Search Results (133)

The striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) and white mullet (Mugil curema) support artisanal fishing at the mouth of the Soto La Marina River, Gulf of Mexico, an area of great ecological value within the Laguna Madre and Rio Bravo Delta Protected Natural Area, the Terrestrial Priority Region RTP-83, and the Marine Priority Region RMP-44. Given the absence of historical catch and effort time series—a typical constraint of data-limited fisheries—a length-based frequency approach was used to estimate growth parameters, mortality rates, and the exploitation rate (E = F/Z). During 2018–2019, 1134 specimens of M. cephalus and 339 of M. curema were sampled. Due to sexual dimorphism in M. cephalus, analyses were performed separately for females, males, and combined sexes, while M. curema was analyzed with sexes combined. Growth (L∞, k) and mortality (Z, M, F) parameters for combined sexes were: M. cephalus (562 mm, 0.14 year⁻¹; 3.72, 0.21, 3.51 year⁻¹) and M. curema (329 mm, 0.15 year⁻¹; 1.46, 0.25, 1.21 year⁻¹). Exploitation rates (E) substantially exceeded Gulland (E = 0.5) and Patterson (E = 0.4) reference points: M. cephalus females (0.891), males (0.915), combined sexes (0.944), and M. curema (0.828). It is concluded that both stocks show strong evidence of growth overfishing, with exploitation rates well above established reference points, revealing a disconnect between the area’s conservation designations and the actual condition of the resource. Full article

Dolphinfish are highly valued pelagic fish for both commercial and recreational fisheries. In Mexico, the species is reserved exclusively for sportfishing within 50 nautical miles of the coastline, making the country unique in enforcing such a rule. This regulation has generated a prolonged conflict between the commercial and artisanal sector, which seeks to amend the sustainable fishery law, and the sportfishing sector, which argues that permitting commercial harvest would significantly reduce availability for recreational fleets. The dispute has reached senior political levels, with members of Congress lobbied by both sides. Our objectives were to: (1) review dolphinfish life history traits and compare them with those of finfish legally harvested in Mexico; (2) identify knowledge gaps in the species’ biological information; and (3) provide recommendations for policymakers. Results show that dolphinfish display faster growth, earlier maturity, and greater dispersal capacity than most legally harvested teleost fish in Mexico. These traits suggest lower vulnerability to overfishing relative to other commercial species. As an initial step, we propose establishing a pilot program allowing limited legal harvest exclusively for artisanal coastal fisheries, generating data to support future assessments of population health in Mexican waters to inform adaptive, transparent, and evidence-based management decisions. Full article

Traditional shellfish harvesting plays a crucial role in food security, local livelihoods and the preservation of cultural heritage in coastal communities. This study examined environmental, socioeconomic and circular economy perceptions associated with the artisanal fishery of the “black chinese” snail (Hexaplex nigritus) in the Navachiste Lagoon system, located in the south-eastern Gulf of California. A quantitative, exploratory–descriptive approach was employed using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 225 fishers. Four analytical dimensions were evaluated: environmental perception, personal-family-social, economic, and circular economy perception. Given the multidimensional nature of the questionnaire, the results were interpreted through item-level response patterns. An exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s method suggested greater similarity between environmental and economic perception profiles, without establishing a definitive relationship. The descriptive results indicated moderate environmental concern ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 3.12), high sociocultural value ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 4.49), a negative economic perception ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 2.32) associated with low income and dependence on intermediaries, and limited adoption of circular economy practices ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 1.36). It is concluded that, despite its cultural importance, surveyed fishers perceive that the fishery faces environmental pressures and economic constraints and shows an almost total lack of integration of circular economy practices. These findings underscore the potential importance of developing comprehensive policies to promote sustainable management, strengthen marketing, and foster a circular economy for the H. nigritus fishery with the aim of contributing to its long-term sustainability in the region. Full article

