Impacts of Fishing on Target Populations - Life History Characteristics Altered

Impacts of Fishing on Target Populations - Life History Characteristics Altered

1. Younger individuals more fecund than previously, may also grow faster. Population able to adapt somewhat.

2. Fishing size selective so can alter size and age structure of a population - mesh size - smaller individuals can escape.

3. Size selection can result in sexual selection. Alter sex ratio as females tend to be bigger - more tropical.

4. Life span cut short so full reproductive output not realised. Bigger individuals = more eggs & so more offspring

5. Decrease in genetic diversity - less fitness - less able to adapt to change

6. Smaller overall body size favoured - higher chance of escaping.

7. Sexual maturity at a younger age favoured - these pass on DNA. Ones who mature older don't

8. Evolutionary changes

9. Selective removal - selecting particular haplotypes - genetic selection