Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons^™

Market Trends And Challenges For Alabama's Emerging Oyster Aquaculture Industry, Taryn M. Garlock, Quinn Lafontaine, Russell Grice, Andrea M. Tarnecki

Journal of Extension

Different marketing channels influence farm profitability by affecting the costs that producers incur and the prices they receive. This article quantifies oyster sales volume and price by market channel in Alabama's commercial oyster aquaculture sector and assesses challenges to expanding farm businesses. The results show that many oyster producers are selling exclusively through one channel, which raises questions about their resiliency and their capacity to adapt to a dynamic single market. The two most common market channels were processors and distributors. Most growers had a positive outlook on sales growth and showed the greatest interest in expanding sales to distributors, …

Exploring The Significance Of Kenya's Indigenous And Emerging Blue Foods For Sustainable Aquaculture Development. A Review, Jonathan Munguti, Mavindu Muthoka, Domitila Kyule, Esther Magondu, Kevin Obiero, Jimmy Mboya, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Tanga M. Chrysantus, Gerald Kwikiriza, Francis K. Njonge

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Kenya's aquaculture sector is at a pivotal stage, transitioning from a historical reliance on Nile tilapia and African catfish toward a more diversified production portfolio that integrates indigenous and emerging freshwater and marine species. This shift is increasingly recognized as essential to enhance climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem health. This systematic review synthesizes more than two decades (2000 to 31st January, 2026) of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate the biological suitability, culture performance, and socio-ecological roles of underutilized native taxa, including Ningu (Labeo victorianus), Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe), freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.), rabbitfish (Siganus sutor), marine-acclimatized Nile tilapia, mud crab …

Rationale, Key Issues, And Pathways For China’S Polar Fisheries Development, Yichong Dong, Chuwei Wang, Jingmei Li

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Polar fisheries are a strategic issue that requires forward-looking planning for China’s efforts to build a strong maritime country and participate in global ocean governance. This study examines the roles of polar fisheries in relation to climate change, the greater food approach, safeguarding maritime rights and interests, and the transformation of marine fisheries, and explains the rationale for China’s polar fisheries development. It argues that China still faces weaknesses in key areas, including scientific evidence generation, equipment and technological support, whole-industry-chain coordination, and the design of institutional solutions. Accordingly, the study proposes pathways for polar fisheries development, including building a …

State Of The Fisheries: Status Reports Of The Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Of Western Australia 2024/25, Stephen J. Newman, Ainslie Denham, Lebo Selemela, Jenny Moore

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia (SRFAR) provides an annual update on the state of the fish stocks and other aquatic resources of Western Australia (WA). These reports outline the most recent assessments of the cumulative risk status for each of the aquatic resources (assets) within WA’s six bioregions using an Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Dveelopment’s (DPIRD) risk based EBFM framework is the WA Government’s basis for management of all of WA’s aquatic resources.

Assets examined in each bioregion include the meso-scale ecosystems and aquatic …

From Sunscreen To Seafood: Tracing The Ecological And Human Health Risks Of Oxybenzone Contamination In Local Fish, Alyssa Brasko

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a widely used ultraviolet (UV) filter in sunscreens, offering protection against harmful radiation but raising significant environmental concerns due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This ongoing study aims to investigate the bioaccumulation and ecological impact of oxybenzone in fish species along Florida’s Space Coast, contributing to a broader understanding of its environmental fate and potential human exposure through seafood consumption. The research will employ advanced analytical techniques, including Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), to quantify oxybenzone levels in locally sourced fish. Fish samples will be obtained from the non-profit organization …

Snails In The Diet Of The Cutlip Minnow, Exoglossum Maxillingua, Tess A. Taloumis, Steven L. Powers

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

The Cutlip Minnow, Exoglossum maxillingua, is an important stream fish native to the eastern United States. It has an unusual lower jaw morphology. Early hypotheses suggested the jaw morphology is an adaptation for feeding on snails. Despite the publication of numerous diet studies on this species, there is no documentation of snails as prey items. During recent snorkel observations in the Roanoke River, E. maxillingua was spotted carrying snails within their mouths, prompting further investigation. An in-depth temporal examination of the diet from 145 specimens of E. maxillingua across multiple sites was conducted to further investigate the diet of …

Fisheries Research Report No. 365: Recreational Fishing For Marron In South-West Western Australia In 2026, Claire B. Smallwood, Karina L. Ryan, Eva Lai

Fisheries Research Reports

The smooth marron (Cherax cainii) (‘marron’) is endemic to freshwater dams and rivers of south-west Western Australia. Marron are managed as a single stock within the South-West Recreational Freshwater Resource and are highly vulnerable to overexploitation due to the biological characteristics of the species (e.g., low fecundity, localised populations) as well as environmental (e.g., habitat loss, reduction in rainfall) and human (e.g., fishing, land clearing) pressures on freshwater ecosystems.

