Fish Trap Research Articles

Evaluation of traditional traps: towards ecosystem-based fisheries management

In Maluku, Indonesia, trap fishing is one of the traditional fisheries that plays an important role in supplying reef fish to sea food restaurants and to the trade of live fish. To support the implementation of ecosystem-based fishery management, it is important to analyse the catch of trap through a multi-species approach rather than a single-species (selectivity) approach. In this study, multi-species catch analyses estimated species diversity, trophic levels and spatial distribution based on catch data, and sustainability of catch based on biological and ecological information. Traps were fished from February 2018 to January 2019 in waters 5 to 40m deep in Ambon Bay, Waai Bay and at Babar Island. The most abundant fishes caught were the family Mullidae, Parupeneus barberinus (n = 102) and P. indicus (n = 126). Spatial distribution of species analysed with Multivariate Principle Component Analysis showed each trap has significant co-varying species. The mean trophic level of the traps was 3.37 (SE: 0.175), indicating that the trap catches were dominated by low to moderate levels of carnivorous secondary consumers. From 42 species captured by traps, the least likely to be sustainable was Heniochus cuminatus and the most likely to be sustainable were, Selar boops. It is proposed that traditional trapping is a suitable practice in coral reef areas, with low impacts on the community of reef fish that eventually supporting balance fishery.

Molecular detection of a novel cyprinid herpesvirus in roach (Rutilus rutilus) and asp (Leuciscus\xa0aspius) showing typical signs of carp pox disease

In the early spring of 2018, in Lake Balaton (Hungary), a roach (Rutilus rutilus) and an asp (Leuciscus aspius) were found in an fish trap at the outlet of the river Sió showing typical signs of the so-called carp pox disease, such as foci of epidermal hyperplasia on the head and the whole body surface, including the fins. Molecular tests revealed the presence of the DNA of an unknown fish herpesvirus. Three genes encoding the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, major capsid protein and ATPase subunit of terminase were amplified and sequenced from the alloherpesviral genome. The gene sequences of the viruses obtained from the two different fish species shared 94.4% nucleotide sequence identity (98.1% amino acid sequence identity), suggesting that they belong to the same virus species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA polymerase (and the concatenated sequences of the amplified genes, as well) implied that the detected virus belongs to the genus Cyprinivirus within the family Alloherpesviridae. The sequences of the novel alloherpesvirus diverge from those of the five cyprinivirus species described previously, so it putatively represents the sixth virus species in the genus.

On-Site Participation for Proto-Architectural Assemblies Encompassing Technology and Human Improvisation: “Fish Trap” and “Orchid” Architectural Interventions

This research investigates the notion of builders’ on-site engagement to physically build architectural interventions based on their demands, spatial requirements, and collaborative improvisation enhanced with the principles of uniqueness and bespoke solutions which are previously explored in computational models. The paper compares and discusses two physical installations as proto-architectural assemblies testing two different designs and building approaches: the top-down predefined designers’ scenario contrary to bottom-up unpredictable improvisation. It encompasses a building strategy based on the discrete precut components assembled by builders themselves in situ. The paper evaluates both strategies in a qualitative observation and comparison defining advantages and limitations of the top-down design strategy in comparison with the decentralised bottom-up building system built by the builders themselves. As such, it outlines the position of a designer within the bottom-up building processes on-site. The paper argues that improvisation and builders’ direct engagement on-site lead to solutions that better reflect human needs and low-tech building principles incorporated can deliver unpredictable but convenient spatial scenarios.

