Management Of Fishery Resources Research Articles

Distribution of Commercially Important Edible Mollusc (Bivalvia and Gastropoda) from Six Districts of Terengganu, Malaysia

Terengganu has a large coastal and wetland area where it provides habitat for edible mollusc. The edible molluscs are one of the most important sources of animal protein for the local communities. The distribution of edible molluscs was studied in six districts of the Terengganu coastal waters between August 2020 and March 2022. In each district, samples were purchased from the wet market, fishing villages and roadside outlets every four months interval. A total of 1,043 individuals was observed and 23 species of edible molluscs were recorded from six districts of Terengganu representing 11 families. Bivalves were found to be dominated by 14 species from seven families. The family Cyrenidae (bivalve) was widespread in five districts where Geloina expansa, was recorded in almost all districts. Meanwhile, for gastropods, nine species from four families were found where Ellobiidae (gastropod) was dominant and the most common gastropod species was Faunus ater, which was found in four locations in Terengganu. These species have great commercial value in Terengganu districts as they are sought extensively as food by the locals and also represent one of their sources of financial survival, especially for those living near to coastal areas. This baseline study could serve as a future indicator for the sustainable management of fisheries resources and for further ecological studies.

Feeding Habits and Reproductive Biology of Newly Discovered Endemic Glassfish, Parambassis waikhomi Geetakumari & Basudha, 2012 of Manipur

Parambassis waikhomi Geetakumari & Basudha, 2012, locally called Ngamhai in Manipuri dialect, is carnivorous in nature, mainly feeds on zooplankton, larvae, nymph etc. The alimentary canal of P. waikhomi is short with well demarcated stomach, and villiform teeth in both the jaws. The values of relative gut length (RGL) ranges from 0.44–0.5 for the specimens whose gut length ranges from 24.12–30.6 mm and body size range from 50–70 mm in total length of body. The maximum values of Gonado-somatic index (GSI) for males and females were observed in April i.e., 1.9439 and 10.2976 respectively. The absolute fecundity determined in the size range of 43.52–63.15 mm in total length and 1.51–4.95 g in body weight ranged from 16860 eggs for ovary weight of 0.15g to 55076 eggs for ovary weight of 0.49g. The species generally breed on pre-monsoon (March). These findings will be helpful for aquaculturist and fisheries resource management strategies as this is an endemic potential ornamental species which can be introduced in ornamental fish industries and its popularization to the rest of the world.

Comparative Analysis VGG16 Vs MobileNet Performance for Fish Identification

This research aims to conduct a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of two neural network architectures in the field of fish identification through the utilization of supervised learning techniques. The evaluation of VGG16 and MobileNet, which are prominent deep learning architectures, has been conducted about their speed, accuracy, and efficiency in resource utilization. To assess the classification performance of both architectures, we employed a dataset encompassing diverse fish categories. The findings indicated that the VGG16 model demonstrated superior accuracy in fish classification, albeit due to increased computational time and resource utilization. On the contrary, MobileNet exhibits enhanced speed and efficiency, albeit at a marginal cost to its accuracy. The findings of this study have the potential to inform the selection of deep learning models for fish recognition scenarios, considering the specific requirements of the task, such as prioritizing accuracy or efficiency. The findings mentioned above offer significant insights that can be utilized in the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based applications within the domains of fisheries resource management and environmental monitoring. These applications specifically necessitate precise and effective fish recognition capabilities. The comparison findings indicate that the accuracy achieved by VGG16 was 0.99, whereas MobileNet also attained an accuracy of 0.99.

