Abstract
Scombrids (tunas, bonitos, Spanish mackerels and mackerels) support important fisheries in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters around the world, being one of the most economically- and socially-important marine species globally. Their sustainable exploitation, management and conservation depend on accurate life history information for the development of quantitative fisheries stock assessments, and in the fishery data-poor situations for the identification of vulnerable species. Here, we assemble life history traits (maximum size, growth, longevity, maturity, fecundity, spawning duration and spawning interval) for the 51 species of scombrids globally. We identify major biological gaps in knowledge and prioritize life history research needs in scombrids based on their biological gaps in knowledge, the importance of their fisheries and their current conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. We find that the growth and reproductive biology of tunas and mackerel species have been more extensively studied than for Spanish mackerels and bonitos, although there are notable exceptions in all groups. We also reveal that reproductive biology of species, particular fecundity, is the least studied biological aspect in scombrids. We identify two priority groups, including 32 species of scombrids, and several populations of principal market tunas, for which life history research should be prioritized following the species-specific life history gaps identified in this study in the coming decades. By highlighting the important gaps in biological knowledge and providing a priority setting for life history research in scombrid species this study provides guidance for management and conservation and serves as a guide for biologists and resource managers interested in the biology, ecology, and management of scombrid species.
Highlights
Life history information such as growth, age and maturity are fundamental determinants of the population dynamics of fishes and underpin the sustainable exploitation and management of species [1,2,3]
We recommend and prioritize life history research needs in scombrid species based on their biological gaps in knowledge, the importance of their fisheries and their current conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species
We identified and proposed a set of priorities for life history research for the 51 species of scombrids based on the following criteria: (1) their biological life history data gaps, (2) the importance of their fisheries throughout their distributions and (3) their current conservation status according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened species
Summary
Life history information such as growth, age and maturity are fundamental determinants of the population dynamics of fishes and underpin the sustainable exploitation and management of species [1,2,3]. While the economic value of coastal scombrids is lower in the global markets, they can reach high values locally supporting a diversity of fisheries. These are largely small-scale artisanal fisheries and semi-industrial and industrial fisheries, in both developed and developing countries (Table S1). Given the global scale and magnitude of scombrid fisheries and their economic and social importance for many coastal countries, a global review of the life history studies of scombrids seems essential to evaluate the biological knowledge of this important group of species and set the research agenda for the coming decades
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