Reproductive Parameters of Coastal Pelagic Fishes

Transcripción

Reproductive Parameters of Coastal Pelagic Fishes
Parámetros Reproductivos de Peces Pelágicos Costeros
Paramètres de la Reproduction des Poissons Pélagiques Côtiers
SONIA AHRABI-NEJAD1*, DAVID KERSTETTER2,
PATRICIA BLACKWELDER1, and D. ABIGAIL RENEGAR1
1
Nova Southeastern University, 1635 Tyler Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 USA. *[email protected].
2
Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA.
ABSTRACT
The ability to manage a fish stock relies on an understanding of life history characteristics and basic biology of
the species. Numerous age-growth studies are facilitated by the relative ease of ageing fishes through hard-part analyses.
Determining reproductive parameters for fish populations is just as important for stock assessments and management, and
histological examination of gonads provides the most accurate determination of fecundity and spawning periods.
However, research in this area is limited. Coastal pelagic fishes are often targeted commercially and recreationally
due to their easy access by private vessels. The objective of this study is to provide baseline data for two fish species
important to Florida fisheries: the coastal pelagic fishes of blackfin tuna Thunnus atlanticus, and little tunny Euthynnus
alletteratus. Histological examination of archived gonad samples for these four species from 2010-2014 will provide
data on spawning periodicity (single or multiple periods per year) and baseline fecundity of reproductive-age females.
To date, 185 samples of blackfin tuna and 191 samples of little tunny have been prepared onto slides and are
undergoing microscopic evaluation to determine maturity. The individual fish will be classified as being immature,
developing, spawning capable, regressing, or regenerating.
KEY WORDS: Blackfin tuna, little tunny, gonadal maturity, histology, recreational fisheries
Thermal Preferences and Critical Temperatures of
Invasive Lionfish Complex (Pterois volitans/P. miles)
Preferencias Térmicas y Temperaturas Críticos del
Complejo Pez León Invasor (Pterois volitans/P. miles)
Préférences Thermiques et les Températures Critiques de Complexe de
Rascasse Volante Invasive (Pterois volitans/P. miles)
BENJAMIN BARKER1*, ANDRIJ HORODYSKY2, and DAVID KERSTETTER1
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, 8000 N. Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA.
*[email protected].
2
Hampton University, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, 100 E. Queen St., Hampton, Virginia 23668 USA
1
ABSTRACT
Temperature preference and limits were determined for locally captured, juvenile lionfish at four different acclimation
temperatures (13°C, 20°C, 25°C and 32°C). Temperature preferences were evaluated using an automated shuttlebox
system that presents temperature stimuli in a subject-driven fashion. The shuttlebox system circulates two temperatures
of water within a dumbbell-shaped tank, maintaining a difference of 3°C between sides. Movement of the subject to
the warm side increased temperature stimulus; movements to the old side decreased temperature stimuli in both tanks
(maintaining 3°C differential). Subjects move between hot and cold sides, behaviorally thermo-regulating within
preferred temperature ranges. Critical thermal methodology was used to determine the CTmin and CTmax of the lionfish
with loss of equilibrium as the endpoint. Temperature was increased or decreased by 0.33°C per minute until the end
point was reached. Thermal tolerance polygons will provide a visual representation to the lower and upper thermal
avoidance temperatures of the invasive lionfish, delineating the preferred thermal range of the species. A species‘
thermal preference and tolerance are important mechanistic drivers affecting behavior and geographic distribution
and thus are relevant to fisheries management. Thermal preference data could assist lionfish population management in
pinpointing abundance hotspots, allowing removal efforts to be more efficient. Thermal tolerance describes the range in
which lionfish can survive, and how this range changes with acclimation temperature. Due to increasing ocean temperatures, the current range of the invasive lionfish could expand geographically into higher latitudes, similar to expectaProceedings of the 67th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute November 3 - 7, 2014 Christ Church, Barbados
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67th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
tions for native tropical fishes, with unknown implications for ecosystem processes.
