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Els estocs de peix al Mediterrani no es recuperen i la política pesquera comuna europea retalla dies de pesca a la flota d'arrossegament. Això, sumat al poc relleu generacional, posa en perill el futur de la pesca.

[EN] The sustainability of exploited populations of marine resources has been extensively studied since the early twentieth century. The effect of the two world wars advanced population dynamics applied to fishing. When some fleets had to stop fishing during the wars, it was observed that fish populations were recovering from the exploitation they had suffered. This finding led to the development of models for scientific regulation of world fisheries based on the principles given by Hjort (1914) and others, and these models are still in use today. Since then, these models have been applied to many seas and oceans around the world. […], [ES] La sostenibilidad de las poblaciones explotadas de los recursos marinos ha sido ampliamente estudiada desde principios del siglo pasado. El efecto de las dos guerras mundiales hizo avanzar la denominada dinámica de las poblaciones aplicada a la pesca. Durante las paradas forzosas de algunas flotas en el contexto de los conflictos bélicos, se pudo constatar cómo algunas poblaciones de peces se recuperaban de la explotación que habían sufrido anteriormente. Esto hizo que, sobre los principios dados por Hjort (1914) y otros, se desarrollaran los modelos sobre los que hoy en día se basan las propuestas de regulaciones científicas de las pesquerías mundiales. […], [CAT] La sostenibilitat de les poblacions que s’exploten com a recursos marins ha estat abastament estudiada des de principis del segle passat. L’efecte de les dues guerres mundials va fer avançar de manera especial la denominada dinàmica de les poblacions aplicada a la pesca en el context que, mitjançant les parades forçoses d’algunes flotes durant els conflictes bèl·lics, es va poder constatar com algunes poblacions de peixos es recuperaven de l’explotació que havien sofert anteriorment. Això va fer que, sobre els principis donats per Hjort (1914) i altres, es desenvolupessin els models sobre els quals avui dia es basen les propostes de regulacions científiques de les pesqueres mundials. […]

El doctor en Ciències Biològiques i investigador jubilat del Consell Superior d'Investigacions Científiques (CSIC), Francesc Sardà, considera que "La Mediterrània pateix de sobreexplotació i la solució ha de ser holística, de canvi de mentalitat". Ho ha dit, aquest dimecres 9 de juny, a l'espai Dimecres pel Futur, que coordina Josep Cabayol al programa En directe a Ràdio 4. Sardà s'ha mostrat d'acord amb la decisió de la Unió Europea de reduir un 50% la pesca d'arrossegament a la Mediterrània, compensant, això sí, els pescadors afectats amb els ajuts públics que calguin. El científic considera que, després de molts errors, la Unió Europea sembla apuntar en la direcció adequada per fer front als problemes de la Mediterrània, un mar especialment afectat pel canvi climàtic, i ha lamentat que el nou govern de la Generalitat no s'hagi posat el xip de l'emergència climàtica creant un departament específic per aquest repte

The deep-sea blue and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus is a valuable fishing resource in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, currently under a local co-management plan in the port of Palamós (Spain). The management measures, although effective, might benefit other ports due to the dispersal patterns of the species pelagic larvae. Gathering information about A. antennatus larval distribution is a key step to describe these patterns, towards the establishment of well-dimensioned management measures. After a first detection of its larvae as the dominant species in the decapod community in Blanes submarine canyon, this broader approach tackles the entire management area along the Eastern Spanish Mediterranean coast (Geographic Subarea 6; GSA 6). Zooplankton sampling was carried out at 101 stations in surface waters (0.5–1 m) and in 8 stations in stratified vertical sampling (0–1200 m) during July–August 2016. Over 6500 A. antennatus larvae of all known stages were found, the first protozoea (PZ I) representing over 95% of the total. This is the first study taking into account the vertical migration of A. antennatus larvae, and we observed a broad distribution of PZ I throughout the water column. Plankton observations of the species larval distribution were supported by an Individual-Based Model suggesting aggregations in the northern submarine canyons, influenced by cold waters from the Northern Current and the geomorphology of the Ibiza Channel. The present study proposes a division of the GSA 6 in three zones to improve fishery management measures