Due to this vulnerability, this species has been the focus of research, monitoring and management since the 1970’s. Since 2000, annual phone-recall (2000 – 2021) and online-recall (2022 – 2026) surveys …

Evaluating Fish Assemblages At An Early-Stage Living Shoreline Project In Lake Pontchartrain, Collin Glaser

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Living shorelines are an increasingly popular restoration approach for reducing erosion while improving habitat quality. The Bucktown Living Shoreline Project is a large-scale restoration effort along the southern shore of Lake Pontchartrain aimed at enhancing coastal resilience and restoring historic marsh habitat. This thesis evaluated early fish assemblage response to the Bucktown Living Shoreline Project over one year and placed those assemblages within the broader historical context of Lake Pontchartrain. Monthly sampling was conducted at the living shoreline and an adjacent riprap control site using seines, cast nets, and minnow traps. Fish assemblage structure was not significantly different between sites. …

Extinction Risk Of Coral Reef Fishes In The Philippine Marine Ornamental Trade, Jemelyn Grace Baldisimo Sepulveda

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Coral reef ecosystems in the Philippines face severe threats from intense fishing and habitat degradation. This dissertation evaluated the extinction risk of fishes in the Philippine Marine Aquarium Trade (MAT) using Productivity Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) and temporal genomics. A global PSA framework was modified by including local susceptibility factors. Of the 103 species evaluated, six were categorized as highly vulnerable and 62 as moderately vulnerable, revealing increased local vulnerability and underscoring the importance of local assessments to guide conservation efforts.

Temporal genomics compared historical (1908–1909 U.S.S. Albatross Expedition) and contemporary populations of the MAT-targeted Sphaeramia nematoptera and Pseudanthias squamipinnis, …

Harnessing Kenyan Aquaculture Through Social Media: Impacts, Challenges And Strategic Directions, Domitila Kyule, Jonathan Munguti, Mavindu Muthoka, Esther Magondu, Menaga Meenakshisundaram, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Kevin Obiero, Cecilia Githukia

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Aquaculture is increasingly important for food, nutrition and livelihoods in Kenya, but the sector still faces persistent constraints in extension delivery, farmer learning, input access, market coordination and information reliability. This review examines how social media and related digital communication tools are shaping aquaculture development in Kenya, with attention to impacts, challenges, governance needs and strategic directions. A systematic literature review of studies and institutional sources published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted. The search identified 388 records, of which 45 sources were included in the final synthesis after screening, eligibility assessment and quality appraisal. Because the evidence was heterogeneous, …

Trace Element Concentrations In Tissues And Otoliths Of Fishes From Artificial Reefs In The Northern Gulf Of Mexico: The Role Of Size, Age, And Trophic Position, Blaine Savoie

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Nearshore artificial reefs and fishes relying on them to forage and refuge can be susceptible to trace element (TE) pollutants from anthropogenic sources. Although some TE are essential, higher concentrations can cause detrimental effects and concern regarding consumption. This study assesses TE accumulation in nearshore reef fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico, a region influenced by coastal riverine discharge, where fishing has socioeconomic importance. Five fish species from six eco-reefs were collected and analyzed for TE. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to analyze the TE concentrations of muscle, liver, and otoliths. TE concentrations of tissues and …

Blue Crab Reproductive Output And Phenology In A Changing Climate, Blaise Rohan

Master's Theses

Globally, ecosystems are experiencing rising temperatures due to climate change, with potential consequences for reproductive investment and timing in many species. Blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, support valuable commercial fisheries throughout the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and understanding variation in reproductive output has important management and conservation implications. This study examined two components of blue crab reproduction: (1) reproductive investment across populations spanning multiple latitudes (New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas), using a space-for-time substitution to assess the effects of varying thermal regimes on fecundity and egg quality, and (2) spawning phenology in North Carolina from …

Phytochemical Analysis And Safety Assessment Of Watercress Nasturtium Officinale: Antioxidant Capacity, Heavy Metal Profiling, And Toxicity Using Brine Shrimp Model, Qurrota A’Yunin, Chamini Kasun Hemachandra, Muhaimin Rifa’I, Yoga Dwi Jatmiko, Maftuch Maftuch, Rizky Fadilla Agustin Rangkuti, Cucun Herlina, Zulfa Mahdiatur Rasyida, Moh Dliyauddin

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Medicinal plants have attracted growing attention as sources of natural bioactive compounds for sustainable aquaculture and health. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, heavy metal profile, and acute toxicity of watercress (Nasturtium officinale W.T. Aiton) methanol extract using maceration, qualitative and quantitative (TPC, TFC, antioxidant DPPH) phytochemical assay, XRF, and BSLA. Phytochemical screening of plant extracts showed the existence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids, and saponins, but not steroidal. The TPC and TFC were 20.6 mg GAE/g and 10.8 mg QE/g, respectively. The extract displayed significant antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 64.78 µg/mL in DPPH assay). …

