New insights into the reproduction and migration of the porbeagle shark Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre 1788) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean.

The objective of this study was to estimate the reproductive parameters of porbeagle shark in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and thus characterize the adult fraction of this population. Therefore, 1012 specimens were measured by scientific observers on board the commercial trawl fleet operating south of 50° S. The size range of the specimens was from 77 to 292 cm fork length (LF). The mean size at maturity was estimated to be 153 cm LF for males and 172 cm LF for females. Porbeagle shark catches were recorded throughout the year, with the highest frequency occurring between November and June. The presence of pregnant females was observed from December to July, along with an increase in the average size of embryos in each litter. The information presented in this study improves the knowledge of the reproductive biology and allows to propose a migratory pattern of adult porbeagle females in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. The likely seasonal increase in vulnerability of this shark to austral trawl fishery, despite all conservation management measures established in Argentina, underscores the importance of promoting its proper management and conservation given the need to improve understanding of porbeagle population dynamics in the Southern Hemisphere.

Size at sexual maturity, seasonal variation by maturity stages, and fecundity of the spotted round ray (Urobatis maculatus) and the thorny stingray (Urotrygon rogersi) from the northern tropical eastern Pacific.

Round rays (family: Urotrygonidae) are commonly caught as by-catch by shrimp trawl fisheries in the tropical eastern Pacific (TEP). However, little information on their life history and catch species composition exists for most round ray species, preventing the evaluation of the impact of fishing on their populations. The mean size at sexual maturity (DW50), seasonal variation by maturity stages, and fecundity for two round ray species caught during shrimp trawl research cruises in the south-eastern Gulf of California (northern TEP) were estimated using a multi-model approach and inference for the first time, to determine the part of the population of each species that is being affected by shrimp trawling. Disc width (DW) ranged from 7.0 to 30.9 cm for the spotted round ray (Urobatis maculatus), and 7.2-33.5 cm for the thorny stingray (Urotrygon rogersi), with females reaching larger sizes than males in both species. The DW50 was estimated at 12.8 and 11.8 cm DW for the males and females of U. maculatus, respectively, whereas for U.rogersi, it was 15.0 and 18.4 cm DW for males and females, respectively. Embryos were found in females ≥14.5 cm DW in both species. The maximum fecundity was five embryos for U. maculatus (mean = 3.1 ± 0.2 S.E., mode = 4), and six embryos for U. rogersi (mean = 3.0 ± 0.3 S.E., mode = 2). Fecundity and embryo size did not vary with maternal size. Male and female immature and mature individuals for both species, including pregnant females, were found in the catches in all seasons of the year. Our results can help determine the vulnerability of the studied species populations to fishing pressure from shrimp trawling in the northern TEP and guide the development of future monitoring strategies and conservation actions for these species, if necessary.

Almost nothing is known about the tiger shark in South Atlantic waters.

The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) has been relatively well assessed concerning biology and ecology aspects in both Atlantic and Pacific North America and in Caribbean waters. The amount of data in these regions has led to the species protection under capture quotas and with the creation of sanctuaries. The reality in developing countries, however, is the exact opposite, with scarce information on the species in the southern hemisphere, namely South American and African waters. In these regions, protection measures are insufficient, and studies on tiger shark biology and ecology are scarce, significantly hindering conservation and management efforts. Thus, the aim of this study was to compile scientific literature on the tiger shark in the South Atlantic and discuss the impact of these data (or lack thereof) distributed within a total of ten research categories for guiding management plans. In total, 41 scientific publications on different G. cuvier biology and ecology aspects were obtained. The most studied topics were Feeding Ecology (n = 12), followed by Human Interactions (n = 8), and Movements and Migration (n = 7). Northeastern Brazil (Southwest Atlantic) was the most researched area, probably due to the higher coastal abundance of tiger sharks in this area, alongside a high number of recorded attacks, justifying funding for studies in the region. No studies carried out in other South American or African countries were found. It is important to mention that even though some research topics are relatively well covered, a severe knowledge gap is noted for risk assessments and fisheries management, with a proposition for the implementation of sanctuaries noted. This is, however, particularly worrisome, as the South Atlantic is mostly unexplored in this regard for tiger sharks. It is also important to note how different the attention given to this species is in the North Atlantic when compared to the South region. Lastly, we highlight that the existence of sub-populations, the lack of migratory corridors geographically connecting distinct areas used by the species, and the lack of fisheries statistics on tiger shark landings, all increase the vulnerability of this species in the South Atlantic.

Molecular identification and first demographic insights of sharks based on artisanal fisheries bycatch in the Pacific Coast of Colombia: implications for conservation.

