Search Results (102)

‘Mushy halibut syndrome’ (MHS) is associated with inferior fillet quality in Greenland halibut and is reported to occur in commercial catches across the North Atlantic. MHS constitutes a quality issue in fisheries and leads to economic losses and food wastage. Despite the known challenges associated with MHS, quantitative data on product properties are lacking, and yet they are crucial to assess actual losses and value-adding processing potential. As part of a larger effort to document and characterize MHS in Greenland halibut, we investigated how thaw drip loss (TDL), cooked drip loss (CDL), cooked yield, and tissue compressibility and elasticity differ between normal and ‘mushy’ halibut fillets. The fillets were sorted into three categories: normal, intermediate MHS, and severe MHS. The mean TDL and CDL increased more than three-fold in both MHS categories compared to normal fillets, while cooked yield decreased by approximately 20%. Fillets severely affected by MHS demonstrated high tissue compressibility (56%) and poor elasticity (46%), while the elasticity of the fillets belonging to the intermediate MHS category did not differ significantly from that of normal ones. These findings provide new insights into the product attributes of fillets affected by MHS, which are important for developing utilization and valorization strategies. Full article

The evaluation of climate change effects on airport infrastructures is important to maintain safety and flexibility in air travel operations. Airports are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events and temperature fluctuations, which can disrupt operations, compromise passenger safety, and cause economic losses. Issues such as flooded runways and the disruption of power supplies highlight the need for strong adaptation strategies. The study focuses on the application of the high-resolution regional model COSMO-CLM to assess climate change impacts on Roma Fiumicino airport (Italy) under the IPCC RCP8.5 scenario. The complex topography of Italy requires fine-scale simulation to catch localized climate dynamics. By employing advanced statistical methods, such as fractal analysis, this research aims to increase an understanding of climate change and improve the model prediction capability. The findings provide valuable insights for designing resilient airport infrastructures and updating operational protocols in view of evolving climate risks. A consistent increase in daily temperatures is projected, along with a modest positive trend in annual precipitation. The use of advanced statistical methods revealed insights into the fractal dimensions and frequency components of climate variables, showing an increasing complexity and variability of future climatic patterns. Full article

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for midwater trawl gear. In this study, we tested two BRD-type guide nets (inclined net panel) with 30° and 45° tilt angles to prevent marine mammals from reaching the codend and facilitating their escape from the net. Fishing operations were conducted along the east and south coasts of South Korea, and cameras were installed in front of the BRDs to monitor their performance. The catch loss of herring with the 30° guide net was 13% and 11% in number and weight. The catch loss of hairtail was 53% and 51% in number and weight with the 30° guide net. Mackerel showed a 97% catch loss in number and weight with the 45° guide net. The 30° guide net resulted in lower catch loss for rudderfish and jack mackerel compared to the 45° guide net. The jellyfish discard rate of the BRD was 5% and 7% in number and weight with the 30° guide net and 12% and 11% with the 45° guide net, indicating that the 30° guide net was more effective at discarding jellyfish. Mesh selectivity was not strongly related to target species body length. Full article

Deep-sea trawling in the Mediterranean Sea, while economically significant, has profound ecological implications due to high discard rates and the practice’s impact on deep-sea biodiversity. This study examines the composition of discards and bycatch in Antalya Bay, a key deep-sea fishing area in the Eastern Mediterranean, during a commercial fishing season, focusing on seasonal and depth-related variations. Data were collected from deep-sea bottom trawl operations conducted between September 2016 and April 2017, analyzing species diversity and catch composition in terms of discarded and bycatch species. The results revealed an average discard rate of 70.7% of the total catch, with significant seasonal fluctuations. In total, 75 species were identified, comprising 48 Osteichthyes, 11 Elasmobranchii, 10 Crustacea, 4 Mollusca, 1 Brachiopoda, and 1 Echinodermata. Discarded species primarily consisted of juveniles of commercially valuable species (Merluccius merluccius and Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis), endangered elasmobranchs, and non-target benthic invertebrates. Depth-stratified analysis indicated that higher discard ratios and greater biodiversity loss occur at depths between 200 and 700 m, where slow-growing species and vulnerable deep-sea assemblages dominate. CPUE estimates for target, bycatch, and discarded species were calculated as 72.26, 145.12, and 385.52 kg/h, and CPUA values were calculated as 0.79, 1.59, and 2.92, respectively. These findings underscore the disproportionate impact of bottom trawling on deep-sea ecosystems and highlight the need for sustainable fisheries management strategies. Full article

