Application of a catch-based method for stock assessment of three important fisheries in the East China Sea

Most fisheries in China do not have maximum sustainable yield（MSY） estimates due to limited and poor data.Therefore, finding a common method to estimate MSY or total allowable catch（TAC） for fishery management is necessary. MSYs of three important fisheries in the East China Sea were evaluated through a catch-based model.Estimates for intrinsic rate of increase（r） and five levels of process error were considered. Results showed hairtail Trichiurus japonicas（Temminck and Schlegel） and small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis（Bleeker） fisheries experienced overfishing from the mid-1990 s to the early 2000 s, and the suggested TACs were 55.8×10^4 t and9.06×10^4 t, respectively. Decades of overfishing in wintering and spawning grounds of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea（Richardson） caused the fishery＇s collapse in the 1980 s, and it has not recovered until today.The Catch–MSY model generated similar estimated MSYs with other methods and may be a useful choice for the assessment of regional stocks in China.

Desirability of a standard notation for fisheries assessment

The worldwide increase of the publications concerning the assessment of marine renewable living resources is highlighting long-standing problems with symbols and annotations. Starting from the symbols presented within the classic fisheries masterpieces produced, mainly in the fifty of the last century, a first “Milestone” list was organised. Thereafter, the pertinent literature was (not exhaustively) browsed in order to integrate this Milestone list on the base of a set of decisional criteria. The present contribution consists in using the Latin letters as well established symbols for the corresponding parameters, leaving free to specific use (with few historical exceptions) the Greek letters in view to open a discussion among all the fisheries scientists and bodies in order to move towards a common language and better communication standards.

The Importance of Involving Stakeholders and Scientists in the Management of Marine Fisheries

In recent years there has been increasing concern over the state of fish stocks,especially those that support key fisheries and supply food to many consumers.There is also concern over the state of aquatic environments,and the effects of climate change.Fisheries management is controlled by government agencies,often cooperating with similar agencies from other nations.This paper deals with the need for expert advice on fisheries,involving fishers as well as scientists.Mention is made of a Fisheries Partnership set up in Europe,bringing fishers and scientists together with other stakeholders to discuss the problems of managing fish stocks.The partnership was especially successful in improving relationships between fishers and scientists,and made significant improvements to some fish stock assessments.European Regional Advisory Councils were later established to play a similar role.They are providing significant advice on fisheries,but they do not yet play a key role in actual management.It is important to consider how stakeholders and scientists can become more actively involved in fisheries management.There is a crucial need to develop new,more participatory ways of managing fisheries.

Case Study: A Simulation Model of the Spawning Stock Biomass of Pacific Bluefin Tuna and Evaluation of Fisheries Regulations

This study proposes a simulation model that well reproduces the spawning stock biomass of Pacific bluefin tuna. Environmental factors were chosen to estimate the recruitment per spawning stock biomass, and a simulation model that well reproduced the spawning stock biomass was developed. Then, effects of various fisheries regulations were evaluated using the simulation study. The results were as follows: 1) arctic oscillations, Pacific decadal oscillations and the recruitment number of the Pacific stock of Japanese sardine were chosen as the environmental factors that determined the recruitment per spawning stock biomass;2) spawning stock biomass could be well reproduced using a model that reproduced the recruitment per spawning stock biomass and the survival process of the population that included the effect of fishing;and 3) the effects of various fisheries regulation could be evaluated using the simulation model mentioned above. The effective regulation in the simulations conducted in this paper was a prohibition of fishing for 0- and 1-year-old fish in terms of recovering the spawning stock biomass. The reduction of fishing mortality coefficients for all age fish to 50% of actual values also showed a good performance. The recent reductions of the recruitment and spawning stock biomass were likely caused by heavy harvesting, especially of immature fish, since 2004.

