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- Insights into conservation success: analysing shore angling before implementing a marine protected areaPublication . Jacinto, Gonçalo; Veiga, Pedro; Monteiro, Pedro; Erzini, Karim; Gonçalves, Jorge Manuel Santos; Horta e Costa, Barbara; Pontes, João; Guerreiro, Pedro Miguel; Rangel, Mafalda; Nuñez Velazquez, Samira; Pilar Fonseca, TerezaIn January 2024, the "Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef - Pedra do Valado" (NMPAR-PV; southern Portugal), a community-based Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally classified, setting the scene for a new paradigm for co-creating Portuguese MPAs. While complying with the best practices for MPA establishment, this area also contributes to national and international conservation targets. Measuring the success of MPAs relies on the availability of the best scientific information, including baseline data on biodiversity, habitat and human activities characterization. Marine recreational fishing is a significantly important human activity within this recently designated MPA. Hence, the systematic collection of quantitative data on this activity is critical for determining its impacts and ensuring the preservation and protection of fisheries resource. This study aims to collect and analyze socioeconomic and ecological data on shore angling fisheries at NMPAR-PV, implementing surveys and instantaneous counting. Data from 325 questionnaires and 27 counting surveys conducted between February 2022 and February 2023 highlighted the importance of shore angling. The activity is primarily conducted by local Portuguese men, over 50, employed and with low formal education. Most recreational fishers supported the MPA's implementation, suggesting community care for conservation efforts. The annual fishing effort was estimated at 52 198 +/- 6 631 angling hours, with peaks in Autumn. Annual catches, dominated by Scombridae and Sparidae species, were estimated at 10.41 +/- 1.96 tonnes of fish. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of recreational fishing activity within the MPA, addressing important information to assess its effectiveness.
- Reducing cetacean interactions with bottom set‐nets and purse seining using acoustic deterrent devices in Southern IberiaPublication . Marçalo, Ana; Carvalho, Flávia; Frade, Magda; Bentes, Luis; Monteiro, Pedro; Pontes, João; Ferreira Alexandre, Teresa Sofia; Oliveira, Frederico; Kingston, Allen; Erzini, Karim; Gonçalves, Jorge Manuel SantosIn southern Iberia (NE Atlantic), cetacean bycatch is reported in several fisheries, whereas depredation by bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is commonly observed in bottom set-net fisheries. This study tested the effectiveness of acoustic deterrent devices in discouraging small cetaceans from approaching bottom set-nets and purse seine to reduce interactions. The acoustic deterrent devices used in the study were dolphin deterrent devices and dolphin interactive devices for the bottom set-net fishery to reduce dolphin bycatch and depredation and dolphin deterrent devices in the purse seine fishery to reduce common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) bycatch. Data collection was carried out by at-sea observers and trained fishing vessel crew observers. Hauls with and without acoustic deterrent devices were compared and analysed to investigate differences in catch per unit effort, factors affecting the interaction, probability of interaction and habituation (in bottom set-nets only). In bottom set-nets, the depredation rate was significantly lower and reduced by about 50% in hauls using acoustic deterrent devices. Habituation of the bottlenose dolphins to the devices was observed but was gradual. In the purse seine fishery, common dolphin bycatch was reduced by 100% when using the acoustic deterrent devices. Overall, the results are promising, but the different interaction reduction efficiencies observed between gear types indicate that the potential application of acoustic deterrent devices should be considered on a m & eacute;tier-by-m & eacute;tier basis. Other mitigation measures should be developed, especially for static gears, in collaboration with the fishing sector in an inclusive management approach to reduce direct interactions between fisheries and cetaceans.
- High-density SNP panel provides little evidence for population structure in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in waters surrounding the UKPublication . Taylor, Martin I.; Lamb, Philip D.; Coscia, Ilaria; Murray, David S.; Brown, Mary; Cameron, Tom C.; Davison, Phil I.; Freeman, Howard A.; Georgiou, Katerina; Grati, Fabio; Haugen, Thrond; Karachle, Paraskevi K.; Kennedy, Richard; Lanssens, Thomas; Lincoln, Harriet; Martinho, Filipe; McCarthy, Ian; Petroutsos, Spyros-Iasonas; Pita, Pablo; Pontes, João; Baucells, Marta P.; Rangel, Mafalda; Roche, William; Sbragaglia, Valerio; Sturrock, Anna M; Taylor, Michelle L; Wogerbauer, Ciara; Veiga, Pedro; Verver, Sieto; Weltersbach, Marc Simon; Hyder, Kieran; Stewart W GrantThe European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a commercially and recreationally important fish widely, distributed across the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Two distinct lineages that represent the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions have been previously identified, with a hybrid zone close to the Almeria-Oran front. The presence of fine-scale population structure within the Northeast Atlantic region is less clear. Here, we investigated population structure in adult samples obtained from the northern part of the Atlantic range surrounding the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Norway, along with outgroups from Portugal and the Mediterranean, using a panel of 41 K single nucleotide polymorphism markers. Population structure among Northeast Atlantic Ocean samples was weak in both spawning-(FST = 0.00022) and feeding-(FST = 0.00032) season data sets, with small pairwise FST values between sample pairs. However, average FST was larger between spawning samples than between feeding samples, with a pattern of isolation-by-distance among the spawning samples, but not the feeding samples, suggesting some biologically meaningful population structure. The largest pairwise FST values at both International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) rectangle and division scales involved a sample from the west of Ireland. We found no evidence of a gradient in "Mediterranean" ancestry among samples collected around the UK in our data set or in a reanalysis of a published data set where such a pattern had been previously identified. In summary, there was no evidence that sea bass in different ICES divisions within the Northeast Atlantic Ocean represents genetically separate populations. Further work is required to reconcile evidence from tagging and modelling studies that suggest the potential for demographic independence with the genetic data.
