Traditional Fisheries Research Articles

Integrating stakeholder perceptions and preferences on ecosystem services in the management of coastal areas

The consideration of stakeholders' perceptions and preferences on different ecosystem services, identifying potential conflict areas, is essential for operationalizing integrated management plans. In the central coast of Chile, several traditional fishing resources are overexploited and conflicts between users might arise with the increasing demand of both traditional and new uses. The principal groups of users in coastal areas were characterized in order to generate information that advances towards integrative approaches in the region. Face-to-face surveys to fishermen, tourists and permanent residents were conducted in six coastal sites to identify what these groups value the most, assessing at the same time if differences in perceptions and use might suggest future conflicts between users associated to coastal planning. Participants had to prioritize a list of coastal attributes associated with ecosystem services. Results show variability in prioritization of coastal attributes amongst groups of users, however, variability across sites was low. Fishermen showed a tight economic and cultural dependency on provisioning services; however, their general perception was of decreasing catches and a shift to less valued resources and habitat structuring species as traditional ecosystem services deteriorate. Tourists and residents had the most homogenous perceptions, and agreed on the prioritization of intangible services, such as the quietness and scenery of the coast. Nevertheless, deterioration of the environment was perceived as relevant by the inhabitants of the study area, reflecting a potential conflict between the current increase in tourist influx and resource demand. Therefore, increasing recreational use needs to be managed, ensuring the resilience of the traditional fisheries and adopting effective actions that should encompass wider ecosystem objectives. However, the real challenge for integrated management is the incorporation of intangible values in conservation objectives.

FISHING ZONE IN KARIMUNJAWA NATIONAL PARK

<p align="center"><strong><em>ABSTRACT</em></strong><em></em></p><p><em>Karimunjawa National Park (KNP) consists of 7 zones i.e., core, protection, tourism, residence, rehabilitation, cultivation, and traditional fisheries utilization zone. Fishing activities in the traditional fisheries utilization zone (TFUZ) was not optimal because of limited of fishing zone information. The objective of this study was to determine the fishing zone based on major fish for each fishing gear. This study was conducted in KNP from October to December 2009. The major fish resources were determined through analyses of comparative performance index (CPI). Fish resource potential was analyzed by bio-economic model. The existence of fish resources were used as a basis of arrangement of fishing gear arround the fishing zone, through consideration of fishing gear characteristics, the characteristics of waters, the probabilities of conflict, degradation of fish resources, and regulations. Map of fishing zones were created using geographicl information system. Results showed that potential fishes around the TFUZ were reef fishes such as trevallies, yellow tail, and grouper. The potency of r</em><em>eef fishes was about 149 tons/year and pelagic fish of 19,080 tons/year.</em><em> Fishing zones around the TFUZ consisted of (1) area of 0-3 miles from coastal line which was allocated as the fishing zone of reef fishes using hand line and fish trap, (2) area of 3-4 miles from coastal line which was allocated as demersal fishing zone using bottom gillnet, (3) area of 0-4 miles from coastal line which was allocated as pelagic fishing zone using surface gillnet, and (4) area that more than 4 miles which was allocated as pelagic fishing zone using</em><em> dynamic fishing gear (troll line), and boat lift net.</em></p><p> </p><p><strong><em>Keywords: </em></strong><em> fishing zone, reef fish, pelagic fish, gillnet, Karimunjawa</em></p>

FISHING ZONE IN KARIMUNJAWA NATIONAL PARK

ABSTRACTKarimunjawa National Park (KNP) consists of 7 zones i.e., core, protection, tourism, residence, rehabilitation, cultivation, and traditional fisheries utilization zone. Fishing activities in the traditional fisheries utilization zone (TFUZ) was not optimal because of limited of fishing zone information. The objective of this study was to determine the fishing zone based on major fish for each fishing gear. This study was conducted in KNP from October to December 2009. The major fish resources were determined through analyses of comparative performance index (CPI). Fish resource potential was analyzed by bio-economic model. The existence of fish resources were used as a basis of arrangement of fishing gear arround the fishing zone, through consideration of fishing gear characteristics, the characteristics of waters, the probabilities of conflict, degradation of fish resources, and regulations. Map of fishing zones were created using geographicl information system. Results showed that potential fishes around the TFUZ were reef fishes such as trevallies, yellow tail, and grouper. The potency of reef fishes was about 149 tons/year and pelagic fish of 19,080 tons/year. Fishing zones around the TFUZ consisted of (1) area of 0-3 miles from coastal line which was allocated as the fishing zone of reef fishes using hand line and fish trap, (2) area of 3-4 miles from coastal line which was allocated as demersal fishing zone using bottom gillnet, (3) area of 0-4 miles from coastal line which was allocated as pelagic fishing zone using surface gillnet, and (4) area that more than 4 miles which was allocated as pelagic fishing zone using dynamic fishing gear (troll line), and boat lift net. Keywords: fishing zone, reef fish, pelagic fish, gillnet, Karimunjawa

