Inverse identification of the bending stiffness of a braided polyethylene twine subject to large deformation: application to the identification of the mesh opening rigidity of fishing nets.

The evaluation of the mesh opening stiffness of fishing nets is an important issue in assessing the selectivity of trawls. It appeared that a larger bending rigidity of twines decreases the mesh opening and could reduce the escapement of fish. Nevertheless, netting structure is complex. A netting is made up of braided twines made of polyethylene or polyamide. These twines are tied with non-symmetrical knots. Thus, these assemblies develop contact-friction interactions. Moreover, the netting can be subject to large deformation. In this study, we investigate the responses of netting samples to different types of solicitations. Samples are loaded and unloaded with creep and relaxation stages, with different boundary conditions. Then, two models have been developed: an analytical model and a finite element model. The last one was used to assess, with an inverse identification algorithm, the bending stiffness of twines. In this paper, experimental results and a model for netting structures made up of braided twines are presented. During dry forming of a composite, for example, the matrix is not present or not active, and relative sliding can occur between constitutive fibres. So an accurate modelling of the mechanical behaviour of fibrous material is necessary. This study offers experimental data which could permit to improve current models of contact-friction interactions [4], to validate models for large deformation analysis of fibrous materials [1] on a new experimental case, then to improve the evaluation of the mesh opening stiffness of a fishing net

Investigations on the structural and operational changes of Ring Seine Fishing Systems of Kerala and its Life Cycle Assessment (lCA)

The study covers theFishing capture technology innovation includes the catching of aquatic animal, using any kind of gear techniques, operated from a vessel. Utilization of fishing techniques varies, depending upon the type of fisheries, and can go from a basic and little hook connected to a line to huge and complex mid water trawls or seines operated by large fishing vessels.The size and autonomy of a fishing vessel is largely determined by its ability to handle, process and store fish in good condition on board, and thus these two characteristics have been greatly influenced by the introduction and utilization of ice and refrigeration machinery. Other technological developments especially hydraulic hauling machinery, fish finding electronics and synthetic twines have also had a major impact on the efficiency and profitability of fishing vessels.A wide variety of fishing gears and practices ranging from small-scale artisanal to advanced mechanised systems are used for fish capture in Kerala. Most important among these fishing gears are trawls, seines, lines, gillnets and entangling nets and traps The modern sector was introduced in 1953 at Neendakara, Shakthikulangara region under the initiative of Indo-Norwegian project (INP). The novel facilities introduced in fishing industry by Indo- Norwegian project accordingly are mechanically operated new boats with new fishing nets. Soon after mechanization, motorization programme gained momentum in Kerala especially in Alleppey, Ernakulam and Kollam districts.

Craig Brook; two fishermen bringing in their nets

Archival Collection

Emptying the nets in early morning-Lake Michigan

verso: Fifty years ago - in front of Sylvan Beach - forward of White Lake.

Elevated blood lead levels in a riverside population in the Brazilian Amazon

Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most toxic metals. Sources of Pb exposure have been widely documented in North America, and the removal of Pb additives from gasoline was reflected in a dramatic lowering of blood Pb concentration. In Latin America, the removal of Pb from gasoline resulted in decreased exposure, but Pb levels in many areas remain high due to occupational and environmental sources of exposure. While many of the Pb sources have been identified (mining, industries, battery recycling, lead-based paint, ceramics), new ones occasionally crop up. Here we report on blood Pb (B-Pb) levels in remote riverside communities of the Brazilian Amazon. Blood Pb (B-Pb) levels were determined in 448 persons from 12 villages of the Lower Tapajos River Basin, Par, Brazil. Socio-demographic and dietary information, as well as occupational, residential and medical history was collected using an interview-administered questionnaire. B-Pb, measured by ICP-MS, showed elevated concentrations. Mean B-Pb was 13.1 mu g/dL +/- 8.5, median B-Pb was 11.2 mu g/dL and ranged from 0.59 to 48.3 mu g/dL. Men had higher B-Pb compared to women (median: 15.3 mu g/dL vs 7.9 mu g/dL respectively). B-Pb increased with age for women, while it decreased for men. For both genders, B-Pb decreased with education. There were significant differences between villages. Exploratory analyses, using linear partition models, showed that for men B-Pb was lower among those who were involved in cattle-raising, and higher among those who hunted, farmed and fished. The distribution profile of B-Pb directed us towards artisanal transformation of manioc to flour (farinha), which requires heating in a large metal pan, with stirring primarily done by young men. In the village with the highest B-Pb, analysis of Pb concentrations (dry weight) of manioc (prior to transformation) and farinha (following transformation) from 6 houses showed a tenfold increase in Pb concentration (mean: 0.017 +/- 0.016 to 0.19 +/- 0.10 mu g/g). This was confirmed in one of these villages where we sampled manioc paste Oust before roasting) and the roasted farinha (0.05 mu g/g vs 0.20 mu g/g). While there may be other sources (ammunition, sinkers for fishing nets), the high concentrations in farinha, a dietary staple, assuredly makes an important contribution. Further action needs to reduce Pb sources in this region. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Helminths of Sotalia guianensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) from the South and Southeastern Coasts of Brazil