Preface

Pandemic COVID-19 has hardly impacted global fisheries and aquaculture, as FAO reported in the 34th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in February 2021. FOA further suggest that this pandemic impact catalyzes the fisheries sector to be more innovative, socially, and environmentally responsible. Fish and fisheries product are well-known healthy food. It contains high quality and quantity of protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals to maintain human health status. The innovation of science and technology in the fisheries sector is a crucial point to improve and assure the efficiency and sustainability of the production and utilization of the resource. Research activities and development should be synergically conducted to implement technologies that benefit the communities.Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, holds a biennially international symposium to provide access and exchange of research data and fisheries experience to support the transfer of knowledge and technology to strengthen the world’s fisheries sector. The 5th International Symposium on Marine and Fisheries Research (The 5th ISMFR) aims to bring together academic scientists, researcher, government institutions, private parties, and stakeholders to share and exchange progress information, experiences, and research results in all aspects of marine and fisheries sciences. The 5th ISMFR theme was “Transformative Adaptation: An Approach in Building Resilience into Sustainable Fisheries”. It covered a broad spectrum of fisheries-related topics, including aquaculture, fish disease, fish genetics, biotechnology, marine natural product, seafood processing technology, seafood safety, fisheries biology, fisheries resources management, fisheries socio-economics, oceanography, climate sciences, and marine ecotoxicology. The 5th ISMFR was held on July 24nd 2023 at Grand Rohan Hotel, Yogyakarta. The seminar’s organizing committee was located in the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Management of symposium was carried out using the website (https://ismfrugm.faperta.ugm.ac.id/) and for the proceeding submission using the Morresier platform.The symposium consists of plenary session and parallel presentation sessions. The plenary session presented four keynote speakers, namely Professor Dr. Rockmin Dahuri the Head of Indonesian Aquaculture Society (Indonesia), Professor Dr. Sc. Amir Husni form Department of Fisheries, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia (Indonesia), Noranizan Mohd Adzahan, Ph.D from Universiti Putra Malaysia (Malaysia), and Dr. Krishna R. Salin the President World Aquaculture Society Asia Pacific Chapter (India). A total of six parallel class was conducted with 7 invited speakers and presenters from five countries, namely Egypt, USA, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia. Presentations in each parallel class were divided into presentation panels consisting of approximately five presenters. Each presenter was given 12 minutes for presentation and discussion. A total of 144 scientific papers has been presented at the 5th ISMFR. The 5th ISMFR was attended by 136 participants. Presenters and attendances join the symposium in person at Grand Rohan Hotel, Yogyakarta. Presenters and attendances who were unable to attend in person took part in symposium virtually via Zoom Meeting platform.This proceeding provides an opportunity for readers to gain more information from the reviewed papers that have been presented in the 5th ISMFR. The articles published in this proceeding were selected gorm the papers presented in the symposium. The reviewed from four countries (Austria, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia) and editors from four countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Austria, and Indonesia) have participated in the abstract screening, improving, and finalizing the manuscript. The proceedings divided into three sections, namely aquaculture, aquatic resource management, dan fish product technology. From this proceeding, readers will find recent research finding on broad aspect of fisheries and marine sciences to come up with new knowledge and idea to promote sustainable fisheries through technology and research innovation for a healthy community.We want to thank all parties for the success of the 5th ISMFR. Our gratitude is presented to organizing committee, keynote and invited speakers, reviewers, editors, and editing staff for the dedication, hard work, and tireless efforts in implementing the symposium and publication process. We express our acknowledgment to the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Head of Fisheries Department, and the Publication Agency of Universitas Gadjah Mada, who provided continuous support on the symposium. Our thank you also conveyed to the speakers and participants, who have given their best effort to disseminate, discuss, and publish papers. We also thank to all parties who have contributed to the success of the 5th ISMFR and the publication. We sincerely hope readers will be find notable pieces of knowledge on fisheries and marine science from different points of view.Chief EditorList of committees of the 5th ISMFR, Documentation of the 5th ISMFR are available in this pdf.

