MARINE REPORTS (MAREP)

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

Mbachi Ruth MSOMPHORA — 2026-01-04

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

Yusuf ŞEN — 2026-01-04

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

Quratulan AHMED — 2026-01-04

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)

Sadia Islam DOLA — 2026-01-04

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.

Preliminary Studies on Diversity, Occurrence and Abundance of Phytoplankton in Kalmat Khor, Makran coast Balochistan

Quratulan AHMED — 2026-03-12

Phytoplankton are foundation of marine food webs and are sensitive indicators of environmental variability. Phytoplankton are the primary biomass producer in marine ecosystems, providing ecological sustainability for aquatic life. Through photosynthesis, they produce nearly half of the Earth's organic matter, converting inorganic carbon into living biomass. This study documents the diversity, occurrence, and abundance of phytoplankton in Kalmat Khor, Makran coast, Balochistan, during October 2020–July 2021. Seasonal sampling revealed 92 species under 24 families, dominated by diatoms (Bacillariaceae, Chaetocerotaceae, Coscinodiscaceae, Rhizosoleniaceae) with dinoflagellate peaks of Tripos sp., Protoperidinium sp., Dinophysis sp., during nutrient-enriched monsoon periods.

Physico-chemical parameters showed variation with seasonal fluctuations, with higher salinity and transparency in winter and reduced dissolved oxygen and pH during summer. Diversity indices indicated a stable and highly diverse community (Shannon–Wiener H′ = 3.62–3.74; Simpson’s 1–D = 0.94–0.95; Evenness = 0.87–0.89), with slight reductions in evenness during diatom blooms. These findings provide the first comprehensive baseline for Kalmat Khor, contributing to Pakistan’s coastal biodiversity inventories and supporting conservation and management strategies for semi-enclosed lagoons along the Makran coast.

Effects of zeolite, diatomite, and leonardite as feed additives on the growth performance of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fry

Dilek ŞAHIN — 2026-04-07

This study examined how possible feed additions, such as zeolite, diatomite, and leonardite, affected aquarium fish growth and reproduction. The meals of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) fry were supplemented with 4% zeolite, leonardite, and diatomite. Weight increase (g), specific growth rate (SGR, %), and survival rate (%) showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) after 60 days, but feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed no statistically significant changes (p>0.05). The results of this study indicate that adding natural zeolite, leonardite, and diatomite to fish diets has beneficial effects on growth parameters, feed utilization, and survival rate, suggesting that these materials can be used as natural feed additives in aquarium fish culture. The water quality parameters measured at the start and at the end of the experiment did not differ significantly (p>0.05).

Human dimensions of marine litter: public awareness in the urbanized area of Çanakkale Strait

Elif YENİCİ — 2026-04-07

Marine litter has become one of the major environmental pressures affecting coastal and marine ecosystems worldwide, largely driven by human activities and consumption patterns. Understanding the human dimension of marine environmental problems is therefore essential for effective marine ecosystem protection and management. This study aims to assess public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward wastes and marine litter in the urbanized area of the coastal region of Çanakkale Strait (Türkiye), with a focus on human–marine environment interactions. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey conducted with local residents living in Çanakkale, the most urbanized coastline at the western outreach of the Strait towards the Aegean Sea.The survey examined participants’ awareness of marine litter sources, perceived environmental impacts, preferred mitigation measures, and willingness to participate in coastal clean-up activities. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate general awareness levels and public perceptions related to marine litter. The findings indicate that respondents largely recognize plastic as the most prominent component of marine litter and demonstrate a generally positive attitude toward participation in mitigation activities. However, limited prior exposure to marine litter-related information and the predominance of individual-based solutions, such as “warning people” suggest gaps in deeper structural awareness and policy-level understanding. Given the strategic role of the Çanakkale Strait as a marine corridor connecting multiple seas, local human behavior may have implications beyond the study area. The study provides baseline information on public awareness in an urbanized strait setting and offers insights to support coastal management practices, environmental education programs, and participatory marine litter monitoring initiatives.

A Review on Diversified Usage of Seaweeds and its Potential for Production and Utilization in Bangladesh

Maria ZAMAN — 2026-04-07

Seaweed are the magnificent plants of the sea; these are available in the coastal zones throughout the world. They are generally classified into Chlorophyta (green algae), Phaeophyta (brown algae) and Rhodophyta (red algae). Use of seaweed as food has strong roots in Asian countries, but the extent and scope of seaweeds utilization in this modern world is increasing for human consumption, medicine, hydrocolloid production, cosmetics, animal feed additive, fertilizers and soil conditioners, etc. Seaweed based products that have been known, and clinically documented bioactivity, have potential to become value-added functional products. However, seaweed is almost unknown to mass population in Bangladesh. So far, there are approximately 250 species in Bangladesh; of those, 20 are commercially important which remain available in abundance during October to April. Bangladesh has a high potential for seaweed farming due to favorable climatic conditions and availability of long 710 km coastal areas. To utilize seaweed resources, some experimental approaches have been tried. Both the government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations like WorldFish have taken initiatives for mass scale farming of seaweed with mixed successes. Further, the efforts in seaweed cultivation, and its utilization through product and process development could help exploring new arena of investment and income as well as fetching substantial foreign exchange to contribute to the much-cherished blue economy dream of the country. This article provides a comprehensive review of diversified usage of seaweeds at the global level, and its potentials for farming and utilization in Bangladesh.