Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Fishery Economics, Policy, and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 5438

Special Issue Editors

Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
Interests: assessment of fishery resources; marine biodiversity and conservation; molecular genetics

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Fisheries Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment, College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
Interests: fishery ecosystem; assessment of fishery resources

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Guest Editor
College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
Interests: fishery ecology; fish community; assessment of fishery resources
South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China
Interests: fish; biology; marine ecology; stock assessment; climate change

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Guest Editor
National Engineering Research Center for Oceanic Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Sustainable Exploitation of Oceanic Fisheries Resources (Ministry of Education), College of Marine Living Resource Sciences and Management, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: estuary; ichthyoplankton; ecology; habitat; otolith

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fishery resources are important part of marine resources, which are of great significance to the survival and development of human beings. Fishery resources provide a rich source of food for human beings and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance and protecting biodiversity. Therefore, it is of great significance to study fishery resources.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect manuscripts on the analysis and research of fishery resources, including but not limited to the following aspects: (1) stock assessment using different methods, including acoustic assessment, model assessment, stock assessment based on big data, and stock assessment with data loss; (2) research on the relationship between fishery resources and ecological environment and the related fishery resources protection measures; (3) research on the economic value of fishery resources and fishery policies; (4) interdisciplinary research in multiple fields such as biology, ecology, and environmental science focusing on fishery resources; and (5) research on the safety of fishery resources and the quality and safety of fishery products.

