Net Fishing Research Articles

Mitigation approach of plastic and microplastic pollution through recycling of fishing nets at the end of life

Plastic and microplastic pollution in the marine environment is a global issue and lost or discarded fishing nets (FNs) represent a relevant part of the marine litter. This type of waste is very harmful to marine organisms due to ghost fishing and microplastics release. Furthermore, nets are difficult to dispose because they take up a lot of space at landfill sites and are expensive to transport. Therefore, the development of recovery and recycling strategies represents one of the solutions for this problem. In the present work, a multifilament, knotted, twisted waste FN, composed of nylon 6,6, was recycled realizing composite materials in combination with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) or poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) matrices. The composites were realized exploiting a cold mixing approach, mixing the FN, either as a pre-ground short fiber filler or as mats, with the polymers swollen in an organic solvent. Several compositions were explored by these approaches and the composites were characterized by means of thermal, spectroscopic, mechanical and morphological analyses. Finally, a qualitative assessment of the economic impact of fishing net recycling was conducted. Results showed that the proposed recycling approaches allow to realize composite materials with interesting properties, opening new routes for recycling the FNs at the end of life improving the circular economy of plastics and reducing their ecological, ecosystem service and social and economic impacts.

Environmental impacts of synthetic fishing nets from manufacturing to disposal: A case study of Türkiye in life cycle perspective

Fishing nets have a limited lifespan, and they are considered waste when worn or damaged beyond repair. If the end-of-life fishing nets (EOLFNs) are not adequately managed, they can be wasted in landfills or discarded into the sea inappropriately. Thus, encouraging the recycling of fishing nets is an effective way to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. This study examines the environmental impact of all processes of synthetic fishing nets used in various fishing operations (gillnet, trammel net and cast net) from a life-cycle perspective. The functional unit is a 1 ton fishing net. The disposal method represents two different scenarios, incineration and recycling. It has been observed that the disposal of EOLFNs by recycling rather than incineration offers significant environmental gains in all impact categories. The findings offer a promising solution to reduce the environmental impacts of EOLFNs by appropriately intervening in the effective recycling of fishing nets.

A Study on an Active Functional Group and Antimicrobial Properties From Rhizophora apiculata Extracts Used in Traditional Malay as Medicine

A mangrove plant known as Rhizophora apiculata is employed by Malay for treating skin diseases, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, as an antiseptic, for tanning, and also as fuelwood and fodder. Its large-scale use can be attributed to its high-quality timber, availability as well and the presence of a chemical named tannin that is employed for reinforcing fishing lines, nets, and ropes. The tannin content of R. apiculata's roots, bark, and leaves is regarded to be a natural inhibitor of fungal infections. This study is focused on determining the different kinds of functional groups, as well as individual phenolic compounds present in R. apiculata for identifying new bioactive compounds via decoding of the traditional values of Malay remedies. There is a high demand for such natural bioactive compounds, particularly in the healthcare and pharmaceutical markets. Alkaline fractional extracts were employed to design an analytical extraction method for R. apiculata. As per the HPLC results, there were three phenolic acids detected namely Caffeic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, and Vanillic acid. Meanwhile, ten volatile compounds were identified by the GCTOF-MS. With regards to antibacterial activity, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and E. coli were inhibited by R. apiculata leaf extract, while C. albicans and Fusarium sp. were inhibited by their antifungal activity.

