Movement patterns of four coral reef fish species in a fragmented habitat in New Caledonia: implications for the design of marine protected area networks
TL;DR: The results support the hypothesis that the Laregnere Marine Reserve, part of the South Lagoon Marine Park, could benefit the adjacent fished area through spillover and demonstrate the ability of the fish to carry out medium-scale movements in a fragmented habitat.
Abstract: Chateau, O., and Wantiez, L. 2009. Movement patterns of four coral reef fish species in a fragmented habitat in New Caledonia: implications for the design of marine protected area networks. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 50-55.Acoustic telemetry was used to examine the patterns of fish movements between a marine reserve and two unprotected reefs separated by large areas of lagoon soft bottoms (900-2000 m) in the South Lagoon Marine Park of New Caledonia. Four commercial fish species (Epinephelus maculatus, Plectropomus leopardus, Chlorurus microrhinos, and Scarus ghobban) were studied for 17 months (45 fish). Nine fish (20%) were detected on reefs other than the reef onto which they were released. Four patterns of inter-reef movement were identified during the survey, including home range relocations, movements larger than the scale of the study, many inter-reef movements within the study area, and punctual excursions outside the daily home range. The information gathered in this study demonstrates the ability of the fish to carry out medium-scale movements in a fragmented habitat. Consequently, the effectiveness of the reserve to protect the entire population is probably limited for these species. Because all the identified patterns implied at least one movement across the reserve boundaries, our results support the hypothesis that the Laregnere Marine Reserve, part of the South Lagoon Marine Park, could benefit the adjacent fished area through spillover.
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TL;DR: In this paper, a review of 34 families (210 species) of coral reef fishes demonstrates that movement patterns (home ranges, ontogenetic shifts and spawning migrations) vary among and within species, and are influenced by a range of factors (e.g. size, sex, behaviour, density, habitat characteristics, season, tide and time of day).
Abstract: Well-designed and effectively managed networks of marine reserves can be effective tools for both fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. Connectivity, the demographic linking of local populations through the dispersal of individuals as larvae, juveniles or adults, is a key ecological factor to consider in marine reserve design, since it has important implications for the persistence of metapopulations and their recovery from disturbance. For marine reserves to protect biodiversity and enhance populations of species in fished areas, they must be able to sustain focal species (particularly fishery species) within their boundaries, and be spaced such that they can function as mutually replenishing networks whilst providing recruitment subsidies to fished areas. Thus the configuration (size, spacing and location) of individual reserves within a network should be informed by larval dispersal and movement patterns of the species for which protection is required. In the past, empirical data regarding larval dispersal and movement patterns of adults and juveniles of many tropical marine species have been unavailable or inaccessible to practitioners responsible for marine reserve design. Recent empirical studies using new technologies have also provided fresh insights into movement patterns of many species and redefined our understanding of connectivity among populations through larval dispersal. Our review of movement patterns of 34 families (210 species) of coral reef fishes demonstrates that movement patterns (home ranges, ontogenetic shifts and spawning migrations) vary among and within species, and are influenced by a range of factors (e.g. size, sex, behaviour, density, habitat characteristics, season, tide and time of day). Some species move <0.1–0.5 km (e.g. damselfishes, butterflyfishes and angelfishes), <0.5–3 km (e.g. most parrotfishes, goatfishes and surgeonfishes) or 3–10 km (e.g. large parrotfishes and wrasses), while others move tens to hundreds (e.g. some groupers, emperors, snappers and jacks) or thousands of kilometres (e.g. some sharks and tuna). Larval dispersal distances tend to be <5–15 km, and self-recruitment is common. Synthesising this information allows us, for the first time, to provide species, specific advice on the size, spacing and location of marine reserves in tropical marine ecosystems to maximise benefits for conservation and fisheries management for a range of taxa. We recommend that: (i) marine reserves should be more than twice the size of the home range of focal species (in all directions), thus marine reserves of various sizes will be required depending on which species require protection, how far they move, and if other effective protection is in place outside reserves; (ii) reserve spacing should be <15 km, with smaller reserves spaced more closely; and (iii) marine reserves should include habitats that are critical to the life history of focal species (e.g. home ranges, nursery grounds, migration corridors and spawning aggregations), and be located to accommodate movement patterns among these. We also provide practical advice for practitioners on how to use this information to design, evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of marine reserve networks within broader ecological, socioeconomic and management contexts.
