3 research outputs found
Biodegradable DFADs: Current status and prospects
Until recently, dFAD structure, materials and designs have remained quite rudimentary and
virtually the same since their discovery, characterized by the increase of the dimensions and
prevailing heavy use of plastic components. Biodegradable materials are called to be an
important part of the solution, as they can faster degrade in the environment, free of toxins
and heavy metals, reducing their lifespan, and preventing them from accumulating in
sensitive areas once they are abandoned, lost or discarded. During last decades, regulatory
measures at tRFMOs have advanced in the gradual implementation of biodegradable
materials in dFAD constructions together with other measures limiting the number of active
dFADs and the use of netting materials. However, more clarity is needed starting with a
standardised definition of biodegradable dFADs among tRFMOs, to provide operational
guidance. Research with those natural and synthetic materials is required, along with
updated data collection for monitoring standards, as well as alternative and
complementary actions need to be explored to contribute to minimising dFAD adverse
effects on environment. Acknowledging the current difficulties for the implementation of
fully biodegradable dFADs a stepwise process towards the implementation of fully
biodegradable dFADs should be considered.Postprin
DIET of THE BLUE MARLIN (MAKAIRA NIGRICANS, LACEPEDE 1802) (PERCIFORMES: ISTIOPHORIDAE) of THE SOUTHWESTERN EQUATORIAL ATLANTIC OCEAN.
Diet composition of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, from the southwestern equatorial Atlantic Ocean was analyzed between October 2004 and November 2005. In the 226 stomachs of fish ranging between 100 and 311 cm lower jaw -fork length (LJFL), 44 items were identified, including 31 fishes and 13 cephalopods. Seventy stomachs were empty (23.6 %). M. nigricans fed preferentially on heavy and muscular scombrid fishes especially upon the skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758), probably to sustain their high metabolism, and on a variety of other items composed mainly by epipelagic species of fish and cephalopods
Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis affecting humans and a wide range of domesticated and wild animal species. An important element for effective disease containment is to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of afflicted communities. This study aimed to assess the KAP related to brucellosis at the human–animal interface in an endemic area of Egypt and to identify the risk factors for human infection. A matched case–control study was conducted at the central fever hospitals located in six governorates in northern Egypt. Face‐to‐face interviews with cases and controls were conducted using a structured questionnaire. In total, 40.7% of the participants owned farm animals in their households. The overall mean practice score regarding animal husbandry, processing and consumption of milk and dairy products were significantly lower among cases compared with controls (−12.7 ± 18.1 vs. 0.68 ± 14.2, respectively; p < .001). Perceived barriers for notification of animal infection/abortion were predominate among cases and positively correlated with participants’ education. The predictors of having brucellosis infection were consumption of unpasteurized milk or raw dairy products and practicing animal husbandry. Applying protective measures against infection significantly reduced its risk. A model predicting risk factors for brucellosis among those who own animal showed that frequent abortions per animal increased the chance for brucellosis infection among human cases by 50‐fold (95% CI: 8.8–276.9), whereas the use of protective measures in animal care reduced the odds (OR = 0.11 [95% CI: 0.03–0.45]). In conclusion, consumption of unprocessed dairy products was equally important as contact with infected/aborted animals as major risk factors for Brucella spp. infection among humans in Egypt. There is poor knowledge, negative attitudes and risky behaviours among villagers which can perpetuate the risk of brucellosis transmission at the human–animal interface. This supports the need for integrating health education into the national brucellosis control programme