Work

Putting weight to work: A review and examples of weight-based indicators in freshwater fish stock assessment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite being a direct measure of biomass and central to fisheries management, weight-based metrics remain underutilized in freshwater fish stock assessment. Here, we present a concise review of the application of weight in evaluating freshwater fish populations. We examine the historical use of weighing, assess how weight is applied across subdisciplines of freshwater fish science, contrast weight- and length-based approaches, and identify biases in their application. We then synthesize weight-based metrics, indices, and models within four broad categories—population and community weight structure; condition, growth, and efficiency; reproductive potential and production; and yield and exploitation dynamics—highlighting approaches that inform fish ecology, population and community dynamics, and vital rates. We conclude by identifying key opportunities and methodological innovations needed to expand the effective use of weight-based metrics in freshwater fish conservation and management.

Source: North American Journal of Fisheries Management

DOI: 10.1093/najfmt/vqag021

Authors: L E Miranda, Mirtha A Angulo-Valencia, Camren E Fraser

Institutions: United States Geological Survey, Mississippi State University

Language: English

Topic: Fish Ecology and Management Studies

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500