Marine Biology Commons^™

Number 46 (December 2003), Southern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

(December 2003) - Fish survey and bioassessment of Station Camp Creek in the Upper Kentucky River Drainage. By Jeffery M. Ray and Patrick A. Ceas

Minutes, Business Meeting, 29th Annual Meeting, Southeastern Fishes Council

Front Matter, Southeastern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Minutes, Business Meeting, Southeastern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Fish Survey And Bioassessment Of Station Camp Creek And Sturgeon Creek In The Upper Kentucky River Drainage, Jeffery M. Ray, Patrick A. Ceas

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Predicting Fish Species Diversity In Lotic Freshwaters Of Greece, Eugene G. Maurakis, David V. Grimes

Virginia Journal of Science

Objectives were to test the hypothesis that stream order and stream width alone account for species diversity in drainages of Greece, and to create a mathematical model that predicts fish diversity in small and medium sized freshwater streams in the southern Balkan Peninsula in accord with the stream classification system proposed by the European Environmental Agency (EEA). Thirty-seven species of fishes in 12 families (Petromyzontidae, Anguillidae, Cyprinidae, Moronidae, Centrarchidae, and Blenniidae) were collected in five stream orders (1-5) from 19 river drainages in Greece in 1993 and from 2000-2002. Numbers of species were significantly correlated with stream order (+), width …

Identification Key To Fishes In Fresh Waters Of Greece, Eugene G. Maurakis, Panos S. Economidis

Virginia Journal of Science

The European Environmental Agency formulated a biodiversity initiative in 1996 specifying a freshwater stream-monitoring program to inventory, identify and describe aquatic and terrestrial species in European Union countries. With one of the richest freshwater ichthyofaunas in Europe (126 fish taxa: 97 species and 29 subspecies of primary or secondary freshwater fishes), Greece has two extinct fish species, five listed as critically endangered, and 29 considered endangered and/or vulnerable. There are, however, no published identification guides that are available for identifying fish specimens from fresh waters in Greece. We present an English translation of the only available identification key (in Greek) …

Number 45 (April 2003), Southern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

(April 2003) - An Annotated List of Fishes Known from the Dan River in Virginia and North Carolina (Blue Ridge/Piedmont Provinces). By Fred C. Rohde, Rudolf G. Arndt, David J. Coughlan, and Scott M. Smith

Minutes, Business Meeting, 28th Annual Meeting, Southeastern Fishes Council

Regional Southeastern Fishes Council Reports

Front Matter, Southeastern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Minutes, Business Meeting, Southeastern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

An Annotated List Of The Fishes Known From The Dan River In Virginia And North Carolina (Blue Ridge/Piedmont Provinces), Fred C. Rohde, Rudolf G. Arndt, David J. Coughlan, Scott M. Smith

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Regional Southeastern Fishes Council Reports, Southeastern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

No abstract provided.

A New Geographic Locality And Three New Host Records For Neobenedenia Melleni (Maccallum) (Monogenea: Capsalidae), Stephen A. Bullard, Robert J. Goldstein, Richard Hocking, Jack Jewell

Gulf and Caribbean Research

A new geographic locality record and three new host records for Neobenedenia melleni (MacCallum, 1921) (Monogenea: Capsalidae) are provided. Specimens of N. melleni were collected from the skin of three Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus (Linnaeus, 1166)(Carangidae),caught in the northern Gulf of Mexico off Horn Island, Mississippi; from the skin of a bluering angelfish, Pomacanthus annularis (Bloch, 1157) (Pomacanthidae), in the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada; from the skin of a rock greenling, Hexagrammos lagocephalus (Pallas, 1810) (Hexagrammidae), in the Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward, Alaska; and from the skin of two blue-barred ribbon gobies, Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz …

The Extent And Spatial Scale Of Connectivity Among Reef Fish Populations: Implications For Marine Protected Areas Designated For Fisheries Enhancement, Peter F. Sale, Stuart A. Ludsin