This study aims to improve the accuracy of fire source detection, the efficiency of path planning, and the precision of firefighting operations in drone swarms during fire emergencies. It proposes an intelligent firefighting technology for drone swarms based on multi-sensor integrated path planning. The technology integrates the You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) algorithm and its optimization strategies to enhance real-time fire source detection capabilities. Additionally, this study employs multi-sensor data fusion and swarm cooperative path-planning techniques to optimize the deployment of firefighting materials and flight paths, thereby improving firefighting efficiency and precision. First, a deformable convolution module is introduced into the backbone network of YOLOv8 to enable the detection network to flexibly adjust its receptive field when processing targets, thereby enhancing fire source detection accuracy. Second, an attention mechanism is incorporated into the neck portion of YOLOv8, which focuses on fire source feature regions, significantly reducing interference from background noise and further improving recognition accuracy in complex environments. Finally, a new High Intersection over Union (HIoU) loss function is proposed to address the challenge of computing localization and classification loss for targets. This function dynamically adjusts the weight of various loss components during training, achieving more precise fire source localization and classification. In terms of path planning, this study integrates data from visual sensors, infrared sensors, and LiDAR sensors and adopts the Information Acquisition Optimizer (IAO) and the Catch Fish Optimization Algorithm (CFOA) to plan paths and optimize coordinated flight for drone swarms. By dynamically adjusting path planning and deployment locations, the drone swarm can reach fire sources in the shortest possible time and carry out precise firefighting operations. Experimental results demonstrate that this study significantly improves fire source detection accuracy and firefighting efficiency by optimizing the YOLOv8 algorithm, path-planning algorithms, and cooperative flight strategies. The optimized YOLOv8 achieved a fire source detection accuracy of 94.6% for small fires, with a false detection rate reduced to 5.4%. The wind speed compensation strategy effectively mitigated the impact of wind on the accuracy of material deployment. This study not only enhances the firefighting efficiency of drone swarms but also enables rapid response in complex fire scenarios, offering broad application prospects, particularly for urban firefighting and forest fire disaster rescue. Full article

Greater Bangkok, Thailand, has large numbers of both owned and free-roaming dogs, two populations that intersect and overlap in complex and nuanced ways. A more robust understanding of owned dog populations is, therefore, important not only in supporting the welfare of owned dogs but also in managing free-roaming dog populations and protecting human health through the prevention of rabies transmission. Over 3200 residents were surveyed to explore the numbers and demographics of owned dogs in Greater Bangkok, plus owners’ attitudes and reported behaviours related to their dogs; the acquisition and loss of owned dogs; and caretaking by owners (confinement practices, sterilisation, rabies vaccination, and other veterinary care). The study also considered dog owners’ practices in relation to a Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) programme designed to humanely manage dog populations and vaccinate dogs against rabies. Survey results indicate that there are approximately 1.3 million owned dogs in Greater Bangkok. Key findings include high reported rabies vaccination among owned dogs (84% in the past year). Fifty-three percent of owned dogs in the sample were reported to be sterilised, 66% were allowed to roam, and 46% of dogs acquired into households were adopted from the street. The CNVR programme appeared to impact the care and keeping of owned dogs in the community, as it was associated with greater confinement and sterilisation levels. Full article

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented globally to protect marine habitats and enhance biodiversity, often displacing commercial and recreational fishing activities previously occurring in the area. While the ecological impacts of MPAs have been the subject of considerable attention, the economic impacts on the displaced sectors have generally received less consideration. In this study, we examine the impacts of increasing the proportion of fully protected area within a coastal MPA—the Moreton Bay Marine Park in Queensland, Australia—on the economic performance of the fisheries operating in the area. This MPA is relatively unique as it is located adjacent to a major metropolitan area and, hence, heavily used for a range of activities. Analysis of commercial catch data suggests that the commercial fishery has been less impacted than expected by the loss of available area, although this result varies by species. Comparing fishing activity in the Bay with that in adjacent regions (assumed to reflect the counterfactual), we find evidence of strong improvements in fishery performance of the prawn trawl fleet, no significant change in fish net and line fisheries, and a small but significant decline in the performance of crab fishers. The impact on recreational fishing is uncertain as other external factors obfuscate the impacts of the rezoning. Full article

