New methodologies applied to quantify dynamics of the ovary in indeterminate fecundity species

Abstract

The methodological approach chosen for quantification of reproduction is related to reproductive strategy of fecundity regulation (Murua and Saborido-Rey, 2003; Hunter and Macewicz, 2003). Quantitative traditional methods failed to provide unbiased quantitative information on reproductive parameters in indeterminate fecundity species, and then a different approach including the development of new methodologies will assist the estimation of reproductive traits in species showing a reproductive strategy different from that of determinate fish species. This study provides the framework to improve the knowledge of fecundity regulation in indeterminate species taking the European hake as a challenging candidate, by developing a new methodology; which, in turn, will contribute to fill an important gap in indeterminate fecundity species investigations. The development and application of new methodologies described in this PhD has proven to be an effective approach for the quantification of reproduction investment in indeterminate fecundity fish species.