Planktonic determination of variability and sustainability of fisheries

Abstract

Traditional explanations for the variability, and limits to sustainability, of fish stocks focus on the early planktonic life history. Recently, these models have been challenged. Here, the arguments for the locus of regulation in fish stocks are reviewed. New material is presented, of North Sea plaice, indicating that only the fittest larvae survive, and that there is an increased predation on weaker larvae. It is concluded that the main source of regulation is in the planktonic phase, and that this is where research needs to be.