Resource Assessment Report 9: South Coast Crustacean Resource 2045-25 Assessment, Emma-Jade Tuffley, Simon De Lestang

Resource Assessment Reports

The South Coast Crustacean Resource (SCCR) comprises southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii), western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus), crystal crab (Chaceon albus), giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas), and champagne crab (Hypothalassia acerba). The resource is accessed primarily by the South Coast Crustacean Managed Fishery (SCCMF), which operates between Augusta in the west and the South Australian border in the east. Since the 2022–23 season, the SCCMF has been managed under an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system with Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACs) set for four quota zones. Recreational fishing retains a small quantity of rock lobster only.

During the 2024–25 fishing season, …

Fish Tissue Digestion And Microplastic Polymer Identification Protocol Using Open-Source Ftir Database, Shawn L. Kissinger, Vick-Ariel Privert, Jason Bystriansky, Kyle A. Grice

DePaul Discoveries

Microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses significant concerns for environmental and public health, as seafood represents a critical food source worldwide. Despite increasing evidence of MP presence in marine organisms, efficient and accessible detection methods remain essential for characterizing contamination patterns and informing regulatory frameworks. This study extracted MPs from brain, gill, intestine, liver, and muscle tissues of gilt-head bream (Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), two commercially important species from the Gulf of Cádiz, Spain, using a NaOH–HNO₃ chemical digestion protocol. Isolated particles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with …

Gendered Analysis Of Fish Feed Ingredients And Sourcing Practices In Western Kenya’S Aquaculture, Kristie Drucza, Sujata Ganguly, Rodrigue Yossa, Chrysantus Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Introduction – Fish feed management plays a central role in aquaculture productivity, but it is rarely analysed through a gender lens. This study examines how women and men differ in their use and sourcing of fish feed ingredients in smallholder aquaculture systems in Western Kenya. Drawing on feminist economics, it explores how everyday roles, access to resources, and mobility shape feed practices. Methods – The analysis uses survey data from 213 fish farmers, including 112 women and 101 men, across six counties in Western Kenya. A binary logit model was used to assess factors associated with the use of selected …

An Emergent Seafood Nationalism Takes Hold In The United States, Owen Temby

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper introduces the concept of ‘seafood nationalism’ to describe how, since 2024–2025, the United States increasingly uses tariffs, trade remedies, food safety enforcement and origin-based rules to favour American seafood over foreign products. Federal actions include Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which directs agencies to address unfair trade practices, unsafe imports and to develop a coordinated seafood trade strategy. Additional measures include a tariff package imposing a 10% duty on nearly all seafood imports and 30% on seafood from China, as well as new anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on warm-water shrimp. This paper presents Gulf …

Haematological Responses Of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) To Diets Supplemented With Varying Levels Of Plant Leaf Meals, Isaack V. Makombe, Harishchandra Pratap, Felister Urasa, Blandina R Lugendo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Plant leaf meals have the potential to replace fishmeal in fish feed formulation, hence reducing its cost and increasing fish production. This study evaluated the effects of plant leaf meals (PLMs) on haematological parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The PLMs of cassava, sweet potatoes, cowpeas and common beans were substituted at the rate of 100% (mixed leaves of all four species, Diet 5), followed by each separate leaf meal at 100% (Diet 4), 75% (Diet 3), 50% (Diet 2) and 0% (control diet containing fish meal, Diet 1). Fish collected from Mbegani Fisheries Institute were kept in five, 80 …

Dimensional Welfare Beyond Pain: Extending The Precautionary Principle In Birch’S “The Edge Of Sentience”, Willa M. Lane, Nicola S. Clayton

Animal Sentience

Birch's (2024) The Edge of Sentience identifies sentience candidates primarily through the pain-focused LSE Criteria. Yet, as Birch himself notes in Proposal 17, sentience is not pain. We argue that statutory welfare protections must therefore reach beyond pain, and that the right tool for doing so is Birch et al.’s (2020) dimensionality framework, which characterises conscious experience across five domains. Used together, the LSE Criteria establish that welfare is at stake, while the dimensionality framework maps what is at stake beyond pain to provide a taxon-specific profile of where captivity impoverishes experience. We apply this approach to invertebrate welfare and …

Recreational Fishing Identification Guide, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Fisheries Occasional Publications

Please note: this updated version (9th edition) published in June 2026 replaces the version published in 2023.

This guide has been developed to help you identify the more common species in Western Australia that you may encounter. The purpose of this guide is to enhance consistent and accurate species identification.

If you are unsure about a particular species (or if it is not in this guide), please discuss it with a representative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia. You can access additional information from dpird.wa.gov.au

Throughout this guide you will see all or some of …