Search Results (54)

La Paz Bay is one of the most important destinations for recreational fishing events in Baja California Sur, Mexico, with significant tourist activity that supports ecosystem services and provides economic benefits to participants, benefits that have not yet been economically measured. The aim of this study was to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of anglers who participated in sport-fishing events and to propose tourism promotion and recreational fisheries management strategies. Applying 184 face-to-face surveys at sport fishing events in LPB held in 2022 and 2023 to collect information regarding fishers’ and fishing trips characteristics, and using the individual travel cost method to estimate the individual WTP per angler, which ranges from USD 50.96 to 625.63, and the recreational economic value of fishing events in La Paz was estimated at USD 0.89 to 1.11 million. Strategies for conserving species reserved for sport fishing and promoting tourism are discussed, which could help improve tournament activity and promote the rational use of natural resources. This study represents the first effort aiming to value sport fishing events in Mexico. Also, demonstrates the economic relevance of sport fishing events for recreational fisheries management and tourism-promoting policies in LPB. It provides evidence that conserving sport-fishing species could enhance management strategies and sustainable tourism promotion policies for this recreational activity. Full article

European catfish, an invasive alien species (IAS) that inhabits the Tagus River in Extremadura, is a threat to freshwater biodiversity and the local economy. As a freshwater mega-predator, it eats all kinds of fish, impacting local ichthyofauna as well as sport-recreational angling, a major economic driver in Extremadura, with 100,000 angling licenses issued by the Extremadura local government and more than 1000 annual bank fishing competitions. The introduction of Silurus glanis into Tagus basin is recent, dating to the 20th century, but it has rapidly spread. Although this expansion is driven by anglers, boat anglers account for only two per thousand anglers in the region, and even among them European catfish anglers are scarce, as fishing for this species is prohibited in the region and local anglers and anglers associations are against European catfish expansion. Efforts to control catfish in Extremadura have been based on studies of selective capture methods, such as trammel nets, gill nets, long lines, fish traps, and electrofishing combined with nets in areas where barbel congregate during their spawning migration. The most effective and selective methods for European catfish, avoiding bycatch, are trammel nets and electrofishing. Therefore, a combination of these methods and collaboration between local government and anglers are proposed for its control in reservoirs. In cases of recent introductions into standing water, rapid actions have been taken, involving complete drainage of the water body, rescue of native fish and removal of European catfish. These measures are feasible in reservoirs up to 10 hectares and can be combined with sediment management to improve water quality. Deterrence and control measures have been implemented in response to the promotion of catfish angling in regional media and on social media. To control European catfish expansion, collaborative actions involving public agencies, local government, angler associations and public awareness are essential. Full article

Introduction: Inland fisheries in their diverse forms are an important activity in Portugal, currently involving about 100,000 fishers. Despite their relevance, there is still limited knowledge regarding the economic multiplier effect associated with this activity, including its contribution to local and regional economies, its broader socio-economic impacts, and its role in promoting nature-based tourism. Objective: The INFISHERIES.PT project aims to characterize the socio-economic value of inland fisheries in Portugal. Methodology: The three main fishing activities in Portugal (professional, sport, and recreational fisheries) were considered to assess inland fisheries’ economic value. Data on annual expenditures of competitive sport anglers were collected through an online questionnaire distributed by the Portuguese Federation of Sport Fishing, while data on recreational fishers were obtained through face-to-face surveys. The analysis of professional fisheries was based on official catch declarations submitted to the national licensing authority (ICNF) between 2012 and 2024. Interim Results: Results for sport fisheries indicate an estimated mean annual direct expenditure of €6.7 million, with fishing equipment accounting for the largest share, followed by travel, meals, and accommodation. Social interaction was identified as the main motivation for recreational fishing, followed by contact with nature, as well as motivations related to peace, relaxation, and entertainment. Respondents most frequently reported annual expenditures between €100 and €499 on fishing equipment, travel, and food during fishing trips. Regarding professional fisheries, results highlight the increasing importance of non-native species in total catches, particularly the red swamp crayfish, in recent years. Native migratory species, such as the European eel, sea lamprey, and allis shad, despite lower catch volumes, maintain high market value and make a significant contribution to total revenue. Conclusions: The results obtained to date in this project indicate that freshwater fishing in Portugal is a relevant activity, both in its commercial and non-commercial forms, and plays an important economic role at local and regional levels. Moreover, sport and recreational angling, in particular, also serve as drivers of nature-based tourism, potentially contributing to increased environmental awareness among the population and pressuring authorities to maintain freshwater ecosystems in good ecological condition. Full article

