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ABSTRACT Recreational fisheries are dynamic social‐ecological systems. Identification of anticipated future trends supports the design of policies and management to deliver outcomes for fisheries resources, users, and communities. To this end, we applied a forecasting method (i.e., Delphi survey) to recreational fisheries in five Nordic countries. The survey consisted of three rounds and included 20 diverse experts from each country. The study focused on expert perceptions of future trends in angler behaviors linked to specific angling activities (e.g., gear used, species targeted), and more general behavior (e.g., social media use, stewardship). Experts unanimously expected increases in fly fishing, stewardship, and use of angling‐related technologies and social media platforms in the upcoming decade. Results can guide future research, management, and collaboration related to recreational fishing in the Nordic countries and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Changes in population demographic structure can have tangible but unknown effects on management effectiveness. Fishery management of Pacific salmon is often informed by estimates of the number of spawners expected to produce maximum sustainable yield (SMSY), implicitly assuming that reproductive output per spawner does not change over time. However, many salmon populations have experienced long‐term trends in age, sex and length compositions that have resulted in smaller body sizes of mature fish. We present an empirically based simulation approach for evaluating management implications of declining reproductive output resulting from shifting demographics. We simulated populations with or without demographic trends, selective or unselective harvests, and harvest policies based on assessment methods that did or did not account explicitly for demographic trends when estimating SMSY. A management strategy evaluation showed reduced expected harvests and run sizes when populations exhibited negative demographic trends. Reduced abundances and increased conservation risks (higher probability of falling below an abundance threshold) could be partially mitigated by using stock‐recruitment analyses based on total egg mass instead of spawner abundance, or via precautionary management where target escapements were higher than SMSY, especially in fisheries that selectively removed large fish. Explicit accounting of demographic trends in stock‐recruit analyses resulted in up to 25% higher run sizes and up to 20% lower conservation risks compared to traditional methods when trends toward smaller, younger and male‐biased runs were present in the population. Conservation of population demographic structure may be critical for sustaining productive fish populations and their benefits to ecosystems and people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this text, I reflect on the African cosmovivencias of Ubuntu and the place of the ancestors within those cosmovivencias. I also approach the resignifications that Ubuntu and ancestrality have had in the African Diaspora. I show how ancestrality is present both in Ubuntu and in the cultural, religious, and traditional manifestations, which express the resignifications of the African cosmovivencias of Ubuntu in Latin America. To support my argument, I bring examples of cases that I consider to be experiences of these cosmovivencias. For Africa, I mention Ubuntu (South Africa) and the instances of the figure of “Kimbilikiti,” a common spirit of the Lega ethnic group (eastern DRC); the ancestral ritual for good fishing, practiced jointly in Uvira (also in east DRC); and the figure of “Abashingantahe” (wise men, judges), in Burundi. For Latin America, I bring up the experiences understood as “suficiencias íntimas” and “vivir sabroso” in Colombia and the African rooted religions and the quilombola communities. All these cases have the African ancestry in common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of global warming and frequent catastrophe, monitoring wild populations of stream salmonids is increasingly important. However, with declining human birthrates and aging populations predicted for developed countries, conventional monitoring surveys conducted solely by fisheries researchers may not be sustainable owing to labor shortages. Local anglers sometimes form communities, such as fishing clubs or cooperatives. Community-based fishing reports can ensure monitoring accuracy similar to conventional population estimates. In this study, a mark–recapture survey using the Petersen method was performed on white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis and red-spotted masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae in a mountain stream of the Fuji River basin, central Japan, from 2018 to 2023. The marking survey was conducted for age-1 and older fish by electrofishing with the participation of local anglers. For the recapture surveys, anglers fished and reported on the number of total and marked individuals in their catch for each species. The total catch by anglers was 1.5–2.9 times higher than the number of fish captured for marking by electrofishing. The reporting method of fishing results varied widely: direct reporting to the lodge staff including the third author, social networking sites, e-mail, telephone, and fax. The estimated population density of both species combined was at least 0.18 individuals m-2, indicating a high abundance in the stream when compared with literature reports for similar mountain streams. Significant positive correlation was shown between the population densities and the number of fish caught per angler per day, suggesting that the estimation accuracy was reasonably robust. The results of the mark–recapture survey were fed back to the anglers every October. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish behaviour is intimately linked to fishing catchability. Measurements of fish behaviour may provide quantitative indicators that inform about the impact of fishing pressure and help design effective management strategies. The implications of spearfishing pressure on fish behaviour have mainly been characterized using single quantitative indicators such as flight initiation distance (FID), which provide incomplete views of spearfisher‐fish behavioural interactions.We used an integrative approach to advance the understanding of spearfisher‐fish behavioural interactions by complementing FID estimates with post‐flight responses (i.e. individual fish behaviour after fleeing), and the decreasing probability to catch a fish at increasing distance from a speargun. We first collected empirical observations of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) FID and post‐flight behaviour in response to an approaching human (spearfisher or snorkeler) inside and outside marine protected areas. We then combined these observations with simulations based on an innovative model representing how catchability changes during a spearfisher‐fish behavioural interaction.Empirical results showed that the likelihood of a still‐vulnerable post‐flight response after fleeing was inversely related to increasing exposure to spearfishers. This demonstrates that post‐flight response can be used as an indicator of spearfishing pressure. Moreover, post‐flight responses provided complementary information to that provided by FID, suggesting that these two indicators should be integrated for a holistic view of spearfishing‐fish interactions, such as in the model