Effects of Fishing on Non-target Species and Habitats: Biological, Conservation and Socio-economic Issues

Fishing is a major form of ecological disturbance to aquatic communities throughout the world. In the past, many fisheries biologists have concentrated on the study of direct effects of fishing on stocks of target species and understanding the processes of recruitment. However, there is now a growing appreciation of the ecological implications of the wider effects of fishing activities on aquatic organisms and their habitats. The editors of this important book have drawn together an impressive collection of internationally-recognized experts in these areas of research.The coverage includes: the physical effects of fishing gears on the seabed; distribution of and trends in fishing effort; ecological effects on benthic fauna; long-term community changes; the effects of food subsidies in the marine environment; conservation methods; and, the socio-economic implications and mechanism for reducing the impacts of fisheries. This comprehensive book will be an invaluable reference source for all those studying and researching in the areas of fisheries science, fish and aquatic biology and environmental science, marine biology, oceanography and ecology.