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Effect of environmental drivers on the spatiotemporal distribution of mackerel at age in the Nordic Seas during 2010-20
Get PDFA joint spatio–temporal distribution model of mackerel (ages 3–10) was developed to investigate the age-based responses of mackerel to three environmental drivers: sea surface temperature (SST), mixed layer depth, and chlorophyll-a concentration during the summer months 2010–20 in the Nordic Seas. The study showed that SST was the most important variable amongst the ones tested and had the strongest impact on the distribution of the younger age classes (3–5), which had a narrower range of favourable SST and a stronger aversion to cold temperatures than older individuals. Consequently, the impact of SST differed regionally; in the polar front regions, SST explained up to 61% of the variability in the observed density of young individuals, where Arctic water masses likely acted as a barrier to these young individuals. That said, part of it could be confounded with the limited migration capability of young mackerels, which could not reach the furthest frontal regions. In warmer southern waters, the same environmental variables had less explanatory power for mackerel of all ages. Individuals in the south were likely not constrained by temperature and perhaps more influenced by other variables, such as food availability or ocean current (throughout their migration path), for which appropriate data are lacking. Moreover, the model showed that older mackerel were distributed more to the north and west, and their migration pattern changed when the 2013 year-class no longer migrated to the west compared to previous year-classes. Additionally, all-year classes started migrating more eastward from summer 2018.publishedVersio
Joint Russian Norwegian Arctic Fisheries Working Group (JRN-AFWG) Report 2024
Get PDFOn 30th March 2022 all Russian participation in ICES was temporally suspended. Although the announcement of the suspension stressed the role of ICES as a “multilateral science organization”, this suspension applied not only to research activities, but also to the ICES work providing fisheries advice for the sustainable management of fish stocks and ecosystems. As a result of the suspension, the ICES AFWG provided advice only for saithe, coastal cod north, coastal cod south, and golden redfish (Sebastes norvegicus). Northeast Arctic (NEA) cod, haddock and Greenland halibut assessments have been conducted outside of ICES in a newly constituted Joint Russian-Norwegian Working Group on Arctic Fisheries (JRN-AFWG). Although this work has been conducted independently of ICES, the methodologies agreed at ICES benchmarks and agreed HCRs (Harvest Control Rules) have been followed in providing this advice. In 2024 we are giving 2-year advice for both Greenland halibut and beaked redfish. The beaked redfish model is planned for a method revision prior to the next advice. Advice on fishing opportunities for NEA cod The NEA cod stock is continuing to decline following a period of moderate to poor recruitment. Following the agreed HCR, the advice for 2025 is that catches should be no more than 311 587 tonnes. This is down from 453 427 because the stock is projected to fall below Bpa, and therefore the stability constraint on interannual catch variation does not apply. Provided that this advice is followed, then projections indicate that at current recruitment levels the stock should stabilize and start to rise after 2027. Advice on fishing opportunities for NEA haddock Advice is that catches in 2025 should not exceed 106 912 tonnes, down from 127 550 tonnes, from the advice in 2023. A relatively good yearclass in 2021 should enter the fishery in 2026- Provided that this yearclass is not heavily caught at small sizes then then should lead to an increase in stock and catches thereafter. In recent years there has been a rise in the catch of small haddock, and if this is not curtailed then there is a risk that a large part of the incoming yearclass could be fished before reaching a size to give optimum yield. Advice on fishing opportunities for Greenland halibut The Greenland halibut stock is projected to fall below Bpa in the course of 2024, which has resulted in lowered advice. The advice is that catches in 2025 should be no more than 12 431 tonnes, and catches in 2016 should be no more than 14 891. This stock has a history of quota and catches being set above advice, which has led to the decline of the stock. There is good yearclass in 2019 which offers a prospect of an increase in stock and advice – provided the advice is followed and the stock is not further reduced. Advice on fishing opportunities for beaked redfish The stock is at a high level, with SSB rising slowly and total fishable biomass relatively stable. The catch advice is no more than 67 191 tonnes in 2025 and 69 177 tonnes in 2026, compared to an advice of 70 164 tonnes for 2024. There has been a high retrospective pattern for this stock assessment, and a method revision is planned before the next advice is due (for the 2027 fishing season).Joint Russian Norwegian Arctic Fisheries Working Group (JRN-AFWG) Report 2024publishedVersio
Evaluating a crowding intensity scale and welfare indicators for Atlantic salmon in sea cages
Get PDFA 5-level crowding intensity scale for directing and auditing the crowding of Atlantic salmon in sea cages based on surface observations is currently included in standards, manuals, and guidelines for fish farmers. Here we test the feasibility of using this scale to create distinct crowding levels, the effects of these different levels upon fish welfare, and the suitability of a set of possible operational welfare indicators (OWIs) and laboratory-based welfare indicators (LABWIs) to be included in toolboxes for monitoring and assessing fish welfare in relation to the crowding of salmon in sea cages. Crowding level 1 was not included in this study since this is a very light level of crowding, and also not level 5 as this level clearly would harm the fish and lead to mortalities. We were able to use the scale to create three distinct crowding levels in two of three separate crowding events in 12×12m2 sea cages. Although the farm personnel were experienced, it soon became evident that underwater monitoring of fish behaviour and how the net was tightened around the fish was important to make sure that no pockets or irregularities that could harm the fish were formed during the crowding. Despite evidence of increased stress and epidermal damage with increased crowding intensity, there were no clear indications that this led to any long-term detrimental effects on fish welfare. In conclusion an OWI-toolbox for crowding should include both surface and underwater observations, monitoring of oxygen conditions, and morphological injury data to steer decisions to prevent welfare problems and mortalities. In addition, qualitative assessment of fish behaviour, plasma cortisol, and skin histology can be included in a LABWI-toolbox if more in-depth information on the effects from the crowding is wanted.publishedVersio
