Fishery Management Plan Research Articles

Genetic population subdivision of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) across Indonesia inferred from mitochondrial DNA: Implication to sustainable fishery.

The blue swimming crab (BSC), Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus 1758), inhabits coastal areas of Southeast and East Asia, and is one of high fisheries commodities with an export value for Indonesia and an increasing global market demand, annually. However, the data of genetic diversity and their spatial connectivity of populations in Indonesia are not yet known, even when it is important to inform stock unit management and sustainable use. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and differentiation of blue swimming crabs across Indonesian populations in different Fishery Management Area (FMA), and their spatial genetic connectivity, as well as to deliver implications for sustainable fishery. A total of 297 individuals were collected and amplified using cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial DNA. This study has showed the highest values for haplotype and nucleotide diversity in the eastern part of Indonesia, where exploitation is relatively low. Significant genetic differentiation between populations (FST = 0.954; p < 0.001) and the fisheries management areas (FST = 0.964; p < 0.001) were revealed. Low spatial connectivity was observed between populations in a distance of at least more than 60 kilometers. This study suggests that BSC populations in Indonesia, likely have several stock units, and preferably different fisheries management plans and actions across the region thoroughly and simultaneously. This would be effective for management and their sustainable conservation.

Using Opportunistic Datasets to Infer Spatial Management Strategies of Local Fisheries in the U.S. Caribbean Region

As an initial step towards the implementation of an ecosystem‐based approach to management, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council has recently ratified three island‐based fishery management plans that will supplant the existing regional plans. The newly formed management plans account for nuances among the island platforms in the U.S. Caribbean, including ecological, cultural, and social considerations. The island‐based approach represents a novel strategy among the eight fishery management councils in the United States and therefore remains an untested technique. This study evaluated the decision to separate fishery management among the island platforms by comparing fish assemblages through time in the region. The results suggest that the structure and function of fish communities are spatially driven, with little temporal influence. Combined with the ecological, cultural, and social differences among the islands, the spatial nature of the fish community data support the Caribbean Fishery Management Council decision to transition to island‐based management plans.

Structure and Diversity of the Demersal Fish Assemblages off Psara Island (Central Aegean Sea) Caught by Experimental Bottom Trawling

Data with high spatial resolution on the structure and diversity of marine assemblages are valuable for fisheries management and conservation planning but are seldom available. This study provides fisheries-independent, baseline information on the structure and diversity of the demersal fish assemblages of the continental shelf and upper slope off the island of Psara (Central Aegean Sea). Experimental bottom trawl hauls were conducted during 2009–2010, using identically designed trawls. All the fish in the catches were identified onboard, enumerated, and weighted to the nearest g. Species abundance and biomass were transformed to CPUE. Forty-seven taxa were identified in the catches. For 18 of the species caught no other fisheries-independent information on their abundances and distributions is available for the wider area. Among the Elasmobranchii species collected, Squalus acanthias, Dipturus oxyrinchus, and Raja clavata are species of conservation concern. Species composition was generally more similar to that reported for assemblages of the Cretan Sea and the South Aegean Sea than for assemblages of the North Aegean. The assemblages were structured with depth, a pattern that may be driven in part by the differences in benthic habitat between depth zones. No trends by depth in total numerical abundance and species diversity were identified, whereas the bathymetric change in taxonomic diversity was attributed to the depth distributions of certain species-rich orders and families. The frequency distribution of the trophic level of the species followed the broad-scale pattern that applies in the Mediterranean Sea.

Elasmobranch bycatch in US West Coast groundfish fisheries

Effective management of multispecies fisheries in large marine ecosystems is challenging. To deal with these challenges, fisheries managers are moving toward ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM). Despite this shift, many species remain outside protective legislation or fishery management plans. How do species that fall outside of formal management structures respond to changes in fisheries management strategies? In 2011, the US West Coast Groundfish Fishery (WCGF) shifted management to an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program. We used data collected by fisheries observers to examine the impact of this shift on elasmobranch catch (sharks, skates, rays). Historically, not all elasmobranchs were included in the WCGF Management Plan, making them vulnerable to fishing mortality. We grouped elasmobranchs into 8 groups based on 14 ecomorphotypes to examine relative catch within groundfish fishing sectors during the period 2002-2014. Of the 22 sharks and 18 skates and rays that these fisheries capture, 9 are listed as Near Threatened or greater on the IUCN Red List and 10 species are listed as Data Deficient by IUCN. The bycatch of 4 non-managed elasmobranch species was reduced under the IFQ program; IFQ management had no significant impact on the remaining 27 species caught by the IFQ fleet. Overall, catch of non-managed elasmobranchs was relatively low. We show that groups of ecomorphotypes co-occur within fisheries, suggesting natural management units for use in EBFM. This work helps identify gaps in monitoring and assessing the impact of management and policy on elasmobranch populations.

