Fisheries Science Research Articles

Methods and approach to the interdisciplinary and cross-cultural Alaska Arctic Salmon Workshop: critical self-reflections from fisheries scientists

Redistribution and shifting habitat envelopes are impacting organisms across many taxa, which in turn are impacting Indigenous ways of life. In Arctic Alaska, Pacific salmon are known to have occurred for at least a century, but in recent years appear to be increasingly common. With the goal of holistically understanding and describing these changes in a way that equitably considers Indigenous, local, and western knowledge, we share our experience and methodologies in facilitating the Arctic Alaska Salmon Workshop. We share our perspective, approach, and methods as fisheries natural scientists convening this workshop, which included community-based knowledge holders from the Iñupiat communities of Kotzebue, Point Hope, Utqiaġvik, and Kaktovik, and western scientists and researchers from universities, fishery management agencies, and local community government. After briefly discussing some of the workshop highlights, we conclude with four key takeaways: 1) that the process of co-production of knowledge is an ideal towards which we must strive, but acknowledge we may rarely, if ever, fully achieve, 2) pursuit of the ‘good science’ should guide our work, 3) examination and assessment of assumptions should occur early and often, and 4) Anglanikina! Make sure you have a good time, (Yup’ik).

Proximate and Amino Acid Composition of Freshwater Fish of Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Background: The study aimed to evaluate proximate and amino acids profile of selected freshwater species from Nagpur, India. Nutritional composition of calbasu (Labeo calbasu), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and pangasius (Pangasianodon pangasius) was investigated to make aware the consumer about the present nutrient composition of these fish. Methods: Iced Calbasu, Silver carp, Tilapia and Pangasius fish were procured from Mayo fish market, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India and brought to the laboratory of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fishery Science, Nagpur. The marketable sized (average weight of 0.5-1.3 kg) fish were used for evaluation of proximate composition the methods of AOAC (2005). The amino acids profiling of fish samples were assessed by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC, Shimadzu LC-6A). Result: The variation (p less than 0.05) in nutrient composition viz. proximate and amino acids of these fish mainly due the effect of feed composition, feeding habits, geographical condition and availability of feed etc. The major components of proximate composition, moisture (75.75-77.53%), protein (14.52-18.01%), lipids (2.45-6.71%) and ash (1.10-2.09%) were recorded. The protein content was relatively stable in all species. The carbohydrate was found to be lower than 1.5%. The energy value of the fish species was between 94.81-123.51 Kcal. The pangasius had higher energy value due to high amount of fat content. During the study, the concentrations of essential amino acids (EAA) in all fish species ranged from 25.48 g/100 g to 29.41 g/100 g, while amounts of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) ranged between 27.94 g/100 g and 31.27 g/100 g. Lysine (5.14-6.31 g/100 g) and glutamic acid (6.26-8.72 g/100 g) were the most predominant amino acids found in EAA and NEAA respectively in all species. The higher level of essential amino acids was found in tilapia fish followed by silver carp, calbasu and pangasius. The results of the present study revealed that, all species have high nutritional value in terms of proximate and amino acids to offer positive health benefits upon consumption.

Detection of the jellyfish Chrysaora pacifica by RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a environmental DNA (eDNA) assay and its evaluation through field validation and comparative eDNA analyses

Climate-driven environmental changes and anthropogenic activities can result in the proliferation of non-indigenous aquatic species such as jellyfish that may cause envenomation and various ecological disruptions. Here we developed a two-step RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a eDNA assay, consisting of target eDNA amplification followed by a CRISPR-Cas12 reaction, for the early detection of Chrysaora pacifica, a jellyfish species often considered non-indigenous to South Korea. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity, with a detection limit of two copies COI/μL for eDNA derived from C. pacifica, using target specific RPA primers and crRNA sequences. Field validation of the assay using eDNA samples from Jinhae Bay collected over eight months of time-series monitoring, revealed temporal distribution of the jellyfish which correlated with results of digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and eDNA metabarcoding. The C. pacifica eDNA assays were also corroborated (R-square 0.7891) by reports from a citizen science–based jellyfish-monitoring program operated by the National Institute of Fisheries Science, South Korea. Our RPA-CRISPR-Cas eDNA assay can therefore, be an efficient alternative to traditional tools for the early detection of outbreaks of non-indigenous or harmful species in marine ecosystems.

