Stock Status Research Articles

Automated Inventory Management Systems with IoT Integration to Optimize Stock Levels and Reduce Carrying Costs for SMEs: A Comprehensive Review

Automated inventory management systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology represent a transformative approach for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in optimizing their stock levels and reducing carrying costs. A literature review also shows that there is progress in developing automated solutions, such as IoT sensors, real- time data analytics, and cloud-based applications that improve inventory control. A study shows that the adoption of IoT in automation has seen improvement in the accuracy of inventory, a reduction in stockouts, and carrying costs among SMEs. Research suggests operational improvements including reduced downtime from real time tracking, reverse logistics systems with intuitive demand forecasting for ideal stock replenishment and automation of reordering systems while effectively managing working capital. Materials and Methods: Research methodology encompassed a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and empirical research focusing on automated inventory management systems with IoT integration in SMEs. Criteria for choosing the literature included articles focusing on the outcomes of IoT implementation, technical integration, and performance of inventory systems. Data extraction main concern was on the efficiencies of the SC such as inventory accuracy, carrying costs, stockouts, and ROI. Descriptive methods used involved comparisons between pre-implementation and post- implementation data, use of statistical tools for measurement of performance enhancement and assessment of factors important in the deployment of the system. Results Implementation of IoT-integrated automated inventory management systems demonstrated significant improvements across multiple performance metrics. Studies reported average inventory accuracy improvements of 25-35%, reduction in carrying costs [1] by 20-30%, and decrease in stockout incidents by 35-45%. Real-time monitoring capabilities led to improved demand forecasting accuracy by 40%, while automated reordering systems reduced manual processing time by 60%. Cloud-based platforms enabled better inventory visibility and control, resulting in working capital optimization of 15-25%. SMEs implementing integrated systems reported enhanced supplier collaboration, reduced lead times, and improved customer satisfaction levels. Cost-benefit analyses indicated positive ROI within 12-18 months of system deployment. Discussion Analysis reveals several key factors contributing to successful implementation of automated inventory management systems with IoT integration. Critical success factors include proper system architecture design, effective change management strategies, and comprehensive staff training programs. Integration challenges primarily revolve around initial investment costs, technical expertise requirements, and system interoperability concerns. Studies show that the greater gains are experienced by SMEs with higher ITOR and those engaged in intricate supply chain operations. Literature review also points to differences in implementation strategies across different sectors and in their recovery, with manufacturing and retail sectors having the highest levels of adoption and improvement. Conclusion IoT-integrated automated inventory management solutions should be adopted by SMEs and are affirmed by ample data to help optimize stock status and minimize carrying costs. The tangible benefits that could be noted are accuracy in inventory, less operational costs, visibility of supply chain, and optimal use of working capital. In appointing the factors affecting the implementation success, it requires the assessment of the technical feasibility and organisational readiness as well as the management of change strategies. Research shows that dynamic technology factors will continue to improve the system’s performance and increased availability to SMEs. Due to advancement in IoT technology, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, there are potential factors that may boost the performance and cost of automatically Managed inventory systems in the future.

Hypoxia influences the extent and dynamics of suitable fish habitat in Chesapeake Bay, USA

Intra-annual patterns of hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay have been recorded since the mid-1900s, but anthropogenic inputs and climate change have exacerbated the volume and extent of hypoxic waters, which mobile marine fishes avoid. This estuary provides important habitat for many seasonally resident species but declines in relative abundance and relative habitat usage have been documented. An understanding of the relationship between environmental conditions and habitat suitability could assist in evaluating the stock status of these species. To characterize baseline habitat associations for Micropogonias undulatus, Leiostomus xanthurus, Paralichthys dentatus, and Cynoscion regalis, ecological niche models were developed relating catch-per-unit-effort data from a fisheries-independent trawl survey conducted within Chesapeake Bay to environmental covariates. Model output indicated that impacts of climate change on the environmental conditions, including continued increases in temperature and decreases in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, will likely further the decline in estuarine utilization of these species. The niche envelopes were then paired with hindcasts from an estuarine-carbon-biogeochemical regional model to derive estimates of spatiotemporal habitat suitability. The patterns in habitat suitability do not match those of declining abundance, indicating that dynamics outside of Chesapeake Bay are likely driving the shift. An auxiliary model was used to replace hypoxic DO concentrations with normoxic concentrations to evaluate the influence of hypoxia on habitat suitability. Both hypoxic severity and extent displayed significant associations with the quantity of suitable habitat available to each species in the bay. Results characterize the complexity of the dynamics underpinning observed trends in habitat utilization.