- Staying hooked: effective science engagement and communication in recreational fisheriesPublication . Pita, Pablo; Tracey, Sean; Arlinghaus, Robert; Bachiller, Eneko; Pinho-Duarte, Filipa; Ferter, Keno; Henriques, Filipe; Hook, Samantha; Hyder, Kieran; Irigoyen, Alejo; Jiménez, María P.; Laporta, Martín; Lejk, Adam M.; Leonard, Eoin; Olesen, Hans Jakob; Palmer, Freya; Pavičić, Mišo; Pontes, João; Pujol-Baucells, Marta; Radford, Zachary; Rangel, Mafalda; Roche, William; Rudd, Hannah; Ryan, Diarmuid; Sbragaglia, Valerio; Selles, Jules; Silva, Catarina N. S.; Skov, Christian; Strehlow, Harry V.; Taylor, Stephen; Veiga, Pedro; Venerus, Leonardo A.; Venturelli, Paul; Vertegaal, David; Weltersbach, Marc Simon; Wiech, Martin; Winkler, AlexanderThis abstract summarizes the results of two expert consultations conducted to gather insights into effective communication and engagement strategies in recreational fisheries. Effective science communication fosters knowledge, understanding, and trust in both science and management decisions. Public involvement and stakeholder engagement are essential for effective management. Simplifying complex research findings and using diverse communication tools enhance awareness and understanding. Strong communication strategies are necessary to implement sustainable recreational fisheries management frameworks. Funding for communication efforts is often insufficient but remains crucial for success. Participatory workshops and data-sharing arrangements enhance collaboration and involvement. Multi-stakeholder consortiums and tailored communication strategies strengthen stakeholder engagement and promote adaptive governance. Interdisciplinary outreach and strategic social media use play vital roles in raising environmental awareness.
- Comprehensive characterization of the Algarve octopus, octopus vulgaris: nutritional aspects and quality indexes of lipidsPublication . Cabado, Ana G.; Costas, Celina; Sousa, David Baptista de; Pontes, João; Rangel, MafaldaThe common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) supports one of the most valuable small-scale fisheries in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region, with substantial socioeconomic implications. This species holds significant potential for human consumption due to its low lipid content, favorable fatty acid profile, high-quality protein, and essential microelements. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of octopus specimens landed in two key Algarve fishing areas-Barlavento/Windward (Alvor Harbour) and Sotavento/Leeward (Fuzeta Harbour). We assessed their nutritional value, focusing on protein quality, lipid indexes, trace minerals, and essential vitamins, as well as overall safety and quality. All regulated contaminants and additional potential risks were also evaluated, yielding fully satisfactory safety results. The research was conducted within the framework of the European Sea2See project, which aims to enhance consumer trust and acceptance of sustainably harvested or farmed seafood in Europe. Our findings demonstrate that Algarve octopus is a nutritionally rich seafood product, promoting cardiovascular health and general well-being.
- Engaging and legitimizing communities: co-designing a community-based marine protected areaPublication . Rangel, Mafalda; Horta e Costa, Barbara; Guimarães, Mª Helena; Ressurreição, Adriana; Monteiro, Pedro; Oliveira, Frederico; Bentes, Luis; Sales Henriques, Nuno; Sousa, Inês; Ferreira Alexandre, Teresa Sofia; Pontes, João; Afonso, Carlos; Belackova, Adela; Marçalo, Ana; Cardoso-Andrade, Mariana; Cortês, António; Correia, António José; Lobo, Vanda; Gonçalves, Emanuel J.; Cunha, Tiago Pitta e; Gonçalves, Jorge Manuel SantosMarine Protected Areas are increasingly used as tools to preserve marine habitats and biodiversity worldwide. Nonetheless, creating MPAs in densely populated multi-use coastal areas comes with intrinsic conflict potential, since protection and economic development are not always hand-in-hand and local users might disagree with the designation of such conservation tools. The use of inclusive and transparent participatory processes to co-design such MPAs can be seen as a way of protecting biodiversity while acknowledging the needs of local users and building conservation tools that fit both purposes. Here we describe a participatory process developed to codesign a Marine Protected Area of Community Interest in a biodiversity, fishing and tourism hotspot in the Algarve (southern Portugal) where the majority of involved stakeholders (96 %) endorsed the final MPA proposal. The methodology and tools used are described in detail, lessons learned are critically analysed and a roadmap to be used in other realities is provided. Evidences collected show that the approach developed allows conservation and economic activities to share the same ground and advocate for the same goals in preserving coastal marine habitats.