Improvements to Data Collection in Commercial Fisheries Using Electronic Reporting Methods: Cost/Efficiency and Implications for Use in Ecosystem Management.

Data have been collected on fisheries catch and effort trends since the latter half of the 1800s. With current trends in declining stocks and stricter management regimes, data need to be collected and analyzed over shorter periods and at finer spatial resolution than in the past. New methods of electronic reporting may reduce the lag time in data collection and provide more accurate spatial resolution. In this study I evaluated the differences between fish dealer and vessel reporting systems for federal fisheries in the US New England and Mid-Atlantic areas. Using data on landing date, report date, gear used, port landed, number of hauls, number of fish sampled and species quotas from available catch and effort records I compared dealer and vessel electronically collected data against paper collected dealer and vessel data to determine if electronically collected data are timelier and more accurate. To determine if vessel or dealer electronic reporting is more useful for management, I determined differences in timeliness and accuracy between vessel and dealer electronic reports. I also compared the cost and efficiency of these new methods with less technology intensive reporting methods using available cost data and surveys of seafood dealers for cost information. Using this information I identified potentially unnecessary duplication of effort and identified applications in ecosystem-based fisheries management. This information can be used to guide the decisions of fisheries managers in the United States and other countries that are attempting to identify appropriate fisheries reporting methods for the management regimes under consideration. (PDF contains 370 pages)

Greenland turbot Reinhardtius hippoglossoides of the eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands region

Greenland turbot (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) is a commercially important flounder in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. In the latter, its center of abundance is in the eastern Bering Sea and along the Aleutian Islands chain where its population is managed as a single stock. Harvest levels in this region of the North Pacific during the period 1970-81 were comparable with those in the northwest and northeast Atlantic, with annual average catches of 53,000 metric tons (t). However, the catch in 1984 dropped sharply to 23,100 t, in part because of reduced quotas arising from concern over continued poor recruitment and declining catch-per-unit-effort. Recruitment failure was manifested in 1) the sharp decline in the catch rate of young flsh in annual research trawl surveys on the continental shelf of the eastern Bering Sea and 2) an increasing proportion of older and larger fish in the commercial catch from the continental slope of both the eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The cause ofthe decline in recruitment could not be clearly identifled. Greenland turbot of the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands share certain distributional features with the North Atlantic form. There is an apparent bathymetric change in the size and age of fish, with younger animals occupying continental shelf depths and the older individuals residing at depths of the continental slope. At shallow depths the young are exposed to temperature fluctuations, whereas older animals along the slope are exposed to relatively stable temperatures. A hypothesis is proposed for describing the temporal and spatial paths by which young animals reach the mature or spawning portion of the population. (PDF file contains 38 pages.)

Begrenzung des Fischereiaufwandes oder Erhöhung der Mindestmaschenöffnung – Ein Vergleich der Alternativen bei der Dorschfischerei in der Ostsee

The basis for a long-term profitable fishery is a precautionary and environment-compatible use of fish stocks. The fishery management presently models the exploitation through the parameters of fishing mortality and the age at first capture. These two parameters are translated into the technical measures of fishing effort and mesh openings and quotas, which are then used in practice for controlling the fishery. Stock protection can be achieved by reducing the fishing effort, by assigning smaller quotas, by reducing the number of days at sea, or by increasing the mesh opening. The respective protection measures have different effects on the development of the stocks but also on the revenue obtained by the fishery. These alternatives have been examined taking as an example the cod stock in the western Baltic. The optimization goal was the maximization of profit observing at the same time the prerequisites for stock protection according to the precaution approach. For these calculations the same models and data have been used as are beeing used in the stock management of the ACFM of ICES. The response of altered technical measures to the recruitment of cod stock was considered, and a proposal to overcome overfishing of cod in the western Baltic Sea was derived.