KEY WORDS: Lionfish, thermal, preferences, limits, critical
The Importance of Oil and Gas Platforms on the Community Structure and Predator-Prey
Dynamics of Reef-Associated Fishes in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
La Importancia de las Plataformas Petroleras y de Gas Natural en la Estructura
de la Comunidad y Las Dinámicas Depredador-Presa en los Peces Asociados al Arrecife
en el Norte del Golfo de México
L’Effet des Plateformes Petroliéres et Gazières sur les Communautés et les Relations
Prédateur-Proie des Poissons de Récif dans le Nord du Golfe du Méxique
VICTORIA BARKER
Louisiana State University, 2201 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 USA. [email protected].
ABSTRACT
The northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains approximately 2,600 oil and gas platforms, resulting in the largest de
facto artificial reef system in the world. These structures secondarily serve to increase the amount of hard substrate
and vertical relief in the GOM, providing a congregation point for fishes and additional habitat for sessile organisms.
As of 2013, 1,227 of these structures had ceased to produce oil and have been scheduled for decommissioning and
subsequent removal. These platforms are no longer economically viable infrastructure and are therefore evacuated of
crew and lit only for navigation purposes. In an effort for resource managers to better understand the role of oil and
gas platforms as artificial reefs, many studies have been published since the 1970‘s that focus on the fish community structure. However, no one has yet examined the potential differences in community structure or predator- prey
dynamics at actively lit platforms versus those that are unlit. This study describes and compares the pelagic fish
communities residing at two active and two decommissioned oil and gas platforms in the northern Gulf. Of particular
interest are the abundance of large, predatory species and the possible effect of light on predator-prey dynamics. The first
portion of this study will examine changes in fish biomass around the standing structures with hydroacoustics data
processed with EchoView software. The second will be carried out using high definition stereo-video camera sets
post-processed with PhotoMeasure software in order to determine fish species, lengths, and abundances.
KEY WORDS: Oil and gas platforms, fish community structure, predator-prey dynamics, Gulf of Mexico
Regeneration Capacity of Artificial Lesions on the Coral Porites astreoides (Guadeloupe Island)
Capacidad de Regeneración de Lesiones Artificiales en el
Coral Porites asteroides (Isla de Guadeloupe)
Capacités de Régénération ee Lésions Artificielles sur le
Corail Porites astreoides (Guadeloupe Island)
CLAUDE BOUCHON1*, MALIKA TROUILLEFOU1, SOAZIG LEMOINE1, MIREILLE GUILLAUME2,
HENRICH BRUGGEMANN2, AURÉLIEN JAPAUD1, and YOLANDE BOUCHON-NAVARO1
1
UMR BOREA-DYNECAR, Labex CORAIL Université Antilles - Guyane Campus de Fouillole BP 592,
Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), 97159 France. *[email protected].
2
UMR - BOREA, Labex CORAIL, Université de la Réunion, Saint-Denis (La Réunion) 97400 FRANCE.
ABSTRACT
The decay of corals in the Lesser Antilles due to tissue necrosis is nowadays a worrying phenomenon, and their
capacity of regeneration is a key determinant of coral reef resilience. To estimate the healing capacity of lesions in
a common coral species of Caribbean reefs, artificial lesions (15 mm in diameter and 2-3 mm deep) were created on
12 colonies of Porites astreoides (15 to 20 cm in diameter) with a pneumatic drill. The 12 colonies located on a reef
Poster Session Abstracts GCFI:67 (2015)
Page 419
flat, within an area of 10 m, were monitored during five months. Pictures of the lesions were taken at 14 periods
from day 0 to day 150. New polyps and coenenchyme rapidly colonized the edge of the lesions, but after some
weeks the lesion healing slowed down: the barren coral skeleton was colonized by algal turf and Cyanobacteria that also
trapped sediment. At the end of the experiment (150 days), none of the artificial lesions completely healed. Among
the colonies, 6 of them presented some trace of healing (never above 28,5%) and 6 of them showed expansions of the
lesion size (65,4 % maximum). The global result was an average increase of the lesions size of 15%. This experiment
suggests that Porites astreoides presents a low healing capacity to recover from physical injury. This phenomenon seems
to be linked to the high competitive capacity of turf algae and Cyanobacteria to colonize the barren coral skeleton, thus
compromising the resilience of coral populations.
