|
|
 From a biological and
ecological perspective, three main topics characterize this field of activity on
Antarctic fish stocks: age and growth, reproduction and feeding habits. Age and
growth rate of fish are determined by means of otolith readings, both by counting
annual rings or daily increments in juveniles. Reproductive characteristics are
assessed macroscopically (sex, stage of gonad maturity, GSI, fecundity) or histologically
(gonad cycle). Feeding ecology is studied by the stomach contents analysis, providing
data on diet and feeding strategies. All these studies concern mainly nototheniid
fish, and particularly fish stocks from the Ross Sea and the South Shetland Islands.
The main aim is to provide a set of data to the Commission of the Antarctic Marine
Living Resources (CCAMLR) which are useful for fishery management of Antarctic fish
stocks. |
|