and simulations presented here.The simulations demonstrated that: (i) accounting for post‐flight responses may increase likelihood of approach by spearfisher within speargun range by up to 20%; and (ii) accounting for post‐flight responses and decreasing probability of capture with increasing distance from speargun drastically reduces estimates of likelihood of capture of white seabream at minimum catch length limit outside marine protected areas compared with using FID as single indicator of catchability.Synthesis and applications. First, integrating flight initiation distance (FID) measurement with post‐flight responses provides a more realistic indicator to measure fish behavioural reaction to spearfishing pressure. Second, the model presented here showed that spearfishing mortality may drastically decrease when accounting for both prey behaviour (i.e. FID and post‐flight responses) and spearfishers effectiveness (i.e. probability to catch a fish at increasing distance from a speargun). This must be considered to understand population dynamics and potential changes in catchability when spearfishing is managed through temporal restrictions (e.g. seasonal or periodic closures). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We reviewed the scientific literature to assess the current status of recreational fishing in the Neotropical region. In total, 122 publications met our criteria and are included here. Since 1990, the number of studies published on recreational fishing in the region significantly increased. Recreational fishing was evaluated in 13 countries and two territories. Most studies were in marine environments. In total, 372 fish species captured through recreational Neotropical fishing were registered. In South American countries, the presence of nonnative species was significant. Studies were concentrated in a few countries or were not published in scientific articles, conference papers, or book chapters, and some aquatic environments, such as coastal areas, bays, coastal lagoons, and reservoirs, were not studied. In addition, there are few lines of investigation into the practice of this activity in the region, and new investigations are necessary, especially with respect to environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishing communities globally continue to face poor health and safety outcomes, driving the expansion of fisheries occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions. However, narrowly focused OHS interventions that neglect the social and structural determinants of health may have unintended consequences. We illustrate this problem through a case study from the UK where a recent OHS intervention, the introduction of compulsory medical certificates to all commercial fishers, led to unforeseen negative impacts. Through analysis of data from interviews, focus groups and a participatory workshop in Cornwall, UK, we highlight three key findings. First, while seeking to improve safety at sea, the regulatory change actually had negative consequences for fishers' health, their access to healthcare and potentially even their safety. Second, a mismatch between the requirements of the regulation and fishers' lived experience undermined the efforts of health promotion and outreach activities. Third, a failure to account for the implications for different sectors of the fleet has contributed to mistrust that may have ramifications for future fisheries governance activity. Our research brings to the fore important implications for the design of OHS regimes in fisheries. These include the broadening of OHS approaches to consider fishers' wider health and well‐being; engagement of fishers in the development and implementation of OHS interventions to account for their lived experiences of health and safety at sea and better integrate their knowledge; support for bottom‐up fisher‐led initiatives aimed at managing health and safety at sea; and improved coordination between agencies responsible for different areas of fisheries governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Recreational fishing surveys have an important role in providing data to inform fisheries management. The selection of a contact method is an important and often challenging consideration that influences the potential for non‐sampling errors that can result in unrepresentative data and biased estimates. Telephones are used for many off‐site recreational fishing surveys, but widespread use of digital technology suggests that online surveys could be a viable alternative. We compared phone surveys with alternative online surveys using probability sampling from a licence database. Response rates were lower for online surveys (13%–26%) than phone surveys (97%–98%). The proportion of respondents who reported marine fishing in the previous 12 months did not differ between survey methods (98% for both survey modes), but the proportion of avid fishers was higher for online surveys (41%–54%) than phone surveys (37%–40%). These differences reflect higher respondent burden for online surveys where data are self‐administered and respondents are more likely to opt‐out. Higher non‐response and over‐representation of avid fishers from online surveys may compromise data reliability. We recommend comparative studies to quantify and correct for biases when evaluating alternative survey modes for new or ongoing surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the impact of illegal fishing on sustainable fisheries, and its implications for youth unemployment, in Uganda. The qualitative study drew on the knowledge, attitudes, practices and experiences of young fishers regarding their role as active citizens in sustainable fishing. It also explored youth entrepreneurship through lifelong learning as a potential solution to the challenges involved. Data were collected using participatory action research. Interviews were conducted with thirteen young fishers (aged 22–35) from Kigungu fishing ground on Lake Victoria, four of their spouses (some of whom were fish smokers), and two fishers from Gaba fishing ground (as a comparison). A focus group discussion was also held with five local leaders of Kigungu fishing ground. The authors used a social constructivist theoretical framework to help them understand the perspectives of young fishers and consider potential solutions and opportunities for lifelong learning. Their findings highlight manipulative employment terms and expensive legal fishing methods as significant barriers to sustainable fishing. Furthermore, fishers expressed uncertainty about starting their alternative enterprises, compounded by a sense of hopelessness and a lack of social capital, as victims of a worldwide problem they are being punished for but cannot solve on their own. There is a need to engage young fishers in discussions surrounding alternative livelihoods and collective solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive cycle of Hemiodus unimaculatus in the upstream area of the Tucuruí reservoir in the Tocantins River was described. The animals were collected monthly for 1 year in the Tauiry Village, municipality of Itupiranga, Pará. The individuals had their biometry taken, the gonads removed and weighed to calculate the gonadossomatic index and processed for histological analysis. A total of 103 animals were collected, 87 females and 16 males (sex ratio of 5 females:1 male). The total length and weight of the animals did not vary significantly during the year, the females had an average length of 21,867 ± 1.55 cm and an average