From May 1997 to October 2000, 49 Sotalia guianensis (tucuxi dolphin) incidentally caught in fishing nets or stranded in Sao Paulo (SP) and Parana (PH) states in Brazil were necropsied. In total, 17 lungs, 35 stomachs, and 30 intestines were analyzed. Contents were washed through a sieve (mesh, 150 mm) and examined under a stereoscopic microscope for parasites. Histopathologic analyses were performed in the lungs of five infected dolphins. The nematode Halocereus brasiliensis was found in 88% of all lungs examined, inducing moderate-to-severe pneumonia. Braunina cordiformis, Anisakis sp., and acanthocephalans were found in the stomachs. The trematode Synthesium tursionis was the only parasite found in the intestines, and it was identified in 73% of the animals necropsied. No macroscopic lesions were seen due to parasites in the stomachs and intestines analyzed.

Records of predatory, con-specific and human induced mauls on fish from the Northeast Atlantic and Black Sea

Present study aims to describe records of mauled and con-specific injures in various fish inhabiting different environment and to discuss possible impacts on fish behavior and ontogenesis. The fish specimens were collected from the Black Sea and Azores Islands (NE Atlantic). Individuals of European flounder, Pleuronectes flesus, common stingray, Dasyatis pastinaca and turbot, Scophthalmus maximus with missing dorsal and caudal fins and flesh, were found in the Black Sea. Specimens with severe mauls of the ocean sunfish, Mola mola, almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana and sargo, Diplodus sargus were recorded from the Azores Islands. All of them were caught alive and survived severe mauls caused by predators or by accidents with propellers, fishing nets. The NE Atlantic records, although possibly caused by natural predation, are more probably than not the result of negative interactions with human activity. Numerous records of mauled fish species from both regions show that the problem with adverse effects of fisheries is quite important. Predatory and con-specific injuries obviously are compatible with basic fish vital functions of described cases. The problem with negative anthropogenic interactions seems to be insufficiently investigated and need more attention by responsible managers and decision makers.

Caracterización y distribución de la fauna íctica en la subcuenca del río Quiroz, Ayabaca (Perú)

En el present treball es determinen les espècies de peixos de la subconca del riu Quiroz i es coneix la distribució d’aquestes espècies a la subconca segons la influència de l’altitut i la interacció de les activitats humanes en els cossos d’aigua. Així mateix, s’analitza la qualitat de l’aigua de la conca. Es van capturar 258 individus de 13 taxons diferents i corresponents a 7 famílies en 20 punts distribuïts per tota la subconca mitjançant xarxes passives (gànguils i gamber), actives (rall) i ham. La major abundància i riquesa d’espècies es dona a les parts baixes de la subconca la qual rep majors aportacions de nutrients d’aigües amunt i on les temperatures són més altes. La qualitat de l’aigua estimada mitjançant les concentracions de paràmetres analitzats mostren un risc d’epidèmies degut a les altes concentracions de coliformes associades a l’abocament d’aigües servides directament als cossos d’aigua.

