Review
Fisheries
Abdulrahman Ben-Hasan, Moslem Daliri
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive account of artisanal fisheries in the Arabian/Persian Gulf. It reveals that artisanal fisheries contribute to around 71% of the total catch in the Gulf and gillnets, traps, and lines are the most commonly used fishing gears. The artisanal catch mainly consists of medium to large demersal, pelagic, and reef-associated fish. Fisheries management relies on gear restrictions, minimum size of capture, seasonal closures, and spatial restrictions, but weak enforcement is a core issue. Mismanaged fisheries, coastal development, and climate change are the primary threats to fish abundance and essential habitats.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lorena Viloria-Gomora, Jorge R. Urban, Braulio Leon-Lopez, Eduardo Romero-Vivas
Summary: Bryde's whale, a globally distributed baleen whale species, presents challenges for study due to difficulties in obtaining samples. Acoustic data analysis in the Gulf of California indicates the presence of two distinct populations in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Salazar-Perez, F. Amezcua, A. Rosales-Valencia, L. Green, J. E. Pollorena-Melendrez, M. A. Sarmiento-Martinez, I Tomita Ramirez, B. D. Gil-Manrique, M. Y. Hernandez-Lozano, V. M. Muro-Torres, C. Green-Ruiz, T. D. J. Pinon-Colin, F. T. Wakida, M. Barletta
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of plastic particles in the digestive tracts of fishes from a tropical estuarine system in the Gulf of California. Plastic debris was found in 50.5% of the fish analyzed, with most particles being small microplastics. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy identified the main polymers present, which include polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylic. These results provide evidence of plastic contamination in estuarine biota in the Gulf of California.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Edison D. Macusi, Arianne Kay O. Liguez, Erna S. Macusi, Larry N. Digal
Summary: The implementation of the closed fishing season policy in Davao Gulf is influenced by various factors, including revenue, fishing experience, fishing hours, fish price, membership to community organizations, and fishers' awareness of the policy. Economic motivation plays a predominant role in fishers' support for the policy, as factors such as revenue and fish price increase due to its imposition, ultimately affecting fish stocks recovery.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Russell Fielding, Jeremy J. Kiszka
Summary: Whaling in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a history rooted in interactions with American whalers, with two operations continuing today. Small cetaceans, particularly delphinids, have been the main target, with over 13,856 captures recorded since 1949. Reliable abundance estimates are lacking, and the take of large whales has been documented mainly from 1986 to 2020. Future monitoring and management are needed to assess the sustainability of small cetacean exploitation.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
Cruz-Colin Maria Esther, Cisneros-Mata Miguel Angel, Montano-Moctezuma Gabriela, Espejel Ileana, Cisneros-Montemayor Andres Miguel, Malpica-Cruz Luis
Summary: The study highlights the relationships between participants and stakeholders in the cannonball jellyfish fishery, advocating for consideration of multiple dimensions such as social equity, economic benefits, and environmental responsibility for sustainable fisheries development.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Carmen Rodriguez-Jaramillo, Fausto Valenzuela-Quinonez, Eduardo F. Balart, Elena Palacios-Mechetnov, Lia Celina Mendez-Rodriguez, Martha J. Roman-Rodriguez, Juan Antonio De-Anda-Montanez
Summary: This study analyzed the reproductive characteristics of the totoaba fish and found that it exhibits asynchronous ovarian dynamics and batch spawning behavior. The reproductive period of the totoaba primarily occurs from February to May, with a peak in March. The female to male sex ratio is relatively balanced with no significant difference. Moreover, oocyte diameter is positively correlated with sea surface temperature, although the relationship is not significant.
ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Edison D. Macusi, Stefenie Katrin V. Siblos, Martha Elena Betancourt, Erna S. Macusi, Michael N. Calderon, Michael Jeriel I. Bersaldo, Larry N. Digal
Summary: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the fisheries sector in developing countries like the Philippines. This study examined the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on small-scale fishers and found that the lockdown policies implemented by the government had a major impact on their fishing operations. The restrictions resulted in reduced catch volume and increased fishing costs, leading to frustration among the fishers. The study also highlighted the negative consequences of the pandemic on the fishers' families, including limited mobility, food shortage, travel restrictions, and disruption to their children's education.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Andrew J. Temple, Ethan Westmerland, Per Berggren
Summary: By-catch from small-scale fisheries poses the greatest risk to toothed whales in regions with low- and middle-income countries, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. Immediate management and conservation actions are needed in these priority regions to prevent species extirpation, while carefully balancing both species and human needs.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Pinho, Felipe Amezcua, Jessica M. Rivera, Carlos Green-Ruiz, Teresita de Jesus Pinon-Colin, Fernando Wakida
Summary: This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the Haller's Round Ray and bottom sediments off the east coast of the Gulf of California. The results showed that plastic particles were found in both the digestive tracts of the ray and the sediment samples. The presence of these microplastics is a potential threat to the ray species, which are already endangered by other factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jasna Maria Luna Marques, Caroline Vieira Feitosa
Summary: This study conducted a productivity and susceptibility analysis of species caught by the handline fishery in the state of Ceara, Northeast Brazil. The results showed that Scomberomorus cavalla had the lowest productivity, while Holocentrus adscensionis had the highest productivity. Lutjanus synagris caught at Batoque MPA showed the highest susceptibility, with high commercial category score, frequency of occurrence, and abundance.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marcelo Reis, Will F. Figueira
Summary: Fishery impacts affect both target species and bycatch species. However, the prioritization of conservation and research in fisheries is often influenced by economic value, leading to lower emphasis on retained bycatch species such as sharks and rays. Traditional stock assessments are challenging due to the lack of data, funding, and study conditions, especially for Chondrichthyan catch. This study introduces a new technique based on spatial interactions and fishing activity to assess the vulnerability of bycatch Chondrichthyan species.
Article
Environmental Studies
Lucas Brotz, Andres M. Cisneros-Montemayor, Miguel Angel Cisneros-Mata
Summary: The fishery of cannonball jellyfish in the central portion of Mexico's Gulf of California has followed a familiar pattern of exploration, rapid development, and subsequent collapse. Lack of conservation efforts due to overseas markets has led to global-scale exploitation. Despite research interest, recommendations based on sound science were not followed, leading to mismanagement of a potentially lucrative fishery. Challenges in managing a nascent fishery with high uncertainty, especially in a developing country, highlight the need for a precautionary approach. There is still hope for implementing management strategies that promote collaboration, research, and sustainability to benefit locals now and in the future.
Review
Oceanography
Fabio Favoretto, Carlos Sanchez, Octavio Aburto-Oropeza
Summary: Marine communities globally are being affected by gradual warming and extreme heatwaves, leading to shifts in species' geographic range. This has impacts on economies, food supply, and health. This study focuses on the Gulf of California and reveals how a known ecological boundary shifted northward due to warming and more frequent heatwaves, resulting in the homogenization of environmental conditions and reconfiguration of rocky reefs communities.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Molly Scott, Edward Cardona, Kaylee Scidmore-Rossing, Mark Royer, Jennifer Stahl, Melanie Hutchinson
Summary: Changes to fishing gear configurations have the potential to decrease injury and mortality for non-target species in commercial fisheries. This two-part study found that switching from wire to monofilament leaders can reduce shark catch rates while maintaining catch rates of target species, and that monofilament leaders are more durable than wire leaders after soaking.
Article
Fisheries
Eugenio Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Edgar Alcantara-Razo, Rolando Cruz-Vasquez, Sergio G. Castillo-Vargasmachuca, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Jesus T. Ponce-Palafox, Jose Armando Lopez-Sanchez
JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sergio G. Castillo-Vargasmachuca, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Jesus T. Ponce-Palafox, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Raul Claro De los Santos
Summary: The study analyzed weight-at-age data of reared Pacific white shrimp under different variance assumptions to parametrize growth models. Results showed that using observed variance was the best way to model growth, with the Von Bertalanffy model as the most representative curve. It is recommended to use observed error structure in multi-model inference analyses.
Article
Forestry
Martha Lizeth Cecena-Sanchez, Ricardo Eaton-Gonzalez, Aurora Breceda Solis-Camara, Jose Delgadillo-Rodriguez, Luciana Luna-Mendoza, Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Summary: This study evaluates the changes and recovery of vegetation cover on Guadalupe Island using high-resolution satellite images, showing recovery for almost all plant communities post-goat eradication.
