Evidence For Harvest-Induced Maternal Influences On The Reproductive Rates Of Fish Populations

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 26 Nov 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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A big fish in the water is worth two in the net: Most fisheries assume that a fish is a fish. Our analysis shows that a stock produces more offspring, and is therefore more sustainable, when big, old females are present because these females produce offspring that are more likely to survive (i.e., bigger is better).

Therefore, the world's fisheries are in peril because they harvest too many fish AND the most successful breeders.

To restore stocks and prevent collapses, we must recognize that some fish are worth more in the water than in our markets or on our walls.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

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