Kabeljaukrise in der Nordsee erfordert neue bestandserhaltende Maßnahmen

The European Commission has claimed a fundamental revision of the European Common Fisheries Policy in its Green Paper (EC 2001) by highlighting the reasons of continued overfishing of a number of valuable demersal fish stocks. Quotas in excess of scientific recommendations, fleet over capacities and poor enforcement of management decisions were identified causal for major stock and yield reductions while gaps in scientific advices were also criticized. The depleted cod stock in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Eastern Channel is the most prominent example. Existing and proposed management regulations were analysed by an expert group which met with fishing industry consultations in Brussels during 28 April – 7 May 2003. Depending on compliance with new technical regulations since 2000, the cod stock and its exploitation was found only marginally effected, while whiting displayed immediately significant losses in yield over long term and short term losses in haddock yields were reversed in substantial gains, also in SSB. However, reduction in fishing effort was found more effective in recovery potential than technical changes including closed areas, for which detailed information about variation in distribution of the stocks and the fisheries are required. Such effort reductions would reduce not only landings but also unregulated discarding, which is believed to be a major reason of the failure of the management measures in mixed fisheries. Recent trends in fishing effort of European fleets could not be quantified due to persistent data deficiencies.

Die nordostarktische Fischerei im Jahre 2003

Seasampling of the important northeast Arctic fish stocks cod, saithe, haddock, redfish and Greenland halibut was continued in 2003. The sampling is part of the European data sampling directive on commercial fisheries established in recent years. This directive is relevant for European waters as well as for other areas where quotas have been assigned for European community member states. Furthermore, the results of these samplings are used as German basic data for stock assessments of the “Arctic Fisheries Working Group” of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). This report presents results of biological investigations which were carried out in ICES divisions IIa and IIb on board FMS “KIEL” in January/February and July/August 2003. The last section summarizes results and recommendations on the scientific assessment of the northeast Arctic fish stocks.

Über Fischereiressourcen und ihre Nutzung

The reduction of discards will only be achieved, if more effective methods of catch selection will be developed and used. In principle, the unavoidable by catch of commercial fish should be used for human consumption, independent of the requirements for minimum length and existing catch quotas. The amount of such bycatch should be charged to the total catch quota and preferably be used for processing of fish portions with skin (carcasses with skin), because this kind of processing results in higher yields and nutrional advantages compared to fillet processing. Unfortunately, nowadays, in the German fishery and fish trade this traditional form of supply is only of minor importance because of the predominance of fillets and fillet products. However, cooperation between fishing industry and fish trade and a good advertising of processed fish portions with skin could overcome this problem. In the pelagic fishery of herring, mackerel and other similar pelagic species the bycatch of small sized specimen of these species can be a problem. These small sized fish can principally be processed to traditional fish products, but the processing costs for them are much higher. The prospects for processing of the bycatch into minced fish meat, fish protein concentrate or fish protein hydrolysate are very poor under the existing regime in the German fishing industry. A further way for processing of the bycatch, which can not be used for human consumption, is the production of fishmeal. However, only three German factory ships dispose of fish meal plants. Under the current economic conditions, i.e. because of limited storage capacity, the Ger-man trawler and cutter fleet is not able to transport the bycatch for fish meal production ashore.

Die Bedeutung biologischer Daten aus der deutschen Seelachsfischerei für Bestandsabschätzung und Management

Since 1999, the ICES Working Group on the Assessment of Demersal Stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak assesses the saithe stock in the North Sea, Skagerrak and west of Scotland as a single stock unit. The sampling, evaluation and role of biological data from the German saithe fishery in the assessment are described. The German data showed similar trends as observed in French and Norwegian series. Based on these estimates, the spawning stock recovered to more than 200 000 t due to reductions in quotas and exploitation rates. Thus, the production of the stock increased also in combination with good recruitment and positive trends in spawning stock size and landings were projected for 2002. The biological data derived from the German saithe fishery dominated the assessment of stock size, structure and exploitation. This fact encourages a continuation of the described analyses based on sampling onboard fishing vessels and fish markets by the Institute for Sea Fisheries. The successful collaboration with the saithe fishing industry is judged as an important contribution to the sustainable management of fish stocks.