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Enthusiasm for the use of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) as management tools for the protection and enhancement of coral reef fishes is widespread. However, evidence that such marine reserves actually enhance fishery yields is limited, primarily because of difficulties in quantifying the exchange of individuals—especially larvae—between local populations within and outside the protected area. Knowledge of the extent and spatial scale of this connectivity is of vital importance for the effective design and implementation of marine reserves intended as fishery management tools. We review our current understanding of connectivity among coral reef populations, including the role of important determining …

The Role Of Long Distance Dispersal Versus Local Retention In Replenishing Marine Populations, Robert K. Cowen, Claire B. Paris, Donald B. Olson, John L. Fortuna

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Early models and evidence from genetics suggested that long distance dispersal of larvae is likely a common event leading to considerable population connectivity among distant populations. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that local retention is more the rule, and that long distance transport is likely insufficient to sustain marine populations over demographic timescales. We build on earlier model results to examine the probability of larval dispersal to downstream islands within different regions of the Caribbean at varying distances from source populations. Through repeated runs of an ocean circulation model (MICOM), coupled with a random flight model estimating larval sub-grid turbulent …

Community-Based Development Of Multiple-Use Marine Protected Areas: Promoting Stewardship And Sharing Responsibility For Conservation In The San Andres Archipelago, Colombia, Marion Howard, Ernesto Connolly, Elizabeth Taylor, June Marie Mow

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The San Andres Archipelago in the western Caribbean includes some of the largest and most productive coral reef ecosystems in the hemisphere. Declared the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2000, this Colombian archipelago has 3 inhabited islands, 5 atolls, and an oceanic area of 300,000 km². CORALINA, the local representative of the National Environment System, is responsible for environmental planning, management, and education. While setting up the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, this agency had hundreds of meetings with the islands’ communities, listening to their concerns. Issues, conflicts, and threats to marine and coastal areas were identified during these …

Connectivity Between Coastal Habitats Of Two Oceanic Caribbean Islands As Inferred From Ontogenetic Shifts By Coral Reef Fishes, I. Nagelkerken, G. Van Der Velde

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Mangroves and seagrass beds are considered important nursery habitats for juveniles of coral reef fishes. Studies have mostly focused on the fish community of just one habitat, so the connectivity between different coastal habitats is often unclear. In this study, density and size of reef fish were determined using a single sampling technique in four non-estuarine bay habitats and four reef zones in Curaçao and Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles). The data indicate that of the complete reef fish community at least 21 species show ontogenetic crossshelf shifts in habitat utilization. The 21 species mainly utilized shallow-water habitats (mangroves, seagrass beds, channel …

Estimating Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) Home Ranges Using Acoustic Telemetry: Implications For The Design Of Marine Fishery Reserves, Robert A. Glazer, Gabriel A. Delgado, James A. Kidney

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Marine reserves (MRs) may function as a vital tool in the conservation and management of marine resources if source populations are managed for the benefit of those downstream. Consequently, it is critical to evaluate the home range of marine animals to ensure that MRs are large enough to protect source populations. We used acoustic telemetry to study movements of adult queen conch (Strombus gigas) within aggregations at two sites in the Florida Keys from June 1997 through July 1998. A total of 68 conch were tagged and tracked for up to one year. Latitude and longitude of each …

The Interaction Of Retention, Recruitment, And Density-Dependent Mortality In The Spatial Placement Of Marine Reserves, Jennifer E. Caselle, Scott L. Hamilton, Robert R. Warner

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Population density can affect rates of mortality and individual growth. We measured these for the non-exploited bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum, at three sites around St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Previous work demonstrated that differences in the degree of larval retention in these sites results in very large differences in recruitment intensity. Post-settlement mortality differed among sites and was positively related to recruitment density. Post-settlement growth differences were small. Because of strong mortality effects early in life, adult densities and size/age distributions differed among sites and did not reflect differences in recruitment rate. The site with the highest retention and …

The Barbados (Alias Folkestone) Marine Reserve, Barbados: A Late Bloomer?, Robin Mahon, Michael B. Mascia

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The Barbados Marine Reserve (BMR) is a 2.2 km² no-take marine reserve occupying one of the most intensely used and impacted sections of the coast and comprises four zones: Scientific, Northern Watersports, Recreational, Southern Watersports. Establishment of the BMR in 1981 did little to change the de facto marine resource governance regime for the area. There was minimal consultation of stakeholders in determining the zoning and regulations. Fishers were negatively impacted, and no user group derived significant benefits from the reserve. A mandate to maximise revenues led the National Conservation Commission (NCC), responsible for BMR management, to virtually abandon …