Optimising sustainable management of mixed fisheries: Differentiating and weighting selective strategies

The three main pillars of the European Common Fisheries Policy, reformed in 2013, consist of minimizing ecological impacts; implementing sustainable exploitation defined by maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for regulated species and introducing landing obligations aimed at reducing the wasteful practice of discarding unwanted catches. These three key elements constitute major challenges for fisheries, their management and fishery scientists whose goal is to provide objective advice. We demonstrate that limiting sustainable catch options may pose rigorous constraints on fishing activities, in particular on so-called mixed fisheries targeting more than one individual stock. In a situation where there are complex restrictions comprising multiple management goals which are sometimes conflicting (e.g. the ‘choke effects’ of reduced catch opportunities due to specific stock conservation needs or market conditions), we propose the application of specific measures for specific fisheries, i.e. deviation from traditional fishery selection patterns, as an option to avert significant losses in yield and economic revenue. Fisheries-specific contributions to general management goals, including unwanted effects, shall be evaluated. Individual fisheries may benefit accordingly through multi-annual management plans with regional-scale reconciliation of sustainable exploitation of living natural resources, food security and socio-economy as potential key elements.

PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT BERBASIS KEMITRAAN (Studi Kasus Nelayan Desa Sulamu Kabupaten Kupang NTT)

Less development of the fisheries sector and its contribution to the PAD, especially traditional fishery business in the village Sulamu predominantly due to the lack of capital. The research objectives: 1) To describe the socio-economic conditions of the fishing village of Sulamu, Kupang. 2) To find a model of partnership in addressing the problem of poverty in the fishing village Sulamu Kupang district. Methods of data collection using survey method, observation method, and the quantitative and qualitative methods. The sampling method using purposive sampling method. Data presented in the form of tabulation and then analyzed descriptively, which results or capital investment, total cost, revenue, and profit in order to obtain the level of welfare of traditional fishermen in the village Sulamu. Analysis of the performance of the economy as acriterion indicates that the undiscounted net gillnet fisheries in<br />the village Sulamu profitable, efficient and feasible to operate with R / C ratio of 1.35 and profitability of 35.39% and a payback period (PP) of 2.8.

Assessing the small-scale shark fishery of Madagascar through community-based monitoring and knowledge

Over 90% of those employed in commercial capture fisheries work in the small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector and an estimated 97% of small scale fishers are found in least developed countries. However, the capacity for monitoring SSF globally is low and there is a paucity of data, in particular for remote areas within developing nations. The methods presented here demonstrate a low cost participatory approach for gathering data on small-scale fisheries, in particular for those that take place across remote areas. Community-based data collectors were trained to record biological and socioeconomic data on the traditional (non-motorised) shark fishery in the Toliara region of Madagascar over a six year period (2007–2012). An estimated 20 species of shark were recorded, of which 31% (n=3505) were Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead), a species listed by the IUCN as Endangered (IUCN, 2016). Although the number of sharks landed annually has not decreased during our survey period, there was a significant decrease in the average size of sharks caught. Despite multiple anecdotal reports of shark population declines, interviews and focus groups highlight the possibility that shark landings appear to have been maintained through changes in gear and increases in effort (eg. number of fishers, time spent fishing), which may mask a decline in shark populations. The numbers of sharks taken by the traditional fishery in our study region was estimated to be between 65,000 and 104,000year−1, whilst estimates using national export and import of dried shark fin from Madagascar, and shark length data in this study, put total landings between 78,000 and 471,851year−1. Reliable data on the total volume of sharks landed in Madagascar’s waters is scarce, in particular from foreign industrial boats both directly targeting shark species and as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. There is currently no legislation in place to protect sharks from overexploitation in Madagascar and an urgent need to address the lack of shark fishery management across the traditional, artisanal and industrial fisheries.