Small-scale fishery catch composition in Rhodes (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)

Trammel net and boat-seine experimental fishing samplings were carried out seasonally, over a rocky-sandy and a Posidonia oceanica habitat respectively, in the coastal waters of Rhodes, south-eastern Aegean Sea, Greece, between 2019 and 2020. Fish catch composition, abundance and biomass were investigated as a contribution to the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the fish assemblages in the artisanal fishery in this Greek marine region most affected by biological invasion. A total of 56 native and 11 alien fish species were captured. Five invasive species Fistularia commersonii, Pterois miles, Siganus rivulatus, Siganus luridus and Lagocephalus sceleratus were recorded using both fishing gear. In trammel nets, the alien to native fish species ratio was 1:2.87 with eight allochthonous species composing 43% of the total abundance and greatly exceeding native species biomass with the most dominant being F. commersonii, P. miles, S. rivulatus and S. luridus. Boat seine samples were dominated by Spicara smaris and Boops boops, which accounted for 84% and 56% of total abundance and biomass, respectively, while the alien to native fish species ratio was 1:5.1. The 10 Lessepsian fish, i.e., fish that have entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, identified on a Posidonia seabed represented a small proportion of the total abundance (3.4%), while their biomass reached 17% of the total catch, with a prevalence of F. commersonii. Among alien fish on P. oceanica, S. rivulatus exhibited the greatest abundance, followed by F. commersonii, Parupeneus forsskali and S. luridus, with small but not negligible densities of Pteragogus trispilus and Torquigener flavimaculosus. The abundance of Pterois miles over the rocky-sandy habitat was remarkable. Results indicate a transitional shift in fish catch composition with introduced species competing with natives for food and space (i.e. between introduced siganids and Sparisoma cretense, Sarpa salpa, between the recently introduced P. forsskali and mullids, and between introduced P. miles and scorpaenids), further influenced synergistically by environmental and anthropogenic factors. The Total-Standard length and Total weight-Total length relationships and their applications in fisheries data for the allochthonous fish are briefly discussed.

A floating system integrating a wind turbine with a steel fish farming cage: Experimental validation of the hydrodynamic model

This paper is dedicated to comparing the numerical results of the dynamic responses of a floating offshore wind turbine integrated with a steel fish farming cage (FOWT-SFFC) under wind and waves against the experimental data. FOWT-SFFC's numerical model is built with OrcaFlex where the potential flow theory and quadratic drag formula are used to calculate the hydrodynamic loads on the structural components of the floater, while Morison-type formulation is employed to model the force on fish nets. The numerical model is tuned in terms of the measured data. The simulated motion response amplitude operators and stochastic responses under irregular waves are compared with the experimental results to fathom the influence of drag's modeling on the simulation outcome. The effects of additional damping and 2nd-order wave forces are also investigated to determine the optimal simulation method. With the selected numerical model, the responses of FOWT-SFFC with and without nets under 100-year extreme waves, combined wind and irregular waves are calculated. The simulated response time histories, spectra and statistics are in good agreement with the experimental data. Besides, it is revealed that the effects of 2nd-order wave forces are important for the accurate simulation of low-frequency pitch motion, but unfavorable to the prediction of other responses.

A cost benefit analysis of blue swimming crab gillnet fishery in Pangkajene Island, South Sulawesi

Blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus) are an important capture of the gillnet fisheries practiced around Pangkajene waters. The fisheries have been monitored by the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI) by deploying enumerators who collect some data on the volume and size of crabs captured by fishermen. Information on the economic aspect of the fisheries, i.e., the business feasibility, has not been studied. The method in this study is observation and interviews. Based on monitoring data for 5 fishing units, the financial performance of the crab fisheries was evaluated. The fishing units were selected on the basis of records on eligible crabs. The available data collected from June 25th to July 5th, 2022, were processed and analyzed for calculations of business profit/loss analysis, benefit-cost ratio (B/C), break even point (BEP), and payback period (PP). The results showed that the blue swimming crab-catching business using net fishing gear is, on average feasible and profitable fishing gear with a Benefit Cost Ratio value of 1.36. Based on the calculation of the pay pack, the average period is 1, which means that fishermen only need one year to return the total capital. It is concluded that the crab fishing business is generally feasible financially.

