Search Results (21)

The Punta Coles Natural Reserve (PCNR), located on the southern coast of the province of Ilo, Moquegua Region, Peru, houses an area rich in marine biodiversity which is composed of natural banks of benthic invertebrates, which constitute the potential and dynamic fishery of commercial interest for artisanal fishermen that impact the area. To mitigate this impact, all stakeholders need to know, understand, value, and balance the dependence of benthic biodiversity with the ecosystem for its preservation and the promotion of sustainable fishing. Along these lines, the components studied are bathymetry, lithology, and the tapestry of bioengineers that make up the reserve’s seabed. Mapping of the complexity of the benthic habitat of the seabed was developed on the basis of an integrated analysis of multibeam bathymetric data, geoscientific information associated with the antecedents of benthic biodiversity of the PCNR, sediment maps of the seabed, subtidal sedimentological texture, and photographic records. The characterization and granulometry of the sediments that make up the PCNR were determined according to the Udden–Wentworth classification criterion (Φ). The utility of the GPSMAP 178C multibeam echosounder for the interpretation of seabed sediments stands out. The kriging interpolation method was used to extrapolate the characteristics of the benthic habitat, which is suitable for large areas of the sea. As a result, three habitats were derived and mapped, and three structures (bioengineers), namely, “subtidal kelps” (Lessonia trabeculata), “mussels” (Aulacomya atra), and “red sea squirt” (Pyura chilensis), were associated mainly with sedimentary rock habitats and mixed substrates. In the sand substrate, these algae were found to a lesser extent. The results show that this study is a conceptual model that summarizes the understanding of ecology and prospects for the sustainability of profitable, ecoefficient fishing activities in the Moquegua Region, Peru. Full article

Forage fish, a crucial source of nutrition in developing countries, are, unfortunately, primarily used for fishmeal and aquafeed production for aquaculture, which mainly serves consumers in developed countries. Industrial fish use leaves a meager portion of the catch available for direct human consumption in these fish-producing countries, leading to inflated fish prices locally. Overfishing forage fish due to the needs of the reduction fishery industry disrupts the ecosystem, diminishes the catch of larger fish, such as mackerel, and marginalizes local artisanal fishermen. This article briefly appraises the financial and nutritional impacts of elevated fish prices on low-income consumers in forage-fish-producing countries, drawing attention to the ethical implications of this situation. By reducing the supply to the industry, a hypothetical 10% boost in the annual supply of fresh forage fish to the current global supply of 5 million Mt (metric tons), markets could save consumers annually hundreds of millions of US dollars globally, tens of millions of US dollars nationally, and several dollars for families while improving the nutrition of families that depend on forage fish. The numbers suggest that even a modest supply shift from industry to the supply of forage fish to fresh fish markets could significantly benefit fish-producing nations and consumers. In some countries, such as South Africa, the orders of magnitude of these sums approach those of the entire value of local fish reduction industries. Increased fish prices could be considered involuntary subsidies by low-income consumers to the aquafeed and aquaculture industries. In summary, the current use of captured forage fish in reduction industries and aquaculture warrants further scrutiny, as it inadvertently burdens disadvantaged societies financially and nutritionally. This article proposes using alternative protein sources and cultivating non-carnivorous fish, among several optional measures, to ensure the equitable distribution of forage fish resources. Full article

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including that of sharks, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and individual species. I use data from the media, tourists, and artisan fishermen to gain insight into the trade in the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). I focus on the Indonesian island of Java where, along its south coast, whale sharks are landed and butchered on the beach in view of hundreds of people and local media. Whale sharks are typically caught in fishing nets and dragged alongside boats to the shallows, where they are butchered. The meat and oil (valued at ~USD 2000 per shark) are sold and distributed within the community. I document 58 landings of mainly immature whale sharks (2002–2022). Artisanal fishermen see the landing of whale sharks as a fortuitous event, but the species is protected, and Indonesia is a signatory to various international agreements that preclude the fishing of whale sharks. It is imperative for the conservation of whale sharks that the various parties in Indonesia adhere better to their own rules and regulations protecting this species. Full article

