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Aquatic foods play a pivotal role in transforming food systems. As the world's leading producer, consumer, and trader of aquatic products, China's potential for sustainable supply and consumption is critical to understand. The aim of this study was to depict the dynamic trends of aquatic products and the consequences of sustainable diets and environmental impacts. A panel dataset about Chinese aquatic products covering the period from 1952 to 2023 was drawn for analysis. Diet sustainability was assessed with the deviation from the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) and EAT-Lancet recommendations. The environmental impacts of aquatic products' supply and consumption were assessed using carbon footprints and water footprints. The findings reveal that aquatic products' supply increased from 4.65 million tons to 71.16 million tons from 1978 to 2023, and annual aquatic food consumption per capita increased from 3.50 kg in 1978 to 15.20 kg. While overall supply meets consumption needs, structural imbalances persist at the provincial level. Over time, the influence of marine fishery products has declined from 1.06 million tons (63.63%) in 1952 to 35.85 million tons (50.38%) in 2023, whereas offshore aquaculture shows promising potential for meeting future supply demands (23.96 million tons in 2023, accounting for 66.82% of marine fishery production). To align with healthy dietary goals and environmentally sustainable food systems, provincial aquatic food demand across China was adjusted. The carbon footprints and water footprints of both current and adjusted consumption patterns were also assessed. The results indicate that adjusting consumption based on the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) and EAT-Lancet recommendations could reduce environmental impacts to different degrees. The findings could offer valuable references and insights into developing sustainable strategies in aquatic product management and advancing food system transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionMarine fishing ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally, with risks intensifying for small-sized vessels venturing deeper into the sea due to the scarcity of near-shore fish and high market demand. This study identifies various occupational hazards and the use of safety equipment among small-scale motorized fishers using traditional fishing methods in the southernmost coastal regions of India.The primary data were collected from 253 artisanal small-scale motorized fishers through a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. For this purpose, a structured interview schedule, comprising both closed and open-ended questions was employed. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was utilized to compare fishers’ perceived impact across various occupational hazard categories, while the frequency distribution of the adoption of life-saving gadgets across various adoption categories was analyzed based on the adoption rate to assess the usage patterns of available life-saving devices.The findings indicate environmental, psychological, and vessel-related hazards have the greatest impact on fishers, with specific hazards including “cyclones”, “collisions”, “capsizing”, “high currents”, “lack of visibility”, “fatigue”, “stress”, “anxiety”, and “insomnia”. Despite awareness of safety measures, the usage of life jackets and life buoys remains low among fishers. Fishers in motorized crafts benefit from modern communication and navigation tools to mitigate sea-related uncertainties (Mobile phone − 84.19%, GPS − 87.75%, VHF radio − 67.98%, AIS − 20.16%).The study highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety measures during the registration and renewal processes for fishing vessels. Enhancing safety in this sector necessitates increased safety awareness, comprehensive training, and regular annual inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Offshore wind energy development on the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) portion of the Northwestern Atlantic continental shelf could have adverse impacts on the future of the Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, fishery. The current and potential future areas designated for offshore wind energy development overlap with the present‐day and projected Atlantic surfclam fishing grounds and so could limit the fishery. Fishery impacts imposed by displacement of fishing outside wind farm areas and possible restrictions on vessel transit through the wind farms were simulated using a spatially explicit fishery model. The distribution of catch, hours fished, landings per unit effort (LPUE), time at sea, fishing mortality, and the number of fishing trips were projected for five time periods encompassing the period of 2016–2055. Simulations showed a significant decline in the mean of all fishery metrics (apart from LPUE) as the area of wind farm restrictions increased in scale. Impacts were consistently larger when vessel transit through and fishing within offshore wind areas were prohibited. Impacts were also larger for MAB regions off New Jersey and Delmarva than regions farther north and east. These simulations highlight the necessity of evaluating future conditions as warming temperatures shift the surfclam range relative to the immobile wind farm locations. The offshore wind industry must consider projected long‐term impacts of developmental expansion on surrounding sedentary benthic species and the commercially important fisheries that rely on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing marine carbon sequestration through nearshore aquaculture is a novel scientific approach to addressing global climate change and facilitating low-carbon development. Scientifically estimating the quantity and price of China's marine fisheries carbon sinks provides a crucial foundation for promoting marine carbon trading. In this article, firstly, the long-term carbon storage capacity of China's marine carbon sequestration fishery available from 1979 to 2022 for carbon trading is calculated. And then a transcendental logarithmic production function model incorporating ridge regression analysis, and an accounting equation for estimating the shadow price of China's marine fisheries carbon sequestration are established. Simultaneously, the distortion level of China's marine fisheries carbon sequestration prices from 2015 to 2022 is measured, and the reasons and economic effects of the distortion in prices are analyzed. The research results show that: 1) The capacity of a net carbon sequestration in China's marine carbon sequestration fishery for carbon trading, ranged from 78,869.01 tons in 1979 to 1,232,762.27 tons in 2022, with an average annual capacity of 592,472.07 tons and an average annual growth rate of 7.48%; 2) The price of China's marine fisheries carbon sinks increased from 39.46 CNY in 1979 to 375.96 CNY in 2022, with an average annual growth rate of 6.00%. The average annual price was 167.87 CNY; 3) There were varying degrees of distortion in China's marine fisheries carbon sequestration prices from 2015 to 2022, which decreased annually with the construction of China's own carbon trading market and the practice of trading. To realize the value of marine fisheries carbon sequestration, it is necessary to actively promote the development of voluntary emission reduction markets, develop carbon trading futures markets, and strengthen the dynamic monitoring system for resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of seafood trade networks alongside the decline in biomass of many marine populations raises important questions about the role of global trade in fisheries sustainability. Mounting empirical and theoretical evidence shows the importance of trade development on commercially exploited species. However, there is limited understanding of how the development of trade networks, such as differences in connectivity and duration, affects fisheries sustainability. In a global analysis of over 400,000 bilateral trade flows and stock status estimates for 876 exploited fish and marine invertebrates from 223 territories, we reveal patterns between seafood trade network indicators and fisheries sustainability using a dynamic panel regression analysis. We found that fragmented networks with strong connectivity within a group of countries and weaker links between those groups (modularity) are associated with higher relative biomass. From 1995 to 2015, modularity fluctuated, and the number of trade connections (degree) increased. Unlike previous studies, we found no relationship between the number or duration of trade connections and fisheries sustainability. Our results highlight the need to jointly investigate fisheries and trade. Improved coordination and partnerships between fisheries authorities and trade organizations present opportunities to foster more sustainable fisheries.