An Assessment of How Australian Fisheries Management Plans Account for Climate Change Impacts

For Australian fisheries to remain productive and sustainable (environmentally and commercially), there is a need to incorporate climate change considerations into management and planning, and to implement planned climate adaptation options. Here, we determine the extent to which Australian state fisheries management documents consider issues relating to climate change, as well as how frequently climate change is considered a research funding priority within fisheries research in Australia. We conduct a content analysis of fisheries management documents investigating categories and themes relating to Australian state fisheries, climate, and environmental change. We also reviewed recent Research Priorities from the major fisheries research funding body for reference to climate change related themes, and the number of subsequently funded projects which considered climate change or related topics. Results show that commercial state fisheries management documents consider climate only to a limited degree in comparison to other topics, with less than one-quarter of all fisheries management documents having content relating to climate. However, we find that the south-east and south-west regions of the Australian coastline have the highest incorporation of “climate” and “environmental protection considerations” in their fisheries management documents, and that fisheries are more likely to have more “climate-related mentions” within their related management documents, if they (i) primarily target species with higher economic commercial catch values, (ii) commercial catch weights, or (iii) a greater number of commercial fish stocks existing. Only a small number of recently funded fisheries research projects considered climate change, representing only a small proportion of fisheries research investment. Given the extensive climate-driven impacts recently documented among key Australian fisheries species and associated ecosystems, we conclude that there is a clear need for fisheries management in Australia to consider longer-term climate adaptation strategies for Australian commercial state fisheries to remain sustainable into the future. We suggest that without additional climate-related fisheries research and funding, many Australian agencies and fisheries may not be prepared for the impacts and subsequent adaptation efforts required for sustainable fisheries under climate change.

Fishery spatial plans and effort displacement in the eastern Ionian Sea: A bioeconomic modelling

The management of fisheries requires well-planned approaches that consider the socio-ecological costs and benefits of management options while minimising conflicts among fishing practices. We developed a framework to anticipate the cost-effectiveness of several fisheries management options, including space-time closures, gear selectivity improvements, and fishing effort reduction of eastern Ionian Sea fisheries. We also examined to what extent these fisheries could be influenced by placing new aquaculture sites into specific areas. We used a dynamic space-time model considering the effect of possible fishing effort displacement on alternative marine areas. A fine-scale distribution of 6 species of high commercial importance, for the eastern Ionian fisheries (central Mediterranean), was used together with the fishing effort distribution of trawlers, purse-seines, and small-scale fisheries to track the implications on several bio-economic indicators. The study revealed that the stocks and the fisheries economics benefited from a 10% reduction in fishing effort for all fishery sectors, while the unwanted fish catch was slightly higher. Thus, although there are notable advantages, this management option is not sufficient to support an EU regulatory framework aiming to promote more selective fishing practices and mitigate unwanted catches. However, we showed that the protection of juveniles, by imposing selectivity improvements or space-time closures on trawlers, slightly reduced the unwanted catch. Nevertheless, the benefit for the majority of stocks and fisheries economics, during the five-year simulation period, was limited. In the case of space-time closures, this is attributed to the offset due to the fishing effort displacement towards other areas. While the benefit on fish populations by improving trawl selectivity, it depends on the species. Finally, the establishment of new aquaculture units could lead to a slight re-allocation of fishing effort along the border of the new sites without substantially affecting the profit of small-scale fisheries. Such findings are useful for fisheries management and broader spatial planning in the Ionian Sea. They will provide insight to policymakers and different fishing sectors, thus enabling a more transparent and participatory decision–making process.