KEY WORDS: Corals, Caribbean, healing, algal competition, resilience
A Study on the Recovery of Tobago’s Coral Reefs after a Mass Bleaching Event in 2010
Evaluación de la Recuperación de los Arrecifes Coralinos de Tobago
a Causa del Blanqueamiento Masivo en el 2010
Étude de la Croissance des Récifs Coralliens de Tobago Suite à un
Épisode de Blanchissement Massif en 2010
SALOME BUGLASS
University of British Columbia, 405, 1768 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, British Colombia V6J 5l2 Canada.
[email protected].
ABSTRACT
In 2010, coral reefs across the Caribbean suffered from a mass coral bleaching event. This study evaluates the
recovery of scleractinian coral communities across three major reef systems in Tobago that differ in their exposure to
sediment deposition as a result of different adjacent land use practices. At two sites of each of the three reef systems
assessments were done on 1) adult colony population structure, in 2010, 2011 and 2013 to analyse temporal changes
among coral populations, 2) density and composition of coral juveniles (< 5 cm in size) to characterise the levels of
successful sexual recruitment, 3) sediment accumulation rates and composition to understand its potential impact on each
reef. The study found that three years after the bleaching event, most of the adult coral population distributions
became more positively skewed, due to an increase in smaller size colonies. By 2013, Siderastrea siderea and Agaricia
spp population distributions differed significantly and their mean size had significantly declined among most reef sites.
Juveniles were found in low density (5.41 ± 6.31/m2), especially at sites nearest to urban developed land, and were
dominated by brooding genera; broadcasting genera like Montastrea and Diploria, which predominate in the assessed adult
community, were rare. Sedimentation rates were below < 5 mg/cm2/day at all sites but one, and sediment grain size
distribution profiles differed per reef system. Overall, we found that large size colonies are declining among most taxa and
that Tobago‘s coral reefs are not relying on sexual reproduction for post-disturbance recovery.
KEY WORDS: Post-bleaching recovery, recruitment, Tobago, sedimentation, coral population structure
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Implementing The Bahamas Spiny Lobster Fishery Improvement Project
to Improve Management of the Fishery
Aplicación de Las Bahamas Espinosa de Mejoramiento de Pesca de Langosta
del Proyecto Para Mejorar la Gestión de la Pesca
Mise en Ouvre du Projet Bahamas Langouste Pêche Amélioration
pour Améliorer la Gestion de la Pêche
1
FELICITY BURROWS1* and WENDY GOYERT2
The Nature Conservancy, 6 Colonial Hill Plaza, Thompson Boulevard , Nassau, Bahamas. *[email protected].
2
World Wildlife Fund, Washington, D.C. USA.
ABSTRACT
The Bahamas is recognized for its industrious spiny lobster (Panularis argus) fishery and is one of the main
exporters of lobster tails globally. Though the fishery seems stable, threats such as illegal, unregulated, and unreported
harvesting of lobsters still exist. To enhance management and sustainability of the lobster fishery, The Nature Conservancy, The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources, The Bahamas Marine Exporters Association (BMEA), and
other conservation partners are working with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to implement a fishery improvement
project (FIP) for the Bahamian lobster fishery. The FIP‘s goal is to work with stakeholders to advance the fishery
toward meeting sustainable fisheries standards set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) while preserving a
healthy marine ecosystem. Feedback from stakeholders and experts were used to develop a workplan emphasizing major
activities that must be to address the gaps identified in the lobster fishery management structure. Some of these activities
include collecting fisheries dependent data; conducting outreach efforts; improving monitoring, enforcement and
management and; conducting a stock assessment. To date, The Bahamas has implemented a catch certificate
program; a zero tolerance policy within the BMEA against the harvesting and buying of illegal size lobsters;
conducted a lobster stock assessments and; established a Government appointed Spiny Lobster Working Group
consisting of various stakeholders that will advise the Government of schemes that aim to better management and
governance. The expected outcomes of the FIP will consist of improved documentation and management of lobster
stocks, sustained lobster populations and, greater environmental stewardship.
KEY WORDS: FIP, lobster, MSC
Strengthening Climate Change Resilience in Caribbean Coastal Communities –
Insights from Regional Capacity-building Initiatives
Fortalecimiento de Resiliencia al Cambio Climático en el Caribe Comunidades Coastal - Análisis
de las Iniciativas Regionales de Creación de Capacidad
Renforcer la Résilience Face aux Changements Climatiques Caribean Communautés Coastal Aperçus des Initiatives de Renforcement des Capacités Régionales
DONOVAN CAMPBELL1*, SIMONE LEE1, OWEN DAY2, JUDI CLARKE3,
NIKKI HASSELL3**, and NICHOLAS FIELDS3
1
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2 1/2 Kingsway, Unit 27 Devon House, East Kingston, 10 Jamaica.