The Pacific coast of Colombia is characterized by mangrove ecosystems which play a crucial role as possible nurseries for juvenile sharks. However, trophic food webs from coastal ecosystems are heavily disturbed by increased fishing pressure, which affects numerous shark species. In this region of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), fisheries' data from coastal areas are scarce and unspecific, as most sharks from artisanal fisheries are landed decapitated and finless, making their morphological identification difficult. For the establishment and implementation of effective regional conservation and management policies, information on the diversity and population dynamics of shark species is crucial. We therefore sequenced the mitochondrial NADH2 gene of 696 samples taken from fishermen's landings of shark's bycatch along the Colombian north Pacific coast. We were able to identify 14 species of sharks, two of the most abundant species were Sphyrna lewini and Carcharhinus falciformis, both evaluated on IUCN the Red List of Threatened species (Critically Endangered and Vulnerable) and CITES regulated. We found low genetic diversity in the sampled area increasing the concern for both species in the region, even more considering that the majority of individuals were juveniles. Our results showed the importance of genetic markers for first population genetic insights as a complementary tool during the decision-making process in management plans. For this specific region, strategies such as the delimitation of conservation priority areas or the regulation of fishing gears could help improve the sustainability of shark populations in the Colombian Pacific.

Impacts of illegal fishing in the inland waters of the State of Santa Catarina -Brazil.

Fish stocks are being severely depleted, marine habitats are threatened and marine pollution is on the rise due to discarded fishing gear. This equipment is generally from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, leading to incidental fishing and sometimes ghost fishing. In this study, data obtained from reports produced by the Environmental Military Police in Santa Catarina, Brazil, on gill nets fixed in the coastal area and at the baseline limit of this state, for the period of 2019 to 2020, were analyzed. The results show a large number of seized and collected illegal fishing gear, as well as mammals, fish and birds found entangled in the nets.

Review of threats to the Pacific seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) in Peru.

Illegal wildlife trade has been identified as a major source of global commerce of seahorses. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora listed the genus Hippocampus in Appendix II in 2004, when several countries that commercialized these species also banned transactions through domestic legislation, Peru being one of them. Nevertheless, since the 2004 ban was decreed in Peru, transactions have continued, including international commerce, as well confiscations of illegal seahorse Hippocampus ingens (Girard 1858) products. The authors reviewed three official government sources for information on seahorse trade in Peru, identifying differences in the reporting of the two agencies that monitor exports and imports of seahorses, likely due to non-standardized use of product categorization codes (Partidas Arancelarias). Confiscations reported by one of the agencies confirmed that illegal trade continued despite the ban and in similar amounts of what was exported by Peru before the ban (1053 kg confiscated in 2019 vs. 1460 kg exported in 2004, an estimated 437,888 and 607,067 seahorses, respectively). This review highlights gaps in seahorse conservation in Peru, which include research gaps (e.g., taxonomy, biology and use of habitats) as well as the identification of fisheries impact and improvements in by-catch reporting. This review also highlights areas for possible improvement in international trade (e.g., standardized descriptions of Partidas) that ultimately would allow the country to follow the Convention for Illegal Trade of Endangered Species regulations for seahorses.

Net illumination reduces fisheries bycatch, maintains catch value, and increases operational efficiency.

Small-scale fisheries are vital for food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in coastal areas throughout the world's oceans.1-9 As intricately linked social-ecological systems, small-scale fisheries require management approaches that help ensure both ecological and socioeconomic sustainability.7,10-14 Given their ease of use and lucrative nature, coastal gillnet fisheries are globally ubiquitous.10,15 However, these fisheries often result in high discarded capture of non-target organisms (bycatch) that can lead to significant cascading effects throughout trophic chains16-18 and costly fisheries restrictions that result in important revenue losses in coastal communities with scarce economic alternatives.19,20 Despite these challenges, few solutions have been developed and broadly adopted to decrease bycatch in coastal gillnet fisheries, particularly in developing nations.5,21 Here we used controlled experiments along Mexico's Baja California peninsula to show that illuminating gillnets with green LED lights-an emerging technology originally developed to mitigate sea turtle bycatch-significantly reduced mean rates of total discarded bycatch biomass by 63%, which included significant decreases in elasmobranch (95%), Humboldt squid (81%), and unwanted finfish (48%). Moreover, illuminated nets significantly reduced the mean time required to retrieve and disentangle nets by 57%. In contrast, there were no significant differences in target fish catch or value. These findings advance our understanding of how artificial illumination affects operational efficiency and changes in catch rates in coastal gillnet fisheries, while illustrating the value of assessing broad-scale ecological and socioeconomic effects of species-specific conservation strategies.

