Search

The African penguin population has declined precipitously in recent decades, and if current rates of decline persist, this species could become extinct in the wild by 2035. Resource extraction of small pelagic fish prey by the purse-seine fishery around African penguin breeding colonies has been identified as a demographically meaningful threat to African penguins. Consequently, long-term, effective no-take zones around breeding colonies have been endorsed by an expert panel of scientists constituted by the South African government. Here, we consider the six largest South African penguin colonies that currently hold 76% of the global population. We evaluate the adequacy of different no-take zone options using a trade-off mechanism recommended by the expert panel. For all six colonies except Bird Island, Algoa Bay, which is subject to the least fishing pressure, the current no-take zone delineations are assessed as having little benefit to the African penguin and little to no cost to the purse-seine fishery. Four of the six current no-take zones include ≤50% of the African penguins' core foraging areas. Alternative no-take zones that approximate a more balanced trade-off offer more impactful alternatives to the current fisheries restrictions. Given the urgent need to implement evidence-based conservation interventions for the endangered African penguin, we recommend the substitution of the current no-take zones with those proposed herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Recruitment is a critical process in the dynamics of fish populations since it represents the abundance of new fish that enter a population each year. In Ekman‐type upwelling ecosystems, wind is a critical factor for small pelagic fish recruitment, as it controls food availability and physical constraints such as turbulence and offshore advection. In this study, we evaluate the effect of wind, chlorophyll‐a, and spawning biomass as independent variables on anchovy recruitment. Using generalized additive models (GAMs), we tested (i) the significance of each factor, (ii) the shape of the relationship between recruitment and predictors variables, (iii) recruitment regimes in the series, and (iv) whether extended windy events are associated with low recruitment levels potentially related to offshore transport of early life stages. The study period spanned from 1990 to 2021, focusing on the austral spring in south‐central Chile (35–40°S) when both upwelling and anchovy spawning are maximized. GAMs revealed a parabolic relationship between the velocity of upwelling‐favorable winds and anchovy recruitment. Maximized recruitment occurred at wind speeds around 6 m s−1 but decreased with winds above 7 m s−1 and below 5 m s−1, and during periods of extended windy events (i.e., those lasting more than 15 days). Chlorophyll‐a showed no significance on anchovy recruitment, suggesting that phytoplankton were not a limiting factor for anchovy early survival. We also found that anchovy recruitment regimes were associated with specific wind intensities. We discussed the pertinence of incorporating a recruitment index based on wind in the fishery management of the anchovy in south‐central Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

he continuous and intensive anchovy fishing conducted by lift net fishermen in Sibolga and Tapanuli Tengah without proper management and regulation may lead to unfavorable consequences, particularly for the sustainability of the anchovy fishery resources. One solution to address the issues mentioned above is to implement management practices for anchovy resources, ensuring their sustainability in the future. One widely used method for this purpose is the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM). This study aims to evaluate the management status and formulate management action plans for anchovy resources in Sibolga and Tapanuli Tengah. The research was conducted in the Tapanuli Tengah region, focusing on specific locations: Hajoran Village, Muara Nibong Village, Lubuk Tukko Village, and Mela I Village. Data collection was carried out through survey techniques directly in the field, employing accidental sampling and purposive sampling for sample collection. The analysis was performed using the EAFM approach. The management status of anchovy resources based on lift net fishing gear in Sibolga and Tapanuli Tengah falls into the 'good' category, indicating the need for cautious actions in its utilization. Several management actions need improvement based on indicator values, such as the declining trend in Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). Therefore, it is recommended to control lift net fishing efforts by regulating the number of fishing gears and imposing catch quotas. Considering the proportion of juvenile catches and the occurrence of range collapse, implementing a seasonal open-close system and regulating the placement distance of purse seine gear is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The jumbo squid fishery in Peru is the second most important after the anchovy fishery. During its manufacturing process, only 50% to 60% of the total jumbo squid is used, thereby, the residues could be used to develop functional foods. Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is an Andean pseudocereal from the highlands of Peru characterized by its high nutritional value. This work aimed to develop extruded snacks with protein hydrolyzed (PH) from jumbo squid by-product (JSBP) due to its high protein content, low price, and high availability. Four extruded snacks with corn flour (55%), rice flour (20% to 30%) and cañihua flour (15%) were enriched with PH from JSBP (4% to 10%) and developed using a twin-screw extruder. The extruded snacks were characterized by their physical properties (density, expansion ratio, water absorption index) and shelf life. The addition of PH from JSBP increased the protein content from 11.20% to 15.39%; ash content from 1.40% to 1.66% and fat content ranged from 1.10% to 1.18% compared to the control sample, the moisture content was from 4.46% to 5.81%. Also, the extruded snacks showed high phenolic concentration, 5633 µg GAE/g snack to 7315 µg GAE/g snack, high antioxidant activity, 698 mg trolox/g snack to 1274 mg trolox/g snack, high in vitro protein digestibility, 72.58% to 74.40%, and low acid index (0.095 mg KOH/g snack to 0.105 mg KOH/g snack) and peroxide index (0.00 meq O2/kg snack to 0.063 meq O2/kg snack), respectively. The snacks were accepted by the panel evaluators, complied with the Peruvian standard NTP-209.226 and microbiological requirements. Therefore, these snacks can be a healthier alternative product and satisfy market trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Temperate fisheries grounds are exposed to compound effects of jellyfish proliferations and fishing pressure, which affect local fisheries, cause economic losses, and threaten seafood supply. Here, we quantify the interlink between climate variability and jellyfish blooms and their impact on the Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus), in the Korean coastal waters. We used a bioclimate dataset (2010–2019) that includes quantitative information of two major bloom-former species, Aurelia coerulea and Nemopilema nomurai, in the Korean Peninsula. We show that climate phenomena governing East Asia regions explain circa half of jellyfish variability. In turn, jellyfish blooms have a significant negative effect on anchovy interannual changes (r = -0.47, P < 0.01), which varies along with the bloom magnitude. Our results indicate that the intensity of jellyfish blooms, more than their duration, has a predominant effect on anchovy and coastal fisheries production. We also suggest the possibility of using climate signals for assessing and eventually predicting, interannual abundance changes of jellyfish in the Korean Peninsula. These results stress the challenge posed by jellyfish blooms to the provisioning of ecosystem services via their influence on marine harvested fish and further highlight the need for their integration into ecosystem-based management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article presents the results of the analysis of spatial and temporal variability of the circulation elements and the surface-temperature field of the waters of the northwestern part of the Black Sea during the autumn migration of the Black Sea European anchovy in 2019 and 2020. The Black Sea European anchovy, being the main fishery object of the Black Sea countries, very rarely comes for wintering and is caught by Russian fishermen off the coast of Crimea. The 2019/2020 fishing season of this species was the most successful in the modern history of the Black Sea European anchovy fishing off the Crimean coast. The analysis of the main abiotic factors determining the nature of European anchovy migration in the northwestern part of the sea to the shores of Crimea shows that its mass occurrence on the Crimean shelf is primarily facilitated by the formation of the eastern current in the south of the northwestern part of the Black Sea in November and December and the increased December thermal background of surface waters outside the shelf of this part of the sea. Strengthening of the eastern currents leads to the movement of the European anchovy to the shelf, and the western direction of the surface-water temperature gradient increases the density of its commercial accumulations on the southwestern shelf of Crimea. The performed studies are of scientific interest and determine the necessity of regular monitoring of European anchovy migration conditions using information from satellites for forecasting the possibilities of its fishing off the coast of Crimea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

