Wu Yan-Lun, Lim Irene Chia Ling, Li LiXliang, Chen Lu-Chi, Hsiao Po-Yuan, Lee Wei-Yu, Lan Kuo-Wei
Center of Excellence for Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Marine Fisheries Division, Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Keelung, Taiwan.
PeerJ. 2024 Nov 27;12:e18434. doi: 10.7717/peerj.18434. eCollection 2024.
This study investigates the historical changes in resource development of offshore and coastal fisheries around Taiwan from 1970 to 2021 using the mean trophic level (MTL) and Fishing-in-Balance (FiB) indices. Utilizing data from the Fisheries Statistical Yearbook, three scenarios were employed to assess the effects of highly migratory, oceanic migratory, and seasonal migratory fish species on the MTL and FiB indices. The analysis revealed a continuous increase in MTL for offshore and coastal fisheries, suggesting shifts in the trophic structure and potential over-exploitation of higher trophic level species. The FiB index for offshore fisheries exhibited a declining pattern after 1990, reflecting the depletion of indigenous fish stocks, while the FiB for coastal fisheries showed an increasing trend from 1970 until the 2000s, followed by a decrease, highlighting unsustainable fishing practices. Moreover, the study identified , targeted by Taiwanese Purse Seine, as an influential species affecting the resource dynamics of offshore fisheries. The trawling fisheries would also be a crucial issue affecting the indigenous resource dynamics of offshore fisheries in Taiwan. This study identified a fishing-down mechanism within indigenous fishery dynamics. The potential over-exploitation of fish stocks could result in long-term unsustainable practices if left unaddressed. This study advocates for enhanced fisheries management through stricter regulations on fishing gear, continuous monitoring, and adaptive management strategies. These measures are essential for achieving sustainable development goals and conserving marine biodiversity in Taiwan's waters. By addressing these critical issues, Taiwan can better manage its fisheries resources and promote ecological balance.
本研究利用平均营养级（MTL）和捕捞平衡（FiB）指数，调查了1970年至2021年台湾周边近海和沿海渔业资源开发的历史变化。利用渔业统计年鉴的数据，采用三种情景来评估高度洄游、大洋洄游和季节性洄游鱼类对MTL和FiB指数的影响。分析表明，近海和沿海渔业的MTL持续上升，这表明营养结构发生了变化，高营养级物种可能被过度开发。近海渔业的FiB指数在1990年后呈下降趋势，反映了本地鱼类资源的枯竭，而沿海渔业的FiB指数从1970年到21世纪初呈上升趋势，随后下降，突出了不可持续的捕捞做法。此外，该研究确定，作为台湾围网捕捞的目标，是影响近海渔业资源动态的一个有影响力的物种。拖网渔业也是影响台湾近海渔业本地资源动态的一个关键问题。本研究在本地渔业动态中发现了一种捕捞降级机制。如果不加以解决，鱼类资源的潜在过度开发可能导致长期不可持续的做法。本研究主张通过对渔具实施更严格的监管、持续监测和适应性管理策略来加强渔业管理。这些措施对于实现可持续发展目标和保护台湾海域的海洋生物多样性至关重要。通过解决这些关键问题，台湾可以更好地管理其渔业资源并促进生态平衡。
