Article
Biology
Brian C. Stock, Andrew D. Mullen, Jules S. Jaffe, Allison Candelmo, Scott A. Heppell, Christy V. Pattengill-Semmens, Croy M. McCoy, Bradley C. Johnson, Brice X. Semmens
Summary: The dispersal of eggs and larvae is crucial for the population dynamics and conservation of marine fishes. In a study on the Nassau grouper, it was found that the local retention of larvae in 2011 and 2017 was a major driver of population recovery, while in 2016, there was evidence of export to a nearby island. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating spawning aggregation protections into fisheries management.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Patrick Reis-Santos, Mario Condini, Cristiano Q. Albuquerque, Tatiana D. Saint'Pierre, Alexandre M. Garcia, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Susanne E. Tanner
Summary: The sclerochronological approaches using fish otoliths are valuable in evaluating fish responses to environmental variations, especially in regions with limited long-term data. The study on growth patterns and chemical records of dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus revealed the impact of environmental conditions on individual growth and otolith chemistry composition. Identifying the drivers of fish growth variations is crucial for conservation and fisheries management, as population dynamics and sustainable harvesting are closely connected to individual growth.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhi Wu, Shuli Zhu, Yuefei Li, Yuguo Xia, Yingqiu Zhang, Xinhui Li, Jie Li
Summary: The Pearl River is a global hotspot of fish biodiversity, but also has the most threatened endemic fish species in China. The establishment of the Changzhou Dam has negatively impacted fish downstream, and little attention has been paid to the spatiotemporal distribution of fish in response to flood alteration. This study used hydroacoustic surveys to monitor fish distribution and behavior. The results showed that fish densities were higher during the rising stage of water discharge, indicating fish aggregation during flooding and departure after flooding, especially for large fish. The study also found that fish sizes were significantly larger during the rising stage compared to the falling stage. Hydrological variation has an important influence on fish aggregations in terms of numbers and sizes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin M. Binder, J. Christopher Taylor, Kurtis Gregg, Kevin M. Boswell
Summary: The study highlights the importance of fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) in the life history of economically important fish species, pointing out the lack of description of their status in literature and management plans. Through a case study, it demonstrates the value of regional data syntheses as a tool to improve fisheries management activities by collecting and integrating information about FSA occurrences to guide management and future research efforts.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Brian C. Stock, Scott A. Heppell, Lynn Waterhouse, India C. Dove, Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Croy M. McCoy, Phillippe G. Bush, Gina Ebanks-Petrie, Brice X. Semmens
Summary: This study demonstrates that using in situ length data can monitor protected FSAs and spatial-temporal closures can be effective in allowing fish populations to recover, especially when dependent on sporadic recruitment. Additionally, it suggests that FSA fishery management targets may need to be higher than commonly recommended for successful conservation.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Inajara Marques Bezerra, Mauricio Hostim-Silva, Jessyca Luana Silva Teixeira, Carlos Werner Hackradt, Fabiana C. Felix-Hackradt, Alexandre Schiavetti
Summary: Local ecological knowledge was used to identify potential spawning aggregation areas in southeast Brazil through interviews with fishermen and GIS analysis. Multiple important resources were found to participate in spawning aggregations within the largest reef complex in the South Atlantic. Additional studies are needed to validate and protect these spawning aggregations.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Come Denechaud, Audrey J. Geffen, Szymon Smolinski, Jane A. Godiksen
Summary: The study suggests that spawning zones may be a universal trait of Atlantic cod and not limited to specific environments or migratory behaviors. Age at maturity derived from spawning zone data shows similar trends to gonad maturity stages, but there is a lag of one to two years between spawning events and sexual maturity, likely reflecting a stabilization of energy partitioning.
Article
Biology
Manuel Dureuil, Rainer Froese
Summary: The mean adult mortality rate M can be approximated from the average maximum age reached by individuals in a cohort, as the proportion P surviving to this age is similar across a wide range of species. This suggests a universal increase in mortality rate near the end of life, supporting the evolutionary theories of ageing as the norm in natural populations. Dureuil and Froese propose a universal equation for estimating mean adult mortality rate in natural populations based on remarkable similarities in survival to average maximum age across various species.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aline R. Franca, George Olavo, Sergio M. Rezende, Beatrice P. Ferreira
Summary: Sites and periods of spawning aggregations of two important fishery resources, the mutton snapper, Lutjanus analis, and the dog snapper, Lutjanus jocu, were identified and validated along the Brazilian north-east coast. The study showed that spawning activity and seasonal closures may be more effective if combined with spatial management measures, suggesting co-management approaches are needed for these fishing sites.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Atsushi Nanami
Summary: This study investigated the ecological characteristics of fish aggregations of two snapper species. It found that the formation of fish aggregation had seasonal and lunar-phase periodicity and was associated with reproductive purposes. The study also revealed spatial variations in fish density within the aggregation site and significant differences in fish abundance inside and outside the aggregation site. These findings suggest that the fish aggregations can be regarded as spawning aggregations.