Based on resilience theory, combined with the connotation of marine fishery economic resilience, an evaluation index system for China’s marine fishery economic resilience is established. This paper employs the CRITIC-based combined weight model to calculate the comprehensive evaluation index, utilizing both the Coefficient of Variation Method and the Entropy Weight Method to determine the weights of the indicators. Utilizing the GIS spatial analysis technology, this paper explores the temporal and spatial characteristics of the economic resilience of the marine fishery, and applies the Markov chain to analyze the characteristics of its dynamic evolution. The results indicate that: (1) The overall economic resilience of marine fisheries in China’s coastal provinces from 2001 to 2020 is on the rise; from different dimensions, the resistance-recovery ability and innovation-transformation ability exhibit a fluctuating upward trend, whereas the adaptive-adjustment ability shows a downward trend. (2) The high-value area of marine fisheries economic resilience exhibits a tendency to expand towards the south, while the medium-value and the higher-value areas gradually expand to both the north and south. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of the low-value area remains relatively stable. (3) The results of Markov chain analysis reveal that the development state of marine fisheries economic resilience is relatively stable during the study period, and simultaneously, it displays the characteristics of club convergence. The probability of maintaining the current level of development in each province and region gradually decreases, while the probability of developing towards a high level increases. The results of the trend forecast suggest that a “leapfrog” stage of evolution is likely to occur in the future, with the number of high-level provinces and districts anticipated to continue to rise.

With the increasing pressure of resource decline and environmental pollution faced by the green transformation of marine fisheries, marine fishery carbon sinks are an increasingly close link to national strategic interests and economic lifelines. It is, therefore, necessary to explore paths for the enhancement and development of the carbon sink capacity of marine fisheries. Based on the economic data of marine fisheries from 2002 to 2021, this paper measures the capacity and characteristics of marine fishery carbon sinks in provincial areas, applies the kernel density estimation method to depict the dynamic evolution of the distribution of absolute differences in marine fishery carbon sinks, and at the same time, identifies the factors influencing the spatial imbalance in the development of marine fishery carbon sinks as well as the spatial spillover effects. The results show the following: (1) From the total amount, the fishery carbon sink capacity of China's three marine economic circles has fluctuated and increased over the past 20 years, with obvious differences among different circles, and the marine fishery carbon sink capacity of the eastern, northern, and southern marine economic circles has risen sequentially. This trend corresponds to the economic disparities among the three circles, demonstrating a transition from economic to industrial driving effects. (2) From the spatial point of view, the fishery carbon sink capacity shows a trend of increasing year by year, concentrating in the circles, and overflowing between the circles. (3) The results of a partial derivative test further show that among the main influencing factors of marine fishery carbon sinks, capital, labor, and market openness have direct positive effects on marine fishery carbon sinks, and the direct effect of innovation is the strongest, and the significance of the indirect effect of the three circles is weaker compared to the direct effect and total effect. As a result, the carbon sink of China's marine fisheries has a large room for improvement, and in order to promote the high-quality development of China's marine fisheries, it is still necessary to accelerate the circulation of resources within the marine economic circle, accelerate the research of fishery technology, actively develop the carbon sink fishery, and enhance the specialization of aquatic product processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International soft law is not legally binding, but nevertheless it embodies mainstream values and influences the formation of hard law in global governance. Marine fisheries have become important arenas of global governance, in which developing states are crucial participants. The interactions between soft law and hard law in global marine fisheries can be mainly summarized as follows: soft law can be the precursor for hard law and be implicitly introduced into hard law to enhance normativity; hard law can also be incorporated into soft law. This paper explores the IUU fishing case to illustrate the significant role of soft law on international fisheries law and identify gaps in global marine fisheries governance. The development of international instruments to combat IUU fishing within FAO undergoes a process from voluntary to legally binding with the engagement and promotion of some developed states for their benefits. But IUU fishing concept is defective in its drafting as well as in practical application and indicates the value of emphasizing conservation over economic and social development, which is contrary to the principle of sustainable development and fails to meet the requirements of the developing states. The paper suggests to fill this gap by converting existing values in soft law to foster fishing rules that benefit all states and provide some insights towards this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the application of the blue economy approach in enhancing the potential of marine fisheries in the coastal areas of Jayapura City, Papua Province, Indonesia. Drawing upon the city’s abundant marine biodiversity and strategic geographical location, the research aims to examine the socio-economic dynamics of Indigenous coastal communities, evaluate the integration of blue economy principles, and propose strategic frameworks for sustainable fisheries management. Data were collected from 111 respondents across four key coastal regions in Jayapura using descriptive statistical methods, profitability analysis, and SWOT analysis. The findings reveal substantial untapped potential of marine fisheries hindered by challenges such as limited product diversification, inadequate market accessibility, and environmental constraints. The study emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive policy integration, community capacity-building, and ecological preservation to achieve sustainable development. This research contributes to local economic policy discourse and provides replicable insights for implementing blue economy initiatives in similar coastal contexts.

