The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has released a study, ‘Developing new approaches to global stock status assessment and fishery production potential of the seas.' The study focuses on two approaches to estimating fisheries' status: determining single-stock status; and estimating ecosystem production based on satellite estimates of primary productivity.
25 July 2014: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Department has released a study, titled ‘Developing new approaches to global stock status assessment and fishery production potential of the seas.’ The study focuses on two approaches to estimating fisheries’ status: determining single-stock status; and estimating ecosystem production based on satellite estimates of primary productivity.
Stock status is important for analyzing the sustainability of fisheries resources and developing effective management plans and strategies, according to FAO. However, the majority of stocks are not assessed because of insufficient data and a lack of resources to carry out formal stock assessments. Within this context, the publication aims to provide updated estimates of global fish stock health and production potential from marine capture fisheries to estimate the prospects for meeting human demands for fish protein.
A catch-based method performed the best in simulation testing for determining single-stock status among data-poor fisheries, particularly in estimating stock status over short-time scales, according to the report findings. Part One summarizes the results of simulation testing of four methods for determining single-stock status. The report suggests that catch-based methods are particularly applicable for developing country use because data time-series are often shorter in developing countries. Harvest dynamics was most important in determining performance, according to the study results, which underscore the importance of accurate information on fishing effort and total removals.
Ecosystem exploitation rates for fish and benthivorous species exceeded recommended levels in temperate, sub-arctic and boreal ecosystems, according to the report. Part Two presents results on ecosystem production potential, including estimates of ecological transfer efficiencies. It found that planktivorous species provide the largest scope for growth while the mariculture sector provides the greatest scope for growth in the benthic arena.
Eighteen scientists from around the world collaborated in the study. [FAO Press Release] [Publication: Developing New Approaches to Global Stock Status Assessment and Fishery Production Potential of the Seas]