Comparative analysis of three bait types in deep-set pelagic longline gear in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean / Análise comparativa de três diferentes tipos de isca utilizados noespinhel pelágico de profundidade no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial

The choice of bait is one of the fisheries tactics used to increase selectivity for particular target species. The performance of three bait types (mackerel, sardine, squid) was evaluated with a commercial vessel operating in the Equatorial Atlantic Ocean using the deep-set pelagic longline deployment method to target large yellowfin and bigeye tunas. The effect of different factors and covariates on the Capture per Effort Unit - CPUE was evaluated through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). In 121 experimental sets using three bait types, 2385 individuals of the two target species were captured, 1166 yellowfin tuna and 1219 bigeye tuna. The results suggest a preference between bait types for each target species, with the yellowfin tuna being mostly caught by the hooks using squid and bigeye tuna with fish bait mackerel. Stratifying the results for three depth ranges of the hooks, the combination of bait and depth for yellowfin tuna resulted in an increase of catch probability in the intermediary depth layer using mackerel. For bigeye tuna, using mackerel in the intermediary layer resulted in a reduction in the catch rate. Bycatch represented around 11.15% of total captures. These results will provide important information to choosing the most efficient bait for the pelagic longline fishing operation and will help future decisions of fisheries management.

A escolha da isca é uma das estratégias utilizadas para aumentar a seletividade para espécies-alvo com espinhel pelágico. O desempenho de três tipos de isca (cavala, sardinha e lula) foi avaliado em um barco de pesca comercial, operando no Oceano Atlântico Equatorial usando o espinhel pelágico de profundidade para captura de tunídeos. O efeito de diferentes fatores e covariáveis sobre a Captura por Unidade de Esforço - CPUE das espécies-alvo foi avaliado por meio de Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLM). Em 121 lances de espinhel usando os três tipos de isca, foram capturados 2385 indivíduos das espécies-alvo de atum, 1166 albacora laje e 1219 albacora bandolim. Os resultados sugerem uma preferência entre os tipos de isca para cada espécie-alvo. Com a albacora laje sendo principalmente capturada pelos anzóis utilizando lula e a albacora bandolim pelos anzóis utilizando com isca de cavala e sardinhas. As capturas acidentais representaram em torno de 11,15%. A combinação de isca e profundidade para albacora laje resultou em um aumento de captura utilizando cavala em profundidade intermediária. No caso da albacora bandolim resultou em uma redução de captura utilizando cavala em profundidades intermediarias. Esses resultados fornecerão informações importantes para a escolha da isca mais eficiente para a operação de pesca com espinhel pelágico de profundidade e auxiliarão nas decisões futuras de gestão pesqueira.

Fish functional diversity as an indicator of resilience to industrial fishing in Patagonia Argentina.

The relationship between fish functional diversity and fishing levels at which its baselines shift is important to identify the consequences of fishing in ecosystem functioning. For the first time, the authors of this study implemented a trait-based approach in the Argentine Patagonian Sea to identify the vulnerability and spatiotemporal changes in functional diversity of fish assemblages incidentally captured by a trawling fleet targeting the Argentine red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Spence Bate, 1888) between 2003 and 2014. The authors coupled seven fish trophic traits to a reconstructed fish assemblage for the study area and by-catch and evaluated changes in fish species richness and four complementary functional diversity measures (functional richness, redundancy, dispersion and community trait values) along with fishing intensity, temporal use, latitudinal location and depth of fishing grounds, and vessel length. Resident fishes larger than 30 cm in length, with depressed and fusiform bodies, intermediate to high trophic levels, and feeding in benthic, demersal and midwater areas were vulnerable to by-catch. In addition, fish assemblages exhibited a low functional trait redundancy, likely related to species influxes in a biogeographic ecotone with tropicalisation signs. Significant increases in fish trait richness and dispersion poleward and deep suggested new functional roles in these grounds, matching trends in community body size, reproductive load, maximum depth and trophic level. Finally, a temporal increase in fish species and functional trait removal in fishing grounds led to trait homogenisation since 2003. The authors identified that tipping points in temperate fish functional trait diversity showed the importance of trait-based approaches within ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil / Perigo além das capturas: uma revisão das ameaças à conservação pelas pescas comercial e recreativa na Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasi

Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.(AU)