A Study on the Catch Losses and Mesh Selectivity Related to the Attachment of Marine Mammal Bycatch Reduction Devices on Midwater Trawl Gear

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for high-risk fishing gear, such as trawls. We experimented with two BRD types (guiding nets) attached in front of codend at 30° and 45° angles, and catch losses and mesh size selectivity were investigated. Experimental fishing operations were conducted along the East Coast of South Korea where whales and dolphins are commonly sighted. The catch was classified according to fishing location, BRD type, codend, and covernet, with measurements recorded for body length, maximum girth, and weight. The average selectivity for each haul was analyzed using the ‘selfisher’ package. The catch loss rates with the BRD attached at tilt angles of 30° and 45° were 11% and 29% for common flying squid, 6% and 28% for sailfin sandfish, and 5% and 8% for pearlside. While the mesh selectivity rates for common flying squid and pearlside remained at 0.2–0.5 across all lengths and tilt angles, the mesh selectivity curve for sailfin sandfish was estimated. There were significant differences in catch loss between 30° and 45° angles, with the 30° angle being more effective in catch loss. We observed a masking effect in the codend.

Research fatigue’s impact on small-scale fishers’ engagement: A case-study from Azores fisheries

There has been a marked increase in fishers’ participation in fisheries science and management processes. If inappropriate or uncareful, science that over relies on low level participation can backfire and lead to fishers’ research fatigue: a state of emotional and psychological exhaustion that causes fishers to refuse further participation. This study aims to examine how research fatigue has emerged in Azorean small-scale fisheries, and to provide suggestions that address the determinants of research fatigue in the Azores and comparable small-scale fisheries contexts. Group discussions between researchers and fisher representatives provided extracts on fishers’ frustrations with participating in science, which underwent two rounds of thematic analysis. Drivers of fatigue found in the Azores related to lack of dialogue, fishers’ distrust of stakeholders, the opacity of science, tiredness from being consulted, and fisher associations’ inability to handle participation requests. Data also connected to the main drivers of research fatigue in transdisciplinary literature, namely concentration, burdensomeness and usefulness of research. Researchers should avoid over-researching small-scale fishers, envision less burdensome participation, and ensure that fishers perceive participation as useful and aligned with their interests. The Azores highlights how low engagement levels, large geographical distances, poor science outreach, and administrative overload can contribute to research fatigue. Ultimately, fisheries researchers should understand how participation impacts the distinct determinants of research fatigue and take precautions to minimise those impacts, or risk nonparticipation from their fisher communities.

Preface

The 6th International Conference on Fisheries and Marine Science (InCoFiMS) “The Strategic Role of Marine and Aquaculture in Supporting Resource Diversity and Sustainable Development Goals” Surabaya, Indonesia, October 30th, 2023 FACULTY OF FISHERIES AND MARINE UNIVERSITAS AIRLANGGA PREFACE The 6th International Conference on Fisheries and Marine Sciences (InCoFiMS) in 2023 is a regular event held by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. This conference was held in Surabaya on October 30th, 2023. The theme was “The Strategic Role of Marine and Aquaculture in Supporting Resource Diversity and Sustainable Development Goals.” The theme underlines the importance of fisheries and marine in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More than 100 participants (presenters and non-presenters) attended this conference virtually via Zoom meetings to reach parts of the world. It was also an honor for the committee since the keynotes and speakers invited were diverse. This international conference is an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, and professionals worldwide to meet and discuss current issues on every topic related to the SDGs. The fisheries and marine domains have experienced exponential change, driven by challenges and prospects. The fisheries and marine sector’s contribution to the noble goals of sustainable development has deepened. We express our deepest thanks to all parties who have contributed to the publication of these proceedings. We thank Universitas Airlangga for its full support in holding the international conference. We also thank the reviewers for their contributions. These proceedings contain research papers that have been selected for publication. Hopefully, these proceeding will benefit the progress of the fisheries and marine sectors. Abdul Manan, S.Pi., M.Si., Ph.D. Chairman of the 6th InCoFiMS List of Organizing Committee is available in this Pdf.

