Showing papers on "Fishing published in 1997"
TL;DR: Using side-scan sonar, bottom photographs and fishing records, this paper identified a set of disturbed and undisturbed sites on the gravel pavement area of northern Georges Bank in the northwest Atlantic.
Abstract: This study addresses ongoing concerns over the effects of mobile fishing gear on benthic communities. Using side-scan sonar, bottom photographs and fishing records, we identified a set of disturbed and undisturbed sites on the gravel pavement area of northern Georges Bank in the northwest Atlantic. Replicate samples of the megafauna were collected with a 1 m Naturalists' dredge on 2 cruises in 1994. Compared with the disturbed sites, the undisturbed sites had higher numbers of organisms, biomass, species richness and species diversity; evenness was higher at the disturbed sites. Undisturbed sites were characterized by an abundance of bushy epifaunal taxa (bryozoans, hydroids. worm tubes) that provide a complex habitat for shrimps, polychaetes, brittle stars, mussels and small fish. Disturbed sites were dominated by larger, hard-shelled molluscs, and scavenging crabs and echinoderms. Many of the megdfaunal species in our samples have also been identif~ed in stomach contents of demersal fish on Georges Bank; the abundances of at least some of these species were reduced at the disturbed sites.
391 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a demographic study of the Crozet population indicates that the earlier decline was mainly the result of increased adult mortality and secondarily of low recruitment, and that decreased fishing effort and a concentration outside the central Indian Ocean by the Japanese fishery during recent years has probably resulted in the slow recovery of these albatross populations as a result of improved adult survival and recruitment.
358 citations
TL;DR: There is a gulf between theory and application or does the high variability inherent in fish populations and complexity of multispecies fisheries demand a different approach to management?
Abstract: Fisheries science was the precursor of population ecology and continues to contribute important theoretical advances. Despite this, fishery scientists have a poor record for applying their insights to real-world fisheries management. Is there a gulf between theory and application or does the high variability inherent in fish populations and complexity of multispecies fisheries demand a different approach to management? Perhaps the solution to the world fisheries crisis is obvious after all?
269 citations
TL;DR: The results contrast with those from a number of studies at smaller scales and provided further indications that the structure of reef fish communities is not governed by a single dominant process, but by a range of processes which operate on different scales in different circumstances.
Abstract: An understanding of the indirect effects of fishing on predator-prey relationships is required for the development of valid multispecies yield models for reef fisheries and for determining the factors governing fish community structure at larger scales. We used an underwater visual census technique to examine the indirect effects of fishing on the biomass and diversity (species richness) of reef fishes in a series of ten traditional Fijian fishing grounds (qoliqoli) subject to a range of fishing intensities. All members of the families Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes), Labridae (wrasses), Lutjanidae (snappers), Mullidae (goatfishes), Scaridae (parrotfishes) and the sub-family Epinephelinae (groupers and coral trout) which could be reliably identified were censused. Each species censused was assigned to one of three trophic groups: herbivore, invertebrate feeder or piscivore. The biomass of all piscivorous fishes and of large (>30 cm) piscivorous fishes differed significantly between qoliqoli and was significantly correlated with fishing intensity. However, the biomass of piscivorous fishes was not correlated with the biomass or diversity of their potential prey (which were not targeted by the fishery). This suggested that the indirect effects of fishing did not have an important bearing on fish diversity or biomass and that predation by the target species did not play an important role in structuring these Fijian reef fish communities. The results contrast with those from a number of studies at smaller scales and provided further indications that the structure of reef fish communities is not governed by a single dominant process, but by a range of processes which operate on different scales in different circumstances.
209 citations
TL;DR: Detrended correspondance analysis indicated that marine reserve protection was the most important determinant of the fish community structure, and the position along an inshore-offshore gradient resulted in an increase in the relative abundance and species richness of large edible species within the assemblages.
