Indirect estimates of natural mortality rate for arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias) and darkblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri)

Indirect estimates of instantaneous natural mortality rate (M) are widely used in stock assessment and fisheries management. They are essentially a form of meta-analysis, in which prior information on M and key life history parameters from a variety of stocks is used to estimate M for the stock in question.

Quantifying annual variation in catchability for commercial and research fishing

Biomass indices, from commercial catch per unit of effort (CPUE) or random trawl surveys, are commonly used in fisheries stock assessments. Uncertainty in such indices, often ex-pressed as a coefficient of variation (CV), has two components: observation error, and annual variation in catchability. Only the former can be estimated directly. As a result, the CVs used for these indices either ignore the annual-variation component or assume a value for it (often implicitly). Two types of data for New Zealand stocks were examined: 48 sets of residuals and catchability estimates from stock assessments using either CPUE or trawl survey indices; and biomass estimates from 17 time series of trawl surveys with between 4 and 25 species per time series. These data show clear evidence of significant annual variation in catchability. With the trawl survey data, catchability was detectably extreme for many species in about one year in six. The assessment data suggest that this annual variability typically has a CV of about 0.2. For commercial CPUE the variability is slightly less, and a typical total CV (including both components) of 0.15 to 0.2. This is much less than the values of 0.3 to 0.35 that have commonly been assumed in New Zealand. Some estimates of catchability are shown to be implausible.

Estimated ages of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) from fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data and a comparison of growth parameters

The red porgy, Pagrus pagrus, is an important reef fish in several offshore fisheries along the southeastern United States. We examined samples from North Carolina through southeast Florida from recreational (headboat) and commercial (hook and line) fisheries, as well as samples from a fishery-independent source. Red porgy attain a maximum age of at least 18 years and 733 mm total length. The weight-length relationship is represented by the ln-ln transformed equation: W = 8.85 × 10–6(L)3.06, where W = whole weight in grams, and L = total length in mm. The von Bertalanffy growth equation fitted to the most recent, back-calculated lengths from all the samples is Lt = 644(1 – e –0.15(t + 0.76)). Our study revealed a difference in mean length at age of red porgy from the three sources. Red porgy in fishery-independent collections were smaller at age than specimens examined from fishery-dependent sources. The difference in length-at-age may be related to gear selectivity and have important consequences in the assessment of fish stocks.

Pinniped diet composition: a comparison of estimation models

Along the west coast of the United States, the potential impact of increasing pinniped populations on declining salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) stocks has become an issue of concern. Fisheries managers need species-specific estimates of consumption by pinnipeds to evaluate their impact on salmonid stocks. To estimate consumption, we developed a model that estimates diet composition by reconstructing prey biomass from fecal samples. We applied the model to data collected from harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) that are present year-round in the lower Columbia River where endangered stocks of salmonids pass as returning adults and as seaward-migrating smolts. Using the same data, we applied the split-sample frequency of occurrence model, which avoids reconstructing biomass by assuming that each fecal sample represents an equal volume of consumption and that within each sample each prey item represents an equal proportion of the volume. The two models for estimating diet composition yielded size-specific differences in consumption estimates that were as large as tenfold for the smallest and largest prey. Conclusions about the impact of harbor seal predation on adult salmonids, some of their largest prey species, remain uncertain without some appropriate rationale or further information (e.g. empirical captive studies) to discriminate between these models.

Population structure of king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) around peninsular Florida, as revealed by microsatellite DNA

