Sammendrag
Migration is a widespread but highly diverse component of many animal life histories.
Fish migrate throughout the world’s oceans, within lakes and rivers, and between the
two realms, transporting matter, energy, and other species (e.g., microbes) across
boundaries. Migration is therefore a process responsible for myriad ecosystem services.
Many human populations depend on the presence of predictable migrations of fish
for their subsistence and livelihoods. Although much research has focused on fish
migration, many questions remain in our rapidly changing world. We assembled adiverse team of fundamental and applied scientists who study fish migrations in
marine and freshwater environments to identify pressing unanswered questions. Our
exercise revealed questions within themes related to understanding the migrating
individual’s internal state, navigational mechanisms, locomotor capabilities, external
drivers of migration, the threats confronting migratory fish including climate change,
and the role of migration. In addition, we identified key requirements for aquatic
animal management, restoration, policy, and governance. Lessons revealed included
the difficulties in generalizing among species and populations, and in understanding the
levels of connectivity facilitated by migrating fishes. We conclude by identifying priority
research needed for assuring a sustainable future for migratory fishes.
ecosystem services, ichthyology, habitat connectivity, partial migration, conservation, ecology
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