Using a multivariate auto-regressive state-space (MARSS) model to evaluate fishery resources abundance in the East China Sea,based on spatial distributional information

The abundance index (AI) is a representative indicator used to assess the state of fishery resources. Conventional AI is generally calculated by summing the catch per unit of effort (CPUE) weighted by the size of each fishing area. However, CPUE data has many missing values owing to annual changes in operational fishing areas, and this can lead to a considerable bias in the estimated AI. To obtain an unbiased AI, a multivariate auto-regressive state-space (MARSS) model was used to estimate and interpolate missing values in a spatially arranged, long-term bottom-trawl CPUE dataset for yellow seabream Dentex hypselosomus and largehead hairtail Trichiurus japonicus in the East China Sea. As expected, increasing the number of analyzed fishing grids improved interpolation accuracy, but remarkably increased the time required for the analysis. Reducing the maximum number of expectation–maximization (EM) iterations in the maximum likelihood procedure was an effective way to practically reduce analysis time, while keeping the accuracy of the estimation. Thus, this EM-reduction MARSS model was applied to the entire CPUE datasets of yellow seabream and largehead hairtail to address the annual shifts in their AIs and their seasonal migration.     

The use of at‐sea‐sampling data to dissociate environmental variability in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) catches to improve resource exploitation efficiency within the Skagerrak/Kattegat trawl fishery

Research into the influence of environmental variables on the behaviour of Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), and hence catch rates, dates back to the 1960s (e.g., Höglund and Dybern, Diurnal and seasonal variations in the catch‐composition of Nephrops norvegicus (L.) at the Swedish west coast. ICES CM 1965/I46; Simpson, Variations in the catches of Nephrops norvegicus at different times of day and night. Rapport et Proés‐verbaux des Réunions Conseil permanent international pour 1'Exploration de la Mer 156:186). However, the use of fishery‐dependent data in identifying influential factors is relatively limited and only includes a number of papers on a limited dataset (e.g., Redant and De Clark, Diurnal variations in CPUE and length composition of the catches in a Nephrops directed fishery in the Central North Sea. ICES CM 1984/K:3; Maynou and Sardà, Influence of environmental factors on commercial trawl catches of Nephrops norvegicus (L.). ICES J. Mar. Sci. 58:1318). Here, we aimed to dissociate environmental variability in Norway lobster catches to improve resource exploitation efficiency within the Skagerrak and Kattegat trawl fisheries by utilising data collected as part of an extensive at‐sea‐sampling programme spanning 16 years. Catch rates were modelled using Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) and considered a range of response variables, including depth, temperature, current speed, season, moon phase and time of day. The results obtained herein showed that time of day, season, depth, temperature, year, trawl type and location all significantly affect catch rates of Nephrops.     

Capture efficiency of a multi-species survey trawl for Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Newfoundland region

An experiment was carried out during September of 2001 to estimate the relative catching efficiency of the NAFC's (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre) standard survey bottom trawl, the Campelen 1800 shrimp trawl, for Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio). Secondary trawls were mounted underneath the main trawl directly behind the footgear to estimate escapement of crab passing underneath the main trawl. Overall, the capture efficiency of the survey trawl was found to be much lower than 1.0 and highly variable, with variability being strongly related to substrate type and Snow Crab size. The probability of capture monotonically increased with crab size, and was higher on soft than on hard substrates. Three substrate-specific capture efficiency functions were defined; (1) efficiency was highest (about 0.73–0.95), and least dependent on crab size, on the softest mud substrate; (2) efficiency was lower (about 0.39–0.70) and linearly related to crab size throughout a soft mud–sand substrate; and (3) efficiency was lowest (about 0.05–0.33) on a variety of hard substrates within relatively shallow water. Our models over-estimated true efficiency because secondary trawls were not fully efficient, i.e., crab escaped underneath their footgear. Nevertheless, our experiment demonstrated that substrate type can affect capture efficiency and annual changes in trawl configuration or in Snow Crab distribution in relation to substrate type will affect survey biomass estimates. Additional studies using various approaches could provide a basis for standardizing survey catches for varying capture efficiency effects and refining survey-based estimates of biomass and exploitation rates of Snow Crab.     