The Human Dimension in the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve:Integrating Livelihood Issues of Small-Scale Fisheries with the Conservation of Natural Resources

Fisheries management worldwide struggles to strike a balance between protecting resources,ensuring fair access to resources and promoting economic effectiveness and stability.The transition to a participatory democracy in South Africa in 1994 resulted in the transformation of government institutions and an extensive process of legislative reform regarding

An Analysis on Antarctic Fisheries Management Regime and China's Response

Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living R esources acts as the executive body for Antarctic fisheries management with Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living R esources( CAMLR Convention) as the legal framework. As the only multilateral agreement for the comprehensive management of Antarctic marine living resources,CAMLR Convention has received a wide international recognition. This paper analyzes the highlights of CAMLR Convention in Antarctic fisheries management,namely,open access to membership,sophisticated institutional structure,capability of keeping pace with the times,diplomatic wisdom,measures against IU U,advanced fisheries management philosophies,etc. Meanwhile,Antarctic fisheries management also encounters challenges,which should be addressed in the process of exploration. China is an important fishing state at Antarctic O cean.Investigation for Antarctic fisheries resources and research into its exploitation are of significant importance for China,which calls for the establishment of China's Antarctic fisheries policy.

Change of upwelling over Southern Fujian-Taiwan Shoal Fishing Ground and its relation to the fisheries

On the basis of the temperature and salinity survey data of July, 1975 and the historical da-ta of relevant hydrological and meteorological stations, this paper discusses the change patternand cause of the upwelling and its relation to the fisheries in the Southern Fujian-Taiwan ShoalFishing Ground. Being important for the benefit of fisheries, the above points have received

Ecological footprint and vulnerability of marine capture fisheries in China

China(herein referred as China’s mainland,and excluding Hong Kong,Macao and Taiwan)ranks as the world’s leading fishing nation,with approximately 11.1 million tons of domestic marine catch acquired in 2017.Marine fisheries resources in China are mainly exploited by its 11 coastal provinces and municipalities,and the development of fishing industry varies among them.However,few studies have examined the exploitation history of the 11 coastal provinces and municipalities.In this paper,we systematically quantified the exploitation history of marine fishery resources in China and then measured the vulnerability of the 11 coastal provinces and municipalities of China to a reduction in marine catches.Our analysis suggested that Chinese marine fisheries experienced rapid growth from the mid-1980 s to the end of the 20 th century,and this rapid increase in marine catches were mainly promoted by increased fishing effort.The total primary production required level amounted to approximately 80%of the average primary productivity in 2017,and Zhejiang,Fujian,Shandong,Hainan and Guangdong provinces were the main fishing provinces in China.By assessing three dimensions of vulnerability(exposure,sensitivity and adaptive capacity)to the impacts of a reduction in marine catches in the 11 coastal provinces and municipalities,we found that Hainan,Guangxi,Zhejiang and Fujian provinces had high or very high vulnerability,while the municipalities of Shanghai and Tianjin had low vulnerability.Identifying suitable adaptation policies and management plans based on the differences in vulnerability among coastal provinces is important in sustainable fisheries management.

Ecosystem Health Assessment of the Egong Bay Fisheries Area in Shenzhen Based on Index of Biological Integrity of Fish

[Objective] The ecosystem health of the Egong Bay fisheries area in Shenzhen was assessed,based on the index of biological integrity of fish( F-IBI),for the reference of ecological restoration in typical fisheries area in the coast of South China Sea. [Method]Based on four seasons survey from August( summer) and November( autumn) in 2012 to February( winter) and May( spring) in 2013,six indicators including total species number of fish,percentage of Sciaenidae species,percentage of Sparidae species,percentage of planktivorous species,percentage of benthic-feeding species and percentage of benthic-feeding and piscivorous species,were used in computing F-IBI of Egong Bay. The suitability of F-IBI was tested by principal component analysis( PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis. [Result]Total species number of fish,percentage of Sciaenidae species,percentage of Sparidae species,percentage of planktivorous species and percentage of benthic-feeding species were major assessment indicators for Egong Bay fisheries area. F-IBI of Egong Bay fisheries area was correlated with water temperature,salinity,chemical oxygen demand( COD) and petroleum,and was negative correlation to p H,dissolved oxygen( DO),dissolved inorganic nitrogen( DIN),reactive phosphate( PO_4^(3-)-P),and suspended matters. There were significant correction between the F-IBI with the salinity,COD,and suspended matters.[Conclusion]F-IBI system,based on total species number of fish,percentage of Sciaenidae species,percentage of Sparidae species,percentage of planktivorous species,percentage of benthic-feeding species and percentage of benthic-feeding and piscivorous species was feasible in Egong Bay fisheries area.

