance fishermen’s willingness to take preventive actions in the future. Sanitary and health inspectors should engage the community in general sanitation campaigns. Government at all levels through the Ministry of Health should embark on continued awareness campaigns among the fishing communities to improve their knowledge of preventive measures towards Covid-19.

“O Mar Está para Peixes?” – an Interactive Platform for Open Source Fishery Data in Rio De Janeiro State

Despite the wide dissemination of information access, open data scarcity in fisheries science is still seen as a challenge. Thus, initiatives such as Sea Around Us and Fish Stats stand out. Particularly in developing countries, fishery data collection systems are precarious and there is a lack of national platforms to make fisheries data available. In Brazil, some states such as São Paulo and Santa Catarina have their own data repositories in web platforms, but there are limitations for dynamic queries. In addition, fisheries management based on the “Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries” (EAF) have been discussed and adopted, and environmental variables have been used as indicators to increase the robustness of fishery models. In this sense, the present work proposes a fishery data compilation platform named O mar está para peixes? (Are there fish in the sea?), which contains fishery data and fishery-related satellite remote sensing data (i.e. sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration) for the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The platform is divided in five sections: Fishery, Habitat, Map, Satellite and Download. These sections make data available for dynamic and personalized consultations, with the option of downloading the data. A standard spreadsheet developed for users to submit their own data is presented, with the goal of promoting participation and the collective construction of the platform. This is a new step towards the development of an EAF in Rio de Janeiro, which will potentially open the pathway for the integration of public agencies, research institutions, fishing industry and artisanal fishermen.

Nuevos registros por científicos ciudadanos de Acanthicus hystrix Agassiz, 1829 (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) en la Amazonia ecuatoriana

Three new records of Acanthicus hystrix Agassiz, 1829 are reported for the Ecuadorian Amazon, based on photographs of adult specimens uploaded to the ICTIO database (https://www.ictio.org/) by artisanal fishermen using the ICTIO 3.1 mobile application and a specimen collected in the upper Napo River basin (Ecuador). This specimen is the first voucher deposited in a scientific collection in Ecuador. This report confirms the presence of this cryptic fish species in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on artisanal fishing in Senegal: Adaptation strategies of actors in the fishing ports of Dakar and Mbour

By considering the economic and social contribution of Senegalese artisanal fisheries to the national economy, this study firstly provides elements of analysis of the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the fishing sector. Secondly, it lifts the veil on the adaptation strategies of the actors concerned. The field surveys reveal that the response measures of the authorities have affected the production, distribution, and marketing chains of fisheries products. The results show a remarkable decrease in landings. The landings of pelagic fish species in Ouakam, Hann, Soumbédioune, and Mbour fishing ports have decreased by −10.11%, −61.25%, −9.75%, and −18.98% proportionately. The same downward trend for demersal fish species was observed, except in Ouakam fishing port. The landing increased slightly to 29.28%. Also, significant income losses have been reported, particularly by fish traders, following the closure of the air borders and the decrease in the selling prices of species formerly destined for export. Thus, faced with this problem, the artisanal fishermen have developed site-specific strategies to continue their activities, which have slowed down. However, this pandemic has paralyzed artisanal fisheries activities, demonstrating the need for this study to strengthen the economic resilience of the sector.

Comparative Survey of Parasites of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs in North-Western Nigeria

Aims: The aims of this survey were to isolate, identify, classify and compare parasitic infestation of Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina state. Also to investigated the prevalence and infestation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina.&#x0D; Study Design: The research was conducted in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs, Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was to compare the parasitic prevalence in Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoir. Three landing sites were selected from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs namely A, B, and C. landing site A water entrance, B middle of the water and C end of the reservoir. Five experimental fish samples were purchased from artisanal fisherman from three sample sites of Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs for the duration of 6 months. Length and weight of fish samples were measured before parasite examination. Isolated parasite was identified using standard keys. Prevalence and incidence were analysed using descriptive statistic.&#x0D; Place and Period of the Study: Fish samples were obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs Katsina State. Live experimental fish samples were transported to the Biological Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State in a plastic container filled with water for identification, before parasitic examination. Experimental samples of various sizes were sampled between June, 2020 and September, 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 180 live fish samples of males and females Clarias gariepinus; were randomly obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs. Experimental samples were range between 10.0-15.0cm fry, 15.1-20.0cm fingerlings, 20.0-25.0cm juveniles and 21.0-30.0cm adults. The skin, the gastrointestinal tract of the fish was examined for the presence of parasite, using standard procedures. Examination of the gastrointestinal parasites was done using light microscope for exposure of parasitic worm’s presences. The different experimental fish samples were cut separately to expose the gastrointestinal area. The stomach and intestine region tract were cut off and divided into two portions comprising of the intestine and stomach. The stomach and intestine region was used for worms examination subsequently this is where sustenance is record abundant for the parasitic fauna. Investigation of the skin, fins and gills was done using hand lens for exposure of parasitic appearances. Gills were successively cut out and inserted into isolated petri dishes and detected with a hand lens for parasites identification.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence in female specimens of C. gariepinus 29 (58.00%) was higher than that of the males 20 (50.00%) in Ajiwa reservoir while in Zobe the prevalence in male specimens of C. gariepinus 22 (46.80%) was higher than that of the females 20 (46.52%). Occurrence and mean intensity of parasitic infection were higher in samples in the Zobe reservoir than those in the Ajiwa reservoir.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study displayed that the parasitic burdens were higher in C. gariepinus in Zobe environment compared to those obtained from Ajiwa environment. For that reason it was suggested that the stomach and intestinal tract collected from C. gariepinus from the survey region, have to be properly discarded instead of consumption to prevent the spread of infections from fish to human being. It is significant to regulate discharge of waste a round water bodies that will reduce possible actions that may backing a growth in parasitic worms in the environs.

