Putting weight to work: A review and examples of weight-based indicators in freshwater fish stock assessment
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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.
Suggested Citation
Miranda, L.E., Angulo-Valencia, M.A., and Fraser, C.E., 2026, Putting weight to work: A review and examples of weight-based indicators in freshwater fish stock assessment: North American Journal of Fisheries Management, vqag021, 27 p., https://doi.org/10.1093/najfmt/vqag021.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Putting weight to work: A review and examples of weight-based indicators in freshwater fish stock assessment |
| Series title | North American Journal of Fisheries Management |
| DOI | 10.1093/najfmt/vqag021 |
| Edition | Online First |
| Publication Date | May 23, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Oxford Academic |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
| Description | vqag021, 27 p. |