Can small MPAs protect local populations of a coastal flatfish, Solea senegalensis?


Autoria(s): Abecasis, D.; Afonso, P.; Erzini, Karim
Data(s)

14/12/2016

14/12/2016

2014

Resumo

The benefits of protection of a small (4.3 km(2)) marine protected area (MPA) for Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, were investigated through experimental fishing trials and long-term (up to 293days) passive acoustic telemetry. A total of 106 trammel net sets were carried out between 2007 and 2011. Significant differences in abundance and biomass of sole between bottom types/depths (sandy bottoms between 12 and 20m deep vs muddy bottoms between 35 and 45m deep) were found, but no significant differences were attributable to the implementation of the no-take area. Passive acoustic telemetry revealed that most Senegalese sole spent a large part of their time between first and last detections (average residency index=69%) inside a relatively small area (average 95%=1.2km(2)), during which they preferred sandy bottoms, the most common habitat inside the MPA. Results also demonstrated that Senegalese sole do regular excursions beyond reserve boundaries, eventually emigrating from the MPA. The results suggest that small coastal MPAs providing adequate habitat may protect individuals of this species while allowing for moderate levels of adult spillover to neighbouring areas.

Identificador

0969-997X

AUT: KER00534;

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/8772

10.1111/fme.12061

Idioma(s)

eng

Publicador

Blackwell Publishing

Relação

WOS:000335521900001

Direitos

restrictedAccess

Tipo

article