Search Results (31)

Artisanal fisheries in southern Chile rely heavily on the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) as a valuable resource, contributing significantly to local economies. This octopus species accounts for 25–40% of Chilean octopus landings. It is a merobenthic species, characterized by a semelparous life cycle and a long brooding period, and it is distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the southern tip of South America, inhabiting holes and crevices in rocky substrates. However, this fishery faces critical challenges to both its ecological sustainability and the food safety of octopus products. The primary fishing method, using hooks, poses a risk to reproductive capacity as it can capture brooding females. Food safety concerns arise from microbial contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, bioaccumulation of toxins from algal blooms, and the presence of heavy metals in the marine environment. While evisceration effectively reduces the risk of consuming toxins and heavy metals, inadequate hygiene practices and insufficient ice usage throughout the production chain represent significant food safety risks. Chilean fishing Law No. 18892/1989 defines artisanal fishing and establishes territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to promote sustainable extraction of benthic resources. Integrating training programs on post-harvest handling, hygiene practices, and food safety measures into the TURFs framework, along with targeted investments in infrastructure and technical assistance, is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the E. megalocyathus fishery, protect consumer health, and maintain the economic viability and environmental sustainability of this vital resource for local communities. Full article

Mystus gulio and Mystus cavasius are small indigenous fish species (SIFs) found throughout the year at the various stretches of the river Ganga and contribute significantly to the commercial fishery. The current study was conducted with a total of 609 specimens of M. gulio with a total length ranging from 84 to 190 mm and 377 specimens of M. cavasius with a total length ranging from 51 to 232 mm, collected from eight selected sites of lower stretches of the river Ganga between July 2018 and October 2019 to analyse their growth, mortality, and exploitation status. The sample specimens’ length-frequency distribution, primarily taken from bag nets and set barrier nets used in artisanal fisheries, was assessed using the FiSAT II programme. For M. gulio, the estimated asymptotic length (L_∞), growth coefficient (K), and initial condition factor (t₀) were 183.23 mm, 0.31 yr⁻¹, and −0.486 years, and for M. cavasius, these values were 246.23 mm, 0.19 yr⁻¹, and −0.302 years, respectively. The estimates for the total (Z), natural (M), and fishing (F) mortality rates were 1.78, 0.49, and 1.29 yr⁻¹ for M. gulio and 0.68, 0.33, and 0.35 yr⁻¹ for M. cavasius, respectively. Both M. gulio (May to July) and M. cavasius (June to August) experienced a single spawning peak. The estimated exploitation ratio (E) for M. gulio was 0.72, which is higher than the optimal level of exploitation (E_opt) and the maximum level of exploitation (E_max). On the other hand, the E value for M. cavasius was 0.52, which means that it was exploited at the right level. The fishing pressure was found to be slightly excessive for the current stocks of M. gulio, which should be considered for proper management of the fishery in the river Ganga. The present study, the first of its kind, highlights the stock status of these two commercially important species and the management measures taken to revive the stock along the lower stretches of the Ganga in India. The environmental parameters of the lower stretches of the river Ganga show favourable conditions for the optimum growth of M. gulio and M. cavasius. Full article

As fisheries face intersecting ecological and economic crises, small-scale fishers and Indigenous fishing communities have been organising globally to protect their rights. Yet governance of commercial small-scale fisheries in Canada has been dominated by colonial state actors in the interests of both conservation and economic growth. Meanwhile, agroecology has been considered an appropriate framework for reenvisaging and reshaping food systems in Canada’s North. We propose four dimensions of agroecological fishing: governance, knowledge, economies, and socio-cultural values. We apply these to the Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation fishery in the Northwest Territories. We suggest that these agroecological fisheries dimensions, underpinned by Indigenous values and practices of stewardship, offer an alternative paradigm for the conservation of fish, waters, and fishing communities. Full article

Frequent intentional mislabeling of particular fish and fish products, such as the sale of frozen and thawed fish instead of fresh fish, occurs on all continents. Therefore, two studies were conducted to classify fish meat using excitation–emission matrix (EEM) nondestructively. The first study assessed EEM for differentiation between fresh and frozen–thawed spotted mackerel fillets. Fresh fillets were yielded with different post-mortem freshness variations (ice storage for 0–40 h). The right-side fillets were used as fresh fillets, whereas the left-side fillets were frozen and stored at −30 °C for three months, then thawed at 4 °C. Subsequently, EEM acquisition and chemical analyses were performed. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) of EEM spectra showed clear discrimination between fresh and frozen–thawed meat of fish fillet. In the second study, post-mortem freshness variations in four fish species (horse mackerel, spotted mackerel, cod, and flounder) were simulated by ice storage (0–48 h) and subsequent freezing. PCA of the EEM demonstrated a clear distinction among the fish meat categories, which was also revealed from the freshness data of chemical analysis. Results show that this novel method can be used to monitor fishery product authenticity. Full article

