36th Annual Larval Fish Conference

The early life stages of fishes are a principal focus of many ecological studies and have been a focus of Norwegian marine science for over 100 years. Their distributions and densities are indicative of spawning and nursery areas, spawning seasons, larval behaviour, and year-class strength. Even in baseline surveys designed to determine presence and relative abundance of fishes, larval collections can often provide information on certain species that, because of gear selectivity, behaviour, or habitat are difficult to collect or observe as adults. Studies of fish larvae also can provide information on morphological development, systematics, growth rates, survival rates, food habits, predation, and various other ecological relationships. Such information i mproves our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and communities and facilitates more effective monitoring and management of fish populations and habitats within and ecosystem-based approach. It is also fundamental for successful commercial development of fishes in aquaculture. We request funds to help plan, organise and convene the 36th Annual Larval Fish Conference, with an emphasis on making it accessible to students and on publishing the proceedings as an open access book.