Ocean Sciences in Relation to Living Resources

Abstract

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Resolution XI-17 on Ocean Sciences in Support of Living Resources specifies that programs should be formulated in applied ocean research related to fishery problems. In this report we identify some types of needed research. We discuss the relative importance of the various life history stages to the question of resource variation regarding difficulties in sampling or studying on relevant scales. Our report stresses identification and accounting for causal climate-driven ambient variations. Some testable hypotheses relating the larval stages are given as examples of useful research. We also describe research needed on predation and species interactions. Examples of specific systems where important ecological processes need intense study are given. Upwelling areas, coral reefs, tropical and shelf demersal fisheries, and the open ocean fisheries each require different types and scales of study. The importance of data accessability and multidisciplinary research activities, beginning with dialogues between the ocean research and fishery resource scientists is paramount to successful completion of these tasks. The examples provided may stimulate further effort to identify resource research problems and programs for resolving them.Key words: ocean science, living resources, life history cycles, fishery recruitment, predation, species interactions, fish eggs and larvae, vertical stability of the ocean, advection, convergence and divergence, upwelling systems, coral reefs, tropical demersal fisheries