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Ecosystem Aspects of Species That Aggregate to Spawn

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Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations: Biology, Research and Management

Part of the book series: Fish & Fisheries Series ((FIFI,volume 35))

Abstract

A wide diversity of species form spawning aggregations and migrate from home ranges or feeding sites to specific locations for reproduction. Because most of these species comprise large carnivorous and numerous herbivorous fishes, they play a vital role in ecosystem function and fisheries 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 flux of fish 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 fishers alike will need to acknowledge the vulnerability of aggregating species and prioritize their conservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, 2 John Brewer’s Bay, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, 00802, US Virgin Islands

    Richard S. Nemeth

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  1. Richard S. Nemeth
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Correspondence to Richard S. Nemeth .

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  1. , Division of Ecology and Biodiversity, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong/PR China

    Yvonne Sadovy de Mitcheson

  2. Coral Reef Research Foundation, Koror, Palau

    Patrick L. Colin

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

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Nemeth, R.S. (2012). Ecosystem Aspects of Species That Aggregate to Spawn. In: Sadovy de Mitcheson, Y., Colin, P. (eds) Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations: Biology, Research and Management. Fish & Fisheries Series, vol 35. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4_2

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