Fisheries Authorities Research Articles

Social-Ecological Collapse: TURF Governance in the Context of Highly Variable Resources in Chile

Aburto, J. A., W. B. Stotz, and G. Cundill. 2014. Social-ecological collapse: turf governance in the context of highly variable resources in Chile. Ecology and Society 19(1): 2. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-06145-190102

Vaquitas and gillnets: Mexico’s ultimate cetacean conservation challenge

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 21:77-87 (2013) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00501 Theme Section: Techniques for reducing bycatch of marine mammals in gillnets Vaquitas and gillnets: Mexico’s ultimate cetacean conservation challenge Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho1,*, Randall R. Reeves2 1Coordinación de Investigación y Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos, Instituto Nacional de Ecología y Cambio Climático, C/o CICESE Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918, Ensenada BC 22860, México 2Okapi Wildlife Associates, 27 Chandler Lane, Hudson, Quebec J0P 1H0, Canada *Email: lrojas@cicese.mx ABSTRACT: There is a high risk that incidental mortality (bycatch) in gillnets will lead to extinction of the vaquita Phocoena sinus, a small porpoise endemic to Mexico’s northern Gulf of California. A zoned Biosphere Reserve established in 1993 proved ineffective at slowing the population’s decline, and in 2005, a Vaquita Refuge was declared. The Refuge Program included a ban on gillnetting and trawling in certain areas with relatively high densities of vaquitas. However, it was not until 2008, with the introduction of a Species Conservation Action Plan for Vaquita (PACE-Vaquita), that a comprehensive protection and recovery effort was introduced. Unfortunately, valuable time was lost as officials first needed to bring order to a poorly managed fishery management system. Also, the voluntary nature of fisherman participation and the chronic deficiency of enforcement have limited PACE’s effectiveness. Although efforts to implement the plan probably slowed the vaquita’s decline, the goal of eliminating gillnets (and thus most vaquita bycatch) by 2012 was not reached. This example shows the difficulty of achieving conservation when the program’s rationale centers on the preservation of biodiversity with less emphasis on meeting community aspirations. In fact, not only does the vaquita have no economic value, but the measures taken for its conservation have a negative economic impact and hence are met with hostility, or at best indifference, on the part of fishery authorities and fishing communities. On a more positive note, a light trawl has been field-tested and shown to be efficient at capturing shrimp; such ‘vaquita-safe’ trawls are suitable for replacing gillnets in the shrimp fishery. Similarly suitable alternative gear needs to be developed urgently for use in the finfish fisheries. Unless entangling nets are removed quickly from the vaquita’s habitat, it will soon be too late to save the species, which probably already numbers fewer than 200 animals. KEY WORDS: Phocoena sinus · Bycatch · Artisanal fisheries · Gulf of California Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Rojas-Bracho L, Reeves RR (2013) Vaquitas and gillnets: Mexico’s ultimate cetacean conservation challenge. Endang Species Res 21:77-87. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00501 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 21, No. 1. Online publication date: July 03, 2013 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2013 Inter-Research.

From Indifference to Mutual Support – A Comparative Analysis of Legal Pluralism in the Governing of South Asian Fisheries

This article presents findings on the current state of fisheries governance in South Asia from the perspective of legal pluralism. It is based on ethnographic fieldwork in six coastal districts of India and Sri Lanka and focuses on resource health and allocation. We suggest that interactions between state and non-state systems vary, and include indifference, conflict, accommodation and mutual support. None of the studied governance patterns appear to have been able to halt or reverse overfishing, though we identify some positive local innovations. The situation is more promising with regard to resource allocation. Fairness in allocation emerges as a prime concern of most non-state legal systems in South Asian fisheries, and state agencies do tend to become involved in resource allocation if non-state fishery authorities fail to achieve it. We conclude by arguing that addressing resource health and allocation concerns will require increased state and non-state cooperation.