Influence of high-temperature exposure on the properties of gypsum-plastic waste composites: Thermophysical and microstructural analysis

Gypsum plasters are a versatile material with a wide range of applications due to their fireproof, thermal, hygroscopic, and acoustic properties. They are commonly used as a coating material to provide passive protection to structural components. Moreover, the construction sector recognizes the potential for gypsum material to address the issue of plastic waste by offering a recycling solution. However, it is crucial to consider the effect of polymeric waste aggregates on the behavior of the gypsum matrix against fire. To address this issue, this study aims to evaluate the impact of high temperature exposure on the microstructural and thermal properties of gypsum composites containing plastic waste. The study compares two different residues, crushed polypropylene (PP) sourced from disposable coffee capsules and nylon (PA6) fibres obtained from discarded fishing nets, with the reference material as partial replacements of the gypsum matrix. The samples are exposed to different high-temperature conditions, including service temperatures (23 ± 2 °C, 150 °C, and 300 °C) and fire temperatures (1000 °C). The physical, thermal, and chemical properties of the new composites are analyzed based on TGA and XRD analysis, and SEM and micro-CT methods to evaluate the effect of plastic residues on the microstructural properties of the gypsum matrix. Additionally, the cracking patterns induced by 1000 °C exposure are compared. The study finds that the nature of the gypsum matrix remains largely unchanged after plastic waste addition. However, the low cohesion degree of the interface transition zone (ITZ) between the products of different hydration is a critical feature that must be considered during the heating process. It could significantly affect the mechanical performance of the new composites. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the inclusion of PA6 fibres in the gypsum matrix improves the cracking performance after exposure to fire temperature. This is a result of better heat spread by microcracking generated after fibres melted. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of using plastic waste as a partial replacement of gypsum matrix in construction applications. However, it is crucial to consider the impact of high temperature exposure on the mechanical performance of the new composites. Further research is needed to optimize the composition and processing parameters of the new composites to ensure their mechanical stability under fire conditions.

Metallised seaweed-derived bio-char catalyst preparation and its application in the pyrolysis process for the waste fishing nets and marine biomass utilisation

Marine biomass and plastic wastes are one of the most significant ecological issues of water pools, which could be adapted for energy recovery through pyrolysis. Moreover, a catalytical process could be applied to improve the quality and adaptability of the formed product. This study investigates seaweed (SWD) and fishing nets (FN) standalone pyrolysis with and without commercial ZSM-5 catalysts. Therefore, the newly created seaweed char-based metals (iron and copper) impregnated catalysts were investigated using SEM-EDS, XRD, and pore size distribution examination and applied for the selected feedstock pyrolysis process. The study revealed that bio-char contains 335 m2/g of surface area, while the impregnation process increased it to 1066 and 790 m2/g with copper and iron, respectively. Pyrolysis products investigation showed that the main derivatives of the FN liquid fraction are caprolactam and hexanenitrile, while the SWD liquids mainly consist of variously substituted aromatic and phenolic compounds. Copper-impregnated catalyst increased the amount of caprolactam to 54.3 % and hexanenitrile to 31.7 % (FN), while the amount of toluene was increased to 84.2 % (SWD) in the total liquid fraction. This research provides information regarding the promising route of newly created biochar preparation and application as a catalyst for the pyrolysis product upgrading.

Estimation of Total Phosphorus Concentration in Lakes in the Yangtze-Huaihe Region Based on Sentinel-3/OLCI Images

Total phosphorus (TP) concentration is a crucial parameter to assess eutrophication in lakes. As one of the most concentrated regions for freshwater lakes, the Yangtze-Huaihe region plays a significant role in monitoring TP concentrations for the sustainable utilisation of China’s water resources. In this study, a TP concentration estimation model suitable for large-sized lake groups was developed using a combination of measured and remote sensing data powered by advanced machine learning algorithms. Compared to traditional empirical models, the model developed in this study demonstrates significant accuracy in fitting (R2 = 0.53, RMSE = 0.08 mg/L, MAPE = 34.20%). Moreover, the application of this model to lakes in the Yangtze-Huaihe region from 2017 to 2022 has been conducted. The multi-year average TP concentration was 0.18 mg/L. Spatial distribution analyses showed that total phosphorus concentrations were higher in small lakes. In terms of temporal changes, the interannual decreases in total phosphorus concentrations were 0.02 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L, and 0.01 mg/L for small, medium, and large lakes, respectively. We also found that large lakes typically exhibited a “high in spring and summer, low in autumn and winter” pattern until 2020, but transitioned to a “high in summer and autumn, low in spring and winter” pattern after 2020 due to the removal of closed fish nets, which were having a significant impact on the lake ecosystem. Other lakes in the area consistently showed a pattern of “high in spring and summer, low in autumn and winter” during the six-year period. These findings may provide useful references and suggestions for the environmental protection and management of lakes in China.

