An updated life history scheme for marine fishes predicts recruitment variability and sensitivity to exploitation

Aim: Patterns of population renewal in marine fishes are often irregular and lead to volatile fluctuations in abundance that challenge management and conservation efforts. Here, we examine the relationship between life history strategies and recruitment variability in exploited marine fish species using a macroecological approach. Location: Global ocean.

Time period: 1950-2018.

Major taxa studied: Bony and cartilaginous fish.

Methods: Based on trait data for 244 marine fish species, we objectively extend the established Equilibrium-Periodic-Opportunistic (E-P-O) life history classification scheme to include two additional emergent life history strategies: “Bet-hedgers” (B) and Salmonic (S) strategists. B strategists include Rockfishes and other species inhabiting patchy benthic habitats with life histories that blend characteristics of E and P species; they combine very long lifespans with elevated investments in both parental care and fecundity. S strategists are comprised of ...