According to EuroStat data, the recorded landings of fisheries products from European waters were estimated at about 6 million tons in 2001, down to 3.2 million tons in 2022. This gradual decline slowed after the entering into force of the reform of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) at the end of 2013, but was followed by a steeper decline after 2018. This is reflected in the last assessment of the Scientific Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STEPF), noting that despite progress in the NE Atlantic management, 41% of the assessed stocks in 2022 were outside safe biological limits, down from 80% in 2003. Improvements in the Mediterranean are significantly slower. A warming ocean provokes the measurable poleward migration of species and adds stress to predator–prey relations in all European seas. Within this general picture, the broad-brush landscape is influenced by policy applications more in favour of industrial exploitation and regulatory and market environments, making it very hard for many small-scale fishers (SSFs) to remain in business, let alone attract younger successors for generational transition. In crowded marine spaces, it is a challenge to allocate access rights fairly between fisheries, exclusion zones for resource and habitat protection and much-needed ecosystem recovery, platforms for fossil exploitation, wind farms, underwater cables and recreational uses. Two examples of local initiatives with faunal recovery potential in the Mediterranean are briefly presented as a bottom-up complement to more top-down management approaches. They are spearheaded by artisanal fishers, who seek to restore spawning grounds and other coastal habitats as a way to procure enough fish and other complementary activities to secure their livelihoods in the future. They are supported by local scientists and nature conservation organisations. While promising, this is still rather the exception. Here, it is argued that trust-building between artisanal fishers, conservationists and scientists, and greater systemic support to SSFs by governments, increase chances for the urgently needed structural shifts that deliver the reversal in the ongoing decline in biodiversity and ocean productivity that all aspire to, to ensure sustained social and economic benefits. Full article

Coastal fisheries are vital for food supply, employment, and social stability. However, overfishing is a common problem, often attributed to open access. Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries (TURFs) have gained popularity as a tool to improve the sustainability of coastal fisheries, but research on TURFs in China is limited. This paper examines the island reef fishery lease policy implemented in Shengsi County, Zhejiang Province, within the Ma’an Islands National Marine Special Reserve. The policy leases the use of island reefs to a collective, aiming to address overfishing and resource degradation by establishing fishing area boundaries and limiting the number of users and usage time. Technically, it is an application of TURFs, and it represents a shift from traditional fishing licenses to collective compliance. This experience has disrupted the existing top–down fishery governance structure and signifies a transition to a rights-based fishery management system in China. Through a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the policy’s implementation, this research identifies the factors contributing to its flaws. These include the inadequate provision of national and local government policies, insufficient support for policy implementation from fishery management authorities, and the limited involvement of fishermen’s organizations. To enhance coastal fishery management, we propose that the Chinese government should build upon existing foundations by clarifying fishing rights through central and local laws and policies. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen data monitoring of coastal fisheries, conduct multidisciplinary research to improve the allocation mechanism of fishing rights, adopt diverse fishery management approaches to enhance supervision capabilities, establish a collaborative governance mechanism, and foster coordination and cooperation between grassroots fishermen’s organizations and government departments. Full article

Entanglement in commercial fishing gear is one of the main factors inhibiting the recovery of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Installing low-breaking-strength (LBS) components in the buoy lines and main lines of stationary fishing gear may be a viable solution for some fisheries. But is it an effective solution for deep-water trap fisheries? This study quantified in-line rope tensions observed during fishing operations for snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We conducted a controlled fishing experiment in which we documented the loads experienced while hauling fleets of traps. The results showed that several factors contributed to the loads observed, including the components of the traps, the presence of crabs, and environmental conditions such as wind direction and wave height. According to the statistical models, the maximum tension from the estimated marginal means was 477.53 kgf in the buoy line and 987.99 kgf in the main line for the baited hauls, which exceeds the safe working load (154 kgf) of the proposed low-breaking-strength components. Our results suggest that LBS components are not a viable solution for this deep-water fishery. Full article

Food fraud is a matter of major concern as many foods and beverages do not follow their labelling. Because of economic interests, as well as consumers’ health protection, the related topics, food adulteration, counterfeiting, substitution and inaccurate labelling, have become top issues and priorities in food safety and quality. In addition, globalized and complex food supply chains have increased rapidly and contribute to a growing problem affecting local, regional and global food systems. Animal origin food products such as milk, dairy products, meat and meat products, eggs and fish and fishery products are included in the most commonly adulterated food items. In order to prevent unfair competition and protect the rights of consumers, it is vital to detect any kind of adulteration to them. Geographical origin, production methods and farming systems, species identification, processing treatments and the detection of adulterants are among the important authenticity problems for these foods. The existence of accurate and automated analytical techniques in combination with available chemometric tools provides reliable information about adulteration and fraud. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to present the advances made through recent studies in terms of the analytical techniques and chemometric approaches that have been developed to address the authenticity issues in animal origin food products. Full article