Abstract: The effect of marine reserve protection on coral reef fish communities was studied on five islands located in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia. Commercial fish communities and Chaetodontidae, sampled before fishing prohibition and after five years of protection, were compared. Reference stations were also sampled to assess variability in unprotected communities on the same time scale. The hypothesis that marine reserves protect and develop fish stocks was confirmed. Species richness, density and biomass of fish on the protected reefs increased respectively by 67%, 160% and 246%. This increase was statistically significant, whereas the reference stations showed only a small increase in density. There were significant increases in the species richness, density and biomass of the major exploited fish families (Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, Mullidae, Labridae, Scaridae, Siganidae and Acanthuridae) and also of the Chaetodontidae. No significant increase in the mean lengths of fishes was noted among the main species, with the exception of one species of Siganid. Size structure changed for most of the main species, as the proportion of small individuals increased after five years of protection. Detrended correspondance analysis indicated that marine reserve protection was the most important determinant of the fish community structure. The second determinant was the position along an inshore-offshore gradient. Marine reserve protection resulted in an increase in the relative abundance and species richness of large edible species within the assemblages.
188 citations
TL;DR: A study of human culture and fisheries resources in an area of southern Kenya, designated as a national marine reserve, to determine the effect of the existing 'traditional management' on fisheries yields and on the ecological condition of the fished reefs is presented in this paper.
Abstract: Many traditions of coastal peoples may be viewed as traditional forms of marine conservation because, like modern fisheries management, they restrict fishing gear, fishing times, and places, but their effects are little studied in practice. A study was undertaken of human culture and fisheries resources in an area of southern Kenya, designated as a national marine reserve, to determine the effect of the existing 'traditional management' on fisheries yields and on the ecological condition of the fished reefs. This area has one of the oldest and most elaborate cultural traditions concerning sacred sites and rituals of sacrifice along the Kenyan coast. The purpose of the customs is, however, to appease spirits rather than to regulate fish stocks which are traditionally seen to fluctuate independently of fishing effort. Many of these traditions have decayed in recent times as Islamization of the culture has occurred, and authority has shifted towards national organizations, weakening the effectiveness of the traditional leaders. Coincidentally, fishers have adopted new or foreign gear, colleagues, and traditions. Two adjacent landing sites (Mvuleni and Mwanyaza) have, however, successfully stopped pull seiners from landing their catch at their sites for over 20 years through passive means. Other landing sites have adopted pull seining. Both landing areas use arguments based on tradition to justify their use of gear. The two landings that restrict pull seining have higher per capita fish catches than those that do not. Nonetheless, there were no obvious differences in the ecological condition of the reefs at these two management areas; both areas were amongst the most degraded reefs reported in East Africa. Biological diversity and coral cover were reduced greatly in all these areas compared to other fished or fully-protected marine park or reserve sites established by the national government. Presently, traditional management is not effective in protecting species diversity or ecological functions, which was probably never the intention of the customs. The conflict between national organizations and local fishers arises because some resource users are concerned that the management proposed by the national organizations will eventually lead to the total loss of access to, and control of the resource by local fishers. There is, therefore, a need to resolve conflicts concerning gear use and regulation, and a need to increase awareness of the expectations and management programmes among the national and local organizations. Many of the traditional forms of management are compatible with the policies of national organizations, but confusion and conflict occur concerning enforcement and its benefits. To solve these conflicts discussions are required between traditional and national fisheries leaders to develop mutually-acceptable policies that augment and share the power of management.
180 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Gordon-Schaefer bioeconomic model has been used to estimate that a return to optimal resource use will require a reduction of fishing effort by approximately 60%.
Abstract: Rapidly growing human population and economic inequities are placing increasing demands on tropical marine fisheries. Coral reef fisheries constitute an important source of food and livelihood on a global scale. However, destructive fishing is a major cause of coral reef degradation and is often associated with Malthusian overfishing, a condition related to poverty and coastal crowding. Studies based on the Gordon-Schaefer bioeconomic model indicate that for many coral reef areas, suggest a return to optimal resource use will require a reduction of fishing effort by approximately 60%. Trawling for fish and shrimp has been the cause of widespread damage to coral communities on tropical shelves. The precautionary principle and the code of responsible fishing are intended to reduce such problems. Coral reef fishery management is promoted in the International Coral Reef Initiative in its emphasis on integrated coastal zone management. The scientific basis for the latter should be a primary focus of further scientific research.
