Sustainable Fisheries Research Articles

Genetic Stock Identification Reveals Mismatches Between Management Areas and Population Genetic Structure in a Migratory Pelagic Fish.

Sustainable fisheries management is important for the continued harvest of the world's marine resources, especially as they are increasingly challenged by a range of climatic and anthropogenic factors. One of the pillars of sustainable fisheries management is the accurate identification of the biological units, i.e., populations. Here, we developed and implemented a genetic baseline for Atlantic herring harvested in the Norwegian offshore fisheries to investigate the validity of the current management boundaries. This was achieved by genotyping > 15,000 herring from the northern European seas, including samples of all the known populations in the region, with a panel of population-informative SNPs mined from existing genomic resources. The final genetic baseline consisted of ~1000 herring from 12 genetically distinct populations. We thereafter used the baseline to investigate mixed catches from the North and Norwegian Seas, revealing that each management area consisted of multiple populations, as previously suspected. However, substantial numbers (up to 50% or more within a sample) of herring were found outside of their expected management areas, e.g., North Sea autumn-spawning herring north of 62° N (average = 19.2%), Norwegian spring-spawning herring south of 62° N (average = 13.5%), and western Baltic spring-spawning herring outside their assumed distribution area in the North Sea (average = 20.0%). Based upon these extensive observations, we conclude that the assessment and management areas currently in place for herring in this region need adjustments to reflect the populations present. Furthermore, we suggest that for migratory species, such as herring, a paradigm shift from using static geographic stock boundaries towards spatial dynamic boundaries is needed to meet the requirements of future sustainable management regimes.

Factors influencing harvest success for an Arctic under-ice subsistence fishery

Long-term fisheries datasets are particularly rare in Arctic environments and are essential to understanding the variability in harvest rates. We analyzed 30 years of harvest monitoring data and compared results to fish monitoring data from nearshore waters of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to determine the importance of age-0 recruitment and intra-annual factors on subsequent harvests of Arctic cisco in the Colville River delta (CRD), Alaska. While age-0 recruitment to Prudhoe Bay was positively associated with annual harvest success in the CRD, wind and salinity patterns and subsistence fishing location and timing also contributed significantly in explaining adult harvest variability. Harvest rates were highest closest to the river mouth and early in the season. Harvest rates increased with increasing salinity up to 25 ppt, then declined. As the climate changes in the region, we may see shifts in nearshore ocean and river conditions which will impact recruitment and fishing activity. These long-term monitoring efforts will continue to inform sustainable fisheries management in the face of a rapidly changing climate, and with ongoing infrastructure development in the region.

Virtual Sensing of Nitrite: A Novel Control for Safe Denitrification in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RASs)

Recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology is seen worldwide as a solution for sustainable fish production. However, there are still deficiencies in the process technology imperiling consistent operation and thus economic results. Drawbacks are linked to essential processes of the water treatment systems such as denitrification. Nitrogenous waste needs to be removed from RAS process water to maintain an adequate production environment for fish and to mitigate the environmental impact of discharged process water. At present, denitrification lacks reliable process control, especially regarding the organic carbon feed to heterotrophic denitrification processes. An investigation into heterotrophic denitrification in an experimental RAS resulted in the discovery of a virtual sensor based on measurements of the oxidation reduction potential (ORP). The virtual sensor responds to an insufficient carbon feed to denitrification. It is based on the oxidation of nitrite in an ozone-enhanced foam flotation installed downstream of the denitrification. The sensor essentially delivers a binary signal denoting either a complete or an incomplete denitrification process. The virtual sensor can be used for reliably controlling heterotrophic denitrification. It requires an upgraded process chain employing ozone-enhanced foam flotation (protein skimmer) downstream of the denitrification. However, the virtual sensor does not require any additional instrumentation.