Privatization, often proposed as a means to regulate natural resource use, sometimes paradoxically leads to overexploitation and social exclusion. Within the unique context of Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency, Indonesia, the privatization of swamp floodplains and rivers via the “Lelang Lebak, Lebung, Sungai” (L3S) system is a testament to this dilemma. L3S grants auction winners exclusive rights to fish, thereby privatizing common-pool resources. This study delves into the intricacies of the L3S mechanism, highlighting its significance in guiding inland fisheries’ management. Through stakeholder analysis, we pinpoint the crucial actors, as well as their interests, influence, and interrelationships. Our investigation revealed 20 distinct stakeholders, each playing different roles within the L3S framework. Based on their influence and vested interests, these stakeholders are categorized as key players, subjects, context setters, and crowds. This classification aids in discerning potential conflicts, cooperation, and synergies. Effective L3S execution hinges on collaboration, especially with pivotal entities such as fishery services, village and district heads, and village-owned enterprises. Insights gathered during the study indicate that while privatization has streamlined resource distribution, it intensifies overfishing and deepens socioeconomic divisions. This study calls for a harmonious blend of historical insights and modern governance, with a central focus on stakeholder collaboration and community involvement. Full article

Severe typhoon “In-Fa” passed through the northwestern region of East China Sea (ECS) in July 2021, affecting oceanic variables such as seawater temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration over the upwelling area. In this study, we analyzed the influence of the passage of typhoon “In-Fa” on the marine environment over the Upwelling Area off the Yangtze River Estuary (UAYRE) and the Upwelling Area of Zhoushan (UAZS). The results showed a significant decrease in sea surface temperature (SST) during the “In-Fa” typhoon, with maximum SST reductions of 2.98 °C in the UAYRE and 1.46 °C in the UAZS, which showed a “right bias” (indicating a greater cooling effect on the right side of the typhoon path compared to the left side). “In-Fa” influenced the temperature and salinity structure of the study areas and deepened the mixed layer depth (MLD). The MLD varied from the shallowest values of 2.02 m (18 July) to the deepest values of 19.4 m (26 July) in the UAYRE and from 2.43 m (18 July) to 16.79 m (25 July) in the UAZS. Furthermore, “In-Fa” led to an increase in sea surface Chl-a concentration, with a maximum Chl-a concentration enhancement of 285.58% (from 20 July to 28 July) in the UAYRE and 233.33% (from 20 July to 27 July) in the UAZS. The Ekman suction effect of “In-Fa” strengthened the upwelling, facilitating the transport of deep-sea nutrients to the upper ocean and providing favorable conditions for the growth of phytoplankton, thus benefiting the reproduction and survival of zooplankton, fish, and shrimp. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms by which typhoons impact the ocean environment in upwelling area and provides valuable insights for the sustainable development of marine fisheries resources. Full article

The response of typical environmental factors in Zhoushan Fishery, including sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a), before and after Typhoon In-fa was analyzed using satellite data and reanalysis data in this study. Additionally, this study simultaneously elucidated the mechanism by which the typhoon affected these factors. The results showed that: (1) the strong vertical mixing caused by In-fa provoked a decrease in SST, while the asymmetric typhoon wind stress and vertical difference in temperature structure before the typhoon caused a more robust cooling of SST on the right side of the In-fa track; (2) despite the strong mixing and inflow of hypersaline seawater increasing SSS, the combined effect of intense rainfall and diluted water inflow caused an overall decrease in SSS after In-fa’s landing; (3) In-fa caused the Chl-a concentration to decrease first and then increase. The high cloudiness and low Chl-a seawater inflow inhibited the phytoplankton growth during the typhoon, while the abundant light, rich surface nutrients under the upwelling effect, and transport of rich land-based substances induced rapid phytoplankton reproduction after the typhoon; and (4) the change in Chl-a concentration, current, temperature, and salinity induced by a typhoon are essential factors that affect fish behavior and community composition in fisheries. This study provides a point of reference to reveal the response of environmental factors to typhoons and their effects on fishery resources in fisheries located on nearshore estuarine shallow waters with intensive islands. Full article