Improving the last mile delivery of vaccines through an informed push model: Experiences, opportunities and costs based on an implementation study in a rural district in Uganda.

Developing countries face challenges in ensuring equitable, timely, and efficient vaccine availability at health facilities. In Uganda, the distribution of vaccines from district stores to the last-mile health facilities is hindered by an unpredictable and unreliable mixed push-pull delivery system. This system often results in poor vaccine management, stock-outs, and missed vaccination opportunities. This pilot study aimed to enhance the efficiency of last-mile vaccine delivery by implementing an informed push model. The specific goals were to improve vaccine lead time, standardize cold chain management during transportation, and evaluate the costs of implementing the informed push model. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the impact of the informed push model in Gomba district, Uganda. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected at baseline and endline. Quantitative data included mode, frequency, lead-time, and costs of vaccine delivery, vaccine stock status, and cold chain maintenance during transportation, gathered through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data on experiences and challenges were collected using a guide. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data analysis, while an ingredients approach was used for costing data. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. The informed push system significantly improved vaccine delivery efficiency and quality in Gomba district. The average lead-time for vaccine delivery reduced from 14 days at baseline to 5 days at endline. Timely vaccine receipt at health facilities increased from 36.8% to 100%. Temperature monitoring during transit improved from 26.3% to 100%. The proportion of facilities experiencing stock-outs dropped from 79.0% to 36.8%. Monthly distribution costs decreased from $494.8 ($0.07 per child) to $445.9 ($0.06 per child). The informed push model is a cost-effective strategy for improving last-mile vaccine delivery by reducing lead times, enhancing cold chain management, and decreasing stock-outs. Integration into the national immunization program is recommended for broader adoption in Uganda.

Evaluating soil quality and carbon storage in Western Ghats Forests, Karnataka, India, for sustainable forest management.

Monitoring soil quality index (SQI) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock status of the Western Ghats (WG) forests in India is crucial for providing vital ecosystem services alongside sustainable forest management practices. However, comprehensive profile data on SQI and SOC stock across different forest types under WG forests are limited. The study evaluated SQI and SOC stock under three forest types, i.e. tropical wet evergreen (TWE), tropical semi-evergreen (TSE), and tropical moist deciduous (TMD) across WG in Karnataka. SQI was assessed using principal component analysis with two indexing approaches and scoring methodologies, with weightage indexing through nonlinear scoring functions (NLSF) showing superiority over other methodologies. TMD forests exhibited the highest SQI, followed by TWE and TSE, while the lowest was observed in Rippon Pet RF (0.36 surface, 0.28 control section), primarily due to limitations in organic carbon and clay content. SOC stock mirrored SQI trends (TMD > TWE > TSE), with the highest values in Kollegal RF (339.3 MG ha-1) and lowest in Rippon Pet RF (102.5 MG ha-1). Although SOC and SQI were established to be ideal indicators for dynamic ecosystem services (ESs), high OC content in surface soils of Poomale NF induces pedogenic acidification and Al toxicities, indicating potential forest soil degradation. Significant correlation with control section SQI and SOC (p < 0.05) emphasises monitoring subsurface soil status to identify soil degradation, sustainable forestry practices, and complex ESs in forest systems.

Enhancing Sustainability and Conservation of White Shrimp Penaeus schmitti in Northeast Brazil: Insights Into Life History, Reference Points, and Management Strategies for Beach Seining