As implicações das pescas comercial e recreativa para conservação dos estuários têm sido largamente discutidas. Uma revisão das informações disponíveis para a Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil, identifica seis ameaças à conservação, que extrapolam aquelas concernentes ao esforço de captura sobre as espécies-alvo. Contrariando a visão comum de que a pesca de lazer seria inócua para o ambiente, as ameaças identificadas referem-se tanto à pesca comercial como à não-comercial: (1) captura de indivíduos em atividade reprodutiva; (2) captura de fêmeas grandes e mais fecundas; (3) perda e abandono de materiais de pesca; (4) uso de iscas naturais; (5) captura incidental de raias, tartarugas e peixes não-alvo; e (6) práticas inadequadas associadas a pesque-e-solte e descarte. Impactos potenciais são perturbações ambientais e depleção de fauna. Ações recomendadas para conservação do estuário incluem interdição de pesca no manguezal e áreas rasas, soltura de peixes com tamanho superior ao crítico, e medidas contra abandono, perda e outras formas de descarte de materiais de pesca.(AU)

Length-weight relationship of the six most abundant fish species in prawn fishery semi-fixed trap bycatches in the lower amazon region (Pará, Brazil) / Relação peso-comprimento das seis espécies de peixes mais abundantes na pesca de camarão em armadilhas semifixas na região do baixo amazonas (Pará)

In this study, the length-weight relationships (LWR) were estimated for six fish species captured during prawn fishing in the Lower Amazon region (Pará, Brazil). Prawn fishing boosts the socioeconomic development of riverine communities and is a relevant activity as a source of income and subsistence in this region. In addition, we registered new LWRs for the species Ossancora punctata and Hypoptopoma elongatum. The samplings were performed in prawn catches monthly from February 2018 to January 2019, using a “matapi”, which consists of a semi-fixed trap that has a galvanized iron structure (2.5 m height by 2.0 m in length) and nylon mesh (1.40 x 1.60 mm mesh), and has two tapered openings to facilitate the entry and trapping of the prawn. The results show that 75% of the fish caught as prawn bycatches had not yet reached sexual maturity. Thus, it is clear that fisheries need to develop fishing gear that allow small fish to escape from the traps during the prawn fishery.

Neste estudo, as relações de peso-comprimento (RPC) foram estimadas para seis espécies de peixes capturadas durante a pesca do camarão de água doce na região da Baixa Amazônia (Pará, Brasil). A pesca do camarão promove o desenvolvimento socioeconômico das comunidades ribeirinhas, sendo uma atividade de fonte de renda e subsistência nesta região. Além disso, registramos novas RPCs para as espécies Ossancora punctata e Hypoptopoma elongatum. As amostragens foram realizadas mensalmente em capturas de camarão, entre fevereiro de 2018 e janeiro de 2019, com o uso de “matapi”, que consiste em uma armadilha semifixa, com estrutura de ferro galvanizado (com altura de 2,5 m por 2,0 m de comprimento) e tela de náilon (malha de 1,40 mm x 1,60 mm), com duas aberturas afuniladas para facilitar a entrada e aprisionamento do camarão. Os resultados mostraram que 75% dos peixes capturados como fauna acompanhante de camarão ainda não tinha atingido a maturidade sexual. Assim, é evidente que as pescarias precisam desenvolver equipamentos de pesca que permitam que os peixes menores escapem da captura durante a pesca do camarão.

Length-weight relationship of the six most abundant fish species in prawn fishery semi-fixed trap bycatches in the lower amazon region (Pará, Brazil) / Relação peso-comprimento das seis espécies de peixes mais abundantes na pesca de camarão em armadilhas semifixas na região do baixo amazonas (Pará)

In this study, the length-weight relationships (LWR) were estimated for six fish species captured during prawn fishing in the Lower Amazon region (Pará, Brazil). Prawn fishing boosts the socioeconomic development of riverine communities and is a relevant activity as a source of income and subsistence in this region. In addition, we registered new LWRs for the species Ossancora punctata and Hypoptopoma elongatum. The samplings were performed in prawn catches monthly from February 2018 to January 2019, using a “matapi”, which consists of a semi-fixed trap that has a galvanized iron structure (2.5 m height by 2.0 m in length) and nylon mesh (1.40 x 1.60 mm mesh), and has two tapered openings to facilitate the entry and trapping of the prawn. The results show that 75% of the fish caught as prawn bycatches had not yet reached sexual maturity. Thus, it is clear that fisheries need to develop fishing gear that allow small fish to escape from the traps during the prawn fishery.(AU)