The Correlation between Marine Fishery Economy, Fishermen's Fishery Investment and Fishery Science and Technology Progress based on VAR Model: A Case Study of Zhoushan Fishery

The Correlation between Marine Fishery Economy, Fishermen's Fishery Investment and Fishery Science and Technology Progress based on VAR Model: A Case Study of Zhoushan Fishery

Ordering the alphabet soup: Strategies to improve consistency and develop a framework of tools for fisheries science vocabulary

Quantitative methods for assessing the status of marine fish populations began in the 19th century with simple catch-curve analysis and have evolved through the decades to use more advanced integrated statistical modeling. The corresponding assessment documents that communicate model estimates to other scientists and fisheries managers, generally, have grown in length and complexity, often describing hundreds of parameter estimates and population dynamics. These documents use a wide range of synonyms or similar terms that can vary either within a single assessment document or among other documents within or across fisheries management regions. The lack of standardization of terms used in assessment documents can lead to challenges in scientific reviews, communicating scientific results to fisheries managers, and for understanding assessments from other management regions. We analyzed the text of 134 assessment documents used to communicate the results of assessment software to managers from the varying management regions in the United States, Australia, and European International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to quantify the presence of synonyms or similar terms that are often used interchangeably and highlight ways in which the output language could be harmonized without modifying meaning. Next, we developed an open source web-based dictionary and schema for fisheries science where the community can propose and adopt terms to create an agreed upon terminology. Finally, looking forward to future development, we propose approaches to leverage pre-existing frameworks such as Google coding standards to guide the development of tools to merge long-term ecological data sets, name objects in code bases, and report output. While this guidance is tailored to fisheries practitioners working within the U.S. management system, we aim to align with international standards to increase consistency across the international fisheries science community.

Perceptions of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Niña Shape Fishers’ Adaptive Capacity and Resilience

Much research has raised concerns about how a warming planet will interact with natural cyclical climatic variations, and the implications for the resilience and vulnerability of coastal communities. As the anticipated effects of climate change will continue to intensify, it is necessary to understand the response and adaptive capacity of individuals and communities. Coastal communities in Ecuador have evolved in an environment of such cyclical climatic variations referred to as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and La Niña. These climatic events are frequently characterized by extreme variations in precipitation, violent storms, and coastal flooding during El Niño and lowered sea water temperatures and drought during La Niña. This paper draws on survey data and long-term ethnographic research in Ecuadorian coastal communities to explore how fishers understand the impacts of ENSO and implications for their livelihood decisions and resilience to climate variability. The results suggest that fishers along the coast of Ecuador understand and respond differentially to the impacts of ENSO depending on social, cultural, environmental, and geographical factors. These differential levels of response suggest that livelihood diversification may uphold social resilience, which has implications for how coastal communities may adapt to the increasingly harsh weather conditions predicted by many climate models. Our findings further suggest that the impacts of El Niño are more salient than the impacts of La Niña; these findings have significant implications for fisheries management and science communication.

Side‐Scan Sonar as a Tool For Measuring Fish Populations: Current State of the Science and Future Directions

Side‐scan sonar (SSS) is a powerful tool that can be used to address many key questions in fisheries science. In principle, SSS uses dual transducers to transmit a narrow‐beam, wide‐angle acoustic signal as the survey vessel transits an area. The intensity of reflected sound is recorded to generate an image mosaic comprised of benthic substrates and targets in the water column, including organisms such as fish. Although SSS has been around for decades, recent advancements have opened new opportunities to leverage this technology to directly measure fish populations. In this paper, we review the current state of the science and identify opportunities to further refine SSS for fisheries applications.

Характеристика сучасного стану іхтіофауни озера Котлован як малої штучної водойми м. Дніпро

