Understanding the mechanisms controlling recruitment in fishes is a major problem fisheries science. Although literature on large and growing rapidly, it primarily species specific. There no conceptual framework to integrate existing information larval fish ecology its relationship survival recruitment. In this paper, we propose an integrating based body size. all are small relative adult fish, total length at hatching differs among by order of magnitude. As many factors critical growth size...

We used an individual-based Monte Carlo simulation model to explore how changes in the mean and variance of growth rates individuals a larval fish cohort interact with size-dependent predation affect number characteristics individual survivors. Small initial rate can change survival over first 60 d life 10-to 30-fold. But when among is high, be substantially higher than expected from rate. Selection for faster-growing becomes stronger increasing In some cases, > 80% survivors may come...

Round goby Neogobius melanostomus first appeared in Lake Erie 1993 and now occur extremely high densities some areas. As known nest predators, round currently pose a threat to nest-guarding smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. We conducted manipulative experiments evaluate the combined effects of predation catch-and-release angling during 1999–2001 Bass Islands, Erie. quantified how many offspring were consumed by when males present, removed, recovering from angling-related stress. In 10 h...

Abstract Although climate warming is expected to benefit temperate ectotherms by lengthening the summer growing season, declines in reproductive success following short, warm winters may counter such positive effects. Here we present long-term (1973–2010) field patterns for Lake Erie yellow perch, Perca flavescens , which show that failed annual recruitment events followed winters. Subsequent laboratory experimentation and investigations revealed how reduced underlie these observed patterns....

Abstract The use of biomarkers (e.g., genetic, microchemical and morphometric characteristics) to discriminate among assign individuals a population can benefit species conservation management by facilitating our ability understand structure demography. Tools that evaluate the reliability large genomic datasets for discrimination assignment, as well allow their integration with non‐genetic markers same purpose, are lacking. Our r package, POP , provides both functions in supervised...

Disruption to migration is a growing problem for conservation and restoration of animal populations. Anthropogenic barriers along paths can delay or prolong migrations, which may result in mismatch with migration-timing adaptations. To understand the interaction dams (as path), seasonally changing environmental conditions, timing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) downstream migration, ultimate success, we used 10 years river temperature discharge data as template upon simulated movement salmon....

Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) in Lake Erie have historically experienced large fluctuations recruitment success, which important implications for walleye population dynamics as well food web interactions. Because year class strength likely is set during the larval life stage, we explored factors underlying survival out-migration Maumee and Sandusky rivers, Ohio’s primary spawning tributaries. To evaluate our expectation that of would be positively related to discharge, estimated daily...

Population declines are often caused by multiple factors, including anthropogenic ones that can be mitigated or reversed to enhance population recovery. We used a size‐classified matrix model examine effects on and determine which factors most (or least) important dynamics. modeled brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in southern Appalachian mountain streams responding the introduction of an exotic salmonid species (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss), decrease pH (through acidic deposition),...

In the predator—prey interaction between redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) and benthic, freshwater snails (Physa, Helisoma, Oxytrema), we document selective predation among genera sizes of prey use optimal foraging theory in an attempt to explain diet selection. experiments, strongly selected against Oxytrema weakly discriminated Physa with most often chosen; size selection within any genus did not occur. Among genera, results were consistent differences shell strength a time cost/benefit...

Habitat degradation and harvest have upset the natural buffering mechanism (i.e., portfolio effects) of many large‐scale multi‐stock fisheries by reducing spawning stock diversity that is vital for generating population stability resilience. The application theory offers a means to guide management activities quantifying importance dynamics suggesting conservation restoration strategies improve naturally occurring effects. Our Lake Erie Sander vitreus (walleye), large supported riverine...

Within many ecological systems, relationships between controlling factors and associated response variables are complex. In cases, the should vary little when factor exerts strong effects. Conversely, effect of is weak or absent, may greatly with effects other factors. Correlation regression analyses often not be appropriate for testing these relationships, because variance changes values factor. We suggest using a technique from astronomy literature, two-dimensional Kolmogorov-Smirnov...

Applications of molecular methods to assess parentage have revealed that the distribution reproductive success among individuals often differs, sometimes dramatically, from expectation based on observation behavioral association. Much theory exists whether and when males should reduce parental care in response level paternity. Life-history predicts trade-offs effort be influenced by adult survival. We used a dynamic programming approach address how paternity, ability survival rate interact...

Although parental care increases offspring survival, providing is costly, reducing growth and survival and, thereby, compromising future reproductive success. To determine if an exotic benthic predator might be affecting by nest-guarding smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), we compared behavior energy expenditures in two systems, one with a hyperabundant recently introduced predator, the round goby (Neogobious melanostomus). In Lake Erie, USA, vigorously defended their nests from gobies....

The recruitment to the adult stock of a fish population is function both environmental conditions and dynamics juvenile cohorts. These can be quite complicated involve size structure cohort. Two types models,i-state distribution models (e.g., partial differential equations) and/-state configuration (computer simulation following many individuals simultaneously), have been developed study this type question. However, these two model not our knowledge previously compared in detail. Analytical...

For fish at high latitudes, short growing seasons should constrain size-at-age, although the converse often occurs. We used a dynamic state variable model to find energy allocation strategies length, fat, and ovaries that maximize expected egg production of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). determined how latitudes rations affect optimal then simulated growth using strategies. A theoretical reciprocal transplant explored latitude-specific affected other latitudes. At low ration, were...

Abstract: Many fishing methods and gear types used in coral reefs cause physical damage to the reef substratum. Only recently have monofilament lines been recognized as a of death. We assessed extent caused by cauliflower ( Pocillopora meandrina ) colonies fished adjacent unfished zones at seven sites main Hawaiian islands. examined for presence or absence line degree (dead, no live surface; damaged, some dead intact, surface) nine 25‐m 2 grids. The mean proportion entangled with ranged from...

Otolith microchemistry studies assume that a relationship exists between the concentration of trace elements in environment and otolith chemical composition. Although this assumption has been tested using marine estuarine fish controlled laboratory experiments, relationships among temperature, ambient elemental concentration, composition for freshwater species is not well documented. Here, juvenile yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) were reared under different concentrations four (Ba, Mg, Mn,...

Abstract Mixed‐stock analyses using genetic markers have informed fisheries management in cases where strong differentiation occurs among local spawning populations, yet many are supported by multiple, weakly differentiated stocks. Freshwater exemplify this problem, with populations multiple stocks of young evolutionary age and isolated across small spatial scales. Consequently, attempts to conduct mixed‐stock inland often been unsuccessful. Advances genomic sequencing offer the ability...

We took a hierarchical approach to understanding Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) life history patterns by first comparing salmonids other teleosts, next salmonids, and finally, mapping correlations among individual traits within salmon. The combination of anadromy, large eggs, nest construction egg burial females, size at maturity differentiates from most teleosts. Within the family Salmonidae, there is considerable variation in all but are generally middle range. salmon, we were able map...

Abstract Though peer review is central to science, the process itself has received little formal evaluation. Here we provide an Overview literature on peer-review process. Peer its drawbacks, including financial cost, time, reliability, and potential biases. An important gap in our knowledge whether works. Although most manuscripts show some improvement after review, reviewers often disagree, errors can escape To date, do not know papers published with are generally improved over those...