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Trait‐related variation in the reproductive characteristics of female pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca )
Author(s) -
Olin M.,
Vainikka A.,
Roikonen T.,
Ruuhijärvi J.,
Huuskonen H.,
Kotakorpi M.,
Vesala S.,
AlaOpas P.,
Tiainen J.,
Nurminen L.,
Lehtonen H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
fisheries management and ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1365-2400
pISSN - 0969-997X
DOI - 10.1111/fme.12280
Subject(s) - fecundity , biology , reproduction , population , population size , stock assessment , ecology , zoology , fishery , demography , fishing , sociology
Maternal characteristics typically affect the recruitment of an exploited fish population. The size and age at maturity, as well as the effects of maternal traits on relative fecundity and egg dry weight, were studied in six exploited pikeperch populations in Finnish lakes. The among‐lake variation in the maternal characteristics was substantial. The estimated total length at maturity ( L 10 , L 50 , L 90 ) varied between 318–444, 403–423 and 444–527 mm, respectively, largely depending on the average growth rate and body condition of pikeperch. The estimated L 50 was generally close to the recently imposed national minimum size limit (42 cm). The estimated age at maturity ( A 50 ) ranged from 4.2 to 6.9 year. Both relative fecundity and egg dry weight significantly increased with female size and age, indicating size‐ and age‐dependent maternal effects on egg characteristics and quantity, and emphasising the importance of large individuals for reproduction. The observed among‐population differences in the size‐dependent maternal influences highlight the need for stock‐specific management of pikeperch fisheries. The conservation of large females should be promoted to increase recruitment and reduce its variability.