History and management strategies of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus fishery in Galicia (NW Spain)

We analysed the development of a small-scale fishery targeting sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) in Galicia (NW Spain). Governance of the fishery is based on a co-management system involving both the fisheries authority and the communities that traditionally have exploited coastal benthic or low-mobility resources, like sea urchin. Access is regulated with fishing licences and territorially-based use privileges (‘TURFs’). Annual time series of sea urchin landings, CPUE (kg vessel−1 day−1), and prices for the period 1975–2010 were analysed in order to relate fishery performance to changes in management. In 1986 a set of management regulations was implemented for the first time in this fishery. The pre-regulation period was characterized by a shift in fishing technique, (from a metal ring with a net attached to a rod, which is used with a glass bottom bucket to catch sea urchins from the vessel), to diving, which drastically increased catchability (CPUE). During the regulation period CPUE became stable due to the introduction of a daily catch limit, but this measure did not result in an immediate reduction in sea urchin landings. The current management system, implemented in 1993, was able to reduce fishing effort and landings, keeping the latter stable over the last 12 years despite a progressive increase in market prices. This trend was observed in our focal case of study, but temporal local closures of fishing activity were frequent throughout Galicia from 1993 to 2010. We assessed the strengths and weaknesses of management strategies in place during the study period, and identified some problems in the fishery. The TURF system had demonstrated potential benefits for this fishery, but territories should be redefined combining biological, ecological and socio-economic criteria.

Turkish Driftnet Fishery for Albacore, <I>Thunnus Alalunga</I> (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Scombridae), and Incidental Catches in the Eastern Mediterranean

Background. Fishing operations for albacore, Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre, 1788), are mainly carried out by pelagic longline in the Mediterranean, whereas driftnets are the main fishing gear for albacore catch in Turkey. The albacore driftnet fishery has been carried out since 2004 and about 40 vessels participated in this venture between May and July especially in the Gulf of Antalya. The aim of this study was to determine the Catch Per Unit of Effort (CPUE) and bycatch from the Turkish albacore fleet during the 2010–2011 fishing seasons. Materials and methods. This study was carried out with 18 representative drift-netters based at the port of Alanya, Kaş, Fethiye, and Sığacık from May to July 2010 and from May to July 2011. On each fishing trip, data were collected on date, location, depth, fishing boat characteristics, fishing gear aspects, and the capture of both target and non-target species by weight (biomass) and number. Results. A total of 125 data sets were collected. The mean CPUEs for albacore by number and weight were 13 ± 1.6 specimens and 90 ± 11 kg per km of net, respectively. A total of 12 species, belonging to 9 families were caught during the sampling period. The target species—albacore—had the highest ratio both in number (76.6%) and weight (62.8%) followed by, Euthynnus alletteratus, Xiphias gladius, Thunnus thynnus, and Auxis rochei. Ratios of biomass and number ratios of the non-target species to the target albacore were 1 : 0.59 kg and 1 : 0.31 individuals, respectively. Conclusion. Traditional Turkish pelagic driftnet fishery, dating back to the early 1900s, was halted in July 2011 by the Turkish fisheries authority to comply with the international ban. The Turkish fisheries authority strongly supports the transition towards the usage of pelagic longlines as recommended by ICCAT and should supply technical support to the fishermen.

The Common Fisheries Policy: An enforcement problem

Marine populations in Europe are in decline due to the unsuccessful results of the Common Fisheries Policy. By combining data of scientific recommendations from ICES, TACs approved and reported landings with an age-structured model, the objectives of this paper are to investigate the level of compliance of the TAC regulation, and the level of enforcement and its economic impact on fishery resources. The results presented here suggest that while there does not exist a regular pattern between TAC proposal and TAC approved, there is a clear pattern between TAC approved and reported landings. As a consequence, there is a regular lack of enforcement at national fisheries authority level. The paper also presents results of the recovery plans for the Southern hake and the Atlantic cod fisheries as case studies to illustrate the level of enforcement based on collusion between national fisheries advisers and industry. The results from both cases studies analyzed here indicate that drastic solutions could generate positive results for the recovery of the stocks, but perhaps they are not always the best measure in fisheries management due to the high economic losses for fishermen and social effects on coastal communities in the short and medium term. Finally, this work demonstrates that if the recovery plans had been implemented, the net present profits for both fisheries would have increased over time.