Article
Fisheries
Gregory M. Weber, Kyle E. Martin, Yniv Palti, Sixin Liu, Joseph N. Beach, Jill E. Birkett
Summary: Rainbow trout lines with different spawning seasons were crossed to study the impact on spawning date and gamete characteristics of offspring. The hybrid progeny showed a later spawning date and exhibited a classic phenotypic distribution pattern of heterozygous F1 hybrids. The study provides valuable information for hatchery production of year-round seedstock and genetic analysis of spawning date in rainbow trout.
AQUACULTURE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gianluca Polgar, Mattia Iaia, Paolo Sala, Tsung Fei Khang, Silvia Galafassi, Silvia Zaupa, Pietro Volta
Summary: The marble trout population in the Toce River in Northern Italy is affected by anthropogenic introgression and faces overfishing risks. Updated harvest-slot length limits are proposed to mitigate these risks.
Article
Ecology
Esra N. Gokturk, Brian S. Bartlett, Brad Erisman, William Heyman, Rebecca G. Asch
Summary: Phenological shifts among marine species due to climate change have significant implications for adaptive management. In this study, the effects of climate change on the distribution and phenology of Caribbean fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) were modeled. The results show that different species, such as groupers and snappers, exhibit varying responses to warming, with groupers experiencing more significant declines in suitable habitat and shifts in distribution. Understanding these trade-offs can help prioritize conservation efforts in a changing climate.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Dion K. Boddington, Corey B. Wakefield, Euan S. Harvey, David V. Fairclough, Stephen J. Newman
Summary: This study investigated the life history characteristics of the frostback rockcod (Epinephelus bilobatus), a species with limited distribution and low fishery harvest in Western Australia. The lack of knowledge on its reproductive biology and growth makes it difficult to assess its vulnerability to overfishing.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ting Li, Kangle Mo, Jun Wang, Qiuwen Chen, Jianyun Zhang, Chenjun Zeng, Hui Zhang, Peisi Yang
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of dams on the spawning activities of Coreius heterodon in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, finding that dam operations can alter temperature rhythms and potentially decrease spawning abundance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kevin L. Rhodes, Ivy E. Baremore, Brett M. Taylor, Javier Cuetos-Bueno, Dalia Hernandez
Summary: The Camouflage grouper and squaretail coralgrouper are commercially important groupers that are highly vulnerable to fishing during specific spawning periods. Research on their reproductive life history revealed differences in maturity and lifespan, calling for specific management measures to protect these species.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Brett M. Taylor, Corey B. Wakefield, Stephen J. Newman, Mark Chinkin, Mark G. Meekan
Summary: Research on unharvested tropical snappers reveals them as the longest-lived tropical reef-associated fishes on record, with lifespans exceeding 60 years, highlighting the need for effective governance systems to ensure sustainable harvesting.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Daniele D'Agostino, John A. Burt, Veronica Santinelli, Grace O. Vaughan, Ashley M. Fowler, Tom Reader, Brett M. Taylor, Andrew S. Hoey, Georgenes H. Cavalcante, Andrew G. Bauman, David A. Feary
Summary: Determining the life-history consequences for fishes living in extreme and variable environments is crucial in predicting the impacts of climate change. This study compared two common reef fish species in the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea, finding smaller size-at-age and lower maximum size in the extreme environment. Salinity was identified as the key environmental predictor of interannual growth, with temperature having a weak positive effect on fishes in the Arabian Gulf.
Article
Ecology
Amelia A. Desbiens, George Roff, William D. Robbins, Brett M. Taylor, Carolina Castro-Sanguino, Alexandra Dempsey, Peter J. Mumby
Summary: In the relatively unfished northern Great Barrier Reef, changes in reef shark density did not have a significant impact on the density or biomass of teleost mesopredators or prey, suggesting a lack of trophic cascading. Instead, many functional groups, including sharks, responded positively to environmental drivers.