A bio-economic indicators suite for the appraisal of the demersal trawl fishery in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean)

The state of demersal fishery in the Southern Adriatic Sea (GFCM-GSA 18, Central Mediterranean), years 1996–2003, from a biological, social and economic point of view was analysed using 47 indicators: 22 biological indicators obtained from fishery-independent data through yearly experimental bottom trawl surveys (“Medits” Programme), and 25 socio-economic indicators estimated from fishery-dependent data, available from the monitoring system of the Italian Institute for Economic Research on Fisheries and Aquaculture (IREPA). Biological indicators were applied for “single-species” (Eledone cirrhosa, E. moschata, Illex coindetti, Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Nephrops norvegicus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Raja clavata, Zeus faber) and for “multi-species” analysis. Economic indicators describing economic performance, productivity, costs and prices, and the overall economic sustainability of fishery were estimated. Social indicators and a general indicator summarising social sustainability were also considered. Indicators’ values were displayed using the Traffic Light system. Both fishery-independent and fishery-dependent indicators highlighted a progressive decline of the trawl fishery system in the GSA 18. This decline was mainly related to the ongoing depletion of the traditional fishery target species (mostly long-living, late-maturing species) partially replaced by the increase of traditional accessory species (generally short-living species), as well as to the reduction of productivity and increasing costs. The whole procedure was proposed as a contribution to the identification and applicability of bio-economic indicators for fishery management purposes.     

Development of performance indices for the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery using data from a vessel monitoring system

This study investigates the potential for using data from a vessel monitoring system (VMS) to create indices of commercial fishery performance that may be used in monitoring snow crab resource status. Fishing hours were screened from hourly positional signals to create an index of fishing effort (hours fished) for comparison with that derived from logbooks (number of trap hauls). Similarly, a VMS-based fishing catch per unit of effort (CPUE) index was developed for comparison with CPUE derived from logbooks. Analysis of these indices showed that VMS-based fishing effort and CPUE indices can be interpreted to provide reliable complementary or alternative indices to logbooks for assessment of fishery performance in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery. We also developed a VMS-based index of fishing efficiency and illustrate how it can be applied toward understanding various behaviors and anomalies in the fishery. VMS data may offer other potential applications for snow crab assessment and management. Our approach and methods are applicable to other commercial fishery resources worldwide that are monitored using vessel monitoring systems.     

Quantifying the effects of bycatch reduction devices in Queensland''s (Australia) shallow water eastern king prawn (Penaeus plebejus) trawl fishery

This study presents results from an experimental 10-day research charter that was designed to quantify the effects of (a) a turtle excluder device (TED), (b) a radial escape section bycatch reduction device (BRD) and (c) both devices together, on bycatch and prawn catch rates in the Queensland shallow water eastern king prawn (Penaeus plebejus) trawl fishery. The bycatch was comprised of 250 taxa, mainly gurnards, whiting, lizard fish, flathead, dragonets, portunid crabs, turretfish and flounders. The observed mean catch rates of bycatch and marketable eastern king prawns from the standard trawl net (i.e., net with no TED or BRD) used during the charter were 11.06 kg/hectare (ha⁻¹) (S.E. 0.90) swept by the trawl gear and 0.94 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. For the range of depths sampled (20.1–90.7 m), bycatch rates declined significantly at a rate of 0.14 kg ha⁻¹ for every 1 m increase in depth, while prawn catch rates were unaffected. When both the TED and radial escape section BRD were used together, the bycatch rate declined by 24% compared to a standard net, but at a 20% reduction in marketable prawn catch rate. The largest reductions were achieved for stout whiting Sillago robusta (57% reduction) and yellowtail scad Trachurus novaezelandiae (32% reduction). Multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarities revealed that bycatch assemblages differed significantly between depths and latitude, but not between the different combinations of bycatch reduction devices. Despite the lowered prawn catch rates, the reduced bycatch rates are promising, particularly for S. robusta, which is targeted in another fishery. Prawn trawl operators are not permitted to retain S. robusta and the devices examined herein offer the potential to significantly reduce the incidental fishing mortality that this species experiences.     

