Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107649
Sónia Seixas , Alexandra Baeta , João C. Marques
{"title":"Integrating prey monitoring and stable isotope analysis to assess the diet of Octopus vulgaris in Portuguese coastal waters","authors":"Sónia Seixas , Alexandra Baeta , João C. Marques","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the feeding ecology of <em>Octopus vulgaris</em> in the Cascais region through a combined approach of long-term prey monitoring and stable isotope analysis. Over several months, we worked with local fishermen to observe and record prey items found in octopus pots and those carried by octopuses at the time of capture. These field observations enabled the identification of key prey species, which were subsequently analysed isotopically to estimate their contribution to the octopus diet. The results show that Atrina fragilis is the main prey, making up about 70 %, followed by <em>Polybius henslowii</em> (18 %), with <em>Cymbium olla</em> and <em>Cepola macrophthalma</em> contributing smaller amounts. Our findings highlight the limitations of traditional stomach content analysis, which often underestimates soft-bodied or highly digested prey, and emphasise the importance of isotopic methods to provide a more comprehensive and long-term view of trophic interactions. This integrated approach enhances our understanding of O. vulgaris feeding strategies and has significant implications for ecological research and the sustainable management of fisheries in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107649"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-16DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107645
Kelly Dunning , TiAnna Olivas , Caleb Camus , Hannah Henry , Sarah Gumbleton , Nicole Beckham , Janna R. Willoughby
{"title":"An analysis of the marine wildlife interactions with the commercial shrimping industry on the Alabama Gulf Coast","authors":"Kelly Dunning , TiAnna Olivas , Caleb Camus , Hannah Henry , Sarah Gumbleton , Nicole Beckham , Janna R. Willoughby","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human-wildlife conflicts in commercial fisheries can affect both marine wildlife populations and fishery livelihoods. This study examines interactions between commercial shrimpers and two federally protected species in the U.S. state of Alabama: bottlenose dolphins (<em>Tursiops truncatus</em>) and sea turtles (<em>Chelonia mydas</em>, <em>Caretta caretta</em>, <em>Lepidochelys kempii</em>). Using semi-structured interviews with 14 shrimpers, we identified two main conflict types with dolphins: depredation, where dolphins remove target shrimp or fish from actively hauled nets, and scavenging, where dolphins consume discarded bycatch. Respondents reported that depredation causes direct economic losses and gear damage, while scavenging can slow operations and condition dolphins to associate boats with food, potentially increasing future depredation. These behaviors were perceived as increasing in frequency and intensity, suggesting shifts in dolphin foraging behavior due to human activity. In contrast, human-wildlife conflict with sea turtles was rare, reflecting widespread adoption of turtle excluder devices (TEDs). While TEDs are largely effective at reducing turtle bycatch, respondents noted that debris accumulation and incidental loss of target catch can create additional scavenging opportunities for dolphins, illustrating the need to consider multi-species management. Opinions among shrimpers about TEDs’ efficacy and economic impacts were mixed, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing conservation and industry needs. This research emphasizes the value of participatory, qualitative approaches: interviews were co-designed with state and federal managers to capture shrimpers’ local ecological knowledge, providing actionable insights for species recovery and post-Deepwater Horizon ecosystem restoration. Findings underscore the importance of adaptive, ecosystem-based management, technological innovation in fishing gear, and stakeholder engagement to reduce conflicts, maintain fishery productivity, and support marine wildlife conservation. Lessons from Alabama’s shrimp fishery offer broader implications for other coastal regions where multi-species interactions influence both management outcomes and human livelihoods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107645"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-22DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107639
Jofrid Skarðhamar , Anne Dagrun Sandvik , Pål Næverlid Sævik , Jon Albretsen , Guldborg Søvik
{"title":"Fjord retention and dispersion of shrimp larvae (Pandalus borealis) in Northern Norway","authors":"Jofrid Skarðhamar , Anne Dagrun Sandvik , Pål Næverlid Sævik , Jon Albretsen , Guldborg Søvik","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Larval drift connects sub-populations within metapopulations of species with long lasting pelagic larval phases, like northern shrimp (<em>Pandalus borealis</em>), which inhabits patches of soft bottom along the Norwegian coast. The key objective of this study was to investigate whether northern shrimp in Northern Norwegian fjords constitute distinct fjord-based sub-populations, or if they form a coherent coastal population due to advection of larvae along the coast and between fjords. Shrimp larval fluxes within and out of a Northern Norwegian fjord, Kvænangen, were studied with a particle tracking model combined with a high-resolution hydrodynamic model, and we estimated the retention of