Purpose. To investigate the current state of nearshore and pelagic communities of ichthyofauna of an artificial water body: Lake Kotlovan in the city of Dnipro. To develop a set of recommendations and bioreclamation measures to improve and maintain a balanced ecological state of the water body, to increase its recreational value. Methodology.The study of ichthyofauna was carried out in the lake Kotlovan (total area 13.4 hectares), which was artificially created in the late 1960s and 1970s, located in the Industrial District of Dnipro in the area of industrial development. The study was carried out in September 2021 - October 2022 in three main nearshore biotopes of the water body. Ichthyological samples were collected in the nearshore shallow water zone with a small-mesh (fry) seine of 15 meters long with a mesh size of 7 mm in the wings and 3 mm in the codend. Fish selected for further analysis were preserved in a 4.5% formalin solution. Processing and analysis of the collected samples were carried out at the research center “Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture” of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University (DSAEU). Generally accepted methods of mathematical analysis were used to process the results. The study was carried out in accordance with the Program for conducting scientific fisheries research of the Scientific Research Center “Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture” of the DSAEU for 2022–2026. Findings. The peculiarities of the species composition and distribution of the spontaneously formed ichthyofauna of an artificial water body under the impact of negative factors - discharges of enterprises, communal and household effluents and active recreation - have been established. Ichthyofauna of the lake Kotlovan is impoverished and represented by only 10 species (4 families). The composition of the ichthyofauna lacks bottom-dwelling fish and some littoral species (representatives of the familiesCobitidae, Siluridae, Syngnathidae, Gasterosteidae, Gobiidae), a certain deformation of the taxonomic structure was observed. The absence of individual families of ichthyofauna is an atypical situation for most water bodies in this region. This is due to the artificial development of ichthyofauna and the complex negative effect of the anthropogenic factor and internal trophic relationships. Recommendations on bioreclamation measures for the development of a stable ichthyocenosis with the improvement of the trophic structure and ecological condition of the artificial water body have been developed. Originality. The species composition of the ichthyofauna of an artificially created completely isolated water body in the city of Dnipro, which has existed for about 50 years, was determined for the first time. The current structure of fish groups according to species composition, conservation status, relative abundance, type of feeding and origin were investigated. A high level of the infestation of bleak Alburnus alburnus and silver bream Blicca bjoerkna with ligulosis and perch Perca fluviatilis with eustrongylidosis was observed. Measures and recommendations for improving the state of the ichthyofauna of Lake Kotlovan and increasing the recreational value of the water body were proposed. Practical value. Based on the conducted study, it is possible to evaluate and forecast the future state of the ichthyofauna of small, artificially created and isolated water bodies under anthropogenic pressure. The proposed bioreclamation measures will allow increasing the stability of ichthyocenosis and improving water quality as well as the conditions for recreation of residents, recreational fishing within the boundaries of a large city (a complex of ecosystem services). Keywords: city of Dnipro, artificial water body, ichthyofauna, bioreclamation, biotope, recreation, ecosystem services.

Forecasting fish recruitment using machine learning methods: A case study of arabesque greenling

Fish recruitment prediction is one of the most challenging topics in fisheries science. The recruitment of arabesque greenling in northern Hokkaido, Japan, which has been annually assessed for population size, greatly fluctuates. Whether the cause of fluctuation is environment or overfishing is controversial. We use a machine learning method for predicting the recruitment of arabesque greenling. Biological, fisheries-related, and environmental factors were included in the predictive models as feature variables. A gradient boosting model (GBM) showed better predictive performance compared with a simple hockey-stick stock-recruitment curve (HS), linear regression model (LRM), generalized additive model (GAM), and a random forest model (RFM) in terms of relative bias and relative root mean square error for recruitment prediction in the last 5 years. The most influential feature for GBM was spawning stock biomass in the last year, followed by the fishing rate for older fish and recruitment at the last year. The sea temperatures (STs) at the depth of 0, 50, 100, and 200 m were unimportant predictors in GBM. The difference in important predictors among models suggests the importance of nonlinearity and incorporating multiple variables simultaneously. This study highlights the potential usefulness of GBM for fish recruitment forecast and thereby sustainable fisheries management.

Peer review trends in six fisheries science journals

BackgroundAs the production of scientific manuscripts and journal options both increase, the peer review process remains at the center of quality control. Recent advances in understanding reviewer biases and behaviors along with electronic manuscript handling records have allowed unprecedented investigations into the peer review process.MethodsWe examined a sample of six journals within the field of fisheries science (and all published by the American Fisheries Society) specifically looking for changes in reviewer invitation rates, review time, patterns of reviewer agreements, and rejection rates relative to different forms of blinding.ResultsData from 6,606 manuscripts from 2011–2021 showed significant increases in reviewer invitations. Specifically, four journals showed statistically significant increases in reviewer invitations while two showed no change. Review times changed relatively little (± 2 weeks), and we found no concerning patterns in reviewer agreement. However, we documented a consistently higher rejection rate—around 20% higher—of double-blinded manuscripts when compared to single-blinded manuscripts.ConclusionsOur findings likely represent broader trends across fisheries science publications, and possibly extend to other life science disciplines. Because peer review remains a primary tool for scientific quality control, authors and editors are encouraged to understand the process and evaluate its performance at whatever level can help in the creation of trusted science. Minimally, our findings can help the six journals we investigated to better understand and improve their peer review processes.