ABSTRACTArtisanal fishing significantly not only contributes to socioeconomic development of numerous countries but also exerts pressure on natural populations. The white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti) is a key species in Brazilian artisanal fisheries, yet it is currently classified as data‐deficient. Conducting comprehensive studies on its population dynamics is essential to establish reference points that guarantee sustainable fishing. Therefore, we estimated population parameters to assess status of the white shrimp stock captured by beach seining in Northeast Brazil. Monthly samples of white shrimp were collected using a beach trawl. Based on population parameters, the white shrimp population in the study area, the sex ratio was 1 male to 1.29 females, with females larger and heavier than males. Weight–length relationships revealed positive allometric growth for males, females, and grouped sexes, with no significant difference between sexes. Asymptotic length, t_achor, and growth performance index also did not differ between sexes; however, the growth coefficient was higher for females. Beach trawling in northeastern Brazil predominantly targeted adult white shrimp, with carapace length at first capture (Lc50) averaging 2.12 cm for females and 2.19 cm for males. Mortality and exploitation rates were below maximum sustainable levels, so the stock was classified as underexploited. Overall, beach‐seine fishing was less harmful to this stock (F = 1.42) than motorized fishing and can be considered a sustainable fishing activity for the white shrimp population.

Pressures on Egyptian Red Sea fisheries from the artisan fishers’ perspective

The Egyptian Red Sea (ERS) supports artisanal, commercial and recreational fisheries, managed using a summertime closure, not applied to recreational fishing. Stock status is little known and management options are severely limited. To inform future management, we report the results of a questionnaire survey of artisan fishers from four Red Sea ports, collecting basic socioeconomic and fisheries data: fleet characteristics, self-reported landings, plus attitudes towards current management. Relationships among catches, technical and social categories and categorised attitudes were analysed using ordinal and multinomial logistic regressions. Median income of ERS artisanal fishers was 54% of the mean income from work in rural Egypt in 2020. Almost all respondents reported declining catches (61% blamed “overfishing”) and most were pessimistic (43% expected to remain fishing in 10 years time). The seasonal closure was poorly supported by artisanal fishers: 75% claimed it contributed to declining resources. The timing of the closure, intended to protect spawning fish, aligned with published spawning seasons for some, but not all important species. 66% of fishers identified this mismatch as the reason for policy failure. High dissatisfaction rates risk non-compliance: e.g. 23% of those interviewed switched to ‘recreational’ fishing during the closed season. Most artisan fishers of the ERS are in a precarious economic position, facing a declining resource, under management that few support, with concerns about the long term future for their livelihood. We suggest transition to a participatory approach with data-driven co-management as a long term solution.

Stock status and spawning potential ratio of orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea, Herbst 1796) in the southwestern coastal waters of Bangladesh

Scylla olivacea (Orange mud crab) is a second commercial invertebrate species exported from Bangladesh. Though a significant portion of exports are supported by aquaculture, their farming ultimately depends on their wild stocks. Unfortunately, unregulated exploitation has led to a significant decline in the natural biomass of this species, raising concerns about the sustainability of crab production in Bangladesh. The study aimed to assess the stock status of S. olivacea (Orange mud crab) from the Southwestern coastal water of Bangladesh. One-year length frequency (width frequency-WF for crustacean fishery) data were collected and analyzed using the LBB (Length-based Bayesian Biomass) and LB-SPR (Length-based spawning potential ratio) methods. The assessed width parameter depicted the exploitation of small-size individuals (Wc=< Wc_opt) of S. olivacea. The estimated B/B0 (0.25) suggests that 75 % of the wild stock had already been harvested, and biomass cannot produce MSY. The mean estimates for SW50 % and SW95 % were 8.29 cm and 12.76 cm respectively, revealing the use of a small mesh-size net for crab harvesting. The assessed Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) was 12 % which is below the SPR limit reference point (SRP) of 20 %. This research confirmed the overfished (F/M = 1.4) and overexploited (E = 0.58) status of S. olivacea in Bangladesh. To ensure the sustainability of coastal fisheries in Bangladesh, the authorities must take immediate management measures to control the overexploitation of this species.

Estimates of life-history and growth parameters of exploited fish species in lakes Edward and George: Implications on exploitation status, population dynamics, management, and conservation of native species.