There is a lack of information about the shark fisheries in Tamaulipas, a coastal state of the Gulf of Mexico, and the species that sustain them. This challenges the development of management and conservation strategies for this group. This study evaluates the ecological vulnerability of elasmobranch species under fishing pressure using a Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). PSA was conducted using the literature biological data of the organisms caught in La Pesca, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and semi-structured surveys applied to artisanal fishers. Results indicate that eleven shark species and four ray species sustain this fishery, with biological productivity values ranging from 1.15 to 2.23 and susceptibility values from 1.91 to 2.09. The minimum ecological risk value was observed in Rhizoprionodon terranovae (v = 1.26), and the highest in Gymnura lessae (v = 2.14). Secondary, non-local biological productivity data limit the quality score but not the overall study validity, highlighting the need for primary regional data on Tamaulipas elasmobranchs. Our results rank elasmobranch species by ecological risk in La Pesca, Tamaulipas, helping policymakers prioritize species for research and conservation and determine whether current management matches local artisanal fishery realities or requires regional adjustments. Further regional studies are required to improve biological productivity data for elasmobranchs supporting artisanal fisheries in Tamaulipas. Full article

Charal (Chirostoma spp.) is a small pelagic fish of high nutritional and economic importance in central Mexico. However, its high moisture content and rapid post-harvest deterioration result in substantial losses in artisanal fisheries. Solar drying represents a sustainable preservation alternative, particularly in regions with limited access to refrigeration. This study investigates the drying kinetics of whole charal under field-realistic mild-to-moderate solar drying scenarios, including forced convection, natural convection, and open-air exposure. Experimental drying curves were modeled using classical thin-layer formulations, and neural network models were evaluated as complementary one-step-ahead predictors of experimental moisture ratio. Among the evaluated thin-layer models, the Modified Page formulation consistently provided the most reliable empirical description of the drying curves, with coefficients of determination greater than 0.97. An ablation-style comparison of ANN, CNN, LSTM, and CNN-LSTM architectures showed that the CNN model achieved the highest global predictive accuracy in the present dataset, with R² = 0.987 and MSE = 4.3 × 10⁻⁴. Because the dataset contained a limited number of independent drying curves, the deep-learning results are interpreted as exploratory and complementary to thin-layer modeling rather than as a replacement for classical empirical models. The proposed framework may support future drying-endpoint estimation and decision-support tools for artisanal fish processing, provided that additional validation is performed with standardized sample masses, environmental covariates, and product-quality indicators. Full article

Small pelagic fishes are essential for artisanal fisheries and food security in São Tomé and Príncipe, yet biological information required for stock assessment remains scarce. This study examined the population dynamics and life-history traits of Caranx crysos, Euthynnus alletteratus, Hemiramphus balao, and Cheilopogon melanurus using 9052 specimens collected from artisanal landings between 2023 and 2025. C. melanurus (35.2%) and H. balao (34.0%) dominated the sampled catches, followed by C. crysos (18.1%) and E. alletteratus (12.7%). Standardized CPUE series modelled using GAMs revealed significant temporal and seasonal variation in relative abundance, with contrasting species-specific trends. Length–weight relationships revealed negative allometric growth in three of the four species examined (75%), with b values ranging from 2.50 to 3.19, while Fulton’s condition factor differed significantly among species (Kruskal–Wallis χ² = 6702.7, p < 0.001). Sex-ratio analyses showed significant deviations from parity in C. crysos and C. melanurus, whereas E. alletteratus and H. balao remained balanced. Gonadosomatic index and maturity-stage distributions indicated year-round reproductive activity with distinct spawning peaks. Length at first maturity (L50) ranged from 30.2 cm to 38.8 cm among species. Growth parameters estimated from length-frequency data using the von Bertalanffy Growth Function fitted through ELEFAN_GA in TropFishR yielded L∞ values of 43.9–68.4 cm and K values of 0.065–0.336 yr⁻¹. Growth performance index (φ′) ranged from 2.48 to 2.99, corresponding to theoretical longevities of 8.9–46.3 years. Length-based cohort analysis indicated biomass concentration in intermediate size classes and increasing fishing mortality towards larger individuals. Exploitation rates revealed contrasting fishing pressures among species, while sensitivity analyses identified growth and mortality parameters as the main sources of uncertainty. These findings provide the first integrated biological baseline for the assessment and management of small pelagic resources in São Tomé and Príncipe. Full article