Effect of Coconut Leaves, Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) as Artificial Bait on the Catch of Fish Traps at Telaga Batin Water, Terengganu

Highlight1. Coconut leaves, as artificial bait on the catch of fish traps2. Coconut palm as artificial bait on the catch of fish traps3. Fish species and bycatch species in traps with different baitsAbstractFish trap is one of the most frequently used fishing devices by people around the world. The purposes of this study are to determine fish species and bycatch species in traps with different baits such as coconut leaves, regular fish bait, and without bait at Telaga Batin waters. Coconut leaves from coconut palm, (Cocos nucifera) were used as artificial fish bait, replacing normal live bait. Nine traps with the size of 4 m x 2 m x 6 m of steel structure framed with galvanized wire mesh of 1.5 inches were immersed for 48 hours at different depth (15m, 20m and 25m). The whole procedure was repeated four times with a total of 20 types of species and 132 individuals in total were caught. One-way ANOVA was chosen to analyze data collected. The value calculated was not significant for fish traps with coconut leaves (P >0.168) compared to fish traps with normal live bait (P <0.022), the devices with artificial bait were able to catch several cuttlefishes. Individually, traps with normal bait were able to get more species, but in terms of species value, traps with coconut leaves have the advantage as cuttlefish being more valuable in the market compared to certain demersal fishes.

ETNOBOTANI BAMBU OLEH MASYARAKAT DI SEKITAR HUTAN DESA LANDAU GARONG KABUPATEN MELAWI

The people of Landau Garong village have a direct relationship with plants in their traditional use (ethnobotany), especially bamboo. Bamboo in the village is very abundant so that many people use it in various needs according to their skills. The purpose of this study was to record and document the types used and find out patterns of utilization of bamboo by the community around the village forest Landau Garong Melawi district. The benefit of this research is to inform the community outside the Landau Garong village about the types of bamboo and their sustainable use patterns by the community around the Landau Garong village forest. This study uses a survey method with data collection techniques using the PRA method. Data obtained through observation and interviews. Data collected in the form of primary data and secondary data. Based on the results in the field, I obtained 6 types of bamboo, namely Gigantochloa hasskarliana, Bambusa vulgaris var.vulgaris, Schizostachyum brachycladum, Schizostachyum flexuosum, Gigantochloa balui dan Gigantochloa levis. There are 6 types of use of bamboo by the community, namely as building materials, craft materials (household crafts and fish trap crafts), food ingredients, traditional ritual materials, agricultural equipment materials, and traditional game materials. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Bamboo, Community Around The Forest, Landau Garong Village

ДВУХПРУДОВОЙ НАГУЛЬНО-ВЫРОСТНОЙ РЫБОВОДНЫЙ КОМПЛЕКС

Purpose: development and description of the layout and design solution for a two-pond feeding nursery fish-breeding complex, which characterizes by compact placement of its constituent structures and their adaptation to the topographic conditions of the territory. Materials and methods. The theoretical and empirical basis for the development was made up of well-known recommendations on design and construction of pond complexes and survey data of operating fish-breeding facilities and their structures. During the development, the technologies of search design of engineering projects in compliance with fish breeding requirements and restrictions were used. Results. The fish-breeding complex includes: two fish-breeding ponds with a common dividing dam and a water supply system including a pumping station; water supply pipe system; a system of devices and structures that ensure the release of fish grown in ponds into a fish trap; spillway devices for discharging water from ponds and a fish trap with a set of regulating elements. Fish ponds are located on the floodplain lands of the river Don and are formed by protecting dikes. The bed of the reservoirs is planned with sections with longitudinal and transverse slopes to the water-fish collecting and-transporting ditches arranged in their bottom, allowing them to be emptied and the fish grown in the ponds to be directed to the outlet structures. The release of fish from the ponds is carried out by two tower water outlets. The design of the fish trap provides for the accumulation and seine fishing, it is equipped with means for regulating water discharge and maintaining conditions for fish. Conclusions. The developed layout and design solution for a two-pond fish-breeding complex with one fish trap is adapted to the local relief and the difference in water levels in ponds and in water intake. The implemented layout and design solutions can be used in the development of similar objects

Review of fish trap fisheries from tropical and subtropical reefs: Main features, threats and management solutions