Identification of artisanal fishing territories and associated conflicts in the middle and lower Paraná River (Argentina) through participatory mapping

Small-scale fisheries exhibit diverse territorial conflicts with other users and productive activities coexistent in fluvial environments, which usually are difficult to handle by management agencies. The aim of this study is to identify and spatialize the conflicts which most affect small-scale artisanal fisheries on the Middle and Lower Paraná River, as well as to expand the fishing territory concept for large rivers through the development of a participatory mapping (PM) process along with artisanal fishers. PM was performed in different fishing communities of the Middle and Lower Paraná River. The information gathered was processed by the Quantum GIS software and local fishing maps were drawn up. Livestock represented the main conflictive factor in terms of limiting fishing activity. Shore use and occupancy were identified as one of the main sources of conflict for fishers, due to the reduction of mooring and landing areas that have been lost or allocated for other purposes. The ‘sustainable fishing territory’ was proposed as a new concept, based on integration of the fishing territory idea and the areas of ecological value, proposing such framework as an umbrella area for conservation purposes. Differences in attributes used for developing the fishing territories suggested that PM was effective in recognizing local characteristics on a small scale. Although PM remains still poorly explored for large floodplain rivers, it provides an opportunity to understand the complexity of fishing territories within a context of fisheries management and territorial planning. In this context, PM represents also an effective tool for dealing with conflicts between stakeholders who share the fluvial space through different productive and recreational activities.

Baseline data for marine protected areas planning and fisheries monitoring: Potential conflicts between recreational IUU and commercial fisheries in the proposed “Taza” MPA (Algeria, SW Mediterranean)

Nowadays, recreational fisheries (REC) have a great impact on marine ecosystems and create conflicts with other human coastal activities such as commercial small-scale fisheries (SSF). In the proposed “Taza” marine protected area (MPA) (Algeria, SW Mediterranean), recreational boat fishing is poorly regulated and its catches remain unmonitored. In addition, a significant number of REC fishers sell their catch illegally, an activity we could refer to as IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing. This study is a good opportunity to evaluate the potential conflicts between recreational IUU and commercial fisheries and can be extremely valuable in terms of MPA planning and fisheries monitoring by providing baseline data for setting up sound fisheries management and conservation plans. Two fishing harbors are located near the proposed “Taza” MPA: Boudis and Ziama. Illegal REC boats from Ziama harbor were studied via a direct observation method of landings developed by the Ifremer (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea). A comparison between illegal REC and SSF boats was highlighted in terms of catches and fishing effort. A total of 54 taxa belonging to 24 families were observed in the catches of the 32 recreational active boats in this harbor between May 2013 and April 2014. The proportion of the harvest attributed to illegal REC represented about 50% of the SSF harvest. Illegal REC in the proposed “Taza” MPA is an important socioeconomic activity which is intensively practiced throughout the year. From November to April, the mean catch was almost the same for both fishing categories. Strong competition between recreational and professional fishers for the natural resources was highlighted as 81% of the 54 caught taxa were present in the catches of both fishing categories (i.e. 44 taxa). Moreover, 4 species of high commercial value were caught exclusively by recreational fishers. Finally, the managers of the proposed “Taza” MPA must address and regulate all fishing activities and use the best available information in order to provide important benefits to marine ecosystems, fishers, and the local population.

Implication of single year seasonal sampling to genetic diversity fluctuation that coordinates with oceanographic dynamics in torpedo scads near Taiwan

Many fisheries management and conservation plans are based on the genetic structure of organisms in pelagic ecosystems; however, these structures tend to vary over time, particularly in cyclic ocean currents. We performed genetic analyses on the populations of the pelagic fish, Megalaspis cordyla (Osteichthyes: Carangidae) in the area surrounding Taiwan during 2000–2001. Genotyping was performed on M. cordyla collected seasonally around Taiwan as well as specimens collected from Singapore (Malacca strait) and Indonesia (Banda Sea). Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) revealed that M. cordyla does not spawn near Taiwan. Data related to the mitochondrial control region revealed that the samples from Singapore and Indonesia represented two distinct genetic cohorts. Genotyping revealed that during the summer (June–August 2000), the Indonesian variant was dominant in eastern Taiwan (presumably following the Kuroshio Current) and in the Penghu region (following the Kuroshio Branch Current). During the same period, the Singapore genotype was dominant along the western coast of Taiwan (presumably following the South China Sea Current); however, the number dropped during the winter (December–February 2001) under the effects of the China Coast Current. Divergence time estimates indicate that the two genetic cohorts split during the last glacial maximum. Despite the fact that these results are based on sampling from a single year, they demonstrate the importance of seasonal sampling in unravelling the genetic diversity in pelagic ecosystems.