Artisanal fisheries in Mexico frequently operate with limited data, lacking historical catch and effort series. In this context, the population status of the dogfish (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) was evaluated for the first time in Priority Marine Regions 45–46 and the area of influence of the Wetland of International Importance Playa Tortuguera Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, using methods based on size frequencies. Between November 2018 and February 2020, 541 artisanal fishing organisms were analyzed in La Barra del Tordo using FISAT II. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for combined sexes were: L∞ = 105 cm, k = 0.59 years⁻¹, t₀ = −0.195 years. Total (Z), natural (M) and fishing (F) mortalities were 4.13, 0.467 and 3.22 years⁻¹, respectively. The average exploitation rate (E = F/Z) was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.745–0.805), exceeding the reference point of 0.5 indicating severe overexploitation. The parameters showed biological consistency (Ø′ = 3.81; M/k = 0.79), and natural mortality was within the range reported for the species. This finding, in a priority region for conservation under the regime of the Conservation Sector of the Marine Ecological Management Program, shows the urgent need to implement fisheries management with an ecosystem approach that guarantees the sustainability of the fishery and the integrity of the coastal ecosystem. The study demonstrates that, even with limited data, it is possible to obtain robust estimates to inform management decisions in natural protected areas Full article

Small-scale fisheries constitute the backbone of coastal livelihoods in Indonesia, yet comprehensive socio-economic data remain limited for effective management. This study characterizes the operational and socioeconomic patterns of multi-gear artisanal fisheries in the Pangandaran coastal waters of West Java, Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey of 136 fishers across 14 coastal communities was conducted using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, fishing operations, and catch composition. Complete economic data were available for 125 fishermen, while multivariate analyses used n = 105 due to listwise deletion of cases with missing predictor variables. Fishermen averaged 46.9 years of age with 25.8 ± 11.6 years of fishing experience. Mean monthly income was IDR 5.80 million (SD = 7.51, 95% CI: 4.47–7.13 million, approximately USD 387). Gillnet was the dominant fishing gear (73.5% of fishermen), followed by hook-and-line (14.7%). A total of 57 fish species were recorded, dominated by hairtail Trichiurus spp. (61.0% occurrence). Statistical analyses revealed weak relationships between conventional demographic and operational variables and income. Although crew number showed a statistically significant association with income (p = 0.039), its effect size was small, and the overall regression model was not significant, with very low explanatory power (R² = 0.038). These results indicate that income variability is largely driven by unmeasured and context-specific factors rather than observable fishing characteristics. These findings provide baseline socio-economic data essential for developing community-specific management interventions in Pangandaran waters. Full article

Parasites are integral components of marine ecosystems, providing insights into host biology, trophic interactions, and environmental variability. This study presents the first systematic characterization of the metazoan parasite community of the Green Jack (Caranx caballus) in the northern Colombian Pacific, a region designated as an Exclusive Artisanal Fishing Zone (ZEPA) but with limited parasitological research. Specimens were collected from the Cupica Gulf across wet and dry seasons, and parasitological analyses were conducted to evaluate parasite load, community structure, spatial distribution, and seasonal variation. Of 46 fish examined, 20 were parasitized (overall prevalence: 43.5%), with low infection intensities (1–3 parasites per fish). Nine parasite species were identified, including monogeneans, digeneans, and copepods. Copepods (Caligus sp.) represented the most species-rich and dominant group, while Allopyragraphorus caballeroi exhibited aggregated distribution. Parasite communities showed low richness and diversity, seasonal stability, and strong trophic linkages to crustacean prey, particularly brachyuran megalopa. Host condition was unaffected by parasitism, suggesting resilience under current infection levels. These findings provide the first reference on parasite richness and diversity for C. caballus in Colombia, extending the known distribution of several species within the Eastern Tropical Pacific and underscoring the role of parasites as biological markers for fisheries monitoring and ecosystem change. Full article