The morphological characteristics and surface roughness of substrata can significantly affect the settlement behaviour of planktonic larvae and the post-settlement survival of benthic organisms, such as mussels. Despite widespread recognition of these effects on ecological and aquaculture processes, species-specific complexities and limited research hinder a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon and the potential to harness its application. In this study, the settlement of juvenile green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus; 0.32–3.59 mm shell length) on 42 different custom-designed artificial substrata with varied branch widths and surface microstructures were compared. Mussels smaller than 0.99 mm in shell length exhibited a clear preference for substrates with a thinner branch width (1.6 mm), wider roughness width (3.2 mm), and shorter roughness height (0.4 mm) on both V-shaped and squared-shaped surface microstructures. In contrast, for mussels larger than 1 mm, only the branch width of artificial substrata significantly influenced mussel attachment, while millimetre-scale surface features had no measurable effect. These findings indicate that, at the millimetre scale, the attachment of mussels > 1 mm does not conform to the surface contact theory, which proposes that settling organisms prefer substrates with microstructures that maximize their surface contact. Overall, a thinner branch width consistently yielded higher attachment densities, underscoring its dominant role. Our results reveal significant opportunities for optimizing the design of artificial substrata in mussel aquaculture, such as spat catching and nursery ropes, potentially improving seed collection efficiency and reducing the subsequent loss of seed mussels during their culture on mussel farms. Full article

Coral reef and their ecological services of food production and shoreline protection are threatened by unsustainable use. To better understand their status, multiple approaches to estimating fisheries sustainability were compared, namely fisheries-independent stock biomass and recovery rates, fisheries-dependent landed catches, balanced harvest and gear use metrics, and fish length measurements. A community biomass recovery was established over a 45-year no-fishing stock recovery time series from seven fisheries reserves and compared to catch- and length-based estimates of sustainability. The logistic production rates (r = 0.09 ± 0.06 95% confidence interval (CI)) and maximum equilibrium total biomass (~150 ± 30 tons/km²) indicated a broad range of potential maximum sustainable yields, with a likely range of 1.1 to 3.9 (95% CI; mean = 3.8) tons/km²/year. In contrast, the mean annual linear biomass growth rates in reserves were lower but less variable than logistic surplus production estimates, ranging from 2.1 to 3.5 (mean = 2.8 tons/km²/year). Realized catches at landing sites were lower still, ranging from 1.43 to 1.52 (mean = 1.48 ± 0.2 tons/km²/y). Differences between production estimates and capture were largely attributable to changes in taxonomic composition and an imbalance in the estimated proportionality of production potential versus actual capture rates. Lost potential capture was likely due to differences in the vulnerability of taxa to fishing and a lack of compensatory increased production among fishing-resistant taxa. Large proportional losses of catch were measured among snappers, unicorn fish, sweetlips, goatfish, and soldierfish, while smaller proportional gains in the catch samples were found among resident herbivorous rabbitfish, parrotfish, and groupers. Many of these declining taxa have vulnerable schooling life histories that are likely to require special habitat and reserve characteristics. Evaluations of sustainability from length measurements found 17 or 7% of total and 12% of caught species had sample sizes minimally sufficient for evaluation (>30 individuals from 413 catches, 2284 captured individuals composed of 144 species) of length and spawning metrics of sustainability. Seven of these species met length-based and three met spawning potential ratio thresholds for sustainability. Consequently, length-based evaluations had poor species coverage and therefore we were unable to evaluate the sustainability of the larger fish community. Recommendations for future research include a better understanding of the consequences of variability in spillover and proportionality of production potential for sustainability. Management recommendations are to focus management on the recovery of species abundant in unfished locations but not contributing to fisheries yield. Full article