Influence of Biofloc Technology and Continuous Flow Systems on Aquatic Microbiota and Water Quality in Japanese Eel Aquaculture

Biofloc technology (BFT) systems heavily rely on microbiota to mitigate ammonia toxicity and manage essential nutrient cycling. Understanding the diversity and functional role of microbiota within BFT-applied aquaculture systems is crucial for ensuring sustainable operations. Though some studies exist on BFT microbiota, research on microbial differences in Japanese eel aquaculture is still limited, hindering the wider application of BFT systems. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of water quality factors and microbiota in Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) breeding water, applying the BFT system. Using a metabarcoding approach, the diversity and community structure of aquatic microbiota were compared between BFT and continuous flow (CF) systems. The pH was significantly higher in CF water, while total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite (NO2−-N) was higher in BFT water. Alpha diversity was significantly higher in BFT compared to CF systems, and it was correlated significantly with pH and TAN. In both BFT and CF water, the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were found to be the most abundant. In the BFT water, a diverse array of bacterial taxa, including BFT-specific clades, were consistently present, while the microbiota in CF water was more variable and contained fewer specific taxa. In addition, bacterial functions related to nitrate reduction, sulfur compound oxidation, and chitinolysis were significantly more abundant in BFT than in CF systems. These findings highlight differences in water quality and microbiota between aquaculture systems, which can inform future research on the use of BFT for sustainable fish farming.

Research Mapping of Fisheries Resource Management in Coastal Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on government budget efficiency. This bibliometric analysis explores the evolution and integration of themes within fisheries management research from 1959 to 2024. Utilizing VOSviewer for keyword co-occurrence and network visualization, the study identifies dominant themes such as "fishery management system," "conservation," and "sustainability," along with their interconnections and shifts over time. The analysis highlights a multidisciplinary approach, integrating ecological, economic, and technological aspects to address the challenges of sustainable fisheries management. The prominence of terms related to management strategies and environmental conservation reflects a global commitment to sustainable practices. Collaborative patterns among leading researchers and the evolution of research themes underscore the dynamic nature of this field, emphasizing adaptive management strategies that are informed by both socio-economic and ecological dynamics. The findings suggest that the ongoing integration of advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches is crucial for developing effective fisheries management practices that can adapt to environmental uncertainties and ensure the sustainability of both marine resources and dependent communities.

Reproduction of the dog snapper Lutjanus jocu in captivity, linking ecological, and production observations

Snappers’ domestication for reproductive purposes is a first step to allow future offering of high quality, more sustainable fish products, generating ecological advantages to the marine ecosystem such as the reduction on the pressure of current stocks. The dog snapper Lutjanus jocu is a very important species with very little information on its capability for domestication. For that reason, dog snappers were collected in the coastal area and maintained in laboratory to verify their capacity to be domesticated and achieve reproductive success. A specific protocol was designed for their maintenance in recirculating aquaculture systems and is presented in the methods section. The domestication of wild specimens until they achieved reproductive success and produced viable eggs in captivity took approximately 2.5 years. Spawning events produced an average of about 25,000 eggs, or about 2,100 eggs·kg-1 of broodstock, with an average of three events per week. During new and full moon, the viability of eggs was higher, showing a strong influence of the lunar cycle in their reproduction. Spawning activities only happened during the night, and embryo development took about 535 degree-hours. Our results concluded that the dog snapper L. jocu can be conditioned in captivity for reproductive purposes, with consistent production of eggs in a weekly basis, enabling the possibility of a large-scale production to help reduce the pressure on the natural stocks.

Assessment of plankton diversity and physico-chemical characteristics for sustainable fish production in a tropical reservoir in South India

Plankton forms an important component of the aquatic ecosystem and act as indicators of fish diversity, pollution levels and environmental disturbances. They form an important natural fish food resource and play a vital role in the trophic structure of the ecosystem. In the present study a systematic assessment of the community distribution and diversity of plankton was conducted in the Karapuzha Reservoir in South India. Thirty six genera of phytoplankton belonging to 4 classes viz, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae and Myxophyceae were identified. Eleven genera of zooplankton belonging to four classes; Protozoa, Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda were also recorded. The Jaccard index of similarity showed that pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons shared a similar plankton composition. Diversity indices revealed the highest values during monsoon, while the Dominance index indicated the highest species dominance during post-monsoon (0.199) followed by pre-monsoon (0.1445) and monsoon (0.1417). Water quality parameters were found to have a significant correlation with plankton abundance in the reservoir. ShannonWeiner index indicated that the Karapuzha Reservoir ecosystem is moderately polluted. Seasonal variations in plankton composition showed the highest species abundance during the pre-monsoon followed by post-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Keywords: Diversity index, Plankton abundance, Planktivorous fish, Reservoir ecosystem, Seasonal variation

