Causes and consequences of life-history variation in North American stocks of Pacific cod

Abstract

Life-history strategies of four Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) stocks in the eastern North Pacific Ocean are outlined. Southern stocks grew and matured quicker, but reached smaller maximum size and had shorter lifespans than northern stocks. The trade-offs resulted in similar lifetime reproductive success among all stocks. Growth was highly dependent on latitude, but not on temperature, possibly because of differences in the duration of the growing season. Comparisons with Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) revealed similar latitude/growth relationships among Atlantic cod stocks grouped by geographic region. In Pacific cod, greater size and longevity in the north appeared to be adaptations to overcome environmental constraints on growth and to maintain fitness. An egg production-per-recruit model suggested that the life-history strategy of northern Pacific cod stocks made them less resilient to fishing activity and age truncation than southern stocks. © 2008 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.