Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) Entanglements in Commercial Fishing Gear on the U.S. West Coast

Humpback Whale (Megaptera Novaeangliae) Entanglements in Commercial Fishing Gear on the U.S. West Coast
Author: Rachel Assink
Publisher:
Total Pages: 29
Release: 2019
Genre:
ISBN:

In 2015, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the U.S. West Coast were separated into three Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) under the Endangered Species Act, but have remained one stock under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The mismatch between stock structure and DPS structure under these two different laws has created several management challenges, particularly in terms of assessing allowable levels of human-caused mortalities. Entanglement in commercial fishing gear presents a significant source of mortality and injury for humpback whales, and entanglement reports on the West Coast have significantly increased since 2014. I address some of the implications of a future change in stock structure to match the DPS structure by assessing 1) which DPSs are most likely to be affected by entanglements, examining differential levels of mortality and serious injury, and 2) examining reductions in mortality needed to achieve management goals. I find that under a revised stock structure consistent with DPS designations, current entanglement rates exceed allowable mortality levels for the endangered Central America population.

Management of Marine Plastic Debris

Management of Marine Plastic Debris
Author: Michael Niaounakis
Publisher: William Andrew
Total Pages: 436
Release: 2017-07-04
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0323443990

Management of Marine Plastic Debris gives a thorough and detailed presentation of the global problem of marine plastics debris, covering every aspect of its management from tracking, collecting, treating and commercial exploitation for handing this anthropogenic waste. The book is a unique, essential source of information on current and future technologies aimed at reducing the impact of plastics waste in the oceans. This is a practical book designed to enable engineers to tackle this problem—both in stopping plastics from getting into the ocean in the first place, as well as providing viable options for the reuse and recycling of plastics debris once it has been recovered. The book is essential reading not only for materials scientists and engineers, but also other scientists involved in this area seeking to know more about the impact of marine plastics debris on the environment, the mechanisms by which plastics degrade in water and potential solutions. While much research has been undertaken into the different approaches to the increasing problem of plastics marine debris, this is the first book to present, evaluate and compare all of the available techniques and practices, and then make suggestions for future developments. The book also includes a detailed discussion of the regulatory environment, including international conventions and standards and national policies. - Reviews all available processes and techniques for recovering, cleaning and recycling marine plastic debris - Presents and evaluates viable options for engineers to tackle this growing problem, including the use of alternative polymers - Investigates a wide range of possible applications of marine plastics debris and opportunities for businesses to make a positive environmental impact - Includes a detailed discussion of the regulatory environment, including international conventions and standards and national policies