Exploring spatio-temporal changes in coastal recreational fisheries and potential links to extreme weather events.

Extreme weather events across coastal environments are expected to increase in frequency under predicted climate change scenarios. These events can impact coastal recreational fisheries and their supporting ecosystems by influencing the productivity of fish stocks or altering behaviours and decision-making among fishers. Using off-site telephone/diary survey data on estuarine and oceanic recreational fishing activity in eastern Australia, we analyse interannual and geographic variability in bream (Acanthopagrus spp) and snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) catch, total effort and total catch per unit effort (CPUE) through a period (2013/2014, 2017/2018 and 2019/2020) that encompassed severe drought, bushfires and flooding. Interacting spatial and temporal differences were detected for bream and may reflect spatial variation in the intensity and extent of some of the extreme weather events. The catch of snapper did not change temporally, providing little evidence that this species' catch may be influenced by the extreme weather events. Independent bioregional and temporal effects on effort were detected, while CPUE only showed significant bioregional differences. Although adverse conditions created by the extreme weather events may have dissuaded fisher participation and impacted effort, we propose that the observed temporal patterns in effort reflect the early influence of socio-economic changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic on coastal recreational fishing, over and above the impacts of extreme weather events. This study demonstrates how interrelated ecological, social and economic factors can shape coastal recreational fisheries and facilitates development of management strategies to address future threats to the sector.

Temporal and regional variation in catch across an extensive coastal recreational fishery: Exploring the utility of survey methods to guide and assess spatio-temporal management initiatives.

As global research into recreational fishing gains momentum due to the pursuit's biological, social and economic impacts, information on regional and temporal patterns of recreational exploitation will continue to enable objective assessment and development of management initiatives for exploited species. This paper demonstrates the utility of offsite survey methods in assessing spatial and temporal differences in recorded catches from a large, diffuse and heterogenous coastal recreational fishery. Using the estuarine recreational fishery that operates along the coast of New South Wales, Australia as a case study, survey data was employed to quantify annual (June 2013-May 2014) state-wide estuarine catch. Generalized linear mixed effects models were then applied to expanded catch estimates from surveyed households to examine the influence of zone and season on the kept and released numbers of snapper (Pagrus auratus), dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) and bream (Acanthopagrus spp. complex comprised of A. butcheri, A. australis and their hybrids). For kept bream, significant differential seasonal effects were observed in all regions except the Mid-South Coast. For released bream, numbers were greatest in Sydney and during Summer and Winter. For kept snapper, the greatest harvest was recorded in the Mid-South Coast but season had no effect. Differential seasonal effects were found in each zone for released snapper. For kept dusky flathead, the greatest numbers were recorded in Sydney and the Mid-South Coast but season had no effect. We conclude by assessing some current spatial and temporal management initiatives in light of the uncovered patterns of recreational catch and consider the implications of these patterns in terms of future ecosystem-based management recommendations aimed at achieving ecological, social and economic sustainability in fisheries.

Quality of life in women undergoing medical treatment for early pregnancy failure.

OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of quality of life, depression, and stress in women undergoing medical management of early pregnancy failure with misoprostal and to assess the relationship of quality of life, depression, and stress to treatment acceptability. DESIGN: Descriptive observational study of women undergoing medical management of early pregnancy failure with misoprostol conducted as part of a multicenter pilot study testing the efficacy of saline-moistened versus dry application of vaginal misoprostol. Data were collected prior to treatment through 15 days posttreatment. SETTING: Four university-based hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Women (n = 80) < or = 1 weeks pregnant diagnosed with anembryonic gestation or fetal demise. INTERVENTION: Vaginal misoprostol for medical evacuation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life (physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, social functioning, vitality, and bodily pain), depression, stress, and treatment acceptability. RESULTS: Women who received medical evacuation demonstrated poorer quality of life than same-age published population norms, scoring 0.25 to 0.78 of a standard deviation below the population mean for four of the five subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should assist patients to minimize and manage physical symptoms during treatment for early pregnancy failure. Women with higher external demands and lower social/tangible support may need greater assistance.

Review of the windmill pitch: biomechanics and injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature of the biomechanics of the windmill fast-pitch and its implications for injury. This information may be utilized in treating youth windmill pitchers. DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE search was conducted to retrieve articles regarding the windmill pitch. Key terms were then taken from the pilot search and used to conduct a systematic search and review of the literature. RESULTS: Articles containing information on the windmill pitch and injuries associated with the motion were reviewed. Additional information pertaining to the overhand baseball pitch and overuse injuries in youth were analyzed and synthesized into the body of information. CONCLUSION: A complex sequence of actions is required to successfully perform the windmill pitch. Overuse injuries are common in windmill pitchers. A well-designed conditioning schedule and the regulation of the frequency and volume of pitching in youth fast-pitch may assist with managing injury associated with this activity. Further investigation of specific treatment methods is needed.