An out‐of‐phase pattern of fishery between anchovy and sardine exists in upwelling systems of different geographical locations. We examined the inverse relationship of anchovy (Stolephorus sp., Engraulidae) and sardine (Sardinella longiceps, Clupeidae) fishery along the coast of the south‐eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) by analysing the annual landing data of Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa states. Landings of anchovy and sardine showed wide fluctuations with distinct episodes of abundance and decline. We selected anchovy period (1984–1996) and sardine period (2000–2013) for close examination according to the environmental data availability. The study reveals that the observed inverse fishery along the coast of SEAS is well connected to regional environmental parameters and global climate variability. During the abundant anchovy period, the anomalies of surface currents were observed towards the north and also towards the coast during the spawning periods of anchovy (March–May, October–December). The pattern of surface current anomalies is reversed during the abundant sardine period. Anomalies of surface current is directed towards offshore during the early life stage of sardine (June–September), but it reversed towards the coast during the abundant sardine period. Similarly, an opposite upwelling pattern is noted in both species' spawning seasons during the anchovy and sardine abundant periods. During these periods, the spatial distribution of global surface air temperature and wind anomalies showed contrasting spatial patterns and hence they are related to various climate indices in sardine and anchovy abundant periods in the SEAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

By catch is a serious conservation challenge for the fisheries whose viability is increasingly under threat. To approach maximum by catch reduction with minimum loss of targeted catch, fisheries need to have information on the environmental and anthropogenic factors in multi species seas like the Mediterranean. In this study, we used generalized additive models (GAM) to by the catch ratio of purse seine fishery to determine the effects of environmental variables. The data were collected during each fishing trip in the 2018-2019 fishing season that covers the time period between September 1st and April 15th. There were 26 species (66.216 mt in total) recorded as by catch and the rates of by catch species in the total by catch amount varied between 0.001% and 23.1%. In terms of habitat of by catch species, the total ratios of benthopelagic, demersal and pelagic species were 52%, 28% and 20%, respectively. Significant interactions observed indicate that the fluctuations in by catch ratios differed by depth and sea surface temperature, whereas the quarters of year and the moon phases were not found to affect by catch ratios significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Cape Cormorants Phalacrocorax capensis breed in southern Africa's Benguela upwelling system and in 2013 were listed as Endangered by the IUCN following a population decrease of >50% over their three most recent generations. This decrease was associated with reduced prey availability, particularly of the pelagic shoaling fishes Cape anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and sardine Sardinops sagax. The diet of Cape Cormorants was examined from 929 regurgitated prey samples collected at 11 localities off west South Africa from 1988 to 2007. By number, anchovy was the most important prey in all years, except 2007, in which the geographical distribution of samples was limited. Overall anchovy contributed 85% of all prey items eaten and sardine 6%. However, from 1988 to 1997, sardine formed 93% of the diet by mass in the southwest. The proportional contribution of anchovy to the diet increased between 1988–1997 and 1998–2007, whereas that of sardine decreased. Anchovy eaten in the northwest were smaller than those caught in the central west and southwest were. Small, immature sardine were eaten in all regions, but mature sardine only in the southwest, the spawning ground of the western sardine stock. Anchovy and sardine are targeted by South Africa's purse-seine fishery. Most anchovy and sardine eaten by Cape Cormorants had caudal lengths of 5–9 cm and 15–21 cm, respectively, and showed considerable overlap with sizes harvested by the fishery. This highlights the potential for competition between Cape Cormorants and the fishery for anchovy and sardine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Humpback whales perform long migrations from their breeding and nursing areas at low latitudes to feeding grounds at high latitudes. Nonetheless, this strictly dichotomous paradigm of migration is challenged by accumulating examples of occasional or regular feeding at low latitudes for several stocks worldwide. Here, we report multiple evidences of "Stock G" humpback whales feeding in coastal waters, at low latitudes of the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Lunge feeding behavior and defecation were observed in Ecuador, while both lunge- and trap feeding in pursuit of Peruvian anchovy was documented in northern Chile. A photographically resighted individual feeding at different latitudes of Chile suggested potential site fidelity to two foraging areas. Whether these feeding behaviours are novel due to changes in prey distribution, intensifying competition from a growing humpback whale population, or simply reflect vastly increased research effort remains unknown. Further research into the feeding ecology of Stock G should help reveal historic and potentially new feeding grounds, prey composition and precise migration paths. Competition from anchovy fisheries, vessel collision and net entanglement are suspected threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The anchovy (Engraulis ringens) fishery in central-southern Chile, like many fisheries worldwide, is overexploitation mainly due to poor and short-term management by fishing authorities and communities. This study proposes and evaluates marine reserves as a possible tool to apply since there is a current marine reserve law in Chile. The study's methodology is the simulation of a bioeconomic model that includes two areas: one is the protected, and the other is the artisanal fishing, in which the protected area transfers biomass to the artisanal fishing area. The reserve is incorporated as a decision variable in the management of this resource. It is determined as a percentage of protection of the total fish population related to fishing effort, which quantifies and evaluates the impact of protecting a stock of parental fish on the fishery's sustainability. Biomass data used is from 2000-2006, during which the anchovy fishery was fully exploited. The carrying capacity and intrinsic growth rate are estimated, and biomass is projected at different protection and effort levels. Results show that if a marine reserve with a protection level of 30% had been applied as a management policy in the anchovy fishery of central-southern Chile in the early 2000s, the fishing activity would be in a state of full exploitation rather than overexploitation as it is today. This model's fundamental contribution is that it makes possible fishery evaluation with real data from the same fishing activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Small pelagic fisheries management is difficult because they exhibit large natural abundance fluctuations and are considered forage fish. We discuss the challenges faced by these fisheries within the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability certification framework, which evaluates the sustainability of fish stocks, the environmental impact, and effective fisheries management. Certification suspension is frequently linked to the sustainability of stocks. For MSC certification, scientific research will need to play a major role in filling key knowledge gaps, particularly on the nature and causes of ecosystem productivity changes (including climate change), and the role of small pelagics in the ecosystem. Different from other cases where MSC certification creates a direct market incentive through price premiums, in these fisheries, the incentive is related to fisher's public image and improves the bases for negotiation with authorities and the conservation sector. In this context, strategic cooperation between fisheries under the certification process may provide them more benefits than competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Small‐scale driftnets (SSDs) have been historically used in the Mediterranean without major environmental concern. The introduction of large‐scale driftnets