Fisheries yields, climate change, and ecosystem-based management of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Fisheries resources of the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) are critically important to the socio-economic well-being of the people of Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Their high degree of environmental vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem by increasing its resilience to the impacts of anthropogenic and natural forcing. Conflicting objectives in fisheries management processes between the biological sustainability of the stocks and socio-economic gains of the fishers and the economy in general, are some of the challenges facing the BCLME. In this paper, an overview and description of the fisheries yields from major resources of the BCLME is provided, using time series catch data, with discussions on how these are affected by climate variability and/or change. Data were sourced from previous syntheses, reports on the state of fisheries resources, and various national databases. Results indicate that, although major fisheries yields in the BCLME are currently much lower than their historical past, catches have in general been stable during the past two decades. Currently, there appears to be no clear evidence of the impacts of climate change on the fisheries resources in the BCLME, although some changes have been observed, but such impacts may be masked by highly variable and complex nature of this LME. However, through the Benguela Current Convention (BCC), the three coastal states are focused on ensuring that the shared commercially important fish stocks are jointly monitored, assessed and managed, through the implementation of adaptive fisheries management plans for priority shared fish resources based on ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) principles.

Vulnerability of Fishery-Based Livelihoods to Extreme Events: Local Perceptions of Damages from Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Alberto in Yaguajay, Central Cuba

Hurricanes can cause extensive long-term damage to small-scale fisheries. Yet, information is scarce on how communities are locally impacted by extreme events in the Caribbean and in other parts of the world. Focusing on an artisanal fishery in Yaguajay, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, this article explores how artisanal fishers have perceived and responded to the different damages brought about by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the inundations associated with Storm Alberto in May 2018. Combining discussions and short interviews carried out pre and post-storms Irma and Alberto, this study identifies major environmental impacts and matching responses. In addition, the article sheds light on the evolution of small-scale fishing communities in Cuba and their current organization. Results show local perceptions of extensive biodiversity loss in terms of mangrove coverage, changes in salinity, and the quality of coastal environments that have affected the composition of captures and fish sizes. As a consequence of these changes, fishers are adjusting their effort and fishing intensity to match perturbations. Findings underscore the need to identify the synergistic relations that may exist between prior environmental degradation and different extreme events such as droughts, hurricanes, and excessive precipitation. The interrelation of these factors may result in compounded aggravated impacts that may unfold over longer temporal scales and not just as a one-time event. Authors conclude by stressing the importance of including the systematic study of extreme events along with local perceptions of ecological change in fishery management plans. Because fishers´ responses to hazards are based on their experiences and knowledge of the state of coastal and marine habitats, and especially on expectations about what constitutes normal ranges of change, threats, and levels of risks, this information is key to guide behavioral interventions and decision frameworks that can foster the development of hurricane resistant communities.

Knowledge status of predators of the freshwater prawn Cryphiops caementarius (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in river systems along the North Western Andean region from Perú and Chile