Le transfert informel des connaissances tacites chez les gestionnaires municipaux en situation de coordination

Ce rapport de recherche porte sur une étude s’intéressant au transfert des connaissances tacites chez les gestionnaires, c’est-à-dire le partage de ces connaissances et leur utilisation informelle, durant une situation de coordination dans un service municipal. La thèse est articulée autour des questions suivantes : Quelles sont les situations de coordination vécues par les gestionnaires municipaux? Quelles sont les sources de connaissances tacites partagées et utilisées? Quelles sont les relations de connaissances mobilisées de façon informelle lors du transfert des connaissances tacites? Quels sont les facteurs encourageant ou inhibant le transfert informel des connaissances tacites? À partir d’un modèle basé sur une approche situationnelle (Taylor, 1989 et 1991), nous avons revu la documentation touchant nos questions de recherche. Nous avons défini notamment la récursivité des connaissances et le réseau de connaissances, de même que présenté le modèle de la conversion des connaissances (Nonaka, 1994) et celui de l’actualisation de soi (St-Arnaud, 1996). Nous avons questionné 22 répondants à l’aide d’instruments de mesure qui combinent les techniques de l’incident critique, de l’entrevue cognitive et réflexive, le questionnement sur les réseaux organisationnels et l’observation participante. Tels des filets, ces instruments ont permis de traquer et d’obtenir des données d’une grande richesse sur les connaissances tacites et les comportements informels durant le transfert de connaissances en situation de coordination. Ces données ont été analysées selon une approche méthodologique essentiellement qualitative combinant l’analyse de contenu, la schématisation heuristique et l’analyse des réseaux sociaux. Nos résultats montrent que la complexité d’une situation de coordination conditionne le choix des mécanismes de coordination. De plus, les sources de connaissances sont, du point de vue individuel, le gestionnaire et ses artefacts, de même que son réseau personnel avec ses propres artefacts. Du point de vue collectif, ces sources sont réifiées dans le réseau de connaissances. Les connaissances clés d’une situation de coordination sont celles sur le réseau organisationnel, le contexte, les expériences en gestion et en situation complexe de coordination, la capacité de communiquer, de négocier, d’innover et celle d’attirer l’attention. Individuellement, les gestionnaires privilégient l’actualisation de soi, l’autoformation et la formation contextualisée et, collectivement, la coprésence dans l’action, le réseautage et l’accompagnement. Cette étude fournit un modèle valide du transfert contextualisé des connaissances qui est un cas de coordination complexe d’activités en gestion des connaissances. Ce transfert est concomitant à d’autres situations de coordination. La nature tacite des connaissances prévaut, de même que le mode informel, les médias personnels et les mécanismes d’ajustement mutuel. Les connaissances tacites sont principalement transférées au début des processus de gestion de projet et continuellement durant la rétroaction et le suivi des résultats. Quant aux connaissances explicites, les gestionnaires les utilisent principalement comme un symbole à la fin des processus de gestion de projet. Parmi les personnes et les groupes de personnes d’une situation de transfert contextualisé des connaissances, 10 % jouent des rôles clés, soit ceux d’experts et d’intermédiaires de personnes et d’artefacts. Les personnes en périphérie possèdent un potentiel de structuration, c’est-à-dire de connexité, pour assurer la continuité du réseau de connaissances organisationnel. Notre étude a élargi le modèle général de la complexité d’une situation (Bystrom, 1999; Choo, 2006; Taylor, 1986 et 1991), la théorie de la coordination (Malone et Crowston, 1994), le modèle de la conversion des connaissances (Nonaka, 1994), celui de l’actualisation de soi (St-Arnaud, 1996) et la théorie des réseaux de connaissances (Monge et Contractor, 2003). Notre modèle réaffirme la concomitance de ces modèles généraux selon une approche constructiviste (Giddens, 1987) où la dualité du structurel et la compétence des acteurs sont confirmées et enrichies.