Neste estudo, as relações de peso-comprimento (RPC) foram estimadas para seis espécies de peixes capturadas durante a pesca do camarão de água doce na região da Baixa Amazônia (Pará, Brasil). A pesca do camarão promove o desenvolvimento socioeconômico das comunidades ribeirinhas, sendo uma atividade de fonte de renda e subsistência nesta região. Além disso, registramos novas RPCs para as espécies Ossancora punctata e Hypoptopoma elongatum. As amostragens foram realizadas mensalmente em capturas de camarão, entre fevereiro de 2018 e janeiro de 2019, com o uso de “matapi”, que consiste em uma armadilha semifixa, com estrutura de ferro galvanizado (com altura de 2,5 m por 2,0 m de comprimento) e tela de náilon (malha de 1,40 mm x 1,60 mm), com duas aberturas afuniladas para facilitar a entrada e aprisionamento do camarão. Os resultados mostraram que 75% dos peixes capturados como fauna acompanhante de camarão ainda não tinha atingido a maturidade sexual. Assim, é evidente que as pescarias precisam desenvolver equipamentos de pesca que permitam que os peixes menores escapem da captura durante a pesca do camarão.(AU)

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil / Perigo além das capturas: uma revisão das ameaças à conservação pelas pescas comercial e recreativa na Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil

Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.

As implicações das pescas comercial e recreativa para conservação dos estuários têm sido largamente discutidas. Uma revisão das informações disponíveis para a Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil, identifica seis ameaças à conservação, que extrapolam aquelas concernentes ao esforço de captura sobre as espécies-alvo. Contrariando a visão comum de que a pesca de lazer seria inócua para o ambiente, as ameaças identificadas referem-se tanto à pesca comercial como à não-comercial: (1) captura de indivíduos em atividade reprodutiva; (2) captura de fêmeas grandes e mais fecundas; (3) perda e abandono de materiais de pesca; (4) uso de iscas naturais; (5) captura incidental de raias, tartarugas e peixes não-alvo; e (6) práticas inadequadas associadas a pesque-e-solte e descarte. Impactos potenciais são perturbações ambientais e depleção de fauna. Ações recomendadas para conservação do estuário incluem interdição de pesca no manguezal e áreas rasas, soltura de peixes com tamanho superior ao crítico, e medidas contra abandono, perda e outras formas de descarte de materiais de pesca.

Distribución espacial y variables explicativas de capturas de Thunnus albacares (Perciformes: Scombridae) y especies no objetivo por la flota internacional de cerco en el Pacífico de Costa Rica / Spatial distribution and correlates for catches of Thunnus albacares (Perciformes: Scombridae) and non-target species by the international purse-seine fleet in the Pacific of Costa Rica

Introducción: En los ambientes marinos del Pacífico de Costa Rica, la actividad pesquera por la flota cerquera internacional es importante debido a su amplio alcance y fuerte impacto. Objetivo: Evaluar la distribución espacial de la captura de atún aleta amarilla y especies no objetivo por esa flota, y posibles correlaciones con variables ambientales y pesqueras. Métodos: Aplicamos estadísticas geoespaciales y modelos de regresión múltiple en datos de la Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical, del 2002 al 2011. Utilizamos una grilla del tamaño de la Zona Económica Exclusiva (ZEE) con 1 124 celdas de 22 x 22 km (unidad de análisis), para un total de 11 240 celdas-año. Resultados: El atún mediano (presumiblemente inmaduro en su mayoría), delfines, mantas y rayas fueron capturados mayormente dentro del Domo Térmico (noreste de la ZEE). Las más altas capturas de atún pequeño (inmaduro en su totalidad), tiburones, picudos, dorado, peto y diversas especies pequeñas, ocurrieron en el extremo sur. El atún grande (maduro) fue capturado especialmente en el centro de la ZEE, hacia el este del Área Marina de Manejo Montes Submarinos y el Parque Nacional Marino Isla del Coco. Los atunes, dorado, delfines, mantas y rayas mostraron gran fidelidad de sitio por asociación con variables geográficas y ambientales, a la vez que el atún pequeño estuvo asociado a lances sobre objetos flotantes y el atún grande a lances sobre delfines. La heterogeneidad de las especies no objetivo probablemente escondió la mayoría de las correlaciones. Conclusiones: La pesca está afectando los niveles tróficos más altos y es necesario un diseño de zonificación ajustado para proteger mejor el domo térmico y considerar la susceptibilidad al uso de redes de cerco.