175 citations
TL;DR: Underwater acoustics enables the detection and precise location of fish and is therefore a prerequisite for effective fishing methods such as pelagic trawling and purse seining, and the application of acoustic instruments to detect fish and monitor gear performance in modern commercial fisheries is outlined.
Abstract: Underwater acoustics enables the detection and precise location of fish and is therefore a prerequisite for effective fishing methods such as pelagic trawling and purse seining. The application of acoustic instruments to detect fish and monitor gear performance in modern commercial fisheries is outlined. The latest developments in obtaining information such as bottom roughness and determining such characteristics of fish detected as size and species are presented.
160 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the reproductive potential of five North American sturgeons (shortnose, Gulf pallid, Alabama, and green sturgeon) and found that they are more sensitive to fishing mortality than other intensively-fished coastal species in North America.
Abstract: Sturgeons and paddlefish exhibit unusual combinations of morphology, habits, and life history characteristics, which make them highly vulnerable to impacts from human activities, particularly fisheries. Five North American sturgeons (shortnose, Gulf pallid, Alabama, and green sturgeon) are listed as endangered or threatened by management authorities. Managers have instituted fishery closures for the three other species of North American sturgeons (Atlantic, white. and shovelnose) and paddlefish because of low stock abundance at some point in this century. Reproductive potential in four species 1 examined (Atlantic, white, and shortnose sturgeon, and paddlefish) is more sensitive to fishing mortality than it is for three other intensively-fished coastal species in North America: striped bass. winter flounder, and bluefish. The sturgeons and paddlefish are generally longer-lived than the three other coastal species, and also have an older age at full maturity, lower maximum fecundity values, and older ages at which 50% of the lifetime egg production is realized with no fishing mortality.
156 citations
TL;DR: The most numerous category overall (76%), and in all samples since 1991, was pieces of synthetic line as used in the long-line fishery for the Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides around South Georgia as mentioned in this paper.
155 citations
TL;DR: A review of current knowledge on shark biology, ecology, and fisheries in Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on management implications is presented in this article, where the authors summarize distribution, migrations, nursery areas, structure of the landings and catch trends.
TL;DR: Monitoring of interactions between marine mammals and fisheries along the Atlantic Patagonian coast found that mortality rates seem to be low and there is insufficient evidence of competition for prey species, however, there is concern about the large amounts of fish discarded by the fishery.
Abstract: Since 1989, interactions between marine mammals and fisheries have been monitored along the Atlantic Patagonian coast. The Argentinian national fishing fleet in the area is composed of approximately 208 vessels (75% trawlers; 16% jiggins; 9% longliners). The fleet operates the year-round from eight harbours between Escondida Island and San Jorge Gulf (80 000 naut. miles2). The important target species are: hake (Merluccius hubbsi), shortfin squid (IIlex argentinus) and shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri), while several tons of other fish are discarded. The dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), the Commerson's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) and the southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens) are incidentally caught. The dolphins become entangled mainly in mid-water trawls at night, while the sea lions become entangled in any kind of trawl. Annual mortality rates obtained are 170-480 sea lions (mostly males; figure estimated to be 1–2% of the population size in the area), 70–200 dusky dolphins (70% females) and 25–170 Commerson's dolphins. Feeding habits of top predators, fish catch and bycatch of the fishery were also studied. Dusky dolphins in the area prey mainly on anchovy and squid, while hake was the most important food item for Commerson's dolphins and male southern sea lions. Squid is also important prey for sea lions and overlaps in size with the fish taken by the commercial fishery. Fishing areas for squid taken by jigging vessels overlap in part with those of foraging sea lions. Even though the commercial size for hake is 30 cm or larger, smaller hakes are largely discarded by the fishery. A combination of operational and specific interactions have been detected. At present, mortality rates seem to be low and there is insufficient evidence of competition for prey species. However, there is concern about the large amounts of fish (particularly hake) discarded by the fishery.