A Caribbean-Wide Survey Of Marine Reserves: Spatial Coverage And Attributes Of Effectiveness, Richard S. Appeldoorn, Kenyon C. Lindeman

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Fully-protected marine reserves can function at several spatial scales, from a single area encompassing few habitats, to local networks of many habitats, to large-scale networks connected by larval dispersal. However, the amount, spatial distribution, and associated administrative attributes of Caribbean marine reserves are collectively unknown. We compiled information on reserves from 21 countries in order to 1) assemble a spatial framework to aid development of networks of reserves at the most effective spatial scales, and 2) aid policy makers in establishing reserves that are science-based and possess optimal management attributes. Since 1961 there have been over 50 reserves established in …

Community Capacity Building In The Designation Of The Tortugas Ecological Reserve, Joanne M. Delaney

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The remote Tortugas region of the Florida Keys, located over 225 km from the continental United States, is an area of high coral diversity, excellent water quality, and productive fisheries. Located at the juncture of major ocean currents, the Tortugas potentially serves as a source and sink for marine larvae. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary initiated a process in 1998 to create a fully protected ecological reserve in the Tortugas to conserve these resources. Reserve design emphasized community input and consensus-based decision-making. Critical to success was a diverse working group of stakeholders and government agencies. In July 2001, after …

Feeding Selectivity Of Anchovia Clupeoides (Pisces: Engraulidae) In The Ciénaga Grande De Santa Marta, Colombian Caribbean, Guillermo Duque, Arturo Acero P

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Food selection by fishes is an important piece of information for modeling food webs in aquatic ecosystem. Monthly collections were made over a twenty-four hour period between October 1995 and June 1996 to examine the feeding selectivity of the zabaleta anchovy (Anchovia clupeoides) in the coastal lagoon Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, NE Colombia. A total of 4,389 specimens were collected, and the abundances and weights of the stomach food items were compared with similar measures calculated from samples obtained in nearby habitats. Our results indicate that the zabaleta anchovy is planktophagous, actively selecting copepods and detritus throughout …

Habitat Connectivity In Coastal Environments: Patterns And Movements Of Caribbean Coral Reef Fishes With Emphasis On Bluestriped Grunt, Haemulon Sciurus, Jim Beets, Lisa Muehlstein, Kerri Haught, Henry Schmitges

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Habitat connectivity within tropical marine seascapes may be greatly dependent on the movement of large organisms, particularly fishes. Using visual and trap sampling within two small bays in Virgin Islands National Park/Biosphere Reserve, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, we documented that large coral reef fishes, particularly large adult grunts, which shelter by day on coral reefs and make nocturnal feeding migrations into seagrass beds, accounted for the greatest biomass and abundance of fishes sampled in seagrass habitat. Using passive tags and sonic telemetry, we documented the nocturnal migration patterns of large adult grunts (bluestriped grunts, Haemulon sciurus), which are …

The Biology Of Wahoo (Acanthocybium Solandri) In The Western Central Atlantic, Hazel A. Oxenford, Peter A. Murray, Brian E. Luckhurst

Gulf and Caribbean Research

This contribution summarizes aspects of the biology of the wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri (Scombridae), that are pertinent to assessment and management of this species in the western central Atlantic (WCA). In this region wahoo is a target species for both commercial and recreational fisheries, and annual landings appear to have increased steadily over the last 30 years to in excess of 2000 mt. Wahoo is believed to be migratory, but little is known of the migration patterns. Significant seasonal variation in catches within the region indicates that it is seasonally abundant in most locations. Periods of peak abundance occur from the …

Using A Modified Purse Seine To Collect And Monitor Estuarine Fishes, Michael R. Wessel, Brent L. Winner