*[email protected].
2
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2nd Floor St. Andrews House, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent, England CT1 2WD
3
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, Hastings House, Balmoral Gap, Christ Church, Barbados.
**[email protected].
ABSTRACT
Caribbean coastal communities and the ecosystem services they depend upon are at the frontline of some of the most
serious threats from environmental change. Anthropogenic activities related to fishing and tourism, and the environmental pressures of climate change poses challenges for coastal livelihoods, food security and conservation of marine
biodiversity. The CARIBSAVE Partnership has embarked upon three coastal projects to assist communities confront the
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effects of climate change, by providing resources, training and support (financial, managerial, operational and technical) to coastal micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) including fisheries and tourism. The Caribbean
Fish Sanctuaries Partnership (C-FISH) Initiative works with four Caribbean countries and over eight communities
to increase resilience through improved fish sanctuary management. The Greening MSMEs project assists MSMEs
across Barbados (three communities) to implement technologies and behavioural changes in their businesses which reduce
their overall carbon footprint and facilitate livelihood changes that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
The Climate Change, Coastal Community Enterprises, Adaptation, Resilience, and Knowledge (CCCCE-ARK) project
provides MSMEs from eight communities in four Caribbean countries the opportunity to exchange experiences, build
networks and relationships, produce adaptation plans, and explore ways of adapting their livelihoods to climate change,
under the guidance of experts at local institutions at the forefront of this work in the region. Preliminary insights of these
three ongoing projects show that transformative impacts on livelihoods can be achieved through enhanced capacity,
information sharing and strengthening opportunities for alternative livelihoods within and between sectors, thus
encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to combating climate change.
KEY WORDS: Climate change resilience, capacity building, livelihoods, transformative change
A Principal Component Analysis of Vertical Temperature Profiles for
Tracking Movements of Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Un Análisis de Componentes Principales de Los Perfiles Verticales de Temperatura
para los Movimientos de Seguimiento del Pez Espada Xiphias gladius
Une Analyse en Composantes Principales des Profils Verticaux de Température
pour Analyser les Mouvements des Xiphias gladius d'Espadon
1
KATHRYN CARMODY1*, ARTHUR MARIANO2, and DAVID KERSTETTER1
Nova Southeastern University, 8000 North Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 USA. *[email protected].
2
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami,
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida 33149 USA.
ABSTRACT
Light-based algorithms using pop-up satellite archival tag (PSAT) technology has successfully derived geolocation
estimates along the course of the deployment track. However, the diel behavior of swordfish, and other commercially
viable highly migratory species (HMS), precludes this methodology because of the lack of ambient light data. Advances
in geolocation methods have allowed coordinate estimates of swordfish to be within 0.3° longitude and 0.7° latitude
under optimal conditions. A principal component analysis (PCA) of temperature profiles is used to estimate the movement between the initial location of release and the location of tag release and transmission. PSAT data from swordfish (n = 3) and blue marlin (n = 3) tagged within the Caribbean and Northwest Atlantic, were used to generate daily
coordinate estimations. The blue marlin data included light information sufficient to derive geolocation estimates using
the TrackIt model, while the PCA model was used to derive comparison estimates. Comparisons of the two models
show an average root mean square error of 32.9 km, demonstrating that the PCA model can be used to extract the
movement of tagged fish. This study shows the feasibility of using temperature and depth data instead of light levels to
allow effective track derivation for swordfish and as an additional datastream for refining the tracks of other electronically
tagged fish.