Introduction: Competitive sport angling is a specialized form of recreational fishing in which participants compete in tournaments throughout the year to obtain annual rankings. In Portugal, competitive anglers may exhibit high levels of engagement and expenditure, yet the economic relevance of this activity remains poorly documented. Objective: This study aimed to assess the economic value of inland competitive angling competitions in Portugal. Methodology: Data on anglers’ annual expenditures were collected through a web-based questionnaire distributed in April 2025 by the Portuguese Federation of Sport Angling to 1,230 registered federated anglers. A total of 193 valid responses were obtained, including information on socio-demographic characteristics, angling modalities, and fishing locations, as well as expenditures on fishing equipment, travel, meals, accommodation, and willingness to pay (WTP) to ensure fish availability during competitions. Results: Extrapolation of the results to the national federated inland angler population suggests an estimated annual direct expenditure of approximately €6.7 million, ranging from €4.2 million to €9.2 million. Fishing equipment (e.g., rods, reels, boats, kayaks, and paniers) accounted for the largest share of expenditures, followed by travel, meals, and accommodation. Expenditure patterns varied according to age, angling modality, years of competitive experience, and participation in both inland and marine competitions. Most respondents (62.7%) reported being unwilling to pay additional amounts to guarantee fish availability, arguing that this responsibility should fall on the state and competition organizers given the fees already paid. Conclusions: Inland competitive sport angling appears to make a relevant contribution to economic activity associated with tourism and leisure services in Portugal and should therefore be considered in the management of inland water resources. Full article

The State of Alaska, USA, has a long and controversial history of controlling predators to enhance ungulate populations, including moose (Alces alces). Moose management is complicated by a dual system in which the Federal and State governments prioritize harvesting moose for human consumption over other considerations, such as trophy or sport hunting, but have conflicting regulations regarding who is eligible to harvest moose. Wildlife management for the State is overseen by the Alaska Board of Game (BOG), with advice from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). In accordance with its Intensive Management Policy, the BOG establishes regulations promoting the harvest of moose and other ungulates for human consumption. This typically occurs by controlling bears (Ursus americanus and U. arctos) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) in anticipation of increasing ungulate harvests, often without adequate information on the status and ecology of predator or ungulate populations. We provide a narrative and integrative review of moose population dynamics to help resolve those issues. We argue that the current management of moose and their predators in Alaska does not encompass a full range of management options and fails to consider or implement important aspects of their population dynamics. Predators maintain some moose populations at a low density, reducing the harvest of moose but promoting large-antlered individuals, which are of value to Alaska’s professional guide and tourism industries. Using modern models of population dynamics of moose and other ungulates, we argue that if the proximity of the moose population to K (the ecological carrying capacity) is known, management strategies that increase the human harvest of moose and also promote large-antlered trophies are not mutually exclusive. We list life history and population characteristics to help determine the nutritional status of moose populations in relation to K, thereby guiding wise management of that valuable resource. We also recommend an adaptive management approach to assessing the effects of such activities. We caution, however, that to wisely manage these important wildlife resources, more information on the dynamics of moose and their predators is necessary. A system that embraces more biology and fewer politics would provide greater opportunities to employ the best science in the management of moose and their predators. Full article

Fishing is a widely practiced recreational activity that offers psychological, physical, and social benefits, but it also poses risks such as acute trauma and chronic overuse injuries. This narrative review aims to (1) synthesize current evidence on the musculoskeletal disorders, psychological outcomes, and environmental factors associated with recreational and sport fishing; (2) identify the physical, mental, and social health benefits reported across different angling disciplines; (3) characterize acute and chronic injury risks, including overuse syndromes and environment-related hazards; and (4) highlight gaps in the literature to guide future research directions in public health, rehabilitation, and preventive medicine. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted in accordance with SANRA guidelines. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar identified studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible sources included population surveys, clinical studies, therapeutic angling programs, epidemiological reports, and case studies addressing physical, psychological, or injury-related outcomes in recreational or sport fishing. Studies on commercial or occupational fishing were excluded. Evidence was synthesized thematically across benefit and risk domains. A total of 565 records were identified across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar). After screening, duplication, and full-text assessment, 41 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. The evidence indicates significant psychological benefits of fishing, including reductions in stress, improved mood, and clinically meaningful decreases in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms reported in therapeutic fly-fishing programs. Musculoskeletal outcomes were more heterogeneous: chronic conditions such as low back pain and repetitive strain injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist were commonly reported among regular anglers, particularly in physically demanding disciplines. Ice and sea fishing were associated with distinct environmental risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, and rare but documented fatal incidents. The results of this narrative review highlight the therapeutic potential of both recreational and sport fishing. However, they also point to the need for greater awareness of the risk of injury and environmental hazards associated with this type of fishing. Full article