Komposisi Jenis Makanan dalam Lambung Ikan Nilem (Osteochilus vittatus Valenciennes, 1842) di Danau Tamblingan, Buleleng, Bali

Tamblingan Lake is the smallest lake in Bali and is a confined endorheic basin area that very vital for the surrounding environment. Bonylip barb is a fish from the family Cyprinidae that lives in Tamblingan Lake. Information on the composition of such fish food in Tamblingan Lake does not exist. The aims of this study to analyze and explain the food ecology of Osteochilus vittatus, especially the composition of its food types in Tamblingan Lake. The study was conducted in Tamblingan Lake from January to June 2019 using a modified gill nets with the mesh size 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0 inches. The fish was carried out at five stations with water characteristics that represent the water conditions of Tamblingan Lake. The fish was obtained during the research were calculated on 216 individuals. Contents of the intestines were observed using a microscope with the census method without replication. Composition of the type of food was interpreted using Microsoft Excel to be described in a chart. The results showed that Osteochilus vittatus in Tamblingan Lake was omnivore fish with 51 species of organisms found consisting of 7 classes of phytoplankton, 7 classes of zooplankton, and 1 class of aquatic plant. Phytoplankton from the class of Bacillariophyceae was the dominant food of Osteochilus vittatus. The class of Bacillariophyceae that was often found was Surirella sp. The food of Osteochilus vittatus change due to changing seasons. Information of Osteochilus vittatus can be used as a basis for fisheries resources management in Tamblingan Lake.

Penerbitan SKPI sebagai Indikator Ekspor Hasil Tangkapan Madidihang di PPN Ambon

The Fish Landing Certificate (SKPI) is an indicator for small-scale fishermen in exporting their catch. In accordance with article 2 of Permen No.13/MEN/2012 SKPI is an instrument derived from SHTI which aims to facilitate trade activities to eradicate IUU Fishing and ensure traceability of fish catches and ensure the conservation of sustainable management of fisheries resources. This study aims to analyze the amount of yellowfin tuna production based on fishing time and fishing area (DPI), analyze trends and distribution patterns of yellowfin tuna exports based on SKPI data at the Ambon Archipelago Fishery Port. Methods Data collection was carried out through observation and interviews with quantitative descriptive analysis and trend analysis. The results showed that the highest amount of yellowfin tuna production based on DPI was in WPP 715 and the fishing area with the least production was in WPP 718. The percentage of development trends in production of yellowfin tuna catches based on SKPI data showed that the highest percentage of production was in August and the lowest percentage of production was in May. Furthermore, for the flow of distribution of tuna exports from small-scale fishermen, they usually take care of the SKPI directly at the Ambon PPN harbor. After the required documents have been validated for completeness, the harbormaster will immediately issue an SKPI. After requirements documents are validated furthermore used to be sent to America, Vietnam and Japan.

Highly structured habitats mitigate size‐ and growth‐selective mortality of post‐settlement juvenile fish

AbstractThe role of vegetated habitats such as seagrass and macroalgal beds as nurseries is essential for the survival of larval and juvenile fish, although quantitative evaluation of the contribution of these habitats to nursery function is limited. Moreover, growth–survival relationships of larvae and juveniles associated with vegetated habitats have rarely been examined. To quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the processes affecting juvenile survival in vegetated habitats, we investigated whether there is a correlation between the degree of selection for bigger and faster‐growing fish and mortality rates for three cohorts by birth date of post‐settlement black rockfish (Sebastes cheni) in a macroalgal bed. We also analyzed relationships between growth rate and experienced temperature by age class to examine the effects of temperature on growth. The latest cohort, which grew under lower vegetation coverage due to a seasonal increase in water temperature, showed higher mortality with evidence of strong selection for survival of bigger and faster‐growing fish. The growth–temperature relationships showed that positive effects of temperature on growth weakened after settlement. Therefore, we suggest that macroalgal coverage has a critical role in controlling the growth–mortality relationship of post‐settlement S. cheni. Furthermore, the negative effects of high temperature on juvenile survival through loss of vegetation may be greater than the positive effects on juvenile growth. These findings would contribute to the management of fisheries resources by increasing the understanding of relationships between survival mechanisms in fish early life stages and vegetation phenology of their habitat under the increasing effects of global warming.