Abstract Global wild-capture fisheries are a large and diverse sector requiring various tools for fisheries-dependant data collection and effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Here we present a novel protocol to collect eDNA from brine tanks onboard commercial longline vessels to reconstruct catch composition. We collected samples from nine vessels operating out of the Eastern Tuna Billfish Fishery, Australia, validating eDNA results with reliable catch data consisting of seven target and bycatch species. Environmental DNA was highly effective for detecting species retained on vessels without contamination or false positives. For four vessels, logbook data and eDNA were consistent with detections of all species. The remaining vessels detected all species except for rare catches of short-billed spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris). Similarities between rank abundance distributions of catch and eDNA reads were observed with logbook data mirrored when eDNA sequences were organised into rank order abundance. The method was effective at identifying highly abundant taxa retained in brine tanks- tuna (Thunnus spp.), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), marlin (Kajijia audax), and Atlantic Pomfret (Brama brama). Further research is required to validate how eDNA and other molecular monitoring tools can be scaled and applied to provide solutions for monitoring challenges in the fisheries sector.

Environmental regulation, as an effective means to protect the environment, has important reference value for marine fishery management in China. This paper takes marine fisheries as the research object, uses the SBM model based on non-expected output to measure the marine fishery ecological efficiency in nine coastal provinces of China during 2011-2020, and uses the standard deviation ellipse method to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of marine fishery ecological efficiency. Finally, Tobit regression model was used to explore the impact of environmental regulation and other factors on the ecological efficiency of marine fisheries. The findings are as follows: (1) The ecological efficiency of marine fisheries showed a downward trend, and the regional gap was not significantly reduced, showing a trend of polarization. (2) The center of gravity of marine fishery eco-efficiency moved to the southwest as a whole, showing a northeast-southwest spatial development pattern. (3) Environmental regulation is negatively correlated with marine fishery eco-efficiency, regional development level and industrial structure of other influencing factors are negatively correlated with marine fishery eco-efficiency, and the level of opening to the outside world and scientific and technological support are not significantly correlated with marine fishery eco-efficiency. Finally, based on the research conclusions, this paper puts forward relevant policy recommendations.

Amidst the rapid expansion of cage aquaculture and marine ranching in Zhoushan, safeguarding the marine environment has emerged as a matter of paramount concern. Microplastics (MPs), recognized as a burgeoning environmental hazard, have been shown to imperil marine organisms by inducing intestinal damage, disrupting feeding patterns, impeding nutrient absorption, and stunting growth when present in sufficiently high concentrations. Tuanjishan Island, once uninhabited but transformed into a landfill site in the 1980s, now faces burgeoning garbage production and gradual saturation of its landfill capacity owing to the city's continuous development. The intricate landfill milieu, characterized by high salinity, fluctuating temperatures and pH, gas emissions, physical pressure, and biodegradation, fosters the breakdown of plastic waste, leading to MP production. This transformation makes Tuanjishan Island a potential source of MP pollution that harbors environmental threats. Mismanagement leading to MP leakage can substantially impact marine aquaculture, impair the fishing economy, and significantly endanger the marine ecosystem. Therefore, predicting the aftermath of MP seepage is imperative. The evolution and sophistication of numerical simulation techniques have emerged as pivotal tools for unraveling and predicting the complex pathways and behaviors of marine pollutants. In light of these advancements, our study meticulously amalgamated the cutting-edge Mike 21 FM hydrodynamic module with a meticulously designed particle-tracking module to investigate the intricate migration trajectories of MP subsequent to their release from Tuanjishan Island. The delineation of the study area leveraged an unstructured mesh encompassing an expansive geographic range, with coordinates extending from 120°E to 124°E and 28.5°N to 33°N. Precise water depth metrics sourced from comprehensive nautical charts and topographical data rooted in the 1985 National Elevation Datum formed the foundational elements of this model. The intricate grid framework of our model, meticulously crafted using surface-water simulation software, comprised an assemblage of 62, 614 nodes and 118, 040 grids, ensuring a robust representation of the study area. The resolution of this grid was meticulously tailored, standing 400 m near the shoreline and 34, 500 m in the expansive outer sea. This meticulously formulated numerical model captured and replicated the complex three-dimensional hydrodynamic flow field across our study area, which was validated through rigorous verification exercises encompassing tide levels and velocities. A meticulously structured sequence of continuous experiments extending across the seasonal spectrum of spring, summer, autumn, and winter was orchestrated to examine the temporal distribution patterns of MPs subsequent to their inadvertent release from Tuanjishan Island. Our findings underscore the intricate migration pathways of MPs, which are intricately intertwined within the proximate surroundings of the Zhoushan Islands and are deeply influenced by the dynamic interplay of ever-changing seasonal ocean currents and the force of monsoons. This delineation highlighted distinctly nuanced shifts in distribution dynamics and migration characteristics across different seasons. Notable concentrations of MPs were detected within the confines of the deep-water channel and northern peripheries surrounding Zhoushan Island, coupled with discernible accumulations observed in various aquaculture locales. The concentration distribution of MPs within the northern region of Zhoushan Island fluctuated between 9%, 10%, 8%, and 6% during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Meanwhile, within the deep-water channel bridging Zhoushan Island and Ningbo, MPs exhibited variations of 38%, 36%, 44%, and 42% during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively, indicating inherent seasonally dependent fluctuations. In the hypothetical case of an MP leakage event, an intensified surveillance focus is imperative along the deep-water channel and adjacent coastal sectors in the northern expanse of Zhoushan Island. Alarmingly, predictive models suggest a potential migration of up to 10.11% of the leaked MPs toward aquaculture zones, representing an imminent threat to offshore aquaculture ventures, particularly in the regions situated northwest of Tuanjishan Island. Projections for the winter months anticipated an MP infiltration rate of nearly 2% into Xiangshan Bay, which would affect net cage aquaculture in the area. These intrusive MPs have demonstrated a disruptive capacity within marine ecosystems, disrupting the delicate marine food chain and posing a threat to its delicate balance. Furthermore, our study revealed a dominant concentration of MPs released in varied seasons within coastal precincts along 122.5°E, remaining conspicuously distant from the East China Sea and potentially attributable to the intricate oceanic dynamics. Therefore, while MPs released from Tuanjishan Island may not directly ingress into the Zhoushan fishing grounds, their inevitable impact on offshore net cage aquaculture is definitively substantiated. This comprehensive study represents a pivotal contribution to advancing our understanding of MP pollution within coastal areas and serves as a cornerstone for establishing a robust framework aimed at controlling and mitigating the adverse impacts of MP contamination. However, it is imperative to underscore the limitations of the current model, which regrettably overlooks the pivotal processes integral to comprehending the full scope of MP pollution. The absence of consideration for critical elements such as MP adsorption, biological pollution, sedimentation dynamics, and temporal alterations in the physical and chemical attributes of MPs signals an area demanding meticulous exploration in future research endeavors. Addressing these complexities will pave the way for more comprehensive and nuanced strategies for combating the multifaceted challenges posed by MPs in marine ecosystems.

