Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations: Biology, Research and Management (Fish & Fisheries Series, 35)

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 Revisiting Spawning Aggregations : Definitions And Challenges / Michael J. Domeier -- Ecosystem Aspects Of Species That Aggregate To Spawn / Richard S. Nemeth -- Why Spawn In Aggregations? / Philip Patrick Molloy, Isabelle M. Côté, And John D. Reynolds -- Spawning Aggregations Is Reef Fishes : Ecological And Evolutionary Processes / John Howard Choate -- Timing And Location Of Aggregation And Spawning In Reef Fishes / Patrick L. Colin -- Oceanography Of The Planktonic Stages Of Aggregation Spawning Reef Fishes / William Marion Hamner And John Louis Largier -- Aggregation Spawning : Biological Aspects Of The Early Life History / Patrick L. Colin -- Fishery And Biological Implications Of Fishing Spawning Aggregations, And The Social And Economic Importance Of Aggregating Fishes / Yvonne Sadovy De Mitcheson And Brad Erisman -- Studying And Monitoring Aggregating Species / Patrick L. Colin -- The Role Of Local Ecological Knowledge In The Conservation And Management Of Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations / Richard Hamilton, Yvonne Sadovy De Mitcheson, And Alfonso Aguilar-perera -- Management Of Spawning Aggregations / Martin W. Russell, Brian E. Luckhurst, And Kenyon C. Lindeman -- Species Case Studies / Rachel Pears ... [et Al.]. Yvonne Sadovy De Mitcheson, Patrick L. Colin, Editors. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-xxii Revisiting Spawning Aggregations: Definitions and Challenges....Pages 1-20 Ecosystem Aspects of Species That Aggregate to Spawn....Pages 21-55 Why Spawn in Aggregations?....Pages 57-83 Spawning Aggregations in Reef Fishes; Ecological and Evolutionary Processes....Pages 85-116 Timing and Location of Aggregation and Spawning in Reef Fishes....Pages 117-158 Oceanography of the Planktonic Stages of Aggregation Spawning Reef Fishes....Pages 159-190 Aggregation Spawning: Biological Aspects of the Early Life History....Pages 191-224 Fishery and Biological Implications of Fishing Spawning Aggregations, and the Social and Economic Importance of Aggregating Fishes....Pages 225-284 Studying and Monitoring Aggregating Species....Pages 285-329 The Role of Local Ecological Knowledge in the Conservation and Management of Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations....Pages 331-369 Management of Spawning Aggregations....Pages 371-404 Species Case Studies....Pages 405-565 Conclusion....Pages 567-584 Back Matter....Pages 585-621