Adequate knowledge is essential for responsible inland fisheries. However, many inland fisheries lack monitoring, and therefore, decision-making for fisheries management is not reliable. In this paper, we used data from surveys and literature to estimate the life-history and growth parameters of 16 exploited fish stocks in the Ugandan part of Lake Edward and Lake George (East Africa). The estimated parameters are pivotal indicators of fish stock status, particularly in data-poor fisheries. The estimated parameters included maximum length (Lmax) and mean length (Lmean) as indicators of size structure in experimental and commercial catches, coefficients of length-weight relationships, length at 50% maturity (Lm50), fecundity, von Bertalanffy parameters, total mortality (Z), and natural mortality (M). These parameters were estimated using empirical formulae, statistical methods, and analyses of length frequencies. Only two stocks of semutundu Bagrus docmak exhibited significant and increasing trends in Lmax (Lake Edward) and Lmean (Lake George). The estimates for the remaining parameters were consistent with those in FishBase and other literature resources, either for the same species or related species. This consistency indicates their reliability for application in decision-making and further assessments. Some parameters showed evidence of unsustainable fishing. For example, estimates of Lm50 for four of the assessed stocks belonging to two species (Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and marbled lungfish Protopterus aethiopicus) were lower than baseline estimates in the studied waterbodies. Furthermore, the Lmean in catches for all the stocks were less than the optimum lengths (Lopt), which maximize catches with a minimal impact on biomass and size structure. No significant changes in Lmean, length-frequency distributions, and size at maturity could be attributed to the management changes implemented in 2018, probably because it is too early to observe changes in these parameters. However, there are positive signs attributable to the changes in management as shown by a high proportion of mature individuals in commercial catches for most of the stocks for which the proportion was calculated, and an increase in Lmean and Lmax for some stocks, such as B. docmak, in commercial or experimental catches. New estimates from this study will enhance decision-making and further assessments of fisheries. Routine monitoring is recommended to update and improve the estimates.

Stock exploitation status of silver croaker (Pennahia argentata) from the East China Sea

Silver croaker (Pennahia argentata) is an important economic species in the East China Sea (ECS); however, its population has been declining, and studies on its status are scarce. This study collected biological data, including length, weight, and gonadal maturity of silver croaker from the southern coastal waters of Zhejiang Province between 2015 and 2021, to evaluate its life history and assess stock status. Methods from the TropFishR package were employed to estimate population growth and natural mortality parameters. Two widely used length-based data-limited models, length-based bayesian biomass estimation method (LBB) and length-based spawning potential ratio method (LBSPR), were applied to assess the stock status of silver croaker in the ECS. The results indicated that with a maximum age (Amax) of 4 years, the asymptotic length (Linf) was 23.80 cm, growth rate (K) was 0.74/year, and natural mortality coefficient (M) ranged from 1.068 to 1.376. Under the assumption of Amax = 5 years, Linf was 26.77 cm, K was 0.63/year, and M ranged from 0.818 to 1.193. The LBB and LBSPR models showed that, except for scenarios with L∞ = 23.8 cm, M/K = 1.46, and L∞ = 26.77 cm, M/K = 1.30, 1.38, or 1.48, the selectivity at length parameters L50SandL95S for silver croaker exhibited an increasing trend over the years. In the LBB model, L50S for different years consistently fell below the optimum length (Lc_opt), indicating that most individuals did not reach the size at first sexual maturity or optimal catch length. Moreover, under high fishing pressure, the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR) and the unfished biomass ratio (B/B0) for silver croaker showed a decreasing trend, despite some stability or recovery in recent years. However, in all scenarios, SPR values were below 0.2, and B/B0 values were below 0.5, suggesting a significant risk of population collapse for silver croaker in the ECS due to intense fishing pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the current fishing pressure and increase the minimum catch size of this species for effective conservation and management in this region.

Length-based assessment of penaeid shrimp fishery stocks along the north-eastern Arabian Sea

Penaeid shrimps are a key resource in marine fisheries and are of great ecological and economic importance. The north-west (NW) coast of India contributes significantly (~30%) to the penaeid shrimp landings in India. Four species of penaeid shrimps, namelyParapenaeopsis stylifera, Solenocera crassicornis, Metapenaeus affinis, and M. monoceros, were assessed using Length-based spawning potential ratio (SPR) based on the length frequency data collected during 2017-21, from commercial trawlers operating in the depth range of 20-100 m along the north-west coast of India bordering the north-eastern Arabian Sea. The current status (2021) of P. stylifera, S. crassicornis and M. affinis was found to be healthy, with a spawning potential ratio of ≥ 0.40. For M. monoceros, the SPR was slightly below 0.40 (0.34-35), however, considering the fast growth and short generation time for the resources, the stock status can be considered fair. Significant reduction in fishing pressure (F/M &lt; 1.0) and increase in SPR (&gt;0.40) during COVID-19 affected years (2020-21) were evident. The reduction in fishing hours during the pandemic has allowed the resource to regain the target reference point (TRP) for SPR. Declining catches over the past decade for the group are not due to resource depletion but for the shift in species preference and the diversification of trawls in the region, with bottom trawling giving way to pelagic trawling. Keywords: Sustainability, Spawning potential ratio, COVID-19, Penaeid shrimps

