The self-regulation of fish populations and why some fish stocks flourish and then die away are questions that have fascinated fisheries scientists for decades. In this account, David Cushing shows how the fate of fish larvae, which live close to the centers of production in the sea, has a crucial effect on population regulation. He shows how the timing and development of tidal fronts in particular regions have profound implications for fish and plankton production, which in turn affects whether or not enough of the fish larvae live to adulthood. One of the most interesting points made by the author is how vulnerable fish populations are to climate change, and it is only by understanding these processes that we can hope to recognize the implications of global climate change on marine populations. This book will be essential reading for all those interested in marine ecology and fisheries biology.