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Fish stocks Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Fisheries Science: Fish Stock Dynamics, Management, and Sustainability

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Fisheries Science: Fish Stock Dynamics, Management, and Sustainability Study Guide

Fish Stock Fundamentals

The primary definition of a fish stock is considered to be based on extrinsic factors such as immigration and emigration influencing its population dynamics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The established definition of a fish stock emphasizes intrinsic factors such as growth, recruitment, and mortality rates as primary determinants of population dynamics. While extrinsic factors like immigration and emigration can play a role, they are traditionally considered secondary in defining the stock itself.

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Fish populations typically exhibit random reproduction among all individuals of their species across different regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fish populations generally form structured groups with reproductive isolation in space or time, which limits random reproduction among all individuals of a species.

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According to Begg et al. (1999), a fish stock is defined as any group of fish regardless of their attributes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The definition provided by Begg et al. (1999) specifies a fish stock as 'semi-discrete groups of fish with some definable attributes which are of interest to fishery managers,' not simply any group.

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Intrinsic parameters like growth and mortality rates are secondary considerations in defining fish stock dynamics.

Answer: False

Explanation: Intrinsic parameters, including growth, recruitment, and mortality rates, are considered primary determinants of fish stock population dynamics.

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Extrinsic factors such as immigration and emigration are now considered the most crucial elements in fish stock modeling.

Answer: False

Explanation: While extrinsic factors can influence fish stocks, intrinsic parameters such as growth, recruitment, and mortality rates remain the most crucial elements in traditional fish stock modeling.

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The concept of reproductive isolation helps explain genetic and morphological differences between fish subpopulations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reproductive isolation between fish subpopulations limits gene flow, which can lead to the development of distinct genetic and morphological characteristics within those groups.

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Fishing one fish population having no impact on a neighboring population suggests they are part of the same undifferentiated stock.

Answer: False

Explanation: The lack of impact of fishing one population on another typically suggests a degree of reproductive and ecological isolation, supporting the concept of distinct stocks rather than an undifferentiated one.

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Intrinsic parameters are the main focus for understanding the population dynamics of a fish stock.

Answer: True

Explanation: Intrinsic parameters, such as growth, recruitment, and mortality rates, are indeed the primary focus when analyzing the population dynamics of a fish stock.

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Reproductive isolation between fish subpopulations means they freely interbreed across different regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reproductive isolation implies limited or no interbreeding between subpopulations, leading to distinct genetic and morphological characteristics, not free interbreeding.

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The image of carp struggling to the surface illustrates the solitary nature of many fish.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image of carp struggling to the surface typically illustrates the behavior of fish forming aggregations or schools, rather than their solitary nature.

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The definition of a fish stock includes its 'definable attributes' relevant to fishery managers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The accepted definition of a fish stock emphasizes 'semi-discrete groups with some definable attributes which are of interest to fishery managers.'

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A fish stock's population dynamics are mainly driven by intrinsic factors like growth and mortality.

Answer: True

Explanation: The population dynamics of a fish stock are primarily understood through intrinsic factors such as growth, recruitment, and mortality rates.

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Which intrinsic parameters are principally evaluated when analyzing the population dynamics of a fish stock?

Answer: Growth, recruitment, mortality, and fishing mortality

Explanation: Intrinsic parameters such as growth rate, recruitment into the population, natural mortality, and fishing mortality are the primary factors considered in the analysis of fish stock population dynamics.

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Why do individual fish rarely reproduce randomly with all other members of their species?

Answer: They form structured populations with reproductive isolation in space or time.

Explanation: Fish species typically form structured populations characterized by reproductive isolation, either spatially or temporally, which limits random interbreeding among all individuals.

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Which of the following is NOT a factor typically considered intrinsic to a fish stock's population dynamics?

Answer: Emigration

Explanation: Emigration (fish moving out of the stock's area) is considered an extrinsic factor. Intrinsic factors typically include growth rate, recruitment, and mortality (natural and fishing).

