How to estimate life history ratios to simplify data-poor fisheries assessment

Abstract Less variable than life history parameters (LHPs), it is ratios (LHRs) that define how taxa allocate energy between growth, maintenance and reproduction, respond to fishing pressure. Limited by small samples, data quality, a focus on LHP estimation, previous meta-analyses have failed settle debate about the extent which LHRs are relatively invariant across all or characteristic of specific taxa. We collected de novo 1335 published studies applying rigorous standardization quality control procedures developed, make available, database high-quality M/K Lm/L? estimates. describe two parallel but independent meta-analyses: cross-validation study predictability taxonomic category an evaluation alternative relationships using Akaike information criteria. These analyses demonstrate correlated vary predictably taxa, with aggregation level family genera having most predictive power in our database. postulate may relate their stoichiometric niches, could open up interesting lines for ecological research provide new tools predicting poorly studied