ix
In the world of fi sh and fi sheries there are few things more spectacular than spawning
aggregations, and the most dramatic of those are in marine reef fi shes. This volume
is a landmark in studies of reef spawning aggregations. This is the fi rst comprehensive consideration of this phenomenon. It presents a wealth of opportunities for
those interested in the evolution of the behaviour and life histories of fi shes. The
Editors were among the fi rst to study reef fi sh spawning aggregations and the fi rst
to recognize the combination of fundamental biology and practical management in
this phenomenon. They have clearly defi ned the phenomenon of reef spawning
aggregations and resolved a great deal of confusion from earlier reports of this
behaviour. For the fi rst time we have an operational framework for both practical
and theoretical studies. From their comprehensive review of earlier published descriptions and accounts they have compiled a defi nitive list of reef fi shes with aggregative spawning. They show how studies of reef fi sh spawning aggregations are a
particularly clear example of the progressive development of science, from initial
descriptive studies to correlational analyses to experimental studies designed to test
hypotheses. In this volume the authors consider reef fi sh spawning aggregations
from physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. They also include the
practical implications and applications of traditional ecological knowledge and
management to reef fi sh spawning aggregations. There are extensive case histories
of many of the best – known species characterized by spawning aggregations.
Some of the most fundamental questions about spawning aggregations remain to
be addressed and are highlighted in this volume. In particular, the adaptive signifi -
cance and evolution of aggregative spawning have yet to be resolved. The life history
of these species often includes a planktonic larval interval with the possibility of far
ranging dispersal. At the same time the juveniles and adults are typically associated
with reefs. Many have recognized the complexity of those life histories, but we do
not yet have a clear resolution of those basic questions.
The timing of this volume could not be more critical for all concerned with the
designation and establishment of marine protected areas and marine fi sh conservation. The conservation implications of reef fi sh spawning aggregations are now
widely recognized. Resource managers have long appreciated the importance of
Foreword
In the world of fi sh and fi sheries there are few things more spectacular than spawning
aggregations, and the most dramatic of those are in marine reef fi shes. This volume
is a landmark in studies of reef spawning aggregations. This is the fi rst comprehensive consideration of this phenomenon. It presents a wealth of opportunities for
those interested in the evolution of the behaviour and life histories of fi shes. The
Editors were among the fi rst to study reef fi sh spawning aggregations and the fi rst
to recognize the combination of fundamental biology and practical management in
this phenomenon. They have clearly defi ned the phenomenon of reef spawning
aggregations and resolved a great deal of confusion from earlier reports of this
behaviour. For the fi rst time we have an operational framework for both practical
and theoretical studies. From their comprehensive review of earlier published descriptions and accounts they have compiled a defi nitive list of reef fi shes with aggregative spawning. They show how studies of reef fi sh spawning aggregations are a
particularly clear example of the progressive development of science, from initial
descriptive studies to correlational analyses to experimental studies designed to test
hypotheses. In this volume the authors consider reef fi sh spawning aggregations
from physiological, ecological and evolutionary perspectives. They also include the
practical implications and applications of traditional ecological knowledge and
management to reef fi sh spawning aggregations. There are extensive case histories
of many of the best – known species characterized by spawning aggregations.
Some of the most fundamental questions about spawning aggregations remain to
be addressed and are highlighted in this volume. In particular, the adaptive signifi -
cance and evolution of aggregative spawning have yet to be resolved. The life history
of these species often includes a planktonic larval interval with the possibility of far
ranging dispersal. At the same time the juveniles and adults are typically associated
with reefs. Many have recognized the complexity of those life histories, but we do
not yet have a clear resolution of those basic questions.
The timing of this volume could not be more critical for all concerned with the
designation and establishment of marine protected areas and marine fi sh conservation. The conservation implications of reef fi sh spawning aggregations are now
widely recognized. Resource managers have long appreciated the importance of
Foreword