The European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is one of the most emblematic coastal fish species in the Northeast Atlantic, with high commercial value for fisheries and aquaculture, and importance for sport and recreational fishing. Despite its socio-economic importance, the Iberian divisions, Cantabrian Sea (8c) and the Atlantic Iberian waters (9a), defined by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), lack stock delimitation data. Moreover, this species is missing basic biological information, a seasonal reproductive fishing ban, and the annual landings in this region are more than double the levels recommended by ICES. To investigate the population structure of D. labrax in these areas, 140 adult individuals (36–51 cm of total length) were collected between January and March 2025 in three locations along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula: Avilés (n = 47), Peniche (n = 48), and Lagos (n = 45). Fish from each location were analyzed for body geometric morphometrics (truss network) and otolith shape contour (Elliptical Fourier Descriptors). Data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate tests to assess spatial differences and reclassification success among locations. Results revealed regional differences using body morphometry and otolith shape analyses. The overall reclassification success was 68% for truss networking, 51% for otolith shape, and 65% when both methods were combined. Despite the observed differences, the absence of clear, isolated populations supports the ICES definition of a single, though not homogeneous, European seabass stock in the Atlantic Iberian coastal waters. Nevertheless, individuals from Avilés exhibited distinctive morphometric patterns and otolith shapes, suggesting possible adaptations to local selective pressures in slightly different environments. Further studies integrating genetic tools, otolith chemistry, parasitic fauna and telemetry analyses, as well as other fish samples from adjacent areas such as the Bay of Biscay, are recommended to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the population structure and migration patterns of this key species in the Atlantic Iberian coastal waters. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nutrition is essential for both physiological and physical health. The study aimed to explore dietary habits, nutritional intake and supplementation in association with the indirect omega-3 index (ω-3I) magnitude in a cohort of professional athletes. Methods: A 3-day food record was used as an approach to document all the dishes and beverages consumed by athletes over three consecutive days. Additionally, in aiming to assess the dietary habits and supplementation as well as the estimated ω-3I, both a food frequency questionnaire and a valid equation proposed by Swiss scientists were applied. The body composition of athletes was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: Given that carbohydrate-containing foods were relatively frequently consumed by athletes, the average daily carbohydrate content (5.5 g/kg of body weight/day) did not reach the minimum recommended limit. A Western pattern diet applied to professional athletes ensured a sufficient level of protein intake (1.7 g/kg of body weight/day) and resulted in the overconsumption of dietary fat (40.3% of energy intake (EI)), especially saturated fatty acids (FAs) (13.8% of EI). The frequency of the consumption of fish products was considered to fulfill the lowest rank, which in turn, led to the lowest average intakes for polyunsaturated (6.2% of EI), ω-6 (5.7% of EI), and ω-3 (0.3% of EI) FA. Also, the dietary ω-3 FA deficiency generated an unhealthy ω-6/ω-3 FA ratio of 18.4:1 which was not directly related to the intermediate-desirable level (5.5–9.8%) of the estimated ω-3I in a sample of professional athletes. Conclusions: Taking into account the predicted regression model which was adjusted for sports and sex, the estimated ω-3I was significantly and positively associated with the higher consumption of polyunsaturated FA supplementation (β 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3; 1.6, p < 0.001), fish products (β 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0; 1.2, p < 0.001), and the energy percentage obtained from the dietary ω-3 FA (β 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1; 1.6, p = 0.049) in a cohort of professional athletes. Therefore, whilst acknowledging that the increased fish consumption may serve as an equally strong potential predictor for the indirect ω-3I magnitude, the supplementation with polyunsaturated FA also becomes an important strategy for maintaining the optimum ω-3I levels among professional athletes. Full article

Oxidative stress is a factor implicated in chronic diseases and aging, motivating the search for natural antioxidants. Over the past ten years, food-derived peptides have been recognized as potent antioxidants. Carp, a globally farmed fish, is a protein-rich raw material for producing antioxidant peptides and hydrolysates. This review summarizes the current knowledge on these antioxidant peptides and hydrolysates, including their production, bioactivity, and applications. We discuss how enzymatic hydrolysis of carp by-products (e.g., skin, scales, and swim bladders) represents a strategy for waste valorization. Cellular and in vivo findings demonstrate the effectiveness of carp peptides and hydrolysates in tackling oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species and enhancing cellular antioxidant enzymes. In addition to their antioxidant properties, these peptides and hydrolysates also possess anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic, and wound-healing properties. Potential applications of carp peptides and hydrolysates include their use as natural food preservatives and as active ingredients for skincare, nutraceuticals, and sports nutrition. Future research should focus on validating the in vivo bioavailability and assessing the long-term safety of carp peptides and hydrolysates to support their potential application in health. Carp-derived peptides are a valuable resource for developing functional foods and health products, which can contribute to a more sustainable food industry. Full article