Dr. Yuan Li
Dr. Chongliang Zhang
Prof. Dr. Xuefeng Wang
Dr. Kui Zhang
Dr. Zengguang Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fishery resources
  • stock assessment
  • fishery policies
  • marine biodiversity
  • big data computing
  • fisheries conservation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 4290 KiB  
Article
Fishery Management Enforcement Gradients to Achieve Fishery Goals
by Kendra A. Karr, Fabián Pina-Amargós, Tamara Figueredo-Martín and Yunier Olivera-Espinosa
Fishes 2024, 9(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9090355 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can allow some fish populations to rebuild within their borders in areas impacted by overfishing, but the effectiveness of reserves is highly dependent on how effectively fishing mortality is controlled, which in turn depends on the level of fishery [...] Read more.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) can allow some fish populations to rebuild within their borders in areas impacted by overfishing, but the effectiveness of reserves is highly dependent on how effectively fishing mortality is controlled, which in turn depends on the level of fishery management implementation. In Cuba’s Gardens of the Queen MPA, the largest in the Caribbean, a variety of fishery management measures have been implemented to ensure the social, economic, and political viability of protecting such a large area. Here, we evaluate the biological response, in terms of fish density and the biomass of commercially valuable and ecologically important reef fish species, to a spatial gradient of fishery management enforcement, in terms of fish density and biomass, of commercially valuable and ecologically important reef fish species. The enforcement gradient is characterized by the level of protection, fishing effort, patrolling effort, distance to the nearest fishing port, and fishing intensity. Fish density and biomass were estimated from visual scuba surveys. Areas with higher levels of enforcement support higher levels of average biomass (up to 1378 kg/ha) and density (up to 2367 indv./ha) of commercially important fishes in comparison to areas with very low or no enforcement (estimates of 757 kg/ha average biomass and 1090 indv./ha average density, respectively). These fish density and biomass levels can serve as proxies in the development of harvest control rules that adjust fishing pressure according to the ratio of fished density or biomass to unfished density or biomass, through the use of the MPA Density Ratio method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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21 pages, 1974 KiB  
Article
Profiling the Cypriot Fisheries Sector through the Lens of Fishers: A Participatory Approach between Fishers and Scientists
by Marios Papageorgiou, Christiana Tourapi, Georgios Nikolaidis, Antonis Petrou and Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos
Fishes 2024, 9(8), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9080308 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
Despite the sector’s minor contribution (0.5%) to the Gross National Product, the fisheries sector in Cyprus is particularly important to the micro economy of coastal communities, offering direct and indirect employment and supporting small family businesses. Like any industry, the Cypriot fisheries sector [...] Read more.
Despite the sector’s minor contribution (0.5%) to the Gross National Product, the fisheries sector in Cyprus is particularly important to the micro economy of coastal communities, offering direct and indirect employment and supporting small family businesses. Like any industry, the Cypriot fisheries sector faces its own challenges and opportunities. The current study aimed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the fisheries sector in Cyprus based on fishers’ knowledge and to provide strategic recommendations based on the sector’s identified needs. Following a participatory approach, a workshop with 30 small-scale fishers, six large pelagic longline fishers, and three scientists was conducted in November 2023. Fishers and scientists worked together to conduct the SWOT and the TOWS matrix (a reverse SWOT) analyses. Findings from the SWOT–TOWS analyses were used to develop strategic recommendations for the sector. Finally, using the Impact–Effort prioritisation method, the strategic recommendations were prioritised according to their potential impact on the sector and the effort required for their implementation. Based on the analyses, the study proposes 12 strategic recommendations that could significantly improve the sector’s overall performance and sustainability, which if applied will give a light of hope for the future of the Cypriot fisheries sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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16 pages, 6965 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Variation and Predictors of the Purpleback Flying Squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) Distribution Surrounding the Xisha and Zhongsha Islands during a Fishing Moratorium
by Liangming Wang, Changping Yang, Binbin Shan, Yan Liu, Jianwei Zou, Dianrong Sun and Tao Guo
Fishes 2024, 9(7), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070253 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 518
Abstract
As an economic species widely distributed in the South China Sea (SCS), the purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) still has a large potential for exploitation, and the variations in its use as a resource are highly correlated with environmental and other [...] Read more.
As an economic species widely distributed in the South China Sea (SCS), the purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) still has a large potential for exploitation, and the variations in its use as a resource are highly correlated with environmental and other factors. In this study, using a generalized additive model (GAM) and gradient forest analysis (GFA), in conjunction with environmental factors, the distribution of purpleback flying squid surrounding the Xisha and Zhongsha islands during the fishing moratorium period was investigated. The results indicated that catch per unit effort (CPUE) had a gradual increase from May to July 2023 in the primary fishing area surrounded the Xisha Islands during May to June, then moved southward towards 13–15° N after July. CPUE is used as an important indicator to reflect the abundance of the fishery, while the GFA results show that CPUE has a better fit than catch in this study. Therefore, the subsequent analysis focused on CPUE. Longitude and sea surface temperature (SST) were of relative higher importance, followed by sea surface salinity (SSS), latitude, chlorophyll a concentration (Chla), sea surface height (SSH), and mixed layer depth (MLD). Longitude and CPUE had a significant, positive correlation. The CPUE gradually increased with latitude within 14–16° N. The CPUE increased slowly as SST increased from 29.5 to 30.5 °C in the primary fishing area. The Chla in this fishing zone was 0–0.2 mg/m3 and displayed a significant positive association with CPUE. Conversely, SSS, SSH, and MLD had negative correlations with CPUE. These findings will promote the sustainable utilization of purpleback flying squid in the SCS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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14 pages, 1617 KiB  
