Note: When clicking on a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number, you will be taken to an external site maintained by the publisher.
Some full text articles may not yet be available without a charge during the embargo (administrative interval).
What is a DOI Number?
Some links on this page may take you to non-federal websites. Their policies may differ from this site.
-
Abstract The management and conservation of tuna and other transboundary marine species have to date been limited by an incomplete understanding of the oceanographic, ecological and socioeconomic factors mediating fishery overlap and interactions, and how these factors vary across expansive, open ocean habitats. Despite advances in fisheries monitoring and biologging technology, few attempts have been made to conduct integrated ecological analyses at basin scales relevant to pelagic fisheries and the highly migratory species they target. Here, we use vessel tracking data, archival tags, observer records, and machine learning to examine inter‐ and intra‐annual variability in fisheries overlap (2013–2020) of five pelagic longline fishing fleets with North Pacific albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga, Scombridae). Although progressive declines in catch and biomass have been observed over the past several decades, the North Pacific albacore is one of the only Pacific tuna stocks primarily targeted by pelagic longlines not currently listed as overfished or experiencing overfishing. We find that fishery overlap varies significantly across time and space as mediated by (1) differences in habitat preferences between juvenile and adult albacore; (2) variation of oceanographic features known to aggregate pelagic biomass; and (3) the different spatial niches targeted by shallow‐set and deep‐set longline fishing gear. These findings may have significant implications for stock assessment in this and other transboundary fishery systems, particularly the reliance on fishery‐dependent data to index abundance. Indeed, we argue that additional consideration of how overlap, catchability, and size selectivity parameters vary over time and space may be required to ensure the development of robust, equitable, and climate‐resilient harvest control rules.more » « less
-
The complementary use and transfer of empirical and scientific knowledge are essential for the holistic and sustainable management of fishing resources. To understand how both types of knowledge are transferred in fishing communities in three regions of Mexico, we conducted 120 in-depth interviews with young people, adults, and older adults who participated in various activities within fishing value networks. During the interviews, we identified who participated in transferring knowledge within communities, what lessons were passed on, what knowledge has been lost, and what scientific topics are known within the communities. We also investigated the sector’s most used means of communication to further explore the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge and the fundamental roles of external actors in transferring knowledge within communities. The information was coded, categorized, and analyzed for each question. The interviewees valued the continuity of inheriting traditional knowledge, which included teaching practical skills, such as fishing techniques and navigation, and transmitting values, traditions, and ways of understanding and relating to the marine environment. The interviewees perceived knowledge transfer as a bidirectional exchange of knowledge, ideas, and practices among generations. Furthermore, they recognized the value of external actors with scientific and technical knowledge in promoting innovation and adapting to new challenges. The combination of knowledge and perspectives enriches fisheries management and marine environmental conservation. Promoting the transfer of traditional and scientific knowledge is fundamental to building a future where fishing and marine life coexist in harmony and prosperity. The responsibility of supporting this integration falls on fishing communities and external actors. Working together in this collaborative learning process is the key to achieving sustainable resource management and ensuring the continuity of this valuable tradition for future generations. In doing so, these communities’ cultural and ecological richness can be preserved, ensuring a lasting balance between people and the sea.more » « less
An official website of the United States government