Seascape mapping is critical to understanding ecosystem services and managing areas with potential for fishing, power generation, mining, and tourism. Despite advances in marine geophysics, the necessary equipment to make underwater cartography can be expensive and requires a certain degree of specialization. In areas with scarce data, ethnomapping can be used for the elaboration or complementation of marine cartography. In addition, it provides information about the nature, concepts, phenomena, and nomenclatures attributed by the local population. The aim of this study was to integrate the knowledge of artisanal fishermen from NE Brazil into the mapping of seascapes, validating the obtained cartography with scientific sampling. Focus groups were used to promote an open discussion of local users’ knowledge about seascapes and their importance for local fisheries. After analyzing, it was possible to correlate the products of participatory mapping with the scientific data available in the literature, resulting in the seascape ethnomap. Nine seascapes relevant to subsistence fisheries were identified. The mapping of seascapes and fauna captured by indigenous fishermen was similar to that produced from preexisting geology, geomorphology, and fishing data. This validated the methodological protocol and the importance of the participation of local populations in coastal conservation and management activities. Full article

This paper reports the results of a 15-year trawl ban imposed in 1990 in the Gulf of Castellammare (GCAST: NW Sicily, central Mediterranean Sea) and its effects on the biomass and size structure of demersal finfish and shellfish and on the proportion of different commercial categories of fish. Data were collected by experimental trawl surveys conducted in the GCAST and in two trawled areas before and after 1990. The biomass of the total assemblage and of a number of selected species was significantly higher in the GCAST after the ban. Highly commercial species had the largest increase in the same gulf after the ban, particularly at the depths used by artisanal fishermen. The results from size-based indicators were not as clear-cut as those from biomass though. Although the length frequency distributions obtained in the GCAST were significantly different from the other gulfs, in several cases, the values of the size indicators were higher in the trawled gulfs. Our results suggest that, at the temporal and spatial scale adopted, trawl bans may drive full biomass recovery but only partial size structure recovery of the fish populations subject to trawl exclusion, at least in the Mediterranean. The trawl ban in the Gulf of Castellammare provides an example of an effective ecosystem-based fisheries management tool that offers the potential for fish stock rebuilding and for the economic sustainability of artisanal, small-scale fisheries. Full article

Europe calls for the end to fisheries discards, which means bringing all caught fish (subject to minimum sizes or quotas) to land. This decision is beneficial to the ecosystem, since it forces the selectivity of the fishing gears to improve. However, artisanal fishermen find themselves in a vulnerable situation where their subsistence depends on catches with small profit margins. An exemption to this landing obligation exists, as it is also ruled that those animals whose survival is scientifically guaranteed may be returned to the sea. Here we study the survival of Plectorhinchus mediterraneus captured by hookline and gillnet, as well as their physiological recovery. Survival exceeds 93% in both cases. The physiological assessment of primary (cortisol) and secondary (energy mobilization, acid-base and hydromineral balance, and immune system) stress responses indicates that surviving animals are able to recover after fishing. Thus, we propose the optimal size of capture of this species to achieve greater economic benefit. For this, we rely on the prices according to size in recent years, as well as on the growth curves of the species. In this way, by releasing fish of less than 1 kg, the current benefits could be multiplied between 2.3 and 9.6 times. This pilot study lays the groundwork for regulating artisanal fisheries through scientific data related to survival of discards along with information on the sale prices. Full article

