1
Y. Sadovy de Mitcheson and P.L. Colin (eds.), Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations:
Biology, Research and Management, Fish & Fisheries Series 35,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4_1, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract The term spawning aggregation was fi rst formally defi ned in 1997. Since
that time, the original defi nition has been cited over 200 times and modifi ed
defi nitions proposed. Spawning aggregations are both unique from a behavioural
ecology perspective as well as important in terms of fi sheries management discussions. A single defi nition that recognizes both of these factors is important to
researchers and resource managers. Here the original defi nition of the spawning
aggregation phenomenon is improved to correct misinterpretation while also using
language to recognize spawning aggregations of non-fi sh species: A Spawning
Aggregation is a repeated concentration of conspecifi c marine animals, gathered
for the purpose of spawning, that is predictable in time and space. The density/
number of individuals participating in a spawning aggregation is at least four times
that found outside the aggregation. The spawning aggregation results in a mass
point source of offspring. Different types of spawning aggregations are also recognized, for example, some species travel relatively large distances to gather at the
spawning site while others make more frequent, short migrations. Also, some
species spawn demersal eggs that then may/may not be guarded by one or both of
the parents, while other (most) species spawn pelagic eggs that are given no care.
Many intriguing theoretical questions remain unanswered with respect to spawning
aggregations, and it is very diffi cult to test the many differing hypotheses proposed
to explain observations. The author’s favoured hypotheses are discussed and
hypothetical evidence proposed.
M. L. Domeier (*)
Marine Conservation Science Institute , 2809 South Mission Road ,
Fallbrook , CA 92028 , USA
e-mail: ml.domeier@gmail.com
Chapter 1
Revisiting Spawning Aggregations: Defi nitions
and Challenges
Michael L. Domeier
Y. Sadovy de Mitcheson and P.L. Colin (eds.), Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations:
Biology, Research and Management, Fish & Fisheries Series 35,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4_1, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract The term spawning aggregation was fi rst formally defi ned in 1997. Since
that time, the original defi nition has been cited over 200 times and modifi ed
defi nitions proposed. Spawning aggregations are both unique from a behavioural
ecology perspective as well as important in terms of fi sheries management discussions. A single defi nition that recognizes both of these factors is important to
researchers and resource managers. Here the original defi nition of the spawning
aggregation phenomenon is improved to correct misinterpretation while also using
language to recognize spawning aggregations of non-fi sh species: A Spawning
Aggregation is a repeated concentration of conspecifi c marine animals, gathered
for the purpose of spawning, that is predictable in time and space. The density/
number of individuals participating in a spawning aggregation is at least four times
that found outside the aggregation. The spawning aggregation results in a mass
point source of offspring. Different types of spawning aggregations are also recognized, for example, some species travel relatively large distances to gather at the
spawning site while others make more frequent, short migrations. Also, some
species spawn demersal eggs that then may/may not be guarded by one or both of
the parents, while other (most) species spawn pelagic eggs that are given no care.
Many intriguing theoretical questions remain unanswered with respect to spawning
aggregations, and it is very diffi cult to test the many differing hypotheses proposed
to explain observations. The author’s favoured hypotheses are discussed and
hypothetical evidence proposed.
M. L. Domeier (*)
Marine Conservation Science Institute , 2809 South Mission Road ,
Fallbrook , CA 92028 , USA
e-mail: ml.domeier@gmail.com
Chapter 1
Revisiting Spawning Aggregations: Defi nitions
and Challenges
Michael L. Domeier