Publications

Evolutionary changes in cognition due to fisheries mortality?

Roy, Tamal; Kotrschal, Alexander; Arlinghaus, Robert

Summary

Fish experiencing harvest mortality often evolve a fast life-history that prioritizes investment in current versus future reproduction, thereby potentially limiting energetic investment in the brain. Fisheries may also select for shy fish that are less willing to learn, or directly select fish with poor cognitive ability. The resulting evolutionary changes can alter the cognitive performance of individuals and affect fish populations and fisheries quality.