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What does the definition of a fish stock, according to Begg et al. (1999), emphasize?

Answer: Semi-discrete groups with definable attributes relevant to managers.

Explanation: Begg et al. (1999) define a fish stock as 'semi-discrete groups of fish with some definable attributes which are of interest to fishery managers.'

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Which of the following is a consequence of fish populations forming structured, discrete groups with reproductive isolation?

Answer: Potential for genetic and morphological differences between groups.

Explanation: Reproductive isolation within structured fish populations can lead to the development of genetic and morphological differences between these distinct groups.

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Fish Stock Dynamics and Fluctuations

Individual marine fish stocks rarely experience 'boom and bust' cycles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Individual marine fish stocks can frequently exhibit 'boom and bust' cycles, characterized by rapid population increases followed by sharp declines.

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Compensatory stock fluctuations mean that the total catch for a group of species remains constant, regardless of individual stock health.

Answer: True

Explanation: Compensatory dynamics describe a situation where a decline in one species' population is offset by an increase in another's, potentially stabilizing the total catch for a group of species.

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The 'Fluctuations' section explains that fish populations are generally stable year-round.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Fluctuations' section discusses the phenomenon of 'boom and bust' cycles and compensatory dynamics, indicating that fish populations are often subject to significant variability.

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Compensatory population dynamics, like the rise of flatfish after cod decline on Georges Bank, are rare occurrences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Compensatory population dynamics, where changes in one species' population offset changes in another, are not considered rare and can significantly influence fishery outcomes.

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The 'Fluctuations' section describes how changes in one fish stock's population can be compensated by changes in another's.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Fluctuations' section discusses compensatory dynamics, where shifts in the population size of one species can be balanced by shifts in another, affecting overall fishery yields.

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What does the term 'boom and bust' cycles refer to in the context of marine fish stocks?

Answer: Cycles of rapid population increase ('boom') followed by sharp decline ('bust').

Explanation: 'Boom and bust' cycles in marine fish stocks refer to periods of rapid population growth ('boom') followed by significant declines ('bust').

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In fisheries, what does it mean if the decline in catch of one species is 'compensated' by an increase in the catch of another?

Answer: The total catch for the group of species remains relatively stable despite individual stock changes.

Explanation: When a decline in one species' catch is compensated by an increase in another's, it signifies compensatory dynamics, where the total catch for the group remains relatively stable, masking underlying changes in individual stock health.

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The 'Fluctuations' section discusses which phenomenon related to fish stocks?

Answer: The 'boom and bust' cycles and compensatory dynamics of stocks.

Explanation: The 'Fluctuations' section focuses on the 'boom and bust' cycles and compensatory dynamics observed in fish stock populations.

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How can compensatory population dynamics help stabilize fisheries?

Answer: By causing a decline in one species' catch to be offset by an increase in another's, stabilizing total catch.

Explanation: Compensatory population dynamics can stabilize fisheries by offsetting a decline in one species' catch with an increase in another's, thereby maintaining a relatively stable total catch for the group.

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Stock Identification and Assessment

The primary objective of stock identification is to determine the total biomass of all fish in the ocean.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary objective of stock identification is to delineate distinct subpopulations for effective management, not to ascertain the total biomass of all fish species in the ocean.

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Stock assessment is primarily used to catalog fish species diversity rather than manage fisheries.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stock assessment is a critical tool for evaluating the status and dynamics of fish populations, providing essential scientific advice for fisheries management.

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Stock identification in fisheries science is concerned with identifying individual fish within a population.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stock identification focuses on distinguishing distinct subpopulations of fish, rather than identifying individual fish.

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The 'Assessments' section primarily discusses the visual appearance of fish stocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Assessments' section focuses on the evaluation of fish stock status, dynamics, and global trends, rather than their visual characteristics.

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The primary objective of stock assessment is to determine the exact number of fish in the sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stock assessment aims to evaluate the status, dynamics, and productivity of fish populations to inform management decisions, rather than determining the precise number of fish in the sea.