caused unwanted catches of protected species. Specific regulations were therefore issued in European waters, culminating in a proposed moratorium on SSDs. This study aimed to characterise the SSD fishery targeting anchovy (menaide), evaluating its environmental sustainability, economic performance and social relevance. In 2013, a survey by interviews, logbooks and observers on board assessed the order of magnitude of this fishery in terms of fishing capacity and activity, volume of landings and revenues. The menaide fleet consisted in 60 vessels <12 m overall length, moored in little harbours in southern Italy. These nets are highly selective: the target species, European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicholus (L.) and sardine, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum), dominates the catches, while discards are negligible. The anchovies caught are of high quality and large size; the high prices support fish processing by local factories. Moreover, the results of a SWOT analysis demonstrated that replacing SSDs with a semi‐industrial fishery, like purse seining, would increase impacts on the ecosystem, and a loss of socio‐economic opportunities for several coastal villages. These findings support the option of keeping SSDs operating, in the framework of specifically oriented management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this study, some alcohols (bioethanol, butanol) are mixed with different amounts in volume (D100, B100, D75B20E5, D70B20E10, D65B20E15, D75B20BU5, D70B20BU10 and D65B20BU15) some physical and chemical fuel properties of diesel, biodiesel and obtained alcohol + biodiesel + diesel blend fuels (Density, Kinematic viscosity, Flash point, Water content, Copper strip corrosion, Cloud point, Pour point, Cold filter plugging point (CFPP), The thermal value) was determined. According to the results of the research, it was observed that the physical and chemical fuel properties of biodiesel and blended fuels were within the standard fuel properties. The cetane number of D65B20E15 fuels was 12% lower than the diesel standard (TS 3082 EN 590). In addition, when cold flow properties were examined, it was determined that ethanol and butanol added to fuels contributed positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Variation in prey quantity and quality can influence growth and survival of marine predators, including anadromous fish that migrate from freshwater systems. The objective of this study was to examine the energy dynamics of subyearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) following freshwater emigration. To address this objective, a population of Chinook salmon and their marine prey were repeatedly sampled from June to September over 2 years in coastal waters off Oregon and Washington. Subyearlings from the same population were also reared under laboratory conditions. Using a bioenergetics model evaluated in the laboratory, we found that growth rate variability in the field was associated more with differences in northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) consumption and less with variation in diet energy density or ocean temperature. Highest growth rates (2.43–3.22% body weight/day) occurred in months when anchovy biomass peaked, and the timing of peak anchovy biomass varied by year. Our results support a general pattern among subyearling Chinook salmon occurring from Alaska to California that feeding rates contribute most to growth rate variability during early marine residence, although dominant prey types can differ seasonally, annually, or by ecosystem. In the northern California Current, faster growth appears to be associated with the availability of age‐0 anchovy. Identifying factors that influence the seasonal development of the prey field and regulate prey quantity and quality will improve understanding of salmon growth and survival during early marine residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Anchovy makes up 90% of pelagic fishery catches in northern Chile. For the present work, anchovy (Engraulis ringens, Jenyns 1842) catches between 1997 and 2016 were analyzed to determine changes in distribution, concentration, and reproductive behavior before, during, and after ENSO events, using spatial indexes: gravity center (GC), inertia, coverage (CI), Gini index, and gonadosomatic index (GI). At the start of ENSO, anchovy catches increased and concentrated along the coast (rising Gini index), while CI decreased. During ENSO, Gini decreased, registering a southward displacement of the GC and smaller catches. In the long run, anchovy occupied lesser area ( more...

Bycatch is a global problem for marine megafauna. Peru is a major fishing nation known in particular for its industrial purse-seine fishery for the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens). However, Peru also has an artisanal purse-seine fishery for this same resource and other species such as Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis), Pacific chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) used for human consumption. While there is limited documentation of bycatch of megafauna by the industrial purse-seine fishery, there is no similar information for the artisanal purse-seine fishery. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the marine megafauna (small-cetaceans, seabirds, sea turtles, and elasmobranchs) bycatch interactions of the Peruvian artisanal purse-seine fishery for consumption for the year 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) through interviews with artisanal fishers in 5 landing ports (San Jose, Santa Rosa, Callao, Pucusana, and San Andres). We found that these fisheries had bycatch with all taxa groups, with dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), guanay cormorants (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) and eagle rays (Myliobatis spp.) having the highest quantity and most frequently reported bycatch. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) indicated an association between the bycatch of 1–3 common dolphins (Delphinus spp.) per set from the northern ports (San Jose and Santa Rosa) and vessels of 20–36 MT. Likewise, a relationship was found between smooth hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna zygaena) and vessel storage capacity, with a similar result reported for the bycatch of humpback smoothhounds (Mustelus whitneyi). In addition, a relationship of eagle ray (Myliobatis spp.) bycatch with a landing port was identified, and several respondents mentioned catching more than 1 MT per set. Fifty-three percent of fishers considered bycatch to be a problem, mainly because it wastes their time during fishing operations. This preliminary study is the first research that demonstrates bycatch in artisanal purse-seine in Peru and can serve as a baseline for future research. We also highlight the need to quantify bycatch rates of marine megafauna using additional methodologies, such as monitoring with onboard observers. • First study that evidences the interaction between marine megafauna and the artisanal purse-seine fishery. • Batoids, seabirds, and dolphins had the most frequently reported bycatch. • Relationship of marine megafauna bycatch, latitude of port and vessel storage capacity. • Human consumption persists as a final fate of some bycatch species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Highlights • Solvent-free glycerolysis catalyzed by Lipase PS-DI produces MAG rich in PUFA. • For the first time, oxidative stability is considered during glycerolysis design. • Simultaneous optimization of MAG yield and oxidative stability in glycerolysis design. • Optimized glycerolysis conditions improved end-product oxidative stability by 68%. Abstract The production of mono- and diacylglycerols rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids is achieved in this study, by solvent-free glycerolysis of anchovy oil with lipase PS-DI from Burkholderia cepacia. Attention is focused on the oxidative stability of the reaction products, determined in terms of induction time (I t). The effects of glycerol/triacylglycerol molar ratio, enzyme concentration, and reaction temperature on mono- and diacylglycerol production and I t are all assessed. The operating conditions that optimized monoacylglycerol yields and oxidative stability were a glycerol/triacylglycerol ratio of 3/1, 9.0% (w/w) Lipase PS-DI, a stirring rate of 200 rpm, and a reaction time of 4 h, at 45.8 °C, producing a content of 24.8% and 51.9% of mono- and diacylglycerols, respectively, over an I t of 1.41 h. The glycerolysis conditions determined by simultaneous optimization strategy increased the oxidative stability of the glycerolysis products by 68%, which rose from 0.84 h (individual optimization) to 1.41 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Synchrony of species alternations in the northern Humboldt (NHCS) and Kuroshio (KCS) Current systems was examined by comparing time series data of landings and population statistics of major small pelagic fish species along with climate indices from 1960 to 2015. Target species were anchovy Engraulis ringens , sardine Sardinops sagax , jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi and chub mackerel