Population dynamics and spatial structure of the grey rockcod (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) in the vicinity of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands

Research identifies three distinct metapopulations of grey rockcod (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) around Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, highlighting significant variations in biological parameters such as age, growth, maturity, sex ratio, body condition, and population density. This study, based on trawl survey data from 1990 to 2014, suggests that these separate metapopulations may explain the species' slow recovery after commercial extinction due to overfishing in the Southern Ocean. The findings underscore the importance of considering meta-population structure in management strategies for sustainable conservation and recovery efforts.

Maschette, D., Burch, P., Farmer, B., Woodcock, E., Péron, C., Cramer, B., Gardner, C., & Welsford, D. C. (2024). Population dynamics and spatial structure of the grey rockcod (Lepidonotothen squamifrons) in the vicinity of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. Plos One, 19(5), e0298754. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298754