Non-salmonid Stock Enhancement of Marine Species In North America: Status and Challenges

Moderators: R.J. Rhodes* and D. B. Kent
Emails: rhodesr@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us and DKent@hswri.org

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005
Time: 1:20 pm to 5:40 pm
Location: Egan 13

In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the number of marine species that can be reared in captivity, especially non-salmonid marine fish species. Consequently, it is not surprising that applied research on and use of these marine species for stock enhancement has also expanded. It is also recognized that stock enhancement like the use of artificial reefs should be considered as one of many potential tool available to fisheries managers and not a “cure all.” Moreover, the technical and economic efficacy of using stock enhancement for various fisheries objectives remains the focus of scientific debate and research along with a variety of possible biological risk considerations (e.g. negative genetic impacts, etc.). Therefore, the purpose of this symposium is to convene fishery managers, researchers, and others to exchange information and stimulate constructive dialog on planned and current stock enhancement projects and programs including related research involving marine invertebrates and non-salmonid fish species in North America. Potential topics to be discussed would include the feasibility analysis (e.g. funding of stocking programs, etc.), biological risks, monitoring, and evaluation (ex-ante and ex-post) of stock enhancement programs. A diversity of presentation approaches and topics will be encouraged including presentations related to the socioeconomic aspects of stock enhancement and progress reports on current research projects in North America. In addition to identifying future research needs, this symposium is expected to be valuable by providing prescriptive information to assist decision makers in objectively assessing the appropriateness, possible risks, benefits and costs of using stock enhancement technology to address various fishery management objectives.

Link to list of presentations in this symposium