Fish traps are extensively used in tropical and subtropical reef fisheries. Despite this, there is a significant lack of extensive and consecutive research concerning the basic aspects of trap fishing. We herein compile the available information from the main coral and rocky reef fish trap fisheries, and compared their main aspects (i.e., mesh size, CPUE, catch composition, ghost fishing, and management) to assess the dynamics of these fisheries and their environmental impact. The analysis revealed that most fish stocks showed declining trends, with only few species under heavy management being capable of withstanding high fishing pressure. In other fisheries, due to fishing down the web, miscellaneous reef fish comprised the bulk of the catch, while the proportion of high-value landed species was insignificant. Gear restrictions remain the most common management method in trap fisheries; however, even the minimum mesh size has not been ubiquitously enforced, while due to great variability of targeted fish species, use of a uniform mesh size is highly unlikely. Other management tools, such as, restrictions in effort, size, and species, temporal and spatial closures were also widely used, but effective only when well enforced and interconnected. Rates of trap loss widely differed as well as the reported rates of ghost fishing mortality. In most cases, incorporation of escape panels resulted in almost complete elimination of ghost fishing. However, further research is required concerning these issues.

Ichthyofauna in coal mining area of Mifa Bersaudara Company, Aceh Barat District, Indonesia

Mifa Bersaudara Company (PT. Mifa Bersaudara) is one of the mining company operated in Aceh Barat District, Indonesia. Several small rivers and peat swamps are present in the concession area of the company. These waters have potency on fisheries; However, presently, there was no data on the ichthyofauna in the concession area of this company. Hence, the objective of the present study was to inventory the ichthyofauna in the small rivers and swamps around the concession area of PT. Mifa Bersaudara as a baseline data for monitoring program in the future. The sampling was done from 28 to 29 January 2019 at 12 sampling sites. The fish sample was caught using the casting net and fish trap from 06.00 AM to 5.00 PM. A total of 659 individual of fishes were sampled during the survey, it belongs to 7 orders, 11 families, 17 genera and 23 species. Cyprinidae and Rasbora argyrotaenia are the predominant family and species, respectively. One species of alien fish Oreochromis niloticus was recorded during the study.

Shorelines in the Desert: Mapping Fish Trap Features along the Southwest Coast of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, California

ABSTRACTIn the desert of southeastern California, the geological and archaeological remnants of a once massive lake, Lake Cahuilla, are still visible. One of the most distinctive features marking Lake Cahuilla's relic shorelines is a series of rock fish trap features that, in some cases, stretch across thousands of square meters. These fish traps are severely understudied, and systematic archaeological survey can help scientists reconstruct the dynamic human-environmental history of the region. The large number of fish traps along with the rocky desert terrain, however, make traditional pedestrian archaeological surveys both difficult and inefficient. We used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology along with traditional archaeological methods to conduct surveys and identify patterning in the shapes, orientations, and frequencies of fish traps. Our study demonstrates the potential of emerging archaeological field technology to better understand the nature of human-environmental ecodynamics through time and space.

Maritime Ritual Economies of Cosmic Synchronicity: Summer Solstice Events at a Civic-Ceremonial Center on the Northern Gulf Coast of Florida

Places such as Poverty Point, Mound City, and Chaco Canyon remind us that the siting of ritual infrastructure in ancient North America was a matter of cosmological precedent. The cosmic gravity of these places gathered persons periodically in numbers that challenged routine production. Ritual economies intensified, but beyond the material demands of hosting people, the siting of these places and the timing of gatherings were cosmic work that preconfigured these outcomes. A first millennium AD civic-ceremonial center on the northern Gulf Coast of Florida illustrates the rationale for holding feasts on the end of a parabolic dune that it shared with an existing mortuary facility. Archaeofauna from large pits at Shell Mound support the inference that feasts were timed to summer solstices. Gatherings were large, judging from the infrastructure in support of feasts and efforts to intensify production through oyster mariculture and the construction of a large tidal fish trap. The 250-year history of summer solstice feasts at Shell Mound reinforces the premise that ritual economies were not simply the amplification of routine production. It also suggests that the ecological potential for intensification was secondary to the cosmic significance of solstice-oriented dunes and their connection to mortuary and world-renewal ceremonialism.