Aquatic foods play a pivotal role in transforming food systems. As the world’s leading producer, consumer, and trader of aquatic products, China’s potential for sustainable supply and consumption is critical to understand. The aim of this study was to depict the dynamic trends of aquatic products and the consequences of sustainable diets and environmental impacts. A panel dataset about Chinese aquatic products covering the period from 1952 to 2023 was drawn for analysis. Diet sustainability was assessed with the deviation from the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) and EAT-Lancet recommendations. The environmental impacts of aquatic products’ supply and consumption were assessed using carbon footprints and water footprints. The findings reveal that aquatic products’ supply increased from 4.65 million tons to 71.16 million tons from 1978 to 2023, and annual aquatic food consumption per capita increased from 3.50 kg in 1978 to 15.20 kg. While overall supply meets consumption needs, structural imbalances persist at the provincial level. Over time, the influence of marine fishery products has declined from 1.06 million tons (63.63%) in 1952 to 35.85 million tons (50.38%) in 2023, whereas offshore aquaculture shows promising potential for meeting future supply demands (23.96 million tons in 2023, accounting for 66.82% of marine fishery production). To align with healthy dietary goals and environmentally sustainable food systems, provincial aquatic food demand across China was adjusted. The carbon footprints and water footprints of both current and adjusted consumption patterns were also assessed. The results indicate that adjusting consumption based on the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) and EAT-Lancet recommendations could reduce environmental impacts to different degrees. The findings could offer valuable references and insights into developing sustainable strategies in aquatic product management and advancing food system transformation.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone for conserving marine ecosystems. Legal instruments and directives have been put in place to foster conservation of species and habitats; among all, the development and implementation of a coherent network of effective MPAs. Spatial information on management measures and on regulated, forbidden or allowed activities are fundamental to understand the actual role of MPAs and to support/guide policy decisions. The shortage of standardized geospatial information on MPA management, governance features, and human uses hinders policy makers' ability to make informed decisions regarding the designation, implementation and evaluation of marine associated policies. This policy brief aims to stimulate international actions to enable researchers and decision-makers accessing data for policy development, marine/maritime spatial planning and decisionmaking processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the marine fisheries in the early 1950s, based on the clear direction of cooperation, the government issued a series of policies around economic development and institutional reform, which not only helped fishermen to recover their production and livelihoods, but also strengthened their identification with the new regime, achieving dual economic and political benefits. This laid a solid foundation for the smooth transition of the Republic into the collectivization era. Focusing on the coastal areas of Hui'an, Fujian, this paper reviews central documents and explores local archives, hoping to show the specific contents and transformation process of cooperative reform of marine fishery exploration in Hui’an area in the early period of the founding of the People's Republic of China on the basis of grasping the background of the reform, and then explore the regional particularity and social influence of the reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Parapristipoma trilineatum is an edible and economically important marine fish with high farming potential; however, this fish has not been widely investigated. To understand the germplasm resources of this marine fish, we investigated the range of P. trilineatum from Maizuru, Japan, to Hainan, China. Using the mitochondrial control region as a molecular marker, we analyzed the population structure, genetic diversity, and population history dynamics of P. trilineatum. The control region exhibited high haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity of 0.996 and 0.016, respectively. The genetic differentiation coefficients indicated low differentiation between Japanese and other populations. Additionally, based on the results of SAMOVA, AMOVA, and genetic differentiation coefficients, P. trilineatum can be divided into two management units in fishery resources management: China and Japan. Populations with high genetic diversity are useful as genetic breeding materials. This study provides a basis for the selection and breeding of P. trilineatum.

Abstract Marine scientific trawl surveys are commonly used to assess the distribution and population size of fisheries‐related species, yet the method is effort‐intensive and can be environmentally destructive. Sequencing environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples can reveal the presence of organisms in a community without capturing them; however, we expect the detectability of taxa to differ between eDNA and trawl surveys, and understanding how species traits and population variables contribute to detection differences can help calibrate our expectations from each form of sampling. Here, we coupled eDNA metabarcoding and capture trawl surveys in British Columbia, Canada, to examine species traits that explain recurrent differences in detectability between the two methods, including habitat, body size, and biomass. At the regional scale, 17 of 23 fish species (74%) captured by the trawl were detected by eDNA metabarcoding, and 39 additional species were detected by eDNA sampling only. We found that eDNA metabarcoding disproportionately detected trawl‐caught species with greater local biomass (i.e., greater biomass in the adjacent trawl). Fish detected only in eDNA had a greater range of body lengths and a broader range of habitat preferences outside the trawls' target size and sampling areas. Our results suggest that with our level of sampling, eDNA metabarcoding can adequately recapitulate detection of fish communities detected by trawl surveys, but with a bias toward fish of high population biomass and greater inclusion of fish from outside the trawled area.