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have been classified depending on the causative organism and its impacts: non-toxic HAB (microalgae capable of affecting tourism and causing oxygen deficiency, which generates mortality of marine organisms), toxic HAB (microalgae capable of transferring toxins to the food chain), and ichthyotoxic HAB (microalgae capable of generating mechanical damage in fish). HABs represent a worldwide problem and have apparently increased in frequency, intensity, and geographic distribution at different latitudes. This review details the occurrence of HAB events in the Southeast Pacific, Chile, over a 65-year period, analysing two of the three types of HAB described: toxic and ichthyotoxic HABs. For this, we conducted a review from many different scientific sources and from the written press and social media, that have mentioned HAB events in the country. In Chile, the microalgae involved in HAB events are dinoflagellate (52%), diatoms (33%) and silicoflagellate (10%), with a total of 41 species and/or genera described in the literature. A total of 501 HAB events were recorded in Chile between 1956 and 2021, where 240 (47.9%), 238 (47.5%), 14 (2.7%), 8 (1.5%) and 1 (0.2%) event were caused by diatoms, dinoflagellate, silicoflagellate, raphidophycean and haptophyte, respectively. An apparent increase in the frequency of HAB events is observed since the first record in 1956, with a maximum of 46 events during the years 2017 and 2019. The highest incidence in fish is caused by the group of silicoflagellate, raphidophycean and haptophyte (23 events), where 10 events caused mortalities in salmon with an incidence rate of 43.4%. Unlike what is observed with diatoms and dinoflagellate, the events associated with these groups are less frequent, but hold a much higher salmon mortality rate. During the last 65 years, HAB’s geographic extent shows an apparent trend to increase south-to-north. However, the identification of events is closely linked to the areas where much of the country’s aquaculture is located and, therefore, it could be biased. In turn, it is observed that the apparent increase in HAB events could be associated with a greater monitoring effort after major events (e.g., after the 2016 HAB event). On the other hand, it is also recognized a lack of knowledge about harmful algae throughout the Chilean Humboldt Current system, particularly in the northern regions, such as Atacama and Coquimbo. Therefore, the total number of blooms that have occurred in fjords and channels, particularly those that have caused minor economic impacts for artisanal fishermen and the salmon and mussel farming sector, might be underestimated. Full article

Fisheries play an important role in the socio-economic development of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), although the exploited fishery resources have remained largely unknown due to extreme data limitation conditions, which have hindered their sustainable utilization and effective management. Fish has traditionally been seen as a crucial element in the population’s dietary and nutritional security, playing a significant role as a source of 85% of animal protein. However, the sustainable management of these resources has recently been facing some challenges. Fishermen control the patterns of fishing exploitation by modifying their methods in response to shifting socioeconomic situations and the management of their resources. In the present study, we assess the dynamics and trends of catches of artisanal, semi-industrial, and industrial fleets in São Tomé and Príncipe marine waters, as well as aspects related to fishing effort, using catch data collected from 1950 to 2020. The observed results show the dynamics and importance that the fishing sectors of São Tomé and Príncipe have for the country’s economic growth. According to the indices of abundance of fishery resources, the levels of exploitation during this study’s period revealed a reduction in recent years of artisanal catches. Furthermore, this study also identified major problems faced in the fishing sector of São Tomé and Príncipe and makes some recommendations to address them. These recommendations would allow future studies to define the status of stocks threatened or overexploited and control fishing efforts, ensuring the legitimacy and sustainability of fishing activity in São Tomé and Príncipe. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be characterized from their occupational etiology and their occurrence; their chronicity generates negative repercussions for the health of workers, especially of artisanal fishing. To investigate the prevalence of generalized musculoskeletal disorders by body region and self-reported pain in a fishing population of northeastern Brazil, an epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out in Santiago do Iguape, Bahia-Brazil, in 2017. The Brazilian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), in addition to a questionnaire containing the socio-demographic and labor conditions were applied to a random stratified sample of 248 artisanal fisheries. There were 170 female shellfish gatherers and 78 fishermen, with a mean age of 36.7 years (SD = 10.5 years) and 43.3 years (SD = 11.8 years), respectively. The beginning of the labor activity was initiated at approximately 11 years of age. The average weekly income varied from 17.64 USD to 29.10 USD. The prevalence of MSD independent of occupation occurred in at least one body region in 93.5% and the presence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over the last seven days in 95.2% of the fishing workers. The highest prevalence of MSD was found in shellfish gatherers in: lower back (86.4%), wrist and hand (73.5%), and upper back (66.8%). In relation to the presence of pain in the last year, the frequency of pain was greater in the fishermen compared to the shellfish gatherers. The generalized severity of the MSD in 93.5% of this community of fishermen is evident, with emphasis in the following regions: lower back, wrist and hand and upper back in both groups, with occurrence of pain in more than one body region at the same time. Full article