KEY WORDS: Pelagic, tracking, swordfish, fisheries, management
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A Cartographic Demonstration on the Value of Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge
in Mapping Reef Fish Communities and Fishing Grounds
Una Demonstración de Cartografía en el Valor del Conocimiento Ecológico Pescadores
en Communidades Peces de Arrecife Cartografía y Motivos de Pesca
Une Démonstration Cartographie sur la Valeur des Pêcheurs Connaissances Écologiques
dans la Cartographie Communautés de Poissons et de Pêche
LIAM CARR
22 Shirley Lane, New London, Connecticut 06320 USA. [email protected].
ABSTRACT
In 2010, NOAA conducted a rigorous fish trap survey of the nearshore and shelf-edge waters of St. Croix, Virgin
Islands. At the same time, and independent of the NOAA-funded study, a study quantifying the fishers‘ ecological
knowledge (FEK) of the St. Croix commercial fishing community was underway. As part of the FEK study, community
participants were asked to draw cognitive maps of their primary fishing grounds, based on their own understanding of
species, seasonal, and geomorphological information and interactions. These cognitive maps were digitized, analyzed,
and then compared to the reef fish community maps produced by the NOAA study. There is high agreement between
the NOAA and FEK maps, affirming that fishing community members can provide valuable insights for researchers that
improve our understanding of reef community dynamics. The scientific value of FEK is particularly relevant for reef
systems that are under-studied, lack historical records, or face insufficient research and management resources. Researchers should continue pursuing opportunities to study and utilize FEK.
KEY WORDS: Fishers' ecological knowledge, reef fish communities, mapping, cognitive mapping
Community-based Approaches to Marine Science
Los Enfoques Comunitarios a Ciencias del Mar
Les Approches Communautaires à Marine Science
OWEN DAY1*, NEWTON ERISTHEE2, SIMONE LEE2,
DONOVAN CAMPBELL2, and MICHELLE MCNAUGHT2
1
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2nd Floor, St. Andrews House,
Station Road, East Canterbury, United Kingdom. *[email protected].
2
The CARIBSAVE Partnership, 2 ½ Kingsway, Unit 27, Devon House, East Kingston, 10 Jamaica.
ABSTRACT
The importance of effectively engaging local stakeholders in the management of their natural resources is well
established (Ostrom, 1990). This approach encourages benefits such as community buy in, increased compliance,
alternative livelihood opportunities, understanding and awareness inter alia. Considering these benefits, the Caribbean Fish Sanctuary Partnership (C-FISH) Initiative has embedded community- based and participatory approaches to
research in its 4-year fisheries support programme. Each of the seven Jamaican fish sanctuaries partnered with the CFISH Initiative have had community members and sanctuary stakeholders trained in data collection. Each sanctuary
conducts a catch and release fish monitoring (Community-based live fish Monitoring or ‗CLIF‘) semi-annually
(approximately 140 fish traps drawn every round) recording fish biomass data for inside and outside sanctuary
boundaries. The communities are also responsible for administering socio-economic surveys annually. To date, the
sanctuaries have satisfactorily provided combined data for 16 rounds of CLIF data, and 8 rounds of socio- economic data.
This data is analysed by The CARIBSAVE Partnership and presented to the communities. Preliminary results have shown
that coastal communities can be effective participants in fisheries research and monitoring programmes, and that using
this approach to marine science creates opportunities for increased income, but also spin-off successes through greater
sense of ownership, improved capacity for time bound and robust data collection in conjunction with use of digital
equipment (GPS, cameras, scales) and increased awareness on fisheries management issues.
KEY WORDS: Community-based Approach, marine science, data collection, capacity building, stakeholder participation
Page 423
Effects of Artificial Light on The Trophic Ecology of Fish Communities
on Active Oil and Gas Platforms and ‘Idle Iron’ Platforms
Los Efectos de la Luz Artificial Sobre la Ecología Trófica de las Comunidades de Peces
en las Plataformas de Petróleo y Gas Activo y las Plataformas "Iron Idle"
Les Effets Lumières Artificielles sur l’Écologie Trophique Des Communautés de Poissons
dans les Actives Plates-Formes Pétrolières et Gazières et Plates-Formes de la ’Idle Iron’
KRISTIN FOSS* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State University, Apartment 25, 515 Gardere Lane, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820 USA. *[email protected].