A research framework for traditional fisheries: Revisited

This paper revisits the 1979 seminal work of Ian Smith and the research agenda for small-scale fisheries which identified areas of research which would have the greatest potential for contributing to the solution of problems facing small-scale fisheries and their communities. The paper provides an historical perspective on the changing issues and research and development agendas for small-scale fisheries over the last fifty years. Several suggested research priorities on small-scale fisheries for the next decade are identified including overcapacity, livelihoods, markets and secure and resilient communities.

Cyclic fluctuations of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) linked to open‐sea convection processes in the northwestern Mediterranean

AbstractIn the Mediterranean, blue whiting, Micromesistius poutassou, constitutes a traditional fisheries resource. Over several decades, blue whiting landings in the Catalan coast (northwestern Mediterranean) have displayed cyclical variations, of c. 6 yrs, slightly decreased to five in the last two decades, as shown through wavelet analysis. These fluctuations have persisted under very different levels of fishing effort. This study evaluates the hypothesis that deep‐water formation in the adjacent Gulf of Lions, and the enhanced primary productivity related to it, determines recruitment strength in blue whiting that results ultimately in the observed periodicity of the blue whiting landings. The link between landings and environmental drivers was explored using lagged cross‐correlations, with 0‐ and 1‐yr lag. The variables considered included large‐scale indices [North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO)], Mediterranean climate indices [MO and Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO)], and variables defining the local environmental conditions in the northwestern Mediterranean (sea‐air heat flux, winter air temperature anomaly and Rhône river runoff). Significant correlations were only found between landings (1961–2011) and sea‐air heat flux, which is generally taken as an indicator of processes of deep water convection, at 0 and 1‐yr lag. These results suggest that the observed fluctuations in blue whiting landings respond to oceanographic processes taking place in the Gulf of Lions.

Age, growth, mortality and population structure of silver croaker Pennahia argentata (Houttuyn, 1782) and red bigeye Priacanthus macracanthus Cuvier, 1829 in the north-central Taiwan Strait

Summary The main objectives of this study were to estimate the age, growth, mortality and population structure of silver croaker Pennahia argentata (Houttuyn, 1782) and red bigeye Priacanthus macracanthus Cuvier, 1829 and to explore the factors causing the fluctuation of the fish populations and the ecological parameters. The two species were randomly sampled, with 80~120 individuals of each species captured every month from a single trawler fishery (mesh size 250 mm), March to November 2006, in the north-central Taiwan Strait. A total of 994 speciments of silver croaker and 851 speciments of red bigeye were collected. Compared with previous studies, the mean length and weight, mean age, the minimum size at first sexual maturity, the asymptotic length (L∞) and weight (W∞) of the two species has decreased in recent decades, indicating that the populations were younger, smaller and earlier in sexual maturity. Meanwhile, the growth coefficient (K) increased, the mortality coefficients (Z, F, M) were higher, and the exploitation rate (E) indicated overfishing. Fishing is a key driving force that can cause abundant fluctuations and changes in ecological characteristics in these two demersal fishes in this area. Accordingly, the traditional fishery management approach, such as the reduction in fishing effort, coupled with the Ecosystem-based Fishery Management (EBFM) should be implemented to achieve sustainable demersal fisheries.

The role of life histories and trophic interactions in population recovery.

Factors affecting population recovery from depletion are at the focus of wildlife management. Particularly, it has been debated how life-history characteristics might affect population recovery ability and productivity. Many exploited fish stocks have shown temporal changes towards earlier maturation and reduced adult body size, potentially owing to evolutionary responses to fishing. Whereas such life-history changes have been widely documented, their potential role on stock's ability to recover from exploitation often remains ignored by traditional fisheries management. We used a marine ecosystem model parameterized for Southeastern Australian ecosystem to explore how changes towards "faster" life histories might affect population per capita growth rate r. We show that for most species changes towards earlier maturation during fishing have a negative effect (3-40% decrease) on r during the recovery phase. Faster juvenile growth and earlier maturation were beneficial early in life, but smaller adult body sizes reduced the lifetime reproductive output and increased adult natural mortality. However, both at intra- and inter-specific level natural mortality and trophic position of the species were as important in determining r as species longevity and age of maturation, suggesting that r cannot be predicted from life-history traits alone. Our study highlights that factors affecting population recovery ability and productivity should be explored in a multi-species context, where both age-specific fecundity and survival schedules are addressed simultaneously. It also suggests that contemporary life-history changes in harvested species are unlikely to increase their resilience and recovery ability.