Coral reefs of Pakistan: a comprehensive review of anthropogenic threats, climate change, and conservation status

The coral reefs along Pakistan’s coastline are of ecological and economic significance. However, they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic threats and climate change. These vulnerable ecosystems are declining due to various factors such as sedimentation, climate change, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, marine pollution, and tourism development. We found that 29%, 24%, 26%, 16% and 18% of the studies exceeding, marine pollution, overfishing/destructive fishing, coastal tourism, climate change and sedimentation, respectively; thus, indicating inadequate water quality status in part of Pakistan coastal water. These influences lead to several negative impacts, such as jeopardized coral health, decline in biodiversity, and the simplification of reef structures. In response to these threats, conservation efforts are imperative. This literature review provides an in-depth analysis of anthropogenic threats, climate change and the conservation of coral reefs in Pakistan. This review provides suggestions on how the country could better conserve its coral reef ecosystem. These include (1) initiatives such as establishing marine protected areas (MPAs), (2) encouraging sustainable fishing practices and reducing pollution, (3) developing the country as an ecotourism destination and implementing climate change adaptation measures, and (4) community engagement through awareness campaigns and fostering collaboration among, governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and scientists. These comprehensive conservation policies address human-caused and other challenges, safeguarding their ecological, economic, and cultural relevance for future generations.

PRODUCTIVITY OF PURSE SEINE FISHING TOOLS OPERATING IN THE WATERS OF OUTER AMBON BAY, MALUKU.

The decline in fish populations can negatively impact the livelihoods of fishermen and local food security. Therefore, maintaining the sustainability of fisheries is an urgent necessity. Evaluating the productivity of purse seine catches in the outer waters of Ambon Bay is crucial in this context. This study aims to measure the productivity level of purse seine fishing gear and identify the factors that influence it. The research was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 in Laha Village, Outer Ambon Bay, Ambon Island. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive method, which aims to describe the productivity of purse seine fishing gear in detail based on data obtained in the form of graphs and tables. Data collection was carried out through field surveys and direct observations during fishing activities. The data analysis results showed that the highest volume and number of trips were in November, with 18 trips and a production volume of 644 kg/trip, while the lowest was in May, with 12 trips and a production volume of 184 kg/trip.

Marine heatwaves and commercial fishing in New Zealand

A marine heatwave (MHW) is an atypical and relatively short period of warmer Sea Surface Temperature (SST) which may be disruptive to marine life. Changes brought about by MHWs can reshape marine ecosystems in ways that have an economic impact on their users. MHWs are expected to become more frequent, longer, and more intense due to anthropogenic climate change. We leverage high-resolution SST data, and spatially and temporally detailed fish catch data, for an analysis of the impact of MHW events on fish catch in Aotearoa New Zealand's large marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We use Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression to assess the spatially heterogenous impact of MHWs on fish catch across different areas within the EEZ. We find that moderate MHWs correlate with increased fish catches; but, as the intensity of MHWs increase, their impact becomes predominantly negative. Intense MHWs are associated with substantial decreases in fish catch, suggesting significant disruptions to fish populations and their habitats. This pattern underscores the vulnerability of marine ecosystems and consequently commercial fisheries to the increasing frequency and severity of MHWs caused by climate change. As MHWs become more frequent and intense, better informed management approaches will be required to ensure the sustainability and viability of fisheries.