The deep-sea red shrimp Aristeus antennatus (Risso, 1816) is one of the most valuable fishing resources in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, currently under a local co-management plan in the port of Palamós (Spain). The current management measures, although effective, might benefit other ports downstream due to the dispersal patterns of the species pelagic larvae. Gathering information about A. antennatus larval distribution is a key step to observe these patterns and accurately define the species fishing stock, towards the establishment ofwell-dimensioned management measures. Here we present the spatial distribution of A. antennatus larvae at the peak of the species spawning period (July to August) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Zooplankton sampling was carried out at 101 stations in surface waters (0.5 to 1 m depth) in summer 2016 with a 1 m-mouth neustonic sledge over continental margin areas from 82 to 1840 m depth. Samples were preserved in 96% ethanol and sorted in the laboratory under a stereomicroscope. Identification of the larvae was done according to the available taxonomic literature. Satellite oceanographic data were also collected from the Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring System (CMEMS). Over 2500 A. antennatus larvae of all known stages were found in our samples, the first protozoea representing almost 90% of the total. Results show aggregations of larvae in the Ibiza Channel and in the northern submarine canyons of the Catalan margin, concurrent with hydrographic conditions. No larvae were found south of the Ibiza Channel. These data shed new light onthe species larval dispersal and validate a biohydrodynamic model of the study area. Moreover, the present study will inform the planning and scaling of management measures for the species in the studied area

Carles Bas recibe a Francesc Sardá en su casa con el fin de contestar a las preguntas de Industrias Pesqueras. El doctor rememora, a sus 95 años, anécdotas de su carrera investigadora; una vida larga y fructífera que ha dedicado a la investigación y a transmitir sus conocimientos entre los jóvenes investigadores. Han sido varias las generaciones de científicos que han aprendido con Carles Bas y desde lugo si algo destacan de su maestro, es su capacidad de trabajo, él mismo recuerda que el lema de su vida ha sido "Trabajar, trabajar y trabajar"

We evaluated seasonal patterns of biodiversity of the megabenthic non-crustacean invertebrates on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope of the Catalan Sea (Balearic Sea, Northwestern Mediterranean). Scientific demersal trawls were carried out between 30 and 400 m during winter and summer of 2013 in 37 and 45 stations respectively. Among a total of 188 species, a limited number of echinoderms, cephalopods and occasionally ascidians dominated the bulk of the community, covering up to 95% of the total wet weight. Seasonal and bathymetric variations were found in the different biodiversity patterns, with higher values in summer and in shallower depths, regarding overall wet weight (>14,000 kg/km2), density (>1 million ind/km2), richness and diversity (143 species; H’=1.74). The statistical differences in density and wet weight between bathymetric strata reflected in particular groups of species typifying each environment, but without any exclusiveness in depth preferences, since generalist species were the main components of the community. Depth was the main driver of statistical differences in the community structure, but a combined influence of geographic location was also identified from an interaction effect. Sediment type may be influencing habitat preferences, with echinoderms (especially crinoids Leptometra and Antedon), dominating on sandy substrates, and cephalopod mollusks (especially cephalopods Illex, Eledone, Octopus) dominating on muddy substrates. Trawling activity may also influence the dominance of some target and non-target species. Several infrequent bivalves, opistobranchs and species from phyla Porifera, Cnidaria, Bryozoa and Sipuncula constituted an important understudied component of the richness of this community. This is the first study dealing with bathymetric variation of the megabenthic non-crustacean community of the Catalan Sea within this gradient of depths above the middle slope and also considering seasonal variability