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Stock identification is primarily concerned with identifying individual fish based on fin patterns.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stock identification focuses on distinguishing distinct subpopulations of fish for management purposes, not on identifying individual fish based on specific physical characteristics like fin patterns.

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What is the main purpose of stock identification in fisheries science?

Answer: To identify distinct subpopulations for effective management.

Explanation: The principal objective of stock identification in fisheries science is to delineate distinct fish subpopulations, which is essential for implementing effective management strategies.

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What is the primary role of stock assessment in fisheries?

Answer: To evaluate the status and dynamics of fish populations for management.

Explanation: The primary role of stock assessment is to evaluate the current status and dynamics of fish populations, providing the scientific basis for sustainable fisheries management.

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What is the definition of 'stock identification' within fisheries science?

Answer: Identifying distinct subpopulations of fish for management purposes.

Explanation: Stock identification in fisheries science refers to the process of identifying distinct subpopulations of fish, which is crucial for effective management and understanding population structures.

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What is the main focus of the 'Assessments' section concerning fish stocks?

Answer: Methods and global trends in evaluating fish stock health and status.

Explanation: The 'Assessments' section primarily addresses the methodologies employed in evaluating fish stocks and discusses the global trends related to their health and status.

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Fish Distribution, Behavior, and Environmental Influences

The geographic distribution limits for fish species are solely determined by ocean currents.

Answer: False

Explanation: The geographic distribution limits of fish species are determined by a complex interplay of factors, including their tolerance to environmental conditions and their competitive interactions, rather than solely by ocean currents.

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Pelagic fish are generally less mobile and more tied to bottom topography compared to demersal species.

Answer: False

Explanation: Pelagic fish are typically more mobile and influenced by ocean conditions, whereas demersal species are generally more associated with bottom topography.

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Capelin and redfish are examples of demersal species often managed as straddling stocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Capelin and redfish are typically classified as pelagic species, which are more mobile and frequently form straddling stocks, unlike demersal species which are associated with the seabed.

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Ocean temperatures and zooplankton availability have minimal impact on the movement of pelagic fish stocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ocean temperatures and zooplankton availability are significant factors influencing the movement and migration patterns of mobile pelagic fish stocks.

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According to the provided text, what primarily determines the geographic distribution limits of fish species?

Answer: Their tolerance to environmental conditions and competitive ability.

Explanation: The geographic distribution limits of fish species are primarily determined by their tolerance to prevailing environmental conditions and their capacity for successful competition with other species.

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Which factor is mentioned as influencing the movement of mobile pelagic fish stocks?

Answer: Ocean currents and food availability (zooplankton)

Explanation: The movement of mobile pelagic fish stocks is influenced by factors such as ocean currents and the availability of zooplankton, which affects their search for optimal feeding and spawning grounds.

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Transboundary and Straddling Stocks

A 'straddling stock' refers to fish populations found exclusively within a single country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Answer: False

Explanation: A straddling stock is defined as a fish population that occurs both within a country's EEZ and in the adjacent high seas.

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Management of straddling stocks typically involves independent actions by individual fishing vessels without international coordination.

Answer: False

Explanation: Effective management of straddling stocks necessitates international coordination and cooperation among relevant states and fishing entities, often through regional organizations.

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A fish stock cannot be classified as both straddling and transboundary simultaneously.

Answer: False

Explanation: A fish stock can indeed be classified as both straddling (spanning EEZ and high seas) and transboundary (spanning multiple EEZs).

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Transboundary stocks are defined as fish populations that cross between a country's EEZ and the high seas.

Answer: False

Explanation: Transboundary stocks are those that occur within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of two or more countries. Stocks crossing between an EEZ and the high seas are termed straddling stocks.

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Fish stocks migrating between EEZs and the high seas simplify international fisheries management.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fish stocks migrating between Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the high seas complicate international fisheries management, necessitating complex cooperative agreements.

