Credit: Rutgers University |
A new study aimed at determining how best to boost recovery of Atlantic cod has researchers pondering whether ongoing fishing and environmental changes, rather than evolution, are behind failed recovery of many stressed fish populations.
Research published Monday, April 5 by Rutgers University, including genetic sequencing of this iconic species, offers major implications for ocean conservation, says Malin Pinsky, an associate professor in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. |
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“Fish populations around the world have collapsed and many have not recovered,” said Pinsky.
“Evolution has often been used as an excuse for why recovery of Atlantic cod and other species has been so difficult. Cod now mature at a much earlier age, for example.
“Our findings show that reducing fishing pressure and addressing other environmental changes, including climate change, will be important for letting these populations recover. Ongoing fishing and environmental changes, rather than evolution, are the more likely explanations for failed recovery,” he said.
“Recovered fish populations would be able to feed more people, provide more jobs and help sustain the environment,” he noted. |
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