[EN] The deep-sea red shrimp Aristeus antennatus is one of the main target species for bottom trawl fishery in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. In the Catalan region, this species is fished along the continental margin of a system of submarine canyons and its landings present high inter-annual variability. Minimums in the historical series of yearly landings have been associated with the occurrence of strong bottom currents generated by an oceanographic phenomenon named Dense Shelf Water Cascading (DSWC). In fact, a drastic reduction of the red shrimp abundance in the fishing grounds of the Catalan area was observed during DSWC events. This thesis contains a thorough assessment of the red shrimp fishery in Catalonia, with the main objective to provide management advice for the sustainable exploitation of this resource. Historical series of fishery data (including fishing effort directed to the red shrimp) were reconstructed from various data sources, and trends in the data series were analyzed. Stock status in the 1980s and in recent years (2005-2008) was assessed using pseudo-cohort and yield per recruit analysis and compared. Then, a stock assessment using a Statistical Catch at Age model (SCAA) was performed. This method allowed to include all the available data, covering a period of more than fifty years (1963-2015), as well as the effect of the DSWC. In particular, the SCAA was used to test alternate hypotheses on the mechanisms of interaction between the DSWC and the red shrimp population and to estimate reference points for management. In addition, the spatio-temporal variability of fishery discards in relationship to the submarine canyons’ geomorphology was analyzed. Finally, the selectivity for red shrimp of three different codend mesh configurations was measured and compared: the 50 mm diamond mesh (50d), the 40 mm square mesh (40s) and the 50 mm square mesh (50s). A transition analysis to simulate the evolution of the yield per recruit and the biomass, [ES] La gamba roja de profundidad Aristeus antennatus es una de las especies más importantes para la pesca de arrastre de fondo en el Mediterráneo nororiental. En la región catalana, esta especie se pesca en la plataforma profunda y en el margen continental de un sistema de cañones submarinos. Sus desembarques presentan una elevada variabilidad interanual. Los mínimos en la serie histórica de desembarques han sido asociados con la ocurrencia de fuertes corrientes de fondo generadas por un fenómeno oceanográfico conocido como Dense Shelf Water Cascading (DSWC). De hecho, se observa una disminución drástica en la abundancia de gamba roja en los caladeros del área catalana coincidiendo con los eventos de DSWC. Esta tesis contiene una evaluación exhaustiva de la pesquería de la gamba roja en Cataluña, con el objetivo principal de aportar recomendaciones de gestión para una pesca sostenible de este recurso. Las series históricas de datos sobre la pesca (incluyendo el esfuerzo dirigido a la gamba roja) se reconstruyeron a partir de varias fuentes, y se analizaron los patrones en las series de datos. Se evaluó y comparó el estado del stock en los años 1980 y en años recientes (2005-2008). A continuación, se desarrolló una evaluación del stock utilizando un modelo de tipo Statistical Catch at Age (SCAA). Este modelo permitió utilizar todos los datos disponibles, incluido el efecto del DSWC, cubriendo un periodo de más de cincuenta años (1963-2015). En concreto, el modelo se utilizó para testar hipótesis alternativas sobre el mecanismo de interacción entre el DSWC y la población de gamba roja y para la estimación de puntos de referencia para la gestión. Además, se analizó la variabilidad espacio-temporal de los descartes en esta pesquería, en relación a la geomorfología de los cañones submarinos. Finalmente, se midió y comparó la selectividad de tres diferentes configuraciones de malla del copo de la red: malla romboidal de 50 mm (50d), malla cuadrada de 40 mm (40s), y malla, [CAT] La gamba vermella de profunditat Aristeus antennatus és una de les espècies més importants per a la pesca d'arrossegament de fons a la Mediterrània nord-occidental. A la regió catalana, aquesta espècie es pesca en els marges continentals d’un sistema de canyons submarins. Els seus desembarcaments presenten una elevada variabilitat interanual. Els mínims en la sèrie històrica de desembarcaments han estat associats amb l'ocurrència de forts corrents marins de fons generats per un fenomen oceanogràfic conegut com Dense Shelf Water Cascading (DSWC). De fet, s’observa una disminució dràstica en l'abundància de gamba vermella en els caladors de l'àrea catalana durant esdeveniments de DSWC. Aquesta tesi doctoral conté una avaluació exhaustiva de la pesqueria de la gamba vermella a Catalunya, amb l'objectiu principal de proveir recomanacions de gestió per una pesca sostenible d’aquest important recurs. Les sèries de dades històriques sobre la pesca (incloent esforç dirigit a la gamba vermella), es van reconstruir a partir de diverses fonts, i es van analitzar els patrons de les sèries de dades. Es va avaluar i comparar l'estat de l'estoc en els anys 1980 i en anys més recents (2005-2008). A continuació, es va desenvolupar una avaluació utilitzant un modelo de tipus Statistical Catch at Age (SCAA). Aquest model va permetre utilitzar totes les dades disponibles, inclòs l'efecte de l'DSWC, cobrint un període de més de cinquanta anys (1963-2015). El model es va utilitzar per testar hipòtesis alternatives sobre el mecanisme d'interacció entre el DSWC i la població de gamba vermella, i per a l’estimació de punts de referència per a la gestió. A més, es va analitzar la variabilitat espai-temporal del rebuig de aquesta pesqueria, en relació a la geomorfologia dels canyons submarins. Finalment, es va a mesurar i comparar la selectivitat de tres configuracions diferents de malla del cop de l’art de pesca: malla romboïdal de 50 mm (50d), malla quadrada de 40 mm (40s), i malla qu

