Enhancing our understanding of fish movement ecology through interdisciplinary and cross-boundary research
Verhelst, P.; Brys, R.; Cooke, S.J.; Pauwels, I.; Rohtla, M.; Reubens, J. (2023). Enhancing our understanding of fish movement ecology through interdisciplinary and cross-boundary research. Rev. Fish Biol. Fish. 33: 111-135. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11160-022-09741-8
In: Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries. Chapman & Hall: London. ISSN 0960-3166; e-ISSN 1573-5184
Animals need to move between different habitats to successfully complete their life cycle. Anthropogenic activities and infrastructure impact animal movement, especially in the aquatic realm, due to habitat alteration (including fragmentation), pollution, overexploitation, the spread of invasive alien species and climate change. Gaining knowledge on the complex phenomenon of fish movement is essential to understand the diverse ways in which anthropogenic activities may influence the spatial ecology of fish, which can inform management. The four main methods to study fish movement are through observation and interception, electronic tracking, otolith chemistry and environmental DNA. We discuss the strengths and shortcomings of these methods and suggest effective management can be aided by combining these and other methods. Often the weaknesses of one technique can be met by the strengths of the others. Also, cross-boundary collaboration is essential for the successful management of fish that move over jurisdictional boundaries to complete their life cycle. Data analyses on interdisciplinary datasets obtained at spatial scales relevant to the movement ecology of a given population can yield a more holistic understanding of fish movement. This knowledge may help for the appropriate selection of cost-efficient, evidence-based and effective management actions that balance the needs of fishes and human activities.
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