Analisis Hubungan Panjang Berat Pada Ikan Selar Kuning Selaroides leptolepis di Pangkalan Pendaratan Ikan (PPI), Kota Sorong

Sorong City is located in a strategic area in Southwest Papua Province. The development of the fisheries sector in Sorong City is increasing, and various efforts are being made by the Regional Government, one of which is to support Fish Landing Base (PPI) facilities that are needed by fishermen as a place to land their catch, which is then purchased by collectors or consumers. The types of fish that are generally landed in PPI Sorong City are generally large, medium, and small pelagic fish. Yellow trevally (Selaroides leptolepis), known locally as Oci fish, is one of the most popular fish types in Sorong. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the length and weight of yellow trevally (Selaroides leptolepis) as a basis for fisheries resource management. The research was conducted at PPI Sorong City in July, August, and September 2022. The samples used were obtained from Selar Fish landed in PPI Sorong City, which were then measured and weighed. The results obtained in July were b= 2.32, which was negative allometric; in August, b= 2.60, which was negative allometric; and in September, b= 3.10, which was positive allometric.

Seasonal potential fishing zone model in the regional fisheries management of Indonesia (WPP-RI) 716 based on remote sensing satellite data

The variability of atmosphere-ocean interactions highly influences the distribution of fishing zones in the surrounding Indonesia Through Flow (ITF) channel, such as the WPP-716 region. Therefore, the seasonal determination of the fishing zone is crucial in this zone as one of the regional fisheries managements in Indonesia. This study aims to create a potential fishing zone (PFZ) model in the Regional Fisheries Management of Indonesia (WPP-RI) 716 based on the remote sensing satellite data. This study used the daily SST data extracted from the Suomi-National Polar-Orbiting Partnership-Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (SNPP-VIIRS) image Level 2 from 2018 to 2019. A Single Image Edge Detection (SIED) method is applied to determine the PFZ points. Supporting data, such as sea current patterns, chlorophyll-a, fish-catching zones and Catch per Unit of Effort (CpUE), are also considered to bolster this study's findings. The models were validated and compared with the results established by central authority fish catch data. Of particular concern, the highest detection of PFZ is observed during the second transitional season, reaching 1835 points scattered all over the study area. The frequently detected PFZ is identified in northern Sulawesi and Sangihe Islands, where the circular eddy current observed during the second transitional season, ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 m/s, indicating upwelling (high productivity) events proven by the variability of surface temperature and chlorophyll-a and aligned with the high value of CpUE (ranging from 20 to 28 ​kg/GT/day). The developed model is expected to be a basis for further decision-making regarding fishery resources management in the study area.

Assessing larval fish diversity and conservation needs in the Luzon strait using DNA barcoding

IntroductionAccurate species identification and biodiversity assessment of larval fish are essential for effective management and conservation of fisheries resources, as it allows for the estimation of parent stocks, assessment of future recruitment, and prediction of spawning and nursing grounds. However, traditional morphology-based identification methods have inherent limitations, highlighting the need for accurate and efficient techniques to address these challenges effectively. The Luzon Strait, a crucial channel connecting the South China Sea to Western Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its fish biodiversity. However, our knowledge of the biodiversity status of larval fish species in this region remains insufficient.MethodsHere we employed DNA barcoding to assess larval fish species diversity in the Luzon Strait and adjacent waters. We investigated the species composition, diversity, and geographical distribution of larval fish communities in the region. Moreover, we assessed habitat types, human uses, and IUCN conservation status of each larval fish species.ResultsA total of 385 larval fish individuals were collected from 15 stations, and 354 individuals were successfully barcoded and identified, representing 147 species from 93 genera, 44 families, and 22 orders. The interspecific Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) divergence exhibited a significant increase of approximately 55-fold higher than intraspecific divergence. The phylogenetic neighbor-joining tree confirmed the distinct lineages for each taxonomic level, demonstrating the feasibility of DNA barcoding. We observed notable variations in fish species diversity and community composition among sampling stations. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed greater diversity and dissimilarity of larval fish community compositions in the western regions compared to the eastern regions. This pattern corresponded to the grouping based on the path of the Kuroshio current, suggesting its influence on the fish community structure. Additionally, economically valuable species were identified at these stations, highlighting their ecological significance as potential spawning or nursery grounds for larval fish. We also examined the habitat type, human use, and conservation status of each larval fish species, providing comprehensive insights into their ecological significance and conservation needs.DiscussionThe establishment of a local DNA sequences database through DNA barcoding will greatly enhance the accuracy of species identification in environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding applications. Altogether, this study offers valuable information for identifying important spawning and nursing grounds of fish populations, thereby supporting sustainable management and conservation of fisheries resources in this region.