A total of 1006 king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) representing 20 discrete samples collected between 1996 and 1998 along the east (Atlantic) and west (Gulf) coasts of Florida and the Florida Keys were assayed for allelic variation at seven nuclear-encoded microsatellites. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations were found for six of the microsatellites, and genotypes at all microsatellites were independent. Allele distributions at each microsatellite were independent of sex and age of individuals. Homogeneity tests of spatial distributions of alleles at the microsatellites revealed two weakly divergent “genetic” subpopulations or stocks of king mackerel in Florida waters—one along the Atlantic coast and one along the Gulf coast. Homogeneity tests of allele distributions when samples were pooled along seasonal (temporal) boundaries, consistent with the temporal boundaries used currently for stock assessment and allocation of the king mackerel resource, were nonsignificant. The degree of genetic divergence between the two “genetic” stocks was small: on average, only 0.19% of the total genetic variance across all samples assayed occurred between the two regions. Cluster analysis, assignment tests, and spatial autocorrelation analysis did not generate patterns that were consistent with either geographic or spatial-temporal boundaries. King mackerel sampled from the Florida Keys could not be assigned unequivocally to either “genetic” stock. The genetic data were not consistent with current spatial-temporal boundaries employed in stock assessment and allocation of the king mackerel resource. The genetic differences between king mackerel in the Atlantic versus those in the Gulf most likely stem from reduced gene flow (migration) between the Atlantic and Gulf in relation to gene flow (migration) along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of peninsular Florida. This difference is consistent with findings for other marine fishes where data indicate that the southern Florida peninsula serves (or has served) as a biogeographic boundary.

Distribution and co-occurrence of rockfishes (family: Sebastidae) over trawlable shelf and slope habitats of California and southern Oregon

The rockfishes of the sebastid genus Sebastes are a very important fishery resource off the coasts of California and southern Oregon. How-ever, many of the 54 managed stocks of west coast rockfish have recently reached historically low population levels, leading fishery managers to re-examine current management practices. Management of rockfish stocks as multispecies aggregates, as opposed to independent stocks within the ground-fish fishery, can be more desirable when nontargeted bycatch, discard, and management complexity are considered. Rockfish assemblage structure and species co-occurrences were determined by using data from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center triennial continental shelf bottom trawl survey. The weight of rockfish species in trawl catches was expressed as a catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE) statistic, from which species spatial distributions, overlaps, diversity, and richness were analyzed. Multidimensional scaling of transformed CPUE data was employed in indirect gradient and multivariate partitioning analyses to quantify assemblage relationships. Results indicated that rockfish distributions closely match the bathymetry of coastal waters. Indirect gradient analysis suggested that depth and latitude are the principal factors in structuring the spatial distributions of rockfish on trawlable habitat. In addition, four assemblages were identified through the joint evaluation of species’ distributions and multivariate partitioning analyses: 1) deep-water slope; 2) northern shelf; 3) southern shelf; and 4) nearshore. The slope, shelf, and near-shore groups are found in depth ranges of 200–500 m, 100–250 m, and 50–150 m, respectively. The division of northern and southern shelf assemblages occurs over a broad area between Cape Mendocino and Monterey Canyon. The results of this analysis are likely to have direct application in the management of rockfish stocks off the coasts of southern Oregon and California.

Interpreting long-term fish landings records: environment and/or exploitation?

The California Department of Fish and Game data base of California commercial fish landings for the period 1928 to 1985 has been assembled in computer accessible form at the Pacific Fisheries Environmental Group in Monterey, California. Time series for fishes whose landings are known to vary during periods of ocean warming were compared to time series of sea surface temperature. Expected patterns of variation were confirmed in the seasonal cycle, but were less clear on the interannual scale. When interannual variation was considered, the most serious hindrance to interpretation of the landings series appeared to be the continued reduction of the fish stocks due to commercial exploitation; other factors are discussed. Landings data contain information potentially useful in climatological studies, but problems should be anticipated in their use.

Strengthening community roles in aquatic resource governance in Uganda

Lake Victoria fisheries face severe environmental stresses. Stocks are declining in a context of increasing population and growing demand for the lake’s resources. Rising competition between users is putting conservation goals and rural livelihoods at risk. While Uganda’s co-management policy framework is well-developed, key resources for implementation are lacking, enforcement is poor, and the relations between stakeholders are unequal. Poor rural resource users face significant challenges to effectively participate in fisheries decision-making. This case study demonstrates the progress that can be made using a collaborative approach to catalyze community-led actions linking public health, sanitation and environmental conservation in difficult circumstances, even over a relatively short time period. Multistakeholder dialogue can bring to light the sources of conflict, pinpoint governance challenges, and identify opportunities for institutional collaboration to address community needs. At the same time, the process can help build trust, confidence in collective action and public accountability.

Investigação de recursos de tunideos em Moçambique de 1975 a 1984

After 1975 a large inventory work of fisheries resources began in Mozambican waters. The tuna stocks, for instance, were virtually unexplored. After 10 years roughly, the oceanographic investigations led to the temporary localization of the most favorable areas for longline fishing or surface gears.