Introduction: Cryphiops caementarius, is an endemic prawn from river ecosystems in Southern Perú and Northern Chile. In these watersheds, natural populations are threatened by multiple anthropic interventions such as mining activities and fishing pressure, but also, by increasing impacts of invasive exotic predators. Information related with predation on C. caementarius is scarce representing a major knowledge gap to ensure suitable management and conservation practices. Accordingly, the further deepening in relevant aspects such as the estimation of populations losses due to predators has been indicated as critical by relevant agencies as FAO. Objective: To conduct a complete registry and classification of C. caementarius predators, updating the knowledge for the Andean region. Methods: A thorough bibliographic review on existing information on C. caementarius' predators from Perú and Chile was carried out calculating percentage of occurrence, relative frequency of species, zoogeographic origin, trophic structure, phenotypic attributes, river zone that inhabits and life stage of incidence. The registry was complemented using semi-structured interviews from prawn´s fishers in central-Northern Chile. Results: C. caementarius is predated along the entire fluvial network (estuary, potamon and rhithron) by 21 species of opportunists, carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, mostly aquatic vertebrates. In turn, these belong to 15 families and six guilds of native, exotic and cosmopolitan species. Approximately 86 % predate on adult prawns, whilst, 71 % on juveniles and 24 % on larvae. More than 40 % of the predation pressure seems to be exerted by native waterfowls and 24 % by exotic fish. Conclusions: The results emphasize the relevance for conservation of native species of predators in the Andean region and the need of control measures on exotic species in a latitudinal basis. Accordingly, this review may serve as an initial decision-making tool for future conservation efforts both on prawns and native biota, but also supporting restocking actions, fisheries management plans and risk assessment for C. caementariuspopulations across the Andean region.

A diversity of spatial management instruments can support integration of fisheries management and marine spatial planning

In an increasingly crowded ocean facing global drivers for economic expansion, many fisheries could benefit from spatial management that enhances traditional fisheries management strategies. In order to reduce risks to ocean health and promote social-ecological resilience, a diversity of spatial management instruments is needed to provide rapid responses and longer-term interventions that promote sustainability and security. To support marine spatial planning (MSP) in South Africa, existing legal instruments were investigated by: (i) describing the prevailing legal framework for spatial fisheries management; (ii) identifying existing legal instruments that are or could be implemented to support spatial fisheries management; (iii) assessing the way in which these instruments could be implemented; and (iv) providing research recommendations to enhance integration of fisheries management measures into MSP. Seven Acts were examined. Within these, nine instruments support fisheries management. Six instruments that could directly contribute to spatial fisheries management were analysed for diversity by comparing them against seven criteria that reflect the complexity and time for implementation, longevity in terms of security and permanence and, transgression consequences. Results show that there is a diversity of instruments available that, if used together in an integrated MSP framework, can provide rapid responses as well as address longer-term goals. Although South Africa does have diversity in the instruments available, two of them, namely fisheries management areas (FMAs) and priority fishing areas (PFAs), have never been implemented, representing missed opportunities. As South Africa begins to implement its new MSP process, we recommend integration of FMAs and PFAs in this process.

The economic contribution of sea angling from charter boats: A case study from the south coast of England

Marine Recreational Fisheries (MRF) provide important socio-economic contributions to coastal communities in the UK. Quantifying the contribution to coastal economies enables policy makers to plan for the sustainable development of these activities and consider trade-offs resulting from the implementation of regulations. Highlighting the importance of MRF enables their integration into fisheries management plans, tourism, and coastal infrastructure strategies, yet these effects are rarely quantified. In this study, the economic contribution of charter boat sea angling on coastal communities was assessed for four ports in Dorset on the South coast of England (Poole, Swanage, Weymouth and Portland). Poole and Weymouth have the largest charter fleets in the UK. Valuations from Poole and Swanage, as well as Weymouth and Portland were used alongside the numbers of boats in the fleet to estimate a cumulative economic impact to Dorset from charter boat activity of £2.4 million in gross output and providing about £3.6 million in estimated economic contribution and over £1.3 million of Gross Value Added (GVA). Future fisheries management should consider impacts and benefits when developing strategies for MRF, potentially distinguishing between different parts of the sector. This is particularly important for the charter fleet, as they are small businesses that rely on the value they generate to operate as businesses rather than being a pure recreational activity.

Leopard seal diets in a rapidly warming polar region vary by year, season, sex, and body size

