Within Species Variability in Spatio-Temporal Reproductive Dynamics; Relevance for Management and Conservation

The camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion, is widespread in the Indo-Pacific and supports important subsistence and commercial fisheries, for both local and export markets.  An important characteristic of its biology is the formation of spawning aggregations, which as far as is known, represent all of its annual reproductive activity. Because these aggregations are highly predictable both temporally and spatially, and concentrate reproductive adults in a small area, they are attractive as fishing targets. This and the limited annual reproductive activity shown by this species have implications for future fisheries sustainability. Studies conducted on the timing and duration of these aggregations, water temperature and site characteristics across a wide range of locations indicate interesting interrelationships between these characteristics, which have both predictive promise and important implications for management.