TL;DR: A bioenergetics model of Nile perch predation rates was used to evaluate the consequences of previous, current, and future fishery exploitation patterns and their ecological implica- tions and produced three main conclusions.
Abstract: Introduction of the exotic Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into Africa's Lake Victoria accelerated decline of the diverse, endemic ichthyofauna, altered food web struc- ture, and created valuable fisheries. As the Nile perch population expanded and predation rates increased, many of the endemic fish species disappeared, total fishery yield increased nearly fourfold, and fishery-related employment approximately doubled. Ecological changes in this system now occur rapidly, are due largely to human actions, and have profound socioeconomic effects. We used a bioenergetics model of Nile perch predation rates to evaluate the consequences of previous, current, and future fishery exploitation patterns and their ecological implica- tions. The analysis produced three main conclusions: (1) Development of fisheries based on large-mesh gill nets reduced total predation by Nile perch to -40% of that estimated during the late 1970s, when Nile perch densities were greatest. (2) Expansion of recent intensive beach seine and small-mesh gill net fisheries for juvenile Nile perch could reduce total predation to -25%. (3) The combination of fishing methods could reduce total pre- dation to 10% of previous levels. Reduction in estimated predatory impact corresponds with recent reports of recovery by haplochromine populations and increased fish species diversity in regions (e.g., Napoleon Gulf, Mwanza Gulf, and Winam Gulf) where fisheries are locally intense.
TL;DR: In this article, a catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) metric was used to classify longline sets in relation to species composition of the catches, and five effort clusters were identified based on proportions of eight species and three broader species groups.
TL;DR: In this article, an economic value on the contribution of wetlands in supporting recreational fishing in the southeastern United States is placed. But, the economic value of wetlands is limited to the number of acres of wetlands that can be added to recreational fisheries.
TL;DR: Four 100 m lengths of both monofilament gill nets and trammel nets were deployed off the coast of the Algarve between April 1995 and June 1996 and were found to be completely destroyed or heavily colonised by algae and had become incorporated into the reef.
Abstract: Four 100 m lengths of both monofilament gill nets and trammel nets were deployed at depths between 15 and 18 m off the coast of the Algarve (south of Portugal) between April 1995 and June 1996. The nets were set on a natural rocky bottom with one end cut loose to simulate lost nets. Changes in net structure (net height, effective fishing area, movement, colonisation, wear and tear) and their catches (species, sizes, numbers, and biomass) were monitored by divers. Similar patterns were observed in all the nets, with a sharp decrease in net height and effective fishmg area, and an increase in visibility within the first few weeks. Net movement was negligible except in the case of interference from other fishing gears. Catch rates were initially comparable to normally fished gd.l nets and trammel nets in this area, but decreased steadily over time. No sea birds, reptiles or mammals were caught in any of the 8 nets. Catches were dominated by fish (89% by number, at least 27 species), in particular by sea breams (Sparidae) and wrasscs (Labridae). Under the conditions experienced throughout the study the fishlng hfetime of a 'lost' net is between 15 and 20 wk. Based on an exponential model, we estimated that 100 m lengths of gill net and trammel net will catch 314 and 221 fish respectively over a 17 wk period. However, we consider this to be an underestimate due to high rates of predation and scavenging by octopuses, cuttlefish, moray eels, conger eels, and other fish such as the wrasse Coris julis. When the nets were surveyed in the following spring. 8 to 11 mo after being deployed, they were found to be completely destroyed or heavily colonised by algae and had become incorporated into the reef.
TL;DR: In this article, three models of catchability used to highlight the consequences of fish behaviour and fishing technology during stock collapse were extended to examine the effects of incorporating profit motivated economic behaviour of fishers.
TL;DR: An estimable model of recreation behavior in which the recreation decision is cast as a dynamic programming problem is developed, illustrated with an application to salmon and trout fishing on Lake Michigan.
