Marine Fish Habitat

Concerns over the potential ecological effects of fishing have increased with the expansion of fisheries throughout the marine waters of the United States. Effects of Trawling and Dredging on Seafloor Habitat describes how assessment of fishing impacts depends on gear type, number and location of bottom tows, and the physical and biological characteristics of seafloor habitats. Many experimental studies have documented acute, gear-specific effects of trawling and dredging on various types of habitat. These studies indicate that low mobility, long-lived species are more vulnerable to towed fishing gear than short-lived species in areas where the seabed is often disturbed by natural phenomena. Trawling and dredging may also change the composition and productivity of fish communities dependent on seafloor habitats for food and refuge. The scale of these impacts depends on the level of fishing effort. This volume presents color maps of fishing effort for all regions with significant bottom trawl or dredge fisheries-the first time that such data has been assembled and analyzed for the entire nation.

Artificial habitats have been used for centuries to successfully modify environments for the benefit of Man. In the aquatic environment, the use of artificial habitat technologies is of growing interest worldwide. Opportunities exist in both developed and developing nations to apply these technologies in many areas, including classical scientific investigations of ecosystem structure and function, engineering advances in underwater technology, and fisheries and environmental management. The applications of artificial habitat technologies are taking on ever greater economic, social, and environmental importance globally, not only in developed countries such as Japan where highly sophisticated technologies are used, but also in developing nations, where lower cost practices are in use. There is growing pressure to increase production, while at the same time preserve or enhance the environments and ecosystems surrounding fisheries. This book provides a comprehensive review of the facts, issues, and global trends emerging regarding the use of artificial habitats in aquatic ecosystems. It presents the most recent scientific advances in ecology and engineering technologies related to the building of artificial habitats, and it also presents many of the fisheries management and socioeconomic and environmental issues. Artificial Habitats for Marine and Freshwater Fisheries will be of interest to a broad audience including natural resource scientists, planners, and managers, particularly those interested in aquatic and fisheries science and management; organizations and individuals interested in commercial and recreational fishing; ecologists; environmental economists, engineers, lawyers, and social scientists; and geographers. Presents a global scope Draws together, for the first time, disparate literature Contains contributions by authors in the United States and Japan Features engineering chapters that focus on Japanese advanced technology often not available to the English language audience

Until recently, studies of the marine environment have neglected the physical structure and complexity of fish habitat, underestimating the impact of its degradation and simplification for stock sizes. In this publication, the author maintains that when fishery resources are depleted, harvest controls alone are ineffective for their recovery and subsequent conservation. Integrating ecological and management notions into a common framework, he sets forth the importance of habitat quality in its relation to the life cycles of marine populations, as well as the impact of anthropogenic factors on the abundance or absence of cover.--Publisher's description.

Marine Fishes of Arctic Canada is an accessible and up-to-date study on the diverse marine fish population existing in Canadian waters.

Marine Ornamental Species: Collection, Culture and Conservation is a comprehensive resource containing information on the growing and economically important marine ornamental industry. Experts address current issues from a global perspective, covering the full-range of topics from world economics and product demand to aquatic animal health to ethnic and social/cultural concerns. This up-to-date overview will contribute to the creation of an economically and environmentally viable future for this dynamic industry worldwide and for its diverse clientele by: outlining improvements in the methods for the collection and distribution of wild marine ornamental species; providing information to accelerate an increase in the variety, quantity, and availability of cultured marine ornamental species; and encouraging outreach activities in the conservation and husbandry of marine ornamental species The value of and the interest in marine ornamentals from many governments as well as conservation organizations underline the critical need for this book. It is also essential reading for scientists involved in marine biology and conservation issues, aquarists at public and private aquaria, tropical fish farmers, advanced hobbyists, fishery biologists, importers and exporters of marine ornamentals, commercial collectors, veterinarians who specialize in fish disease, and businesses that manufacture or sell aquarium media, equipment, and feed.