Introduction: In the Pacific marine ecosystems of Costa Rica, fishing activity by the international purse-seine fleet is important for its wide scope and large impact. Objective: To evaluate the spatial distribution of the catch of yellowfin tuna and non-target species by this fleet, and possible correlates with environmental and fishing variables. Methods: We applied geospatial statistics and multiple regression models to Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission data, covering from 2002 to 2011. We used a grid the size of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with 1 124 cells of 22 x 22 km (unit of analysis), for a total of 11 240 year-cells. Results: The medium tuna (presumably immature for the most part), dolphins, mantas and rays dominated catches within the Thermal Dome (Northeast of the EEZ). Small tuna (all immature), sharks, billfishes, dorado, wahoo, and various small species were caught mostly in the extreme South. Large tuna (mature) was caught specially in the zone center, towards the east of the Submarine Mounts Marine Management Area and the Isla del Coco National Marine Park. Tuna, dorado, dolphins, mantas and rays showed high site fidelity due to their association with geographic and environmental variables, at the time small tuna was associated with sets on floating objects, and big tuna was associated with sets on dolphins. The heterogeneity of non-target species probably hid most correlations. Conclusions: Fishing is affecting the highest trophic levels and an adjusted zoning design is needed to better protect the thermal dome and to take into account susceptibility to the use of purse seines.

Pathological Findings in Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) During an Unusual Mortality Event in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2016.

The leatherback sea turtle (LST; Dermochelys coriacea) is highly migratory and is primarily distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions. The LST populations found in Brazil are critically endangered. An unusual mortality event occurred between August and November 2016 with 23 LSTs stranded along a 100 km coastal segment in Iguape, Ilha Comprida and Ilha do Cardoso in southern São Paulo state. This study investigated the pathological findings and most likely causes of death of 10 LSTs. Male (n = 9) and adult (n = 9) animals predominated. All but one animal was in good body condition and all were found dead. The most prevalent gross findings were suggestive of bycatch, namely cutaneous erosions, abrasions and/or lacerations around the neck and flippers (n = 9), generalized congestion (n = 8) and pulmonary oedema (n = 6). Other prevalent gross findings were: cutaneous epibiosis by Stomatolepas elegans (n = 7); ileocecal diverticulitis (n = 7); distal oesophagitis (n = 5); and fibrinous coelomitis (n = 5). Microscopically, the most prevalent findings were: hepatic melanomacrophage centre hypertrophy or hyperplasia (n = 9); interstitial pneumonia (n = 8); multisystemic congestion (n = 6); pulmonary oedema with or without aspirated material (n = 5); adrenal coccidiosis (n = 5) with variable multiorgan involvement; and multiorgan bacterial disease (n = 5). Five animals had food ingesta (cnidarians, crustaceans) in the oesophagus or stomach; only one had evident plastic foreign bodies. Asphyxia due to entanglement in nets was the most frequently identified cause of death (n = 8); a cause of death was not identified in two animals. Our findings provide evidence of the severe negative impact of entanglement in fishing nets in LSTs, raising concerns for conservation. These findings also contribute to knowledge of the pathology of LSTs in South American populations.

Elaboração de salsicha de peixe pargo Pagrus pagrus de tamanho reduzido proveniente da pesca de arrasto com baixo valor comercial / Development of fish sausage using low commercial value red porgy Pagrus pagrus

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver salsicha utilizando o pargo Pagrus pagrus de baixo valor comercial capturado na modalidade de pesca de arrasto e classificado como na categoria mistura por ter tamanho reduzido para o mercado varejista e realizar análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas, toxicológicas e sensoriais. A salsicha foi elaborada na planta piloto da Embrapa Agroindústria de Alimentos utilizando 50% de surimi e 50% de filé. As análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas foram realizadas com métodos oficiais. O teste de aceitação foi realizado com 87 provadores que avaliaram o produto utilizando escala hedônica de sete pontos e também arguidos quanto à intenção de compra do produto. O produto foi considerado aceito quando 70% dos provadores atribuíram nota 4. Os resultados da composição centesimal foram: umidade 71,22%, proteínas 15,34%, lipídios totais 5,55%, carboidratos 6,11%, cinzas 1,78% e o valor energético 135,75 kcal. As avaliações microbiológicas e toxicológicas mostraram que os produtos apresentaram qualidade satisfatória conforme a legislação. A salsicha foi aceita por 82,7% dos provadores e o aspecto global do produto atingiu média de 4,93 (±1,69). Em relação à intenção de compra foi atribuída a maior porcentagem para talvez sim/talvez não (32%), seguido de provavelmente compraria (24%), e 28,1% informaram que provavelmente ou deci

