MARINE REPORTS (MAREP)

Governance, health, and well-being in small-scale fisheries: An interactive governance perspective on occupational health systems

2025-11-30T20:35:14+03:00

Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are among the most hazardous occupational sectors globally, exposing fishers to multiple risks ranging from musculoskeletal disorders and physical injuries to mental health challenges and economic insecurity. These risks are not merely biological or technical phenomena; they are shaped by how societies govern human well-being within fisheries systems. This article employs Interactive Governance (IG) theory to analyze how governance dynamics influence the governability of occupational health in SSF. Rather than a comparative analysis, the discussion positions Norway and Malawi along a governance spectrum that reveals how resources, institutional capacity, and participatory structures interact to shape occupational health outcomes. Norway represents a resource-enabling governance environment with structured institutions and advanced welfare mechanisms, while Malawi embodies a participatory but resource-constrained governance system. Drawing from theoretical literature and empirical studies, including Thorvaldsen et al. (2022), Ruud and Friis (2021), Holm et al. (2021), and Kalumbi et al. (2020), the sources direct the examination about how the interplay of resources, participation, and reflexivity determines the governability of occupational health and well-being in SSF. Findings indicate that both governance systems face limitations: Norway’s institutional complexity risks policy fragmentation, while Malawi’s participatory model struggles with infrastructural and institutional inadequacies. The paper concludes that improving occupational health and well-being in SSF requires adaptive, hybrid governance approaches that integrate participatory engagement with resource-enabled structures to enhance overall governability and sustainability. Ultimately, governability depends not solely on resources but on the adaptability, inclusivity, and reflexivity of governance systems that sustain both human well-being and fisheries resilience.

The northward range extension of Siganus luridus (Ruppell, 1829) reached Çanakkale strait, Türkiye

2025-11-17T10:46:50+03:00

This study indicated that the northernmost extension of invasive Siganus luridus (Rüppell, 1829) reached the Çanakkale Strait of Türkiye coasts. A single specimen of the dusky spinefoot Siganus luridus was incidentally caught using a trammel net with 32 mm mesh size at a depth of 10 meters on November 2, 2025. This individual measured 204 mm in total length and weighed 121.7 g. This individual identified as a maturing female and empty of stomach content. Morphometric measurements and meristic counts of this invasive were recorded and compared with previous studies. This updating record with biological data of this lessepsian individual contributes to future ecological assessments and monitoring studies.

Aquilonastra rowleyi (O’Loughlin & Rowe, 2006) and Aquilonastra samyni (O’Loughlin & Rowe, 2006) (Asteroidea:Valvatida:Asterin idae), new Addition to the Asteroid fauna of Makran Coast, Pakistan

2025-12-19T14:56:56+03:00

This study is providing the knowledge of new asteroid fauna Aquilonastra rowleyi (O'Loughlin & Rowe, 2006) and Aquilonastra samyni (O'Loughlin & Rowe, 2006) from Pakistan, Jiwani, Makran coast (Northern Arabian Sea). Previously comprising only 4 species of Aquilonastra genus, had been documented from Pakistan. This study provides detailed morphological and taxonomic insights into these species. The morphological and taxonomic characteristics of A. rowleyi and A. samyni, contributing considerably to the knowledge of asteroid fauna along the coast of Pakistan.

Combined effect of temperature and salinity on the fertilization, hatching, larval development and expression of selected genes of major carp (Labeo rohita)

2025-12-12T22:23:18+03:00

Temperature and salinity play a vital role in organismal physiological status including growth, immunity and survival. Any deviation from the optimum temperature and salinity level can adversely affect the aquaculture productivity because of imposed stress on organisms. The present study was conducted to assess the role of temperature and salinity on the fertilization, hatching and larval development of Labeo rohita under the combined effect of three different experimental temperatures (30°C, 33°C and 35°C) and two salinity levels (0‰, 2‰) for a period of 10 days. The experimental species reared at 2‰ and 35°C, showed significantly higher (p<0.05) relative expression pattern of two osmotic stress genes (NKA and HSP70) whereas the result also revealed lower expression levels of three growth and cell proliferation genes (MBL, SLB and IGF-1). The highest levels of physiological traits and gene expression changes were obtained at 2‰ and 35°C (T5) while the lowest levels of physiological-genetic changes were observed at 0‰ and 30°C (control treatment). Findings of this study demonstrate the adverse effect of temperatures and salinity stress on the fertilization, hatching, yolk sac absorption and larval development and gene expression pattern.