The modern Ichthyofauna of the Moscow River

Based on the results of ichthyological monitoring, the structure of the catches of fixed, ring and smooth nets, as well as the fry seine for sections of the upper and lower reaches of the Moscow River in 2010–2018 is presented. There were no significant changes in the composition of the ichthyofauna of the Moscow River above the capital compared to the 80–90s of the twentieth century. In the middle and lower reaches of the river, limnophile fish dominate in number and biomass. The share of invasive and previously not accounted for in catches of species in the fish population of the Moscow River by the 20s of the XXI century is already 38 % (17 species), although the occurrence in catches does not exceed 1.3 %. The aim of the work is to analyze the dynamics of the ichthyofauna and determine the fish productivity of various sections of the Moscow River according to the results of ichthyological monitoring of the freshwater fish laboratory of the VNIRO Federal State Budgetary Institution for 2010–2018. Methods used: the collection of ichthyological material was carried out by active and passive net fishing gear. The estimation of the number and biomass of fish was carried out according to traditional methods of direct accounting using smooth and ring nets, as well as a fry seine. Novelty: for the first time during the period of ichthyological research, information is provided on the structure of catches for various sections of the Moscow River according to the hydrological regime. The indicators of fish biomass calculated on the basis of fishing with various tools are presented. The presence of new alien species in the ichthyofauna of the Moscow River at the present stage of its ecosystem existence has been revealed. Practical significance: the results of the work allow us to assess the dynamics of the composition of the fish population and the structure of ichthyocenoses for different sections of the river according to the hydrological regime. The estimation of the number and biomass of fish is necessary to predict the recommended catch of the most significant objects of amateur fishing. Assessment of the state of populations of fish species uncharacteristic for the basin of the Moscow River makes it possible to understand the mechanism of invasive processes and the degree of adaptation of intruders in the conditions of the ecosystem of the Moscow River.

First description of a remnant population of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus, LINNAEUS 1758) in the eastern Austrian Danube

Sturgeon populations worldwide have collapsed due to various anthropogenic impacts but knowledge gaps in habitat requirements and population dynamics still exist. In the Austrian Danube, habitat loss and the blocking of migration routes due to the construction of a chain of ten hydropower plants (HPP) had left the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) as the only remaining sturgeon species, which is classified as “critically endangered”. Since available estimates for the Austrian Danube were based on expert judgement, this study aims to describe the population structure and to estimate the size of a remnant sterlet population in the free-flowing section east of Vienna based on monitoring data. Net fishing was conducted over four years in the tailwater of the HPP Freudenau and population estimates were generated using Capture-Mark-Recapture techniques. A total of 38 sterlets were captured: 27 females, 7 males and 4 with unknown sex. Females were on average larger and heavier (total length (TL) = 800 ± 62 mm; weight (W) = 3294 g ± 1324 g) than males (TL = 660 ± 73 mm; W = 1350 ± 358 g). The population size was estimated at 53 individuals (95 % CI = 43–80) by the POPAN and at 48 individuals (95 % CI = 42–63) by a closed population model. These first monitoring-based population estimates in a free-flowing section of the Austrian Danube provide a base for future population monitoring and the evaluation of ongoing restocking actions. Lacking evidence of natural reproduction and a small population size pose an urgent need to restore the migration corridor and to further improve habitat quality for sturgeons in the Danube and elsewhere.

