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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
No-take areas are key instruments to promote the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs), particularly concerning the protection of endangered species such as the dusky grouper
(Epinephelus marginatus). However, despite the establishment of no-take areas and the prohibition
of catching this species in a southwestern Portuguese MPA (SACVMP—‘Sudoeste Alentejano’ and
‘Costa Vicentina’ Marine Park) since 2011, there is still no evidence of population recovery. By using
acoustic biotelemetry, this work aimed to evaluate the feasibility of restocking hatchery-reared adult
dusky groupers in two no-take areas within the SACVMP. In 2019 and 2021, thirty groupers were
tagged with acoustic transmitters and the site attachment and movements of the groupers were
assessed in the releasing sites (no-take areas). None of the tagged fish settled down in either of the
areas, leaving the no-take areas mainly at dusk and night. Some individuals displayed extended
movements of more than a hundred kilometers along the Portuguese coast which was rarely reported
for this species. At least in some coastal stretches, those movements were performed close to the
shore, which may evidence the importance of coastal MPAs to protect and promote the connectivity
of species more associated with rocky reef habitats. Following studies should focus on the conditions
that promote site attachment and fidelity by hatchery-reared dusky groupers so that future large-scale
restocking programs can be successful in MPAs with appropriate habitats.
Description
Keywords
Epinephelus marginatus Acoustic biotelemetry Tracking Ranging behavior MPA Restocking trials
Citation
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 10 (7): 904 (2022)
Publisher
MDPI