weight of 118.63 ± 23.4 g. The males had average length of 20.353 ± 1.39 cm and an average weight of 96.90 ± 20.2 g. Females and males were in developing phases during fall and winter, and Spawning Capable in spring and summer. Spawning Capable females were collected in the fall. The closed fishing season determined for the species does not fully cover its reproductive period. This associated with the imbalance of the sex ratio, and over‐fishing of the species may be leading the species population to decline upstream of the Tucuruí reservoir on the Tocantins River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interconnectedness of adjacent freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems results in ‘tangled‐webs’, where the cross‐boundary exchange of materials results in energy flows that provide critical resources for ecosystem productivity. However, these energy flows can be disrupted by anthropogenic activities, resulting in modified ecosystem functioning. A ubiquitous anthropogenic activity in fresh waters is recreational angling. Five major angling activities can disrupt the structure of the ‘tangled‐web’ to produce an ‘angled‐web’ (a tangled food web that is modified by angling activities). (1) Fish stocking increases the number and species available to exploit, but the increased fish abundances can have strong top‐down effects and disrupt reciprocal prey subsidies. Following capture, fish are either (2) harvested or (3) released alive (‘catch‐and‐release0’); both can both drive eco‐evolutionary changes that can modify food‐web structure. Where fish are exploited using baited hooks, (4) the release of ‘ground‐bait’ is used as a fish attractant; its composition of novel protein and carbohydrate sources form novel trophic links in the food web and can accelerate eutrophication. Some angling styles also require (5) riparian and in‐stream vegetation to be cleared to minimise gear fouling, potentially modifying fish spawning and nursery areas. We suggest that each of these angling impacts (and their interactions) can contribute to transforming the ‘tangled web’ into an ‘angled‐web’, with the strength and direction of the transformation dependent on angling pressure, prevailing fishery practices, regulations and management, and the extent of the interaction effects of the activities. These interactions and their impacts will vary globally given angling methods, practices and regulations differ across the world. We argue that, in this era of substantial environmental change driven by climate change, habitat loss and nutrient enrichment of fresh waters, the extent to which angling impacts food webs should not be overlooked and underappreciated. We emphasise that when freshwater angling activities are poorly managed and/or unregulated, they can strongly modify the interconnectedness between terrestrial and freshwater food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing economic risk is a challenging endeavor for fishers. One of the ways to mitigate such risk is through income diversification spanning even beyond fishing activities. However, the role of non-fishing income on risk management has been poorly understood. Here we investigate the relationship between fishing risk levels and secondary incomes by analyzing risk levels of fishers' incomes from fishing, non-fishing, and partner income sources for Swedish fisheries from 2004 to 2015. We find that fishers with a balanced share of fishing and secondary incomes have lower risk levels than fishers who primarily rely on fishing income. Both non-fishing income and partner income reduce risk levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite generating huge employment opportunities and profitable business, fishing is considered a dangerous occupation due to challenging weather conditions and exposure to unhealthy occupational factors and lifestyles, which contribute to various health issues. However, few studies have examined the health status of shrimp cultivators. Consequently, this study aims to estimate the age group-wise burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among shrimp cultivators. Methods: Simple random sampling was employed for collecting data. The sample size was 357 shrimp cultivators. Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and relative risk (RR) methods were used to measure the burden of NCDs among shrimp cultivators. This study reported the burden of NCDs per 100,000 shrimp cultivators. Results: The top five prevalence of NCDs per 100,000 shrimp cultivators were mental disorders (85,434), musculoskeletal diseases (26,325), digestive diseases (9,803), diabetes (5,882), and cardiovascular diseases (4,481). DALY per 100,000 shrimp cultivators was 33,407.59, while at the national level, it was 24,775.99 per 100,000 people across all age groups. The RR of NCDs among shrimp cultivators in terms of DALY was 1.35, indicating a 0.35 times higher burden of NCDs among shrimp cultivators than at the national level. The largest RR of NCDs was found among shrimp cultivators aged 15–49 years (1.85), followed by 50–69 years (1.09). The highest percentage changes in the burden of NCDs among shrimp cultivators, resulting from changes in the methods of estimating DALY, was observed in the age group of 70 years and above (−48.36%) followed by 15–49 years (−46.08%) and 50–69 years (−40.33%) when compared to the baseline method of estimating DALY without utilizing age weightage and discount rate. Conclusions: Focus should be given to improving the lifestyle and occupational factors of shrimp cultivators to mitigate the burden of NCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mound Key (8LL2), a 51 ha anthropogenic island in Estero Bay, Florida, is comprised of a complex arrangement of midden-mounds of various sizes, canals, watercourts, causeways, and other features. Occupied from approximately a.d. 450 through European contact, Mound Key served as the primary center and political capital of an extensive Calusa socioeconomic network whose economy was rooted in fishing, gathering, and hunting. Drawing on zooarchaeological analyses of ichthyological refuse dating to between a.d. 1000 and 1350, I argue that the Calusa actively managed and invested in a core fishery that ultimately contributed to a complex, robust socio-ecological systems (SES). I examine the nature, role, and signatures of these fisheries, as their management underwrote the success of Calusa social, political, and economic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have found that growing or wild-harvesting some of one's own food is associated with food security in high-income societies. Yet this research has not established causal relationships, and it measures household food security using indicators that assess only access to market food. To disentangle how non-market food production interacts with food security, we interviewed 26 key informants who play central roles in communities of gardeners, hunters, fishers, foragers, and homesteaders in northern New England, U.S.A. These informants indicated that non-market food production relates ambiguously to short-term food access in high-income societies where market food is cheap relative to wages. But non-market production can enhance all other recognized dimensions of food security: availability, adequacy, acceptability, agency, utilization, stability, and sustainability. Causation can run the other way, too: food insecurity was said to increase the likelihood and intensity of engagement in non-market food production. Yet