Recent Advances in Japanese Fisheries Science in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Region through Development of the FRA-ROMS Ocean Forecast System: Overview of the Reproducibility of Reanalysis Products

To address various fisheries science problems around Japan, the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA) has developed an ocean forecast system by combining an ocean circulation model based on the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) with three-dimensional variational analysis schemes. This system, which is called FRA-ROMS, is a basic and essential tool for the systematic conduct of fisheries science. The main aim of FRA-ROMS is to realistically simulate mesoscale variations over the Kuroshio-Oyashio region. Here, in situ oceanographic and satellite data were assimilated into FRA-ROMS using a weekly time window. We first examined the reproducibility through comparison with several oceanographic datasets with an Eulerian reference frame. FRA-ROMS was able to reproduce representative features of mesoscale variations such as the position of the Kuroshio path, variability of the Kuroshio Extension, and southward intrusions of the Oyashio. Second, using a Lagrangian reference frame, we estimated position errors between ocean drifters and particles passively transported by simulated currents, because particle tracking is an essential technique used in applications of reanalysis products to fisheries science. Finally, we summarize recent and ongoing fisheries studies that use FRA-ROMS and mention several new developments and enhancements that will be implemented in the near future.

The Development and Operational Testing of an Underwater Bait Setting System to Prevent the Mortality of Albatrosses and Petrels in Pelagic Longline Fisheries

Longline fisheries for tunas and tuna-like species present an existential threat to many populations of albatrosses and petrels worldwide. To prevent this form of mortality we developed a new technology designed to deploy baited hooks underwater beyond the dive depths of?seabirds (6 - 10 m for the species most commonly caught). The underwater bait setter is a stern-mounted, hydraulically-operated and computer-controlled?device that catapults?baited hooks underwater in a steel capsule?connected to hydraulic winches by Spectra®rope. Baits are flushed from the capsule by water pressure through a spring-loaded bait release door. The chief engineering challenges in the developmental stageswere ensuring:?1) bait delivery?to target depths with cycle times (time from release to recovery) that were practical for fishing operations;?2) bait retention in the capsule (no drop-outs) on the descent phase of the cycle;?3) baits, upon?release at target depth, were not drawn up the water column on the capsule recovery phase (from possible hook-ups and/or suction);and?4) the retention of baits?on?hooks post-release from the capsule was not affected by the mechanical release underwater. Operational trials with the final version of the capsule yielded?satisfactory cycle times to depths of 6 - 10 m. All baits were retained?in the capsule on the descent and?released as required?at target depths (n = 606 deployments). Bait retention on hooks post release from the capsule and retention on hooks hand-set at the surface (the conventional method) were statistically indistinguishable.?The underwater bait setter is modular in construction and can be fitted to all types of vessel sterns.

Self-organization: the governance of CAO fisheries from perspective of the global commons

The Central Arctic Ocean （CAO） is a global commons, and fishes in the CAO are common property resources. If humanity does not manage this region well, then this will lead to a ＂Tragedy of the Commons,＂ an old problem in human society. However, the two existing means of commons governance, privatization and government control, are not appropriate for the CAO. This study＇s findings indicate that CAO fisheries management will most likely result from a process of self-organization. The openness of the CAO and the imbalance of powers, interests and responsibilities among the states that are involved will lead to a process of self-organized governance of CAO fisheries. There are four stages in this process： competition, synergy, establishment of governing principles and mechanisms, and expansion and evolution of influence. The outcome of CAO fisheries governance will be the result of compromise among the parties as no one actor is in a dominant position.

Problems and Countermeasures of Logistics in the Marine Fisheries Industry

Based on the connotation of marine fisheries logistics,the thesis gives a brief account of its features:firstly,it is more susceptible to natural conditions;secondly,the aquatic logistics is with strong specialized assets;thirdly,the aquatic products market has relative greater uncertainties;fourthly,it calls for higher logistics technology;fifthly,it is difficult to conduct supply chain management.Then the thesis analyzes the problems in the marine fisheries industry:the first problem is the imperfect standardization system of the aquatic logistics;the second is the backward development in the cold storage of the marine fisheries;the third is low information-based degree of marine fisheries logistics system;the fourth one is the low level of the value-added services;the fifth problem is the immature participants in logistics.In order to solve these problems,this thesis further proposes some countermeasure to develop the logistics in the marine fisheries industry:at first,to build various forms of logistics organization entities;secondly,to gradually realize the integration of logistics functions and performance;thirdly,to strengthen the information construction of marine fisheries logistics;at last,to reinforce the government roles in developing the logistics industry of aquatic products.

