Speaker
Description
Fish populations are experiencing evolutionary changes due to intense fishing pressure, known as fisheries-induced evolution (FIE). This study aims to elucidate the extent to which observed patterns in FIE result from genetic adaptation and to identify the ecological processes influencing this evolutionary shift. By examining fish stocks in the Baltic and North Sea, the research investigates the genetic diversity reduction in heavily fished populations and its impact across different species. Preliminary results indicate a decline in both L50 (length at which 50% of individuals are mature) and A50 (age at which 50% of individuals are mature) in the Baltic and North Sea, with the Baltic Sea populations showing more significant deterioration. This suggests a trend toward earlier maturation at smaller sizes, which could have far-reaching implications for population dynamics and sustainability.