La pesca és una activitat econòmica molt potent, tot i que els pescadors locals sobreviuen com poden a la davallada de les espècies marines. Durant molt temps, fins i tot els científics pensaven que els recursos marins eren inexhauribles, però la pesca industrial i els avenços tecnològics han convertit el miratge de l’abundància en una realitat de sobrepesca

Collecting information of ecological and behavioural processes often requires continuous field monitoring, however, reiterative human presence necessary to obtain monitoring data can disturb both the environment and the study species. An example of this phenomenon is the monitoring of the formation and dynamics of seabird colonies; one of the reasons for colony failure is disturbances caused by the presence of researchers or conservation managers during data collection. In this study, an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) was used throughout the breeding period to monitor the temporal and spatial dynamics of a black-headed gull colony in the interior of a difficult-to-access island. This methodology permitted weekly visits to the colony without disturbance, which allowed for the continuous collection of spatial and temporal data on the process of colony formation. We obtained detailed information about nesting success and its relation with the distance to the nearest incubating neighbour, as well as the colony boundary along breeding season. Thus, we successfully monitored the dynamics of a bird colony and identified factors affecting individual decision making in colony formation using a UAS

[EN]The deep-sea red shrimp Aristeus antennatus is one of the most valuable demersal resources in Catalonia (northeast Spain), and Palamós is the most important harbour for this fishery in the area. Here, a management plan published in 2013 established the use of a 40-mm square-mesh codend (40s), replacing the previously used 50-mm diamond mesh codend (50d). The objective was to decrease the amount of juveniles in the catches, but the regulation did not bring the expected results. In this study, we measured and compared the selectivity of the 40s and the 50d in this fishery. In addition, we experimented with the use of a 50-mm square-mesh codend (50s). According to our results, the 40s had a lower 50% selection length (L50) than the 50d, while the 50s had a substantially higher L50 than the other two. A transition analysis showed an increase in yield per recruit after the second year from a hypothetical implementation of the 50s. Our conclusion is that the 40s does not have a higher selectivity than the 50d, which (at least partially) explains the failure to reach the management objective in Palamós. Conversely, the use of a 50s would significantly benefit the fishery, increasing gear selectivity and yield per recruit.[ES]La gamba roja, Aristeus antennatus, es uno de los recursos demersales más valorados en Cataluña (noreste de España). Palamós es el puerto pesquero más importante para esta pesquería en la región. Una orden ministerial regulatoria y específica para este puerto, publicada en 2013, estableció la utilización de un copo de malla cuadrada con abertura mínima de 40 mm (40s), reemplazando el copo de malla romboidal de 50 mm (50d) utilizado hasta la fecha. El objetivo era disminuir la cantidad de juveniles en la captura, pero la regulación no consiguió los resultados esperados. En el presente estudio, se midió y comparó la selectividad del copo de 50d y 40s en esta pesquería. Además, se experimentó el uso de una malla cuadrada de 50 mm (50s). Los resultados