TL;DR: In this article, the relationship between fishing and farming in providing household income and nutritional security among Luo communities on the shores of the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria is investigated, and the authors aim to shed light upon two key issues relating to change and development in traditional African food production systems.
Abstract: The paper considers the relationships between fishing and farming in providing household income and nutritional security among Luo communities on the shores of the Kenyan sector of Lake Victoria. In recent years the resources of Lake Victoria have come under severe pressure due to a variety of economic and ecological factors associated with over-fishing and a significant decline in fish species. Farming has increased in importance as households attempt to meet subsistence needs, but plot fragmentation, drought and low investment have led to poor crop yields. Future development strategies need to enhance the sustainability of the resources of both lake and land, and possibly build upon traditional management methods and institutions. THIS STUDY AIMS TO SHED LIGHT upon two key issues relating to change and development in traditional African food production systems. Firstly, remarkably little has been written on the socio-economic aspects of artisanal fishing systems in Africa, in spite of the fact that fish provides a rich source of protein in a continent where there is a widespread and often chronic shortage of animal products.1 Secondly, in the face of popular media images of a continent constantly plagued by human and environmental problems, recent research has demonstrated that many traditional African food production systems are, in fact surprisingly resilient. This resilience is frequently based upon a wide range of indigenous 'coping mechanisms', the essence of which is the detailed appreciation and utilization of the filll spatial and ecological diversity of the resource base, to
TL;DR: There is evidence to indicate that eutrophication has caused the increase in biomass of Baltic fish stocks, and estimated biomasses and catch rates suggest that biomass was low during the first half of this century.
Abstract: Catch composition and yield data are used to estimate the evolution of fish biomass. These results are compared with the catch rates of Polish and Swedish fisheries. Both series, estimated biomasses and catch rates, suggest that biomass was low during the first half of this century. Subsequently, it increased to over 8 million tonnes in the 1970s. The yield shows essentially the same picture. Peak catches of almost 1 million tonnes were achieved at the end of the 1970s. Fishing mortality increased between 1900 and 1945. After this time, yield increased because of growing biomass (1940‐1950, 1965‐1970) or because of growing fishing eVort (1950‐1965, 1970‐1975). There is evidence to indicate that eutrophication has caused the increase in biomass of Baltic fish stocks.
TL;DR: Changes in niche width and dietary shift can be seen as the outcome of the coexistence of two species in stable competitive equilibrium, developed on the basis of daily variations in food supply.
Abstract: The diets of two potential competitor species, Audouin's Larus audouinii and yellow-legged gulls Larus cachinnans, were examined while they bred at the Chafarinas Islands during 1993, 1994, and 1995. Data were collected during two commercial fishing regimes: (1) trawling and purse seine fisheries, and (2) diurnal trawlers only. Since the food supply for the gulls in this area was heavily reliant on the activity of purse seine fisheries, these contrasting situations allowed us to analyze short-term effects, induced by daily changes in food supply, on niche width, dietary shift, and niche overlap between the two species. Overall, both species relied mainly on fish for food, especially Clupeiforms, in the case of Audouin's gull irrespective of the fishing situation, and in the case of the yellow-legged gull, only when purse seine fishing was in operation. When purse seine boats did not operate (food shortage), yellow-legged gulls broadened their niche, consuming equal amounts of all the feeding resources, and they showed a dietary shift toward a greater consumption of prey from refuse tips. In contrast, Audouin's gulls did not change their niche width, but showed a slight dietary shift away from the consumption of epipelagic fish, compensated by an increase in reliance on benthic-mesopelagic resources. Niche overlap was clearly higher on days when both fishing fleets operated, probably because a superabundant food resource facilitates high overlap without affecting coexistence between the two species. Since our study was developed on the basis of daily variations in food supply, and competition effects are to be expected on a longer-term basis, these changes can be seen as the outcome of the coexistence of two species in stable competitive equilibrium.
