Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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Editorial Team
- Roy Yanong - Editor
- Eric Cassiano - Editor
- Red Baker Baker - Chair, Approver
- Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges
FA263/FA263by Lena A. Donnarumma, Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Lisa Krimsky, and Shirley BakerJune 13, 2024Approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. As CO2 emissions increase due to human activities so does the amount of CO2 absorbed by the oceans. Carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the ocean system, causing ocean acidification (OA). The effects of OA on economically and ecologically important aquatic species is a subject of interest. Sponges are important reef-associated species that provide shelter for fish and crustaceans in reef habitats and can also structure ecosystems through bioerosion, water filtration, and colonization of coral reef areas. This publication considers the effects of OA on marine sponges, with a focus on Florida’s coral reef. Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Let ‘Em Grow: Scalloping Best Practices
FA262/FA262by Brittany Hall-Scharf and Victor BlancoMay 21, 2024Recreational scalloping is a popular summertime activity that attracts participants from far and wide to Florida's Gulf Coast. Coastal counties that serve as vessel launch points rely on this fishery for economic viability, but the biology of the bay scallop and the environmental stressors this species endures have led to limited populations of bay scallops remaining along Florida's Gulf Coast . Therefore, it is essential to implement best practices for harvesting bay scallops so that future generations can enjoy this marine resource activity. This publication gives recreational scallopers tips on how to sort through scallops in the water so that scallops that are too small are returned immediately to the same spot where they were taken. Improving harvesting techniques can help sustain this valuable fishery.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Ammonia in Aquatic Systems
FA031/FA16 by Ruth Francis-Floyd, Craig Watson, Denise Petty, and Deborah B. PouderDecember 15, 2023Management of ammonia, the primary waste product of fish, is critical to fish health, especially in intensive systems. At low concentrations, ammonia causes stress and damages gills and other tissues. Fish exposed to low levels of ammonia over time are more susceptible to bacterial infections, have poor growth, and do not tolerate routine handling well. At higher concentrations, it will kill fish. Many unexplained production losses have likely been caused by ammonia.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
Understanding Metrics for Communicating the Economic Importance of Florida’s Fisheries Part I: An Overview
FA260/FA260by Edward V. Camp, Christa D. Court, Andrew Ropicki, and Robert BottaSeptember 5, 2023Understanding the economic importance of fisheries and coastal resources is vitally important for making good management decisions that affect human communities, local businesses, and environment and ecological sustainability. However, economic “importance” is not a very specific term, and can mean completely different things to different people. We reviewed different fields of natural resource economics to and describe the different economic terms most often used. This information can help management agencies and cooperative Extension agents use the correct terminology and teach the correct terminology in their outreach.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Recreational Fishing Effort and How Management Actions Can Affect It—Part 2: Literature and a Case Study
FA259/FA259by Edward Camp, Micheal S. Allen, Thomas T. Ankersen, Savanna Barry, and Mark W. ClarkJuly 13, 2023Recreational fishing, crucially important to Florida’s economy and ecosystems, can be affected by management decisions. Decisions that change the allowable harvest or the type of access to certain fishing areas are often expected to have strong effects on fishing effort, but the outcome of these actions is not always obvious. To provide greater insight into what may happen to fishing effort after management decisions, we describe case studies from the North American fisheries literature, some Florida-specific. These illustrate that the same or similar management actions (e.g., a more restrictive harvest policy) can have opposite effects on total fishing effort depending on the specifics of the case. We use this information as well as additional fisheries theory to explore a specific case study—what might happen if special harvest or access regulations were applied to a popular but ecologically and environmentally sensitive habitat—Florida's St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