Scomber japonicus in the NHCS, and anchovy E. japonicus , sardine S. melanostictus , jack mackerel T. japonicus and chub mackerel in the KCS. The time series of total biomass and spawning stock biomass (SSB) of anchovy and sardine for the NHCS and the KCS were well correlated, as were the landings data. Landings of small pelagic fish including jack mackerel and chub mackerel indicated that multi-species alternations may also be synchronous at a community level between the two current systems. Peak landings of jack mackerel and chub mackerel were observed between peaks of anchovy and sardine in both current systems, although the relationships between jack mackerel and chub mackerel differed between the current systems. The species alternations between anchovy and sardine are most reasonably attributable to environmentally-induced changes in the biomass as a major mechanism, although the effect of fishing activity cannot be excluded. Future studies will be required to compare biological characteristics of multiple small pelagic fish species in the pelagic food chain in each current system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Small pelagic fish species have been a central research topic for more than 60 years because of their ecological role, their economic importance, and the apparent multidecadal large fluctuations in catches, synchronic fluctuations from remote regions, and the alternation between the abundance of sardine and anchovies within each system. Strong evidence supports the observation that low-frequency fluctuations of small pelagics occur naturally. However, the synchrony and the alternation have been questioned. In this study, the Regime Problem hypothesis is revisited by updating the fish catch time series to 2015, and by incorporating into the analyses stocks not originally considered due to the time series lengths. The specific questions addressed here are: 1) whether the synchronic fluctuations of small pelagics catches from remote regions and the species alternation between species within each system, observed for the last century in the Regime Problem literature, remains after updating the time series, and 2) If a multidecadal signal can also be detected in regions that were not considered in the original Regime hypothesis framework. Results indicate that the multidecadal synchrony between systems and alternation between species remains clear for the Kuroshio and Humboldt systems. The California small pelagics cannot be considered to be in phase with the other systems, that in Benguela alternation is not evident during at least the last two decades, and that there is not a single worldwide mode of variability teleconnecting all small pelagics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract The Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) is the most important small pelagic of the Humboldt Current System (HCS), supporting the largest mono-specific fishery in the world. The spatial behavior of this species tends to be very dynamic at different spatial scales, influenced mostly by its biomass level and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to analyze temporal and spatial fluctuations in anchovy spatial distribution off Peru, based and modeled on acoustic data, focusing on large- and meso-scale spatial structures. We employed data from 41 scientific surveys (1994–2016) and Bayesian hierarchical spatial models to obtain the anchovy's spatial distribution, allowing us to identify spatial structures at specific scales. Our results showed similar temporal trends in the number of mesoscale structures, their areas and anchovy density, exhibiting altogether two breakpoints in the time series: ~1999 and ~2013. The last period (2013–2016) was similar to the earlier one (1994–1999), in terms of low values of mesoscale structure indicators. On the other hand, we identified four spatial scenarios differentiated by the aggregative behavior, which were highly influenced by seasons and El Niño events. Each scenario had recurrent, or fidelity, areas placed in different locations. For instance, for the 'El Niño scenario' a particularly coastal recurrent area was identified, which might be a refuge zone for this species during these unfavorable events. Finally, we assessed differences in biomass estimates of each scenario. The highest biomass values were estimated for the 'Summer favorable scenario' and the lowest ones for the 'El Niño scenario', which supports the MacCall's basin hypothesis for this species. This study expands the current knowledge of the Peruvian anchovy and it is a first step to understand the effects on this species of the last El Niño events (2014–2016) that occurred in the northern Humboldt Current System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Many small pelagic fish species exhibit dramatic fluctuations in abundance accompanied by range expansions during periods of favorable environmental conditions. The location and extent of suitable habitats also shift in response to both short term variability and long term trends in climate. Near the margins of a contemporary range, trends in abundance may reflect a continuation of historical variability but may also foreshadow future changes in distribution. The Salish Sea (all inland marine waters of Washington State and southern British Columbia; made up of the Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound) is a highly productive estuarine system at the northern end of the distribution of Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax). An apparent recent (2014–2016) increase in Northern Anchovy abundance has generated interest in the dynamics of this species in the Salish Sea. We compiled recent and historical data to understand spatiotemporal patterns of distribution and fluctuations in abundance over the last century. Spatially-consistent occurrence of eggs, larvae, and juveniles, and year-round presence of multiple age classes, confirm that successful spawning and recruitment of Northern Anchovy occurs within the Salish Sea. Most periods of elevated Northern Anchovy abundance in the last century have corresponded to, or lagged, periods of elevated ocean temperatures. While a 2005 peak in abundance within the Salish Sea also corresponded to higher abundance of Northern Anchovy in adjacent regions of the coastal Pacific Ocean, it seems unlikely that Salish Sea abundance is controlled primarily by advection or migration from external populations. Persistence of elevated ocean temperatures like those observed from 2014 to 2016 could lead to consistently high abundance of Northern Anchovy within the Salish Sea, with implications for trophic relationships and ecosystem function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Future scenarios of fish stocks and the impacts of climate variability and change on fisheries are critical to anticipate and minimize potential economic losses in this sector. In this study, we assessed the impact of recent sea warming and future climate change on anchovy in the Bay of Biscay, where sea surface temperature has increased in the last three decades. We analyzed the historical evolution of the anchovy spawning and built species distribution models that are projected under the RCP8.5 climate change scenario. The historical analysis of anchovy spawning showed that spawning peak advanced at a rate of 5.5 days/decade from 1987 to 2015, and the gonadosomatic index (as proxy of spawning activity) generally increased, which might be associated to changes in phytoplankton abundance. In addition, the spawning area expanded and contracted depending on the total egg production. In the future, the overall anchovy egg abundance in the Bay of Biscay is expected to increase between 1.05 and 2.66-fold under the RCP8.5 climate change scenario by the mid and end-of-the-21st-century, respectively. Projected environmental changes are expected to induce an expansion of the spawning area (7.8% and 16.4% for mid- and end-of-the-century) and higher egg densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Concentrations of 26 metals and elements were measured in sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) sampled from 6 Greek coastal areas in order to assess public health risks and benefits. Nutritional benefits seem to outweigh the potential risks arising from fish metal content, since various parameters (Safety Standards, Estimated Daily Intake, Maximum Safe Consumption, Hazard Quotient, Metal Pollution Index, As Carcinogenic Risk, Mercury toxicity – Selenium benefits, Nutrient Reference Values) indicated mostly safe consumption of the studied species. Weekly consumption of 480.76 g of sardine and anchovy poses minor risks (due to increased levels of essential metals like Fe and Zn in some cases) but great benefits regarding intake of essential elements like Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ca, P, Se. The traces of inorganic As detected were well below all safety limits. Hg toxicity symptoms are not likely to appear and Se benefits are not likely to be compromised. Highlights • Nutritional benefits seem to outweigh the potential risks arising from fish metal content. • Weekly consumption of 480.76 g of sardine and anchovy poses minor risks but great benefits. • The traces of inorganic As detected were well below all safety limits. • Hg toxicity symptoms are not likely to appear and Se benefits are not likely to be compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Species – specific differences in the levels of 26 metals and elements in sardine and anchovy are investigated and the factors of proximate composition (proteins, lipids, ash) and body size (length, weight) that may affect the metal and elemental concentrations in fish are explored. Statistical analysis revealed that levels of metals and elements in fish seem to strongly depend on species. Significantly higher levels of most of the metals and elements studied have been observed in anchovy compared to sardine at each of six different sites. The observed species-specific differences in metal content could be attributed to different proximate composition and size among other factors. The significant (positive or negative) correlations found between lipids, proteins, ash, weight, length and metals or elements, suggest that higher levels of most of the metals and elements studied can be associated with lower lipid content, greater protein and ash content and smaller size. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Metal and elemental content depends on fish species, proximate composition and size. • Higher levels of most metals were observed in anchovy compared to sardine. • Higher levels of metals and elements can be associated with lower lipid content. • Higher levels of metals and elements can be associated with greater protein content. • Higher levels of metals and elements can be associated with smaller fish size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract The change in species dominance between anchovy and sardine that took place during the 1980s in the southern Benguela has been investigated previously using an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model. The results from that model indicated that fishing pressure was unlikely to have been the driver of change. Instead, the findings indicated that changes within low trophic level groups such as the zooplankton affected prey availability for anchovy and sardine, leading to the shift in dominance. This paper applies the donor-driven Ecotran model to these same data for the southern Benguela ecosystem in the 1980s. The consumption matrix from the Ecopath model was converted to a production matrix, apportioning the production of prey groups in a constant proportion to their predators, rather than assuming the consumption of predator groups is taken in fixed proportions from their prey. This configuration allows donor-control of model ecosystem dynamics, appropriate when low trophic level groups affect the outcomes. The trophic structure for the Ecotran model was further amended to exclude “cannibalism”, and dissolved nutrient groups were added to allow for recycling. To test whether the donor-driven modelling affected model results, the same set of scenarios was applied using Ecotran models as were tested using the EwE model in previous research. Qualitative methods were used to compare the results of the two model techniques, as Ecotran scenarios represented static, steady-state solutions for the ecosystem state, whereas EwE scenarios represented dynamic solutions for the ecosystem state. These results indicate that for the majority of groups and scenarios the Ecotran model predicts the same direction of change as the EwE model when the 1980s ecosystem is used as a starting point. However there is more uncertainty in the direction of change predicted by the Ecotran model when it is applied to the 1990s state in an attempt to recreate the 1980s state, and thus more disagreements between the models. The results of the Ecotran model supported the conclusion from prior EwE analysis that the driver of change in anchovy and sardine dominance was likely changes in prey availability. The underlying cause of this shift in prey availability remains a question for further research. Highlights • Ecotran can be readily applied to ecosystems previously expressed as EwE models. • Anchovy-sardine abundance shifts are likely driven by prey availability. • Prey shift at meso- and microzooplankton levels are most likely the driver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Vessel monitoring systems (VMS) represent a tool that can provide information on the spatial and temporal distribution of fishing activity and a quantitative evaluation of the fishing effort at both spatial and temporal scales. The aim of this study was to characterise the spatio‐temporal structure of the Catalan purse seiner fishing effort directed towards anchovy or sardine, which was estimated by filtering VMS data (from 2012 to 2014) by species and seasons. The results showed that the mean location of the fishing effort directed towards anchovy did not vary among the summer seasons, in contrast to the efforts in spring and autumn, whereas the mean location of the effort directed towards sardine was constant over the seasons. The concentration curves indicated that similar fishing effort patterns occurred during all seasons when directed towards sardine, whereas the effort directed towards anchovy was more concentrated in summer. The ranges of the variograms indicated that the fishing effort directed towards both species formed patches. The dimensions of these patches changed from season to season, with the smallest magnitudes during the summer seasons. In this study, a seasonal distribution pattern of the fishing efforts was recognised that adequately captured the features of the distributions of small pelagic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract Among multiple ways to ameliorate Alzheimer's disease, antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition are considered as two primary approaches. Previous studies have indicated that anchovy protein hydrolysate (APH) exhibited strong antioxidant and AChE inhibitory capacities, and Maillard reaction could significantly ( p < 0.05) improve its bioactivities. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between chemical compounds and bioactivities (antioxidant and AChE inhibitory capacities) by analyzing the main components of APH with or without Maillard reaction. GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS results showed that newly formed heterocyclic components and rearrangement peptides with basic or aromatic amino acids in low molecular weight fraction during Maillard reaction might have contribution to the greater ABTS·+ scavenging and AChE inhibitory capacities of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from APH and ribose (APH-M). Therefore, Maillard reaction could raise the bioactivity of hydrolysates which has important guiding significance for the production of polypeptide health care products. Highlights • Maillard reaction increases antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. • Peptides degradation and cross-linking occurred during Maillard reaction. • Newly rearrangement peptides during Maillard reaction influenced bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study investigated the changes in the pH, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), color L*, a*, b*, shear force, and microbial content (total plate count; TPC) of dried anchovy Engraulis japonicus in a home refrigerator and freezer at 2, − 1, − 5, and − 20 °C. The TBA value and shear force significantly decreased with increasing storage duration at all of the tested temperatures (p < 0.05), whereas the VBN and TPC values increased (VBN significantly so) with increasing storage duration (p < 0.05). The anchovy L* values decreased, whereas the a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values increased as the storage period was lengthened. The pH decreased after 9 months. The results suggest that the optimum storage period of the dried anchovy is within 6 months. It can be stored below 2 °C for 3 months, but for storage exceeding 3 months, it should be frozen at − 5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: The presence of zoonotic Hysterothylacium larvae in fish from Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, which can cause economic losses for commercial fisheries, has been reported in several studies; however, little is known about species identity in this region. The aim of this study was to identify at species level the Hysterothylacium morphotypes detected in three commonly consumed fish: horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). Third‐ and fourth‐stage Hysterothylacium larvae, as well as adults obtained from larval in vitro culture, were morphologically and molecularly identified by ITS1/ITS2 rDNA sequencing. Four Hysterothylacium morphotypes were detected. Genetic analysis showed that morphotypes VIII and IX were different larval stages of Hysterothylacium aduncum, which was supported by cultured adult species identification. Morphotypes III and IV were found to correspond to different developmental stages of another species of Hysterothylacium. As all larval types detected were morphologically indistinguishable from others previously reported yet showed clear genetic differences, they are referred here as new genotypes. This is the first time that ITS‐sequence data of various developmental stages of the same species, including adults, have been studied and compared, providing crucial knowledge for future studies on Hysterothylacium identification and biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

