Abstract
Abstract Stock biomass and size composition of eastern Baltic cod (EBC) has declined, with low recent stock productivity attributed to loss of major spawning areas, reduced growth rates, and possibly increased natural mortality. Svedäng et al. present valuable new data for evaluating the causes of these changes. However, contrary to their own conclusions, those new data actually provide both direct and indirect support for the hypothesis that the reduced growth rate observed may be due to a decline in ambient oxygen for small cod in the Bornholm Basin area (SD25). Their long time series of reproductive volume (RV) extends our knowledge of historic changes in the limits to spawning imposed by salinity and oxygen. However, the causes and consequences of such spawning area changes are well established. Therefore, this Comment only addresses the contentious debate about causes of decline in growth.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.