Length-Weight Relationships for 16 Snapper Fishes fromVisakhapatnam Coast, India

This study presents the length-weight relationships (LWRs) for 16 lutjanid species from Visakhapatnam coastal waters, India (16.98°N-20°.2 N, Long. 82.19°-86.53°E). The samples were collected fortnightly between December 2013 and December 2018 from commercially operated fishing gears viz.: the reef fish trap with single and double horse necked funnel (mesh aperture size 4.5 cm) trap measured about 3 ft in length, 4 ft in width and 2.5 ft in height, having a volume of 30 cu ft. The soak time was between 18 to 22 h. Gill nets made of monofilament nylon netting with a mesh size of 80 mm were used in the collection of snapper fishes. The nets were operated 3 h before morning (sunrise) and hauled 1 h after the sunrise. The depth of the net operated varied from 3 to 8 m, whereas the head rope of the net is around 20–25 m in length. The hook number 8 to 11 is used for the fishing of snapper fishery resources in water depth more than 75 m in Visakhapatnam region. The soak time varied from 5 to 10 h. The bottom trawlers (43 mm with a cod end mesh size of 15–25 mm) a depth range of 10 to 55 m, whereas during each fishing period, 3 to 4 hauls are made with a towing period ranging from 1 to 2 h; trawlers (a depth regime of 12 to 55 m, with a mesh size of 400 mm to 25 mm at the cod end). Around 3 to 6 hauls are made during each fishing trip with a towing period of 1to 2 h. All LWRs were significant with r2 values ranged from 0.9504 for Lutjanus lemniscatus to 0.9951 for Lutjanus fulvus and ‘b’ values ranging from Pinjalo pinjalo for 2.5982 Lutjanus quinquelineatus for 3.4993. In addition, new maximum total length for each of the three species L. indicus, L. xanthopinnis and P. pinjalo was also found. The parameters are found great importance to evaluate the relative condition of populations, biology, ecology, species management and their fisheries and stock assessment.

Fish fauna of Obueyinomo River, Edo State, Nigeria

The fish faunal studies of Obueyinomo River, Edo state, Nigeria was carried out between May 2015 and April 2017. Fishes were caught by hired fishermen using fish trap, bagnet and hook and line. One thousand, seven hundred and twenty four fishes (1724) were caught belonging to 17 families, 25 genera, and 38 species. Clariidae and Channidae were the most abundant families with 25.2% and 16.7%, and the least abundant families were Osteoglossidae with 0.06%. The fish biomass investigation showed Channidae (31.2%), Clariidae (35%) and Malapteruridae (11.1%) as the most dominant families. Thirty one (31), (40.7%), 25 (27.2%) and 27 (32.3%) species were caught in stations 1, 2 and 3. The families with the highest number of species (7) were Cichlidae and Mormyridae. The dominant fish species were Auchenoglanis monkei, Parachanna obscura, Clarias gariepinus: and Malapterurus electricus. The seasonal fish abundance determinations showed higher catches during the rainy season (52.2%) than dry season (47.8%). The Chi-square test showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the seasons. Findings from this study will be a useful document of the fish fauna of Obueyinomo River for prospects of harnessing the fisheries of this water body and facilitate formulation of development plan in the fishing industry.Keywords: fauna, fishermen, fish composition, fish abundance, biomass

The Analysis and Characteristics of the Stone Culture of Jeju Island seen in Old Literatures