O desenvolvimento pesqueiro mundial, a variabilidade dos recursos e a gestão

FAO regularly releases studies on the state of fish resources exploitation (The state of world fisheries and aquaculture)and the development of fisheries by geographic areas. The 1983 and 1985 editions provided interesting discussions on fisheries development trends in the world: the majority of sea-facing countries adopted legislation that extends the national jurisdiction on the waters off their coasts (usually indicated within 200 miles) and establishes exclusive economic zones (EEZs). The huge fluctuations in the abundance of some fish stocks are obstacles to fisheries development. This issue, as well as the need to improve research activities and management of fish stocks is also analyzed in this work. The author highlighted the situation of fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean, with particular attention to tuna fisheries and to inland water resources of Mozambique.

Record catch of rock perch, Epinephelus fasciatus by bottom trawling off Ratnagiri

A productive fishing ground for rock perch (Epinephelus fasciatus) was located off Ratnagiri between 17 degree 00' to 17 degree 10' N latitude and 72 degree 20' to 72 degree 30' E longitude, around a depth of 96m during November, 1983. An average catch of 2 ton/hr. was recorded. Length frequency studies of E. fasciatus indicate the probability of a nursery ground consisting of three brood stocks. Hydrographic studies of the ground revealed that the bottom water was oxygen deficient below a strong thermocline extending from 15-75 m depth with the recorded bottom temperature amounting to 20.5 degree C.

Ecological monitoring of trawling grounds

The development of mechanized fishing in India is traced to point out the harmful effects of trawling by way of disturbing the ecological balance of the ecosystem, of which the fish stocks are a part. It may cause the disappearance of some demersal species from the catches as brought out poignantly in the case of a marine catfish namely, Arius tenuispinis. History of trawling has been the same all over the world showing that depletion of demersal fish stocks is not only due to excessive harvesting but also due to the damage done to the ecological balance of the trawling grounds. The need for ecological monitoring of the trawling grounds is pointed out.

Study on primary production and its importance in an integrated fisheries research programme

The importance of the ocean as a source of cheap protein food is too well-known to be emphasised. In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the fishing activity in all maritime nations and during the last few years the total world production has markedly grown. This study explains the importance of a planned exploitation according to scientific principles to preserve the availability and natural fluctuations in the abundance of stocks of marine fish and other commercially important organisms.

