The weevil-watermilfoil interaction at different spatial scales: what we know and what we need to know

The North American weevil ( Euhrychiopsis lecontei (Dietz)) is being considered as a biological control agent for Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.). This native insect damages watermilfoil plants and is frequently associated with declining watermilfoil populations

How do we raise the profile of ponds?

This article arises from the 1998 Ponds Conference organised by Pond Action. A workshop entitled "How do we raise the profile of ponds?" was held on the first evening of the conference, taking the form of three syndicate groups each tackling one of the following three issues: How to get volunteers and the community involved with ponds; raising the profile of ponds within the government sector; and raising the profile of ponds with scientists. It is clear that, as scientists, our understanding of ponds is not great. However, some progress has been made in understanding the rare species that are likely to occur in them. A great deal more scientific research is required to understand the nature, diversity, distribution, formative processes and wise management options for ponds. However, perhaps of equal or even greater importance is the need for scientists and pond managers to understand the broader values that people across society hold about ponds.

Evaluating methods for estimating rare events with zero-heavy data: a simulation model estimating sea turtle bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery

Estimating rare events from zero-heavy data (data with many zero values) is a common challenge in fisheries science and ecology. For example, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) account for less than 1% of total catch in the U.S. Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. Nevertheless, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is charged with assessing the effect of this fishery on these federally protected species. Annual estimates of loggerhead and leatherback bycatch in a fishery can affect fishery management and species conservation decisions. However, current estimates have wide confidence intervals, and their accuracy is unknown. We evaluate 3 estimation methods, each at 2 spatiotemporal scales, in simulations of 5 spatial scenarios representing incidental capture of sea turtles by the U.S. Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. The delta-log normal method of estimating bycatch for calendar quarter and fishing area strata was the least biased estimation method in the spatial scenarios believed to be most realistic. This result supports the current estimation procedure used by the SEFSC.

Women in the December 26 Tsunami: how have they coped; how can we help?

Fishing communities around the Indian Ocean were severely affected by the December 2004 tsunamis. Programs for rebuilding coastal fisheries livelihoods need to address the pre-tsunami situation that was characterized by overfishing and degraded natural resources. Adopting appropriate strategies to ensure sustainable livelihoods will require community involvement, as well as cross-sectoral, integrated planning and management at ascending government levels. Key recommendations from the WorldFish Center study Sustainable Management of Coastal Fish Stocks in Asia are presented to encourage discussion and debate.

Is it deforestation or desertification when we do it to the ocean?

Anecdotal evidence from 60 marine species suggests a pattern of resource exhaustion rather than sustainable use. There is a reason to believe that biomass in the Atlantic Western Boundary Current Fishery-Grand Banks, Newfoundland, North Atlantic, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea is 3-10% of what it was when fishing was started. Selective removal of large species may have caused major nutrient distribution in both rich and poor waters.