loading page

Exploring mechanisms of spatial segregation between body size groups within fish populations under environmental change
  • Hsiao-Hang Tao,
  • Chun-Wei Chang,
  • Chih-hao Hsieh
Hsiao-Hang Tao
National Taiwan University Institute of Oceanography

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Chun-Wei Chang
National Taiwan University
Author Profile
Chih-hao Hsieh
National Taiwan University
Author Profile

Abstract

Ample evidence has indicated shifts in distribution of fish populations in response to environmental stress. However, most studies focused at the whole population scale. This neglects the spatial dynamics between groups of different body size (body size groups), that fundamentally shapes the spatial structure of a population. Here, we explored the mechanisms that modulate spatial dynamics of body size groups, and applied our analyses to three North Sea fish populations which experienced severe declines in biomass from 1977 to 2019: Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and whiting (Merlangius merlangius). All three populations exhibited strong declines in the overlapped area between body size groups in winter over 43 years, yet their mechanisms differed. These declines were either due to (1) different magnitudes of contraction of the distribution area of body size groups; and/or (2) different speeds and directions of spatial shift among various body size groups, both increasing spatial segregation within populations. These patterns were either associated with ocean warming, and/or declining population biomass, and such associations often varied according to distinct body size groups. Our analytical approach provides a powerful tool for identifying vulnerable populations under environmental stress and can be generalized to study a variety of size/age structured populations at various ecosystem types.
20 Dec 2022Submitted to Ecography
20 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
20 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
20 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
03 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
04 Apr 20231st Revision Received
05 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
05 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
05 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
27 Sep 20232nd Revision Received
28 Sep 2023Submission Checks Completed
28 Sep 2023Assigned to Editor
28 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Accept