Abstract Egg specific gravity is of relevance for fish recruitment since the ability to float influences egg and larvae development, dispersal and connectivity between fishing grounds. Using zootechnics, histological approaches, optical and electronic transmission microscopy, this study describes the morphogenetic mechanism of adhesion of the oil-drop covering layer (OCL) to the oil droplet (OD) in embryos of Merluccius merluccius under physical conditions reflecting the marine environment. The herein described primordial (p)OCL is a substructure of the inner yolk syncytial layer which contains egg organella aimed to mobilize lipidic reserves from the oil drop (OD) towards the embryo blood. It is shown that the timely OD-OCL assembly is a critical morphogenetic process for embryo and larvae survival. Such assembly depends on egg buoyance because of its influence on the embryo capacity to rotate within the perivitelline space. Therefore, oil droplet adhesion (ODA) eggs are capable to complete their development while oil droplet non-adhesion eggs (ODNA) dye soon after hatching. We show that gravity-dependent egg buoyance categories exhibit different ODA/ODNA ratios (0–77%) and that relationship diminishes under incubation systems such as sprayers, that do not assure a dynamic seawater surface mixing to avoid egg desiccation. As an adaptive trait, egg gravity strongly depends on oceanic properties such as current dynamics, turbulence, oxygen, rainfall, and salinity, whose rapid changes would likely challenge the sustainability of fisheries recruitment.

Underwater cultural relics sites represent significant components of human cultural heritage, serving as invaluable repositories of historical, scientific, economic, and cultural significance. Given the pervasive impact of trawling as a predominant fishing practice, there exists a pressing need to investigate the interplay and implications of trawling on the preservation of underwater cultural relics sites. It is imperative to explore the intricate relationship between these sites and trawling activities, in order to strike a harmonious balance between protection underwater cultural relics sites and supporting the interests of trawling fisheries.The issues surrounding the protection of underwater cultural relics sites and trawling fishery in China encompass a lack of clarity regarding the historical background of underwater cultural relics sites, a pressing need to enhance research on the effects of trawl fishing on such sites, and a necessity to enhance protection and management efforts. By prioritizing education, coordinating efforts between cultural and tourism sectors, intensifying oversight, conducting comprehensive research, and implementing other measures, valuable insights can be gained to guide the harmonized advancement of underwater cultural relics sites protection and trawl fishery.

Recreational scalloping is a popular summertime activity that attracts participants from far and wide to Florida's Gulf Coast. Coastal counties that serve as vessel launch points rely on this fishery for economic viability, but the biology of the bay scallop and the environmental stressors this species endures have led to limited populations of bay scallops remaining along Florida's Gulf Coast . Therefore, it is essential to implement best practices for harvesting bay scallops so that future generations can enjoy this marine resource activity. This publication gives recreational scallopers tips on how to sort through scallops in the water so that scallops that are too small are returned immediately to the same spot where they were taken. Improving harvesting techniques can help sustain this valuable fishery.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone for conserving marine ecosystems. Legal instruments and directives have been put in place to foster conservation of species and habitats; among all, the development and implementation of a coherent network of effective MPAs. Spatial information on management measures and on regulated, forbidden or allowed activities are fundamental to understand the actual role of MPAs and to support/guide policy decisions. The shortage of standardized geospatial information on MPA management, governance features, and human uses hinders policy makers’ ability to make informed decisions regarding the designation, implementation and evaluation of marine associated policies. This policy brief aims to stimulate international actions to enable researchers and decision-makers accessing data for policy development, marine/maritime spatial planning and decision-making processes.

Egg specific gravity is of relevance for fish recruitment since the ability to float influences egg and larvae development, dispersal and connectivity between fishing grounds. Using zootechnics, histological approaches, optical and electronic transmission microscopy, this study describes the morphogenetic mechanism of adhesion of the oil-drop covering layer (OCL) to the oil droplet (OD) in embryos of Merluccius merluccius under physical conditions reflecting the marine environment. The herein described primordial (p)OCL is a substructure of the inner yolk syncytial layer which contains egg organella aimed to mobilize lipidic reserves from the oil drop (OD) towards the embryo blood. It is shown that the timely OD-OCL assembly is a critical morphogenetic process for embryo and larvae survival. Such assembly depends on egg buoyance because of its influence on the embryo capacity to rotate within the perivitelline space. Therefore, oil droplet adhesion (ODA) eggs are capable to complete their development while oil droplet non-adhesion eggs (ODNA) dye soon after hatching. We show that gravity-dependent egg buoyance categories exhibit different ODA/ODNA ratios (0–77%) and that relationship diminishes under incubation systems such as sprayers, that do not assure a dynamic seawater surface mixing to avoid egg desiccation. As an adaptive trait, egg gravity strongly depends on oceanic properties such as current dynamics, turbulence, oxygen, rainfall, and salinity, whose rapid changes would likely challenge the sustainability of fisheries recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with its rich bounty of living and non-living resources, offers a great opportunity to expand its economy and food security, and could enable sustainable development and create resilient jobs. Marine fisheries, mariculture and marine bioprospecting are significant sectors which could act as the next big drivers of the GDP and public welfare. Marine biodiversity documentation sporadically requires innovative techniques using genomics in combination with underwater imagery to cover the full spectrum of marine living resources. Deep waters beyond 500 m depth are not optimally exploited and offer immense scope for commercial exploitation. The mariculture sector, despite the wide array of candidate species, is still in its infancy and requires the use of genetic engineering to develop breeds suitable for the mariculture systems. Employing new analytical technologies and a wide range of 'multiomics' tools can enhance the bioprospecting of numerous marine living resources, which have the potential to unravel hundreds of new compounds for human well-being. Ascertaining the continuity of the blue economy demands judicious management of oceanic resources through innovative and sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This essay describes the experience and aspirations of women working in marine fishing in Barra de San Pedro, Centla, Tabasco, those who possess knowledge, ways of organizing their work materials, and timing in the development of fishing activities. Problem statement: Officially, women are rendered invisible, poorly recognized, and even excluded from their participation in fisheries and the entire value chain. Women in fishing have little influence in decision-making regarding resource management. However, their work is crucial for maximizing the value of fishery products. Her voice has been systematically ignored; therefore, in this work, her perspective is presented through her own voice and experiences. Methodological approach: The study relied on participant observation and case studies of key actors over a period of more than fifteen years, with monthly or biweekly visits to the fishing port of Barra de San Pedro, recording the information in field journals. Conclusions: Women not only play a crucial role in the processing and marketing of fishery resources but also experience a sense of acceptance and support. Their contributions grant them a sense of pride and accomplishment, fostering their self-esteem and personal worth. Recognizing the importance of their work and ensuring their continued inclusion and support further enhances their self-perception and well-being of women in Barra de San Pedro. Women often have a broader and long-term vision, which is key to resource sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although different fisheries can be tightly linked to each other by human and ecosystem processes, they are often managed independently. Synchronous fluctuations among fish populations or fishery catches can destabilize ecosystems and economies, respectively, but the degree of synchrony around the world remains unclear. We analyzed 1,092 marine fisheries catch time series over 60 yr to test for the presence of coherence, a form of synchrony that allows for phase-lagged relationships. We found that nearly every fishery was coherent with at least one other fishery catch time series globally and that coherence was strongest in the northeast Atlantic, western central Pacific, and eastern Indian Ocean. Analysis of fish biomass and fishing mortality time series from these hotspots revealed that coherence in biomass or fishing mortality were both possible, though biomass coherence was more common. Most of these relationships were synchronous with no time lags, and across catches in all regions, synchrony was a better predictor of regional catch portfolio effects than catch diversity. Regions with higher synchrony had lower stability in aggregate fishery catches, which can have negative consequences for food security and economic wealth.

