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  • Book
  • © 2012

Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations: Biology, Research and Management

  • The first and only comprehensive global synthesis on the important biological phenomenon of reproductive aggregations in aggregating reef fish species
  • Includes many previously unpublished underwater photographs of aggregations and reproductive activity of reef fishes
  • Spawning aggregations are extremely important for marine fisheries around the world; a better understanding of their function, the impacts of fishing and how to manage them would strongly enhance our ability to preserve them

Part of the book series: Fish & Fisheries Series (FIFI, volume 35)

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxii
  2. Why Spawn in Aggregations?

    • Philip Patrick Molloy, Isabelle M. Côté, John D. Reynolds
    Pages 57-83
  3. Oceanography of the Planktonic Stages of Aggregation Spawning Reef Fishes

    • William Marion Hamner, John Louis Largier
    Pages 159-190
  4. Studying and Monitoring Aggregating Species

    • Patrick L. Colin
    Pages 285-329
  5. The Role of Local Ecological Knowledge in the Conservation and Management of Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations

    • Richard Hamilton, Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson, Alfonso Aguilar-Perera
    Pages 331-369
  6. Management of Spawning Aggregations

    • Martin W. Russell, Brian E. Luckhurst, Kenyon C. Lindeman
    Pages 371-404
  7. Species Case Studies

    • Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson, Patrick L. Colin
    Pages 405-565
  8. Conclusion

    • Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson, Patrick L. Colin
    Pages 567-584
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 585-621

About this book

Reef fish spawning aggregations, ranging from small groups to many tens of thousands of individuals, are spectacular but poorly known natural phenomena whereby fish assemble at specific times and locations to spawn. For some species these large groups may be the only form of reproduction, the high fish numbers briefly giving a false impression of stability and abundance—an ‘illusion of plenty’.  They are often a focus for intensive seasonal fishing because of their predictability and because many important commercial fishes form them. Highly vulnerable to overexploitation, many aggregations and their associated fisheries, have disappeared or are in decline. Few are effectively managed or incorporated into protected areas. Aggregations are not well understood by fishery scientists, managers and conservationists and their significance little appreciated by fishers or the wider public. To ensure their persistence to replenish important fisheries in coral ecosystems, maintain their ecosystem function and continue to delight divers, a significant change in perspective is needed to foster protection and management.

 

This book provides comprehensive and practical coverage of the biology, study and management of reef fish aggregations, exploring their how, when, where, and why. It explores ways to better protect, study, manage and conserve them, while identifying key data gaps and questions. The text is extensively illustrated with many unique, never before published, photographs and graphics. Case studies on over 20 interesting and important fishes are included, outlining their biology and fisheries and highlighting major concerns and challenges.

Editors and Affiliations

  • , Division of Ecology and Biodiversity, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong/PR China

    Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson

  • Coral Reef Research Foundation, Koror, Palau

    Patrick L. Colin

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access