Institutionalizing Cooperation and Sustaining Collective Action: The Case of the Binulasan Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Association

Institutionalizing Cooperation and Sustaining Collective Action: The Case of the Binulasan Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Association

Surface material of acoustic transmitters influences the inflammatory response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during long-term implantation

Telemetry tags are a widely used technology for tracking animals that are difficult to observe in their natural environment. This technology has been increasingly used to monitor and study populations of high value salmonid species in Canadian waters. This study expands on a previous study of the impacts of tag implantation on the immune system of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Pro-inflammatory cytokines and protein level markers were examined in fish that underwent peritoneal implantation of three tag types and compared to a sham surgery control group. The different materials on the surface of the tags showed differential immune induction extending over a two-month period. This included peritoneal total protein, IL-1β protein, the immunoglobulins IgT and IgM, as well as pro-inflammatory transcripts in the spleen. These results are suggestive of a prolonged, costly foreign body response which may be differentially induced by the different types of tag coating, with ceramic tags being least immunogenic. Examining tag impacts at the level of the immune system will facilitate the development of more biocompatible tags which will improve data fidelity. This will support more effective strategies for the management of fisheries resources.

The Authority of Lampung Provincial Government in Managing Fisheries Resources in Era of Regional Autonomy

The global COVID-19 outbreak has had a major impact on the marine and fisheries industry in Indonesia. This is also felt by fishermen in Lampung Province with the decline in demand for fishery products in the domestic and international markets in Lampung Province. The overall decline in the fisheries production cycle is influenced by the decline in demand from consumers. The local government has an important role to help restore the condition. The problem in this research is how the authority of the local government of Lampung Province in the management of fisheries resources in the era of regional autonomy and how the efforts of the marine and fisheries office of Lampung Province in an effort to achieve fisheries production in the era of regional autonomy. The research method used is normative research with statute approach. The results of this study are in accordance with the Governor's Regulation on the determination of the main tasks and functions of the Lampung Province Maritime and Fisheries Service as an implementing element of local government in the field of marine and fisheries led by a Head of Service who is responsible to the Governor. he goal is to implement the commitment of the Governor and Deputy Governor elected in 2019-2024 on marine and the Berjaya Fishermen Program to prioritize the welfare of the fishing industry, especially fishermen and their families. The Lampung Provincial Maritime and Fisheries Service provides solutions in the form of feed assistance in collaboration with Lampung University, fish nurseries and distribution in four districts and cities as well as Mobilizing registration and licensing to increase the capacity of fishermen and facilitate licensing and shipping documentation.

The environmental niche of the squid-jigging fleet in the North Pacific Ocean based on automatic identification system data

The vast number of fishing fleets and limited regulatory capacity pose challenges to the effective monitoring and management of marine fishery resources. To understand the fishing characteristics of spatial distribution for squid-jigging fleets in the North Pacific Ocean (NPO), satellite-based automatic identification system (AIS) data during 2016 ∼ 2020 and marine environmental data were applied to explore the drivers of fishing activities based on the boosted regression tree (BRT) and generalized additive model (GAM). The results showed that the BRT model has better performance than the GAM. The spatial distribution of squid-jigging fleets has a significant seasonality. Specifically, the spatial distribution of Fishing effort (FE) gradually shifted to the northwest from May to September, while gradually shifted to the southwest from October to November. The favourable area for focusing FE was the 150°E ∼ 165°E, 40°N ∼ 44°N. The latitudinal distribution of FE was not wide and the longitudinal distribution was long. Variations in the marine environment constantly influenced the FE of the squid-jigging fleets. Overall, the influence of sea surface temperature (T0) on FE was most significant. The favourable range of T0 for FE was 12 ∼ 20°C. Water temperature at the 300 m depth (T300) was also an important factor through the fishing season. The favourable range of T300 for FE was 3 ∼ 6°C. There were obvious differences in the influence of other environmental factors on FE in different months. Different environmental variables drive the spatial distribution of fishing effort in different months. This study may help to scientifically and effectively guide fishery management and sustainable development by evaluating the spatial variations in fishing activity.