동해안 대게 자망어업의 어획 성능 및 어획 능력 평가

Currently, environment-friendly and sustainable fisheries are one of the major issues among fisheries authorities. A variety of alternative management policies and projects are going on to enhance fisheries management systems and fishery resources such as a TAC management program and a VDS (Vessel Day Scheme) management scheme for distant water fishing nations in Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) convention area. These kinds of efforts among fisheries management authorities are aimed at limiting fishing capacity or fishing power. In terms of fisheries management, Fishing capacity and fishing power have increased the importance of the impact on a fishery and level of the resources. Increased fishing capacity and fishing power have caused not only depletion of fisheries resource, but also additional fishing cost. therefore, there is a clear need for authorities to manage fishing capacity and fishing power. It is also help ensure the conservation and sustainability of the fishery resources. Because of lack of data, absolute fishing power is difficulty to measure. The notion of relative fishing power is frequently used. In this study, relative fishing power was assessed using Mastuda (1991) method for fishing power index. The raw data for assessment was based on fishermen's logbook data from sampled fishing vessels in coastal snow crab gillnet fishery. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method was used to assess fishing capacity. DEA is a linear programming methodology to measure the efficiency of a set of entities called Decision-Making Units (DMUs). It was recommended by FAO for assessing capacity in fisheries.

Shifting accountabilities? Understanding the connections between national and provincial fisheries in Papua New Guinea

Abstract This paper examines the effects of fisheries decentralization strategies in Papua New Guinea. The paper assess the financial, human resources, information, and institutional mechanisms that the National Fisheries Authority uses to connect with provincial fisheries offices to show the consequences of institutional reforms. The findings suggest both intended and unintended effects, particularly in terms of shifting accountabilities and loyalty. These findings are broadly applicable to decentralization and institutional change scholars and practitioners interested in understanding how governments implement institutional change reforms and the effects of this implementation.

Ciguatera fish poisoning in the Pacific Islands (1998 to 2008).

BackgroundCiguatera is a type of fish poisoning that occurs throughout the tropics, particularly in vulnerable island communities such as the developing Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). After consuming ciguatoxin-contaminated fish, people report a range of acute neurologic, gastrointestinal, and cardiac symptoms, with some experiencing chronic neurologic symptoms lasting weeks to months. Unfortunately, the true extent of illness and its impact on human communities and ecosystem health are still poorly understood.MethodsA questionnaire was emailed to the Health and Fisheries Authorities of the PICTs to quantify the extent of ciguatera. The data were analyzed using t-test, incidence rate ratios, ranked correlation, and regression analysis.ResultsThere were 39,677 reported cases from 17 PICTs, with a mean annual incidence of 194 cases per 100,000 people across the region from 1998–2008 compared to the reported annual incidence of 104/100,000 from 1973–1983. There has been a 60% increase in the annual incidence of ciguatera between the two time periods based on PICTs that reported for both time periods. Taking into account under-reporting, in the last 35 years an estimated 500,000 Pacific islanders might have suffered from ciguatera.ConclusionsThis level of incidence exceeds prior ciguatera estimates locally and globally, and raises the status of ciguatera to an acute and chronic illness with major public health significance. To address this significant public health problem, which is expected to increase in parallel with environmental change, well-funded multidisciplinary research teams are needed to translate research advances into practical management solutions.