Fischbestände der Ostsee, ihre Entwicklung in den Jahren seit 1970 und Schlussfolgerungen für ihre fischereiliche Nutzung. Teil 1: Dorsch

On the basis of the ”Gdansk Convention on Preservation of Living Resources of the Baltic Sea” the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission (IBSFC) has been regulating catches of most important fish species in the area since 1974. This article reviews, in a first step for Baltic Sea cod, the development of stocks and fishery since 1970 in the light of respective catch regulations of IBSFC. TACs have been fixed by IBSFC by species for the whole Baltic Sea and resulting quotas have been split according to national and/or international fishery zones from 1975 up to now. The Baltic Sea cod is on biological background treated in scientific stock assessment as two separate stocks. Both stocks, in the western and eastern Baltic Sea, show clearly different developments over the period since 1970. After a short living peak in stock size of the eastern compartment about 20 years ago this stock has been on a very low level since the late 1980’s. During that period with increasing effort big cod catches have been landed.. The level of fishing effort is more or less the same still with much lower catches nowadays. A detailed description of development of stock sizes and recruitment is given. The conclusion is that with the present regime of regulation on the basis of one TAC for the total Baltic Sea and with high fishing capacity available for cod it will be impossible to meet the aim of good and stable yields.

Investment prospects in inshore trawling in Nigeria

Commercial trawling for finfish in Nigeria's inshore water is a recent activity. Intensive industrial trawling started when the Federal Government distributed trawlers to viable fishermen cooperatives during the Third National Development Plan Period (1975-80). Hitherto, industrial fisheries development in the country focused on the assessment of the potential fish stock on Nigeria's continental shelf and measures to increase artisanal production. As a result of increasing demand for fish and shortage of foreign exchange to import fish, measures to increase fish supply leaned towards industrial exploitation of the fisheries potentials of Nigeria's continental shelf. Based on this background, this paper examines the investment prospects of trawling for fish in inshore waters. The fisheries potentials of the inshore zone of Nigeria are identified. Catch efficiency and profitability of inshore trawling are estimated. Measures that can safeguard the longterm interest of the trawling industry are recommended

Commercial cage fish culture

With increasing emphasis in Nigeria on aquaculture as an alternative to dwindling artisanal fishing and scarce foreign exchange for fish import, cage fish culture, is a more profitable aquaculture practice than pond culture. It appears to be one of the most viable business ventures with minimum risks. It is a highly recommendable project

Fisheries development in Nigeria with special reference to Cross River State

The paper appraises fisheries development in Nigeria with specific reference to Cross River State and the problems militating against increased fish production. The potential for developing the industry to supplement the low level of animal protein consumption in Nigeria is discussed as well as the import of a vibrant fishery industry to contribute to the employment and international trade. The need to legislate on fisheries activities while enforcing the existing laws for sustainable exploitation of the fisheries resources is elaborated. Similarly, the need to maximize the proceeds from Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by protecting the operations of this economic sector and other unauthorized fishing practices is elucidated. In view of the present situation where most of the country's water bodies have been over-fished, more attention and emphasis should be placed on aquaculture development. The paper also proffers recommendations to boost fish production in capture and culture fisheries

Reforming state-level coastal management and development policies: strategic retreat as an innovative, proactive and equitable coastal environmental management strategy

