Towards improved linkage between research and management in marine fisheries

This article provides an example of weak linkages between research and fisheries management despite the pressure of many "actors" and institutions on both sides. Managers must learn to listen to scientists; the latter need to become entrepreneural; and appropriate fora are required to bring the actors together.

Monoclonal antibodies in fish and shellfish health management in India

The paper describes the superiority of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) over conventional polyclonal antisera. Studies undertaken indicate that Aeromonas hydrophila isolates are highly heterogenous and variation exists even between isolates from a farm, requiring a large number of MAbs for classification and use of information in vaccine development. However, some of the MAbs could be used for detection of homologous isolates in fish kidney by immunodot assay and evaluation and standardization of biofilm of A. hydrophila for oral vaccination in carps.

European Union supports project to strengthen fisheries and biodiversity management in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries

Proper resource management implies a better understanding of ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. Scientists from developing countries often have limited information on their aquatic resources because of many difficulties in accessing and exchanging information on a national and international level. The project described not only aims to strengthen the scientific capacity of fisheries scientists in ACP institutions but it is also expected to create an awareness among fisheries researchers and managers of the importance of conserving biodiversity for the sustainable use of living aquatic resources. This will be achieved through training, building a network of regional and transregional cooperation using modern communication facilities, the promotion of research and the distribution and improvement of fisheries management tools. It is hoped that these capabilities will enable fisheries scientists in ACP countries to actively contribute towards a discussion to solve common problems originating from the endangering of the ecological basis of their fisheries.

Species management in aquatic Habitats overview of sub projects and their management

This is the Species management in aquatic Habitats overview of sub projects and their management produced by the Environment Agency in 1998. This report was under the R&D Project, which it was initiated in 1995 to provide information on species of conservation value of particular relevance to the Environment Agency (then the National Rivers Authority, NRA), in relation to its activities affecting aquatic environments. Outputs comprise Species Action Plans (SAPs), practical management guidelines for Agency staff and third parties, and various research and survey outputs to improve the knowledge base on the status and ecological requirements of priority species. This R&D Technical Report provides an overview of the work undertaken, additionally identifying lessons to be learnt in the management of species-related research within the framework of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The process of species selection was initially based upon a wide ranging review of priority species of relevance to the then NRA, encompassing both highly threatened species and species that are relatively common but are at particular risk from Agency activities.

Species management in aquatic Habitats WRc Dec 1993

This is the Species management in aquatic Habitats WRc Dec 1993 produced by the National Rivers Authority in 1993. This report is focused on the Phase 1 of the Species Management in Aquatic Habitats, based on the Development of priority lists of rare and nuisance species for the National Rivers Authority (NRA). Certain ‘nuisance’ species cause problems for conservation by having a negative impact on more valued species or ecosystems. This project was initiated as part of a programme of research to develop strategies for the management of both rare and nuisance species. This project identified key rare and nuisance species of interest to the NRA and prioritised research needs to develop conservation strategies for these species. A combined provisional list of almost a thousand rare species, a priority list of 58 species of potential interest and a priority list of nine nuisance species was developed by a process of literature review and from suggestions by NRA conservation staff.

Species management in aquatic Habitats WRc Nov 1993

This is the Species management in aquatic Habitats WRc Nov 1993 produced by the National Rivers Authority (NRA) in 1993. This report identified key rare and nuisance species of interest to the NRA and prioritised research needs to develop conservation strategies for these species. The NRA has in the past adopted a habitat maintenance and protection approach to conservation paying less attention at individual species. There is a risk that conservation based on a habitat management policy will no further the conservation of certain species. In addition, certain ‘nuisance’ species cause problems for conservation by having a negative impact on more valued species or ecosystems. Through the combination of the review of current legislation and literature and consultation with NRA staff, this project identified key rare and nuisance species of interest to the NRA and prioritised research needs to develop conservation strategies for these species.

Species management in aquatic habitats WRc RD Interim 1997

This is the Species management in aquatic Habitats WRc Interim 1997 document produced by the Environment Agency in 1997. This document reports progress on R&D Project 640, which aims to provide information on species of conservation value of particular relevance to the Environment Agency, in relation to its activities affecting aquatic environments. A range of stand-alone outputs is being produced, comprising Species Action Plans, practical management guidelines for Agency staff and third parties, and various research outputs to improve the knowledge base on the status and ecological requirements of priority species. The species of conservation values are: water shrew, daubenton’s bat, Kingfisher, yellow wagtail, Grey wagtail, sand martin, reed bunting, dipper, marsh warbler, great crested new, spined loach, brook lamprey, river lamprey, sea lamprey, shining rams-horn snail, little whirlpool rams-horn snail, depressed river mussel, a freshwater pea mussel, native crayfish, and triangular club-rush. The process of species selection was altered during the course of the project by the report on biodiversity by the UK Biodiversity Steering Group (1995). Whilst still including species that were not particularly endangered but were greatly influenced by the activities of the Agency, the project addressed species on the ‘short’ and ‘middle’ priority lists of the Biodiversity report, particularly those for which the Agency had specific responsibilities.