Projected Scenarios for Coastal First Nations' Fisheries Catch Potential under Climate Change: Management Challenges and Opportunities.

Studies have demonstrated ways in which climate-related shifts in the distributions and relative abundances of marine species are expected to alter the dynamics and catch potential of global fisheries. While these studies assess impacts on large-scale commercial fisheries, few efforts have been made to quantitatively project impacts on small-scale subsistence and commercial fisheries that are economically, socially and culturally important to many coastal communities. This study uses a dynamic bioclimate envelope model to project scenarios of climate-related changes in the relative abundance, distribution and richness of 98 exploited marine fishes and invertebrates of commercial and cultural importance to First Nations in coastal British Columbia, Canada. Declines in abundance are projected for most of the sampled species under both the lower (Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] 2.6) and higher (RCP 8.5) emission scenarios (-15.0% to -20.8%, respectively), with poleward range shifts occurring at a median rate of 10.3 to 18.0 km decade-1 by 2050 relative to 2000. While a cumulative decline in catch potential is projected coastwide (-4.5 to -10.7%), estimates suggest a strong positive correlation between the change in relative catch potential and latitude, with First Nations’ territories along the northern and central coasts of British Columbia likely to experience less severe declines than those to the south. Furthermore, a strong negative correlation is projected between latitude and the number of species exhibiting declining abundance. These trends are shown to be robust to alternative species distribution models. This study concludes by discussing corresponding management challenges that are likely to be encountered under climate change, and by highlighting the value of joint-management frameworks and traditional fisheries management approaches that could aid in offsetting impacts and developing site-specific mitigation and adaptation strategies derived from local fishers’ knowledge.

An unlikely partnership: fishers’ participation in a small-scale fishery data collection program in the Timor Sea

Traditional fisheries stock assessment methods and fishery independent surveys are costly and time consuming exercises. However fishers trained in data collection and utilising other skills can reduce costs and improve fishery assessments and management. A data collection program was conducted by Australian and Indonesian scientists with small-scale Indonesian sea cucumber fishers to evaluate the approach and then capture its benefits. The data fishers recorded allowed for the first stock assessment of this trans-boundary fishery during its centuries-long existence at Scott Reef in north-western Australia. The program also included interviews with fishers capturing the social, economic, and demographic aspects of the fishery. Economic inputs to fishing were complemented by fishery revenue data voluntarily submitted when fishers returned to port and sold their catch. Catch data recorded by fishers demonstrated much higher abundances than estimates obtained using standard visual transect methods and accurately reflected the true catch composition. However, they also showed extreme rates of exploitation. Interviews revealed social and economic factors that would be important considerations if management interventions were made. The program’s approach and the time scientists spent on the fishers’ vessels were key ingredients to fishers’ participation and the utility of the results. Despite the program’s achievements the information generated has not led to improved management or had any direct benefits for the participants. Sustaining the program in the longer term requires that its value is better captured.

Viver (d)o mar. Narrativa visual da pesca tradicional em São Miguel do Gostoso – RN.

Neste ensaio visual é enfocada a atividade de uma comunidade pesqueira tradicional no município de São Miguel do Gostoso, Rio Grande do Norte. São apresentadas, em correlação texto, imagem, fotografias coletadas em campo que são dispostas numa narrativa visual, com o objetivo de entender e explicar o processo de trabalho dos pescadores em sua relação com o mar.