Spatial and seasonal fluctuations of Ichthyoplankton assemblage in the Mediterranean coast of Morocco (Southwestern Alboran Sea)

Ichthyoplankton represent the first life stages of fish. The study of ichthyoplankton is crucial to understanding marine ecosystems and plays an important role in the management and durability of fisheries resources. During March and October of 2019, two oceanographic ichthyoplankton surveys were conducted in the Mediterranean Sea of Morocco from Tanger to Saadia by studying the horizontal structure of the ichthyoplankton species assemblage and its relation to environmental parameters. The average surface water temperature was (15.8°C in spring and 16.4°C in autumn). The fish eggs and larvae were more abundant in March than in October (21268 eggs/10m² and 14084 larvae/10m² in spring and 10094 eggs/10m² and 13796 larvae/10m²). In both seasons, fish eggs from the families Sternoptychidae and Sparidae were dominant (10101 eggs/10m² and 7527 eggs/10m² in spring and 4422 eggs/10m² and 3928 eggs/10m² in fall, respectively). However, Myctophidae larvae were the most abundant in the study area, reaching 7601 larvae/10m² in spring and 11021 larvae/10m² in autumn. The environmental parameters: temperature, salinity and chlorophyll-a (surface) seem to directly influence the spatial distribution of ichtyoplancton. On the other hand, it seems that predation by jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca)was a very important factor that added to the factors that influenced the distribution of the species of fish eggs and larvae. This work represents the first survey conducted in the southwestern Alboran Sea, which studies the horizontal structure of the ichthyoplankton species assemblage and its relation to environmental factors in the spring and autumn of 2019.

Size Structure of Exploited Holothurian Natural Stocks in the Hellenic Seas

Size limitations are commonly applied as regulatory measures for the sustainable management of marine invertebrate fishery resources. However, the setting of biologically meaningful size limits in holothurians is puzzling, due to the limited knowledge of their biology and the great plasticity in size and weight, owing to the increased contractibility of their body, and the large quantity and variability of their coelomic fluid. To evaluate the efficiency of official size limits in Hellenic fishery regulation, the biometry of the exploited species, i.e., H. tubulosa, H. poli, H. mammata, and H. sanctori, was assessed in the main fishery grounds of the Hellenic Seas. Specimens of all four species were haphazardly collected and measured for total length and drained body weight at 46 sampling sites dispersed in the north Aegean, the Sporades, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and the Ionian fishery grounds. According to presented results, the official size limit of 180 g for drained weight appeared to be adequate for H. tubulosa and H. mammata. Adjustment of the relevant regulations for H. poli and H. sanctori are suggested by reduction to 140 g for the former and increment to 200 g for the latter species, to better fit their biological traits.

Are fishes selecting the trash they eat? Influence of feeding mode and habitat on microplastic uptake in an artificial reef complex (ARC)

Every year, coastal countries generate ∼275 million tons of plastic, and the oceans receive from 4.8 to 12.7 million tons3. Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic for the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics (MPs). In the present study, we analyze the selection of MPs by the ichthyofauna based on the availability of the morphotypes and polymeric composition of microplastic in the environment and compare the amount of MP in surface water, water column, sediments and fish in different organs, trophic categories, habitats and areas with and without artificial reefs. In order to achieve this goal, the shape, color, abundance and chemical composition of MPs in the digestive tract and gills of 18 fish species in artificial reefs area and control area, were evaluated. A total of 216 fish were analyzed, and 149 (60 %) had MPs in at least one organ and showed a mean concentration of 1.55 ± 3.31 MPs/g. Of the 18 fish species collected in the reef complex area, 17 (94 %) included individuals with at least one MP in digestive tract or gills. Four species showed the higher selectivity of MP types, colors, and polymers. More MPs were found in the fish, surface water, water column and sediment in the artificial reef area compared to the control areas. This is the first evidence of MP selection by commercially important fish species in artificial marine structures worldwide. These results provide useful information on MP pollution in RAs and highlight yet another issue that must be considered in the management of fisheries resources in the region and in other reef complexes around the world.