Gulf and Caribbean Research

We developed a modified purse seine to sample shallow water estuarine habitats and evaluated the efficacy of using this gear as a tool for monitoring estuarine fish populations in Tampa Bay, Florida. The purse seine (183-m long, 5.2 m deep and 50-mm stretch mesh nylon throughout) was easily deployed and retrieved by a 7 m flat-bottomed, bow-driven boat with a hydraulic wench and aluminum pursing davit. Retention rates of pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) marked and released into 35 net sets averaged 49% (range 9-100%). Retention rates were not significantly influenced by sets over vegetated and unvegetated bottom types, various …

Diet Of Tripletail, Lobotes Surinamensis, From Mississippi Coastal Waters, James S. Franks, Katherine E. Vanderkooy, Nikola M. Garber

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The diet of tripletail, Lobotes surinamensis, collected from the Mississippi Sound and Mississippi's offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico between April and September 1995-1997, was investigated through analysis of stomach contents. Of 178 tripletail stomachs examined, 136 (76%) contained prey items, and 42 (24%) were empty. Tripletail with prey in their stomachs ranged from 183 to 787 mm total length (mean 522.6 mm) and 0.14 to 10.5 kg total weight (mean 3.64 kg). The diet consisted of 32 different prey types and was comprised of shrimp, crabs, and teleost fishes which were represented by about equal number and …

Status And Habitat Characteristics Of The Saltmarsh Topminnow, Fundulus Jenkinsi (Evermann) In Eastern Mississippi And Western Alabama Coastal Bayous, Mark S. Peterson, Gregory L. Fulling, Christa M. Woodley

Gulf and Caribbean Research

The saltmarsh topminnow, Fundulus jenkinsi (Evermann, 1892), occurs sporadically along the northern Gulf of Mexico and appears to prefer Spartina habitat. Throughout its range, it is considered rare or threatened and has been placed on the US Federal Register's List of Candidate Species. In order to determine the status and habitat characteristics of this species, we examined collections from 1985-1986, 1996, 1999, and 2001 from eastern Mississippi and western Alabama. We report on 868 F. jenkinsi collected in 82 locations using 414 seine hauls and 420 Breder traps over 40 dates. Results using all collections indicated F. jenkinsi is not …

Spawning Aggregation Sites Of Snapper And Grouper Species (Lutjanidae And Serranidae) On The Insular Shelf Of Cuba, Rodolfo Claro, Kenyon C. Lindeman

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Twenty-one spawning aggregation sites on the Cuban shelf were identified for eight species of snappers (Lutjanus) and groupers (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) using information from experienced fishers and field studies. Three sites are on the southeastern shelf, eight on the southwest shelf bordering the Golfo de Batabanó, two in the northwest, and eight in the north-central region along the margins of the Archipiélago de Sabana-Camagüey. These numbers may reflect sampling effort as much as absolute aggregation numbers, with most effort concentrated in the southwest and north-central regions. Additional studies, particularly field assessments, are needed to determine the …

Fishery Management Measures Instituted At Discovery Bay, Jamaica, With Special Reference To Establishment Of The Fisheries Reserve, Jeremy Woodley, Zsolt Sary, Peter Gayle

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Jamaican north coast coral reef fish stocks have been over-exploited. The Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) began in 1988 to help fishers at Discovery Bay to introduce management measures. Social and cultural constraints included poverty and distrust among fishers. FIP initiated: 1) an education programme in reef fisheries and the possibilities of local management; 2) encouragement of a Discovery Bay Fishermens’ Association; in 1994, Association members agreed on a voluntary protected area within Discovery Bay; 3) a Reserve Planning Group, representing all users of the bay; 4) contract with Fishermens’ Association: grant funds were transferred to it to employ rangers; 5) …

Human System Connectivity: A Need For Mpa Management Effectiveness, Patrick Mcconney, Leah Bunce, Georgina Bustamante

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Near the conclusion of the GCFI meeting and its special MPA symposium a workshop was convened to address the topic of Human system connectivity: a need for MPA management effectiveness. The title was inspired by the marine science sessions that examined facets of ecosystem connectivity. The social scientists, MPA managers, and marine ecologists present thought that our understanding of MPAs would be enhanced by a session in which the human system and its connectivity, both to the marine system and within itself, was prominent. This workshop was loosely linked to presentations in the session on Capacity Building and Community …