Manejo químico de Eichhornia crassipes e Brachiaria subquadripara com Diquat em condições de reservatório

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do herbicida diquat no controle de plantas de Eichhornia crassipes e Brachiaria subquadripara em condições de reservatório. As parcelas experimentais apresentavam 650 m² e foram delimitadas e posicionadas por redes de pesca nas margens do reservatório de Salto Grande, Americana-SP. Os tratamentos testados foram: herbicida diquat aplicado na formulação Reward, nas doses de 960 g i.a. ha-1 (duas aplicações de 480 g, com intervalo de 15 dias), 960 g i.a. ha-1 (aplicação única), 1.920 g i.a. ha-1 (duas aplicações de 960 g, com intervalo de 15 dias), além de uma testemunha sem aplicação do herbicida. Para monitoramento das concentrações de diquat, foram coletadas amostras de água antes da aplicação do herbicida e 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 e 28 dias após aplicação (DAA) na área experimental e na montante e jusante da barragem. A análise da eficiência do diquat foi realizada através de avaliações visuais de controle no período (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 e 28 DAA do herbicida) e aos dois dias após a segunda aplicação. O herbicida diquat mostrou-se eficiente no controle das plantas de E. crassipes, independentemente da dose e do manejo de aplicação, e seu efeito sobre as plantas de B. subquadripara foi temporário.

Seletividade de captura, dinâmica populacional, análise de estoque e sustentabilidade da pesca de Hemiodus unimaculatus (Bloch, 1794) a montante da barragem de Tucuruí, Brasil

Hemiodus unimaculatus (Bloch, 1794) está entre as principais espécies desembarcadas na área de influência da Usina Hidrelétrica de Tucuruí (UHE Tucuruí), contudo são poucas as informações existentes sobre a pesca e biologia da espécie na área. Logo, o trabalho se propõe a verificar as mudanças espaciais na população de H. unimaculatus, determinar as curvas de seletividade das redes utilizadas e calcular alguns parâmetros de sua dinâmica populacional. O local de estudo corresponde à área localizada a partir da barragem da UHE Tucuruí, compreendendo Reservatório (zona de inundação) e Montante. As coletas foram efetuadas trimestralmente nos anos de 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006 e 2007 e semestralmente nos anos de 2002 e 2004, em cinco locais no reservatório e dois na montante, utilizando bateria de redes de emalhar de 50 m de comprimento e 3 m de altura, com malhas de 40, 60, 80 e 100 mm entre nós opostos. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi utilizado para comparar as médias de comprimento total e o peso dos espécimes ao nível de significância de 5%; a variação espaço-temporal das capturas foi determinada pela análise de Cluster e pelo SIMPER; a seletividade de rede pela construção das curvas de seleção; e os aspectos populacionais (crescimento, longevidade, mortalidade, recrutamento e o rendimento por recruta) com o auxílio do programa FISAT II. Os resultados demonstraram que as fêmeas são maiores e mais pesadas que os machos. No período inicial (2001-2003) a espécie dividia a área de estudo em zona de desova e crescimento, enquanto no período final (2005-2007) não havia diferença quanto o uso do espaço. A malha de 60 mm é a mais indicada para a pesca, considerando a captura de 50% de indivíduos adultos. A proporção sexual de 1,44:1 foi favorável as fêmeas (χ²_c = 28,86; p < 0,0001). As relações peso total/comprimento total apresentaram correlação positiva, não diferindo entre os sexos (t = -0,097; p = 0,9229), sendo que machos e fêmeas exibiram crescimento do tipo isométrico. O fator de condição não foi diferente entre os pontos de coleta, sugerindo que a espécie utiliza toda a área de estudo como zona de alimentação. Os parâmetros de crescimento de von Bertalanffy foram L∞ = 358 mm, k = 0,55 ano^-1 e t₀ = -0,15 ano. As médias de mortalidade total e natural foram de 3,04 ano^-1 e 0,7 ano^-1, respectivamente. A taxa de explotação foi estimada em 0,77 e o rendimento por recruta mostrou que a taxa de exploração do estoque de H. unimaculatus deve ser reduzida em 52% para manter o recrutamento e a desova. Assim, com todas as informações geradas, é possível notar que as mudanças na estrutura e dinâmica espaço-temporal de H. unimaculatus são um processo de adaptação contínuo e o manejo pesqueiro adequado se torna essencial para a preservação da espécie. Para atingir esse objetivo, faz-se necessário rever a legislação pesqueira atual, buscando uma otimização do tamanho de malha para a captura da espécie, diminuir a taxa de exploração e monitorar regularmente a seletividade e os parâmetros populacionais.