Sargassum spp. blooms exacerbated by climate change and agricultural runoff are inundating Caribbean beaches, emitting toxic fumes and greenhouse gases through decomposition. This hurts tourism, artisanal fishing, shore-based industry, human health, standards-of-living, coastal ecology, and the global climate. Barriers, collection machinery, and Sargassum valorization have been unable to provide sufficient, sustainable, or widespread relief. This article presents a total Sargassum management system that is effective, low-impact, and economically scalable across the Caribbean. Littoral Collection Modules (LCMs), attached to artisanal fishing boats, collect Sargassum in nets which are brought to a barge. When full, the barge is towed to the deep ocean where Sargassum is pumped to ~150–200 m depth, whereafter it continues sinking (Sargassum Ocean Sequestration of Carbon; “SOS Carbon”). Costing and negative emissions calculations for this system show cleanup costs <$1/m³ and emissions reduction potential up to 1.356 → 3.029 tCO2e/dmt Sargassum. COVID-19 decimated Caribbean tourism, adding to the pressures of indebtedness and natural disasters facing the region. The “SOS Carbon strategy” could help the Caribbean “build back better” by establishing a negative emissions industry that builds resilience against Sargassum and flight shame (“flygskam”). Employing fishermen to operate LCMs achieves socioeconomic goals while increasing Sargassum cleanup and avoiding landfilling achieves sustainable development goals. Full article

The study looks at the problems facing coastal fishing communities. It highlights the impacts that, in the complex framework of the EU reforms, have manifested themselves on economic activities and on society. The aim of the paper is twofold: to examine small-scale artisanal fishing in an area of Southern Italy in order to develop resilience and diversification and at the same time to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers to highlight development strategies for the sector. The research carried out through a direct survey by administering a questionnaire to fishermen operating in areas of Southern Italy and the data cross-referenced with the opinions of local consumers. A conjoint experiment, followed by a multiple correspondence analysis and cluster identification, was used to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers. The results of the analysis reveal that the fish market and the restaurant sector are the main distribution channels preferred by fishermen. Furthermore, fishermen are very sensitive to environmental issues and are willing to collaborate and actively participate in the environmental protection of the sea. Consumers recognise the quality of local bluefish, and they implicitly perceive the sustainability of the method of capture. The results show the need to undertake synergistic actions for the fishing industry, capable of activating marketing strategies adequately to support, promote and develop the sector. The results of the study provide helpful information for food companies in order to better segment their market and target their consumers, as well as to effectively promote their product using brands, certifications and traceability. Full article

Knowledge about professional diving-related risk factors for reduced executive function is limited. We therefore evaluated the association between decompression illness and executive functioning among artisanal divers in southern Chile. The cross-sectional study included 104 male divers and 58 male non-diving fishermen from two fishing communities. Divers self-reported frequency and severity of symptoms of decompression illness. Executive function was evaluated by perseverative responses and perseverative errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Age, alcohol consumption, and symptoms of depression were a-priori defined as potential confounders and included in linear regression models. Comparing divers and non-divers, no differences in the executive function were found. Among divers, 75% reported a history of at least mild decompression sickness. Higher frequency and severity of symptoms of decompression illness were associated with reduced executive function. Therefore, intervention strategies for artisanal divers should focus on prevention of decompression illness. Full article