Establish and apply ISI pathological method to evaluate the intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Gut health is essential for animal growth because it can absorb nutrients more efficiently, promote growth, and protect the body from invasion by pathogenic microorganisms. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, water quality, nutrition level, pathogen, net fishing, and so on will affect the gut health of aquatic animals. Intestinal diseases in aquatic animals were often not easily detected, making them difficult to prevent and control. Therefore, establishing a stable and scientific evaluation standard of gut health was of great significance. This study evaluated the effects of gross pathological and histological parameters of largemouth bass and channel catfish infected by Aeromonas hydrophila. A total of 150 largemouth bass and 150 channel catfish were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1 control group (NC) and 4 challenge groups (CH, fish were infected with A. hydrophila by intraperitoneal injection with a concentration of 200 µL 1x108 CFU/mL, 1x107 CFU/mL, 1x106 CFU/mL, and 1x105 CFU/mL, respectively). After the challenge, largemouth bass’ gross pathological and histological changes were observed on the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 14th days. In contrast, channel catfish’s gross pathological and histological changes were observed on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, and 15th day. In this study, regarding the “I See Inside” (ISI) methodology of poultry, a pathological evaluation method of fish intestinal health was established to comprehensively evaluate the intestinal health status of fish by gross pathological and histopathological score. In gross pathology, it was scored by the body surface and intestinal lesions. In histology, it was a metric evaluation of histological alterations in the intestine, converting macroscopic and microscopic alterations into numbers and then scoring. Each evaluation parameter sets up an “influence factor” (IF) according to the degree of influence of its pathological changes on intestinal function. The final score was the sum of the IF product and this parameter’s score. The results of two kinds of fish showed that the gross pathological and histopathological scores correlated with the infection dose and time. And the significant difference in the score between the enteritis and control groups was observed. The results showed that the higher score, the more serious the pathological changes of fish infected by A. hydrophlia. From this, it can be concluded that the pathological evaluation method established can be used to evaluate the gut health of fish.

Development of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene succinate-co-ethylene adipate-co-ethylene succinate) (PBEAS) net twine as biodegradable fishing gear

Nylon fishing nets have excellent strength and durability, but when lost at sea, their insufficient decomposition destroys habitats and spawning grounds, and pollutes the marine environment. This led to the development of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) resin for biodegradable fishing gear based on aliphatic fibers. Prompted by the low stiffness and elastic recovery of PBS, we introduced two additional components into the molecular structure of PBS: adipic acid and ethylene glycol. These two new components were combined with succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol, the existing components of PBS, to synthesize poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene succinate-co-ethylene adipate-co-ethylene succinate) (PBEAS) resin via esterification and polycondensation reactions of a quaternary aliphatic copolyester. Although the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of PBEAS are similar to those of PBS, it has excellent tensile strength, stiffness, elastic recovery, and biodegradability, with a low melting point for good production efficiency. These improvements are expected to allow PBEAS resin to be applied to gill nets for fish that require high stiffness, thereby expanding the use of biodegradable fishing gear.

Evidence of net fishing in Phoenician Punic Ibiza. Study of some lead net weights found on the island

The study of four groups of net weights made of lead and preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera allows us to consider the use of different types of mesh tackle for fishing in Ibiza during the Phoenician-Punic era. We have distinguished seine trawl seine gear for fishing in the open sea, as well as barrier meshes for shallow fishing on the coastal platform. This implies different capture strategies, different work organization and also different productivity.