A biophysical model for simulating early life stages of sardine in the Iberian Atlantic stock

The Iberian sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is a traditional fishery in western Iberia that is economically important in Portugal and in Galicia (NW Spain). The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) advice for the sardine in regions VIII and IXa in 2013 indicated that the biomass has decreased since 2006 and recruitment has been below the long term average since 2005. Recruitment is very variable, so it is important to understand the underlying processes driving this variation in order to manage the fishery effectively. In this study, a biophysical model was used to simulate the early life (egg and larval) stages of sardine. A high resolution hydrodynamic model for North and Northwest Iberia was used to force a Lagrangian Individually-Based Model (IBM) that simulated advection and dispersion (both horizontal and vertical) and included some biological behaviour. A Lower Trophic Level (LTL) model coupled to the hydrodynamic model was also used to get some insight on recruitment for years 2006–2007. Additionally, since in this area there are two different spawning grounds that could be associated with two eventually different populations, we have tried to show how the model can be used for giving insight on stock connectivity and therefore can contribute to stock delineation.

Spawning segregation and philopatry are major prezygotic barriers in sympatric cryptic Mugil cephalus species

The flathead mullet, Mugil cephalus, is a commercially vital fish in fisheries and aquaculture worldwide. Genetic analyses have recently revealed three cryptic species of M. cephalus in the Northwest Pacific. These species are sympatric in Taiwanese waters and specific reproductive behaviors have been suggested to be a major prezygotic barrier. Species composition was evaluated in samples of M. cephalus at different growth stages collected from various habitats (offshore spawning ground, estuarine nursery and feeding areas) over several months or years. The gonadosomatic index of adults and the body length of juveniles were recorded to determine the reproductive season and recruitment periods in estuaries. The results revealed partially temporal spawning isolation between species pairs, spatial segregation on specific spawning grounds and strong philopatry preclude hybridization. Thus, the results imply that traditional fisheries of mature fish in the Taiwan Strait target only one species, whereas aquaculture in Taiwan contain juveniles of all three species collected in estuaries. The ecological niche and demography of these species must be investigated further to estimate the impact of juvenile sources on aquaculture.

TEKNOLOGI PENANGKAPAN IKAN PADA MASYARAKAT NELAYAN DI NAGARI PASAR LAMA AIR HAJI, KECAMATAN LINGGOSARI BAGANTI, KABUPATEN PESISIR SELATAN

In the fishing community, fisheries economic sector will not be released to the role of traditional fisheries technology in various forms, such as ship or boat, fishing net (Wareng). Conditions of fishing tools that is still largely traditional and the number of workers is still high fisherman showing the condition of Pasar Lama Muaro Air Haji villages classified as areas considered to have pockets of poverty . This makes the fishing could not be further moves towards its efforts to develop the technology of fishing

The bycatch composition of shrimp trawl fishery in the Oman coastal waters, the Arabian Sea

Background. Shrimps are one of the most valuable marine resources of Oman and shrimp fi sheries is greatly contributing to the national economy, and sustainability of traditional fi sheries villages. However, the shrimp trawl fi shery has one of the highest bycatch rate of any fi shery and cause negative impacts to marine populations and benthic habitats. This study provides the fi rst data on the c omposition and abundance of the bycatch in the main shrimp fi shing grounds distributed along the south-eastern coastline of Oman in the Arabian Sea. Materials and methods. Shrimp trawl survey was conducted monthly from January to December 2013 in seven sites using demersal otter trawl. Overall, 93 trawl catches were used for the analysis of the bycatch composition based on weight, number, and frequency of occurrence. Top ten species and top fi sh families, cephalopods, and crabs were defi ned in the bycatch. The bycatch compositions were compared in different regions using biodiversity indices and the cluster analysis. Results. Mean monthly bycatch during the shrimp trawling survey in the coastal waters of Oman in 2013 ranged from 22.2 to 191.5 kg · h –1 , in different months with an overall mean (±SE) of 58.7 ± 5.2 kg · h –1 (n = 93). The bycatch to catch ratio was estimated 8.9 : 1 for shrimp fi sheries. This ratio fl uctuated signifi cantly over the year with minimum values from April to September. The bycatch composition included 97 bony fi sh species from 36 families, 12 species from 7 elasmobranchs families and several species of cephalopods and crabs. Catfi shes (Ariidae), frogfi sh (Antennariidae), ponyfi shes (Leiognathidae), and rays (Dasyatidae and Gymnuridae), represented a majority of the bycatch. Conclusion. Shrimp fi shery in Oman is affecting mainly small-sized and slow-moving fi shes, and invertebrates with low economic value. However, the fi ne-meshed shrimp trawls also capture juveniles of commercial important fi shes and cause some ecological problems. The results from the study point out the necessity of management actions to develop a special policy on bycatch reduction in Oman fi sheries.