Article
Fisheries
Jake R. Lowe, Samuel D. Payet, Hugo B. Harrison, Jean-Paul A. Hobbs, Andrew S. Hoey, Brett M. Taylor, Tane H. Sinclair-Taylor, Morgan S. Pratchett
Summary: The study compared multiple life-history traits of the two-spined angelfish across 22 reefs spanning 13 degrees of latitude within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Coral Sea Marine Park in Australia. While no predictable latitudinal variation was found in mortality rates, growth patterns, growth rates, or maximum length, there were consistent differences in longevity at lower latitudes in the Coral Sea Marine Park. Additionally, individuals of the species were found to be larger on average on continental reefs compared to oceanic reefs at similar latitudes, suggesting that local environmental conditions may have a greater influence on the demographic rates and life-history traits of the angelfish.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Brett M. Taylor, Mark G. Meekan, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: Cross-ecosystem nutrient subsidies can enhance demographic rates of consumers in recipient ecosystems, influencing population and community dynamics. The study shows that parrotfish around rat-free islands with plentiful seabirds exhibit faster growth rates but lower fecundity compared to those around rat-infested islands with few seabirds, indicating a trade-off between growth and reproduction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ines D. Lange, Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Jamie M. McDevitt-Irwin, Kristina L. Tietjen, Brett Taylor, Mark Chinkin, Rachel L. Gunn, Melissa Palmisciano, Margaux Steyaert, Bry Wilson, Holly K. East, John Turner, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Chris T. Perry
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of wave exposure on coral reef benthic community composition and recovery trajectories after the significant 2015/2016 bleaching event in the remote Chagos Archipelago. The research shows significant differences in community composition between exposed and sheltered sites, with higher coral cover and rugosity in sheltered sites. The study also demonstrates changes in benthic community patterns over the years due to exposure and bleaching events.
Article
Ecology
Salvador Zarco-Perello, David Fairclough, Chris Dowling, Joey DiBattista, Rachel Austin, Thomas Wernberg, Brett Taylor
Summary: Global warming is affecting the phenology, life-history traits, and biogeography of species. This study examines the life-history traits of two successful range-extending fish species and finds that populations at higher latitudes have shorter reproductive periods, slower growth rates, but higher fecundity and longer lifespans.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Conrad W. Speed, Mark G. Meekan, Matthew J. Birt, Miles J. G. Parsons, Dianne McLean, Brett M. Taylor, Luke Thomas, Robert McCauley, Jayson M. Semmens, Stephen J. Newman
Summary: Predatory fishes play a key role in tropical fisheries, but their diet and trophic structure are poorly understood. Using stable isotopes and dietary prey items, this study revealed differences in diet and trophic structure among five predatory fish species. The results showed that delta N-15 values increased with fish body size, indicating a relationship between trophic position and body size.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
B. M. Taylor, A. E. K. Duenas, I. D. Lange
Summary: The study showed that in the coral reef systems in Guam, parrotfish biomass decreased by nearly 30% over the past decade, with grazing and bioerosion rates also declining. Fishery exploitation may have played a role, but was not the sole factor. The decline in biomass was mainly attributed to small species with higher resilience to fishery exploitation, while some highly targeted species maintained or increased biomass.
Article
Fisheries
Jeremy Prince, William J. Harford, Brett M. Taylor, Steven J. Lindfield
Summary: Beverton & Holt's (1957) functional definition of maturity in fish is widely used in assessment models, but it may cause overestimation of reproductive output. By considering fish behavior, this study aims to better align estimates of physiological maturation with functional reproductive potential, which is crucial for assessment and management.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ronan C. C. Roche, Adel Heenan, Brett M. M. Taylor, Jill N. N. Schwarz, Michael D. D. Fox, Lucy K. K. Southworth, Gareth J. J. Williams, John R. R. Turner
Summary: The relationship between primary production, fish growth, and condition in low-nutrient tropical oceans is not well-understood, particularly in relation to proximity to deep-water nutrient sources and reef slope.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
H. B. Harrison, L. Drane, M. L. Berumen, B. J. Cresswell, R. D. Evans, G. F. Galbraith, M. Srinivasan, B. M. Taylor, D. H. Williamson, G. P. Jones
Summary: Temporal patterns in spawning and juvenile recruitment of coral reef fishes have significant impacts on population size and demographic structure. The study focuses on the commercially important coral grouper and reveals year-round spawning activity with variable peak spawning times and no clear association with environmental cues. The findings suggest the need for additional and longer seasonal closures or alternative fisheries management strategies to maximize recruitment contribution during periods of greatest reproductive success.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Brett M. Taylor, Andrew J. K. McInnis, Mari Deinhart, Ka'ohinani Kawahigashi, John Gourley
Summary: Surgeonfishes, which are important coastal fisheries resources, have diverse life-history characteristics that vary among species and are influenced by factors such as latitude and temperature. This study provides age-based life-history information for surgeonfishes in the Mariana Islands and reveals the complex relationships between traits and mortality patterns. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective fisheries management and predicting population dynamics under global climate change.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Erin M. Reed, Brett M. Taylor
Summary: A detailed characterization of the life histories of two commercially important tropical goatfish species revealed that they are short-lived, reach maturity quickly, and exhibit differences in reproductive seasonality.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2021)