Under the background of building a "maritime power" and developing Hainan Free Trade Zone (Port), the marine fishery in Hainan Province has developed rapidly. But at the same time, there have been a series of problems such as the destruction of ecological environment and excessive consumption of resources. Thus, to study the ecological efficiency of marine fishery in Hainan Province is of great significance to the sustainable development of Hainan Province. Based on the total sewage discharge of mariculture is taken as the undesired output, the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of marine fishery eco-efficiency in Hainan Province from 1998 to 2019 were analyzed by using SBM model, standard deviation and coefficient of variation, and classifying the level of ecological efficiency in the coastal cities and countries of Hainan Province. The results showed that during the study period, the average value of marine fishery eco-efficiency in Hainan, which had taken into account the undesired output, was at a moderate level and fluctuating downward. While the regional differences showed a trend of fluctuating and expansion. The marine fishery eco-efficiency level in Hainan was divided into three categories: high-efficiency, medium-efficiency and low-efficiency. The efficiency categories of cities and counties are different during the same period, such as Haikou belongs to high-efficiency in the "ninth Five-Year" and "eleventh Five-Year" period, but in the "twelfth Five-Year" belongs to medium-efficiency, in the "thirteenth Five-Year" belongs to low-efficiency. It was mainly affected by the diminishing marginal benefit and the lag of ecological restoration. According to the different types of ecological efficiency in Hainan, the differentiated development strategy of the marine fishery was put forward to realize the high-quality development of the marine fishery ecological and economic system.

Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding of consumption risk by marine species at the global scale. To address this, we compile data from research documenting plastic debris ingestion by marine fish, totaling 171,774 individuals of 555 species. Overall, 386 marine fish species have ingested plastic debris including 210 species of commercial importance. However, 148 species studied had no records of plastic consumption, suggesting that while this evolutionary trap is widespread, it is not yet universal. Across all studies that accounted for microplastics, the incidence rate of plastic ingested by fish was 26%. Over the last decade this incidence has doubled, increasing by 2.4 ± 0.4% per year. This is driven both by increasing detection of smaller sized particles as a result of improved methodologies, as well as an increase in fish consuming plastic. Further, we investigated the role of geographic, ecological, and behavioral factors in the ingestion of plastic across species. These analyses revealed that the abundance of plastic in surface waters was positively correlated to plastic ingestion. Demersal species are more likely to ingest plastic in shallow waters; in contrast, pelagic species were most likely to consume plastic below the mixed layer. Mobile predatory species had the highest likelihood to ingest plastic; similarly, we found a positive relationship between trophic level and plastic ingestion. We also find evidence that surface ingestion-deep sea egestion of microplastics by mesopelagic myctophids is likely a key mechanism for the export of microplastics from the surface ocean to the seafloor, a sink for marine debris. These results elucidate the role of ecology and biogeography underlying plastic ingestion by marine fish and point toward species and regions in urgent need of study.

As entering the twenty-first century, the degradation of Africa’s marine environment has become increasingly severe due to rapid population growth, urbanisation, natural disasters, the pressures of overfishing and economic development. Therefore, protecting and restoring Africa’s marine ecosystems is essential to realize the benefits of these resources at the global and regional levels. This paper drew on ecological indicators such as catch data, mean trophic level (TLm), relative primary production required (%PPR), and loss in secondary production index (L index) to measure and assess the impact of marine fisheries on ecosystems. Meanwhile, it constructed a pathway model based on the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis to assess ecosystem-level impacts by analysing how economic growth and urbanisation affect the structural diversity of marine ecosystems in West Africa, to study the more complete processes associated with marine resource depletion. Economic growth and urbanisation were found to have both direct and indirect effects on marine trophic structure, and the combined effects suggest that the economic EKC hypothesis does not apply to the marine ecosystem of West Africa, while the urban EKC hypothesis is supported, and that increased levels of urbanisation will benefit diversity of marine fishery catch in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Perceptions of past ecological change affect views of current ecosystem state, but how do baselines help to shape stakeholders' visions of an idealized future? Here, we investigate links between perceptions of natural baselines and visions for the nearshore Gulf of Maine among a key stakeholder group, active lobster fishers. We ask three related questions: (1) What do fishers perceive as a ‘natural’ Gulf of Maine? (2) How do perceptions of the past predict individual and collective visions of an ideal future? and (3) How is existing management perceived as supporting these visions? We found that fishers perceived the ecosystem to be ‘natural’ an average of one decade before they started fishing. Three species dominated views of natural systems: cod Gadus morhua, lobster Homarus americanus, and herring Clupea harengus, but while long‐time fishers associated abundant cod with a natural nearshore Gulf of Maine, memories of a historically cod‐rich Gulf of Maine were fading among some younger fishers who began their careers after the cod crash in the 1990s. Perceptions of ‘natural’ ecosystems dictated future visions for the majority of taxa; on average, fishers remembered and desired abundant cod and herring, but perceived halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and endangered right whales Eubalaena glacialis to have always been rare. Fishers described a vision for the future based on views of past ecological and social baselines, including fisheries deconsolidation and diversification, but expressed a lack of shared vision with and trust in federal management institutions to achieve these goals. In particular, memories of cod abundance in the 1970s and 1980s were coupled with memories of a diversified and accessible fishery, but fishers doubted that the recovery of cod would result in their restored access to cod fisheries. Together our results demonstrate that past personal experiences limit perceptions of what is possible, highlighting both the value and limitations of local ecological knowledge in places that have experienced ecological change over centuries. They also demonstrate how stakeholder perceptions of both social and ecological baselines shape visions for future ecosystems but are mediated by contemporary issues like trust in institutions and fisheries access. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