There is a growing interest in monitoring body condition of marine organisms in the context of the ecosystem approach to fisheries and global change. Fish condition is under the influence of environmental variability on seasonal scale, but also on longer timescales. It represents a good indicator of habitat quality or individual fitness, and is also a relevant parameter to evaluate energy transfer through the trophic chain. However, the sources of variability in fish condition need to be accurately understood and the significance of existing indices has to be correctly assessed. Here, we measured the energy density, a precise and global indicator of fish bioenergetic condition, for anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) and sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) in the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, based on an extensive sampling design in 2014. First, we investigated the well-documented relationship between percent dry mass and energy density, and showed that such relationship is species specific. Second, we observed distinct patterns in bioenergetic condition between anchovy and sardine. Both species display similar minimum values at size or age but maximum are significantly higher for sardine, reflecting a higher energy storage capacity that scales more strongly with size. Third, we confirmed the large seasonal variability in energy density of both species. In the Bay of Biscay, energy density values for anchovy and sardine (age 1+) are 5.7 and 5.9 kJ g −1 (wet weight) in spring and 6.8 and 7.9 kJ g −1 in autumn, respectively. Our results revealed that fish from the English Channel display significantly higher energy density values in autumn (9.8 kJ g −1 for anchovy and 10.5 kJ g −1 for sardine) than those from the Bay of Biscay. When combined with size and weight at age it appears clearly that, after age 1, fish from the northern region display larger growth and energy reserves. This likely results from a higher zooplankton productivity in the English Channel or/and a selection pressure towards faster growing and faster reserve building individuals, to be able to survive a longer winter than in the Bay of Biscay. Finally, we described a dome shaped evolution of energy density with body size in case of sardine. Increase with size has been well documented but not the decrease at largest sizes. Several mechanisms may explain such a pattern, i.e. increasing investment in spawning, shift in diet or a metabolic trade-off between temperature and food availability, with regard to maintenance requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper analysed cross correlations among multispecies and single species bio-economic diversity measures related to a local dynamic fisheries ecosystem along the period {1986:1–2014:12}. We focused on bio-economic Simpson, Shannon and multispecies Berger Parker indexes (our proposal of multispecies pure leadership indicator) and the percentage share of income of anchovy and mackerel. These two species were chosen because they showed the highest correlation with the multispecies diversity indices, and led, respectively the “ antidiversity ” and “ prodiversity ” groups of species within the ecosystem. Time series were subjected to a double treatment to avoid the potential for spurious and biased correlations. First, the long run and seasonal cycles were removed by means of a cyclical ARFIMA modelling approach. Second, the time series were pre-whitened using conventional ARMA modelling. Correlations between the multispecies indices were remarkably high and hardly changed with the pre-whitening procedure. Conversely, the correlations of the multispecies indicators with the income shares of the two leading species decreased to almost the half after pre-withening, but still remained significant. The concentration in our particular ecosystem is high (i.e. diversity low) and it is significantly correlated with the income shares of the leading species. Accordingly, the risk of collapse for the local fishing sector is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Useful knowledge acquisition from known and systematized information (data) is a big challenge for researchers, users and finally, decision makers. In this sense, knowledge discovery from data (KDD) process represents a valuable tool for information analysis. Moreover, this work presents an approach through KDD in time series pattern identification for anchovy and sardine fisheries and environmental data, in northern Chile. Time series, multivariate analysis and data mining techniques, along with technical literature review for results validation. The KDD approach and the data mining techniques implemented achieved an integration between these variables, identifying relevant patterns associated with fisheries abundance fluctuations and strong association with environmental changes such as El Niño and long-term cold-warm regimes between them, establishing anchovy and sardine pre-dominant time-periods, associated with environmental conditions are identified. The latter establishes groundwork for studying underlying functional relationships that could reduce gaps in the national fisheries management policies for those fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: The abundance and recruitment of anchovy Engraulis spp. and sardine Sardinops spp. alternate in a synchronized way across the Pacific. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) indicated that climate change drives the alternation of the two species in the California Current System. However, climate indices patterns in the western North Pacific contrast with those in the eastern North Pacific, despite synchronous species alternations occurring. Therefore, it is of great interest to clarify whether climate change, or any other factors, affects the population dynamics of Japanese anchovy and Japanese sardine in the western North Pacific. Using CCM, we tested whether climate change and interspecific interactions affect the population dynamics of these two species. We found that climate change affected recruitment, and we clarified the spatiotemporal pattern of this effect. This result supports the existing hypotheses that population dynamics are regulated by climate change in the western North Pacific. The present study also detected interspecific interactions between sardine and anchovy, which might promote the alternation of the two species, and has not been reported in other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The recruitment of anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus , the crucial forage fish in the Black Sea ecosystem, has drastically decreased in the last two decades, mainly due to overfishing. The wild-caught fertilized anchovy eggs were hatched and the larvae exposed to the different feeding levels to indicate the irreversible starvation criteria based on RNA/DNA, then the nutritional status of wild-caught larvae were evaluated. The newly hatched larvae had mean notochord length of 3.25 ± 0.04 mm and first feeding started on day 3 after hatching. The feeding levels applied to produce the irreversible starvation were fed control (FC), unfed control (UC), delayed first feeding for 1 (1DF), 2 (2DF) and 3 days (3DF). The whole body RNA/DNA ratio and the daily protein growth rate were individually analyzed. There were no survivors left in unfed group on day 6. Irreversible starvation (IS) occurred on the first day after first feeding which suggest the Black Sea anchovy larvae have a very low tolerance to starvation and the critical RNA/DNA ratio was 1.022 ± 0.20. The survival rate in the unfed control was similar to the other delayed groups. The highest daily protein growth rates were on day 6 with 43.45% for FC. Based on IS derived from RNA/DNA, 91% survival probability was detected in field-caught larvae. In future, irreversible RNA/DNA ratio can be used for monitoring and comparing of nutritional status and recruitment probability of different cohorts of the Black Sea anchovy larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In a global framework of growing concern for food security and environmental protection, the selection of food products with higher protein content and lower environmental impact is a challenge. To assess the reliability of different strategies along the food supply chain, a measure of food cost through the environmental impact-protein content binomial is necessary. This study proposes a standardized method to calculate the Green Protein Footprint (GPF) index, a method that assesses both the environmental impact of a food product and its protein content provided to consumers. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to calculate the environmental impact of the selected food products, and a Life Cycle Protein Assessment (LCPA) was performed by accounting for the protein content along the supply chain. Although the GPF can be applied to all food chain products, this paper is focused on European anchovy-based products for indirect human consumption (fishmeal) and for direct human consumption (fresh, salted and canned anchovies). Moreover, the circular economy concept was applied considering the valorization of the anchovy residues generated during the canning process. These residues were used to produce fishmeal, which was employed in bass aquaculture. Hence, humans are finally consuming fish protein from the residues, closing the loop of the original product life cycle. More elaborated, multi-ingredient food products (salted and canned anchovy products), presented higher GPF values due to higher environmental impacts. Furthermore, the increase of food loss throughout their life cycle caused a decrease in the protein content. Regarding salted and canned products, the packaging was the main hotspot. The influence of the packaging was evaluated using the GPF, reaffirming that plastic was the best alternative. These results highlighted the importance of improving packaging materials in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Abstract: The Humboldt Current System (HCS) has the highest production of forage fish in the world, although it is highly variable and the future of the primary component, anchovy, is uncertain in the context of global warming. Paradigms based on late 20th century observations suggest that large‐scale forcing controls decadal‐scale fluctuations of anchovy and sardine across different boundary currents of the Pacific. We develop records of anchovy and sardine fluctuations since 1860 AD using fish scales from multiple sites containing laminated sediments and compare them with Pacific basin‐scale and regional indices of ocean climate variability. Our records reveal two main anchovy and sardine phases with a timescale that is not consistent with previously proposed periodicities. Rather, the regime shifts in the HCS are related to 3D habitat changes driven by changes in upwelling intensity from both regional and large‐scale forcing. Moreover, we show that a long‐term increase in coastal upwelling translates via a bottom‐up mechanism to top predators suggesting that the warming climate, at least up to the start of the 21st century, was favorable for fishery productivity in the HCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article analyzes the initial effect of introducing a cooperative catch shares allocation system (CCS) on the technical efficiency of artisanal vessels operating in pelagic fisheries in south-central Chile. The voluntary nature of the system implies that some fishermen adopted the CCS and others did not, generating in the latter a natural control group for evaluating the effect of the regulation. We used the stochastic frontier model to estimate technical inefficiency and a difference-in-difference approach to identify the effect of the regulatory change on the performance of vessels that joined the CCS, while controlling for the behavior of the vessels that remained in the "common pool system." The introduction of cooperative catch shares in the sardine and anchovy fishery reduced technical efficiency in the vessels that adopted the CCS, on average. However, the impact on fisherman's technical efficiency was heterogeneous depending on the characteristics of the fishermen's organization. This suggests that the way in which fishermen organized affected their performance. Organizations that showed evidence of cooperation among members improved the technical efficiency of its members' vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The blue shark, Prionace glauca (L.), is one of the most abundant pelagic sharks, and determining their feeding habits is important for understanding the ocean ecosystem. Generally, stomach contents analysis has been used to evaluate its feeding habits; however simply analyzing stomach contents reveals short-term feeding habits. In this study, we examined feeding habits of blue sharks in the Northwestern Pacific based on results of both stomach contents and stable isotope analyses. The most dominant species and taxonomic group in the stomach were identified as anchovy and Oegopsida species, respectively. Mean δ13C and δ15N values of blue sharks were 18.5‰ and 12.1‰, respectively, which were higher than those of the prey items. Estimated proportional distribution of prey species varied according to discrimination factors used for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios. Proportion of neritic or mesopelagic nekton, such as anchovy and lanternfish, was higher than that of other prey items including squids. We conclude that blue sharks capture prey ranging from neritic to mesopelagic animals through diel vertical migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Using a process spanning less than 10 days, a novel technique combining two-stage autolysis and external koji fermentation for the rapid preparation of low-salt anchovy sauce is presented. High-efficiency autolysis of anchovy was achieved by two-stage autolysis, and the second-stage autolysis exhibited a significantly positive effect on the improvement of hydrolysis yield and recovery of anchovy proteins. During the external koji fermentation of hydrolysates from two-stage autolysis, the optimum amounts of added water and salt were determined to be 20% and 8.0%, respectively. By investigating the effect of fermentation time on the biochemical and sensory changes of anchovy sauce, the optimal fermentation time was 8 days. The prepared anchovy sauce had an umami taste, was rich in free glutamate, and contained taurine and γ-aminobutyric acid. In addition, it contained 0.890 g/100 mL amino acid nitrogen (AAN), 1.886 g/100 mL total nitrogen, and 9.76% NaCl. Meanwhile, the recovery of total nitrogen (RTN) was 63.89%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] more...

Populations of sardine, anchovy, and other forage species can fluctuate to low levels due to climate variability and fishing, leading to indirect effects on marine food webs. In the context of recent declines of sardine ( Sardinops sagax) and anchovy ( Engraulis mordax) in the California Current, we apply an end-to-end Atlantis ecosystem model that is spatially explicit, includes trophic interactions, and allows high and low recruitment regimes (production of juveniles). Our simulations suggest that depleted sardine populations, whether caused by fishing or natural cycles, may lead to declines in predator groups such as dolphins and large piscivorous flatfish (e.g. California halibut Paralichthys californicus ). Birds exhibited more moderate declines, and California sea lions ( Zalophus californianus ) exhibited relatively weak declines. The Atlantis ecosystem model also predicted indirect positive effects of sardine depletion, primarily for prey species such as zooplankton. Overall our model predicted moderate declines in most predators during simulated severe declines in sardine and anchovy, illustrating the important buffering role provided by forage species other than sardine and anchovy. This ‘buffered response’ is weaker than what would be suggested by another ecosystem model (Ecosim), as predicted by diet information and a global synthesis of Ecosim models (the PREP equation). One limitation of the Atlantis model is that it did not include processes that might give rise to localized depletion of sardine at scales relevant to central place foragers, such as birds and pinnipeds. This analysis will contribute to a collaborative multi-model approach that evaluates the role of sardine in the California Current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In the present study, we investigated a shift in the spatial distribution of wintering anchovy ( Engraulis japonicus) and its relationship with water temperature, using data collected by bottom trawl surveys and remote sensing in the central and southern Yellow Sea, during 2000-2015. Our results indicate that the latitudinal distribution of wintering anchovy varied between years, but there was no consistent pattern in the direction of change (north or south). Wintering anchovy did not move northward with increasing water temperature. However, the latitudinal distribution of wintering anchovy correlated well with 10°C and 11°C isotherms. The results of both a one-step and a two-step generalized additive model indicated that water temperature was associated with both presence and biomass of wintering anchovy. This paper is the first to systematically examine the relationship between anchovy distribution and water temperature using a variety of techniques. All the findings confirm the impact of water temperature on wintering anchovy distribution, which has important implications for the continued management of the anchovy resource and the enhancement of marine fishery resources in the Yellow Sea, especially as the climate changes. However water temperature only partly explains the species distribution of anchovy, and stock characteristics also affect fishery distribution. Therefore, other factors should be considered in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are adjusted to predict monthly landings of anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and sardine (Sardinops sagax) in northern Chile (18°21'-24°00'S). Fishing effort (FE), landings