Identification of potential breeding ground of flathead grey mullet, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758), along the Mumbai coast, India, for ecological monitoring and conservation strategies.

Identifying the breeding grounds of fishes is crucial for the sustainable management of fisheries resources. The present study is aimed at identifying the potential breeding ground of Mugil cephalus along the estuary of the North Mumbai coast. A total of 1197 specimens of M. cephalus, including 546 eggs, 271 larvae, 235 juveniles, and 235 adults, were collected from four sampling stations in the Karanja estuary between January to October 2022. Water quality parameters, plankton dynamics in the estuary, and the reproductive and feeding biology of M. cephalus were also examined. The eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults were identified using traditional morpho-meristic and DNA barcoding techniques. The results revealed a potential spawning ground of M. cephalus in the Karanja estuary. The results of reproductive biology also confirmed the occurrence of matured fishes during May-July. The abundance of eggs and larvae at the estuary's mouth and the presence of juveniles and mature individuals of M. cephalus dominantly in the Karanja estuary from May to July infer the presence of a spawning site. It is also recorded that M. cephalus spawn in higher salinity (35 ppt) and seawater temperature (33 °C) where the hatching of offspring takes place successfully. This study emphasizes the significance of DNA barcoding in guiding routine monitoring surveys and demonstrates its usefulness when combined with these techniques in identifying fish spawning grounds. The study findings will serve as baseline information to develop effective conservation and management strategies and protect the ideal spawning stock.

Inland Fisheries: Challenging Issues & Management Strategies in Indian Context

Inland capture and culture fisheries is an important sector of Indian agriculture, providing employment, food and nutritional security, particularly to the rural poor and better access to protein-rich food for all. The country has shown continuous and sustained increments in fish production, since independence. The inland fisheries are composed of mainly three components i.e. fisheries resources, fish & fishers. The sector has vast production potential, particularly for inland aquaculture and culture-based fisheries resources. But nowadays, the sector is facing various challenging issues like environmental pressures, overexploitation, inadequate database & catch information, unequal gender participation, lack of sufficient infrastructure and inadequate governance systems. In order to overcome these issues, a holistic approach is required to manage the inland fisheries by involving its major components which are fisheries resources, fish & fishers. This is the need of the hour to take action in a collaborative manner by government, scientists, fishery managers, fishers and multiple resource users for sustainable management of inland fisheries resources by encompassing the concept of Ecosystem-based fisheries management. We all need to be responsible for our duties towards the conservation and management of aquatic resources, not only for conserving the wealth of inland fisheries for the present but for future generations also.

Ecological notes and occurrence of Astrangia solitaria (Le Sueur, 1817) (Cnidaria: Astrangiidae) for the Northern Brazilian Coast

Ecological associations are widely reported in literature, covering several levels in the trophic chain or with different species interaction. However, the epibiosis between coral and gastropod species is still rarely observed in Brazil. Therefore, herein we report the epibiosis between the coral species Astrangia solitaria (Le Sueur, 1817) and the gastropod Turbinella laevigata Anton, 1838, additionally, extending the distribution of A. solitaria from the northern Brazilian coast (State of Amapá). The species were collected as bycatch fauna during commercial fishing operations along the continental shelf of Amapá, under the supervision of Center for Research and Management of Fisheries Resources of the North Coast (CEPNOR). This paper increases the northernmost record of A. solitaria and expands its epibiosis interaction with T. laevigata.