poverty can deprive food-insecure households of the equipment, money, skills, and land access needed for successfully producing their own food. Overall, our informants portrayed non-market food production as a skills-based safety net for reliably feeding oneself from the landscape through personal and societal crises, from the distant past to the climate-change future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central to imagining and working toward alternate futures—futures more abundant, just, and caring than many in our more-than-human midst are experiencing now—is articulating the ways in which our present is already multiple, already pluriversal. Moreover, as academics interested in these ideals, we might consider it our political responsibility to share examples of the pluriverse where we find them. However, calls for illuminating and enacting the pluriverse are sometimes vague about what we can do beyond researching and publicizing important social movements. This paper argues that enrolling theories of care and commoning to examine everyday phenomena can be a powerful move toward identifying and amplifying the pluriverse. Care and commoning both foreground how more-than-human wellbeing is actively nurtured in collective, relational ways. Further, we argue that cities, outwardly prominent manifestations of "universal" capitalism, are in fact rich in pluriversality. The ways in which alternate realities (and possible futures) are performed is of course varied, uneven, and full of struggle. Here, we use a case study of urban fishing to document and amplify such performances as part of the project of moving toward abundant futures. We highlight especially the elements of urban fishing that resist a capitalist culture, namely, claiming time and space for rest, sharing, and connection with more-than-human others. In doing so, we show how the theoretical development of ideas of the pluriverse and abundant futures might be improved with focused empirical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust projections of future trends in global fish biomass, production and catches are needed for informed fisheries policy in a changing climate. Trust in future projections, however, relies on establishing that models can accurately simulate past relationships between exploitation rates and ecosystem states. In addition, historical simulations are important to describe how the oceans have changed due to fishing. Here we use fisheries catch, catch‐only assessment models and effort data to estimate regional fishing exploitation levels, defined as the fishing mortality relative to fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield (F/FMSY). These estimates are given for large pelagic, forage and demersal fish types across all large marine ecosystems and the high seas between 1961 and 2004; and with a 'ramp‐up' between 1841 and 1960. We find that global exploitation rates for large pelagic and demersal fish consistently exceed those for forage fish and peak in the late 1980s. We use the rates to globally simulate historical fishing patterns in a mechanistic fish community model. The modeled catch aligns with the reconstructed catch, both for total catch and catch distribution by functional type. Simulations show a clear deviation from an unfished model state, with a 25% reduction in biomass in large pelagic and demersal fish in shelf regions in recent years and a 50% increase in forage fish, primarily due to reduced predation. The simulations can set a baseline for assessing the effect of climate change relative to fishing. The results highlight the influential role of fishing as a primary driver of global fish community dynamics. Plain Language Summary: Fishing can heavily impact the number and types of fish in a region. Yet, simulating the historical impacts of fishing on fish communities is challenging, especially on a global scale. This is because for many places, we do not know how many fish are in the sea and what fraction of these fish die from fishing each year. In this study, we estimated the historical rate by which fisheries have caught fish globally. We used these data in a mathematical model to simulate the number of fish in the sea; both with and without fishing. The model shows that fishing has reduced the biomass of big predators (large pelagic and demersal fish) by 25% in shelf regions. This decline led to less predation on forage fish and a 50% increase in forage fish biomass, despite fishing of forage fish. These simulations will allow estimating the relative effects of climate change and fishing on current and future fish communities. Key Points: We estimated global gridded fishing exploitation patterns for large pelagic, forage and demersal fish types using catch and effort dataFood‐web simulations with reconstructed fishing exploitation rates broadly replicated catch trends of diverse ecosystems on a global scaleGlobal biomass declines due to fishing of large pelagic and demersal fish leads to increases in forage fish via a trophic cascade [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The home team is widely viewed as having an advantage in most team sports. Individual sports are less inclined to have homefield advantage, since they are contested on neutral sites with contestants from a wide variety of locales. Bass fishing differs from most individual sports as the venue fished is governed by local biological and climatological variation. Thus, there may be a homefield advantage that accrues to anglers living close to the venue where the tournament is held. In this paper we examine angler performance in the two premier bass fishing tournaments in the U.S.: the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour. We find that angler performance in both tournaments is related to characteristics that measure experience, aptitude, and past success. In addition, we find evidence that angler performance suffers as distance to the lake increases, and this result holds after controlling for other angler characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile populations such as fisherfolk show high HIV incidence and prevalence. We pilot-tested implementation strategies to enhance pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence in the context of healthcare outreach events in two mainland fisherfolk communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda from September 2021 to February 2022. The implementation strategies included PrEP adherence supporters (selected from PrEP users' social networks), community workshops (to address misconceptions and stigma, and empower PrEP advocacy), and check-in calls (including refill reminders). PrEP medical records data were collected from 6-months pre-intervention to 6-months post-intervention. Qualitative interviews with 20 PrEP users (10 who continued, 10 who discontinued), 9 adherence supporters, and 7 key partners (providers, community leaders) explored acceptability. Percentages of PrEP initiators (of those eligible) were significantly higher during the intervention (96.5%) than 6-months before the intervention (84.5%), p < 0.0001; percentages of PrEP users who persisted (i.e., possessed a refill) 6-months post-initiation (47.9% vs. 6.7%) and had at least 80% PrEP coverage (based on their medication possession ratio) from the initiation date to 6-months later (35.9% vs. 0%) were higher during versus pre-intervention, p < 0.0001. A comparison fisherfolk community with better healthcare access had lower uptake (78.3%; p < 0.0001) and persistence at 6-months (34.0%; p < 0.001), but higher coverage during the intervention period (70.4%; p < 0.0001). Qualitative data suggested the strategies promoted PrEP use through reduced stigma and misconceptions. The intervention bundle cost was $223.95, $172.98, and $94.66 for each additional person for PrEP initiation, persistence, and coverage, respectively. Enhanced community-based PrEP implementation that fosters a supportive community environment can improve PrEP use in mobile populations without easy access to healthcare. (NCT05084716). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational angling for novel marine species and related tourism development can be important in a Blue Economy. The milkfish (Chanos chanos) is growing in popularity as a target of fly fishing‐based catch‐and‐release (C&R) recreational fisheries, largely because of their challenge to catch and powerful swimming abilities, resulting in fight times that can exceed 1 h. Anecdotal sentiments by anglers claim that milkfish can fight for long periods of time because they do not accumulate blood lactate. To test this hypothesis, we measured blood lactate and blood glucose for 21 milkfish caught by fly fishing in the remote Alphonse Group of islands, Republic of Seychelles. Fight times ranged 5–78.3 min. Blood lactate and blood glucose concentrations increased with fight times that did not exceed 60 min. Total length of milkfish was not correlated to blood lactate or blood glucose concentrations. Ours is the first study on C&R of milkfish that debunks the anecdote that milkfish can fight for long periods of time because they do not accumulate blood lactate. Our study also revealed that milkfish may begin to physiologically recover after fight times longer than 60 min. In the context of C&R, our study indicates that anglers should limit fight times to 20–30 min when possible to reduce angling‐induced physiological stress and other potential impacts (e.g., depredation) on milkfish in recreational fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of recreational fisheries on marine ecosystems is often overshadowed by commercial fisheries, although recreational fishing harvest can be substantial, especially for species that are either overfished or experiencing overfishing. Delaware is a small coastal state with ~1,000,000 residents and nearly 272,000 resident and non‐resident anglers. We used publicly available data for Delaware's recreational fisheries during 1981–2021 to determine the nine most caught fish species and to evaluate trends in total numbers caught, harvested, released, and catch per unit effort (CPUE). The top nine most frequently captured fish by recreational anglers were Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata), Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), White Perch (Morone americana), Tautog (Tautoga onitis), Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), and Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus). The proportion of fish released increased through time for all nine species, suggesting that the recreational fishery in Delaware is transitioning from a harvest‐oriented to a catch‐and‐release‐oriented fishery. Observations of higher release rates in recreational fisheries of Delaware are consistent with the findings elsewhere in the world for freshwater and marine systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the fish population dynamics of a delay logistic model with restrictions on harvesting in a deterministic environment. This is the first time an autonomous model with a harvesting function has been created to regulate the harvesting of fish. The goal of the study is to help external regulatory bodies manage fishing harvests and replenish fish stocks. The dynamics scenario mirrors the facts of fishing systems and enhances the research that has already been done. Two restriction conditions are employed. In the event that the agency detects overfishing, all fish harvesting is prohibited, with the fishing control parameter raised in order to bring the fish back to full stock, while the catchability coefficient is set to zero. However, if the system is designed so that harvesting is carried out in accordance with the fish's sustainable growth level, then we have the partial restriction condition where no ban is imposed on fishing. This model's practical benefit is its adaptability; it may be redesigned to suit any physical system whose functioning is comparable to this phenomenon. As a result, it is advised that the regulatory bodies use the model to manage the fish stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the history of ideas, the use of knowledge, and what is known about research links, linkages, and interactivity, this 'fishing for topics' article focuses on how funded narrative inquiries move from fieldwork to contribute to the literature and what is known about teaching and the teaching profession. This fluid inquiry addresses the following research questions: (1) How are patterns/themes identified in data pools? (2) How are exemplars created that become published research stories? and (3) How does one manuscript relate to other manuscripts in the same and different data pools? Initially, the featured scholarship was produced using narrative inquiry's interpretive tools of broadening, burrowing, and storying/restorying. Then, serial interpretation was undertaken to elucidate how research ideas materialized within/across the Korea-U.S. and the U.S.- China data pools. This innovative approach involved organizing the two studies into two metalevel story serials. Through this layered narrative inquiry approach, the overarching themes of fluid inquiry, flow of topics, and links/linkages/interactivity across data pools were identified. Two new narrative conceptualizations were named: meta-level story serials and meta-level serial interpretation. The insights arising from this "fishing for topics" article reflect the never-ending ebb and flow of waves splashing up to shore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From December 2012 to June 2014, 796 Pacific guitarfish were caught in 183 fishing sets in northern Peru. Catch occurred in 86.3% of sets. Most individuals caught were mature with a bias toward males. The mean total length for females and males was 83.4 cm, and 91.1 cm, respectively. The capture per unit effort (CPUE) was 12.6 ± 3.4 guitarfish (km.12 h)−1. The length–weight relationships showed that this species presents a sexual dimorphism in growth. These results support the importance of Sechura Bay as a key area for this species. This study represents the first species‐specific fishery data for the Pacific guitarfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discussed the sense of belonging, position, livelihood sustainability, and vulnerabilities of the fishery-dependent nomadic community in Bangladesh. Due to technological advancements, infrastructural developments, and progress in medical science, the ancient traditions and culture of this nomadic community are on the verge of extinction. Fishing is identified as the most sustainable livelihood approach for the nomadic community compared to other professions, with an average daily income of up to BDT 700 ± 100 during the fishing season. However, this community faces numerous natural and anthropogenic threats that affect their traditional occupations and livelihoods, making their lives more vulnerable. Natural drivers include climatic catastrophes, storms, winds, cyclones, and tides. Anthropogenic drivers include fishing bans, dependency on a single profession (fishing), lack of effective alternative income-generating options, and social, economic, and cultural exclusion. The government and responsible NGOs should take a holistic approach to design livelihood interventions for nomadic fishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tagalag, an urban barangay in Valenzuela, has been providing fish supplies to its city since the 1980s. The barangay was established after a massive flood, and in 2016, it was declared a city eco-tourism zone. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development, encompassing objectives pertaining to the tourism sector. The application of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the tourism sector has been undertaken by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of advocating for the implementation of sustainable, equitable, and environmentally friendly practices within the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism encompasses the comprehensive evaluation of its societal, ecological, and economic consequences while simultaneously addressing the requirements of both tourists and local communities, safeguarding natural resources, and mitigating adverse environmental effects. Under the SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation this goal is making sure about the Tagalag fishing village has an availability of clean water and good sanitation by all and how this can be sustained in the Tagalag community which the researchers do some recommended plan for the community Tagalag Fishing Village is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices and marine life habitat restoration, implementing scientifically based management programs and regulatory agencies. The village prioritizes water resource conservation and surface runoff reduction but could benefit from enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. The village's economic growth is exemplary, with policies promoting economic growth, job opportunities, entrepreneurial endeavors, and indigenous culture preservation. However, there is room for improvement in sanitation and clean water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harpoons are part of the composite technologies, widely dispersed throughout the world. In South America, a unique type of throwing harpoon reveals a limited distribution, primarily discovered in hunter‐gatherer archaeological sites within the lower La Plata basin. Specifically, they are found in two archaeological units named Incised Pottery and Plain Pottery which are defined by different material properties but share several common aspects as well. Regarding bone tools, the primary distinction lies in the decoration of the items, contrasting with the ornamentation of the pottery. While the processes underlying regional variability in the archaeological assemblages is not yet fully understood, various types of artifacts show differences in morphology and stylistic features that can be linked to archaeological units. For this purpose, we examined 13 archaeological samples of harpoon heads considering morphological, physical, and metrical variation, as well as the operational sequence. As result, we observed variations in both morphology and decoration, while the metrical structure, the selection of raw material and the operational sequence remain unaltered. This phenomenon could be attributed to a recent process of social differentiation affecting external features, whereas the internal characteristics are connected to technique behaviors resistant to recent changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean, the bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838, presents a minor socioeconomic impact and the assessment of any environmental impact requires more relevant data. The congeneric red cornetfish Fistularia petimba Lacepède, 1803, has expanded its distribution range within the basin but only small numbers have been reported to date. A total of 207 individuals of F. commersonii were collected between April 2021 and March 2022 from the Levantine coast of Rhodes and 92 more from various locations. Additionally, 13 individuals of Fistularia petimba were caught in March 2024 from the Aegean coasts of the island. We aim to assess the current progression of the population of the two cornetfish, the possible further exploitation of F. commersonii to boost the local fishing economy, their possible dietary overlaps and to add valuable biological and ecological data. In F. commersonii, male to female ratio (1:1.33) significantly departed from 1:1, with length–weight relationships exhibiting positive allometric growth. Six age groups were identified. The highest reproductive intensity was observed during summer. The onset of sexual maturity was estimated at 65.52 cm in total length (1.8 years). Longevity was estimated at 11.1 years with females growing larger than males. The exploitation rate (E = 0.47) indicated that the population is underexploited. The optimum and target fishing mortality were higher in comparison with the present fishing mortality (F = 0.48), indicating a potential for commercial exploitation of the species. For F. petimba, the sex ratio was 1:2.25. The species preys on crustaceans, followed by fish and molluscs. The finding of Vanderhorstia mertensi (Klausewitz, 1974) in the stomach content of both cornetfishes constitutes the second published record for Hellenic waters and the first for the Dodecanese Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve commercial species exploited in the eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian waters were assessed using the Catch-Maximum Sustainable Yield (CMSY) and Bayesian Schaefer Model (BSM) methods. The carrying capacity (k), intrinsic rate of population growth (r), maximum sustainable yield (MSY), and relative biomass (Bend/k and B/BMSY) were estimated. The current stock status was defined by B/BMSY and fishing mortality (F/FMSY). The results indicate that seven stocks were overfished or below safe biological limits (B/BMSY < 0.5 or F/FMSY > 1), two stocks were in a recovery phase (0.5 < B/BMSY < 1, F/FMSY < 1), and three stocks were under sustainable fishing pressure with healthy biomass, capable of producing yields close to the MSY (B/BMSY > 1, F/FMSY < 1). The stock statuses are consistent with previous studies on the utilization of pelagic fisheries in the eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian waters and with those assessments in other waters. The results of the assessments suggest that these stocks could be expected to produce higher sustainable catches if permitted to rebuild; thus, more effective and proactive management is needed in this upwelling fishing ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fishers are at risk of back disorders due to their physically demanding work. The aim was to investigate risk factors for back disorders in fishers in Denmark. Methods: All male Danish registered fishers between 1994 and 2017 were included. ICD-10 codes classified back disorders (M40-M54* and DM99.1-4*). A multistate model on a cause-specific cox regression modelwas conducted. Results: Of 13,165 fishers included, 16% had a hospital contactwith an incident back disorder, and 52% at least had 1 recurrent episode. Having worked in another occupation (HR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.27) and another musculoskeletal disorder (HR 1.84; 95% CI: 1.69, 2.01) were significant risk factors for the incident back disorder. No risk factors were seen