The aim of this work was to develop sausage using the low commercial value red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) caught in the “fish mix” category in the trawl fishery and to perform physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological and sensorial analysis. The sausage was prepared using 50% of surimi and 50% of fillet in Embrapa Food Agroindustry Pilot Plant. The physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological analyses were performed with official methods. The sensorial analyses were performed with 87 testers who evaluated the product using a hedonic scale of seven (7) points and were also accused of buying the product. The product was considered accepted when 70% of the tasters assigned a score ≥ 4. One sausage formulation was tested using 50% surimi. The results of the centesimal composition were: moisture 71.22%, proteins 15.34%, total lipids 5.55%, carbohydrates 6.11%, ash 1.78% and energy value 135.75 kcal. The parameters of microbiological and toxicological are within the current legislation for breaded products. The sausage was accepted obtaining 82.7% and the overall impression of the product reached a mean of 4.93 (± 1.69). Regarding intention to purchase for sausage, the highest percentage was attributed to maybe / perhaps not (32%), followed by likely to buy (24%), and 28.1% reported that they probably or decidedly would not buy. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the low commercial value fish of the “fish mix” category resulted in a viable product available for use in fish technology.

Elaboração de salsicha de peixe pargo Pagrus pagrus de tamanho reduzido proveniente da pesca de arrasto com baixo valor comercial / Development of fish sausage using low commercial value red porgy Pagrus pagrus

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver salsicha utilizando o pargo Pagrus pagrus de baixo valor comercial capturado na modalidade de pesca de arrasto e classificado como na categoria "mistura" por ter tamanho reduzido para o mercado varejista e realizar análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas, toxicológicas e sensoriais. A salsicha foi elaborada na planta piloto da Embrapa Agroindústria de Alimentos utilizando 50% de surimi e 50% de filé. As análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas foram realizadas com métodos oficiais. O teste de aceitação foi realizado com 87 provadores que avaliaram o produto utilizando escala hedônica de sete pontos e também arguidos quanto à intenção de compra do produto. O produto foi considerado aceito quando 70% dos provadores atribuíram nota ≥ 4. Os resultados da composição centesimal foram: umidade 71,22%, proteínas 15,34%, lipídios totais 5,55%, carboidratos 6,11%, cinzas 1,78% e o valor energético 135,75 kcal. As avaliações microbiológicas e toxicológicas mostraram que os produtos apresentaram qualidade satisfatória conforme a legislação. A salsicha foi aceita por 82,7% dos provadores e o aspecto global do produto atingiu média de 4,93 (±1,69). Em relação à intenção de compra foi atribuída a maior porcentagem para talvez sim/talvez não (32%), seguido de provavelmente compraria (24%), e 28,1% informaram que provavelmente ou decididamente não comprariam. Com base nos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que o peixe de baixo valor agregado da categoria "mistura" resultou em produto embutido viável para o uso na tecnologia do pescado.

The aim of this work was to develop sausage using the low commercial value red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) caught in the "fish mix" category in the trawl fishery and to perform physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological and sensorial analysis. The sausage was prepared using 50% of surimi and 50% of fillet in Embrapa Food Agroindustry Pilot Plant. The physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological analyses were performed with official methods. The sensorial analyses were performed with 87 testers who evaluated the product using a hedonic scale of seven (7) points and were also accused of buying the product. The product was considered accepted when 70% of the tasters assigned a score ≥ 4. One sausage formulation was tested using 50% surimi. The results of the centesimal composition were: moisture 71.22%, proteins 15.34%, total lipids 5.55%, carbohydrates 6.11%, ash 1.78% and energy value 135.75 kcal. The parameters of microbiological and toxicological are within the current legislation for breaded products. The sausage was accepted obtaining 82.7% and the overall impression of the product reached a mean of 4.93 (± 1.69). Regarding intention to purchase for sausage, the highest percentage was attributed to maybe / perhaps not (32%), followed by likely to buy (24%), and 28.1% reported that they probably or decidedly would not buy. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the low commercial value fish of the "fish mix" category resulted in a viable product available for use in fish technology.

Postmortem findings in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) caught in a drift gillnet.

BACKGROUND: Penguin interaction with gillnets has been extensively reported in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and is considered a major conservation threat. Among penguin species, Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are currently considered of great concern, particularly in Brazil, where they are highly susceptible to gillnet bycatch. Nevertheless, information about drowning-associated microscopic findings in penguins is limited. RESULTS: We describe the anatomopathological findings of 20 Magellanic penguins that drowned after getting entangled in a drift gillnet while wintering along the Brazilian shelf and washed ashore still enmeshed in Santa Catarina, Brazil. All 20 birds (19 juveniles and 1 adult; 18 females and 2 males) were in good body condition. Major gross findings were abrasion, bruising, and local erythema and edema of the wings, multiorgan congestion, jugular vein engorgement, pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, fluid in the trachea, serous bloody fluid in the lungs, gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes, cestodes and trematodes), and debris in the stomach. The most common histopathological findings were cerebral and pulmonary congestion, pulmonary edema, splenic histiocytosis, lymphoid splenic hyperplasia, acute splenitis, extramedullary hepatic hematopoiesis, and parasitic enteritis. Although unspecific, the observed multiorgan congestion and pulmonary edema are consistent with previous reports of drowning in birds and may be indicative of this process. CONCLUSIONS: Drowning may be a challenging diagnosis (e.g., carcass decomposition, predation), but must be considered as a differential in all beach-cast seabird postmortem examinations. To the authors' knowledge this is the largest anatomopathological study based on microscopic examination in drowned penguins.

