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Blincow KM, Elstner JT, Ben-Aderet N, Bellquist LF, Nosal AP, Semmens BX. Spatial ecology of the Giant Sea Bass, Stereolepis gigas, in a southern California kelp forest as determined by acoustic telemetry. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16551. [PMID: 38144197 PMCID: PMC10740592 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The fisheries history of the Giant Sea Bass, Stereolepis gigas (Telostei: Polyprionidae), is closely linked to its spatial ecology. Its overharvest is directly associated with formation of spatially distinct spawning aggregations during summer, while its subsequent recovery is hypothesized to be the result of spatially explicit gear restrictions. Understanding the spatial ecology of Giant Sea Bass is a key part of efforts to assess contemporary threats such as commercial harvest and incidental catch by recreational fisheries. In this study, we used acoustic telemetry to characterize Giant Sea Bass space use in the La Jolla kelp forest using an acoustic array that encompasses two marine protected areas (MPAs) and heavily trafficked recreational fishing grounds. Five of the seven fish we tagged remained in the La Jolla array for at least 6 months. Two fish were resident across multiple years, with one fish consistently detected for 4 years. Only one fish was detected in the broader network of regional acoustic receivers, moving north approximately 8 km to Del Mar. Most tagged fish had home ranges and core use areas indicating they spend considerable time outside MPAs, particularly in areas with high recreational fishing activity. During spawning season we detected fish less frequently in the La Jolla array and recorded higher movement rates. While the current MPA network in La Jolla by no means offers complete protection to this fish, it does appear to support long-term persistence of some individuals in a region of exceptionally high recreational fishing pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Blincow
- Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, United States of America
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jack T. Elstner
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Noah Ben-Aderet
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Lyall F. Bellquist
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- The Nature Conservancy, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew P. Nosal
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Brice X. Semmens
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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Spector M, Clevenstine AJ, Cajandig M, Caldow C, Duncan EA, Peavey Reeves LE, Freedman RM. Network analysis reveals aggregation behaviour for an endangered predator at an offshore island. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 101:1366-1370. [PMID: 35920367 PMCID: PMC9826185 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Site fidelity and aggregation behaviour were assessed for giant sea bass Stereolepis gigas (GSB) at Santa Barbara Island, California, USA, from 2018 to 2020. Results indicate seasonal variation in GSB presence, and network analyses revealed a preferred location in a spatially constrained pattern, indicative of aggregation behaviour. Results show GSB aggregated annually during spawning months in the same location, confirming the first known aggregation of GSB at Santa Barbara Island. Identifying and monitoring aggregation sites is vital to ensuring proper protection and ultimate recovery for this protected species in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Spector
- NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine SanctuaryPort AngelesWashingtonUSA
| | | | | | - Chris Caldow
- NOAA Channel Islands National Marine SanctuarySanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Ryan M. Freedman
- NOAA Channel Islands National Marine SanctuarySanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
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Perry WB. Complexity is key: fish diversity and tropical inshore seascapes. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1157. [PMID: 34625969 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
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