Background: The relationship between sports participation and food preferences in adults, as well as the influence of gender, is still unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sports participation and individual food preferences and to explore potential gender differences among sports participants in a large group of Italian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2665 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who lead normal lives and underwent a routine lifestyle and dietary assessment at a clinical centre specialising in nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle counselling in Rome. Participants completed an online questionnaire on food preferences (19 foods) and sports practice. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and smoking, were used to assess associations. Results: Sports participation was defined as engaging in structured physical activity at least once per week and was reported by 53.5% of subjects (men: 60.1%; women: 49.0%; p < 0.0001). After adjustment, active individuals were significantly more likely to prefer plant-based drinks, low-fat yoghurt, fish, cooked and raw vegetables, fruit, whole grains, tofu, and dark chocolate (all p < 0.05) and less likely to prefer cow’s milk (p = 0.018). Among sport participants, males were more likely to prefer meat (general, white, red, processed) and eggs, while females preferred plant-based drinks. No significant gender differences were observed for dairy products, legumes, or fish. Differences in food preferences were also observed according to the type of sport, with bodybuilders showing higher preference for tofu and dark chocolate. The strongest associations were found in the 25–44 age group. Conclusions: Sports participation is independently associated with specific food preferences, characterised by greater preference for plant-based and fibre-rich foods, and gender differences in food choices persist even among active adults. These findings highlight the need to consider both sports participation and gender when designing nutritional interventions. Full article

The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993–2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined. Full article

Objective: Eating habits established during adolescence play a crucial role in shaping both current and future health status. However, adolescents today appear to be increasingly adopting poorer dietary and lifestyle habits. This study aims to investigate eating behaviors and supplement use among adolescent students who participated in the EduALI nutrition education project. Methods: The project included first-year students from six sports-oriented scientific high schools in Florence. The students participated in six nutrition sessions, completing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess physical activity performance, a questionnaire on dietary supplement use, and, to assess eating habits a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), as well as the Medi-Lite questionnaire to specifically assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). The data from the FFQ were compared with national dietary guidelines. Results: The study sample consisted of 83 students (69.9% male; average age: 13.8 ± 0.4 y). The results showed that 61.4% of participants had used supplements in the past year, most commonly mineral salts (56.6%) and vitamins (54.2%), followed by botanical products (22%), sports drinks (16%), proteins/amino acids (8%), and creatine (2%). Alarmingly, 27.7% used supplements without medical supervision. Students involved in individual sports had higher supplement consumption than those in team sports, especially creatine use. Eating habits revealed poor adherence to both the MD and Italian dietary guidelines, with deficiencies in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish, and legumes, and excessive intake of cheese, meat, especially red and processed meats. Conclusions: A high prevalence of supplement use among adolescents was observed, along with poor adherence to dietary guidelines and MD. These findings underscore the need for targeted, school- and sport-based interventions to enhance adolescents’ nutritional awareness and responsible supplement use. Full article

Florida bass (Micropterus salmoides) and largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) are iconic sport fish that hybridize readily, influencing fishery management practices. While the Florida bass has been introduced to various U.S. states to create trophy fisheries, its genetic introgression into native populations can lead to ecological and genetic consequences. Recognizing the need to assess Florida bass presence to guide future management directions, diagnostic SNPs were genotyped for 856 putative largemouth bass across 31 sampling locations across the state of West Virginia. Florida bass controls and a reduced representative sample of 226 individuals from 19 sampling locations were sequenced using the genotype-by-sequencing dd-RAD protocol. The results from the two genomic investigations found no Florida bass ancestry in West Virginia populations, suggesting either no introduction or failed reproductive success of Florida bass in the state. Among West Virginia largemouth bass populations, unique genetic ancestries were found predominantly in introduced non-native largemouth bass populations, indicating that the only sub-structuring in the state is a result of stocking non-native ancestries into the state. Genomic diversity was found to be higher in Ohio River pools compared to inland reservoirs, as well as showing higher levels of potential inbreeding. These results underscore the need to preserve the genetic integrity of native Ohio River strain largemouth bass and prevent the introduction of the Florida bass or F₁ hybrids into the Ohio River and other watersheds of West Virginia. Management recommendations include prioritizing the stocking of native strain bass to mitigate inbreeding and avoid introducing Florida bass to conserve genetic diversity. Full article

