Diel and seasonal movement pattern of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus inside a marine reserve

Koeck, B. , Pastor, J., Saragoni, G., Dalias, N., Payrot, J. and Lenfant, P. (2014) Diel and seasonal movement pattern of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus inside a marine reserve. Marine Environmental Research, 94, pp. 38-47. (doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.12.002) (PMID:24361257)

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Abstract

Temporal movement patterns and spawning behaviour of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus were investigated using depth and temperature sensors combined to acoustic telemetry. Results showed that these fish are year-round resident, remaining inside the fully protected area of the marine reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls (65 ha) and display a diurnal activity pattern. Records from depth sensors revealed that groupers range inside small, distinct, and individual territories. Individual variations in habitat depth are only visible on a seasonal scale, i.e., between the spawning season and the rest of the year. In fact, during summer months when the seawater temperature exceeded 20 °C, tagged groupers made vertical spawning migrations of 4–8 m in amplitude. These vertical migrations are characteristic of the reproductive behaviour of dusky groupers, during which they release their gametes. The results are notable for the implementation of management rules in marine protected areas, such as reduced navigation speed, boating or attendance during spawning season.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Project funding was provided by the TOTAL Foundation, and we particularly thank Laure Fournier for her support.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Koeck, Dr Barbara
Authors: Koeck, B., Pastor, J., Saragoni, G., Dalias, N., Payrot, J., and Lenfant, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Marine Environmental Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0141-1136
ISSN (Online):0141-1136
Published Online:14 December 2013

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