Length-Weight Relationship of Diamondback puffer Lagocephalus guentheri from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

The length-weight relationship data is important basic information that helps to compare species between populations and habitats. In this study, we provide detailed information on the length-weight relationships and condition factors of Lagocephalus guentheri from the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 408 (262 Female, 146 Male) specimens were collected on commercial trawlers by local fishermen caught between December 2022 to December 2023 from Iskenderun Bay. The total length range was 11.0-36.9 cm and 11.2-36.7 cm for females and males, respectively. The total weight values of females and males ranged from 20.30-1080.50 g and 20.50-1012.36 g, respectively. The length-weight relationship of L. guentheri was calculated as W = 0.0098 × L3.2145 (R2 = 0.9960) for females, W = 0.009 × L3.2399 (R2 = 0.9963) for males, and W = 0.0095 × L3.2243 (R2 = 0.9962) both sexes. The Fulton’s condition factor was observed as 1.2384 for females, 1.2504 for males, and 1.2335 for both sexes. This study is the most recent reference on length-weight relationships and condition factors for L. guentheri after correction of species identification. It is very important to determine the population parameters of pufferfish species to shed light on the studies to be carried out to restore the ecological balance in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study will provide basic information that will be useful for fisheries scientists and managers in the Mediterranean Sea.

Students’ interest in agribusiness as a future career

Purpose. This study was conducted among Bangladeshi undergraduate agricultural students to see how likely they were to launch their agribusinesses after awarding Bachelor’s degrees. Methodology / approach. As an agricultural country, agribusiness among the students is increasingly important. To achieve the purpose, we selected undergraduate students from the University of Rajshahi as the respondents. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Veterinary Science students were surveyed to determine their interest in starting an agribusiness (opening their own enterprises) after graduation. Questionnaire data were subjected to a logit regression analysis. Results. Most students come from rural backgrounds and many work in family farming either directly or indirectly, only a small percentage of them (29.6 %) want to start an agribusiness after graduation. Most students think working for the Government or providing other services is safer than doing business. Except for students whose families had large landholdings, students were not interested in becoming agribusiness entrepreneurs, although female students were more curious than males. The students perceived agribusiness as too risky and preferred civil service or other service sector employment over any business. If they were to set up such companies, they would be the most interested in fruits and vegetables, feed mills, beef, floriculture, and fisheries. Part of the reason for this disinclination to entrepreneurship is South Asian culture, which values security over independence, although agriculture, where the product is perishable, is risky. Originality / scientific novelty. Over the last 10 years, there has been a decline in total agricultural employment despite a rise in the youth unemployment rate. Encouraging these young people to go into agribusiness, we can reduce unemployment and increase agricultural productivity. But, regarding the interest of young people in Bangladesh in agribusiness, there is no published material. Thus, this study is the first in Bangladesh to assess the interest of agricultural students in starting an agribusiness and describe its determinants. Practical value / implications. The state wants to encourage agribusiness, but does not have a policy to achieve the goal and universities do not even teach this subject to agriculture graduates. If the government is serious about expanding agricultural entrepreneurship, it will have to invest in agribusiness to reduce its risk: in agricultural mechanisation, better rural transport and infrastructure, insurance for agricultural enterprises, mentors to impart business skills and advice, and a national capital fund to invest in such enterprises and finance them by capital rather than by debt.

Population Responses of Blueback Herring to Dam Passage Standards and Additive Mortality Sources

Abstract The management of anadromous fishes is inherently complicated as this suite of species exhibits complex life-histories in multiple habitats and is subject to varying natural and anthropogenic influences during discrete ontogenetic periods. Life-history based simulation models have been increasingly adopted by fishery scientists and managers to help understand potential effects of management decisions on fish populations while incorporating uncertainty in life-history, climate, and other components of resource management systems. We applied one such model to Blueback Herring Alosa aestivalis in the Hudson River watershed, NY, USA. Our goal was to better understand influences of historical habitat loss on anadromous fishes and determine to what extent and under what conditions novel habitat created by canal infrastructure might confer increased population abundance. We found that access to historical habitat in the upper Hudson River increased population abundance at all upstream dam passage rates with sufficient downstream survival of adult and juvenile Blueback Herring, but that abundance decreased with increasing upstream passage relative to the “no passage” scenario when downstream survival through dams was not sufficiently high. Access to novel spawning habitat in the Mohawk River canal system resulted in increased abundance of Blueback Herring when downstream survival of adults and juveniles was at least 0.80 per dam and both upstream passage and probability of using the Mohawk River were both greater than about 0.25. Both mortality during upstream passage of locks in the Mohawk River and marine fishery mortality had the potential to reduce Blueback Herring abundance below historical population abundance despite access to novel spawning habitat. These results highlight the complexity associated with effects of upstream and downstream fish passage standards on population responses while emphasizing similarities observed in other diadromous species and watersheds.

