x
Foreword
spawning aggregations for artisanal and commercial harvest. Spawning aggregations
of reef fi shes are some of the clearest, and most pressing examples of threatened
fi shes, with urgent need for conservation measures. It is surprising to note that many
declines of major marine fi sheries involve aggregating species. It is sobering to realize that little has been done to protect those species from further declines. Marine
Protected Areas are now much in vogue in a number of jurisdictions. However, as
this volume shows, those protected areas rarely include fi sh spawning aggregations.
In fact the situation is often to the contrary. Notable examples of excessive exploitation, whether by artisanal, recreational or industrial fi shing, threaten numerous
aggregating reef fi sh species.
Certainly a major contribution of this volume will be the increased awareness of
the conservation status of aggregative spawning reef fi shes. The species in question
are recognized and documented, and the biology and life history of many species
are described in detail. The threats to these fi shes are admirably explained, and the
recommendations for conservation and management are clearly outlined. The
research needs for understanding the important biological aspects of spawning
aggregations are clear. The need for sustainable management decisions is urgent.
Dr. David L.G. Noakes
Editor, Springer Fish and Fisheries Series
Professor of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University
Senior Scientist, Oregon Hatchery Research Center
Corvallis, Oregon 97331–3803
USA
Foreword
spawning aggregations for artisanal and commercial harvest. Spawning aggregations
of reef fi shes are some of the clearest, and most pressing examples of threatened
fi shes, with urgent need for conservation measures. It is surprising to note that many
declines of major marine fi sheries involve aggregating species. It is sobering to realize that little has been done to protect those species from further declines. Marine
Protected Areas are now much in vogue in a number of jurisdictions. However, as
this volume shows, those protected areas rarely include fi sh spawning aggregations.
In fact the situation is often to the contrary. Notable examples of excessive exploitation, whether by artisanal, recreational or industrial fi shing, threaten numerous
aggregating reef fi sh species.
Certainly a major contribution of this volume will be the increased awareness of
the conservation status of aggregative spawning reef fi shes. The species in question
are recognized and documented, and the biology and life history of many species
are described in detail. The threats to these fi shes are admirably explained, and the
recommendations for conservation and management are clearly outlined. The
research needs for understanding the important biological aspects of spawning
aggregations are clear. The need for sustainable management decisions is urgent.
Dr. David L.G. Noakes
Editor, Springer Fish and Fisheries Series
Professor of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University
Senior Scientist, Oregon Hatchery Research Center
Corvallis, Oregon 97331–3803
USA