Traditional explanations for the variability, and limits to sustainability,
of fish stocks focus on the early planktonic life history. Recently, these
models have been challenged. Here, the arguments for the locus of regulati
on in fish stocks are reviewed. New material is presented, of North Sea pla
ice, indicating that only the fittest larvae survive, and that there is an
increased predation on weaker larvae. It is concluded that the main source
of regulation is in the planktonic phase, and that this is where research n
eeds to be.