基于结构方程模型研究环境因子对毛里塔尼亚双拖鲣CPUE的影响

探索渔业资源丰度与环境因子的关系, 并掌握种群分布对环境变化的响应机制, 是养护资源、实现渔业可持续发展的基础。然而, 渔业资源的变化受多个环境因素的综合影响, 这些因素之间存在复杂且相关的关系。目前的研究主要集中于环境因子对种群分布和资源丰度等直接影响, 而忽视了环境因素之间的相互作用。为了探索不同环境因子及其相互关系对毛里塔尼亚双拖鲣种群资源量的影响机制与路径, 本研究基于 2017—2019 年毛里塔尼亚海域双拖渔业鲣(Katsuwonus pelamis)单位捕捞努力量渔获量(CPUE), 采用结构方程模型(SEM)构建海表面温度 (SST)、海表面盐度(SSS)、海面高度异常(SLA)、溶解氧(DO)和叶绿素 a 浓度(Chl-a) 5 个环境因子对鲣 CPUE 直接和间接影响。结果表明: SEM 模型具有良好的拟合效果; SST、SSS、SLA、DO 和 Chl-a 对鲣 CPUE 均有直接影响, 其中 DO 和 SLA 对 CPUE 有着显著正相关影响, 而 SST、SSS 和 Chl-a 对 CPUE 有显著负相关影响; SST 等环境因子还会通过多种路径对鲣 CPUE 产生间接影响。研究揭示了毛塔海域 SST 通过直接影响或通过影响其他环境因子而间接影响鲣种群资源变动的潜在机制。     

底拖网调查数据的Delta-模型分析及其在黄海小黄鱼和银鲳资源评估中的应用

底拖网调查(扫海面积法)的数据处理方法主要有两大类,即基于调查设计的方法(design-based method)和基于模型的方法(model-based method),其中基于调查设计的方法在我国的应用较为常见,而基于模型的方法则较少应用.介绍了渔业资源底拖网调查数据的Δ-分布模型分析方法,并采用此方法对2000年秋季黄海小黄鱼和银鲳的资源量进行了评估.结果显示,调查海区小黄鱼资源的平均分布密度为66.3 kg·km-2,95%置信区间为(23.4,109.2) kg·km-2;总资源量均值为14 626.9 t,95%置信区间为(5 168.4,24 085.5) t.银鲳资源密度均值为19.0 kg·km-2,95%置信区间为(3.5,34.5) kg·km-2;总资源量均值为4 194.3 t,95%置信区间为(773.2,7 615.4) t.传统的基于调查设计的方法得到的置信区间范围则较宽,且下限出现负值.上述结果表明Δ-分布模型法的评估结果具有较高的精度,是一种值得推广的渔业资源底拖网调查数据分析与资源评估方法.     

Efficacy of a starch-iodide swab technique to detect the illegal use of bleach in a Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery

The destructive and illegal practice of using chemicals (bleach, dishwashing liquid, gasoline) to catch spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) is thought to be common throughout much of the Bahamian Archipelago. Injection of a chemical irritant into a lobster den will result in either a rapid escape response or a subduing effect, both of which make it easier to capture spiny lobster. We used both laboratory and field trials to determine the efficacy of a starch-iodide swab technique to identify lobsters that had been exposed to bleach solution (NaOCl). All lobsters exposed to bleach tested positive immediately following exposure and for varying periods thereafter. No false positives were detected on control lobsters. The average length of time that bleach remained detectable on the exoskeleton was 6.2 and 9.6 h in the laboratory and field, respectively, with some individuals testing positive 12 h after exposure. The swab technique will provide fishery officers with a powerful tool to reduce or eliminate the illegal use of bleach for harvesting spiny lobster.     