for recurrent episodes. Conclusions: Risk factors for incident and recurrent back disorders were different; thus, episode-specific initiatives are needed to reduce back disorders among fishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size‐ and species‐selective harvest inevitably alters the composition of targeted populations and communities. This can potentially harm fish stocks, ecosystem functionality, and related services, as evidenced in numerous commercial fisheries. The high popularity of rod‐and‐reel recreational fishing, practiced by hundreds of millions globally, raises concerns about similar deteriorating effects. Despite its prevalence, the species and size selectivity of recreational fisheries remain largely unquantified due to a lack of combined catch data and fisheries‐independent surveys. This study addresses this gap by using standardised monitoring data and over 60,000 digital angling catch reports from 62 distinct fisheries. The findings demonstrate a pronounced selectivity in recreational fisheries, targeting top predators and large individuals. Catch‐and‐release practices reduced the overall harvest by 60% but did not substantially alter this selectivity. The strong species‐ and size‐specific selectivity mirror patterns observed in other fisheries, emphasising the importance of managing the potential adverse effects of recreational fisheries selective mortality and overfishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why do people fish for recreation? Social science literature suggests that both catch (e.g., number or sizes of fish) and non‐catch dimensions (e.g., nature experience, temporary escape) play a role. After reviewing the literature from environmental psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, recreational fisher motivation research as well as popular fishing books, I find that the opposite of catching fish, more specifically the uncertainty of the catch, maybe another, perhaps fundamental force that explains the attraction of the activity to millions of people. There appears to be strong utility in the gaming nature of the activity. This quality may contribute to explain various patterns that are well known, e.g., the overinvestment of time and money by recreational fishers that drastically exceed the market value of fish, the lack of self‐regulation of a local recreational fishery in terms of effort being spent also on low stock sizes, the disutility associated with providing certain catch probability information, diminishing marginal utility return for increasing catch rates, management regulations that make fishing harder than necessary, suboptimal satisfaction despite rising catch rates, and finally the dominance of men among populations of recreational fishers. I present a serious of testable propositions and call for a novel research focus that seeks to better understand what makes catch ambiguity attractive psychologically and emotionally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three challenges specific to the Bay of Bengal region in the context of climate change. Firstly, this is a climate-sensitive region that sits on the brink of several climate and human-induced environmental changes and challenges. Secondly, it is still a relatively understudied geographic area from the perspective of climate risks. Third, the process of securitisation of climate change and long-term risks to resources in this region has not taken place fully as traditional security challenges, geopolitics, and great power competition have become primary concerns. This paper looks at the climate vulnerabilities and risks prevalent in this region. It also looks at human-induced challenges like marine pollution and IUU fishing. It then evaluates the reasons why several of the collective promises in the region remain unfulfilled. It is followed by a brief discussion on the security implications of climate change which is followed by a conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The roll damping coefficient is essential when considering the viscous effect in the potential-based hydrodynamic analysis of fishing vessels; it is an important factor in the roll motion response. The present study performs free roll decay simulations, altering weight variables using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate the correlation between the roll damping coefficient and the weight variation of a fishing vessel. The time series of roll amplitude and roll damping coefficient are compared, for varying vertical and longitudinal centres of gravity and radii of gyration in roll motion. As the vertical centre of gravity increases, both the roll decay period and the roll damping coefficient also increase. The roll decay period tends to increase with the increase in the radius of gyration during roll motion, while the roll damping coefficient exhibits a decrease. A longitudinal centre of gravity has a limited effect on free roll decay characteristics. The roll damping coefficients between the maximum and minimum combinations of weight variables show significant differences. The findings of the present study could enhance the understanding of the safety of fishing vessels based on their loading conditions. Consequently, future research could further improve the results obtained in the present study by considering various hull shapes and speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential for recycling fishing rope waste from the Magdalen Islands, Canada, into sustainable wall cladding panels, addressing both environmental concerns and waste management challenges. A comprehensive characterization of the fishing ropes was conducted using various analytical techniques to assess their suitability for recycling. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as the main polymers present in the ropes, with a composition of approximately 25% PE and 75% PP. The effects of photodegradation were evaluated through carbonyl index analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed reduced crystallinity, a 20% decrease in tensile strength, and lower molecular weights due to environmental exposure in comparison with unused ropes. However, melt flow rate (MFR) measurements aligned with virgin HDPE and PP values used in rope manufacturing, indicating suitable processability for recycling. Panels produced from recycled fishing ropes exhibited lower flexural and impact properties compared to commercial alternatives due to the presence of mineral contaminants and voids in the panels as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the potential repurposing of fishing rope waste, contributing to the development of sustainable waste management strategies for coastal communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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With an estimated 32,000 annual fatalities, fishing vessel accidents are 100-fold deadlier than those involving merchant ships. Despite ongoing safety training, accident rates remain high. Since most fishing vessel accidents occur in small fishing vessels (<12 m) and are primarily attributable to human elements, this study focuses on small fishing vessel accidents where the human element is the primary cause, exploring preventive measures for major accident types and performing a type-specific risk assessment. First, we performed a quantitative analysis of frequently occurring accidents and the indirect factors influencing the human element using maritime accident statistics and surveys, respectively. Next, we employed the fault