TL;DR: The hooking mortality of two teleosts, the yellow stripey Lutjanus carponotatus (Lutjanidae) and the wire netting cod Epinephelus quoyanus (Serranidae), was examined for fish captured with lures and bait from shallow waters on the Great Barrier Reef.
Abstract: The hooking mortality of two teleosts, the yellow stripey Lutjanus carponotatus (Lutjanidae), and the wire netting cod Epinephelus quoyanus (Serranidae), was examined for fish captured with lures and bait from shallow waters (<2 m) on the Great Barrier Reef. Total mortality for both species (n = 340 fish) over the 48-h observation period was low (1.76%). Baitfishing with single hooks caused a significantly higher post-release mortality rate (5.1%) than did lure fishing with treble or single hooks (0.4%), and was the hooking method most likely to cause bleeding and damage to vital organs. Death of fish was observed only in instances where hooks penetrated the pericardium or body cavity. Handling time was significantly affected by fish size and hooking location, did not vary significantly between fish species, and was significantly reduced when barbless hooks were used in both lure and baitfishing. One specimen of each species, deeply hooked in the gut or oesophagus while baitfishing, was allowed to retain the hook; both fish survived and subsequently regurgitated the hook during the observation period. The relevance of these data to management of line fisheries on the Great Barrier Reef is discussed.
TL;DR: An aggregated energy-based simulation model of the Mediterranean infralittoral rocky-bottom was developed and used to carry out fishing experiments where fishing intensity and catch selection were varied, suggesting that fishing affects the ecosystem's ecology and the benefits of fishing yields must be weighed against changes in the benthic ecology.
TL;DR: In this article, a fishing survey was carried out over four and a half years, using gill nets, to test artificial reef effectiveness in enhancing fish assemblages and yield, a total of 72 catch operations were made.
TL;DR: The proportions of individual species caught showed considerable inter-annual variability, and for the three years examined, 78% of the total seabird by-catch was albatrosses, with Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys and Shy Albatoss D. cauta caught in the greatest numbers.
Abstract: Data collected by Australian observers, combined with logbook data supplied by all Japanese vessels fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone were used to estimate the total seabird catch and catch rates (and associated variances) within the Australian Fishing Zone by season and area. The species composition of sub-samples of captured seabirds was used in conjunction with the estimates of total by-catch to provide estimates of by-catch by species. The total by-catch of all seabird species by Japanese longline within Australian waters was estimated to be 2981 (coefficient of variation [cv] 17%) for the 1992 fishing year, 3590 (cv 15%) in 1993 and 2817 (ccv19%) in 1994. Because these estimates are based on birds observed hauled on board, they underestimate the total number of seabirds killed by fishing operations. The increase in total seabird by-catch between 1992 and 1993 is partly due to the use of monofilament nylon longline gear by two vessels in 1993, and the decrease from 1993 to 1994 was mainly due to a corresponding reduction in fishing effort. For the three years examined, 78% of the total seabird by-catch was albatrosses, with Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophrys and Shy Albatross D. cauta caught in the greatest numbers. Catches of Yellow-nosed Albatross (D. chlororhynchos), Wandering Albatross D. exulans and Grey-headed Albatross D. chrysostoma were also significant. The proportions of individual species caught showed considerable inter-annual variability.
TL;DR: The lobster fishery in the United States has experienced a period of very low catches in the 1920s and 1930s (the bust) followed by a very high catch in the 1990s.
Abstract: The Maine industry for American lobster Homarus americanus has gone from a period of very low catches in the 1920s and 1930s (“the bust”) to a period of “boom” marked by record high catches in the 1990s. Fishers and biologists working for state and federal agencies emphasize different variables in explaining the bust and the boom. What they see as the facts have strong implications for the management of the fishery. Both fishers and biologists believe that a combination of fishing practices and environmental variables have caused the changes in lobster catches observed. However, biologists tend to emphasize the importance of fishing effort and water temperature. Fishers believe that lobster populations have been strongly affected by the way people fish (i.e., by the amount of illegal activity, by restrictions on size and taking of breeding females, etc.), and environmental factors, including predation on lobsters by groundfish, changes in habitat, and what they term “natural cycles.” As a result,...