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) is becoming a popular nutritional model for athletes. One limitation of this diet is the use of animal-meat products, which may be unacceptable to some people. Moreover, the relationship between this diet’s use, body composition, and strength capacity has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to assess the effects of a two-week fish-based restrictive KD on body composition, strength capacity (isometric muscle strength), and somatic disorders in healthy adults. Methods: Participants were recruited through advertisements, posters displayed at the university, and information shared among colleagues. Ultimately, 14 individuals qualified for this study. For two weeks, they followed a designated ketogenic diet enriched with fish and omega-3 fatty acids, with a calorie reduction of −500 kcal/day. The study was designed and conducted as a single-group pre–post study. Before and after completing the diet, participants’ body composition (body mass, body fat, fat-free mass, and visceral fat) and strength capacity (knee extensor peak torque [KEPT] and knee flexor peak torque [KFPT]) were measured. The survey also analyzed participants’ somatic disorders such as nausea, vomiting, energy level, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, sleep problems, hunger, thirst, and bad breath. The average results of both trials obtained before and after the diet were compared using the paired Student’s t-test or non-parametric test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: After two weeks of a fish-based restrictive KD, significant increases in ketone bodies were observed in both the blood (pre: 0.21 mmol/L ± 0.15 vs. post: 2.20 ± 1.19, p < 0.001) and urine (pre: 0.00 mmol/L ± 0.00 vs. post: 4.64 mmol/L ± 3.24, p < 0.001). Body composition changes included significant reductions in total body mass (pre: 76.66 kg ± 11.06 vs. post: 73.77 kg ± 10.76, p < 0.001), fat mass (pre: 21.34 kg ± 7.36 vs. post: 19.73 kg ± 7.20, p < 0.001), and visceral fat (pre: 708.50 g ± 627.67 vs. post: 603.21 g ± 567.82, p = 0.0012). Skeletal muscle mass decreased by 2% (pre: 27.75 kg ± 5.80 vs. post: 27.03 kg ± 5.47, p = 0.01), though no significant changes were seen in muscle strength when adjusting for body mass or skeletal muscle mass. No major adverse effects were noted in relation to somatic disorders, although some participants reported increased thirst and bad breath. Conclusions: After 14 days of a fish-based restrictive KD, a significant reduction in body mass and changes in body composition were observed, with no loss of muscle strength. This type of diet may serve as an effective method for rapid body mass reduction in sports with weight categories, while preserving muscle strength, which is crucial for athletes. It could also be an alternative means for individuals to eliminate animal meat from their diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diet and physical activity (PA) significantly impact health. Unfortunately, a worrying trend of decreasing PA among children and adolescents, accompanied by unhealthy nutritional behavior, is observed worldwide. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional behavior and body mass index (BMI) of adolescents aged 13 years in groups of extended and standard PA at school. Methods: The study was conducted in six schools among adolescents born in 2007 (n = 213), in two groups of standard and extended PA at school (SPA and EPA), wherein each group received 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons per week, respectively. Their height and body mass were measured. BMI was calculated and compared with percentile charts. A questionnaire was used to assess nutritional behavior and extracurricular physical activity. Results: Approximately 62% of adolescents had a normal body weight, with SPA 58%, EPA 64%, overweight 13.63%, SPA 13.75%, EPA 13.50%, obesity 14.13%, SPA 19.25%, EPA 9%, and underweight 11.17%, SPA 8.85%, and EPA 13.50%. Among the potential health-promoting foods, dishes, and beverages, fruits and vegetables were the most frequently consumed items, whereas fish and legume dishes were the least consumed. Butter, white bread, sweets, cheeses, cold cuts, and sausages were all consumed very often. Fast food and lard were the least frequently consumed items. Conclusions: A significant proportion of 13-year-olds were overweight or obese. Extended PA had a beneficial effect on BMI, but it had little effect on nutritional behavior among the studied adolescents. The adolescents exhibited moderate nutritional behaviors; however, it was more favorable in those exposed to extended PA at school than those exposed to standard PA. It is possible to argue that extending organized PA at school leads to increased PA during leisure time. It is recommended to increase PA for adolescents by doubling the mandatory number of physical education lessons or other sports activities in the school curriculum. Full article