본 논문에서는 고문헌 속 제주도 돌문화에 대한 내용을 관 주도형과 주민 주도형으로 구분하여 그 특징을 살펴보았다. 그 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 관 주도형 돌문화는 방어유적(읍성, 진성, 연대, 환해장성)과 잣성, 돌하르방에 대한 내용이 확인되는데 이는 조선왕조실록 외 16개의 문헌에서 살펴볼 수 있었다. 이들 문헌에서는 방어유적에 대한 내용이 가장 많이 확인되었다. 한편, 주민 주도형 돌문화는 주로 돌담(밭담, 원담, 산담, 집담)과 머들에 대한 내용이 확인되는데 이는 조선왕조실록 외 21개의 문헌에서 살펴볼 수 있었다. 이들 돌문화는 다양한 종류에 비해서 대부분 돌담과 관련된 내용만 확인되고 있었다. 둘째, 문헌 속 관 주도형 돌문화의 특징으로는 돌문화의 유래인 축조 시기, 배경, 관련 인물과 함께 위치, 규복 시설현황 등이 비교적 명확하게 기록되어 있었다. 또한 방어유적과 잣성은 시기에 따른 변화모습도 살펴볼 수 있었는데 이 내용들은 현재 많은 돌문화가 문화재로 지정됨에 있어 중요하게 작용하였다. 셋째, 문헌 속 주민 주도형 돌문화의 특징으로 1230년대 밭담의 유래는 당시 제주도의 사회상을 재조명할 수 있는 중요한 단서가 되고 있었고, 지리적 환경은 제주도 돌문화가 오랜 기간 제주를 대표하는 경관임을 보여주고 있었다. 또한 1939년 다양한 돌담의 축조 규모, 돌 채취, 보수비용에 대한 기록은 당시 돌담과 관련된 점을 조명하는데 중요한 단서로 작용하고 있었다.This study classified the stone cultures of Jeju Island seen in old literatures into government-led stone culture and inhabitant-led stone culture, and analyzed the contents and examined the characteristics. The results are as follows: First, the contents of government-led stone culture mainly consist of defensive facilities(e.g. Up-seong(castle of town), Jin-seong(castle of military camp), Yeon-dea(heights to send the signal of smoke), Hwanhea-Jangseong(coastal fortress)), Jatseong(stonewall for government-installed ranches), and Dolharubang(standing stone statue). This was confirmed in 16 literatures including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. In these literatures, defensive facilities were the most abundant. The contents of inhabitant-led stone culture mainly consist of Stone walls(e.g. Batdam(dry field wall), Wondam(intertidal stone fish trap), Sandam(tomb-surrounding stone wall), Jipdam(stonewall for fence)) and Mudle(stone piles). This was confirmed in 21 literatures including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. Compared to various types of stone culture, most of these stone walls have been identified Second, the characteristics of government-led stone culture seen in old literatures are as follows: The time and background of the stone walling, and the related figures are clearly recorded together with the location, scale and facility status； defensive facilities and Jatseong showed the changes over time. These are all greatly contributed to designating a lot of government-led stone culture as cultural assets. Third, the characteristics of inhabitant-led stone culture seen in old literatures are as follows: the origin of the 1230s Batdam became an important clue for understanding the social aspect of Jeju Island at that time, and the geographical environment seen in the records showed that the stone cultures of Jeju Island have been a landscape representing this island over a long period of time. Moreover, the records made in 1939 on various types of stone wall, stone mining, stone walling and repair cost became important data for understanding at the time of stone walls.

Vascular flora of two wetlands in the Red River Gorge Geological Area and Clifty Wilderness in Menifee and Powell Counties of Kentucky

The Red River Gorge Geological Area (RRGGA) and Clifty Wilderness (CW) are two gems of biodiversity in eastern Kentucky which draw over 40,000 visitors annually. Vascular floras of two wetlands (Booth Pond and Fish Trap) within the RRGGA and CW were conducted during the 2018 growing season. This project utilized 106 vouchers from 2016–2018, and documented 35 families, 49 genera, and 61 species. The most taxon-rich families include Cyperaceae (10 spp.), Fagaceae (four spp.), and Rubiaceae (four spp.). Rosa multiflora Thunb. ex Murr., an invasive species classified as a severe threat by the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council, was found at both sites. This study investigated two different ecological systems – Central Interior Highlands and Appalachian Sinkhole and Depression Pond with the upland sweetgum-red maple pond association (Booth Pond), and a Cumberland Seepage Forest with a forested swamp bog association (Fish Trap). Both associations are listed as imperiled (G2) by NatureServe. A Floristic Quality Assessment was also conducted for each site. Booth Pond had a Floristic Quality Index (FQI) score of 23.88 and a mean Coefficient of Conservatism (C) of 4.88 and Fish Trap had an FQI score of 23.57 and a mean C of 5.14.