Rings in the Water: Felt Externalisation and its Rippling Effect in the Extended EU Borderlands

ABSTRACT Ripple effects of European border externalisation have transformed everyday life in the Tunisian coastal town of Zarzis. Building on ethnographic fieldwork among artisanal fishermen, and actors involved in two migrant cemeteries in Zarzis, the article provides an understanding of entangled processes and of how violence and death co-exist in the externalised borderlands of the EU. The felt and lived embeddedness and simultaneity of otherwise separately viewed policy issues is revealed through a focus on intersecting processes coming together in one place. The article analyses the ripple effects of these policies on third actors (the fishermen), the environment (marine life), and space (two migrant cemeteries) in Zarzis. The article unpacks how externalisation translates into human rights abuses, environmental crisis, and death, and how these are distinctly intertwined. I propose the concept ‘felt externalisation’ as a theoretical contribution which ties together the three core themes: the actors, the environment, and the space. In doing so, the article brings together three different, yet interrelated dimensions of border externalisation that are still largely understudied in the literature. By looking at externalisation from a spatial and geographically situated angle the paper makes not only an empirical but also a conceptual and theoretical contribution, by seeking to expand the empirical basis but also the very meaning of externalisation and its effects, in the extended EU borderland.

Decline of Artisanal Fisheries in the Croatian Section of the Sava River

Abstract The aim of this research is to analyse the trends of the total artisanal fish catch in the Croatian section of the Sava River. All 17 years of the study (2004-2020) showed a negative trend that became highly statistically significant (p&lt;0.01) in the last eight years. In addition to the total catch, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) also decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) throughout the study. The reasons for these negative trends are discussed, including a possible decline in artisanal interest, higher fishing pressure from anglers from the Croatian side and both groups of fishermen from the river bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as negative influence of the polluted waters of the large Bosnian river Bosna, which prior to flowing into the lower section of the Sava River, passes through urban and industrial cities. It is suggested to activate the old idea of a common fisheries management body that would include both groups of fishermen (anglers and artisanal fishermen), government representatives and scientists from both countries.

When the Trawl Ban Is a Good Option: Opportunities to Restore Fish Biomass and Size Structure in a Mediterranean Fisheries Restricted Area

This paper reports the results of a 15-year trawl ban imposed in 1990 in the Gulf of Castellammare (GCAST: NW Sicily, central Mediterranean Sea) and its effects on the biomass and size structure of demersal finfish and shellfish and on the proportion of different commercial categories of fish. Data were collected by experimental trawl surveys conducted in the GCAST and in two trawled areas before and after 1990. The biomass of the total assemblage and of a number of selected species was significantly higher in the GCAST after the ban. Highly commercial species had the largest increase in the same gulf after the ban, particularly at the depths used by artisanal fishermen. The results from size-based indicators were not as clear-cut as those from biomass though. Although the length frequency distributions obtained in the GCAST were significantly different from the other gulfs, in several cases, the values of the size indicators were higher in the trawled gulfs. Our results suggest that, at the temporal and spatial scale adopted, trawl bans may drive full biomass recovery but only partial size structure recovery of the fish populations subject to trawl exclusion, at least in the Mediterranean. The trawl ban in the Gulf of Castellammare provides an example of an effective ecosystem-based fisheries management tool that offers the potential for fish stock rebuilding and for the economic sustainability of artisanal, small-scale fisheries.

Northernmost record of the Chilean torpedo Tetronarce tremens from tropical coastal waters of the Mexican Pacific

Abstract The Chilean torpedo Tetronarce tremens is recorded for the first time in the Mexican Pacific. A single male specimen was captured by artisanal fishermen using a bottom-set gillnet off San Agustinillo, Oaxaca. The specimen identification was based on morphology and confirmed by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene and its comparison with sequences available in online repositories. A phylogenetic analysis of Tetronarce resulted in the clustering of three species that inhabit the Pacific Ocean: Tetronarce tremens, Tetronarce californica and Tetronarce tokionis. This study provides the northernmost record of Tetronarce tremens in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, an atypical sighting beyond its native distribution range in tropical and temperate waters off South America.