Penaeoid shrimp fisheries resources in the Zhujiang Estuary

INTRODUCTIONThe Zhujiang (Pearl River) Estuary (22°00′-22°45′N, 113°30′-114°00′E), created by the inflow of fresh water from various tributaries of the Zhujiang, is the largest estuarine system in the southern China with an area of about 2 300 km2 . Average depth of the water body is about

Marketing Program Implementation of Greek Fisheries Firms

This study analyses the marketing program implementation in Greek fisheries firms.In this perspective,quantitative research with personal interviews to fisheries firms’executives is elaborated.Data were analyzed elaborating cluster and discriminant analysis.Findings reveal that there are two distinct groups of Greek fisheries firms regarding their decisions about the components of marketing mix.The results demonstrate that there are differences among the two groups mainly in terms of price and distribution policies.Particularly,62.6% of sample firms seem to dispose a differential marketing mix,while 37.4% of sample firms seem to dispose a non-differential marketing mix.Notably,both clusters are not aware of quality and sustainability assurance certifications regarding seafood products.From this perspective,there is a potential for a better organized marketing program implementation aiming to respond efficiently in modern market needs.

Ecology and Fish Biodiversity of Man-Made Lakes of Southern Benin (West Africa): Implications for Species Conservation and Fisheries Management

Man-made lakes are alternative and potential habitats for biodiversity conservation, fisheries and extensive aquaculture. We investigated the ecology and the fish community structure of two (2) sand-dragged man-made lakes, Lake Ahozon and Lake Bewacodji of Southern Benin, with implications for species conservation, fisheries management and aquaculture valorization. From August 2014 to July 2015, habitats conditions were evaluated and fishes were sampled monthly with seine, cast net, experimental gill net and hooks in the open water and aquatic vegetation habitats of both lakes. Overall, the water quality of Lake Ahozon was globally favorable for the growth and the survival of the fish resources whereas Lake Bewacodji exhibited a poor water quality indicated mainly by an acid pH (mean: 6.32 ± 0.58) and low dissolved oxygen concentrations (mean: 3.52 ± 1.25 mg/l) caused by dense floating plants, Nymphea sp mainly and huge daily dumping of domestic wastes. The study revealed low species richness, d = 5.89 and d = 3.87, and low species diversity, H’ = 0.76 and H’ = 0.48 for Lakes Ahozon and Bewacodji, respectively, with Lake Ahozon more diverse than Lake Bewacodji. The fish community of Lake Ahozon comprised six (6) species, 3 cichlids Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia guineensis, the silver catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Claroteidae), the African bonytongue, Heterotis niloticus (Osteoglossidae), and the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae). Numerically, S. galilaeus dominated Lake Ahozon and made 85.21% of the sample. In Lake Bewacodji, the fish composition comprised four (4) species, Sarotherodon galilaeus multifasciatus, the dominant species making numerically 91.58% of the total sample, T. guineensis, C. gariepinus and C. nigrodigitatus. With regard to trophic structure, the fish assemblages of both lakes were numerically dominated by planktinovores/ detritivores, mainly S. galilaeus, O. niloticus, T. guineensis and C. nigrodigitatus making together 99.46% of Lake Ahozon fish community, and S. galilaeus multifasciatus, T. guineensis and C. nigrodigitatus accounting together for about 98.59% of Lake Bewacodji. In Lake Ahozon, standard length (SL) frequencies histograms showed an unimodal size distribution for H. niloticus, the nile tilapia O. niloticus and C. gariepinus whereas the two cichlids, S. galilaeus and T. guineensis exhibited a bimodal size distribution. In Lake Bewacodji, S. galilaeus multifasciatus, C. nigrodigitatus and C. gariepinus exhibited an unimodal size distribution. A sustainable exploitation of both man-made lakes requires the implementation of an integrated management scheme which should include habitat restoration and protection plan, fisheries/aquacultural valorization, ecological sound agriculture/ecotourism and environmental monitoring.