Finding a sustainable approach to rainbow trout aquaculture is very important. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an experimental diet (D2) including artisanal fishery discards (whiting fish—Merlangius merlangus; tub gurnard—Chelidonichthys lucerne; horse mackerel—Trachurus trachurus) and feedstuffs from the fish farmer’s farmhouse (wheat and dehulled peas) in comparison to a control diet (D1) on the growth performance and fillet quality of rainbow trout—Oncorhynchus mykiss (initial mean body weight: 48 ± 3 g). In D2, fish oil was substituted with algal oil. The trial was performed in flow-through basins. An economic assessment was performed, considering the most important economic indicators, based on the cost of feed and the cost to obtain fish biomass, comparing D2 to D1. A final reduction in total ammonia nitrogen in D2 water (TAN; 0.28 ± 0.01 mg/L vs. 0.42 ± 0.03 mg/L for D2 and D1, respectively) was observed. No significant differences in growth performance were observed, although there was a slight difference in the Feed Conversion Rate. Use of algal oil as a dietary ingredient ensured high-quality omega-3 fatty acids in the fish fillets, with a significant improvement in the DHA content of D2 fish (1131.0 ± 1.8 mg/100 g) compared to their D1 counterparts (435.0 ± 0.5 mg/100 g). The economic analysis corroborates the benefit of using marine fish by-products as alternative protein sources for rainbow trout aquaculture, as the D2 feed has a lower formulation unitary cost (−15.4%) than the D1 feed, suggesting that in addition to their efficacy in growing fish, marine fish by-products are a valuable protein source from an economic standpoint. Since this experiment was implemented at the farm level, these outcomes suggest the diet can be realistically and sustainably applied in the European rainbow trout farming sector. Full article

Mierspenaeopsis hardwickii (Miers, 1878) represents an important economic resource for coastal artisanal fishers and small-scale fisheries operations. However, very little is known about the distribution patterns related to environmental factors and migration routes of M. hardwickii. In this study, we employed research vessels to obtain CPUE_w (weight in catch per unit effort) and CPUE_n (abundance in catch per unit effort) data in 2018–2019. Our results showed that the largest number was found at 20–40 m in spring and summer, extending in autumn (40–90 m) and shrinking in winter (40–60 m). The scattered distribution pattern of M. hardwickii was observed in spring with sea bottom temperature (SBT) 11–18 °C and sea bottom salinity (SBS) 32–34 and winter (SBT 9–19 °C, SBS 32–35); most individuals were observed in summer (SBT 26–28 °C, SBS 30–31) and autumn (SBT 19–22 °C, SBS 32–35). The annual mean CPUE_w and CPUE_n were 3624 g·h^–1 and 799.4 ind·h^–1, respectively. We hypothesize that in spring, most parent cohorts aggregate in Dasha in the southern Yellow Sea, while many cohorts gather in the coastal waters of the East China Sea, with sharply reduced abundance in the offshore deeper waters. In summer, the parent cohorts produced offspring in Lvsi in the southern Yellow Sea, the Yangtze River estuary, and coastal water areas of the East China Sea. In autumn, juveniles in the coastal waters migrated to the offshore water area. In winter, a few individuals were sparsely distributed in the offshore water areas of the southern Yellow and East China Seas, and part of the recruitment in the Taiwan Strait might migrate northward to Yushan and Wentai fishing grounds for the nursery. The present investigations provide baseline data that will enable fishers and policymakers to better manage and conserve this resource for future use. Full article

The artisanal harvesting of Anadara mazatlanica is of fundamental importance to the sociocultural identity and economic livelihood of the coastal communities located in the San Ignacio–Navachiste–Macapule (SINM) lagoon system in Mexico; its conservation depends on the sustainable use of the species and its habitat, which is considered vulnerable to multiple socioeconomic and environmental pressures. The circular economy (CE) emerges as a potential approach to integrate resource exploitation, waste reduction, and community-oriented conservation management. This study analyzed the perceptions of A. mazatlanica harvesters, covering social, economic, environmental, and recycling dimensions (theoretical approach) and corroborated by exploratory factor analysis, thereby identifying the main challenges and areas of opportunity for the transition to sustainable development models. A quantitative (exploratory–descriptive) approach was used, employing a structured questionnaire that included a sociodemographic section and 23 items on a Likert scale. The findings revealed a high sociocultural appreciation of artisanal fishing and community cohesion ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 4.55). In contrast, economic perceptions showed a moderately negative level ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 2.48), indicating a dependence on intermediaries, limited added value, and institutional support. The CE dimension ($\overline{\mathrm{x}}$ = 1.55) suggested an underutilization of shells. In addition, the mean value of 3.44 for environmental perceptions highlighted awareness of ecosystem deterioration and regulatory deficiencies. These results highlight the need to enhance fisheries governance, diversify value chains, and integrate circular innovations to ensure the sustainability of this fishery. Full article