TL;DR: In this article, a model of embedded economics is employed to describe the relationships between various players in the sub-system: the Roman emperors; Herod Antipas; the tax administrators; the brokers, tax collectors, and toll collectors; the fishing families; the hired laborers; suppliers of raw goods and other products; fish processors; and shippers and carters.
Abstract: Building on the earlier studies of ancient fishing by Rostovtzeff and Wuellner, this article examines fishing as a sub-system within the political economy and the domestic economy of first-century Galilee. I employ a model of embedded economics to articulate the relationships between the various players in the sub-system: the Roman emperors; Herod Antipas; the tax administrators; the brokers, tax collectors, and toll collectors; the fishing families; the hired laborers; the suppliers of raw goods and other products; fish processors; and shippers and carters. This model is developed in order to provide a more focussed frame of reference for the interpretation of the Jesus tradition (metaphors and narratives) and the location of Jesus' activity and network recruitment in Galilean fishing villages.
TL;DR: The FAO Special Chapter on Fisheries Management Policies as mentioned in this paper is a special chapter of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that deals with the management of conventional fisheries management policies and its application in international trade.
Abstract: Introduction .................................................... 506 I. Background ............................................. 506 A. Limitations of Conventional Fisheries Management Policies ............................................. 510 1. \"Overcapitalization\" and Excess Capacity ...... 512 2. Subsidies in Fishing ............................. 515 a. The FAO \"Special Chapter\" ............... 516 II. Application of Trade Laws .............................. 519 A. Bringing Fish within the Agricultural Agreement Fram ework ..................... ................... 520 B. Countervailing Duties Under Domestic Trade L aw s .................................... ........... 522 C. Direct Challenges Through the World Trade O rganization ........................................ 523 1. Subsidies ........................................ 523 a. Clear Subsidies ............................. 524 b. Borderline Subsidies ........................ 524 c. \"Implicit Subsidies\" ..... ................... 526 2. Prohibited Subsidies ............................ 529 3. Actionable Subsidies ............................ 529 4. Non-Actionable Subsidies ...................... 531 a. Subsidies Pursuant to International O bligations ................................. 532 b. Nonobligatory Productivity-Enhancing Subsidies .................................... 533 c. Catch-Reducing Subsidies .................. 534
01 Jan 1997
TL;DR: An observer program of the shark drift gillnet fishery off the Atlantic coast of Florida and Georgia was begun in 1993 to define the fishery and estimate bycatch including bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, and sea turtles and a total of 9,270 animals were captured.
Abstract: An observer program of the shark drift gillnet fishery off the Atlantic coast of Florida and Georgia was begun in 1993 to define the fishery and estimate bycatch including bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, and sea turtles. Boats in the fishery were 12.2-19.8 m long. Nets used were 275-1,800 m long and 3.2-4.1 m deep. Stretched-mesh sizes used were 12.7-29.9 cm. Fishing trips were usually <18 h and occurred within 30 n.mi. of port. Fishing with an observer aboard occurred between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., and off Cape Canaveral, Fla. Nets were set at least 3 n.mi. offshore. Numbers of boats in the fishery increased from 5 in 1993 to 11 in 1995, but total trips decreased from 185 in 1994 to 149 in 1995. During 1993-95, 48 observer trips were completed and 52 net sets were observed. No marine mammals were caught and two loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, were caught and released alive. A total of 9,270 animals (12 shark, 21 teleost, 4 ray, and 1 sea turtle species) were captured. Blacknose, Carcharhinus acronotus; Atlantic sharpnose, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae; and blacktip shark, C. limbatus), were the dominant sharks caught. King mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalIa; little tunny, Euthynnus alleteratus; and cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus, were the dominant bycatch species. About 8.4% of the total catch was bycatch. Of the totals, 9.4% of the sharks and 37.3% ofthe bycatch were discarded.