323 citations
Cites background from "Movement patterns of four coral ree..."
...…between resting and feeding habitats (e.g. the emperor Lethrinus nebulosus moves up to 1 km between lagoon patch reefs and soft bottoms each day: Chateau & Wantiez, 2008b), they sometimes have home ranges that are larger than species whose home ranges include only one habitat type (Kramer &…...
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TL;DR: An overview of the ways in which acoustic telemetry can be used to inform issues central to the ecology, conservation, and management of exploited and/or imperiled fish species is provided.
Abstract: This paper reviews the use of acoustic telemetry as a tool for addressing issues in fisheries management, and serves as the lead to the special Feature Issue of Ecological Applications titled Acoustic Telemetry and Fisheries Management. Specifically, we provide an overview of the ways in which acoustic telemetry can be used to inform issues central to the ecology, conservation, and management of exploited and/or imperiled fish species. Despite great strides in this area in recent years, there are comparatively few examples where data have been applied directly to influence fisheries management and policy. We review the literature on this issue, identify the strengths and weaknesses of work done to date, and highlight knowledge gaps and difficulties in applying empirical fish telemetry studies to fisheries policy and practice. We then highlight the key areas of management and policy addressed, as well as the challenges that needed to be overcome to do this. We conclude with a set of recommendations about how researchers can, in consultation with stock assessment scientists and managers, formulate testable scientific questions to address and design future studies to generate data that can be used in a meaningful way by fisheries management and conservation practitioners. We also urge the involvement of relevant stakeholders (managers, fishers, conservation societies, etc.) early on in the process (i.e., in the co-creation of research projects), so that all priority questions and issues can be addressed effectively.
224 citations
Cites background from "Movement patterns of four coral ree..."
...For example, Chateau and Wantiez (2009) used acoustic telemetry to examine the movement of four commercially exploited reef fish and concluded that the closed areas were not large enough to adequately protect fished species based on evidence of extensive movements outside the protected area....
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TL;DR: Examining relative diver effects on a reef fish assemblage on the Great Barrier Reef found UVCs remain a useful approach for quantifying spatial and temporal variation in relative fish abundances, especially if using methods that minimise the exposure of fishes to divers.
Abstract: Diver-based Underwater Visual Censuses (UVCs), particularly transect-based surveys, are key tools in the study of coral reef fish ecology. These techniques, however, have inherent problems that make it difficult to collect accurate numerical data. One of these problems is the diver effect (defined as the reaction of fish to a diver). Although widely recognised, its effects have yet to be quantified and the extent of taxonomic variation remains to be determined. We therefore examined relative diver effects on a reef fish assemblage on the Great Barrier Reef. Using common UVC methods, the recorded abundance of seven reef fish groups were significantly affected by the ongoing presence of SCUBA divers. Overall, the diver effect resulted in a 52% decrease in the mean number of individuals recorded, with declines of up to 70% in individual families. Although the diver effect appears to be a significant problem, UVCs remain a useful approach for quantifying spatial and temporal variation in relative fish abundances, especially if using methods that minimise the exposure of fishes to divers. Fixed distance transects using tapes or lines deployed by a second diver (or GPS-calibrated timed swims) would appear to maximise fish counts and minimise diver effects.
165 citations
Cites background from "Movement patterns of four coral ree..."
...Parrotfishes are widely documented to be skittish and highly mobile, thus having a reduced likelihood of detection, often moving away from approaching divers in the area [5,21,28, 29,36,39,43,44]....