and twelve environmental variables are considered from 1980 to 2012. External validation for the best models using all variables showed an R2 of 95% for anchovy and 99% for sardine, with an efficiency of 0.94 and 0.96, respectively. The models were simplified by considering only FE and sea surface temperature (SST) from NOAA satellites (SST-NOAA). Using these variables, very similar fits were achieved, comparing with the previous models, maintaining their predictive capacity. Downscaled SST for A2 climate change scenario (2015-2065) obtained by statistical regionalization from the Community Climate System Model (CCSM3) from National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and three FE scenarios (2010-2012 average, + 50% and - 50%), were used as inputs for ANN simplified models. For A2 future climate change scenario (2015-2065) using 2010-2012 average FE as inputs, anchovy and sardine landings would increase 2.8% and 19.2% by 2065 respectively. With FE variations (-50%), sardine landings show the highest increase (22.6%) by 2065 when FE is decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Members of the Engraulidae (anchovies) fuel large fisheries around the globe, helping to fulfil demands for food. On the other hand, unpredictable catches that are a very common occurrence with respect to this family can have drastic consequences on economies of different countries. Like many other fisheries, the Black Sea anchovy fishery is a very good example of a fishery greatly affected by abrupt peaks and troughs in landings. In this work, the existing knowledge on the species' overwintering behavior and exploitation patterns along the south coast of the Black Sea is re-evaluated with respect to recent observations. The strong seasonality and very short fishing season are noted as the main characteristics regulating development of the fishery over time. Climatic variability may sometimes generate favorable overwintering conditions outside areas where anchovy aggregations are usually expected, resulting in a temporal shift in overwintering grounds. As most fishing activity takes place on these grounds, low catches in some years are more likely to have been due to fishing the wrong areas, rather than stock decline. This is particularly the case when geopolitical developments have reshaped the fishery, such as the collapse of the Soviet Union, whose fishing fleet once dominated the anchovy fishery. Such irregularities pose considerable management challenges, in particular stock management. Some significant harvest control strategies applied to various anchovy stocks are reviewed and discussed with respect to peculiarities of the Black Sea anchovy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The intraspecific structure of the European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus) was studied on the basis of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene ( cytb) fragment variability in 84 individuals from seven localities of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The data on haplotype and nucleotide diversity and the values of neutrality tests suggested expansive growth of anchovy populations in the Azov-Black Sea basin. All samples from anchovy populations demonstrated a high level of haplotype diversity ( Hd = 0.962). Two dominant haplotypes were identified, the frequencies of which were not directional, and they were present in all localities. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytb gene fragment showed no differentiation between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Information gathering can reduce critical uncertainties and, consequently, lead to better decisions on conservation and exploitation of fisheries. Such decisions might improve the fishing opportunities or lower their variability. However, information gathering comes at a cost. The concept of the expected value of information is based on the idea that decisions will be more accurate if the decision maker has more information. The objective of this work is to use this concept to measure and understand the economic value of fishery research surveys using the mathematical theory of the expected value of information. The Bay of Biscay anchovy fishery is used as an example, given the importance of the surveys in the assessment and management in this fishery. The paper provides a measure of the value of information obtained by research surveys. It also analyses the properties of these values, considering the methodology used, and examines the circumstances under which such calculations are adequate. The sources of subjectivity inherent to this methodology and to the general concept of information signals in the fishery assessment and management are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study was conducted to optimize the processing conditions of coating for preventing oxidation using response surface methodology (RSM) and to investigate the quality improvement of coated boiled-dried anchovy. RSM showed that the optimum ultrafiltrates from the second rockfish skin gelatin hydrolysate (FGH) concentration (%) and pre-drying time (min) for boiled anchovy were 4.6% and 180 min, respectively. Immediately after drying, the peroxide value (POV) and TBA value of the coated boiled-dried anchovy were significantly lower than those of the uncoated anchovy. In both coated and uncoated boiled-dried anchovies, the POV and TBA values increased during storage, whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio of the boiled-dried anchovy decreased. Variation in these values was lower for the coated samples than for the uncoated samples. Thus, the coating on boiled-dried anchovy may be effective for preventing lipid oxidation. Practical applications This manuscript addresses the problem of lipid oxidation in boiled-dried anchovy. The boiled-dried anchovy are important dried seafood in Korea. However, the quality of boiled-dried anchovy quickly decreased by lipid oxidation during processing, storage and distribution. This study has focused on the suppression of lipid deterioration in boiled-dried anchovy. According to the results of this study, lipid deterioration of the boiled-dried anchovy suppressed by coating invisible edible film from fish gelatin hydrolysates. Therefore, invisible edible film from fish gelatin hydrolysates could be used for the suppression of lipid deterioration in dried fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This article studies the monthly variability of anchovy (Engraulis ringens) in northern Chile, related with the environmental effect of sea surface temperature on the landings of the fishery. In order to achieve that goal, a variant of the autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (ARCH) model is proposed, in which an additional covariate is included (sea surface temperature) and missing values are considered. To estimate the parameters of the model we use a least square type estimation procedure. The proposed model considers monthly data from the anchovy fishery in northern Chile from 2010 to 2020 with the sea surface temperature as an environmental exogenous variable. The results show the good performance of the model and its capability to further represent the anchovy variability by means of its estimated conditional variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Small pelagic fish are among the most ecologically and economically important marine fish species and are characterized by large fluctuations all over the world. In the Mediterranean Sea, low catches and biomass of anchovies and sardines have been described in some areas during the last decade, resulting in important fisheries crises. Therefore, we studied anchovy and sardine body condition variability, a key index of population health and its response to environmental and anthropogenic changes. Wide temporal and spatial patterns were investigated by analyzing separately data from scientific surveys and fisheries in eight Mediterranean areas between 1975 and 2015. Results showed that anchovy and sardine body condition as well as maximum size in some areas sharply decreased in most Mediterranean areas along years (except in the Northern Alboran Sea). Despite this general pattern, well-marked environmental differences between sub-regions were highlighted by several analyses and variations in body condition were not found to be homogeneous over all the Mediterranean Sea. Further, other analyses revealed that except for the Adriatic where major changes towards a lower body condition were concomitant with a decrease in river runoffs and chl- a concentration, no concomitant environmental regime shift was detected in other areas. Together, these analyses highlighted the current poor body condition of almost all small pelagic fish populations in the Mediterranean. Yet, global environmental indices could not explain the observed changes and the general decrease in condition might more likely come from regional environmental and/or anthropogenic (fishing) effects. A prolonged state of poor fish body condition, together with an observed reduced size and early age-at-maturity may have strong ecological, economic and social consequences all around the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...