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A transboundary stock is one that spans across the high seas but remains within a single country's EEZ.

Answer: False

Explanation: A transboundary stock is defined as a fish population that occurs within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of two or more countries. A stock spanning the high seas and an EEZ is termed a straddling stock.

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The management of straddling stocks requires cooperation between neighboring states and fishing entities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Effective management of straddling stocks necessitates collaborative efforts among neighboring states and fishing entities, typically coordinated through regional fisheries management organizations.

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What defines a 'straddling stock' according to the United Nations?

Answer: Fish populations that migrate between a country's EEZ and the high seas.

Explanation: The United Nations defines straddling stocks as fish populations that migrate between or occur in both the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of one or more states and the high seas.

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Which type of fish are generally more mobile and influenced by ocean conditions, often forming straddling stocks?

Answer: Pelagic fish

Explanation: Pelagic fish, being generally more mobile and influenced by factors like ocean currents and food availability, are frequently observed to form straddling stocks.

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A fish stock found within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of two different countries is defined as:

Answer: A transboundary stock

Explanation: A fish stock that occurs within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of two or more countries is classified as a transboundary stock.

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Which of the following best describes a transboundary stock?

Answer: A stock found within the EEZs of two or more adjacent countries.

Explanation: A transboundary stock is defined as a fish population that occurs within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of at least two different countries.

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Which of these species are mentioned as examples of pelagic fish often considered straddling stocks?

Answer: Capelin, herring, and mackerel

Explanation: Capelin, herring, and mackerel are cited as examples of pelagic fish species that frequently constitute straddling stocks due to their migratory patterns across jurisdictional boundaries.

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What is the relationship between straddling stocks and transboundary stocks?

Answer: A stock can be classified as both straddling (EEZ + high seas) and transboundary (multiple EEZs).

Explanation: A stock can indeed be classified as both straddling (occurring in an EEZ and the high seas) and transboundary (occurring in the EEZs of multiple countries) if its range encompasses these overlapping areas.

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Global Fisheries Status and Sustainability

In 1974, the vast majority of fish stocks were fished within biologically sustainable levels.

Answer: True

Explanation: Data from the FAO indicates that in 1974, approximately 90% of global fish stocks were being fished within biologically sustainable levels, representing a significantly higher proportion than in subsequent years.

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Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) does not directly involve the concept of fish stocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sustainable Development Goal 14, specifically target 14.4, directly utilizes an indicator related to the sustainability of fish stocks.

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Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) measurement is irrelevant for developing conservation strategies for fish stocks.

Answer: False

Explanation: Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) is a crucial metric for conservation, as it represents the reproductive capacity of a stock and informs the development of sustainable fishing strategies.

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The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report noted a significant increase in mackerel and tuna populations between 1970 and 2010.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report documented a significant decline, specifically a 74% decrease, in important scombridae fish populations like mackerel and tuna between 1970 and 2010.

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The FAO reported a stable percentage of sustainably fished stocks globally from 1974 to 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: The FAO's data reveals a notable decrease in the percentage of sustainably fished stocks globally, declining from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021.

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The FAO's 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture' publication is cited as a source for global fish stock data.

Answer: True

Explanation: The FAO's 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture' report is referenced as a primary source for data and analysis concerning global fish stock status.

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Fishing below 'biologically sustainable levels' means that fishing is not impacting the stock's ability to reproduce.

Answer: True

Explanation: Fishing below biologically sustainable levels implies that the rate of exploitation allows the fish stock to maintain its reproductive capacity and overall health, ensuring long-term viability.

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Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) is primarily used to estimate the total number of fish caught annually.

Answer: False

Explanation: Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) is utilized to assess the reproductive potential of a fish stock, not to estimate the total annual catch.

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The 'Living Blue Planet Report' indicated a general increase in the population sizes of marine vertebrates over 40 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Living Blue Planet Report' indicated a significant average decline of 50% in population sizes across marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish over a 40-year period.