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of prediction models for Argentine squid Illex argentinus trawling grounds in the Southwest Atlantic high seas based on vessel position and fishing log data, this study used AIS datasets and fishing log datasets from fishing seasons spanning 2019–2024 (December to June each year). Using a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° and a monthly temporal resolution, we constructed two datasets—one based on vessel positions and the other on fishing logs. Fishing ground levels were defined according to the density of fishing locations, and combined with oceanographic data (sea surface temperature, 50 m water temperature, sea surface salinity, sea surface height, and mixed layer depth). A CNN-Attention deep learning model was applied to each dataset to develop Illex argentinus trawling ground prediction models. Model accuracy was then compared and potential causes for differences were analyzed. Results showed that the vessel position-based model had a higher accuracy (Accuracy = 0.813) and lower loss rate (Loss = 0.407) than the fishing log-based model (Accuracy = 0.727, Loss = 0.513). The vessel-based model achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.763 on the 2024 test set, while the fishing log-based model reached an accuracy of 0.712, slightly lower than the former, indicating the high accuracy and unique advantages of the vessel position-based model in predicting fishing grounds. Using CPUE from fishing logs as a reference, we found that the vessel position-based model performed well from January to April, whereas the CPUE-based model consistently maintained good accuracy across all months. The 2024 fishing season predictions indicated the formation of primary fishing grounds as early as January 2023, initially near the 46° S line of the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone, with grounds shifting southeastward from March onward and reaching around 42° S by May and June. This study confirms the reliability of vessel position data in identifying fishing ground information and levels, with higher accuracy in some months compared to the fishing log-based model, thereby reducing the data lag associated with fishing logs, which are typically available a year later. Additionally, national-level fishing log data are often confidential, limiting the ability to fully consider fishing activities across the entire fishing ground region, a limitation effectively addressed by AIS vessel position data. While vessel data reflects daily catch volumes across vessels without distinguishing CPUE by species, log data provide a detailed daily CPUE breakdown by species (e.g., Illex argentinus). This distinction resulted in lower accuracy for vessel-based predictions in December 2023 and May–June 2024, suggesting the need to incorporate fishing log data for more precise assessments of fishing ground levels or resource abundance during those months. Given the near-real-time nature of vessel position data, fishing ground dynamics can be monitored in near real time. The successful development of vessel position-based prediction models aids enterprises in reducing fuel and time costs associated with indiscriminate squid searches, enhancing trawling efficiency. Additionally, such models support quota management in global fisheries by optimizing resource use, reducing fishing time, and consequently lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact, while promoting marine environmental protection in the Southwest Atlantic high seas. Full article

The study explores the interactions between dolphins and Cypriot fisheries, emphasizing the economic impact and fisher perceptions through data collected from structured interviews with small-scale and large pelagic fishers. The research documents frequent dolphin interactions, impacting catch and gear in both fishing sectors. Reported financial losses and gear damage highlight a significant economic burden, with annual losses averaging EUR 6144 for small-scale and EUR 29,882 for large pelagic fishers. Efforts to mitigate these interactions, such as using acoustic deterrents, have shown mixed results, reflecting dolphins’ adaptability to human activity. While some fishers use deterrents, others remain hesitant due to cost and inconsistent efficacy. The study underscores the need for improved, sustainable solutions that integrate fisher input to enhance acceptance and effectiveness. Findings suggest that dolphins are increasingly relying on fishing activities as a foraging strategy, aligning with broader trends in the Mediterranean. In the context of EU Directive 2014/89/EU, the study integrates ecological considerations and socioeconomic impacts to ensure balanced marine management strategies. This work emphasizes the complexity of human–wildlife conflicts in marine environments, suggesting that further research and collaboration with fishers are essential to developing adaptive strategies that balance conservation with the economic needs of local fishing communities. Full article