Ecological dynamics and conservation implications of Indo-Pacific Tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) in Lake Siombak, North Sumatra, Indonesia

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the Indo-Pacific Tarpon (IPT) population in Lake Siombak, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Through a year-long investigation, we analyzed various facets of IPT ecology, encompassing population structure, growth dynamics, reproductive behavior, feeding habits, and mortality parameters. Male dominance in collected specimens, coupled with consistently immature gonads in females, suggests a unique reproductive pattern influenced by the brackish nature of Lake Siombak. Utilizing the von Bertalanffy method, we determined a moderate growth rate in IPT, with a predominance of medium-sized, sexually immature individuals. The dietary analysis revealed an omnivorous nature, with a notable reliance on zooplankton, particularly Cladocera and Copepods. However, the most significant concern arises from the estimation of the exploitation rate (E), surpassing the annual optimum exploitation threshold, indicating a state of overexploitation. This underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure the sustainability of IPT resources in Lake Siombak. Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of IPT ecology in this specific ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of balanced conservation and management practices. The documented reproductive, growth, and feeding patterns provide crucial insights for informing targeted conservation strategies and safeguarding the enduring viability of the IPT population in Lake Siombak. This research serves as a foundational contribution to the broader field of fisheries science, advocating for evidence-based management to preserve the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems.

해양수산과학기술 창업활성화를 위한 기술지주회사 모델 연구

This study aims to develop a technology holding company model to activate entrepreneurship and facilitate technology commercialization in the field of marine and fisheries science and technology. By comprehensively analyzing the current status and policies of public technology entrepreneurship in Korea, the growth potential of the marine and fisheries market, and the current situation and challenges faced by marine and fisheries science and technology, this study seeks to explore concrete measures to promote the commercialization of public technology and entrepreneurship in this field. In particular, in the marine and fisheries field, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship of research and development results are insufficient, so it is analyzed that revitalization of entrepreneurship through the technology holding company model is necessary. Based on Isenberg's startup ecosystem model, this study analyzed the current status of technology commercialization and startup factors through in-depth interviews and surveys with researchers at the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and analyzed the feasibility of establishing a technology holding company. The research results suggest that an integrated approach is needed in which six major elements of policy, market, human capital, support, funding, and culture interact to revitalize marine and fisheries science and technology startups. In order to activate the interaction of the six major components, the establishment of a technology holding company such as 'KIOST Holdings' is necessary. Government and related agencies need to expand R&D support, provide incentives for entrepreneurship and technology commercialization, and establish legal and financial support systems for technology holding companies and research-based startups. Such support will lay the foundation for the sustainable development and global competitiveness of the marine and fisheries science and technology sector. The introduction of a technology holding company model for activating entrepreneurship in marine and fisheries science and technology is expected to play a crucial role in the sustainable development and enhancement of global competitiveness in the marine industry. This study suggests that the establishment of technology holding companies like 'KIOST Holdings' could serve as a foundation for implementing these strategies, marking an important step towards overcoming the limitations of Korean marine and fisheries science and technology and activating entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in this sector.

Light Intensity of Phosphorescent-Netting Pots and Determining Their Visibility to Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Using Visual Modeling Techniques

This study explores the visibility of phosphorescent-netting pots to snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) using visual modeling techniques. Light emitted from such pots increases catch per unit effort, yet little is understood about the factors driving these higher catch rates. In this study, we measure pot light emission and snow crab visual acuity. Combining these data with estimates obtained in the literature for other biotic and abiotic factors, we model snow crab vision in relation to the pots. Utilizing these factors and environmental conditions, we derive a contrast ratio between the pot light and the ambient light. Findings reveal that the visibility of pot lights at 200-m depth depends primarily on solar angle (time of day) and time elapsed post-deployment. Additional factors influencing the vision of the pots include water column quality and benthic boundary layer turbidity. This study is the first to model the visual ecology of snow crab and the first to estimate snow crab visual acuity. These insights into snow crab visual ecology can potentially enhance fishing techniques, promote catch efficiency and sustainability, and help provide a path forward for visual ecology research in the fisheries science field.

Prize Winners of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science Awards 2023

Prize Winners of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science Awards 2023