Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
21 Fish Ecology and
Fisheries
Biogeographical Determinants of Fish Assemblage Diversity
Physiological Aspects Influencing Growth, Survival, and Reproduction
Population Dynamics of Fishes
Regulating Exploitation of Fish Stocks
Stocking Fish for Fisheries
Aquaculture
Summary
Questions for Thought
Much of the economic impetus behind protecting freshwaters is related
to maintenance of productive sport and commercial fisheries. Fish dominate
many freshwater food webs as the top predators in streams and lakes. Fish
are good indicators of water quality and model organisms for physiological
and behavioral research. Knowledge of fish ecology can assist in determin-
ing species that are prone to extinction (Angermeier, 1995) and what steps
should be taken for conservation. In this chapter, I discuss the biogeography
of fish communities and factors that influence growth, survival, and repro-
duction of fishes. Populations and production of fish are briefly described, as
are harvesting, management, and aquaculture methods.
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL DETERMINANTS OF FISH
ASSEMBLAGE DIVERSITY
Diversity of organisms was discussed Chapter 10, but this chapter will
provide more detail on fish. Fisheries biologists in developed countries have
become more involved with management of nongame species, including en-
hancement of biodiversity and protection of endangered species. These
aspects of fisheries biology require consideration of factors that influence
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