ABSTRACT
Over 2,500 petroleum platforms are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM); they are estimated to provide an
additional 12 km2 of artificial reef habitat. These structures both allow for the colonization and growth of biofouling
communities and provide habitat and food resources for reef fish and pelagic predators; however, the ecological role of
platforms has often been overlooked. All manned platforms have large floodlights for nighttime operations, which
illuminate the surrounding waters. This study seeks to address the potential impacts of artificial light on the trophic
ecology of fish communities around offshore platforms through gut content analysis (GCA) and stable isotope analysis
(SIA). Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and other pelagic predator species are being collected twice per quarter
(February 2014 - February 2016) from two active platforms and two ―idle irons‖ (i.e. inactive platforms) in the Eugene
Island oil and gas lease area, off the coast of Louisiana. Species in the top 30 meters of the water column are being
collected using 10-hook vertical longlines and single hook and line rigs. Stomachs are being removed from all specimens
(excluding sharks) collected to determine feeding behavior, and muscle samples are being taken from the epaxial tissue on
the left flank of each specimen for SIA. Samples are currently post-processed and will be analyzed in the laboratory.
This study will further our understanding of the role of platforms as habitat for fish communities and provide additional
tools for fisheries management in the GOM.
KEY WORDS: Petroleum platforms, artificial reef, red snapper, artificial light, GCA & SIA
Preliminary Assessment of Shark and Ray By-catch Using Different By-catch Reduction
Devices in the Atlantic Seabob Trawl Fishery of Guyana
Evaluación Preliminar de la Captura Incidental de Tiburones y Rayas Utilizando
Diferentes Dispositivos de Reducción de Captura Incidental en la Pesquería
de Arrastre del Camarón Siete Barbas de Guyana
Évaluation Préliminaire de Prises Accessoires de Requin et de Raie en Utilisant
Différents Dispositifs De Réduction des Prises Accessoires dans la Pêche au Chalut
de la Crevette Seabob Atlantique de la Guyane
AARON GARSTIN1*, DAWN MAISON2, and HAZEL OXENFORD1
CERMES, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. *[email protected]. 2Guyana Association of
Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors, Noble House Seafoods, East Bank, Demerara, Guyana
1
ABSTRACT
The Atlantic seabob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) fishery is extremely important to Guyana, with over 80 licensed
commercial trawling vessels and annual landings of around 25,000 mt, largely for export. The Guyana Association of
Private Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GAPTO&SP) is taking pro- active steps in pursuing Marine Stewardship Council certification to ensure top market prices and long- term sustainability of the seabob stock. To this end, all
commercial vessels in the fleet are using turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and by-catch reduction devices (BRDs) in
their trawl nets. However, the effectiveness of these devices in reducing the by-catch of vulnerable sharks and rays
has not yet been examined. This study, requested by GAPTO&SP, represents the first attempt to document the by-catch of
these discarded species by the seabob trawl fleet, and to compare the effectiveness of two different TED designs. Over the
period July - August 2014, multiple trips were taken on a number of different seabob vessels to document the species,
sizes and condition of all sharks and rays landed and discarded. Wherever possible, vessels deployed nets fitted with a
standard TED, simultaneously with nets fitted with a modified TED.
Page 424
KEY WORDS: Atlantic seabob, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, by-catch, sharks and rays, Guyana
Digestion Rate Analysis of Fish and Shrimp Prey Items in Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
Análisis de la Tasa de Digestión de Peces y Camarones Presa Artículos en
Pez León (Pterois volitans)
Analyse Du Taux De Digestion des Éléments de Poissons et de Crevettes Proies
dans Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
CHELSEA HARMS* and RICHARD APPELDOORN
University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, Department of Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 9000,
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681 USA *[email protected]
ABSTRACT
Feeding ecology studies have provided valuable insight into the impacts of lionfish on the native reef fish communities
of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. The lionfish are known to consume over 70 fish species and many invertebrates, and relative prey abundance is strongly site specific. However, the majority of these studies have been based
on morphological identification, usually of partially digested specimens. Morphological identification can be biased
and prone to human error, depending on the digestive level of the prey item. Additionally, lionfish feed during crepuscular hours, while many lionfish collections occur at opportune times for researchers and scientists, which usually do not
correlate with feeding. The aforementioned points support the need for quantifying digestion rates for more accurate
feeding ecology studies or for understanding existing biases. This study analyzed the digestion rate of known teleost
and invertebrate prey items in lionfish stomachs, over a given period of time, to provide an estimate of digestion rate at
basal metabolism. Two size classes of lionfish were examined and time intervals of 30 minutes to an hour were
used to identify digestion rate. Approximately 5+ hours are required before a known fish prey item is deemed unrecognizable, and 9+ hours for shrimp. Temperature was observed to correlate with digestion rate. Given these results, a
detailed prey digestion scale was developed to assist future morphological gut content analyses. Studies utilizing
morphological identification should structure their experimental design to incorporate this information to obtain a higher
percentage of undigested prey items for analysis.