Records of selective fishing mortality of Myliobatis goodei on the Southern Brazil coast by Beach Seine

The beach seine is a traditional kind of fishing gear used around the globe (NEDELEC; PRADO, 1990; HAHN et al., 2007). It is generally regarded as an artisanal fashion of extracting fishery resources. It is, however, expected to have some impact on fish stocks (CABRAL et al., 2005; VOOREN; KLIPPEL, 2005). Moreover, as coastal areas are among the main reproduction and/or nursery areas for many species of bony fishes, elasmobranchs and other organisms (VOOREN, 1997; LAYMAN, 2000; ODDONE et al., 2006; LIMA; VIEIRA, 2009), its impact could be much greater than the volume caught may suggest. Cassino beach is an extensive sandy beach of ca. 200 km in length in the extreme south of Brazil (Fig. 1) and represents a considerable portion of the central stretch of the world’s longest sandy beach which, extending from Torres (29°1935S - 49°42144W) to Chui (33°4436S - 52°2204W). It has a total, almost uninterrupted, extent of 620 km of straight sandy beach (CALLIARI, 1997; PEREIRA et al., 2010). A total of 58 species of elasmobranchs inhabit the coastal waters, shelf and upper slope of Southern Brazil (VOOREN, 1997). The coastal area has been described as a reproduction and/or nursery area for several threatened species such as, for example, the Brazilian guitarfish Rhinobatos horkelii , the fanskate Sympterygia spp. and the scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini (VOOREN, 1997; VOOREN et al., 2005). Several kinds of fishing techniques, such as those of the traditional shelf fisheries with trawling gear, gillnets, long-lines, traps and purse seines, and the coastal gill-nets, beach seines and hook-and-line fisheries for teleosteans and elasmobranchs (HAIMOVICI et al., 1997; VELASCO et al., 2007), have been used in this region for decades. The use of the beach seine is a traditional activity for some local fishermen. This net is pulled up out of the water by 20 men or more, and the catch carried away by truck to the local markets or resellers (middlemen). Even though the decline of some of the coastal and surf-zone species has been attributed to its use, this method of fishing is still used though its total yield is unknown to the environmental and fishery authorities (VOOREN; KLIPPEL, 2005). The objective of this present contribution is to record a specific case of the impact of fishing by beach seine on an elasmobranch non-targeted species. On November 5

Review of reintroduction of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in tributaries of the Rhine River in the German Federal States of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse

The reintroduction of Atlantic salmon in to tributaries of the Rhine River in the German Federal States of Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse is implemented by the fisheries authorities of the two States (Länder). Stocking is conducted in Rhineland-Palatinate since 1994 and in Hesse since 1995. In phase I (1994–2003) various strains were tested in parallel. In phase II (since 2003/2004) only the Swedish Ätran strain was imported. It was hypothesized that the strain Ätran would perform particularly well because of a similar spawning time to the original stock of River Sieg and a comparable Multiple-Sea-Winter ratio to many original stocks in the Rhine River. Returning salmon were monitored annually since 1996 in Rhineland-Palatinate and since 2002 in Hesse. Between 1996 and 2008 a total of 533 returners were recorded in the two programmes, with 52.9% being males and 38.4% females (sex unknown: 8.7%). 2007 and 2008 yielded the highest ratio of Multiple-Sea-Winter (MSW) salmon so far. In 2008 74% of the individuals with known length had spent two or more winter in the sea, thus raising the average length to 80.3 cm. Overall trends show an increase in the total number of recordings and MSW salmon ratio, together with an increase of mean length correlated with the latter. The percentage of female MSW returners increased by 10–77% compared to 2007. Until 2008 natural reproduction was recorded in five river systems (total: 11 streams). In 2008 reproduction was demonstrated in 11 tributaries, an increase of three compared to 2007. The density of juvenile 0+ salmon found in immediate vicinity of several spawning sites in the rivers Saynbach, Wisper, Nister and Sieg exceeded 100 individuals per 100 m2. In 2008 approximately 85% of the suitable and accessible habitat in rivers Nister and Saynbach (Rhineland-Palatinate) were inhabited by wild 0+ salmon, followed by River Wisper (Hesse) with 80%. As a consequence of an increasing shortage of available stocking material a brood-stock programme was established in the Atlantic Salmon Centre ‘Hasper Talsperre’. The rearing-programme started in 2006 and aims to become independent from further imports by the year 2011. The brood-stock consists (almost) exclusively of the strain Ätran (Sweden). ‘Wild’ juveniles make up around 30% of the brood-stock. The wild juveniles were sampled from several spawning areas in nine streams with documented natural reproduction. A genetic examination of the brood-stock generation 2004 and 2005 and of the offspring of Ätran returners to River Sieg indicated no loss of genetic diversity and revealed a similar genetic structure of the brood-stock and the offspring of Ätran returners to River Sieg. It is concluded that the high reproductive success of the non-native strain Ätran observed here corroborates the hypothesis of timing of spawning and Multiple-Sea-Winter ratio being key factors in the selection of a successful donor strain for reintroduction.