内蒙古温带草原群落结构和生态系统功能对火烧、氮素添加和地形的响应

我国北方温带草原是欧亚大陆草原生物群区的重要组成部分，对于区域和全球的碳循环和平衡起着重要的作用。频繁的自然或人为干扰能够改变草原生态系统的群落结构和生态系统功能，从而影响生态系统为人类提供的产品和服务。本研究选取位于内蒙古多伦县的半干旱温带草原，研究火烧、氮素添加和地形以及它们的综合作用对该地区植物生产力、植物多样性、盖度和土壤呼吸的影响；另外，我们比较研究了由于地形因素而存在于草原地区的林地群落与其邻近草地的碳氮库和循环；旨在探讨我国北方温带草原地区人为干扰对草原生态系统结构与功能的影响以及该地区林地和草地碳氮库和循环的差异机理，以期为模型模拟本地区的生态系统碳循环提供理论依据和数据支持，具体研究结果如下： 1. 2006–2008 年，通过研究植物多样性和盖度对地形、火烧和氮素添加及其交互作用的响应，结果表明：半干旱草原植物物种数、香农威纳指数、均一性指数和盖度均表现出显著的年际变化。坡下的物种数、香农威纳指数和均一性指数均低于坡上。坡下较高的羊草(Leymus chinensis)、冰草(Artemisia frigida)、唐松草(Thalictrum petaloideum)和冷蒿(Agropyron cristatum)的盖度导致坡下的群落总盖度、禾本科草和非禾本科草盖度分别比坡上高22.5%、9.6%和13.2%。春季火烧提高了物种数、香农威纳指数和均一性指数。火烧对群落总盖度影响较小是由于火烧后非禾本科草冷蒿盖度的降低抵消了禾本科草羊草、冰草和针茅(Stipa kryroii)盖度的增加。施氮肥后物种数、香农威纳指数和均一性指数均降低。禾本科草羊草、冰草和针茅以及非禾本科草唐松草盖度的增加导致施肥后群落总盖度、禾本科草和非禾本科草的盖度分别增加了23.6%、35.1%和21.2%。火烧对禾本科草和非禾本科草盖度的作用受地形和氮素添加的影响。地形、火烧和氮素添加对植物盖度的影响主要受土壤水分调控。 2. 2005–2008 年，通过研究净初级生产力(NPP)对火烧、氮素添加和地形及其交互作用的响应，结果表明：半干旱草原的NPP 具有显著的年际变化。火烧后地上净初级生产力(ANPP)、地下净初级生产力(BNPP)和BNPP/ANPP 分别增加了12.8%、22.2%和14.9%。ANPP 的提高是由于火烧后禾本科植物(主要是羊草、冰草和针茅)生物量的增加。与之相反，火烧降低了非禾本科草，特别是冷蒿的生物量。氮素添加提高了ANPP (54.8%) ，对BNPP 没有影响，导致施氮肥后BNPP/ANPP 显著降低(33.4%)。禾本科草羊草、冰草和针茅以及非禾本科草唐松草生物量的增加，是氮素添加提高ANPP 的主要原因。坡下的ANPP 和BNPP 分别比坡上高14.1%和8.2%，但地形对BNPP/ANPP 没有影响。坡下ANPP 的提高主要是由于坡下禾本科草羊草、冰草以及非禾本科草唐松草、冷蒿的生物量高于坡上。氮素添加和地形影响ANPP 和BNPP/ANPP 对火烧的响应。火烧、氮素添加和地形对NPP 和植物碳分配39%–75%的综合效应可由这三个因素的简单加和效应来解释。 3. 通过研究2005 和2006 年生长季内土壤呼吸对地形、火烧和氮素添加的响应，结果表明：坡下的季节平均土壤呼吸比坡上高6.0%。春季火烧在整个生长季内促进土壤呼吸，平均增幅达23.8%。另外，火烧对土壤呼吸的效应受到季节和地形的影响。施用氮肥增加了11.4% 的土壤呼吸。火烧和地形对土壤呼吸的影响主要受土壤水分和植物生长的调控；而施氮肥后土壤呼吸的增加，主要是由于氮素添加促进植物生长后根系活性和呼吸的提高。 4. 2006–2007 年，通过对林地群落及其邻近草原生态系统土壤温度、土壤水分、土壤机械组成、地上和地下生物量、凋落物现存量、土壤碳氮储量、土壤呼吸、氮矿化和土壤微生物生物量的比较研究，结果表明：林地的土壤温度比草地低5°C，而其土壤水分却比草地高3.1%(绝对差异)。尽管林地(11,928.1 g m–2)和草地(11,362.2 g m–2)的土壤碳储量差异不显著，由于林地较高的植物生产力导致其碳储量高于草地。与草地相比，林地具有较高的凋落物现存量及碳氮含量、土壤无机氮含量、矿化氮的累积量、微生物生物量碳、微生物生物量氮、土壤呼吸和微生物呼吸。草地和林地的氮矿化速率没有显著差异。由地形因素引起的水分差异对于调控林地和草地生态系统碳氮库和循环(土壤碳氮储量、BNPP、矿化氮的累积量)具有重要作用。林地与草地生态系统碳储量的差异影响了我国北方草原地区碳的评估。

Some aspects of population dynamics of juvenile hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha Ham.) from the Meghna river, Bangladesh

Population dynamics of the juvenile hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) in the nursery ground of the Meghna River have been studied on the basis of the length cohort analysis of 8023 specimens. The growth parameters viz; asymptotic length (Lα), curvature character (K) and initial time (t0) were found to be 30.69 cm, 1.2 yrˉ¹ and 0.45 yrˉ¹ respectively. Curvature parameter indicates that jatka is a fast growth performer. The natural, fishing and total mortality were found to be 1.37 yrˉ¹, 1.41 yrˉ¹ and 2.78 yrˉ¹ respectively. Survival rate (S) was found to be 6.2%. A small difference was found between the age at first capture (Tc) and the recruitment age (Tr). Stocks of jatka seem to be overexploited and need to be conserved.