Compensatory mechanisms in fish populations: Literature reviews: Volume 1, Critical evaluation of case histories of fish populations experiencing chronic exploitation or impact: Final report

Technical Report · Fri May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:6741172

Saila, S B; Chen, X; Erzini, K; Martin, B

This study includes case histories of certain fish species which are experiencing chronic perturbations and related literature pertaining to compensation processes. ''Compensation'' has been defined as the ability of fish to offset the population reduction caused by natural or man-induced stresses. Certain compensation methods are widely accepted, and include cannibalism, competition, disease, growth and predation, among others. These compensation methods are examined in relation to each fish species included in the study. Stock-recruit relationships and empirical observations of changes in growth and mortality have been the focus of much of the background on compensation. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that a significant amount of recruitment variability exists and can be attributed to environmental (rather than compensatory) factors. The stock-recruitment problem appears to be the most significant scientific problem related to compensation in the types of fish included in this study. Results of the most recent studies of the American shad support this theory. Life histories, breeding biology and other pertinent data relating to each species included in the study will be found in the appendices.

• Research Organization: Rhode Island Univ., Narragansett (USA). Graduate School of Oceanography; Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6741172
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EA-5200-Vol.1; ON: TI87920438
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
FISHES
POPULATION DYNAMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
IMPINGEMENT
PHYSIOLOGY
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
VERTEBRATES
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)
200200 - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Waste Management