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...In contrast, as noted at this site [29,39] and in other locations [5,28,36,43,44], strong diver negative responses are regularly reported, especially in parrotfishes....
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02 Sep 2014
TL;DR: Parrotfish are ubiquitous on tropical reefs worldwide, yet there is strong spatial structuring in the taxonomic and functional composition of the group, which has been shaped by their biogeographic history, the productivity of their environment, and the habitat requirements of individual taxa.
Abstract: Global reductions in biodiversity and the accelerating loss and degradation of many of the world's ecosystems have intensified research into the roles of species in ecosystem processes. Within coral-reef systems, the parrotfishes (Labridae) are widely viewed as a key functional group in facilitating the recovery of reefs from recurrent disturbances. Although parrotfishes are commonly viewed as herbivores, exerting top-down control of algal communities, their unique jaws allow them to feed on almost all coral- reef substratum types. Consequently, parrotfish are the primary agents responsible for a number of key ecological processes on coral reefs, namely, bioerosion, sediment production and transport, provision of space for coral settlement, and predation of live coral colonies. The parrotfishes, however, cannot be considered a uniform group. Their functional roles are highly dependent on species feeding mode (scrapers, excavators, and browsers) and body size, with larger individuals having a disproportionately greater effect on the dynamics of benthic communities than smaller conspecifics. Parrotfish are ubiquitous on tropical reefs worldwide, yet there is strong spatial structuring in the taxonomic and functional composition of the group. This spatial variation has been shaped by their biogeographic history, the productivity of their environment, and the habitat requirements of individual taxa. Over recent decades, increasing fishing pressure and habitat destruction have had a dramatic impact on the structure of parrotfish assemblages, and as a consequence, on many reefs, normal ecosystem processes have been disrupted. Indeed, reef systems with severely depleted parrotfish communities are less resilient to anthropogenic or natural environmental perturbations. Management strategies for the protection of this unique and critical functional group are urgently needed if we are to maintain the diversity, resilience, and structure of coral-reef ecosystems.
149 citations
TL;DR: This study combined acoustic telemetry and ecological assessments to evaluate the movement patterns and feeding range of a functionally important coral reef fish, Chlorurus microrhinos (f. Labridae), on Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef.
Abstract: Herbivory and other ecosystem processes are widely accepted as important factors in maintaining coral reef resilience. While the spatial scales over which these processes occur have been evaluated, the spatial ecology of individual taxa responsible for shaping these processes is almost entirely unknown. This study combined acoustic telemetry and ecological assessments to evaluate the movement patterns and feeding range of a functionally important coral reef fish, Chlorurus microrhinos (f. Labridae). The diurnal home range and feeding areas of C. microrhinos, on Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, were quantified using active acoustic telemetry. The average diurnal home range of C. microrhinos was 7,830 m2 ± 940 (SE). Core areas of activity (50% kernel utilization distributions) were relatively small, encompassing approximately 22% of an individual’s home range (1,690 m2 ± 220). Core areas exhibited greater topographic complexity. C. microrhinos may select these areas because of decreased predation risk. Feeding intensities were not homogenous throughout the home range. Core areas were found to have a greater number of feeding scars and are thus exposed to increased bioerosion and algal removal by C. microrhinos. While important in shaping key ecosystem processes, the ecosystem impact of individual C. microrhinos in Pioneer Bay appears to be restricted to small areas within a narrow band along the reef crest.
103 citations
Cites background from "Movement patterns of four coral ree..."
...…from the same species may also engage in large-scale spawning migrations resulting in a large overall spatial extent, while other, more site-attached individuals exhibit relatively small, stable home ranges (Afonso et al. 2008; see Chateau and Wantiez 2009 for variation in C. microrhinos)....
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References
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TL;DR: The empirical work and the theoretical literature are reviewed to assess the impacts of marine reserves on several biological measures (density, biomass, size of organisms, and diversity), paying particular attention to the role reserve size has in determining those impacts.