Population dynamics and movements of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Maldivian fishery: analysis of tagging data from an advection-diffusion-reaction model

An advection diffusion reaction model was used to estimate movement and tag attrition parameters from skipjack tuna tagging data off the Maldives. Two sets of data were available from the experiments carried out during two distinct periods: 1990–1991 and 1993–1995. The results of the analysis were compared with the previous analyses and discussed in relation to management of skipjack fisheries in the Maldives and in the Indian Ocean. The movements were found to be highly variable in space and time, and few consistent patterns were observed between the two data sets. Similarly, significantly different estimates of fishing and natural mortality rates were observed from the two data sets. These differences were found, in part, to be due to the uneven distribution of tag releases in both space and time. Estimates of movement and attrition rates show that emigration from the Maldivian fishery to the rest of the Indian Ocean’s was small. The exploitation rate was found to be substantial, contributing about 30-40% of the total attrition in the fishery area. Such levels of localized exploitation may be maintained by steady immigration from outside of the Maldives, but more extensive tagging is required to be certain. The impact of tuna fisheries elsewhere in the Indian Ocean on the domestic Maldivian fishery cannot be determined until a comprehensive large-scale tagging program, including all the fisheries in the Indian Ocean, is completed.     

Evaluation of separator grates for reduction of bycatch in the silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis) otter trawl fishery off Nova Scotia, Canada

The effectiveness of separator grates in reducing bycatches in the small-mesh otter trawl fishery for silver hake on the Scotian Shelf was examined in three experiments aboard a research and two commercial vessels. Different grate bar orientations, bar spacings, grate insertion angles, and guiding mechanisms were tested. The size selection and escapement levels resulting from these grate configurations are described. A grate with vertical bars spaced 40 mm apart inserted at 45–60°, and with a funnel or panel forward of the grate to direct fish to its base, released 85–98% by weight of pollock and haddock, and 48–70% of other species, while retaining 95% of silver hake. Commercial bycatches contained more small haddock than did experimental catches, and it is projected that commercial use of this grate would release 75–80% by weight of haddock encountered, and only 50% by number. Other grate configurations tested displayed poorer species selection characteristics.     

Microhabitat use, movements and abundance of gilt darters (Percina evides) in southern Appalachian (USA) streams

Abstract –  We examined microhabitat use by gilt darters ( Percina evides ) in two streams in the south-eastern USA. Darters were over-represented in erosional microhabitats with higher average velocities and more cobble. Male darters tended to show stronger selection than females. Size-based analyses showed that larger (≥60 mm) gilt darters tended to use microhabitats with more heterogeneous substrata and more boulder than smaller (≤59 mm) darters. We also conducted a short-term movement study and calculated population estimates based on mark–recapture data in autumn 2005. Darters moved both long and short distances with 40% of all recaptures occurring within 5 m of the initial capture point. Using Program mark and model-averaged parameter estimates gilt darter density was 0.31 darters·m⁻² (225 darters/730 m²). Conservation of this species will require the preservation of erosional habitats in streams.     

Selectivity estimates for Amblygaster sirm (Clupeidae) in the small-meshed gill net fishery on the west coast of Sri Lanka

Selectivity of Amblygaster sirm by gill nets of seven mesh sizes ranging from 2.3 to 3.8 cm stretched mesh was studied for a period of 12 months in the coastal waters off Negombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka. The size range of fish caught was 9.0–22.0 cm. Selection by mesh sizes smaller than 3.0 cm was towards the lower end of the selection curve.

Estimated values for selection factors ranged from 5.11 to 6.03 and those for optimum selection lengths varied from 12.9 to 19.7 cm. The highest selection factor was observed for 2.9 cm mesh, probably due to wedging of larger individuals in this mesh.     