Survival of Salmonids from an Experimental Commercial Fish Trap

Conventional harvest techniques used in mixed‐stock commercial salmon fisheries frequently result in bycatch mortality, thereby impeding salmonid recovery and constraining fishing opportunities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. To address the problem, a postrelease survival study was conducted in the Columbia River to evaluate the potential of an experimental salmon trap for stock‐selective commercial harvest. A modified fish trap was constructed and operated in 2017, from August through September, with the goal of minimizing entanglement, air exposure, crowding, and handling of all captured fishes. Postrelease survival from the trap was estimated through a paired release–recapture study. Results demonstrate that the trap effectively targeted commercially viable quantities of hatchery‐origin Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and Coho Salmon O. kisutch while reducing bycatch mortality rates relative to conventional commercial fishing gears. During the study, 7,129 salmonids were captured. The postrelease survival effect over a 400‐km migration ranged from 0.944 ( = 0.046) for steelhead O. mykiss to 0.995 ( = 0.078) for Chinook Salmon, supporting the potential application of traps for stock‐selective commercial harvest.

Providing biodiversity information to support sustainable development of Sugihan wetlands, South Sumatra

Air Sugihan or Sugihan wetlands is a subdistrict in Ogan Komering Ilir district, South Sumatra province, Indonesia. The area covering is about 2.593 km2, mostly dominated by wetlands, ranging from peatland to the mangrove zone. The Padang-Sugihan Wildlife Reserve is a Wildlife Sanctuary that borderly or within Air Sugihan wetlands. Before the area was set aside for a wetland reserve in April 1983 the area was being prepared for transmigrant settlers. Among other threatened wildlife, birds and fishes are two taxa that very fragile to human disturbances. Since November 2016, we explore basic biodiversity information of Sugihan wetlands, particularly focus on fish and bird diversity. A total of 33 species of fishes and 39 birds were recorded, suggest the wetlands in this area support important habitat of rich diversity. To collect information on bird diversity, three survey methods were applied (riverine survey, time point counts and incidental search). For collecting data of fishes, we collect specimens from local fishermen, with additional data collected by us using hand netting and fish trap netting. Long-term study was initiate to providing comprehensive biodiversity information to support sustainable development of Sugihan wetlands.

Cantrang and Poverty Fisherman in Tegal, Central Java

The sea territorial of Tegal City are known to have abundant fishery resources, but fisherman poverty still occurs. The low welfare of fisherman is suspected due to the competition of catching areas and the use of trap fishing tools of cantrang type (seine nets) that can cause poverty of fishermen in Tegal City coastal. In addition, cantrang fishing tools alsi damage other fishing gear such as jarng, pancing, and arad. This study aims to analyze the poverty of fishermen community and known the influence of firsherman cantrang to poverty of fishermen in Tegal City. The research method used is survey method. Poverty analysis of fishermen using poverty line approach through 14 indicators of household poverty, and to known the influence of fisherman cantrang to poverty of fisherman using descriptive analysis approach. The result of the research by using the measurement of poverty line, shows that which include in the group of poor fisherman is fishing rod fisherman. However, based on the measurement of 14 indicantors of poor households, small fishermen who live in Tegal City coastal categorized as less prosperous family. The results also show that the existence of cantrang fisherman not affect the poverty of fishermen because of different fishing areas, cantrang fisherman fishing in Sumatra and Kalimantan sea while small fishermen do catching around the sea of Tegal City.

