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8 Fishery and Biological Implications of Fishing Spawning Aggregations…
aggregations, for example, occur in fi sh species that are naturally vulnerable to
unmanaged fi shing due to other life history attributes, such as longevity and late
sexual maturation (Reynolds et al. 2005 ) . Additionally, most species are also
exploited during non-aggregation periods. Second, the potential impact of removing
or disturbing ripe adults from aggregations prior to spawning is not known. In an
attempt to better understand the implications of fi shing on aggregations, and identify key data gaps, we explore the biological, social, and economic implications of
Fig. 8.1 Catches from spawning migrations or aggregations are valued for ( a ) ripe gonads
(unknown mullet species) sold in Taipei market, Taiwan (Photo: Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson),
( b ) grouper fl esh ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ) in Fiji (Photo: Randy Thaman), ( c ) croaker
swimbladders ( Cynoscion othonopterus ) in Mexico (Photo: © Ismael Mascarenas)
8 Fishery and Biological Implications of Fishing Spawning Aggregations…
aggregations, for example, occur in fi sh species that are naturally vulnerable to
unmanaged fi shing due to other life history attributes, such as longevity and late
sexual maturation (Reynolds et al. 2005 ) . Additionally, most species are also
exploited during non-aggregation periods. Second, the potential impact of removing
or disturbing ripe adults from aggregations prior to spawning is not known. In an
attempt to better understand the implications of fi shing on aggregations, and identify key data gaps, we explore the biological, social, and economic implications of
Fig. 8.1 Catches from spawning migrations or aggregations are valued for ( a ) ripe gonads
(unknown mullet species) sold in Taipei market, Taiwan (Photo: Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson),
( b ) grouper fl esh ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ) in Fiji (Photo: Randy Thaman), ( c ) croaker
swimbladders ( Cynoscion othonopterus ) in Mexico (Photo: © Ismael Mascarenas)