Considerations of stock structure of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the Indian Ocean based on fishery data

Yellowfin stock structure in the Indian Ocean was studied by using industrial tuna longline fishery data. Three types of test variables were used to detect stock structure, i.e., CPUE, age-specific CPUE, and coefficient of variation for size. Time-series data of test variables were compiled for six sub-areas that were arranged by dividing the whole region systematically along longitude lines every 20 degrees. Then time-series data were smoothed by moving averages, and regressed by simple models. Patterns of time-series trends were graphically and statistically compared to classify homogeneous sub-area groups. Two assumptions were (a) that homogeneous stocks exist longitudinally and overlap in adjacent waters, and (b) that test variables within homogeneous sub-area groups are equally affected, and hence patterns of the time-series trends are similar. After graphical screening for significant sub-area groups, analysis of covariance was applied to test homogeneity of regression parameters representing patterns of the time-series trends. By classifying homogeneous sub-area groups, stock structures were determined at the P <0.05 and P <0.50 levels. The P<0.50 level was recognized as a useful criterion for ‘weak’ test variables since masked or vague structures at the P <0.05 level were likely cleared at this level in many cases. Results of this study and past stock structure studies were reviewed and compared. It was concluded that there are two major and two minor stocks of yellowfin tuna. The two major stocks (the western and the eastern) are located at 40^o-90^oE and 70^o-130^oE respectively. The minor stocks are the far western and the far eastern stocks (the latter possibly being a part of the Pacific stock), which are located westward of 40^oE and eastward of 110^oE respectively. Neighboring stocks are intermingled in adjacent waters.     

Using multivariate analysis of water quality in RAS with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to model the evolution of macronutrients

Since fish are very sensitive to water quality, their welfare is greatly influenced by the environment. Little is known about the most suitable levels of ions for optimum growth in fish, although their concentration tends to increase with the accumulation of waste and uneaten feed. Maintaining good water quality is important since it will also affect biofilter function and provide optimal growth and better fish health. Multivariate analysis was used to study the evolution of water quality in thirteen feeding trials with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Specifically, thirteen different variables were measured: pH, electrical conductivity, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate and sulfate. A random regression model was assessed to determine the evolution of these variables in time, resulting in an increase in its level except for ammonium and nitrite, which tended to decrease with time, and calcium, that was more variable among trials. A posteriori, trials were sorted into three groups, depending on the fish stocking density (less than 1, between 1 and 2 and more than 2 kg m⁻³). Random regression analysis allowed to find equations that describe the behaviour of each ion, showing different patterns depending on the variable. Principal component (PC) analysis suggests that most of the variance is described by two PCs, the first explained the total content of dissolved ions and the second most important PC was related to fish and feed. That implies that changes in water chemistry are separate from changes in fish density or feeding and they explain more of the variation in ion concentrations. The application of random regression models and PCA provides a meaningful characterization of RAS water samples based on water quality criteria.     

海洋捕捞产量统计方法比较与讨论——以温州为例

为分析电子捕捞日志数据的准确性和可信度,以“粤新会渔01282” “粤新会渔01240” “粤新会渔01286” “粤新会渔01239” “粤茂滨渔47239” “粤新会渔02163” “粤茂滨渔42278” “粤新会渔00070”和“粤新会渔01268”9艘拖网渔船2018年8月17日—2019年4月30日的作业状态为研究对象,利用北斗船位数据提取拖网作业时间、作业网次和作业渔区,与电子捕捞日志数据的相关信息进行比较验证。结果表明,9艘拖网渔船的电子捕捞日志数据与北斗数据提取的作业时间的重复率分别为36.7%、64.8%、71.4%、81.5%、24.7%、46.7%、66.7%、79.6%和68.9%。作业渔区的重复率分别为80%、86.9%、65.7%、74.7%、75.3%、85.6%、71.6%、56.9%和65.2%,作业网次的重复率分别为65%、86.4%、60%、70%、75.3%、67.1%、54.4%、62.1%和35.4%。作业时间与渔获量的相关性分析结果表明,“粤新会渔01286” “粤新会渔01239” “粤新会渔01240”和“粤茂滨渔47239”的作业时间与渔获量呈极显著相关(P<0.01),“粤茂滨渔42278”的作业时间与渔获量呈显著相关(P<0.05),“粤新会渔01282” “粤新会渔02163” “粤新会渔00070”和“粤新会渔01268”的作业时间与渔获量无显著相关性(P<0.05),反映出电子捕捞日志数据的准确性和可信性尚有空间可待提高。

     

