21
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_2, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract A wide diversity of species form spawning aggregations and migrate
from home ranges or feeding sites to specifi c locations for reproduction. Because
most of these species comprise large carnivorous and numerous herbivorous fi shes,
they play a vital role in ecosystem function and fi sheries economics. Nested within
the functional migration area may be other spatial components including catchment
area, staging area, courtship arena and the spawning aggregation site. The fl ux of fi sh
biomass from feeding grounds to spawning aggregation sites as well as the energy
transfer resulting from feeding, defaecation and release of propagules provides an
important and largely overlooked ecological component of connectivity within marine
ecosystems. Although little information exists on predator-prey dynamics at aggregation sites, a few studies suggest that some aggregating species feed along migratory
pathways and at aggregation sites. Moreover, piscivores and egg predators may converge on aggregation sites to take advantage of these temporary sources of food.
Multiple-species spawning aggregation sites in particular are important cross-roads
of marine animal migrations and represent major nodes of biological diversity and
reproductive potential. Effective management of aggregating species will require
the application of ecosystem based management approaches that take into account
local geophysical conditions (i.e. island shelf areas), migration patterns and key
spawning habitats (i.e. promontories, reef pass channels, outer reef slopes). Most
importantly, managers and fi shers alike will need to acknowledge the vulnerability
of aggregating species and prioritize their conservation.
R. S. Nemeth (*)
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies , University of the Virgin Islands ,
2 John Brewer’s Bay , Charlotte Amalie , St. Thomas 00802 , US Virgin Islands
e-mail: rnemeth@uvi.edu
Chapter 2
Ecosystem Aspects of Species
That Aggregate to Spawn
Richard S. Nemeth
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_2, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract A wide diversity of species form spawning aggregations and migrate
from home ranges or feeding sites to specifi c locations for reproduction. Because
most of these species comprise large carnivorous and numerous herbivorous fi shes,
they play a vital role in ecosystem function and fi sheries economics. Nested within
the functional migration area may be other spatial components including catchment
area, staging area, courtship arena and the spawning aggregation site. The fl ux of fi sh
biomass from feeding grounds to spawning aggregation sites as well as the energy
transfer resulting from feeding, defaecation and release of propagules provides an
important and largely overlooked ecological component of connectivity within marine
ecosystems. Although little information exists on predator-prey dynamics at aggregation sites, a few studies suggest that some aggregating species feed along migratory
pathways and at aggregation sites. Moreover, piscivores and egg predators may converge on aggregation sites to take advantage of these temporary sources of food.
Multiple-species spawning aggregation sites in particular are important cross-roads
of marine animal migrations and represent major nodes of biological diversity and
reproductive potential. Effective management of aggregating species will require
the application of ecosystem based management approaches that take into account
local geophysical conditions (i.e. island shelf areas), migration patterns and key
spawning habitats (i.e. promontories, reef pass channels, outer reef slopes). Most
importantly, managers and fi shers alike will need to acknowledge the vulnerability
of aggregating species and prioritize their conservation.
R. S. Nemeth (*)
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies , University of the Virgin Islands ,
2 John Brewer’s Bay , Charlotte Amalie , St. Thomas 00802 , US Virgin Islands
e-mail: rnemeth@uvi.edu
Chapter 2
Ecosystem Aspects of Species
That Aggregate to Spawn
Richard S. Nemeth