Overview
- 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- Includes many previously unpublished underwater photographs of aggregations and reproductive activity of reef fishes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)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Keywords
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.
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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
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations: Biology, Research and Management
Editors: Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson, Patrick L. Colin
Series Title: Fish & Fisheries Series
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4
Publisher: Springer Dordrecht
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life Sciences, Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Hardcover ISBN: 978-94-007-1979-8Published: 06 November 2011
Softcover ISBN: 978-94-017-8389-7Published: 28 January 2014
eBook ISBN: 978-94-007-1980-4Published: 10 December 2011
Series ISSN: 2542-890X
Series E-ISSN: 2542-8926
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XXII, 622
Topics: Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management, Marine & Freshwater Sciences, Conservation Biology/Ecology, Sustainable Development, Oceanography