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Canada's forage fish: an important but poorly understood component of marine ecosystems

Authors :
Jennifer L. Boldt
Hannah M. Murphy
Jean-Martin Chamberland
Allan Debertin
Stéphane Gauthier
Brooke Hackett
Paige S. Hagel
Andrew R. Majewski
Jenni L. McDermid
David Mérette
Cliff L.K. Robinson
Christopher N. Rooper
Bryanna Sherbo
Elisabeth Van Beveren
Wojciech Walkusz
Source :
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 79:1911-1933
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Canadian Science Publishing, 2022.

Abstract

Forage fish form a critical trophic link in marine ecosystems, and yet, for many species, there is limited information available. As nations move from single species stock assessments to ecosystem approaches to fisheries management (EAFMs), more information on forage fish will be required. In this study, 50 years of scientific literature were systematically mapped for 11 forage fish species in Canada's Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. The objectives were to identify (1) knowledge clusters and gaps and (2) the pressures studied in relation to forage fish outcomes. Of the 2897 articles mapped, the majority studied adults and the distribution, productivity, growth, and life history of commercially fished species. Knowledge gaps were identified for forage fish: (1) that were noncommercially exploited; (2) egg and larval life history stages of most species and juveniles of noncommercial species; (3) diets of most species; (4) migration and performance for all species and survival of noncommercial species; and (5) the effects of some pressures (e.g., large-scale climate pressures). Addressing these knowledge gaps would improve the application of EAFMs.

Details

ISSN :
12057533 and 0706652X
Volume :
79
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........7f1181b62d0eabf416c11d8b779787cc