Spatial-temporal evolution and drivers of ecological sustainability of coastal fisheries in China

Marine fisheries are an important source for the survival and economic livelihood of the world's population. With coastal economic development, rapid population growth, and advances in fishing technology, oceans and coastal areas have been placed under greater environmental pressure. Therefore, the sustainability of coastal fisheries must be revisited. This study used the 3D ecological footprint (EF) model and partial least squares (PLS) to analyze the spatial-temporal evolution of the ecological sustainability of coastal fisheries in China, and discuss the direct and indirect impacts of drivers from economic, social, and technological perspectives. Results showed that the gap between per capita EF and per capita biocapacity (BC) of coastal fisheries narrowed until it stabilized from 2010 to 2020. Footprint depth and size wholly showed a fluctuating upward trend. In terms of spatial distribution, footprint depth was high in the north and low in the south, and footprint size was a relatively scattered. Consumption pull had the largest effect on the ecological sustainability of coastal fisheries in China, followed by the economy push, but the effect of technology suppression was not significant. Some policy recommendations for sustainable fisheries governance were proposed in terms of consumption structure transformation, fisheries industry upgrading, and ecosystem-based management. This study indicated that the current development of coastal fisheries in China is sustainable from an ecological supply and demand perspective. The findings provide information on effective coastal fisheries governance and broad coastal and ocean management, and have the potential to provide references for sustainable fisheries governance in other coastal countries with similar contexts.

Captive Breeding and Early Developmental Dynamics of Cirrhinus mrigala: Implications for Sustainable Seed Production.

Cirrhinus mrigala is an important edible fish with a significant aquaculture contribution in Southeast Asian countries. The current study aims to enhance our understanding of the developmental biology of Cirrhinus mrigala, which is crucial for implementing sustainable fish farming practices. To induce spermiation and ovulation in Cirrhinus mrigala brooders, the synthetic hormone Ovaprim® (GnRH + dopamine inhibitor) was administrated as a single injection dose of 0.2 mL/kg to males and 0.4 mL/kg to females. After induction, the fish spawned, and the eggs produced were fertilized artificially and cell division commenced successfully. The characteristics of each larval developmental stage were closely observed and recorded using a time-lapse imaging technique. The fertilized eggs were spherical, demersal, and non-adhesive throughout their incubation period. The spawned eggs ranged in diameter from 2.1 mm to 2.13 mm and possessed circular yolk sacs. The gastrula stage initiated approximately 4 h after fertilization, with 25% of the yolk sphere covered by blastoderm, reaching 75% coverage at the end of the gastrula stage, approximately 6 h post fertilization. Organogenesis was marked by the formation of notochord and the visibility of rudimentary organs such as the heart, eyes, and gills, followed by tail movement, which was observed at the time of hatching. Compared to other cyprinid fishes, C. mrigala exhibited distinct features at certain stages of embryonic development. Blood circulation was observed to start at the onset of hatching. The lengths of the newly hatched larvae ranged from 2.9 to 3.2 mm, smaller than other reports on induced breeding in carps. The findings of the present study provide a detailed reference for the embryonic development of C. mrigala, which will assist its future research endeavors and large-scale seed production for sustainable aquaculture.

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.

