An holistic approach to fish stock identification

• Published in: Fisheries research Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 35 - 44
• Main Authors: Begg, Gavin A, Waldman, John R
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-10-1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: ANIMAL POPULATION; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Discrimination; Exploitation and management of natural biological resources (hunting, fishing and exploited populations survey, etc.); FISHERY RESOURCES; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; IDENTIFICACION; IDENTIFICATION; Integration; POBLACION ANIMAL; Population; POPULATION ANIMALE; RECURSOS PESQUEROS; RESSOURCE HALIEUTIQUE; Stock; Population; Integration; Identification; Discrimination; Stock; Marine environment; Population management; Vertebrata; Pisces; Definition; Review; Method
• ISSN: 0165-7836; 1872-6763
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-7836(99)00065-X

The concept of the ‘stock’ is fundamental for both fisheries and endangered species management. We review different approaches used in identifying and classifying stocks and advocate that an holistic approach (e.g., involving a broad spectrum of complementary techniques) be used in future stock identification studies. Stock definitions should evolve as management requirements do and be re-evaluated when the need arises or when break-through technologies become available.