Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this exciting update from some of our current RSVP Program funding recipients! So much good work going on out there, we’re glad to be a part of it!
Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology Program (AKCRRB)
A lot of great work happening in Alaska -here are some highlights from the program:
- NOAA researchers at the Kodiak Laboratory released 11,250 juvenile red king crabs into Trident Basin, near Kodiak in August. The juveniles used in this experimental release were hatched from broodstock (seven adult females) captured in Alitak Bay, Kodiak Island.
- Over the past few years, habitat and juvenile distribution surveys were conducted near the city of Kodiak, Old Harbor, and Alitak Bay to identify potential release sites.
- In fall 2013, researchers released and followed about 5,000 hatchery-reared juveniles in Cozy Cove near the village of Old Harbor. o test how well hatchery-reared crabs survive in the wild and what factors affect their survival. The results should give researchers an idea of the optimal density to release red king crabs to maximize survival.
WWF Peruvian Mahi FIP
Establishing Mahi Mahi Fishing Season
- On July 12th, the Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) established the mahi mahi fishing season, open from October 1st to April 30th annually.
CLICK HERE to learn more…
- WWF Peru played a key role in supporting the establishment of the mahi mahi fishing season, including collaborating with the Peruvian government’s fisheries research institution IMARPE on research projects key to understanding the dynamics of the species, producing and promoting the ¿Qué Pasa Perico? documentary film that highlights the struggle of artisanal fishermen to ensure the sustainability of mahi mahi, and engaging in direct advocacy with local authorities and key stakeholders on the ground.
- On August 9th, the ¿Qué Pasa Perico? documentary film, co-produced by WWF Peru and El Taller.pe, was screened for the public at the eighteenth annual Lima Film Festival.
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) meeting
At the 87th meeting of the IATTC held on July 14-18th, in addition to the tuna related topics, a discussion was held with the authorities of the General Directorate of Fisheries Management Policies and PRODUCE highlighting the importance of increased involvement in the Peru mahi mahi FIP.
Peruvian National Working Group
- WWF has been working in coordination with IMARPE to promote the formation of the Peruvian National Working Group, a key milestones FIP Action Plan, and an important step in the formation of the International Working Groupfor the assessment of mahi mahi.
- IMARPE, in collaboration with WWF Peru, will hold a national Workshop on mahi mahi to bring together all IMARPE staff involved in the research of mahi mahi in August 2014.
- A critical next step, the Peruvian National Working Group will participate in the binational workshop between Peru and Ecuador to be held in September 2014, and in the regional workshop planned for October 2014.
HSWRI – Aquaculture
We’re so excited about the great work this group is doing locally! Check out some of their efforts:
- 80,000 fish are in growout pens (CI Harbor, King Harbor, Huntington Harbor, Newport Bay, Dana Point Harbor, SD Bay), with some planned for immediate release.
- Field Surveys: First half of 2014 data was compiled; 2,304 fish were scanned for tags from both recreational and commercial fisheries.
- Catalina WSB grow-out trial using soy oil based feed was concluded; results are pending.
- New Yellowtail production run was initiated; additionally, 4 new Yellowtail broodstock pools are being constructed.
PIER Swordfish – Deep Set Buoy Gear
The PIER team initiated the 2014 gear trials in late July with two cooperative fishers, the F/V Gold Coast and the F/V Leah Gail. With very few swordfish being landed by the local harpoon fleet, the deep-set trials were initiated cautiously in an attempt to limit effort during periods of reduced swordfish abundance. Despite the slow harpoon season, the deep-set trials have begun to show promise, with the teams consistently catching swordfish over the past two weeks.
Despite lower effort, at present (8/2014) capture rates using the deep-set techniques have exceeded those of the harpoon fleet (a small group of approximately 10 vessels). Preliminary catch rates also suggest high selectivity for swordfish, with the occasional opah and bigeye thresher shark providing the only other forms of catch. The cooperative deep-set trials will continue through the summer and fall months and landings will be compared with those of existing gears.
Heal the Bay – Key to the Sea
The first classes of the 2014-2015 season begin next week with the real kick off happening on September 17th for our Coastal Cleanup Education Day, where 750 students come to the Santa Monica Pier for a day of educational activities, beach cleanup and aquarium experience.