In order to cope with the new challenges of marine fishery development, promote the coordinated development of fishery economy and ecological environment, and practice the requirements of comprehensive and coordinated sustainable development, based on the data of coastal provinces and cities from 2009 to 2019, this paper used the stochastic frontier production function and the Thiel index including the ecological environment to quantify the green production efficiency of marine fisheries in China and its regional differences and changes, and conducted regression analysis of its influencing factors. The results showed that: (1) from 2009 to 2019, the green production efficiency of China's marine fisheries showed an upward trend year by year, but the overall level was still not high, and with the gradual improvement of the green production efficiency level of marine fisheries, its growth rate showed a downward trend; (2) the Thiel index decreased year by year, indicating that the regional differences in the green production efficiency of marine fisheries in China were gradually narrowing; (3) the proportion of marine fishery economic output value in regional GDP, the proportion of marine fishing output in seawater product production, and the degree of specialization of fishery practitioners, the funding for the promotion of aquatic technology had a significant positive impact on the green production efficiency of China's marine fisheries, and the loss of aquatic products due to pollution had a negative impact. Accordingly, countermeasures and suggestions such as strengthening the monitoring of marine resources, strengthening the scientific and technological support of marine fisheries, and changing the development mode of fisheries were proposed.

Ports offer economic progress to many coastal developing countries. In view of the economic importance, the rising demand for maritime benefits requires the expansion of existing ports. However, marine ecosystems may become vulnerable to negative impact from the construction of these maritime structures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the impact of Tema port expansion on the diversity and population structure of fish species. Data were collected quarterly from June 2018 to November 2021 through trawling fishing activities off the coast of Greater Accra, Ghana, and subsequently analysed using Primer 6 software. Sampling locations along the coast of Greater Accra included Vernon Bank (VNB), Disposal area (DSA) and Offshore Sakumono (OSK). The increased and reduced number of species at VNB and DSA, respectively, could be alluded to dredging and disposal of dredged spoils. Diversity indices at OSK site was higher than those observed in disturbed areas due to the absence of impact in this control area. Thus, it is recommended to conduct further studies on the assemblage of invasive species that migrated to the VNB during dredging activities, since these species can have severe economic impact on fishing activities of artisanal fishermen, especially at the local level.

To address the issue of overfishing, sustainability and its effect on marine fishers' income, this study was taken up in Mumbai, India. Greater Mumbai was studied at micro level. Primary data on capital costs, operating costs and returns to mechanized fishing were collected. Secondary data on marine fish landings, landings from the trawlers and total effort of trawlers was collected from 2000 - 2018. The Gompertz-Fox Model was used, and results showed that Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was at 1,04,099 tonnes of fish and effort level corresponding to MSY (EMSY) at 43,363 fishing trips against the current 1,31,118 tonnes and 33,466 trips. Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) was calculated to be 1,03,030 tonnes, while the estimated value of effort (EMEY) was 37,429 trips. Therefore, the current fishing yield was found to be both biologically and economically unsustainable. The study concluded that the catch and income of fishers may be sustainably enhanced by following the MSY and MEY approach. Fishing at MEY will yield increased income in real terms as well as saved catch will ensure minimisation of environmental damage. Reducing the input costs will enable savings on wasteful operational costs, resulting in increased savings, which in other words, is income, since averted loss is income earned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integrated development of digital economy and marine fishery is an important driving force for the high-quality development of marine fishery. This paper selected relevant data from 11 coastal provinces in China from 2012 to 2019 to empirically study the impact of digital economy on the high-quality development of marine fisheries, as well as its internal mechanism and potential heterogeneity. The results showed that: from the direct effect, digital economy had played a significant positive role in promoting the high-quality development of marine fisheries in coastal areas, and its effect intensity decreased from the Yangtze River Delta region, the Pearl River Delta region and the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea region. From the perspective of mediating effect, the upgrading of industrial structure had played a mediating effect on the high-quality development of marine fishery in the whole sample area of coastal provinces and the three major regions. From the perspective of regional samples, the mediating effect of industrial structure upgrading and the influence of industrial structure upgrading on the high-quality development of marine fishery in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea had been successively weakened. Based on this, this paper provided policy suggestions for promoting the high-quality development of marine fishery from the aspects of vigorously developing digital economy, formulating digital economy development strategy according to local conditions, and promoting industrial transformation and upgrading.