Effects of tributyltin on the immune system of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Effects of tributyltin (TBT) which has been used for antifouling paint of ship's hulls and fishing nets on the immune system in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were investigated. After short-term exposure to a high level of TBT, leucocytes in the head kidney from 1-year-old flounder were examined for the proportion of neutrophils in total leucocytes. Also examined were their respiratory burst activities using flow cytometry, the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and lysozyme activities. Furthermore, long-term exposures to a relatively low level of TBT using young flounder were also carried out. The proportion of neutrophils in total leucocytes prepared from head kidney in each fish exposed to TBT at 20 microg/L for 5 days and the reduction of NBT by leucocytes prepared from the same experimental conditions increase compared to the control group. The contents were 42.0+/-6.8 and 52.5+/-6.3%, respectively. Significant differences of the NBT reduction were observed between 0 and 20 microg/L TBT exposure groups. On the other hand, the respiratory burst activity of cells in the exposure group clearly showed a tendency to decrease compared to the control group. Furthermore, high level of TBT also inhibited lysozyme activity which plays an important role for the bacteriocidal procedures. However, similar results were not obtained in the exposure group with a relatively low level of TBT. To determine the immunotoxic effects of TBT, infection experiments using pathogens which are naturally occurring should be further investigated.

Distribution of marine litter at bathyal and abyssal depths in the Mediterranean Sea

The distribution, type and quantity of marine litter accumulated on the bathyal and abyssal Mediterranean seafloor has been studied in the framework of the Spanish national projects PROMETEO and DOS MARES and the ESF-EuroDEEP project BIOFUN. Litter was collected with an otter trawl and Agassiz trawl while sampling for megafauna on the Blanes canyon and adjacent slope (Catalan margin, north-western Mediterranean) between 900 and 2700 m depth, and on the western, central and eastern Mediterranean basins at 1200, 2000 and 3000 m depth. All litter was sorted into 8 categories (hard plastic, soft plastic, glass, metal, clinker, fabric, longlines and fishing nets) and weighed. The distribution of litter was analysed in relation to depth, geographic area and natural (bathymetry, currents and rivers) and anthropogenic (population density and shipping routes) processes. The most abundant litter types were plastic, glass, metal and clinker. Lost or discarded fishing gear was also commonly found. On the Catalan margin, although the data indicated an accumulation of litter with increasing depth, mean weight was not significantly different between depths or between the open slope and the canyon. We propose that litter accumulated in the canyon, with high proportions of plastics, has predominantly a coastal origin, while litter collected on the open slope, dominated by heavy litter, is mostly ship-originated, especially at sites under major shipping routes. Along the trans-Mediterranean transect, although a higher amount of litter seemed to be found on the Western Mediterranean, differences of mean weight were not significant between the 3 geographic areas and the 3 depths. Here, the shallower sites, also closer to the coast, had a higher proportion of plastics than the deeper sites, which had a higher proportion of heavy litter and were often affected by shipping routes. The weight of litter was also compared to biomass of megafauna from the same samples. On the Blanes slope, the biomass of megafauna was significantly higher than the weight of litter between 900 and 2000 m depth and no significant differences were found at 2250 and 2700 m depth. Along the trans-Mediterranean transect, no significant differences were found between biomass and litter weight at all sites except in two sites: the Central Mediterranean at 1200 m depth, where biomass was higher than litter weight, and the Eastern Mediterranean at 1200 m depth, where litter weight was higher than biomass. The results are discussed in the framework of knowledge on marine litter accumulation, its potential impact on the habitat and fauna and the legislation addressing these issues.

Summary of Channel Net Laws 2016-2017

Each year the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division publishes a summary of the laws and regulations of commercial fishing in the state. This publication provides the license requirements, definitions, restrictions, and laws and regulations for channel nets.