Characterization of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic penaeid and rock shrimp fisheries based on observer data

In July 2007, a mandatory Federal observer program was implemented to characterize the U.S. Gulf of Mexico penaeid shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus, F. duorarum, and Litopenaeus setiferus) fishery. In June 2008, the program expanded to include the South Atlantic penaeid and rock shrimp, Sicyonia spp., fisheries. Data collected from 10,206 tows during 5,197 sea days of observations were analyzed by geographical area and target species. The majority of tows (~70%) sampled were off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Based on total hours towed, the highest concentrated effort occurred off South Texas and southwestern Florida. Gear information, such as net characteristics, bycatch reduction devices, and turtle excluder devices were fairly consistent among areas and target species. By species categories, finfish comprised the majority (≥57%) of the catch composition in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic penaeid shrimp fisheries, while in the South Atlantic rock shrimp fishery the largest component (41%) was rock shrimp. Bycatch to shrimp ratios were lower than reported in previous studies for the Gulf of Mexico penaeid shrimp fishery. These decreased ratios may be attributed to several factors, notably decreased shrimp effort and higher shrimp catch per unit of effort (CPUE) in recent years. CPUE density surface plots for several species of interest illustrated spatial differences in distribution. Hot Spot Analyses for shrimp (penaeid and rock) and bycatch species identified areas with significant clustering of high or low CPUE values. Spatial and temporal distribution of protected species interactions were documented.

Survey of shark fisheries and preparation of a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for conservation and management of shark resources in Bangladesh

The report presents; terms of reference; work progress; surveys of shark fishers and traders; shark biodiversity survey; and a National Plan of Action (NPOA) for conservation and management of shark resources in Bangladesh.

Final report of the targeted research on Indian mackerel and sharks and national plan of action for conservation and management of shark resources, Thailand

Research included: population structure of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta); a National Plan of Action for the conservation and management of sharks; levels of heavy metals in shark products; and a database on rays.

Population dynamic and stock assessment of lobster resources of Cha-bahar region (with particular ref. to Panulirus homarus)

Amoungst the three spiny lobster species in southern Iranian waters, Panulirus homarus is the only commercial species with a total landings of 20-45 tons per year indicating a decrease in both landings and CPIJE in recent years. Fishing has been regulated according to the no. of fisherman and effort, and trap ha's replaced the gillnef since 1994. Fishing is carried out along the rocky shores of Chah-Bahar region through different landing places by local fisherman for a period of about two months. Most of catch is exported mainly frozen. This research was sposored by the Fisheries Research Dept. and aimed to work on the population dynamics and stock assessment in order to stablish a better understandings of the stock and hence a proper management in this region. Sampling was done for. 10 successive months in _5 major landing places from 1994 to 1995 with no sampling during the monsoon period through June to July. Althogethere, 8500 specimen were collected and the biometry was done accordings to the sex, region and month. Average total length, total weight and carapace length was obtained 216mm., 452 gr. and 75mm. respectively. Total length-weight relationship of both sexes was calculated and follows the cubic law. Regression coefficients for both sexes was 2.8231, males 2.9616, total females 2.7490, berried females 2.6611- and non-berried females