shrimp larvae released within the fjord and the export of larvae with the currents to neighbouring fjords. Kvænangen is an open fjord with a deep sill dividing the inner and outer fjord. The model particles, representing shrimp larvae, were given a temperature dependent development rate and a diurnal vertical swimming behaviour dependent on development stage. Larval drift was modelled for the years 2018–2021 to capture interannual variability of oceanographic conditions. The dispersal of shrimp larvae varied from local settlement within the fjord, to long range advection (>250 km) to other fjords downstream or farther to the Barents Sea. Within Kvænangen, more larvae settled in the inner fjord basins behind the sill than in the outer fjord. Shrimp in the inner fjord seem to constitute a self-sustained sub-population, while the population outside the sill lost most of its spawning products offshore and therefore relies on import from the inner fjord and upstream populations for recruits. These results have implications for the management of shrimp fisheries and how the management units of shrimp should be defined. Our findings are also relevant for management of the salmon aquaculture industry; since shrimp larvae disperse throughout Kvænangen, there is no place in the fjord where chemicals from delousing baths can be released without potentially harming shrimp larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145839899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107653
J.H. Colonello, F. Cortés, C.D. Álvarez, M.C. Risoli, M.A. Pérez
{"title":"Annual bycatch and regional density of the porbeagle shark Lamna nasus in the austral Southwest Atlantic Ocean","authors":"J.H. Colonello, F. Cortés, C.D. Álvarez, M.C. Risoli, M.A. Pérez","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2026.107653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In response to growing global concern, various international committees and national and regional action plans have emphasized the need for research focused on the conservation and sustainable use of the porbeagle shark. In the Southwest Atlantic, this species is incidentally caught by commercial longline and trawl fleets, with varying intensities depending on the area and type of fishery. This study is based on data collected by scientific observers onboard Argentine trawl freezer and factory vessels operating south of 51°S between 2006 and 2021. It had three main objectives: to estimate the annual bycatch of porbeagle shark; to estimate standardized catch per unit effort as a proxy for regional species density in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean; and to update the annual standardized bycatch index originally developed for the surimi fleet. Porbeagle shark occurrence frequency increased with depth, showing two distinct peaks around 500 and 1200 m. Higher frequencies were recorded east of 64ºW and south of 54ºS, with monthly peaks during the first half of the year, although interannual variation was observed. Occurrence was higher in surimi vessels, particularly when using semi-pelagic gear. The regional standardized porbeagle shark density index fluctuated over the study period without a clear trend, although notable peaks occurred in certain years. Notwithstanding its limitations, this study provides indicators that represent a useful starting point for assessing the status of porbeagle shark populations in the Southwest Atlantic and for contributing to future stock assessments. This information is particularly relevant because it originates from latitudes located farther south within the porbeagle shark’s distribution than those encompassed by other Atlantic datasets. The study area also holds ecological importance as a feeding ground, particularly for mature, pregnant females that remain in the region during summer and autumn before migrating to mid-latitudes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107653"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107623
{"title":"Erratum to Letter to the Editor re: Abass et al. (2024) “The mahseer: The tiger of water-an angler's delight in the Himalayas and the undisputed king of sport fishing” [Fish. Res. 279, 107147]","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107623","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107623"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107625
Martin H. Larsen , Kim Birnie-Gauvin , Henrik Baktoft , Søren T. Thomassen , Kim Aarestrup
{"title":"Does opercular shortening influence seaward migration success of stocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts?","authors":"Martin H. Larsen , Kim Birnie-Gauvin , Henrik Baktoft , Søren T. Thomassen , Kim Aarestrup","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107625","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107625","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stocked Atlantic salmon (<em>Salmo salar</em>) used to supplement wild populations often exhibit lower survival than their wild counterparts. The causes of their reduced survival in nature are multifaceted and likely include morphological deformities that can arise in the rearing environment. Opercular shortening, characterized by a partially or completely missing gill cover, is a common deformity in hatchery-reared salmon. However, although the opercula are important for respiration and protecting the gills, the causes and consequences of opercular shortening are not well known. Here, we assessed whether shortened opercula influenced the seaward migration success of stocked salmon smolts using passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry. One-year-old smolts with intact opercula and varying degrees of opercular shortening were PIT-tagged and released into Gudsø stream in 2017 and River Omme in 2018, Denmark. Their downstream spring migration was subsequently tracked using stationary PIT antenna stations. The overall migration success was higher in Gudsø stream, where 61.9 % of smolts were classified as successful migrants, compared to 31.1 % in River Omme. However, the degree of opercular shortening did not influence the likelihood of successful seaward migration in either study system. Similarly, opercular shortening had no detectable effect on migration timing or bird predation risk of smolts. Despite these findings, it remains important for hatcheries to minimise the occurrence of opercular deformities to promote fish welfare during rearing. As the salmon must still undertake an extensive marine migration to reach their feeding areas, further studies are needed to assess marine survival before robust conclusions can be drawn about the long-term effects of opercular shortening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107625"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107627
Edward V. Camp , William Pine , William R. Casola , Emilee D. Benjamin , Chad Palmer , Kotryna Klizentyte , Kai Lorenzen
{"title":"Implications of depensation on oyster recruitment, population collapse, restoration, and sustainable fisheries management","authors":"Edward V. Camp , William Pine , William R. Casola , Emilee D. Benjamin , Chad Palmer , Kotryna Klizentyte , Kai Lorenzen","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107627","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107627","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Eastern oyster (<em>Crassostrea virginica</em>) creates reef structures that provide recruitment habitat for many animals, including juvenile oysters. Oyster declines motivate increased habitat restoration and harvest management changes, while infrequent recovery from these declines raises concerns of depensatory dynamics in oyster recruitment. Here we follow a proof-of-concept approach by combining previously published models into a simple simulation to assess alternative assumptions of oyster recruitment and their implications for population collapse, habitat restoration, and fishery management. We found four key results. First, oyster recruitment relationships that are consistent with observations and literature on oyster resilience, collapse potential, and restoration benefits imply depensation. Second, strong depensation may exist but be difficult to detect until population collapse. Third, recovery from collapse requires sufficient habitat restoration. Finally, our results showed that sustaining a robust oyster fishery following collapse and recovery is possible but likely would require full recovery to pre-collapse conditions, and more constrained harvest relative to pre-collapse. Overall, our findings align with a recent and growing literature suggesting depensation may exist in populations of habitat-forming organisms like oysters and provide practical advice for altering restoration and management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107627"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107646
Andy Manuel Escalante-Domínguez , Ximena Renán , Gabriela Galindo-Cortes , Teresa Colás-Marrufo , Thierry Brulé
{"title":"Age-based life history of Lutjanus analis from the southern Gulf of Mexico","authors":"Andy Manuel Escalante-Domínguez , Ximena Renán , Gabriela Galindo-Cortes , Teresa Colás-Marrufo , Thierry Brulé","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obtaining data on the population structure of <em>Lutjanus analis</em> is crucial, as species with low to moderate growth tend to decline faster with fishing pressure. Even though <em>Lutjanus analis</em> is an economically important species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, age-based life history parameters and the selection of the optimal growth model from three possible (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and logistic) were acquired for the first time. Collections were done by the semi-industrial and artisanal fishing fleets from January 2018 to July 2023 (n = 433; FL = 19.0 – 79.3 cm, TW = 0.13 – 9.10 kg). Marginal increment analysis confirmed annulus formation from March to June. Age ranged from 0<sup>+</sup> to 28 years, with the most frequent ages between 4 – 5 years. The von Bertalanffy growth model was the most efficient to describe growth (L<sub>∞</sub> = 76.08 cm, K = 0.17 yr<sup>−1</sup>, t<sub>0</sub> = −1.57). Estimated lifespan was 16.07 years. There were no statistical differences in growth trajectories between sexes. Nevertheless, age at sexual maturity did differed between males (<1 year) and females (1.6 years). Estimated natural mortality was 0.35 yr<sup>−1</sup> decreasing exponentially with age. The results indicate that this species from the southern Gulf of Mexico has moderate growth, long-lived, and early maturity. These factors should be taken into account in stock assessment models, considering time-variable natural mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107646"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107622
Víctor Sanz-Fernández , Ivone A. Czerwinski , Remedios Cabrera-Castro , Rubén Muñoz-Lechuga , Juan Carlos Gutiérrez-Estrada , Inmaculada Pulido-Calvo , Dante Queirolo
