Sasa 1-12A Flashcards
What are the direct environmental effects of demersal fishing?
Resuspension of sediments, nutrients, and pollutants; changes in geomorphic and geotechnic features of the seabed.
How does fishing impact organic carbon storage in marine sediments?
Demersal fishing reduces organic carbon storage by disturbing sediments, leading to resuspension and altered carbon sequestration.
What long-term changes can fishing cause in benthic communities?
Alterations in community structure, including size, taxonomic diversity, longevity, and biomass.
What are the indirect effects of fishing on marine environments?
Reduction in nutrients, long-term changes in sediment particle size, and loss of sediment stability.
How does chronic fishing disturbance affect benthic habitats?
It leads to reduced biodiversity, changes in species composition, and altered ecological functions.
What is the impact of bycatch on marine species?
Bycatch affects vulnerable species like cetaceans, turtles, and birds, often leading to increased mortality.
How does fishing alter trophic guilds and ecosystem services?
Fishing disrupts trophic interactions, leading to changes in predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling.
What are the sublethal effects of fishing on marine organisms?
Sublethal effects include physiological stress, physical damage, and long-term impacts on reproductive and foraging success.
How does sediment resuspension from fishing affect primary production?
Sediment resuspension can either increase or decrease primary production, depending on the availability of nutrients and light.
What challenges do fisheries face due to high bycatch rates?
High bycatch rates reduce target species populations, disrupt ecosystem balance, and threaten the sustainability of fisheries.
Why is strict regulation necessary in fisheries management?
To mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing, ensure sustainable use of marine resources, and protect vulnerable species and habitats.
How does the Natura 2000 network contribute to conservation?
It protects critical habitats and species across the EU, balancing biodiversity conservation with economic and social needs.
What role do Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play in conservation?
MPAs protect vulnerable species and ecosystems by restricting or regulating human activities, promoting habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
What are Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) used for?
TEDs are used to reduce bycatch of turtles in fishing nets, allowing them to escape while retaining target species.
How do Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) contribute to sustainable fishing?
VMS track and monitor fishing activities, ensuring compliance with conservation regulations and helping manage fishing pressure.
What is the purpose of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008)?
It aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of EU marine waters by promoting sustainable use of marine resources.
How do systematic reviews help in conservation?
Systematic reviews compile and assess evidence for conservation actions, ensuring reliable and evidence-based decision-making.
What are some habitat restoration efforts used in marine conservation?
Restoration efforts include rebuilding physical structures of habitats, replanting seagrasses or corals, and reducing human disturbances.
How are sediment resuspension and carbon storage interconnected?
Sediment resuspension from fishing disturbs carbon-rich sediments, leading to reduced carbon storage and increased carbon release into the water column.
What is the relationship between bycatch reduction and ecosystem health?
Reducing bycatch helps maintain species populations, which is crucial for preserving ecosystem balance and functionality.
How do Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) support the goals of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive?
MPAs contribute to achieving Good Environmental Status by protecting key habitats and species, supporting biodiversity and sustainable resource use.
Why is monitoring fishing activities essential for conservation?
Monitoring, through tools like VMS, helps enforce regulations, track fishing pressure, and identify areas that need protection or restoration.
How do chronic fishing disturbances influence the effectiveness of conservation measures?
Chronic disturbances can undermine conservation efforts by continuously degrading habitats, making recovery and restoration more difficult.
How is the Conservation Evidence project used in marine conservation?
It compiles evidence of the effectiveness of various conservation actions, helping practitioners choose the most effective strategies.
What is the significance of the Habitats Directive in marine conservation?
It legally binds EU member states to protect endangered habitats and species, forming a key part of Europe’s conservation policy.
How can sustainable fishing practices be implemented to reduce environmental impacts?
By adopting gear modifications, reducing fishing effort in sensitive areas, and following best practices that minimize habitat damage and bycatch.
What methods are used to assess the spatial distribution of fishing activities?
Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) are used to map and analyze fishing activity patterns.
What is the effect of fishing on sediment composition?
Fishing, particularly trawling, can lead to changes in sediment composition by altering grain size and disrupting the seabed.
How does fishing affect the geomorphology of the seabed?
Fishing activities can change the physical structure of the seabed, leading to erosion, removal of structural species, and habitat flattening.
What is the relationship between fishing and nutrient cycling?
Fishing disturbs the seabed, affecting nutrient cycling by altering sediment-water interactions and resuspending nutrients that impact primary production
How do fishing activities contribute to pollutant resuspension?
Fishing gear disturbs the seabed, releasing trapped pollutants like heavy metals and organic contaminants back into the water column.
How does fishing impact species’ reproductive success?
Bycatch and habitat disruption can decrease reproductive success by reducing population sizes and altering breeding grounds.
What sublethal effects can occur in fish due to fishing stress?
Sublethal effects include physiological stress, reduced immune response, and increased vulnerability to diseases.