Fishery and stock dynamics of ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone

The fishery and stock dynamics of Trichiurus lepturus (Linnaeus, 1758) were studied in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the period 2014-2019. The average annual landing was 2,09,285 t and varied from 1,77,259 to 2,39,355 t. Trawl nets were the majorgear, contributing more than 85% with an average annual catch rate of 4.56 kg h-1. The annual catch rate decreased over the years from 5.40 to 3.85 kg h-1. Landings (23,155-40,354 t) and catch rates (4.24-8.67 kg h-1) were highest during the post-monsoon months (September-December). Around 63% of the landings (1,32,072 t) were from the north-west coast, with Gujarat alone contributing three-fourth (98,296 t) of it, followed by the south-west coast (17%, 36,017 t), the south-east coast (12%, 25,322 t) and the north-east coast (8%, 15,875 t). The von Bertalanffy’s growth equation was Lt = 143.8 [1-e–0.48 (t + 0.03285)]. Natural mortality, Exploitation ratio and Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) were 0.76; 0.65 and 1,59,504 t respectively. Recruitment was substantial throughout the year with a single modal peak during June-October. With lower lengths at first capture and recruitment and with exploitation above the maximum permissible level and landings higher than MSY; the species appears to be overexploited along the Indian coasts. The present study is the first holistic report on the population parameters and stock status of T. lepturus from the Indian EEZ. Keywords: Cutlass fishes, Management, Recruitment, Stock dynamics

Status of the fish stocks and fisheries of the main commercial fish species of Lake Ladoga in the XXI century

In the 21st century, there has been decrease in stocks and catches of aquatic biological resources in Lake Ladoga as well as a change in the structure of the fish population in the Lake, primarily due to changes in the trophic capacity of the reservoir. Smelt dominates in the commercial catches. Stocks and catches of autumn-spawning whitefish and lakecisco show obvious downward trend. Biological and commercial indicators of the pike-perch population are at a low level. Stocks of bream, roach and perch are in good condition.

Fish Stock Status and Its Clues on Stocking: A Case Study of Acanthopagrus schlegelii from Zhanjiang Coastal Waters, China

Fish Stock Status and Its Clues on Stocking: A Case Study of Acanthopagrus schlegelii from Zhanjiang Coastal Waters, China

Length–weight relations of underutilized nine fish species (Actinopterygii) from set-net fishery, Mie, Japan

Bycatch, the unintentional capture of non-target species, poses a significant challenge in fisheries management worldwide. Underutilized bycatch species often lack biological information, hindering the assessment of their stock status and the implementation of appropriate management strategies. This study investigated the length–weight relations (LWRs) of 9 of 14 underutilized bycatch fish species collected from set-net fisheries in Nishiki, Mie Prefecture, Japan, during the 2018–2020 fishing seasons. The following fish species were studied: Hyperoglyphe japonica (Döderlein, 1884); Labracoglossa argenteiventris Peters, 1866; Macroramphosus sagifue Jordan et Starks, 1902; Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier, 1831); Ostorhinchus semilineatus (Temminck et Schlegel, 1843); Parapriacanthus ransonneti Steindachner, 1870; Rexea prometheoides (Bleeker, 1856); Siganus fuscescens (Houttuyn, 1782); Upeneus japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782). A total of 251 fishing operations were conducted, and the collected fish specimens were measured for length (fork length) and wet weight. Simple regression analysis was performed on the logarithm of length and weight data to estimate the LWR parameters (a, b, and R2) for each species. The estimated values of the relative growth coefficient (b) ranged from 2.862 to 3.311, and the coefficients of determination (R2) were above 0.8 for all species, indicating robust LWR estimations. Notably, five species were not previously listed or credibly described in FishBase, and four were new records for the Japanese coast. This study provides new biological information on LWRs for underutilized bycatch fish species, contributing to our understanding of their population dynamics and supporting future management efforts for sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

