Environmental effects of marine fishing

• 1 Some effects of fisheries on the associated biological systems are reviewed and management options and their inherent risks are considered.
• 2 In addition to the effects on target species, other sensitive groups impacted by fishing are considered including marine mammals, turtles, sea birds, elasmobranchs and some invertebrates with low reproductive rates.
• 3 Other impacts discussed include the destruction of benthic habitat, the provision of unnatural sources of food and the generation of debris.
• 4 Management options are considered including the designation of marine protected areas, risk aversion, and the burden of proof.
• 5 A balanced consideration of the risks and consequences of ?Type 1’? and ?Type II’? errors is advocated.

     

Anchor Ice Formation in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and Its Biological Effects

Aggregations of ice platelets accumulate below the annual sea ice (subice platelet layer) and on the bottom (anchor ice) to depths of 33 meters. Observations of ice platelets adhering to submerged lines support the conclusion that 33 meters is the lower limit for ice formation in the water column in this area. The rising anchor ice lifts epibenthic fauna and has a pronounced effect on the distribution of the epibenthic organisms.