Climate change effects in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem

Evidences are accumulating on the long-term changes in seawater temperature, acidity, deoxygenation, cyclones and sea level in the Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem. These changes have impacts on ocean productivity, habitats and biological processes. Distributional and phenological changes in fish species, and increase in frequency and intensity of coral bleaching are becoming evident. Fisheries, particularly traditional fisheries, will be the most vulnerable to climate change. Climate warming will also affect the inland and coastal aquaculture sectors of the Bay of Bengal LME countries. Impacts will include changes in hydrology and therefore availability of water, physical threats to aquaculture facilities, and prevalence or spread of known and new diseases of aquatic organisms. The most important and critical adaptation measures will be to develop human resources capacity to increase understanding of the marine resources, and implement measures to sustainably manage fisheries. Bay of Bengal Large Marine Ecosystem project's two main directions taken for climate change response are contribution to the understanding of large-scale processes and climate change effects on one hand, and contributions to adaptation by addressing habitat degradation, pollution and fisheries management, as well as developing capacity and resilience of coastal populations on the other. Recognizing that current problems in weak fisheries management make the sector vulnerable to climate change, BOBLME supports adaptation and increases resilience by strengthening fisheries management and providing assistance to improve fisheries assessments. By strengthening governance, BOBLME also contributes to the integration of climate change adaptation into decision-making and response initiatives, e.g. disaster risk management plans.

Modelling the interactive effects of selective fishing and environmental change on Atlantic salmon demogenetics

Summary Changes in life‐history traits have been observed in many fish species over past decades. This led to the ‘fisheries‐induced evolution’ hypothesis proposing that fisheries may be causing genetic changes to populations through selective harvesting. Another hypothesis, which is not mutually exclusive, is that observed changes are due to phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes. Using an individual‐based demogenetic model, we investigate the relative importance of selective fishing and environmental change scenarios on the Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. In simulation experiments, results show that poor oceanic growth conditions resulting from environmental change drove mainly phenotypic responses, such as a shift towards a multiple‐sea‐winter life history accompanied by a decline in population size. These changes were attributable to the longer time needed to reach maturation and the resulting increase in cumulative mortality during the oceanic phase. Increased selective fishing against multiple‐sea‐winter fish mainly induced an evolutionary effect in the form of a lower maturation threshold in females, increasing the proportion of one sea‐winter fish. The maturation threshold of males was not modified by selective fishing due to their earlier reproduction and return after a single winter at sea, thereby avoiding most of the selective effects of fishing. Policy implications. The results suggest that given the present configuration of traditional fisheries, fishing is likely to worsen the effects of oceanic environmental change. Management strategies avoiding targeting multiple‐sea‐winter fish may need to be considered in order to ensure the populations’ resilience to poor oceanic conditions for growth.

Physiology in the service of fisheries science: Why thinking mechanistically matters

Behavioral responses of fishes to variability in environmental conditions and habitat quality are central to population-level demographic processes. Although field surveys can correlate abundance to habitat variables (physiochemical, biotic, and structural), they cannot provide mechanistic explanations. Moreover, field surveys are often stratified by time or geographic criteria relevant to humans, whereas fishes stratify by habitat variables relevant to them. If mechanisms underlying behavior are not explicitly understood, conclusions based on survey data can lead to biased inferences as to species-specific habitat requirements and preferences, as well as changes in stock size occurring over time. Because physiology is the transfer function that links specific environmental conditions to behavior and fitness, we argue great gains can be made through the integration of physiology and fisheries science. These are complementary disciplines, albeit ones that generally function at very different temporal and spatial scales, as well as different levels of biological organization. We argue more specifically that integrating physiological approaches with behavioral studies and traditional fisheries survey data (where each approach develops hypotheses to be tested in the other) can mechanistically link processes from cells through populations to place fisheries management in an appropriate ecosystem context. We further contend that population- and species-specific mechanistic understanding of physiological abilities and tolerances can significantly help to: improve stock assessments, describe essential fish habitat, predict rates of post-release mortality, develop effective bycatch reduction strategies, and forecast the population effects of increases in global temperatures and ocean acidification.