Species Composition, Length-Weight Relationship (LWR) and Catch Rate (CPUE) of Dominant Fishes Caught by Ring Net in Romblon Pass, Philippines

Romblon Passage is part of Sulu-Sulawesi eco-region which is considered the global center of marine biodiversity. This area between the major basins provides an important route for migratory species including commercially important marine species. Because of the rich marine resource of this area, it serves as an important fishing ground for the fishermen of Romblon. Despite this, no study had been conducted on the species composition, abundance, size structure, and Length-Weight Relationship of common caught by ring net in Romblon Passage, Philippines. Thus, this study was realized. From July 2017 to January 2018. Six species were identified and Selar crumenophthalmus was the dominant species in the area. The majority of this species were in the immature stage. An increasing trend of growth of S. crumenophthalmus was observed during the survey. The growth of this species is said to be isometric. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) varied in every month. Sample sizes were ranging from 3 to 155 grams with an average weight of 59.24 grams. Based on the findings of this study, a whole year duration of sampling should be conducted. The reproductive biology of S. crumenophthalmus such as the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and fecundity of this species should be done. In addition, a comprehensive whole-year study of the catch rate of ring net fishing in Romblon Pass should be conducted in order determines the population status of the small and big pelagic fishes in the area.

An experimental study of stabilizing ordinary fishing nets (SOFNets) on a stationary SWATH ship seakeeping behavior under irregular waves

The present research aims to experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of an innovative method for reducing the ship motions using Stabilizing Ordinary Fishing Nets that we call it SOFNets from now on. To this end, the influence of a range of SOFNets on the seakeeping behavior of a Small-Waterplane-Area Twin Hull (SWATH) ship in irregular waves is investigated physically in a towing tank laboratory. Understanding, controlling, and improving the seakeeping behavior of ships has always been a major concern of ship designers. As a result, various techniques have been utilized to stabilize ships, including the use of anti-rolling tanks, gyrostabilizers, and stabilizer fins, all three of which are bulky, heavy, and costly. These disadvantages have prevented many ships from using conventional rolling reduction methods. In contrast, the present idea, SOFNets, does not suffer from these shortcomings and can be used in any type of ship with any tonnage. The prepared model is tested in the towing tank of the National Iranian Marine Laboratory (NIMALA) using three different net samples in order to compare the behavior of those nets. This research has introduced for the first time the concept of using a SOFNets to reduce motion amplitude in waves. The length of the SWATH model was 2.1 m, and the tests were carried out according to the International Towing Tank Conference (ITTC) guidelines. The research findings for the SWATH ship indicate that the heave and pitch amplitudes in the head sea state were reduced by up to 21%, and the roll amplitude in the beam sea state was reduced by up to 36%.

Load effects on vessel-shaped fish cage steel structures, nets and connectors considering the effects of diffraction and radiation waves under irregular waves

Vessel-shaped fish cages are mainly composed of a large floating body, aquaculture nets and a number of steel frames. Due to the large scale of vessel-shaped fish cages, the velocity field induced by the diffraction waves and radiation waves cannot be ignored in the calculation of the loads on the net and steel frames. In turn, the loads can affect the wave-induced response of the floating body and hence the radiation waves as well as the sectional forces. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to consider the coupling effect. First, considering the irregular waves in short-term periods, the global response of the floating body is calculated in the time domain by the state-space method based on potential flow theory. Meanwhile, the velocity field considering the influence of the floating body is built according to the velocity transfer function. Then, the Morison formula is used to calculate the loads on the nets and the steel frames. Finally, the coupling achieved through numerical iterations is considered in the calculation of the twine tension, load effect of connector and the global cross-section under irregular waves. It is found that the diffraction and radiation waves make a significant difference in the twine tension and connector load effect.

Environmental Degradation of Nylon, Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) Fishing Line Fibers

Ghost fishing, caused by lost fishing lines and nets, has become a severe problem in marine environments. To eliminate ghost fishing in the ocean, the environmental degradation behavior of fishing lines must be understood. In this study, the environmental degradation of biodegradable nylon 4 fishing lines and commercial nylon 6, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) fishing lines was simulated in the laboratory using an artificial weathering tester and biodegradation test in extracted seawater. To understand the degradation mechanism, the chemical and structural changes induced by photo-oxidation and biodegradation were investigated using tensile test, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering. The results indicated that photo-oxidation occurred in the amorphous phase of the nylon 4, nylon 6, and PET fishing lines during ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The nylon 4 fishing lines exhibited excellent biodegradability, whereas the nylon 6, PET, and PVDF fishing lines could not be degraded by microorganisms in the extracted seawater. Both processes, i.e., photo-oxidation and biodegradation, were confined to the amorphous regions of nylon 4. Note that the PVDF fishing lines could not be degraded by UV exposure and biodegradation and, hence, should be recycled after use.