Artisanal fishing, understood as a form of rural entrepreneurship, extends beyond purely economic performance; however, the quantitative influence of informal institutions on sustainable value creation remains insufficiently examined. This study analyzes how Indigenous governance, cooperation, and ancestral knowledge shape the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability in artisanal fisheries. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was applied using face-to-face surveys administered to 148 fishers in Taganga, Colombia. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both measurement and structural relationships. The results indicate that Indigenous governance is strongly associated with sustainable value creation, significantly enhancing economic, social, and environmental outcomes through collective participation, cooperative arrangements, and community-based environmental practices. Ancestral knowledge shows a specific but meaningful relationship with social value by reinforcing cultural identity and community cohesion; this construct was measured through fishers’ perceptions of intergenerational knowledge transmission, traditions, and cultural values shared by elder fishers. Cooperation exhibits a positive association with economic value by strengthening productive resilience, although its effects do not extend to broader social outcomes. Overall, the model explains moderate proportions of economic and social value and a low proportion of environmental value. These findings demonstrate that informal institutions operate as differentiated yet essential mechanisms of sustainability, highlighting the importance of strengthening Indigenous governance, consolidating cooperative practices, and integrating ancestral knowledge into governance strategies for small-scale fisheries. Full article

The bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta) has become increasingly problematic in Mediterranean artisanal fisheries, yet remains understudied. This study provides a detailed analysis of interactions between H. carunculata and artisanal fishers in Marsaxlokk, Malta’s largest fishing village. Combining fisher interviews (local ecological knowledge) and field data, the study reveals that fishing practices inadvertently sustain and amplify local fireworm populations by discarding worms and by-catch nearshore, thereby providing abundant food sources. The highest fisher activity correlated with significantly denser fireworm populations and smaller-sized individuals, indicating population growth driven by fisher practices. Fireworm predation significantly impacts fishers economically, causing an estimated direct loss of 52.5% of the expected profit across the five onboard sessions, due to damaged catch, along with additional indirect losses from reduced gear efficiency and increased labor. The worm’s painful sting adds further nuisance and discomfort for fishers who frequently handle infested gear. Despite awareness of fireworm behavior, fishers largely did not recognize their practices as exacerbating the issue, creating a feedback loop perpetuating the problem. Behavioral experiments suggested that modifying fishing practices and gear design might mitigate fireworm impacts. Addressing this socio-ecological challenge requires further targeted research, education, and policy support to break the cycle that benefits fireworm proliferation in the region to the detriment of fishers. Full article

Tunisian traditional fermented foods represent a valuable cultural heritage transmitted across generations and are highly appreciated by consumers for their distinctive flavours, textures, and nutraceutical value. This review provides the first comprehensive and exclusive overview of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with Tunisian traditional fermented foods, both plant- and animal-based. The overview integrates data across dairy, meat, fish, vegetable, and cereal matrices, highlighting the central role that LAB play in the processing of these foods, driving fermentation and shaping the quality and safety of final products. During fermentation, LAB produce a variety of bioactive metabolites, including organic acids, antimicrobial compounds, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, and vitamins, which enhance food safety, shelf life, nutritional quality, and health-promoting potential. The studies include evidence of LAB’s long history of safe use by humans, including the characterisation of autochthonous strains with protechnological, bioprotective, and probiotic properties, providing candidates for the design of starter, protective and probiotic cultures. By consolidating evidence on the relevance of microbial diversity, this review positions Tunisian LAB as valuable resources for both traditional food valorisation and innovative food system development. Importantly, key knowledge gaps are identified, including the limited application of omics-based tools, insufficient genomic safety assessments, and the lack of systematic analysis linking LAB diversity with the desired attributes to promote innovations. Overall, this review provides a structured framework for the valorisation of Tunisian agrofood heritage, bridging artisanal knowledge with modern food microbiology and offering strategic directions for future research, industrial translation, and sustainable innovation in fermented foods. Full article