Tracking aquatic animals for fisheries management in European waters

Özgül, Aytaç; Birnie-Gauvin, Kim; Abecasis, David; Alós, Josep; Aarestrup, Kim; Reubens, Jan; Bolland, Jon; Lök, Altan; Edwards, Jena E.; Pengal, Polona; Prchalová, Marie; Říha, Milan; Pickholtz, Renanel; Vollset, Knut Wiik; Afonso, Pedro; Davidsen, Jan Grimsrud; Arlinghaus, Robert; Ünal, Vahdet; Lennox, Robert J.

Abstract

Acoustic telemetry (AT) has emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring aquatic animals in both European inland and marine waters over the past two decades. The European Tracking Network (ETN) initiative has played a pivotal role in promoting collaboration among AT researchers in Europe and has led to a significant increase in the number of tagged and observed aquatic animals in transboundary European waters. While AT benefits decision-making and delivers essential data to management bodies, its potential for management decision-making mechanisms has yet to be fully harnessed. We reviewed existing research, studies, and organisational initiatives related to aquatic animal tracking and their utility in fisheries management in European waters. We found that AT has already contributed to many aspects of fisheries management, such as improved understanding of stock dynamics, identification of critical habitats, assessment of migration routes, and evaluation of the effectiveness of conservation measures. However, broader utilisation of tracking technologies is needed. By leveraging the full potential of AT, managers can make more informed decisions to protect, restore, and sustainably manage European waters and creatures that live therein.

Citation

Özgül, A., Birnie-Gauvin, K., Abecasis, D., Alós, J., Aarestrup, K., Reubens, J., …Lennox, R. J. (2024). Tracking aquatic animals for fisheries management in European waters. Fisheries Management and Ecology, Article e12706. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12706

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Apr 10, 2024
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 22, 2024
• Journal: Fisheries Management and Ecology
• Print ISSN: 0969-997x
• Electronic ISSN: 1365-2400
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: e12706
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12706
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4628744