Ecological interactions between farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Atlantic cod populations in Norway: A review of risk sources and knowledge gaps
Get PDFAquaculture provides an important and expanding source of protein rich and healthy food to the world. However, to minimize environmental harm from aquaculture, interactions with wild fish communities need to be thoroughly assessed. Here, we characterize the existing knowledge pertaining to such interactions, exemplified with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming in open net pens along the Norwegian coast and potential consequences for wild Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations. Importantly, the wild cod fishery also provides a protein rich, high quality food source with high economic value. We identify seven risk sources that may affect behaviour, physiology, and survival in wild cod. Of particular importance is the large amount of waste feed that causes wild fish to aggregate around farms, thereby altering a multitude of ecological interactions including predation and disease transmission. Moreover, altered food quality in pellets may alter physiological processes and cause mortality to vulnerable life-stages in wild cod. More research is needed on mechanisms and thresholds for harm. As the most important cod fisheries are found in northern Norway, where climate change also is rapid, we expect stronger and potentially more harmful interactions between fish farming and wild cod fisheries as aquaculture continues to expand. We hope that our analysis will inspire further research, on farmed salmon and wild cod interactions, but also on aquaculture and wild fish interactions in general. Such research is fundamental for the development of management systems that can reduce the impact of aquaculture on fisheries and the environment.Ecological interactions between farmed Atlantic salmon and wild Atlantic cod populations in Norway: A review of risk sources and knowledge gapspublishedVersio
Assessment of genetically modified maize DP915635 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2020-172)
Get PDFThe Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) has assessed an application for approval of the genetically modified maize DP915635 for food and feed uses, import and processing in the EU. In accordance with an assignment specified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), VKM assesses whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the European market can pose risks to human or animal health, or the environment in Norway. VKM assesses the scientific documentation regarding GMO applications seeking approval for use of GMOs as food and feed, processing, or cultivation. The EU Regulation 1829/2003/EC (Regulation) covers living GMOs that fall under the Norwegian Gene Technology Act, as well as processed food and feed from GMOs (dead material) that fall under the Norwegian Food Act. The regulation is currently not part of the EEA agreement or implemented in Norwegian law. Norway conducts its own assessments of GMO applications in preparation for the possible implementation of the Regulation. In accordance with the assignment by NFSA and NEA, VKM assesses GMO applications during scientific hearings initiated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as after EFSA has published its own risk assessment of a GMO, up until EU member countries vote for or against approval in the EU Commission. The assignment is divided into three stages. (link) Maize DP915635 DP915635 is a genetically modified maize that expresses the insecticidal protein IPD079Ea for control of corn rootworm pests, the enzyme phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) for tolerance to glufosinate-ammonium herbicides, and the enzyme phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) that was used as a selectable marker during development. The scientific documentation provided in the application for DP915635 maize is adequate for risk assessment, and in accordance with EFSA guidance on risk assessment of genetically modified plants for use in food or feed. The VKM GMO panel does not consider the introduced modifications in DP915635 maize to imply potential specific health or environmental risks in Norway, compared to EU-countries. The EFSA scientific Opinion is adequate also for Norwegian conditions. Therefore, a full risk assessment of DP915635 maize was not performed by the VKM GMO Panel. About the assignment: In stage 1, VKM shall assess the health and environmental risks of the genetically modified organism and derived products in connection with the EFSA scientific hearing of GMO applications. VKM shall review the scientific documentation that the applicant has submitted and possibly provide comments to EFSA. VKM must also consider: i) whether there are specific Norwegian conditions that could give other risks in Norway than those mentioned in the application, ii) whether the Norwegian diet presents a different health risk for the Norwegian population should the GMO be approved, compared to the European population, and iii) risks associated with co-existence with conventional and/or ecologic production of plants for GMOs seeking approval for cultivation. Relevant measures to ensure co-existence must also be considered. In stage 2, VKM shall assess whether comments from Norway have been satisfactorily answered by EFSA. In addition, VKM shall assess whether comments from other countries imply need for further follow-up. If EFSAs response to Norwegian comments is not satisfactory, or comments by other countries imply the need for further follow-up, VKM shall in stage 3 perform a risk assessment of these conditions, including conditions specific to Norway.Assessment of genetically modified maize DP915635 for food and feed uses, import and processing under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (application EFSA-GMO-NL-2020-172)publishedVersio
