Discover stories in Fisheries
The Octopus’ Birthday: Understanding an Intelligent & Elusive Marine Creature
Science sheds new light on octopus intelligence, as the animals open jars and pick Super Bowl winners. But despite all that attention, remarkably little is known about their life history in the wild.
Recent Study Pinpoints Where Ocean Acidification Will Hit Hardest
New research reveals regions and communities most vulnerable to ocean acidification’s affect on shellfisheries.
Chasing Cod: Tracking a Fish to Save an Industry
Cod is as much a part of Eastern Massachusetts as the Red Sox. But the fishery has been in long-term decline. Can tracking cod help save them...and an industry?
A Breakthrough for Data-Poor Fisheries Starts in Palau
Find out how a new technique piloted in Palau by The Nature Conservancy could help solve one of the world’s greatest challenges in fisheries management — a simple, low-cost method for assessing fish stocks.
Quick Study: A California-Style Approach to Sustainable Fisheries
<i>Quick Study is just what it says — a rapid-fire look at a new conservation science study that might turn some heads.</i> <b>The Question(s): </b>For decades, ocean bottom trawling has been the predominate method for catching groundfish (like flounder, halibut and sole) along the U.S. West Coast. But dragging weighted nets across the seafloor is destructive to bottom habitats and can result in large amounts of bycatch (netting of other species, including some that are ecologically valuable). Could a market-based approach to buy out trawl permits, combined with a collaborative effort to identify and protect ecologically sensitive areas, help protect species and a fishing industry?
A Lock Holds the Key to Restoring Migratory Fish
<b><i>Author’s Note</i></b><i>: This blog originally ran a year ago, following time afield with shad researchers on Florida’s Apalachicola River. Recently, the researchers released new information with some exciting new results on Alabama shad restoration. This blog provides the background information on the project. Check back tomorrow for a look at the results of this project, which is making a big difference in migratory fish conservation.</i> Take PVC pipe. Attach to a home water pump. Add water. It’s a simple recipe, but one that might be enough to help move millions of the migratory fish species known as Alabama shad over dams, so they can spawn in rivers throughout the southeastern United States. For millions of dollars less than conventional methods. With potentially big gains for sport fisheries in those rivers. “It’s low cost, low risk and low tech,” says Steve Herrington, director of freshwater conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Florida. “You can buy any of the basic equipment at Home Depot. And we have the science to back it up.”
Big Fish: Roadside Pike
Where could the pike possibly be? It turns out: In a roadside ditch.
Big Fish: Rodent-Eating Trout
Key up the Jaws soundtrack. For years, anglers have claimed Silver Creek's brown trout feed on rodents. Does the science back them up?