The evolution of resource management in Taiwanese fisheries: coastal and offshore perspectives.

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.

Effects of decadal climate variability on spatiotemporal distribution of Indo-Pacific yellowfin tuna population.

Spatial variations in tuna population and abundance are strongly linked to large-scale climate fluctuations, such as the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO). However, the mechanisms underlying the association of climate indices with yellowfin tuna (YFT) abundance and habitat preference remain unclear. We analysed long-term longline fishery data for YFT and oceanic climate variability index data for 1971-2018.