A holistic (life-cycle orientated) approach to ecological research and resource management of cephalopods is outlined. The first phase of such an approach involves the collection of basic life-cycle data; the second phaseinvolves developing predictive models of stock response to harvesting that incorporate information on the life history, the third is the implementation of management measures. The crucial data required are those on speciesdistribution (preferably on distribution of species concentrations) and on the basic life cycle itself. The survival strategy of cephalopods is spatially orientated (i.e. how and to what extent individuals are distributed is directlylinked to the success or failure of the next generation). The use of basic life-cycle parameters in management application is emphasized, and comparisons in this regard are drawn with the management of teleost stocks