PKM Kelompok Budidaya Rumput Laut Kecamatan Bangkala Kabupaten Jeneponto

Seaweed cultivation activities have long developed, but productivity tends to decrease over time due to various environmental factors. Efforts to increase productivity are minimal, both from government agencies and from the community itself. The results of previous studies indicate that the integration of seaweed cultivation can increase the income of seaweed farmers. The main problems of partners include: low productivity due to fish pest disturbance and technical cultivation, poor business management, low income and variations in seaweed growth. The main targets include: (1) increasing income of partner groups through fishing activities; (2) increasing production of partner groups through fostering seaweed cultivation techniques; (3) increasing business productivity through fostering production and business management. The method of approach is to solve problems with group members (partners), namely: counseling, training, piloting, guidance and assistance as well as practical learning (learning by doing). Counseling includes: technical seaweed cultivation, fishing techniques, group management, business management. Practical training: improvement of construction framework for seaweed cultivation, construction of fishing gear, application of fishing technology. Furthermore, assistance and monitoring and evaluation of the success of the implementation of community partnership program (PKM). The results of extension show that the group realizes that the potential of fish around seaweed cultivation has not been utilized properly. The fish around seaweed cultivation can be utilized by using fish trap or gill net. The results of field observations showed that the bubu could not be operated in strong current conditions and caused partial flooding. In addition, the availability of bait is a limiting factor in the operation of bubu. The bait commonly used in catching rabbit fish is silk moss which is present around the rainy season. Fish caught include: rabbit fish, grouper, mangrove red snapper, barramundi. Weather conditions that are less friendly make the fish catches not as expected.

How we can all stop killing whales: a proposal to avoid whale entanglement in fishing gear

Abstract Whales are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act; endangered species, such as the North Atlantic right whale, receive additional protection under the Endangered Species Act. However, their regulations have failed to satisfy conservation and animal welfare concerns. From 1990 to 2011 the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis, NARW) population grew at a mean of 2.8% annually. However, population trends reversed since 2011; the species is in decline, with only ∼100 reproductively active females remaining. This failure is driven by vessel collisions and increasingly fatal and serious entanglement in fixed fishing gear, whose rope strength has increased substantially. Chronic entanglement, drag, and associated morbidity have been linked to poor fecundity. Genuine solutions involve designating areas to be avoided and speed restrictions for ships and removing fishing trap ropes from the water column. A trap fishing closure for NARW habitat in the Cape Cod Bay (U.S.) area has been in place seasonally since 2015. 2017 mortalities in Eastern Canada elicited substantive management changes whereby the 2018 presence of NARW in active trap fishing areas resulted in an effective closure. To avoid these costly closures, the traditional trap fishery model of rope end lines attached to surface marker buoys has to be modified so that traps are marked virtually, and retrieved with gear that does not remain in the water column except during trap retrieval. Consumer demand for genuinely whale-safe products will augment and encourage the necessary regulatory changes so that trap fisheries conserve target and nontarget species.

Phototactic Response and Morphometric Characteristic of Climbing Perch Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) Under Culture System

Abstract Phototaxis in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) was investigated by subjecting fish to LED light traps (blue, green, yellow, orange, red, white) and control (total 13 traps). The trap was constructed of polyamide (PA) nylon monofilament (31.75 mm mesh size), fastened around two wire ring frames (∅ 490 mm) with a net height of 270 mm. A lamp was placed on the bottom of the trap. 96 individuals, consisting of 34 males and 62 females, were analysed. Both continuous and blinking light traps were considerably higher in the number of catch compared to the control. The body size of catch ranged from 76-135 mm TL and 8.00-55.00 g W. The mean YPUEs (yield per unit effort) for male and female were 4.00 ± 2.25 and 7.00 ± 4.50 g trap−1 trial-1, respectively. The CPUEs (catch per unit effort) for continuous, blinking light traps and the control ranged from 0.43 to 0.93, 0.21 to 0.86, and 0.21 fish trap−1night−1, respectively. The mean condition factor (K) values of 2.10 ± 0.40 for males and 2.13 ± 0.34 for females indicate fish with better condition. Positive group responses of fish were more pronounced in the middle size classes between 90 and 109 mm TL. Negative allometric growth pattern (b) (1.7271-1.8828) was observed, indicating that the culture system should be refined. A. testudineus showed positive phototaxis to the “colors of light”. In addition, efforts to collect climbing perch from the wild for breeding and commercial purposes may benefit from this study.