Potential environmental implications of sandbar afforestation: Insights from ecosystem restoration initiatives in a sandbar of Brahmaputra River Assam, India

Plantation in riverine sandbars offers an excellent opportunity for restoration of ecosystem with a vast potential for enhancing carbon stock. Afforestation on barren islands is challenging task; however, Padmashree Jadav Payeng has single-handedly transformed a sandbar of the river Brahmaputra into a forested landscape in India’s northeastern state of Assam. Such inspiring initiative needs more attention in terms of scientific assessment to quantify ecosystem value and services that can be enriched through such activities. This study uses remote sensing data viz., Landsat4–5TM and Sentinel 2 A data to provide a detailed information on spatio-temporal variability of land use land cover of study region from 1990 to 2021. It aims to conduct a scientific and systematic assessment of biophysical changes that have occurred in the sandbars, understand the status of afforestation, and evaluate the current levels of aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass (BGB), and carbon stock in the selected sandbars. The spatial distribution of AGB, BGB and carbon stock is derived using linear regression model between SAR backscatter and field-based AGB. The results demonstrate that forest cover increased by 31.92 % and sandbar area is reduced by 26.87 % from 1990 to 2021. Spatially derived AGB ranges from 9 to 1295.89 Mg per ha, BGB from 2.35 to 290.50 Mg per ha and carbon stock from 6.18 to 763.34 Mg per ha. Ficus religiosa exhibits a high biomass, ranging from 564.7 Mg per ha to 994.7 Mg per ha, and a high carbon stock, ranging from 8 to 557.30 Mg per ha, attributed to its larger diameter at breast height (DBH). Moreover, phytosociological assessment was conducted for the studied forest, which reveal a total tree species richness of 79. The forest exhibits a total tree density of 395 individuals per hectare. Different biodiversity indices provide a comprehensive understanding of species composition; where results show a Shannon diversity index of 2.81, a Simpson's index of 0.08, a Menhinick's richness index of 2.7, and a Margalef's richness index of 5.26. The article provides detailed information on change in forest cover and present status of AGB, BGB and Carbon stock, providing evidence-based narratives on ecosystem restoration. The initiative by a single person has created a forested landscape and habitat for a large number of wild animals, contributing to better carbon stock and a healthier ecosystem. With regard to the current debate of carbon market, the study suggests the need of instrumentalization of carbon credits for such restoration activities to encourage increase in carbon stock. It also concludes that in-depth research should be taken up on long-term effectiveness of such plantation activities and the potential for scaling up these initiatives for ecosystem restoration in view of climate change mitigation and sustainable forest development.

Is the population of kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson) in the northern Persian Gulf really under pressure from overfishing?

AbstractQuantifying the population dynamics of marine species is difficult when good, comprehensive data are not available. We sought to determine if the kingfish Scomberomorus commerson stock in the Persian Gulf was overfished. The ICES data‐limited assessment framework was used to provide precautionary advice, with a 20% decrease advised in situations where only catch or bycatch data were available. The length‐based Bayesian biomass (LBB) was used to model fork length from landing records of licensed fishers in the Khuzestan Province during 2002–2018, which had increased despite sought being overexploited. Most kingfish were immature and smaller than optimum length of the catch (Lc‐opt = 88 cm) and optimum length (Lopt = 104 cm). Relative biomass (B/Bmsy) ranged 0.62–0.66 and exceeded 0.5. The B/Bmsy ratio (1.25) was &gt;1.1. The stock appeared to be healthy and exploitable, but wide confidence intervals of the B/Bmsy ratio complicated interpretation of stock status. The kingfish stock appeared to use waters of the study area as a spawning and nursery ground, so many young immature individuals were present. If current exploitation of young individuals continues, this the stock will eventually be overfished. Long‐term increases in the catch of young immature kingfish can have a side effect on stock maturation and recruitment. We recommend that the mesh size of fishing gear be selected based on optimum length, to enhance economic, and commercial viability of the kingfish fishery.