Sesuvium portulacastrum floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are effective at removing nitrogen and phosphorus, adsorbing heavy metals, and removing organic pollutants from aquaculture wastewater, and thus improve fish farming productivity. In this study, an S. portulacastrum FTW was used in a simulated grouper aquaculture experiment for 40 days. The FTW removed 1~3 mg/L of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) throughout the experimental period as well as the following toxic nitrogen species: 88% NO₂⁻-N in the middle stage and 90% TAN (total ammonia nitrogen) in the middle stage. The health of the groupers was promoted and the weight of each grouper was 8% higher than those in the control group in the end. Compared with that of the control group, the carbon sequestration of the aquaculture ecosystem was also increased by S. portulacastrum FTW because more carbon was held in the biomass, including through the growth of the plant mass of the FTW, 109 g C/pond, and a reduction in fishing catch losses, 442 g C/pond. Therefore, S. portulacastrum FTW can serve as a potential technology for improving the water environment quality of feeding ponds and contributing to carbon sequestration in aquaculture systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Improved global data allow for a new understanding of what impact the food we produce, eat and dispose of has on the environment, human health and Nature’s resources. The overall goal is to guide decision-makers and individuals by providing in-depth knowledge about the effects of their dietary preferences on human and environmental health. Methods: The method is to investigate ways to reduce environmental degradation and to secure healthy food supplies in an urbanizing world, and to quantify the options. Results: Reviewed articles show that by eating less meat-based food and more plant-based and soilless food, as well as reducing food waste and recycling urban-disposed nutrients as fertilizers, we could reduce agriculture’s land requirement by 50% to 70% while still securing a healthy food supply. Less land under cultivation and pasture would reduce global emissions to air and water to a similar extent, and allow Nature to reclaim freed areas in order to catch more carbon and rejuvenate biodiversity. Thus, we could avoid further environmental degradation such as the current clearing of new fields needed under a business-as-usual regime. Presently, some 17 million people die each year due to poor diets, which is more than double the 7 million deaths since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A return to more plant-based diets with unchanged intake of proteins but less calories, sugar, salt and fat combined with less red meat and ultra-processed food would reduce foremost non-communicable diseases by up to 20% and prolong life. The article suggests that the international focus has gradually turned to the food sector’s big contribution to climate change, biodiversity loss and harmful chemicals as well as to poor human health. It argues that this century’s rapid population growth and urbanization give urban residents a pivotal role in food’s impact on agricultural areas, which today cover half of the globe’s inhabitable areas. Their food demand, rather than the activities of farmers, fishermen or loggers, will guide remedial measures to be taken by individuals, industry and the public sector. A tool to calculate the potential environmental footprints of individual or societal measures is presented. Conclusions: Measures to make the agrifood sector more sustainable are still pending full recognition in international fora such as the UN COP Summits. Smart cities fitted with infrastructures to recycle macro- and micro-nutrients and organic matter have the potential to ameliorate human-induced impacts such as emissions to air and water bodies, crossing planetary boundaries, and polluting extraction of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). Rapid results are within reach since dietary change and the turn-around time of nutrients in food is short compared to decades or centuries for recycled materials in cars or buildings. Full article

Poultry production faces significant challenges, including high feed prices, diseases, and thermal stress, which impact broiler welfare and productivity. Despite advances in cooling technologies and ventilation, preslaughter operations still lead to considerable losses. This review highlights the need for the improved management of thermal environments and animal logistics. Preslaughter operations typically involve fasting broilers for 8–12 h to reduce gastrointestinal contents and contamination. Following fasting, broilers are caught, crated, and transported. Stress levels vary based on distance and conditions, with manual catching often causing stress and injuries. Catching should occur during cooler periods to minimise these issues, and transport conditions must be carefully managed. Lairage, the waiting period after transport, should be kept short (1–2 h) in climate-controlled environments to avoid stress and deterioration. Proper handling and efficient unloading are essential to prevent injuries and reduce economic losses. Stunning methods, such as electronarcosis and a controlled atmosphere, aim to minimise suffering before slaughter, though practices vary culturally and religiously. Logistics and real-time monitoring technology are crucial for enhancing animal welfare during transportation. Effective planning and the optimisation of transport processes is vital for reducing stress and losses, especially with regard to rising global temperatures and production demands. Full article

The National Institute of Fisheries Science in Korea is developing marine mammal bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) for high-risk fishing gear, such as trawls. We experimented with two BRD types (guiding nets) attached in front of codend at 30° and 45° angles, and catch losses and mesh size selectivity were investigated. Experimental fishing operations were conducted along the East Coast of South Korea where whales and dolphins are commonly sighted. The catch was classified according to fishing location, BRD type, codend, and covernet, with measurements recorded for body length, maximum girth, and weight. The average selectivity for each haul was analyzed using the ‘selfisher’ package. The catch loss rates with the BRD attached at tilt angles of 30° and 45° were 11% and 29% for common flying squid, 6% and 28% for sailfin sandfish, and 5% and 8% for pearlside. While the mesh selectivity rates for common flying squid and pearlside remained at 0.2–0.5 across all lengths and tilt angles, the mesh selectivity curve for sailfin sandfish was estimated. There were significant differences in catch loss between 30° and 45° angles, with the 30° angle being more effective in catch loss. We observed a masking effect in the codend. Full article