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Houde Fisheries Research Laboratory

Why Does Reproductive Success Vary in Fishes?

A general theme of research in the Houde lab is evaluation of variability in reproductive success in marine and estuarine fishes.  Reproductive success is measured by levels of recruitment, i.e., numbers of young fish produced each year.  Causes of recruitment variability are evaluated through analysis of hydrographic, climatic, and environmental factors.

 

In recent years, most research has centered on analysis of survival and growth of anadromous and estuarine species in Chesapeake Bay.  Single-species evaluations and fish community analysis are included in our research programs. Fishes of particular interest are striped bass, bay anchovy, and Atlantic menhaden. Studies on larval and juvenile stage survival, growth, and trophodynamics are conducted in the Bay and its tributaries. Biological and physical mechanisms affecting production of young fish are considered, analyzed, and modeled to explain recruitment variability.