Simulated trapping and trawling exert similar selection on fish morphology. Issue 2 (12th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thambithurai, Davide; Rácz, Anita; Lindström, Jan; Parsons, Kevin J.; Killen, Shaun S.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 12:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-02-12
• Subjects: FIE -- fishing -- geometric morphometrics -- human impact -- locomotion -- morphology; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Commercial fishery harvest can influence the evolution of wild fish populations. Our knowledge of selection on morphology is however limited, with most previous studies focusing on body size, age, and maturation. Within species, variation in morphology can influence locomotor ability, possibly making some individuals more vulnerable to capture by fishing gears. Additionally, selection on morphology has the potential to influence other foraging, behavioral, and life‐history related traits. Here we carried out simulated fishing using two types of gears: a trawl (an active gear) and a trap (a passive gear), to assess morphological trait‐based selection in relation to capture vulnerability. Using geometric morphometrics, we assessed differences in shape between high and low vulnerability fish, showing that high vulnerability individuals display shallower body shapes regardless of gear type. For trawling, low vulnerability fish displayed morphological characteristics that may be associated with higher burst‐swimming, including a larger caudal region and narrower head, similar to evolutionary responses seen in fish populations responding to natural predation. Taken together, these results suggest that divergent selection can lead to phenotypic differences in harvested fish populations. Abstract : We conducted work assessing how simulated trapping and trawling selects for specific fish morphologies. We quantified selection by using geometric morphometrics. Results indicate that both gears exert similar selection pressure on morphology.