BackgroundResolving the preferred prey items and dietary proportions of leopard seals is central to understanding food-web dynamics in the rapidly-warming Antarctic Peninsula region. Previous studies have identified a wide range of prey items; however, due to anecdotal or otherwise limited information, leopard seal diets remain unresolved by seal sex, individual, body size, region, and season. Over the 2013, 2014, and 2017 field seasons we collected scat, tissue samples (red blood cells and plasma; n = 23) for stable isotope analyses, and previously-reported animal-borne video from 19 adult leopard seals foraging near mesopredator breeding colonies at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island. We summarized a priori diet information from scat and video analysis and applied a three-isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S), four-source (fish, fur seal, krill, penguin) Bayesian mixing model to examine temporal variability in both prey sources and leopard seal tissues.ResultsThe austral spring diets of males and females focused on Antarctic krill (31.7–38.0%), notothen fish (31.6–36.5%), and penguin (24.4–26.9%) and were consistent across all 3 years. Several lines of evidence suggest the transition to summer foraging was distinct for males and females. Female diets transitioned rapidly to higher δ15N values (+2.1‰), indicating increased consumption of penguin (29.5–46.2%) and energy-dense Antarctic fur seal pup (21.3–37.6%).ConclusionsThe seasonal increase in leopard seal δ15N values, and thus fur seal in their diet, was predictably related to larger body size; it may also be forcing reductions to the largest Antarctic fur seal colony in the Antarctic Peninsula. Our ensemble sampling approach reduces historical biases in monitoring marine apex predator diets. Further, our results are necessary to best inform regional fisheries management planning.

Mortality and exploitation of marbled spinefoot, Siganus rivulatus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Siganidae), from southern Aegean Sea small-scale fishery

Background. In the small-scale fisheries of the Gulf of G&ouml;kova (Turkish coast of the southern Aegean Sea) the marbled spinefoot, Siganus rivulatus Forssk&aring;l et Niebuhr, 1775, is a commercially important species. No sustainability study, however, has been carried out on the stock assessment and management of this species in the gulf. The aim of the presently reported study was to determine the mortality and biological reference points of Siganus rivulatus and suggest a proper fishery management plan for fishery regulations. Materials and methods. The sudy was conducted between July 2016 and June 2018. Fish samples were collected from the Gulf of G&ouml;kova small-scale fishery. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (Fcurr), and exploitation rate (Ecurr) were determined and compared with the biological reference points: the optimum fishing mortality (Fopt), fishing mortality limit reference point (Flim), optimum exploitation rate (Eopt). Results. Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (Fcurr), and exploitation rate (Ecurr) were found to be 0.67, 0.32, 0.35, and 0.52, respectively. Furthermore, biological reference points (Fopt, Flim, Eopt) attained values of 0.16, 0.21, and 0.33 cm, respectively. Conclusion. The fishing pressure for Siganus rivulatus stocks the Gulf of G&ouml;kova should decrease for the sake of the sustainability of this resource.

Nudging statutory law to make space for customary processes and community-based fisheries management in Solomon Islands

Like many Pacific countries, Solomon Islands has more than one legal system operating concurrently: customary law, statutory law and the common law of England. Governance also occurs at national, provincial and local scales. Local people managing coastal and marine resources under customary marine tenure (CMT) have increasing difficulties in enforcement as external threats exceed their scope of governance. Before 2015, CMT breaches were not a fisheries violation as recognised by the western legal system. Drawing on our involvement in developing a new Fisheries Management Bill in 2007–2015 and consultations within the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, we examine how, and to what effect, the resultant Act—specifically Section 18 on Community Fisheries Management Plans (CFMPs)—has accommodated or shifted the relationship between customary governance systems and the state’s contemporary fisheries legislation. We examine if, and how, employing Section 18 can contribute to regional and global fisheries governance policy implementation. The Fisheries Management Act 2015 recognises the rights of customary rights holders to institute CFMPs, provides a mechanism to codify and enforce access and use rights through CMT and empowers these efforts as a legitimate management tool under statutory law. We conclude that statutory law has been ‘nudged’ to make space for the dynamic process of customary law. We contend that use of Section 18 has the potential to elevate community voices in discussions of coastal and marine resource management at different scales, if practitioners do not lose sight of the intent behind the statute’s development.