The Taiwanese Fishing Industry. The Military and Political Complex

AbstractTaiwan was subjected to the longest period of martial law in history, from 1948 to 1987, and for this period of time the fishing industry of Taiwan was closely controlled and monitored by the government and the military. From 1951 to 1982, the fisheries authorities of Taiwan were controlled to a large extent by high-ranking military officers. Besides this, the military also used a variety of methods to track the movement of fishermen in distant waters. Under such strict control and surveillance of the government, only a few politicians were willing to speak on behalf of the interests of Taiwan's fishing industry. The situation did not improve until two young men from the local fishing industry were elected into the national parliaments in 1972.

Maritime safety for fishing boat operations and avoidable hijacking in Taiwan

Taiwanese fishing boats have been hijacked many times this year. Trouble at sea can usually be attributed to communication problems, inappropriate management and an unfair salary system. The majority of boats hijacked are high sea (long-line) fishing boats. Although fishery authorities ask the fishing boats to set up vessel monitoring systems (VMSs), this precaution has not been sufficient. There is a further need for improved management by the fishing boat owner and for an improved employment policy for seamen. The issue of maritime security is not new, but it remains a major concern and continues to be a threat to Taiwan and other countries. To date, there have been many cases of hijacking in the South China Sea. This paper analyzes the reasons for the hijackings and provides potential strategies to prevent future incidents.

The Marine Bill: An Overview and Some Thoughts

This paper examines the Marine and Coastal Access Bill as it was tabled on 8th December 2008. It explores the failure of the Bill to include marine protection of over 3,000,000 km2 of the waters associated with overseas territories and Crown dependencies. It explains the necessity for close liaison with the European Commission and with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, where responsibility for marine governance is not clear cut. It expresses some disappointment in the failure of the Bill to cover questions of ownership of marine resources in particular the right to fish, which remains held under ancient and flawed common law rules. The paper then investigates the content of the Bill, looking at the role and functions of the Marine Management Organisation including licensing of fishing vessels, wind farm consenting/creation of safety zones, consents under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, research, advice, assistance, training, and prosecutions. The Bill also establishes a framework for marine planning with potential for the creation of marine plans and marine policy statements covering the waters of England and Wales to the edge of the UK Exclusive Economic Zone. Such plans and statements will have persuasive effects on the organisations involved in marine management, but will not be completely binding. The Bill creates powers to licence numerous activities and if necessary delegate licensing function to the bodies such as the Marine Management Organisation. It also established new powers for the creation of Marine Conservation Zones. The paper explores the narrow purposes for which these Marine Conservation Zones and created, and contrasts these unfavourably with the draft Scottish Marine Bill, which permits Marine Conservation Zones for such purposes as community interest. The paper also acknowledges that no target has been set for the creation of Marine Conservation Zones, and raises some concerns over whether Marine Conservation Zones contain severe enough penalties, particularly in respect of commercial fishing where there is a specific exemption for fisheries damage. The paper explores the function of the new Inshore Fisheries Authorities which will replace existing Sea Fisheries Committees, but raises concerns that the new organisations will still remain vulnerable to conflicts of interests because of their membership.