Whether the summer fishing moratorium can improve the status of fisheries resources in the yellow sea and Bohai Sea

The China government has introduced many strategies in fisheries management of the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, the most stringent of which is the summer fishing moratorium. Whether the summer fishing moratorium can restore fishery resources has always been a concern. In this study, we selected eight representative commercial fish species the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, including Pampus argenteus, Trichiurus lepturus, Scomberomorus niphonius, Ilisha elongata, Thamnaconus modestus, Scomber japonicus, Engraulis japonicus and Larimichthys polyactis, and used the JABBA method to study their historical exploited dynamics and current stock status. We evaluated the effectiveness of the summer fishing moratorium based on the increments of biomass and catch after its implementation and adjustments. P. argenteus and S. niphonius stocks were in the healthy status in 2022, the other six fisheries stocks were overexploited. The summer fishing moratorium had a strong conservation effect, especially after the first implementation in 1995, with the biomass of six fish species increased and the catch of seven species increased, and the total average biomass and catch increments were 21.22 % and 89.72 %. This positive effect was also reflected after the first adjustment in 2003. Although the moratorium duration was continuously extended after the second and third adjustment, the conservation effect was offset by the flooding of fishing efforts immediately after the moratorium. For the six overexploited stocks, we suggest that the allowable catch of E. japonicus, T. lepturus, L. polyactis, S. japonicus, I. elongata and T. modestus is at most 527.91 kt, 147.51 kt, 93.43 kt, 81.51 kt, 1.25 kt and 4.95 kt in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea, respectively.

Using marine protected areas to assess the status and recovery of the spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand

The value of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in providing fisheries-independent information to evaluate the status of adjacent fish stocks is increasingly being recognised. However, to ensure robust assessments of fisheries using this approach, MPAs need to be representative of the wider fished area and sampling should include multiple MPA and fished locations spanning the area of interest. The spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf has been in decline since the late 1990s, but latest stock estimates suggest a dramatic recovery following catch reductions in 2018. We compared J. edwardsii populations on shallow reefs (&amp;lt;20 m depth) in three marine reserves with six fished locations across the Hauraki Gulf to provide a fisheries-independent assessment of this important fishery and the degree of recovery following catch reductions. Region-wide surveys found that J. edwardsii populations within protected areas were dominated by large, legal-size individuals, whereas lobster in fished locations were mostly below or around legal-size. Total, vulnerable, and spawning stock biomass was 12-43 times higher within MPAs compared to fished locations. Overall, biomass at fished locations was &amp;lt;10% of that in reserves and there was little evidence of recovery following catch reductions. Our fisheries-independent data suggest that recent stock assessments have severely overestimated the recovery and state of lobster populations in the Hauraki Gulf and that populations on shallow reefs remain depleted. These findings highlight the critical need for fisheries-independent data and the value of MPA monitoring data in evaluating population status and recovery following fisheries management actions.

Small in scale big in contribution: evaluating the stock status of indian mackerel (Rastrelliger anagurta) fishery using cmsy and lbb approaches from pakistan, northern arabian sea

Small in scale big in contribution: evaluating the stock status of indian mackerel (Rastrelliger anagurta) fishery using cmsy and lbb approaches from pakistan, northern arabian sea

Development of a stock-specific management procedure for snow crab fishery in the Sea of Japan using conditioned surplus production models in a data-moderate situation

A management procedure (MP) automatically calculates an acceptable biological catch from input data, and its performance is quantitatively evaluated by closed-loop simulations of population dynamics with their uncertainties (operating models). In snow crab in the Sea of Japan, an MP based on survey biomass estimates was adopted by stakeholders, rather than a generic MP recommended for data-moderate Japanese stocks. This was done without quantifying its performance owing to data and resource limitations. This study evaluated the performance of the existing MPs and modified the generic MP through closed-loop simulations with state-space surplus production models (SSPMs) conditioned with actual data. The survey-based MP generally worked well to achieve sustainable catch and biomass but tended to be sensitive to the bias in biomass estimates. The modified MP can be more robust to the bias than the survey-based MP with higher catches than the generic MP. This study demonstrates that, although continuing efforts of collecting composition data are inevitable, SSPM could be used as the conditioned operating models even in data-limited situations to sufficiently represent the stock status and its uncertainty.