Application of a habitat-based model to estimate effective longline fishing effort and relative abundance of Pacific bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus)

A new habitat‐based model is developed to improve estimates of relative abundance of Pacific bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). The model provides estimates of `effective' longline effort and therefore better estimates of catch‐per‐unit‐of‐effort (CPUE) by incorporating information on the variation in longline fishing depth and depth of bigeye tuna preferred habitat. The essential elements in the model are: (1) estimation of the depth distribution of the longline gear, using information on gear configuration and ocean currents; (2) estimation of the depth distribution of bigeye tuna, based on habitat preference and oceanographic data; (3) estimation of effective longline effort, using fine‐scale Japanese longline fishery data; and (4) aggregation of catch and effective effort over appropriate spatial zones to produce revised time series of CPUE. Model results indicate that effective effort has increased in both the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) and eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). In the WCPO, effective effort increased by 43% from the late 1960s to the late 1980s due primarily to the increased effectiveness of effort (deeper longline sets) rather than to increased nominal effort. Over the same period, effective effort increased 250% in the EPO due primarily to increased nominal effort. Nominal and standardized CPUE indices in the EPO show similar trends – a decline during the 1960s, a period of stability in the 1970s, high values during 1985–1986 and a decline thereafter. In the WCPO, nominal CPUE is stable over the time‐series; however, standardized CPUE has declined by ～50%. If estimates of standardized CPUE accurately reflect relative abundance, then we have documented substantial reductions of bigeye tuna abundance for some regions in the Pacific Ocean. A decline in standardized CPUE in the subtropical gyres concurrent with stability in equatorial areas may represent a contraction in the range of the population resulting from a decline in population abundance. The sensitivity of the results to the habitat (temperature and oxygen) assumptions was tested using Monte Carlo simulations.     

黄河干流宁蒙段渔业资源调查及保护对策

为了解黄河干流宁蒙段渔业资源现状,于2007年10月对这一河段的饵料生物资源和鱼类资源进行了调查,重点是浮游生物种类组成及数量变化、鱼类区系特点和渔获物组成分析。结果表明：黄河干流宁蒙段浮游生物种类和数量偏少,鱼类资源量呈下降趋势;然后,通过查询相关资料和结合本次调查结果,分析讨论了黄河干流宁蒙段鱼类资源衰退的主要原因,并且为这一河段的鱼类种质资源保护和渔业资源可持续利用提出合理性建议。     

新时代湖泊渔业可持续发展的实践与思考(下)

五、突出湖泊渔业的产业属性,不断提升一二三产融合发展质量水平新时代湖泊渔业发展必然以最小的一产规模,通过与二三产业的充分融合,实现最大的经济效益。长期以来,依湖而居、以渔为生的传统渔民,大多采取守株待兔的销售方式,既无力进行产业链延伸,也不会创建自主品牌。湖泊渔业产业素质较低,体量将会因一产大规模压缩而迅速萎缩,必须采取措施,促进湖泊渔业转型升级。     

Application of a bioeconomics model to examine sustainability of fishery resources in the global market: the case of octopus resource in Morocco

A study was conducted to examine the long-term relationship among price of fish, harvest level, and resource condition using a bioeconomics model. Data on the annual amount of production and prices of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in Morocco from 1970 to 2006 are plotted on a diagram to trace annual changes of price and production. The plotted pattern suggests a long-term movement of the yield-price equilibrium along the line of a theoretical long-term supply function curve of the bioeconomics model. The plotted data also suggests that there are four stages of resource exploitation for octopus in Morocco: (1) the underexploited stage from 1970 to 1987 which is characterized by small catch and low prices, (2) the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) stage from 1988 to 1998 which is characterized by moderate catch and intermediate prices, (3) the overexploited stage from 1999 to 2001 which is characterized by large catch and intermediate prices, and (4) the reduced stock stage after 2002 which is characterized by small catch and high prices. This result is consistent with the independent scientific research information on octopus harvested in Morocco. Our study indicates that an analysis of market information (i.e., amount of production and price) could be an effective tool in identifying approximate status of fishery resources.