Mislabeled and ambiguous market names in invertebrate and finfish seafood conceal species of conservation concern in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The mislabeling of seafood, wherein a food product's marketed name does not match its contents, has the potential to mask species of conservation concern. Less discussed is the role of legally ambiguous market names, wherein a single name could be used to sell multiple species. Here we report the first study in Canada to examine mislabeling and ambiguous market names in both invertebrate (e.g., bivalve, cephalopod, shrimp) and finfish products. A total of 109 invertebrate and 347 finfish products were sampled in Calgary between 2014 and 2020. Market names were documented from the label or equivalent and determined to be precise (the name could apply to only one species) or ambiguous (multiple species could be sold under that name). A region of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene was sequenced and compared to reference sequences from boldsystems.org. Samples were considered mislabeled if the species identified through DNA barcoding did not correspond to the market name, as determined through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fish List. Mislabeling was further differentiated between semantic mislabeling, wherein the market name was not found on the Fish List but the barcode identity was in line with what a consumer could reasonably have expected to have purchased; invalid market names, wherein the market name was so unusual that no legitimate inferences as to the product's identity could be made; and product substitution, wherein the DNA barcode identified the product as a species distinct from that associated with the market name. Invalid market names and product substitutions were used to provide conservative estimates of mislabeling. The global conservation status of the DNA-identified invertebrate or finfish was determined through the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. A logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between precision and accuracy in predicting conservation status of the sampled species. There was no significant difference in mislabeling occurrence between invertebrates (33.9% total mislabeling occurrence, 20.2% product substitution) and finfish (32.3% total mislabeling occurrence, 21.3% product substitution/invalid market names). Product substitutions sometimes involved species of conservation concern, such as foods marketed as freshwater eel (Anguilla rostrata) that were determined through DNA barcoding to be European eel (Anguilla anguilla), or cuttlefish balls putatively identified as the Endangered threadfin porgy (Evynnis cardinalis). Product substitutions and ambiguous market names were significantly associated with the sale of species of conservation concern, but ambiguity was a more important predictor. Although preventing the mislabeling of seafoods can and must remain a priority in Canada, our work suggests that moving towards precise names for all seafood products will better support sustainable fisheries goals.

A Novel Framework for Identifying Major Fishing Vessel Accidents and Their Key Influencing Factors

This research addresses the critical issue of major fishing vessel accidents, which traditionally suffer from a lack of focused analysis due to their rarity and the subjective nature of their classification. We propose an innovative methodology of Peaks Over Threshold to overcome subjectivity in accident classification. This approach ensures a more representative and accurate analysis of major accidents, distinguishing them from more common, less severe incidents. Employing a Bayesian network model, we further explore the most influential factors contributing to these major accidents. The key innovation lies in our novel approach to data handling and analysis, enabling us to uncover hidden patterns and causal relationships that traditional methods often overlook. The results show that the approach proposed in this study can effectively capture the key factors of major fishing vessel accidents. This study identifies accident type, vessel-related factors, and accident location as the key influential factors leading to major accidents. The findings from our research are intended to inform sustainable fisheries management practices, promoting interventions that aim to decrease the occurrence and impact of severe maritime accidents while balancing economic, safety, and sustainable development considerations.

Climate Warming and Mismanagement Drive the Shift of Fish Communities in the Wadi El-Rayan Arid Lakes

The Wadi El-Rayan lakes are important aquatic environments located at the border of the great North African Sahara. Quantifying the temporal changes in these lakes due to natural and/or anthropogenic stressors is critical when assessing potential impacts on aquatic ecosystem health and the sustainability of fisheries. To detect the changes in fish communities and their drivers, the landing composition of the Wadi El-Rayan lakes over the past 30 years was quantitatively analyzed. The areas of the lakes dramatically decreased from 110 km2 in 1991 to 73 km2 in 2019. The loss of the lake area was attributed to climate warming, where the evaporation rate exceeded the volume of recharge and the recharge decreased due to an increase in agriculture and aquaculture. The total landing significantly increased in the past three decades due to an increase in the fishing effort (number of licensed boats). Nile tilapia, mullet, and grass carp dominated the landings. The pelagic-to-demersal ratio indicated a shift in the fish community composition towards demersal species. This shift was attributed to an increase in the eutrophication level. The fish communities of the landing data were clustered into four distinct groups. These clusters were significantly differentiated (p < 0.001) in both a PERMANOVA test and a PCA plot. There was a gradual replacement of the dominant species among these clusters. The most recent cluster (2018–2019) was characterized by rare species dominating the community. This shift in species composition suggests that target taxa may have been overexploited. The total landing also decreased, which may have been a result of climate warming. Furthermore, the presence of alien and warm-water species significantly increased. The fish community structure and composition shift could be attributed to anthropogenic (mismanagement) and natural climatic changes (warming).