Over the decades, hydropower complexes have been built in several hydrographic basins of Brazil including the Amazon region. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of these constructions on the environment and local communities. This work presents a land use and land cover change temporal analysis considering a 33-year period (1985–2018) in the direct influence zone of the Braço Norte Hydropower Complex, Brazilian Amazonia, using the Collection 4.1 level 3 of the freely available MapBiomas dataset. Additionally, we have assessed the Brazilian Amazon large-scale deforestation process acting as a land use and land cover change driver in the study area. Our findings show that the most impacted land cover was forest formation (from 414 km² to 287 km², a reduction of 69%), which primarily shifted into pasturelands (increase of 664%, from 40 km² to 299 km²). The construction of the hydropower complex also triggered indirect impacts such as the presence of urban areas in 2018 and the consequent increased local demand for crops. Together with the ongoing large-scale Amazonian deforestation process, the construction of the complex has intensified changes in the study area as 56.42% of the pixels were changed between 1985 and 2018. This indicates the importance of accurate economic and environmental impact studies for assessing social and environmental consequences of future construction in this unique region. Our results reveal the need for adopting special policies to minimize the impact of these constructions, for example, the creation of Protected Areas and the definition of locally-adjusted parameters for the ecological-economic zoning considering environmental and social circumstances derived from the local actors that depend on the natural environment to subsist such as indigenous peoples, riverine population, and artisanal fishermen. Full article

The Humboldt Current, one of the most productive waters in the world, flows along the Chilean coast with high primary production level. However, living marine resources in these waters are declining due to overexploitation and other anthropogenic and environmental factors. It has been reported that deploying artificial reefs in coastal waters can improve the production of benthic resources. To ensure the sustainability of coastal fisheries in northern Chile this study aims to investigate fishermen’s perceptions on deploying artificial reefs and propose future management measures using Caleta Pisagua as a case study. Interviews of artisanal fishermen regarding four aspects: fishermen profile, fishing activity, resources, and artificial reefs were conducted. Results showed that most fishermen favored the implementation of artificial reefs within the Areas of Management and Exploitation of Benthic Resources (AMERBs). In addition, deploying artificial reefs appears to be socio-economically necessary for the artisanal fishermen whose livelihood is being affected by the overexploitation of coastal fish and because hard substrates essential for benthic resources are in short supply within this administration area. It is recommended that criteria for the deployment of artificial reefs as well as specific management plans for main and secondary species should be developed. Full article

The European spiny lobster Palinurus elephas is a vulnerable species that inhabits and is harvested in the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic waters. The fisheries associated with the spiny lobster are mainly conducted with tangle nets, trammel nets, pots, and creels. The fishing pressure has greatly reduced their numbers, changing them from a common shallow coastal species to a largely remnant population. The relative research on the species’ biology and fisheries from the eastern Mediterranean Sea is almost absent. The fishery along the Chalkidiki Peninsula, Greece, is multispecies, and fishing is conducted by a small number of artisanal fishermen mainly using trammel nets. The lobster stock—both spiny and clawed lobsters—declined significantly during the late 1980s and early 1990s, later than most cases in the Mediterranean Sea. However, data regarding the nature and status of the fishery associated with the spiny lobster in Greece are lacking. Data regarding the characteristics of the spiny regional fishery were obtained by interviews and questionnaires. Additionally, fishery surveys were conducted during the main lobster fishing season from 1 May 2017 to 31 August 2017. Sixteen species were identified (15 finfish species and one invertebrate species) as targeted. In total, 79 spiny lobsters were sampled in this study; the population’s sex ratio significantly diverts from the theoretical 1:1 (χ² = 4.57; p < 0.05), and males were dominant. Both male and female individuals demonstrate negative allometric growth profiles. In addition, no significant differences were observed between sexes. In Greece, thus far, the knowledge and information are sporadic, limited, and/or species-specific, most of which regard finfish fisheries. Furthermore, the national legislation is rather complicated—or too generalized—thus creating great uncertainties. The in-depth knowledge and experience of fishermen should be further acknowledged and utilized, and wider collaborations among scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers should be established. The present study poses some thoughts on the effectiveness of the recent EU Landing Obligation and its contribution to the potential restoration of the species. Full article