The deep-sea red shrimp Aristeus antennatus is one of the most valuable demersal resources for bottom trawl fishery in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, this fishery lacks specific management at Mediterranean level, data availability is sparse and official records are often unreliable. In particular, misreporting of trawlers engine power is a widespread issue, complicating the process of fish stock assessments. In Catalonia (Northeast Spain), the red shrimp is particularly important and the stock has been traditionally exploited. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of intense fishing activities on this resource. For this purpose, we built a reliable series of fishing effort and catch per unit of effort (CPUE), integrating official data with information obtained by interviews to fishermen. Stock assessment at two different time periods, 1984-1989 and 2008-2010, was performed. In this study, we provide the first evidence of the remarkable increase of fishing effort in the Northwest Mediterranean Sea in the last decades. Overfishing of the red shrimp was detected at all years studied. A decrease in the yield per recruit and mean individual length over the two time periods considered was also detected. In addition, the CPUE presented a marked decreasing trend, indicating a possible reduction in the resource abundance. Our results show that an appropriate fishery management for this resource is needed, and should aim at reducing fishing mortality and increasing yield per recruit. These objectives could be achieved by reducing fishing effort and increasing size at first capture

[EN] In this work we analysed the spatio-temporal variability of discards in the fishery of the deep-sea red shrimp Aristeus antennatus in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. We sampled fishery discards in the fishing grounds of Palamós (the main harbour for this fishery on the Catalan margin), which are located in several areas of a submarine canyon. We found that the discard ratio in this fishery showed a marked seasonal variability, with a maximum in spring and a minimum in summer. Most of the discarded biomass (almost 96%) were of species with no commercial interest. Within these, the most represented group was elasmobranchs, making up to more than 50% of total discarded biomass. Our findings show that the landing obligation established by the EU will have a low impact in mitigating discards in this fishery, as the vast majority of discards are non-commercial species that are not specified in the regulation. Alternative management strategies, such as a temporary fishery closure in spring (when the discard ratio reaches its maximum), should be considered in order to preserve the vulnerable ecosystem hosted by the submarine canyon, [ES] En este estudio se analizó la variabilidad espacio-temporal de los descartes en la pesquería de la gamba roja de profundidad Aristeus antennatus en el mar Mediterráneo Noroccidental. Para ello se muestrearon las capturas obtenidas en los caladeros de Palamós (el mayor puerto para esta pesquería en Cataluña), que están localizados en diferentes áreas adyacentes a un cañón submarino. Nuestros resultados demuestran que la proporción de descartes en las capturas de esta pesquería presenta una marcada variabilidad estacional, con un máximo en primavera y un mínimo en verano. La mayoría de la biomasa de los descartes (casi el 96%) está constituida por especies sin ningún interés comercial. Entre éstas, el grupo más representado es el de los elasmobranquios, que constituye más del 50% de la biomasa total de los descartes. Nuestros resultados indican que la obligación de desembarcar las capturas establecida por la UE tendrá un impacto bajo en disminuir los descartes en esta pesquería, ya que la gran mayoría de los descartes está constituida por especies no comerciales que no están especificadas en la regulación. Medidas de gestión alternativas, como el establecimiento de una veda en primavera (cuando la proporción de descartes llega a su máximo) deberían considerarse para preservar el ecosistema vulnerable de este cañón submarino

Sus capturas representan casi la mita de los ingresos de la flota de arrastre del Mediterráneo y todos los puertos reclaman las suyas como las mejores

El dia 17 de juliol de 2015, la Biblioteca de l'Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM) ha passat a anomenar-se Biblioteca Carles Bas i Peired. En presència d’un Professor Bas emocionat i agraït, acompanyat de la seva esposa Mercè, fills i familiars, i de nombrosos investigadors, personal administratiu, tècnics i estudiants de l’ICM, s’ha descobert la placa amb el nou nom de la Biblioteca. Es tracta del sincer i senzill homenatge que l'ICM ha volgut fer a un dels seus membres més distingits, investigador de referència i que ha dedicat tota la vida a la promoció del centre i de les ciències marines en general. [...]