Enhancing Global Food Security through Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Review

As the global population rises, addressing food security becomes more critical, particularly in developing regions struggling with hunger and malnutrition. Fisheries and aquaculture provide a vital solution by offering essential nutrition, employment, and economic benefits to millions worldwide. This study conducts an in-depth review of how capture fisheries and aquaculture contribute to global food security, emphasizing ten key areas: sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture growth, nutritional advantages, economic empowerment, climate adaptability, post-harvest loss reduction, policy and governance, technological advancements, biodiversity preservation, and global market access. The review evaluates the strength and consistency of evidence regarding the positive impact of these sectors on food security and poverty alleviation. The findings highlight the importance of cohesive policy and governance, technological improvements, and broader market access to fully leverage the role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing global food challenges. Additionally, this review identifies research gaps that need to be addressed to maximize the sectors' potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability

Evidence for resource partitioning in weakfishes from a coastal upwelling ecosystem

Resource partitioning plays an important role in supporting species coexistence. In a coastal upwelling ecosystem two weakfish species, Cynoscion guatucupa and C. jamaicensis co-occur and are key commercial species. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the feeding ecology of both species, including to; (i) quantitatively assess diet, (ii) evaluate ontogenetic and seasonal diet variations, and (iii) estimate dietary overlap in the context of competition or resource partitioning, using an integrated approach combining stomach content (SCA) and stable isotope analyses (SIA). Our results revealed that both C. guatucupa and C. jamaicensis prey mainly on pelagic fish and shrimp with ontogenetic and seasonal changes in diet detected. Weakfishes consume a large proportion of similar prey throughout the year and high isotopic niche overlap confirmed the SCA results. Despite the similar use of food resources by both species, the availability and abundance of prey promoted by seasonal upwellings and the possible spatial segregation between C. guatucupa and C. jamaicensis may promote their co-occurrence in an upwelling ecosystem. Due to their commercial value and fisheries importance in the southwestern Atlantic, these results contribute insights to support sustainable fisheries management.

AI-RCAS: A Real-Time Artificial Intelligence Analysis System for Sustainable Fisheries Management

This study proposes an Artificial Intelligence-based Real-time Catch Analysis System (AI-RCAS) for sustainable fisheries management. The AI-RCAS, implemented on a Jetson board, consists of fish recognition using YOLOv10, tracking with a ByteTrack algorithm optimized for marine environments, and a counting module. Experiments in actual fishing environments showed significant improvements, with species recognition rates of 74–81%. The system supports the efficient operation of the total allowable catch (TAC) system through real-time analysis, addressing the limitations of the existing Electronic Monitoring (EM) systems. However, challenges remain, including object-tracking difficulties and performance issues in unstable marine environments. Future research should focus on optimizing the fishing process, improving video processing, and expanding the dataset for better generalization.

Large pelagic fish exploitation by longliners in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea: A contribution to spatial planning and sustainable fisheries

Understanding longline fisheries dynamics is crucial for sustainable resource management. This study aims to provide a panorama of the fishing effort of the principal nations that have exploited tuna and associated species in the Atlantic Ocean for the past decade, integrating vessel data from Global Fishing Watch (GFW) and catch data from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICAAT), with specific information on the production of these different fleets and resources. Twelve nations represented 94.6 % of all Apparent fishing hours (AFH) of the total effort in the Atlantic Ocean and 99.9 % of all catches in the last years. Our study revealed that regions proximate to the continental shelf break and oceanic islands exhibit notably higher fishing effort than other areas within the Atlantic Ocean. We also highlight a declining trend in fishing efforts in the last ten years, likely due to regulation and overfishing. The blue shark (Prionace glauca) was the most caught species in biomass, representing 38.1 %; bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) represented 20.5 %; swordfish (Xiphias gladius) 15.1 %; albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) 11.3 %, and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) 6.1 %. The alarming trends in pelagic shark catch emphasise the need for immediate conservation actions. Management strategies should target critical nations, addressing their significant contributions to shark catch. The lack of information on several species and periods highlights the need for comprehensive research and management initiatives.