Marine chlorophyll a is a key molecule for photosynthesis of marine plants and some plankton, which is important in marine ecosystems. This study utilized the chlorophyll a concentration data product observed by the MODIS sensor (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) to construct a long-term sequence of chlorophyll a concentration dataset by processing the raw data. Based on this, the multi-time-scale chlorophyll a concentration data was synthesized, and it was used to analyze the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of chlorophyll a concentration in China Seas. In addition, several oceanographic variables, including sea surface temperature, nutrients (phosphate, nitrate, silicate), partial pressure of seawater carbon dioxide, net primary productivity of the ocean, physical dynamics of seawater processes (mixed layer), were analyzed to ascertain their potential influence on chlorophyll a concentration. Finally, we analyzed the effects of changes in chlorophyll a concentration on marine fisheries. The result showed that: The average value of chlorophyll a concentration in China Seas from 2002 to 2022 was 0.874 mg/m3, with the highest concentration observed in the Bohai Sea area (4.547 mg/m3) and the lowest in the South China Sea area (0.288 mg/m3). The spatial variation of chlorophyll a concentration revealed an overall decrease of 0.0095 mg/m3 in China Seas from 2002 to 2022. From the perspective of time changes, the concentration of chlorophyll a in China’s Bohai Sea area showed a downward trend from 2002 to 2022, while the Yellow Sea area showed an upward trend. The concentration remained relatively stable in the East China Sea area, whereas a significant declining trend was observed in the South China Sea area. The relationship between temperature and chlorophyll a concentration was non-linear, and chlorophyll a concentration showed some fluctuation or threshold effect with the change of seawater temperature. The three nutrient salts studied have a promoting effect on chlorophyll a, among which phosphate has the most obvious promoting effect on chlorophyll a. Chlorophyll a was negatively correlated with pCO2 and positively correlated with ocean net primary productivity. Seasonal changes in the mixed layer had a significant effect on changes in the upper marine nutrients, which in turn affected changes in chlorophyll a concentration. Six of the eight types of algae studied show a trend toward deeper sea depths, which may have implications for the food availability of marine fish at different levels and pose new challenges for marine fisheries development.

Globally, excess capacity and overexploitation of fisheries have become growing concerns because of the associated fishing, social, political, and economic consequences. This study estimates the degrees of capacity utilization and technical efficiency, and the factors affecting the capacity utilization of the multispecies gill-net vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal. It is based on data collected from two marine fishing areas in Bangladesh and uses data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression. Our results indicate low degrees of capacity utilization and high degrees of technical inefficiency. However, by holding production at an efficient level, unbiased capacity utilization is close to full capacity. A high degree of excess capacity exists, and more than one-third of vessels could be decommissioned. Furthermore, vessel capacity, number of trips, and trip duration affect capacity utilization. An implication of our results is that efficient management of vessel capacity might be helpful in controlling harvest and reducing overexploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I explored harvest productivity and economic efficiency of marine fisheries across European Union member states using comparative first and second‐stage data envelopment analyses, linear programming, and econometric models, based on a panel data set of technical, social, and economic data between 2008 and 2020 when the first implications of the global Covid‐19 outbreak began in the European Union. During the period, harvest productivity increased for 52 percent of the 21 member states between 2008 and 2020, with an average economic efficiency of 0.76. The economic efficiency and harvest productivity of European Union member states' fisheries fluctuated, with noticeable declines throughout the study period. Gross domestic product per capita, population size, and aquaculture production were related to performance metrics. The results are aimed to guide European Union fisheries managers to better understand how improvements in harvest productivity and economically efficient performance are achieved without constant reliance on subsidization, over‐allocation, and overexploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of past ecological change affect views of current ecosystem state, but how do baselines help to shape stakeholders' visions of an idealized future?Here, we investigate links between perceptions of natural baselines and visions for the nearshore Gulf of Maine among a key stakeholder group, active lobster fishers. We ask three related questions: (1) What do fishers perceive as a 'natural' Gulf of Maine? (2) How do perceptions of the past predict individual and collective visions of an ideal future? and (3) How is existing management perceived as supporting these visions?We found that fishers perceived the ecosystem to be 'natural' an average of one decade before they started fishing. Three species dominated views of natural systems: cod Gadus morhua, lobster Homarus americanus, and herring Clupea harengus, but while long‐time fishers associated abundant cod with a natural nearshore Gulf of Maine, memories of a historically cod‐rich Gulf of Maine were fading among some younger fishers who began their careers after the cod crash in the 1990s. Perceptions of 'natural' ecosystems dictated future visions for the majority of taxa; on average, fishers remembered and desired abundant cod and herring, but perceived halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and endangered right whales Eubalaena glacialis to have always been rare.Fishers described a vision for the future based on views of past ecological and social baselines, including fisheries deconsolidation and diversification, but expressed a lack of shared vision with and trust in federal management institutions to achieve these goals. In particular, memories of cod abundance in the 1970s and 1980s were coupled with memories of a diversified and accessible fishery, but fishers doubted that the recovery of cod would result in their restored access to cod fisheries.Together our results demonstrate that past personal experiences limit perceptions of what is possible, highlighting both the value and limitations of local ecological knowledge in places that have experienced ecological change over centuries. They also demonstrate how stakeholder perceptions of both social and ecological baselines shape visions for future ecosystems but are mediated by contemporary issues like trust in institutions and fisheries access. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Based on the ORNL carbon emission measurement method, the marine fishery carbon emissions of 11 coastal provinces in China were calculated from 2009 to 2018, and by adding factors such as fiscal decentralization and industrial structure, the traditional STIRPAT model was expanded to examine the driving factors of China′s marine fishery carbon emissions. The research results showed that: fiscal decentralization, economic development level, industrial structure and scientific research investment are important driving factors for China′s marine fishery carbon emissions. Among them, due to the imperfect fiscal decentralization system and other reasons, fiscal decentralization has become a positive driving factor for marine fishery carbon emissions. The positive impact of economic development level on marine fishery carbon emissions gradually weakened with the increase of economic development level. Industrial structure and scientific research investment were the negative driving factors of marine fishery carbon emissions. Based on this, the paper proposed to optimize and improve the fiscal decentralization structure and government assessment mechanism, increase scientific research investment, optimize the industrial structure, and promote the low-carbon development of marine fisheries.