Productivity and Environmental Friendliness Evaluation of Circular Net Fishing Gear in West Java

Based on the mission of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), namely about sustainability where one of the focuses of realization efforts carried out is to improve the sustainability of capture and aquaculture businesses. The potential of ??ng waters can be developed including ?d?l?h d? freshwater waters (rivers, lakes, ponds), brackish waters (ponds) and marine waters (beaches and high seas). The noble mission is also outlined in the implementation of the 6th nawacita, namely fisheries resource management directed through sub-agendas: Acceleration of national economic growth through increasing fishery products, namely through improving the quality, added value and innovation of fisheries technology, improving the quality of fishery facilities and infrastructure, improving fisheries governance and sustainable fisheries management. This study aims to analyze the diversity of the types of circular net fishing equipment in West Java Province, especially the marine waters of the North West Java region, the productivity value of ring nets based on the type and classification of fishing vessel sizes authorized by the Provincial Government, and productivity and level of environmental friendliness of ring nets used in West Java Province, especially the sea waters of the northern region of West Java. The study areas studied were the northern coastal areas in West Java, namely Bekasi Regency, Karawang Regency, Subang Regency, Indramayu Regency, and Cirebon Regency. This activity was carried out for one month, namely July 2022.

Urogenital Schistosomiasis Transmission and Human Water Contact Activities in Owena Reservoir/Dam, Ondo East Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

<i>Background</i>: This study on urogenital schistosomiasis transmission and the roles played by human water contact activities was carried out in selected three communities viz Owena, Kajola and Baiken, bordering Owena Reservoir/Dam in Ondo East Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria for a period of twenty four months. <i>Objective</i>: To ascertain the effects of human water contact activities on urogenital schistosomiasis transmission. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: Each site was observed for water contact activities once every month for twenty-four months. Observation was made at each site in February (dry season), May (early rainy season), August (rainy season) and November (early dry season). During this period, records were taken about individuals entering and leaving the water. Various types of human water contact activities were grouped on the basis of general purpose of contact. With regards to degree of body exposure and mean duration of contacts; using canoe, fetching water, washing household utensils, sorting fish and washing exposed limbs, all involved exposure of only parts of the lower limbs (foot and leg) and or the upper limbs (hand and forearm) for a brief period of time grouped as partial contact activities. Water contact activities consist of washing clothes and fish nets, processing food products (such as cassava and palm oil) may involve exposure of most parts of the lower and/or the upper limbs for a longer period. Swimming and bathing commonly involve total exposure for a very long time and were designated as complete contacts. <i>Results</i>: General pattern of human water contact activities in the study revealed 34,686 (61.6%) domestic, 15,897 (28.2%) economic, 5,732 (10.2%) recreational and 15 (0.03%) religious activities. Frequency of these activities varied significantly (p<0.05) among stations and seasons but comparable from one year to the other. School children (5-19 years age group) spent more time on exposure than adults who spent more time on partial and limited exposure. As a result, the exposure index was significantly (p<0.001) age dependent and followed the same pattern as duration of contact. Site containing most infected <i>Bulinus globosus </i>snails was site 4 (KAJ 1) at Kajola community with snail infection rate of 9.2% and the same site 4 (KAJ 1) had the highest relative index of exposure (15,063.80) as well as level of total duration (14,215) of contact in minutes. <i>Conclusion</i>: Site 4 (KAJ 1) at Kajola community was the transmission site in Owena Reservoir/Dam, Ondo East Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.