Exploitation Patterns of Anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) by Marine Artisanal Fisheries in Togo (West Africa)

Pelagic fish,including sardines and anchovies(Order Clupeiformes),are the most common species taken by artisanal marine fisheries along the Togolese coast.We investigated fisher involvement as well as fish captures over a period of 10 years,particularly of the European anchovy(Engraulis encrasicolus).Our results indicate that 60%of fishers operated from the Loméfishing harbour,most fishers being Ghanaians working seasonally in Togo.63.7%of all the fishers used canoes with outboards,a higher percentage compared to the previous decades.Seven fishing gear type were identified,with bottom gillnet and surface gillnet being the most commonly used.However,in the most important fishing camp in the country in terms of fish production(Loméfishing harbour),all fishers used shark nets.Overall,fisheries catches did not change significantly across years,but anchovy fishing effort and catch per unit of effort(CPUE)declined over the study period,suggesting some depletion of the species stocks on the Togolese coast and a demotivation of fishers.

Negotiation on Fisheries Subsidies within the Framework of the WTO – Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Members

Fish can be serviced as food for human consumption, and can also provide income for fisheries countries that export fish products. As a result, most countries tend to subsidize their fisheries sectors by providing subsidies to fishing activities. Currently, WTO members are negotiating new disciplines on fisheries subsidies. Although new disciplines on fisheries subsidy have not been concluded, most members, to some extent, have agreed that certain fisheries subsidies should be prohibited, and that developing members may enjoy exceptions under the special and differential treatment (hereinafter “SDT”). The WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies were initiated more than a decade ago. The process is slow and was even stalled in 2011 due to divergence. Nevertheless, new developments and promising outcomes is possible. This article analyzes the issues relating to the SDT for developing members in the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies. The issues are arranged and analyzed according to their degree of controversy in the context of SDT, i.e., from the least controversial issues to the moderately controversial, and then to the most controversial ones. A comparison is made between controversial issues before and after 2011. Then the article explores reasons lying behind such changed focuses of the most controversial issues in the context of SDT. By examining the positions of many WTO members, and the changed focuses of the most controversial issues, this article asserts that progress has been made over time in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, and promising outcomes are also possible.

Fisheries and China’s Effective Occupation of the Nansha Islands

Effective occupation is a key step for a State to acquire, in accordance with the occupation principle of international law, sovereignty over a territory. In case of a remote, desolate and unlivable territory, the requirements for effective occupation could be lowered appropriately; it is enough if the occupying State exercises or displays acts of sovereignty appropriate to the circumstances of the territory. The Nansha Islands of China is far away from Chinese mainland, and the natural conditions there are harsh. Ever since ancient times, fishery exploitation has been used by China as one of the most important ways to develop and administrate the Nansha Islands. The fishery history of the Nansha Islands not only demonstrates that China, while exploring and exploiting fishery resources, first discovered the Nansha Islands, but also substantiates that China has exercised jurisdiction over this group of islands appropriate to its circumstances, with a view to managing the local fishing activities. Therefore, China has effectively occupied the Nansha Islands, and enjoys the sovereignty over it.

Assessing the Potential Contribution of Fisheries to Economic Development —The Case of Post-Ebola Sierra Leone

This paper examines the potential contribution of the fisheries sector to national economic development in Sierra Leone, following the cessation of the recent Ebola virus disease (EVD). The tragic deaths of some 4000 persons, as a direct result of this epidemic, have also been accompanied by serious economic disruption to one of the world’s poorest countries, amounting to a loss of over USD 1 billion (20 per cent of annual Gross Domestic Product, GDP). Based on recent work undertaken by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), an assessment was made of the potential contribution of one of the country’s major natural resource sectors—fisheries—to future economic recovery. It was confirmed that the fish resources of Sierra Leone have an estimated capitalised economic value of USD 735 million, and could potentially make an increased contribution to GDP under suitable conditions, over and above the current estimated level of 10 per cent. However, our results also show that with an overall “readiness assessment” score of 41/100, the sector is unlikely to realise its full potential unless a number of specific areas are addressed (based on analysis valid up to January 2016). These include an improvement in fisheries economic assessment, the upgrading of the fisheries governance and management framework, and the establishment of a fisheries development strategy and implementation plan to channel future investments and interventions in an appropriate sequence. Particular attention should be given early on to an increase in the quality and capacity of both public and private sector organisations relevant to roles and functions within a general process of fisheries sector reform. Finally, the fisheries policy evaluation approach used here is novel. While it has been applied to Sierra Leone for the intrinsic interest of that case, this demonstration also shows that it could be applied elsewhere in the future when reviewing fisheries policy.