Abstract: Marine reserves are quickly gaining popularity as a management option for marine conservation, fisheries, and other human uses of the oceans. Despite the popularity of marine reserves as a management tool, few reserves appear to have been created or designed with an understanding of how reserves affect biological factors or how reserves can be designed to meet biological goals more effectively (e.g., attaining sustainable fish populations). This shortcoming occurs in part because the many studies that have examined the impacts of reserves on marine organisms remain isolated examples or anecdotes; the results of these many studies have not yet been synthesized. Here, I review the empirical work and discuss the theoretical literature to assess the impacts of marine reserves on several biological measures (density, biomass, size of organisms, and diversity), paying particular attention to the role reserve size has in determining those impacts. The results of 89 separate studies show that, on average, with the exception of invertebrate biomass and size, values for all four biological measures are significantly higher inside reserves compared to outside (or after reserve establishment vs. before) when evaluated for both the overall communities and by each functional group within these communities (carniv- orous fishes, herbivorous fishes, planktivorous fishes/invertebrate eaters, and invertebrates). Surprisingly, results also show that the relative impacts of reserves, such as the proportional differences in density or biomass, are independent of reserve size, suggesting that the effects of marine reserves increase directly rather than proportionally with the size of a reserve. However, equal relative differences in biological measures between small and large reserves nearly always translate into greater absolute differences for larger reserves, and so larger reserves may be necessary to meet the goals set for marine reserves. The quality of the data in the reviewed studies varied greatly. To improve data quality in the future, whenever possible, studies should take measurements before and after the creation of a reserve, replicate sampling, and include a suite of representative species. Despite the variable quality of the data, the results from this review suggest that nearly any marine habitat can benefit from the implementation of a reserve. Success of a marine reserve, however, will always be judged against the expectations for that reserve, and so we must keep in mind the goals of a reserve in its design, management, and evaluation.
1,384 citations
"Movement patterns of four coral ree..." refers background in this paper
...No-take marine reserves have been used as tools for managing fishery-targeted species and buffering against broader ecosystem effects of overfishing (Roberts and Polunin, 1993; Russ, 2002; Halpern, 2003)....
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...Most existing marine reserves are relatively small (74% are ,10 km(2); Halpern, 2003) and probably provide scant protection for mobile target species (DeMartini, 1993; Meyer et al....
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...Most existing marine reserves are relatively small (74% are ,10 km2; Halpern, 2003) and probably provide scant protection for mobile target species (DeMartini, 1993; Meyer et al., 2007a)....
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Book•
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: This new edition of "Coral Reef Fishes" offers an up-to-date review of key research areas in reef fish ecology, with a bibliography including hundreds of citations, most from the last decade.
Abstract: "Coral Reef Fishes" is the successor of "The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs". This new edition includes provocative reviews covering the major areas of reef fish ecology. Concerns about the future health of coral reefs, and recognition that reefs and their fishes are economically important components of the coastal oceans of many tropical nations, have led to enormous growth in research directed at reef fishes. "Coral Reef Fishes" is much more than a simple revision of the earlier volume; it is a companion that supports and extends the earlier work. The included syntheses provide readers with the current highlights in this exciting science. It offers an up-to-date review of key research areas in reef fish ecology, with a bibliography including hundreds of citations, most from the last decade. Authoritative, up-to-date, provocative chapters are written to suggest future research priorities. It includes discussions of regulation of fish populations, dispersal or site fidelity of larval reef fishes, sensory and motor capabilities of reef fish larvae, and complexities of management of reef species and communities.
786 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the implications of how fish use space, in particular the occurrence and size of home ranges and the frequency and direction of home range relocations, and concluded that species with low mobility and weak density-dependence of space use will show the greatest increase in reserves and the strongest benefit for population reproductive capacity.