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is the most important tuna species in Mediterranean tuna fishery and a valuable commodity on the global fish market. Croatia is a pioneer in tuna farming in the Mediterranean and the only country that has the exclusive right to farm wild-caught juvenile tuna (8 to 30 kg). This paper identifies key challenges to the sustainability of current farming and fattening practices, primarily economic and environmental, and possible solutions to overcome these challenges. This paper analyses data on tuna catch and aquaculture production (FAO FishStatJ and EU-Eurostat database) and updates the latest literature on farming practices, production challenges related to biotechnical, economic and environmental issues, the market and current legislation in Croatia, as well as fattening in other Mediterranean countries. Tuna capture-based aquaculture is attractive to investors because it promises high returns, but the sustainability of intensive tuna farming and fattening is questionable and raises many ethical issues. Tuna farming and fattening relies on wild fish for stocking and feeding, and further expansion of tuna farming and fattening is limited by the size of wild tuna and small fish populations. To meet the growing global demand for tuna and to conserve wild tuna stocks, further investments are needed. The knowledge gained in Croatian tuna farming is valuable for future sustainable close-cycled tuna farming in the Mediterranean. Due to its good environmental status, the availability of small pelagic fish, the availability of a highly qualified and well-organised labour force, the good cooperation between producers and researchers, and the application of modern farming technologies, ABFT farmed in Croatia have high quality and a good reputation on the market. The main weakness of Croatian tuna farming is that the entire industry is dependent on the Japanese market, but this can be overcome by the possibility of product diversification for new markets, including the tourism industry. Full article

Marine fisheries are undeniably important to Taiwan in terms of economic development and industrial strategies. In the past 10 years, Taiwan’s fishery GDP accounted for 14% to 21% of all agriculture, forestry, fishery, and animal husbandry, which is higher than both animal husbandry and forestry. Since the domestic population structure of Taiwan has changed, the domestic fishery industrial labor force has gradually been replaced by migrant fishing workers. The issue of migrant fishing workers’ protection has received attention from non-governmental organizations, and cross-national recruitment administration has become the greatest challenge faced by Taiwan’s authority. Therefore, this paper describes the necessary protection of the labor conditions and interests of migrant fishermen by analyzing their status and human rights protection in the historical development of Taiwan’s marine fisheries. In addition, considering the well-being of migrant fishing workers, this paper conducts a feasibility assessment on the operation of the “Nan-Fang-Ao Fishermen’s Hostel” at the Nan-Fang-Ao Fishing Harbor and illustrates the urgent need to re-examine the migrant fishing workers’ protection. This paper suggests that the government agencies should actively advise employers to accept migrant fishermen’s requests for better living environments onshore and guarantee basic living conditions. Full article

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the disputed maritime areas causes significant damage to the marine ecology and authorized fisheries, increases the risk of conflicts among disputed states, and violates human rights at sea. Both unilateral measures and cooperative governance for IUU fishing are often inadequate in these areas. In light, this study aims to clarify the regulatory obligations of relevant states and explore feasible solutions based on international cooperation to promote IUU governance in disputed areas worldwide. The rapidly evolving international fisheries legal framework requires that states, such as coastal states, flag states, port states, or market states, fulfill their respective obligations to prevent and deter IUU and that the presence of disputes in a specific maritime area does not typically constitute grounds for derogation from these obligations or exemption from possible state responsibility. However, the implications of the conflicting claims in disputed maritime areas should be taken into consideration while interpreting and applying international legal rules. Therefore, this study suggests that regional and inter-regional cooperation is necessary for states to fulfill their obligations to regulate IUU fishing and prevent state responsibilities under international law. Parties to the dispute, as well as third parties, are encouraged to participate in the cooperative mechanism in order to coordinate legislative and enforcement measures and advance the institutionalization of IUU fishing regulation in the disputed maritime areas, which will not only advances the effective governance of IUU fishing but also reduces tensions among the disputing states and contributes to the peaceful settlement of the dispute. Full article

How fishermen produce and live has been a hot topic of academic concern in recent years. However, existing research has focused excessively on marine fishermen. Inland fisheries make a significant but often overlooked contribution to rural livelihoods in developing countries. In this paper, we constructed a framework for fishermen’s livelihood strategies and used questionnaires and in-depth interviews to study 275 households of inland fishermen in a professional fishing village at Poyang Lake. The results show that (1) the impact of the comprehensive fishing ban has led to significant changes in the livelihood capital of inland fishermen, leading to fishermen being forced to change their livelihood strategies. (2) The current livelihood strategies can be divided into four categories, which are non-fishing employment, self-employment, public welfare positions and retirement respectively. (3) Livelihood capital such as age, education, social interaction and fishing rights influence their choice of livelihood strategies. (4) The fishing ban proposal generally meets the interests of fishermen, but there is some capacity for improvement in terms of implementation details and policy flexibility. Based on these findings, we recommend that the government conducts further in-depth research and adjusts and improves its policy options in good time. To the satisfaction of all parties, the current policy protects the environment and achieves sustainable human development, making Chinese contributions and proposing Chinese plans to address global environmental change. Full article