수산부문 저탄소.녹색성장 패러다임

Two of the most important topics of the 21st century are ensuring harmony between man and his environment and the emerging long-tail economy in which niche markets are becoming increasingly more important. Since the Industrial Revolution in 17th century, human beings have increasingly exploited the world's natural capital, such as the natural environment and its ecosystems. Now the world is facing limits to sustainable economic growth because of limits to this natural capital. Thus, most countries are beginning to adopt a new development paradigm, the so-called"Green Development Paradigm" which pursues environmental conservation in parallel with economic growth. Recently, the Korean government announced an ambitious national policy of Low Carbon & Green Growth for the next six decades. This is an important step that transforms the existing national policy into a new future-oriented one. The fisheries sector in particular has great potential for making a substantial contribution to this national policy initiative. For example, the ocean itself with its sea plants and phytoplankton has an enormous capacity for fixing carbon, and its vast areas of tidal flats have a tremendous potential for cleaning up pollutants from both the sea and the land. Furthermore, the fishing industry has great potential for the development of fuel-saving biodegradable technologies, and a long-tail economy based on digital technologies can do much to promote the production and consumption of green goods and services derived from the oceans and the fisheries. In order for this potential to be realized, the fisheries authority needs to develop a new green-growth strategy that is practical and widely supported by fishing communities and the markets, taking into account the need for greenhouse gas reduction, conservation of the ocean environment and ecosystems, an improved system for seafood safety, the establishment of strengthened MCS (monitoring control surveillance) system, and the development of coastal ecotourism. In addition, fisheries green policies need to be implemented through a well-organized system of government aids, regulations and compensation, and spontaneous (voluntary) orders in fishing communities should be promoted to encourage far more responsible fisheries.

Conflicting uses of marine resources: can ITQs promote an efficient solution?*

This paper examines the allocation problem arising from conflicting demands for marine resource use by (i) commercial fishers, (ii) recreational fishers, and (iii) conservationists. It is shown that decentralised trading of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) is capable of an efficient allocation of resource use between the first two parties. In contrast, it is found that the standard ITQ system is not capable of performing the same ideal co‐ordination between the conflicting interests of extractive users, that is, all fishers, and the non‐extractive ones, that is, conservationists. The reason is that quota trades between individual fishers and conservationists are inevitably accompanied by (positive) externalities on both other fishers and conservationists. As a result, decentralised quota trades between these parties cannot be efficient. The fundamental economic observation is that quotas for conservation and for extraction constitute two different goods. It follows that a socially optimal market allocation of these two goods requires two prices instead of the single quota price in the standard ITQ system. Thus, to achieve efficiency, the ITQ system has to be extended to incorporate both types of goods. It is shown in the paper that if fishers and conservationists can organise themselves into groups, trades of conservation quotas between the two groups can in principle lead to fully efficient allocation. An interesting implication of this modified ITQ system is that the need for a fisheries authority to set the total allowable catch (TACs) disappears.

Management in the Gulf and Caribbean: Mosaic or Melting Pot?

Does ''managing large pelagic fishes" mean the same thing across the diversity of maritime jurisdictions, governance arrangements, economies, languages, cultures, scales of operation and other features of the Gulf and Caribbean region? It would be surprising if it did. Yet international fisheries management urges this mosaic of management to become a melting pot; at least integrated, even if differentiated. This paper examines some themes underlying whether a mosaic or melting pot is the most apt metaphor for where we are, and are headed, in attempts to manage large pelagic fishes in the region. We pay particular attention to the multi-dimensional concept of scale. Included are the scales of management units, fisheries authorities, management outcomes, harvest and postharvest enterprises, and the interdisciplinary perspectives that can be brought to bear on fishery problems and solutions. We are also interested in linkages, because linkage is connected to the scaling-up that is important in a region with many small countries and territories. Even if the management of large pelagics starts as a mosaic, coherent patterns of sub-regional and regional interactions can conceivably be nested and linked to improve the integration, and hence effectiveness, of management interventions ... at least in theory.