Abstract: Reserves are being used increasingly to conserve fish communities and populations under threat from overfishing, but little consideration has been given to how fish behavior might affect reserve function. This review examines the implications of how fish use space, in particular the occurrence and size of home ranges and the frequency and direction of home range relocations. Examples are drawn primarily from the literature on coral reef fishes, but the principles apply to other habitats. Reserves can protect fish species only if individuals restrict their movements to a localized home range during at least part of the life cycle. Home range sizes increase with body size. In small reserves, a significant proportion of fish whose home ranges are centered within the reserve can be exposed to fishing mortality because their home ranges include non-reserve areas. Relocation of home ranges following initial settlement increases exposure to the fishery, especially if habitat selection is frequency-dependent. Distance, barriers, and costs of movement counter such redistribution. These considerations lead to predictions that population density and mean fish size (1) will form gradients across reserve boundaries with maxima in the center of the reserve and minima outside the reserve away from the boundary; (2) will increase rapidly in newly established reserves, only later providing ‘spillover’ to adjacent fisheries as density-dependent emigration begins to take effect; and (3) will be higher in reserves that are larger and have higher area:edge ratios, more habitat types, natural barriers between reserve and non-reserve areas, and higher habitat quality inside than outside the reserve. (4) Species with low mobility and weak density-dependence of space use will show the greatest increase in reserves and the strongest benefit for population reproductive capacity, but those with intermediate levels of these traits will provide the greatest spillover benefit to nearby fisheries.
589 citations
"Movement patterns of four coral ree..." refers background in this paper
...…demonstrate strong site-fidelity at medium spatial scale (Sale, 1991; Zeller, 1997; Chapman and Kramer, 2000; Willis et al., 2001) and that large areas of sandy substratum constitute physical barriers to their movements between coral reefs (Kramer and Chapman, 1999; Chapman and Kramer, 2000)....
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...their departure to the unprotected area (Kramer et al., 1997; Kramer and Chapman, 1999)....
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...…2005) and the significant loss of habitat caused by Cyclone Erica (Wantiez et al., 2006) may create conditions unfavourable for new adults inside the reserve (higher rate of competition or predation) and favour their departure to the unprotected area (Kramer et al., 1997; Kramer and Chapman, 1999)....
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...…coral reef fish across reserve boundaries can affect the abundance and distribution of fish within and outside the reserve, and therefore affect the ability of reserves to preserve fish populations and enhance surrounding fisheries (Kramer and Chapman, 1999; Chapman and Kramer, 2000; Russ, 2002)....
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..., 2001) and that large areas of sandy substratum constitute physical barriers to their movements between coral reefs (Kramer and Chapman, 1999; Chapman and Kramer, 2000)....
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TL;DR: Data management and analysis techniques are in their infancy and few standardised techniques exist, but they provide many advantages for studying aquatic animal movement patterns, but also has limitations and provides unique difficulties for users.
Abstract: The recent introduction of low-cost, moored data-logging acoustic receivers has provided opportunities for tracking marine organisms over small (hundreds of metres) and large scales (hundreds of kilometres). Acoustic receivers have been deployed in many different environments to examine specific hypotheses regarding the movement of aquatic species. This technology provides many advantages for studying aquatic animal movement patterns, but also has limitations and provides unique difficulties for users. Study design, applications, advantages and limitations are discussed with examples from past and current studies. Data management and analysis techniques are in their infancy and few standardised techniques exist. Complications with data management and potential data analysis techniques are discussed. Examples from the literature are utilised wherever possible to provide useful references.
555 citations
"Movement patterns of four coral ree..." refers background in this paper
...With the development of acoustic telemetry, accurate studies of the movement patterns of large fish are now possible (Zeller, 1999; Heupel et al., 2006; Chateau and Wantiez, 2007), demonstrating frequent fish movements over hundreds or even thousands of metres (Holland et al., 1996; Zeller, 1997;…...
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491 citations
"Movement patterns of four coral ree..." refers background in this paper
...Post-settlement coral reef fish are generally considered sedentary and highly site-attached (Sale, 1991; Roberts and Polunin, 1991; Chapman and Kramer, 2000; Zeller et al., 2003; Kulbicki, 2007)....
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