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The FAO's data shows an increasing trend in the percentage of fish stocks fished sustainably since 1974.

Answer: False

Explanation: FAO data indicates a decreasing trend in the percentage of fish stocks fished sustainably, falling from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021.

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The EPI Ecosystem Vitality Objective - Fisheries visualization shows fish stock indicators normalized to a target value.

Answer: True

Explanation: The EPI Ecosystem Vitality Objective visualization indeed presents fish stock indicators normalized to a target value, where 100 signifies 'at target' status.

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The global percentage of fish stocks fished sustainably has remained relatively constant since 1974.

Answer: False

Explanation: The percentage of fish stocks fished sustainably has significantly decreased globally, from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021, according to FAO data.

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The 'Sources' section confirms the article uses information from the FAO publication 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2018'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Sources' section indicates that the article incorporates text derived from the FAO publication 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2018'.

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The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report indicated a 74% decline in scombridae fish stocks like tuna between 1970 and 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report highlighted a substantial 74% decline in important scombridae fish stocks, including mackerel, tuna, and bonitos, between 1970 and 2010.

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What trend has been observed globally regarding the percentage of fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels between 1974 and 2021?

Answer: The percentage has significantly decreased.

Explanation: According to FAO data, the proportion of fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels has declined significantly, from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021.

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Which UN Sustainable Development Goal directly uses the concept of fish stock sustainability as a key indicator?

Answer: Goal 14: Life Below Water

Explanation: Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) incorporates the concept of fish stock sustainability, specifically through indicator 14.4.1 which measures the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.

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Why is measuring Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) considered important for fish stock conservation?

Answer: It represents the reproductive capacity of the stock, crucial for sustainability.

Explanation: Measuring Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) is vital for conservation as it quantifies the reproductive potential of a fish stock, which is fundamental for ensuring its long-term sustainability.

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The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report highlighted a significant decline in which group of fish between 1970 and 2010?

Answer: Scombridae family (mackerel, tuna, bonitos)

Explanation: The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report specifically noted a 74% decline in scombridae fish stocks, including mackerel, tuna, and bonitos, during the period of 1970 to 2010.

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According to the FAO, what has been the general trend for fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels from 1974 to 2021?

Answer: A steady decline from 90% to 62.3%.

Explanation: FAO data indicates a consistent downward trend in the percentage of fish stocks fished sustainably, decreasing from 90% in 1974 to 62.3% in 2021.

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What is the significance of the FAO's 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture' report mentioned in the article?

Answer: It provides a key global reference for data on world fisheries and aquaculture status.

Explanation: The FAO's 'The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture' report serves as a critical global reference, offering comprehensive data and analysis on the status of world fisheries and aquaculture.

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What does the 2015 Living Blue Planet Report suggest about the overall population trends of vertebrates (including fish) over 40 years?

Answer: There has been an average decline of 50% in population sizes.

Explanation: The 2015 Living Blue Planet Report indicates a substantial average decline of 50% in population sizes across marine mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish over a 40-year period.

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The image related to '2016 EPI Ecosystem Vitality Objective - Fisheries' uses a scoring system where 100 signifies:

Answer: The stock is 'at target' or optimally managed.

Explanation: In the EPI Ecosystem Vitality Objective - Fisheries visualization, a score of 100 indicates that the fish stock indicator is 'at target' or optimally managed.

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What does the FAO data from 1974 to 2021 reveal about the state of global fish stocks?

Answer: An increasing proportion are fished unsustainably.

Explanation: FAO data from 1974 to 2021 shows a trend where an increasing proportion of fish stocks are fished unsustainably, indicated by the decline in the percentage fished sustainably.

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Ancillary Information and Document Structure

Navigation boxes (navboxes) are used to summarize the main findings of the article.

Answer: False

Explanation: Navigation boxes (navboxes) are navigational tools designed to link related articles and facilitate user movement between topics within a larger subject area, rather than summarizing main findings.

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