Discards are the portion of animal and plant material in the catch that is dumped back at sea. The Common Fisheries Policy plan proposed by the European Commission for 2014-2020 presents a controversial goal: to enforce the landing of fishing discards as a measure to encourage their reduction. This historical and political decision will shape the future of the fishing exploitation in European Seas. Discards generated by European fleets are not negligible, and its reduction is an ecological, socioeconomical and moral imperative. However, it must be achieved through the reduction in discards at source and the promotion of selective and non-destructive gears. We argue it is doubtful that this discard ban will result in an effective reduction of discards. The proposed measure may, in fact, negatively affect ecosystems at all levels of biological hierarchy by disregarding the Ecosystem-Based Approach to Fisheries and the Precautionary Principle. It could negatively impact several species by increasing fishing mortality, also commercial species if discards are not accounted in the total allowable catch. Communities preying on discards will likely be affected. The role discards currently play in the energy turnover of current ecosystems will be modified and should be fully evaluated. The landing of discards will likely generate new markets of fishmeal due to the growing demands for marine living resources. The ban will require substantial public investment to deal with technical problems on board and to control and enforce. Therefore, this measure should be only implemented after rigorous scientific and technical studies have been developed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

La gamba rosada (Aristeus antennatus) és un producte pesquer de gran importància a les nostres costes i que caracteritza senyes d’identitat de la nostre cuina, per tant molt apreciada. També és una espècie dominant al mar profund de tota la Mediterrània, per la qual cosa és explotada per una flota gran i especialitzada d’arrossegament. De fet gran part d’aquesta flota depèn del rendiment d’aquest recurs. Això ha fet que, des dels anys 50, centrés l’interès d’alguns científics, sobretot per esbrinar la seva dinàmica poblacional i comportament envers l’ambient. Això no és tasca fàcil. La gamba es distribueix principalment pel talús de la nostre costa entre 400 i més de 2000 m, i amb major abundància pels clots de les foneres o canons submarins. Això, junt amb la complexitat oceanogràfica que envolta aquests indrets, fa que la comprensió de les fluctuacions, diàries, estacionals i anuals, siguin objectius científics prioritaris. La xerrada farà un passeig de la mà de la gamba explicant els avenços en el coneixement d’aquesta espècie durant els darrers 60 anys, passant per la descripció de la seva biologia, la dinàmica poblacional i el seu comportament relacionat amb els factors ambientals. Ens aturarem en algunes metodologies i es farà un tast de genètica. Finalment es contextualitzarà tot plegat en el futur, aplicant tots aquests coneixements per a la gestió del recurs mitjançant el denominat Pla de Gestió de la Gamba de Palamós. La presentació té caràcter generalista fugint d’explicacions massa tècniques o científiques per esdevenir més divulgativa i d’interès per a persones fora del món acadèmic

Artificial reef areas can be used for management and conservation of commercially exploited crustacean decapods but their behaviour in these environments is poorly characterised. Acoustic tags were used to study the behaviour of 3 adult spiny lobsters (Palinurus mauritanicus) and 3 adult spider crabs (Maja squinado) over a period of 64 days in summer, evaluating the use of artificial reef areas as suitable sites for re-stocking of overfished decapods. For this purpose, animals were released in a western Mediterranean artificial reef located at 20 m depth, close to a cabled seafloor observatory, which simultaneously recorded temperature, salinity, current direction, current speed and light intensity over the study period. Spiny lobsters lingered in the reef area, whereas the spider crabs left the area 21–45 h after release. These behavioural differences suggested that artificial reefs might be a good area to deploy adult lobsters for re-stocking purposes. The movements displayed by the lobsters during this experiment were not influenced by any of the measured environmental factors, whereas spider crab movements occurred against major current direction, when current speed was intense. © 2014, Springer International Publishing Switzerland