{"title":"Univariate approaches for forecasting of commercial octopus (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797) landings: A comprehensive analysis of traditional time series models, machine learning algorithms and a deep learning algorithm","authors":"Víctor Sanz-Fernández , Ivone A. Czerwinski , Remedios Cabrera-Castro , Rubén Muñoz-Lechuga , Juan Carlos Gutiérrez-Estrada , Inmaculada Pulido-Calvo , Dante Queirolo","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Gulf of Cádiz and the Alboran Sea, the common octopus (<em>Octopus vulgaris</em> Cuvier, 1797) represents a key economic resource for the Andalusian artisanal fleet, which employs both small-scale fishing gear and bottom trawling techniques. Due to the biological characteristics of this species, its high environmental sensitivity, and its economic importance, it is essential to implement management strategies based on accurate projections and robust models. This study analyzes monthly commercial landing data from the Andalusian Fisheries Marketing and Production Information System (IDAPES) from 2000 to 2022, combining traditional time series models (ARIMA and ETS) with machine learning algorithms (NNAR, MLP and ELM) and a deep learning architecture (LSTM) to characterize and project the fishery’s dynamics from a univariate perspective. Historically, landings have increased in both areas, with 57 % originating from the Gulf of Cádiz, where the strength of seasonality was moderate (0.4), and 43 % from the Alboran Sea, where the strength of seasonality was strong (0.7). Wavelet analysis identified variability cycles of 6 years in the Gulf of Cádiz and 7 years in the Alboran Sea. Traditional models detected trends and autoregressive patterns, while machine learning algorithms captured complex and nonlinear patterns. Regarding deep learning, the LSTM showed strong but context-dependent performance, competitive under the Alboran Sea’s stable seasonality, but not superior under the Gulf of Cádiz’s pulse-driven dynamics. One- and two-year projection scenarios revealed different dynamics. In the Gulf of Cádiz, ARIMA and ELM forecasted peak landings between November and January, whereas MLP indicated a progressive increase until November, the LSTM aligned with a moderate November–December peak. Consequently, the ensemble approach showed a pattern of higher landings from November to January, accompanied by a minor rise between June and August, followed by a gradual decline throughout the rest of the year. In the Alboran Sea, all models, along with their ensemble projection, indicated peak landings in June, followed by a decline towards the end of the year. This study highlights the effectiveness of combined approaches that integrate traditional statistical techniques with machine learning and deep learning to enhance fishery landing projections. These tools provide valuable insights for fishery strategic planning and contribute to the sustainability of one of the most economically significant marine resources in southern Spain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107622"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fisheries ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107611
Katrina Bromhall , Ciarán McLaverty , Ole R. Eigaard , Tim J.G. Wilms , Thomas Noack , Finbarr G. O’Neill , Grete E. Dinesen
{"title":"Quantifying depletion rates of benthic macrofauna from the Danish Seine – A ‘low impact’ mobile bottom-contacting fishing gear","authors":"Katrina Bromhall , Ciarán McLaverty , Ole R. Eigaard , Tim J.G. Wilms , Thomas Noack , Finbarr G. O’Neill , Grete E. Dinesen","doi":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Danish ‘anchor’ seine is a widely used commercial fishing gear, assumed to have relatively low seabed impact due to shallow sediment penetration. However, this assumption has lacked empirical testing. Here, we quantify benthic macrofaunal depletion from Danish seines for the first time via a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) experiment involving single and multiple hauls. By attaching GPS loggers to the seine gear, we analysed separate benthic effects of the two main seine components (rope and ground gear) using targeted sampling within the respective footprints. From 120 Van Veen grab samples, we observed little or no depletion in macrofaunal density, biomass, or species richness for either gear component or haul treatment. However, multiple hauls led to marked depletion of erect tube-building <em>Phoronis</em> spp., which declined by 90 % in the rope and 64 % in ground gear footprints. Overall, macrofauna depletion was greater when subjected to multiple hauls, with clearer negative effects in rope impacted areas. Conversely, metrics such as density and biomass unexpectedly increased in ground-gear impacted areas, possibly due to scavenging species or natural variability in macrofauna distributions. We further estimated a whole-gear single-haul biomass depletion rate of 0.068, though this estimate is based on large-bodied fauna (>4 mm) and was associated with high uncertainty. Despite considerable sampling effort, the contrasting results and chiefly species-specific effects indicate an overall low benthic impact from the Danish seine. This outcome supports the general assumption of its relatively low impact, and as a potential alternative to more damaging beam trawls that target the same species in similar habitats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50443,"journal":{"name":"Fisheries Research","volume":"293 ","pages":"Article 107611"},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145618367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}