Editorial Material
Biodiversity Conservation
Alfredo Ortega-Rubio, Elizabeth Olmos-Martinez, Maria Carmen Blazquez
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Carlos A. Arvizu-Merin, Juan F. Arzola-Gonzalez, Jose A. Felix-Ortiz, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Emigdio Marin-Enriquez, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega
Summary: The relative growth of Calappa convexa was analyzed to identify dimorphism or morphological changes related to sexual maturation. Significant differences between sexes were found in carapace width and total wet weight. No clear winner model was observed under a multi-model approach, with differences in allometry based on morphometric relationships and gender.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Elizabeth Olmos-Martinez, Heidi Leticia Romero-Schmidt, Maria del Carmen Blazquez, Camilo Arias-Gonzalez, Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Summary: By reviewing the interactions between human communities and protected natural areas, this study highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation and the potential role of protected areas in mitigating the impacts of climate change, but the specific effects are contingent upon various factors.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yanira Leyva-Vazquez, Juan F. Arzola-Gonzalez, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Jorge Saul Ramirez-Perez, Gilberto G. Ortega-Lizarraga, Jose A. Felix-Ortiz, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega
Summary: This study analyzed samples of blue shrimp collected from offshore and inland waters in Mexico, and found statistical differences in body length among different areas. Positive and negative allometry was observed based on biometric relationships and sex. The best model selected was the Four segments model.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gerzain Aviles-Polanco, Marco Antonio Almendarez-Hernandez, Luis Felipe Beltran-Morales, Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the effects of the number of vehicles, use of urban public transport, and population density on nitrogen oxide emissions in 405 metropolitan municipalities in Mexico. The results showed that the number of vehicles and population density had positive direct effects, while the use of urban public transport had a negative direct effect on nitrogen oxide emissions. Additionally, the number of vehicles in circulation had negative spillover effects on neighboring municipalities' nitrogen oxide emissions.
Article
Fisheries
Marcelo V. Curiel-Bernal, Miguel A. Cisneros-Mata, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Laura Sanchez-Velasco, S. Patricia A. Jimenez-Rosenberg, Alejandro Pares-Sierra, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega
Summary: This study aims to understand the growth trajectory of the endangered Totoaba fish and discovered a best-fit growth model, which is crucial for artificial breeding and commercial purposes.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Paloma Ortega-Arriaga, Carlos Andres Lopez Morales, Karina Caballero Guendulain, Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Summary: This article presents an economic assessment of the impact of an open pit mining project on the ecosystem services in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve. The project would bring significant economic benefits to a few agents outside the country, but impose substantial environmental costs on Mexico for many generations. It highlights the importance of considering environmental costs in mining valuations and the need for the valuation of ecosystem services to inform decision-making and stimulate debate on the environmental liabilities arising from such activities.
ECONOMIA SOCIEDAD Y TERRITORIO
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alma L. Leon-Valdez, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Jose A. Felix-Ortiz, Juan F. Arzola-Gonzalez, Jorge Payan-Alejo, Wenceslao Valenzuela-Quinonez, Alejo A. Valdez-Camacho
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the growth characteristics of Evibacus princeps from the Gulf of California using a multi-model approach. Through the collection and analysis of a large number of specimens, it was found that E. princeps exhibits an indeterminate growth pattern.
Article
Fisheries
Ricardo Urias-Sotomayor, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Jose Adan Felix-Ortiz, Gilberto G. Ortega-Lizarraga, Horacio A. Munoz-Rubi, Eugenio Alberto Aragon-Noriega
Summary: The study conducted a stock reduction analysis of bigeye croaker based on commercial catch data. The results showed a 73.6% decrease in stock from 1983 to 2020. Additionally, the possible effect of stock hyperstability was evaluated, and it was found that the catch was directly proportional to the fishing effort of small boats and vessels.
Article
Fisheries
Sergio G. Castillo-Vargasmachuca, Eugenio Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Leonardo Martinez-Cardenas, Eulalio Arambul-Munoz, Alvaro J. Burgos Arcos
Summary: The study analyzed size-at-age data of marine cage-reared spotted rose snapper and found that using observed variance is the best way to parameterize growth models, with the Gompertz model being the most suitable for representing length and weight growth curves.
Article
Fisheries
Marcelo Curiel-Bernal, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Miguel A. Cisneros-Mata, Laura Sanchez-Velasco, S. Patricia A. Jimenez-Rosenberg, Alejandro Pares-Sierra
Summary: Obtaining the best estimates of individual growth parameters is crucial in physiology, fisheries management, and conservation of natural resources. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the right data error structure when fitting growth models for accurate results.
Article
Fisheries
Jose A. Felix-Ortiz, E. Alberto Aragon-Noriega, Nicolas Castaneda-Lomas, Guillermo Rodriguez-Dominguez, Wenceslao Valenzuela-Quinonez, Sergio Castillo-Vargasmachuca
LATIN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC RESEARCH
(2020)