Article
Trends and Environmental Drivers of Marine Fish Landings in Cuba’s Most Productive Shelf Area
by Yunier Olivera-Espinosa, Yandy Rodríguez-Cueto, Fabián Pina-Amargós, Francisco Arreguín-Sánchez, Manuel J. Zetina-Rejón, Kendra Karr and Pablo del Monte-Luna
Fishes 2024, 9(7), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070246 - 23 Jun 2024
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Marine finfish landings in Cuba have decreased during the last 30 years. However, in Cuba’s most productive fishing region, certain species, including rays, herrings, and snappers, have had increased landings over the past decade. Despite these anomalies, no comprehensive analysis of the interactions [...] Read more.
Marine finfish landings in Cuba have decreased during the last 30 years. However, in Cuba’s most productive fishing region, certain species, including rays, herrings, and snappers, have had increased landings over the past decade. Despite these anomalies, no comprehensive analysis of the interactions among multispecies landing dynamics, environmental factors, and fishing efforts has been carried out. This study estimates the dynamics of multispecies finfish landings between 1981 and 2017 on the southeastern coast of Cuba. A log-normal generalized additive model (GAM) was fit to evaluate the effects of various environmental and effort-related variables on the total landings. During the period analyzed, the finfish landings and fishing effort decreased by 46% and over 80%, respectively. Despite concerns about overfishing, landings per unit of effort (LPUE) increased by 2.8 times. The total fish landings were significantly related to changes in the fishing effort, coastal vegetation, rainfall, chlorophyll-a, and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). This study highlights the changing relationship between the landings and fishing effort, suggesting that LPUE may not accurately reflect true stock abundance. The findings of this study will assist in integrating the dynamics of finfish species, ecosystem status, and management actions for Cuba’s most productive fishing zone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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13 pages, 2663 KiB  
Article
Frequency-Specific Responses: The Impact of an Acoustic Stimulus on Behavioral and Physiological Indices in Large Yellow Croaker
by Xiaojie Cui, Pengxiang Xu, Tao Tian, Mingyuan Song, Xuyang Qin, Dehua Gong, Yan Wang, Xuguang Zhang, Binbin Xing, Mingzhi Li and Leiming Yin
Fishes 2024, 9(6), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9060217 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 951
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of an acoustic stimulus on the behavioral responses and physiological states of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). The test fish, with an average body weight of approximately 352.81 ± 70.99 g, were exposed to one [...] Read more.
This study assessed the impact of an acoustic stimulus on the behavioral responses and physiological states of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). The test fish, with an average body weight of approximately 352.81 ± 70.99 g, were exposed to one hour of acoustic stimulation at seven different frequencies: 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 160 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 630 Hz, and 800 Hz. The aim was to delineate the specific effects of acoustic stimulation on the behavior and physiological indices. The results show that acoustic stimulation significantly altered the behavioral patterns of the large yellow croaker, predominantly manifested as avoidance behavior towards the sound source. At a stimulus frequency of 630 Hz, the test fish exhibited continuous irregular motion and erratic swimming. Physiologically, one hour of exposure to acoustic stimulation notably affected the endocrine system. The levels of Epinephrine and thyroxine were significantly elevated at 200 Hz, while the cortisol levels did not show significant differences. Additionally, the lactic acid content significantly increased at 800 Hz, and the blood glucose content peaked at 630 Hz. This study discovered that sound frequencies of 200 Hz, 630 Hz, and 800 Hz led to a significant increase in the levels of Epinephrine, glucose, thyroid hormones, and lactate in large yellow croaker, consequently affecting their behavior. The changes in these physiological indicators reflect the stress response of the large yellow croaker in specific sonic environments, providing crucial insights into the physiological and behavioral responses of fish to acoustic stimuli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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16 pages, 4808 KiB  
Article
Exploring Seasonal Variations in Fish Communities: A Study of the Yellow River Estuary and Its Adjacent Waters Using eDNA and Trawl Surveys
by Xiaoyang Wang, Fan Li, Fei Shao, Hongjun Song, Na Song, Xiaomin Zhang and Linlin Zhao
Fishes 2024, 9(6), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9060192 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 949
Abstract
The Yellow River Estuary and its adjacent waters serve as crucial spawning, foraging, and nursery areas for marine organisms, possessing abundant biological resources. Monitoring fish communities provides a baseline for implementing the sustainable utilization of marine resources. In this study, data were collected [...] Read more.
The Yellow River Estuary and its adjacent waters serve as crucial spawning, foraging, and nursery areas for marine organisms, possessing abundant biological resources. Monitoring fish communities provides a baseline for implementing the sustainable utilization of marine resources. In this study, data were collected from 15 spring surface and bottom sites and 17 summer surface sites using eDNA and trawl surveys. The results showed that 37, 40, and 35 fish species were detected using eDNA in the spring (surface and bottom) and summer (surface), respectively, with 38 fish species caught during summer trawling. The dominant species mainly belonged to Engraulidae of Clupeiformes in the spring and Gobiidae of Perciformes in the summer, characterized by smaller-sized, short-lived, and pelagic fish species. The summer surface communities exhibited higher diversity than the spring surface and bottom communities. NMDS analysis revealed a degree of seasonal differences in fish communities and that there may be a lack of vertical stratification in the spring communities. The pH and DO were identified as the key environmental factors affecting the fish community. Additionally, the combination of eDNA and trawl surveys was regarded as a superior survey method. Our study provides valuable information for understanding seasonal fish communities in the Yellow River Estuary and its adjacent waters, contributing to fishery resource management and conservation in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Management of Fishery Resources)
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