Catch sampling lottery 2023 - experiences and results
No full textEtter at vi startet opp med fangstprøvelotteriet i 2018 har vi sett en gradvis og betydelig forbedring i prøvetakingen fra de kommersielle pelagiske fiskeriene, og i 2023 mottok vi totalt sett ca 74 % av de bestilte prøvene. Selv om vi fremdeles er noe lavere enn vi burde ser det ut som fangstprøvelotteriet begynner å bli godt innarbeidet i alle ledd og at inngangsdataene til bestandsberegningene har blitt forbedret. Fangstprøvelotteriet gir de viktigste grunnlagsdataene fra de norske fiskeriene for kvoteanbefalingene for pelagisk fisk, og en forbedring av prøvetakingen fra fangstprøvelotteriet vil derfor først og fremst komme fiskerinæringen til gode, gjennom bedre kvoterådgivning inn mot forvaltningen av våre viktige pelagiske fiskebestander.Fangstprøvelotteriet 2023 - erfaringer og resultatCatch sampling lottery 2023 - experiences and resultspublishedVersio
Panel-based assessment of ecosystem condition as a platform for adaptive and knowledge driven management
Get PDFEcosystems are subjected to increasing exposure to multiple anthropogenic drivers. This has led to the development of national and international accounting systems describing the condition of ecosystems, often based on few, highly aggregated indicators. Such accounting systems would benefit from a stronger theoretical and empirical underpinning of ecosystem dynamics. Operational tools for ecosystem management require understanding of natural ecosystem dynamics, consideration of uncertainty at all levels, means for quantifying driver-response relationships behind observed and anticipated future trajectories of change, and an efficient and transparent synthesis to inform knowledge-driven decision processes. There is hence a gap between highly aggregated indicator-based accounting tools and the need for explicit understanding and assessment of the links between multiple drivers and ecosystem condition as a foundation for informed and adaptive ecosystem management. We describe here an approach termed PAEC (Panel-based Assessment of Ecosystem Condition) for combining quantitative and qualitative elements of evidence and uncertainties into an integrated assessment of ecosystem condition at spatial scales relevant to management and monitoring. The PAEC protocol is founded on explicit predictions, termed phenomena, of how components of ecosystem structure and functions are changing as a result of acting drivers. The protocol tests these predictions with observations and combines these tests to assess the change in the condition of the ecosystem as a whole. PAEC includes explicit, quantitative or qualitative, assessments of uncertainty at different levels and integrates these in the final assessment. As proofs-of-concept we summarize the application of the PAEC protocol to a marine and a terrestrial ecosystem in Norway. Adaptive monitoring and management ● Uncertainty ● Ecosystem-based management ● Ecosystem characteristics ● Ecosystem state ● TrajectoriespublishedVersio
Beregning og vurdering av i hvilken grad høringsutkast til nye kostråd vil dekke behov og anbefalinger for næringsstoffer
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Skreitokt nord - Kartlegging av gytebestanden av skrei nord for Vesterålsbankene 2023
Get PDFBakgrunnen for gjennomføring av dette toktet er usikkerheten rundt hvor store andeler av skreibestanden som gyter nord for det tradisjonelle skreitoktet. Skulle disse andelene være betydelige kan det ha betydning for bestandsberegningene. Resultatene fra skreitoktet bruker relative indekser og det betyr at mengdene som gyter nord for skreitoktområdet må både være betydelige og vise stor variasjon mellom år for at dette skal ha noen vesentlig betydning for selve bestandsberegningene.Skreitokt nord - Kartlegging av gytebestanden av skrei nord for Vesterålsbankene 2023publishedVersio
Diversity, habitat endemicity and trophic ecology of the fauna of Loki’s Castle vent field on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge
Get PDFLoki’s Castle Vent Field (LCVF, 2300 m) was discovered in 2008 and represents the first black-smoker vent field discovered on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge (AMOR). However, a comprehensive faunal inventory of the LCVF has not yet been published, hindering the inclusion of the Arctic in biogeographic analyses of vent fauna. There is an urgent need to understand the diversity, spatial distribution and ecosystem function of the biological communities along the AMOR, which will inform environmental impact assesments of future deep-sea mining activities in the region. Therefore, our aim with this paper is to provide a comprehensive inventory of the fauna at LCVF and present a first insight into the food web of the vent community. The fauna of LCVF has a high degree of novelty, with five new species previously described and another ten new species awaiting formal description. Most of the new species from LCVF are either hydrothermal vent specialists or have been reported from other chemosynthesis-based ecosystems. The highest taxon richness is found in the diffuse venting areas and may be promoted by the biogenic habitat generated by the foundation species Sclerolinum contortum. The isotopic signatures of the vent community of LCVF show a clear influence of chemosynthetic primary production on the foodweb. Considering the novel and specialised fauna documented in this paper, hydrothermal vents on the AMOR should be regarded as vulnerable marine ecosystems and protective measures must therefore be implemented, especially considering the potential threat from resource exploration and exploitation activities in the near future.publishedVersio