Reproduction, Growth, Mortality and Yield of the Goatfish Upeneus sulphureus in Northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Information on stock condition and reproductive biology are important for fisheries conservation and management planning. This study examined reproduction, growth, mortality and yield of sulphur goatfish (Upeneus sulphureus Cuvier 1829), which is a low-value food fish abundantly caught as bycatch in artisanal and industrial fishing from the southeast coast of Bangladesh at northern Bay of Bengal. Data were collected monthly obtaining samples from local fish landing center. The gonadosomatic index indicated that U. sulphureus spawns twice a year during January–May and August–October. Fecundity of the fish was positively correlated with the body and gonad weight, and varied from 15 128–97 274 eggs with fish weight 11.30–58.73 g. Monthly length–frequency distribution was analyzed through FISAT software, thus the estimated seasonalized von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 21.80 cm, K = 0.54 per year, C = 0.5, WP = 0.1 and Rn = 0.300, respectively. Moreover, the value of seasonalized total mortality coefficient Z (2.24) was smaller than that of the non-seasonalized Z (4.16). The instantaneous natural mortality and fishing mortality, calculated for non-seasonalized total mortality, were 1.31 and 2.86, respectively. Furthermore, the high exploitation rate (E = 0.69) was close to maximum exploitation level (Emax = 0.75) in yield-per-recruit analysis, suggesting that U. sulphureus is being exploited at the MSY (maximum sustainable yield) level. Therefore, further increase in fishing effort may reduce U. sulphureus stocks in the coastal waters of Bangladesh.

Changes in Shrimping Effort in the Gulf of Mexico and the Impacts to Red Snapper.

Despite a complex management landscape and decades of overfishing, Red Snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) stocks have grown substantially in the Gulf of Mexico and restrictions on the fisheries that catch them are being loosened. This year, annual shrimping effort was allowed to increase by 21% after National Marine Fisheries Service scientists concluded that the resulting bycatch of Red Snapper would only reduce the annual allowable catch in other fisheries by ∼1% and have no impact on population growth. Nonetheless, the recreational fishing sector intensely campaigned against this rule, fueled by wild mischaracterization of shrimp trawl bycatch in media outlets targeting anglers. Here, we aim to elevate the debates surrounding Red Snapper management by presenting scientific and historical context for the potential impacts from shrimping. We discuss our views of the current problems facing Red Snapper and key ecological questions to address for more effective management of this resource.

Fisheye Lens: Data Stewardship and Privacy Rights Under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan's Amendment 23's Proposed Electronic Monitoring

The Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua, once held a prime ecological and economic presence in the North Atlantic Ocean, and European colonizers capitalized on this resource by establishing a cod fishery in Newfoundland as far back as 1517. In 1992, Newfoundland’s fishery nearly eliminated its cod stocks, and the Gulf of Maine’s stocks were dying three times as fast as managers predicted. The fishery became one of the world’s most concrete examples of the tragedy of the commons, where harvesters exhaust an open-access resource. Guiding the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) cod fishery rebuilding effort is a tremendous amount of fisheries modeling aimed at estimating a requisite fishery’s stock size, using landings, discards, and survey data. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) sources and verifies data partly through the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP). Among the observers’ duties is physically boarding industry vessels to record data. The observers’ physical bias, however, could produce inaccurate data, leading the NEFMC to make inaccurate decisions and hinder the northeastern U.S. cod fishery’s recovery. Inaccurate data would thus hinder managers’ ability to rebuild this historically profitable fishery and the lack of cod would continue to deprive the Northeast’s ecosystem of a key predator. In response to the concern over bias, the NEFMC is currently considering several alternatives to the traditional human observer program in Amendment 23 to the Northeast Multispecies Fisheries Management Plan. One such alternative is electronic monitoring (EM). EM is a system of cameras that captures video of fishing activities onboard vessels, a crucial tool to produce high-quality and low-cost fisheries data to better inform management decisions. However, Northeast fishers have several concerns about EM. EM is a seemingly simple solution to human observers but produces highly detailed video and image data instead of pure numbers, which could identify private individuals, business, or their trade secrets. EM thus presents uncertainty in fishers’ private information, leading to apprehension of EM systems. The opportunity to design a program that is amenable to fishers could speed up implementing EM and its benefits to the northeast’s ecological and economic marine communities. Amending the Magnuson Stevens Act, promulgating strong privacy regulations and internal rules, and ensuring privacy guarantees in third-party contracts would best protect fishers’ privacy, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should consider in light of their broad authority to collect EM data. Strong fisheries management requires strong cooperation and mutual respect; guaranteeing strong privacy rights for EM data furthers everyone’s interests. The goal of this Note is to provide a framework to promote the recovery of New England’s marine environment through coastal stakeholder and federal management cooperation.