Microbiological quality of maatjes herring stored in air and under modified atmosphere at 4 and 10 °C

Microbiological and sensory changes of maatjes herring stored in air (experiment I) and under modified atmosphere (MAP) (experiments II and III) were evaluated during storage at 4 and 10 °C. Microbial (total and psychrotrophic viable bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae) counts and chemical analyses (chloride content, fat content, dry matter, ash and pH) were performed. A Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme developed for maatjes herring was used for sensory evaluation. The main reasons for sensory rejections at both storage temperatures were a strong rancid taste for herring stored in air (Experiment I) and a sour, bitter, rotten taste and an aftertaste like old flower water for MAP herring (Experiments II and III). A soft texture of freshly produced samples (Experiment II) was noticed. The sensory shelf-life of maatjes herring stored in air (Experiment I) was three days at both 4 and 10 °C. The MAP herring in Experiments II and III had a shelf-life of 5 and 6 days, respectively, at both storage temperatures. Rancidity due to oxidation of fat was the main spoilage indicator for air-stored maatjes herring. Autolytic enzymes may affect textural deterioration. The characteristic off-odour and off-taste in the MAP herring (Experiments II and III) were may well be attributable to microbial metabolism. On the day of sensory rejection, total viable counts for herring in all three experiments (Experiments I–III) stored at 4 °C did not reach 10 6 cfu/g, which is considered the limit of acceptability for maatjes herring given by the Dutch fishery authorities. It appears that total viable counts have minor significance in the sensory assessment of maatjes herring.

Application of Fuzzy Multi-Objective Function on Reducing Groundwater Demand for Aquaculture in Land-Subsidence Areas

In Taiwan, due to its relatively low development cost, groundwater has been the main source of water supply for most aquacultural industry in costal areas. The overdraft of groundwater has caused serious land-subsidence in many parts of Taiwan. In addition to providing enough surface water for aquaculture freshwater demand, revising the aquaculture structure is one approach to reduce the reliance on fresh groundwater. Due to the most serious land-subsidence in Tachen Village, Changhua County, Taiwan, which may be caused by overusing groundwater for mainly raising freshwater clams, alternative techniques, such as changing the method of water use or revising the kinds of fish with less freshwater demands and higher gross profits, were studied in the study to reduce the dependence on fresh groundwater. The fuzzy multi-objective function comprising three single-objectives, viz. reducing saltwater demand, reducing freshwater demand, and increasing the total fisheries gross profit, was coupled with a global optimization algorithm to find suitable aquaculture scenarios in the study area. Analytical results can be provided to the fisheries authorities as references for revising the aquaculture structure.

Fish Discourse: Russia, Norway, and the Northeast Arctic Cod

The article argues that discourse analysis can help explain why Russian and Norwegian fishery authorities set quotas for the Northeast Arctic cod far above scientific recommendations in 1999–2001. While the “sustainability discourse” dominated on the Norwegian side—framing discussions in terms of whether quotas were “sustainable” or not—the Russian discourse centered around the battle between the two nations involved. According to the “cold peace discourse,” Norway wants to reduce the quota to ensure competitive prices for cod on the world market or, alternatively, simply to “ruin Russia.” The “seafaring community discourse” feeds on distrust on both sides of the border of scientific prognoses and serves to weaken the arguments of the “sustainability discourse” and strengthen the conclusions of the “cold peace discourse.” The “pity-the-Russians discourse” offers a way out of the deadlock: feeding on the Western perception of Russians as “poor,” the Norwegians are ready to set scientific recommendations as...