Atlantic and Gulf Coast shorelines include some of the most unique and biologically rich ecosystems in the United States that provide immeasurable aesthetic, habitat and economic benefits. Natural coastal ecosystems, however, are under increasing threat from rampant and irresponsible growth and development. Once a boon to local economies, complex natural forces – enhanced by global climate change and sea level rise - are now considered hazards and eroding the very foundation upon which coastal development is based. For nearly a century, beach restoration and erosion control structures have been used to artificially stabilize shorelines in an effort to protect structures and infrastructure. Beach restoration, the import and emplacement of sand on an eroding beach, is expensive, unpredictable, inefficient and may result in long-term environmental impacts. The detrimental environmental impacts of erosion control structures such as sea walls, groins, bulkheads and revetments include sediment deficits, accelerated erosion and beach loss. These and other traditional responses to coastal erosion and storm impacts- along with archaic federal and state policies, subsidies and development incentives - are costly, encourage risky development, artificially increase property values of high-risk or environmentally sensitive properties, reduce the post-storm resilience of shorelines, damage coastal ecosystems and are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Although communities, coastal managers and property owners face increasingly complex and difficult challenges, there is an emerging public, social and political awareness that, without meaningful policy reforms, coastal ecosystems and economies are in jeopardy. Strategic retreat is a sustainable, interdisciplinary management strategy that supports the proactive, planned removal of vulnerable coastal development; reduces risk; increases shoreline resiliency and ensures long term protection of coastal systems. Public policies and management strategies that can overcome common economic misperceptions and promote the removal of vulnerable development will provide state and local policy makers and coastal managers with an effective management tool that concomitantly addresses the economic, environmental, legal and political issues along developed shorelines. (PDF contains 4 pages)

Reforming state-level coastal management and development policies: strategic retreat as an innovative, proactive and equitable coastal environmental management strategy

Atlantic and Gulf Coast shorelines include some of the most unique and biologically rich ecosystems in the United States that provide immeasurable aesthetic, habitat and economic benefits. Natural coastal ecosystems, however, are under increasing threat from rampant and irresponsible growth and development. Once a boon to local economies, complex natural forces – enhanced by global climate change and sea level rise - are now considered hazards and eroding the very foundation upon which coastal development is based. For nearly a century, beach restoration and erosion control structures have been used to artificially stabilize shorelines in an effort to protect structures and infrastructure. Beach restoration, the import and emplacement of sand on an eroding beach, is expensive, unpredictable, inefficient and may result in long-term environmental impacts. The detrimental environmental impacts of erosion control structures such as sea walls, groins, bulkheads and revetments include sediment deficits, accelerated erosion and beach loss. These and other traditional responses to coastal erosion and storm impacts- along with archaic federal and state policies, subsidies and development incentives - are costly, encourage risky development, artificially increase property values of high-risk or environmentally sensitive properties, reduce the post-storm resilience of shorelines, damage coastal ecosystems and are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Although communities, coastal managers and property owners face increasingly complex and difficult challenges, there is an emerging public, social and political awareness that, without meaningful policy reforms, coastal ecosystems and economies are in jeopardy. Strategic retreat is a sustainable, interdisciplinary management strategy that supports the proactive, planned removal of vulnerable coastal development; reduces risk; increases shoreline resiliency and ensures long term protection of coastal systems. Public policies and management strategies that can overcome common economic misperceptions and promote the removal of vulnerable development will provide state and local policy makers and coastal managers with an effective management tool that concomitantly addresses the economic, environmental, legal and political issues along developed shorelines. (PDF contains 4 pages)

Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland - einer der größten Nutzer der Weltfischereiressourcen

Die wahre Bedeutung der Einzelnen Länder hinsichtlich ihrer Rolle als Nutzer der Weltfischereiressourcen ergibt sich erst, wenn man die von der FAO herausgegebenen Jahrbücher über die "Fänge und Anlandungen" (catches and landings) und über die "Waren" (commodities) zu einem Ganzen zusammenfügt. Fischereiressourcen kann man als Land nutzen, indem man sie entweder selbst fängt oder sie im Ausland kauft und importiert oder beides tut. Fang und Import addiert, ergibt die Gesamtnutzung.

Statistiques de pêche des sardiniers ivoiriens - année 1983

The sardinella fleet landed the same quantity of sardines in 1983 (11200 tons) as in 1982. Sardinella aurita catches would be more important if the "Syndicat des Armateurs" did not impose quotas - in July 300 boxes and in August 100 boxes by fleet by trip. The extension of the effort to herring stock increased the catches of this species and an over estimation of 44% of the effort have been observed in 1983.