A University of Queensland-led team have discovered that even highly migratory species like tuna and other large pelagic fish consistently return to the same ocean hotspots to spawn year after year, highlighting critical areas that can be safeguarded from extractive practices through ocean management practices like the designation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), targeted fishing closures, and effective ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Although competition for food and resources might be high in these hotspots, this study shows that the benefits of spawning in areas with optimal ocean conditions, driven by temperature, food availability, and currents, outweighs the consequences of increased competition and predation.
This study demystifies these hotspots across different species, showing that multiple pelagic fish species spawn in specific areas in the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. Conserving and effectively managing these “favorite” places is key for keeping populations healthy and resilient.
The study calls for a more holistic and ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, showing that conserving and effectively managing these hotspots through Marine Spatial Planning and the development of offshore Marine Protected Areas has multiple benefits towards fisheries and conservation.