Elaboração de salsicha de peixe pargo Pagrus pagrus de tamanho reduzido proveniente da pesca de arrasto com baixo valor comercial / Development of fish sausage using low commercial value red porgy Pagrus pagrus

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver salsicha utilizando o pargo Pagrus pagrus de baixo valor comercial capturado na modalidade de pesca de arrasto e classificado como na categoria mistura por ter tamanho reduzido para o mercado varejista e realizar análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas, toxicológicas e sensoriais. A salsicha foi elaborada na planta piloto da Embrapa Agroindústria de Alimentos utilizando 50% de surimi e 50% de filé. As análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e toxicológicas foram realizadas com métodos oficiais. O teste de aceitação foi realizado com 87 provadores que avaliaram o produto utilizando escala hedônica de sete pontos e também arguidos quanto à intenção de compra do produto. O produto foi considerado aceito quando 70% dos provadores atribuíram nota 4. Os resultados da composição centesimal foram: umidade 71,22%, proteínas 15,34%, lipídios totais 5,55%, carboidratos 6,11%, cinzas 1,78% e o valor energético 135,75 kcal. As avaliações microbiológicas e toxicológicas mostraram que os produtos apresentaram qualidade satisfatória conforme a legislação. A salsicha foi aceita por 82,7% dos provadores e o aspecto global do produto atingiu média de 4,93 (±1,69). Em relação à intenção de compra foi atribuída a maior porcentagem para talvez sim/talvez não (32%), seguido de provavelmente compraria (24%), e 28,1% informaram que provavelmente ou deci(AU)

The aim of this work was to develop sausage using the low commercial value red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) caught in the “fish mix” category in the trawl fishery and to perform physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological and sensorial analysis. The sausage was prepared using 50% of surimi and 50% of fillet in Embrapa Food Agroindustry Pilot Plant. The physicochemical, microbiological, toxicological analyses were performed with official methods. The sensorial analyses were performed with 87 testers who evaluated the product using a hedonic scale of seven (7) points and were also accused of buying the product. The product was considered accepted when 70% of the tasters assigned a score ≥ 4. One sausage formulation was tested using 50% surimi. The results of the centesimal composition were: moisture 71.22%, proteins 15.34%, total lipids 5.55%, carbohydrates 6.11%, ash 1.78% and energy value 135.75 kcal. The parameters of microbiological and toxicological are within the current legislation for breaded products. The sausage was accepted obtaining 82.7% and the overall impression of the product reached a mean of 4.93 (± 1.69). Regarding intention to purchase for sausage, the highest percentage was attributed to maybe / perhaps not (32%), followed by likely to buy (24%), and 28.1% reported that they probably or decidedly would not buy. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the low commercial value fish of the “fish mix” category resulted in a viable product available for use in fish technology.(AU)

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil

Abstract Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.

Resumo As implicações das pescas comercial e recreativa para conservação dos estuários têm sido largamente discutidas. Uma revisão das informações disponíveis para a Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil, identifica seis ameaças à conservação, que extrapolam aquelas concernentes ao esforço de captura sobre as espécies-alvo. Contrariando a visão comum de que a pesca de lazer seria inócua para o ambiente, as ameaças identificadas referem-se tanto à pesca comercial como à não-comercial: (1) captura de indivíduos em atividade reprodutiva; (2) captura de fêmeas grandes e mais fecundas; (3) perda e abandono de materiais de pesca; (4) uso de iscas naturais; (5) captura incidental de raias, tartarugas e peixes não-alvo; e (6) práticas inadequadas associadas a pesque-e-solte e descarte. Impactos potenciais são perturbações ambientais e depleção de fauna. Ações recomendadas para conservação do estuário incluem interdição de pesca no manguezal e áreas rasas, soltura de peixes com tamanho superior ao crítico, e medidas contra abandono, perda e outras formas de descarte de materiais de pesca.