tree analysis technique proposed by the International Maritime Organization in its Formal Safety Assessment to quantitatively assess the rate of accidents caused by the human element attributable to various indirect factors. The primary indirect factors most significantly impacting the human element were ship factors (22.8%), people factors (18.9%), and organization on board (17.4%). Secondary factors included personal negligence (14.1%), aging equipment and poor maintenance (10.3%), and harsh natural conditions such as rough waves (9.6%). Eliminating the top three secondary indirect factors reduced accidents due to the human element by 15.4% (64.5−49.1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of recreation-seeking fishing tourists is increasing. This study aimed to examine the variables that contribute to predicting fishing tourists' green behaviors at coastal tourism destinations by adopting an fsQCA approach. The research findings show that while each factor (i.e. perceived benefits, volitional variables, non-volitional variables, and emotion variables) individually exerts a significant influence on green behavior, the combined effect of integrating all these factors is substantial. This indicates that the synergy or combined influence of considering perceived benefits, volitional variables, non-volitional variables, and emotion variables together has a pronounced effect on promoting environmentally friendly behavior. Furthermore, the results of this study have academic and practical implications, as it was the first investigation of fishing tourists' psychological mechanisms undertaken by defining the relationship between green behaviors and their antecedents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational angling of nesting largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) and smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) can greatly increase nest abandonment, and in the northern clines of their range, decrease recruitment. This is the case in eastern Ontario, where high levels of non-compliance and difficult to enforce regulations have impacted black bass (Micropterus spp.) conservation and management. Effective January 1, 2024 until December 31st, 2025, novel and experimental fishing sanctuaries were imposed on portions of Charleston Lake and Opinicon Lake that prohibit recreational fishing of all types from April 15th to the Friday before the first Saturday in July (encompassing the full bass reproductive season). As part of the formal process to institute these experimental regulations, public comments were collected on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. We examined those comments and identified supportive and non-supportive themes related to these experimental regulations. While a majority of stakeholders were in support of the new regulations, we also noted sub-themes that may hinder regulation acceptance. Those sub-themes include: a perceived lack of enforcement negating the potential benefits of the sanctuaries, under-estimation of the extent of non-compliance with existing regulations such that new regulations are unnecessary, misunderstanding and misinformation, as well as distrust of government and the academic research community. Understanding and addressing these stakeholder perspectives will help researchers studying the new sanctuary areas and managers understand any lack of compliance while informing future decisions about bass management in eastern Ontario and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recreational fishing is practiced by thousands of people in European coastal waters and is steadily gaining popularity. Serving multiple purposes, recreational fishing provides fresh fish for meals, offers leisure, and contributes to traditional ecological knowledge, especially at the local level. Therefore, analyzing its dynamics and catch is a complex task, since they not only depend on the environmental features but also on the behavior of fishers. In coastal areas, however, most recreational fishers remain unmonitored, making it difficult to obtain data on their impact on fish stocks. This is particularly evident in the Venice lagoon, where we conducted a comprehensive study aiming to characterize recreational fishing dynamics. We collected data through interviews, online questionnaires, and remote sensing techniques, including satellite imagery photointerpretation and machine learning algorithms. Our findings reveal spatial and temporal variations in fishing activity, with certain areas and times experiencing higher fishing pressure. This highlights a seasonality in fishing activity and a pattern in fishers' behaviors that are associated with fish migratory dynamics. Such an association demonstrates the local fishers' understanding of the fish lifecycle phases and the environmental conditions of the lagoon. Regarding the catch, the most targeted species are seabream (Sparus aurata), seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), with estimated total catches of 18.65 t per year, 15.82 t per year, and 8.36 t per year, respectively. However, our results showed a significant disproportion between the biomass caught by two different groups of fishers that differ in terms of fishing trip frequency, success rate, and catch. While the average catch of the first group, representing most recreational fishers, might be considered of low impact, the catch of the second group, encompassing recreational fishers who fish with very high frequency and efficiency, is substantial in the context of the lagoon ecosystem. Indeed, even considering a conservative estimate, recreational fishing in the Venice lagoon accounted for approximately 2% of the catch of cuttlefish and 17% of the catch of seabream compared to commercial fishing catch, whereas the catch of seabass by recreational fishing approached that of commercial fishing. Therefore, the implementation of a periodic monitoring program utilizing methods such as machine learning algorithms and remote sensing technologies could support the management of recreational fishing dynamics. We also suggest that participatory processes involving both professional and recreational fishers may aid in defining shared approaches and bottom–up initiatives, ensuring enjoyment as well as sustainable uses of coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lobstering industry workers are known to have poor overall health and low safety records, but there is still a gap in information concerning Canadian lobster fishers. This study aimed to report occupational health and safety characteristics of an Atlantic Canada community of lobster fishers and to assess differences between captains and deckhands. Twenty-eight participants (10 captains, 18 deckhands) were questioned and self-reported on lifestyle, general health status, work-related musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries. The data collected reveal both groups' high prevalence of cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health issues. Captains reported more occupational exposition and health issues, and showed poorer lifestyle habits than deckhands. Fishers reported potential solutions to reduce occupational risks, presented as three types: lifestyle, working behaviours and leadership. This study evaluated a community of Canadian lobster fishers regarding their occupational health and safety. Potential avenues for mitigating occupational risk specific to this community will nurture future implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]