KEY WORDS: Gut contents, diet, feeding ecology, lionfish, digestion rate
Habitat-specific Growth of Hatchery-reared Juvenile Spotted Seatrout
in a Mississippi Bay System
Hábitat Específico Crecimiento de Corvina Pinta Jóvenes
de Criadero de Peces en la Sistema de Bahía de Mississippi
Etude de la Croissance des Juvéniles Spotted Seatrout
dans Différent Habitats d'une Baie Cotière du Mississippi
1
J. READ HENDON1* and CHET RAKOCINSKI2
Center for Fisheries Research & Development, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs,
Mississippi 39564 USA. *[email protected]. 2Department of Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory,
703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA.
ABSTRACT
Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) is the most harvested recreational species in Mississippi coastal waters.
Concerns about the sustainability of the fishery prompted fishery managers to develop a stock enhancement program
to establish methodologies for rearing fish in captivity for subsequent release into the wild to supplement wild stocks.
The success of such enhancement programs, however, is predicated on the ability of hatchery-reared fish to survive in
the natural environment, transition to feeding on wild prey, and successfully avoid predation, all while not displacing
wild fish. Experimental research is also necessary to identify release habitats which optimize survival and growth. The
purpose of this research was to evaluate habitat-specific growth of hatchery-reared spotted seatrout among three
habitats in a shallow bay system: submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), non-vegetated shoreline, and non-vegetated
Page 425
open water. After a one-month cage enclosure study, growth was found to be significantly greater (less negative) for
fish held in SAV and non-vegetated shoreline compared to deeper, non-vegetated open water. A comparison of
stomach content analyses also revealed that hatchery-reared fish had successfully transitioned to wild prey, and general
diet categories were similar to that for wild fish in similar size ranges. Research findings indicate that habitats within
or in close proximity to SAV or marsh shoreline offer more favorable environments for growth of hatchery-reared
spotted seatrout, and that those fish have the capacity to adapt to natural environmental conditions, in the absence of
predation, and transition to feeding on wild prey items.
KEY WORDS: Hatchery-reared, spotted seatrout, fish growth
Molecular Markers in Mithrax spinosissimus Lamarck 1818
(Decapoda: Mithracidae) from Colombian Caribbean Islands:
Application in Population Genetics, Phylogeography, and Ecotoxicology Studies
Marcadores Moleculares en Mithrax spinosissimus Lamarck 1818
(Decapoda: Mithracidae) de Islas del Caribe Colombiano:
Aplicación en Estudios Genetico-Poblacionales, Filogeográficos y Ecotoxicológicos
Marqueurs Moléculaires dans Mithrax Spinosissimus Lamarck 1818
(Decapoda: Mithracidae) de Ïles des Caraïbes Colombiennes:
Application dans Études Génétiques, Phylogéographiques et Écotoxicologiques
JULIO HURTADO1*, NESTOR CAMPOS2, and EDNA MARQUEZ3
POSGRADO en Bosques y Conservacion Ambiental, Un - Programa De Biologia, Universidad Eafit,
Medellin, Colombia. * [email protected], [email protected].
2
CECIMAR, Universidad Nacional De Colombia Sede Caribe, San Luis, San Andrés, Colombia.
3
Universidad Nacional De Colombia Sede Medellin, Medellin, Colombia.
1
ABSTRACT
Mithrax spinosissimus is an overexploited spider crab that inhabits coral and rocky reef ecosystems in the Caribbean
Sea and the Florida Keys in U.S. It possesses ecological and economical importance in artisanal fisheries. There is
a lack of information about molecular markers for conservation genetics, phylogeography, and ecotoxicology studies.
From October 2011 to March 2012 collections of muscle tissues from M. spinosissimus were taken from oceanic and
coastal islands from Colombian Caribbean. We had sequenced and assembled the genome of a male crab using the
454 GS-FLX and MIRA3 software. We chose repetition motifs between 150 - 350 bp and we designed too speciesspecific primers with PRIMER3. For population genetics analysis we tested 44 primer pairs, founding nine of them useful.
For the mitochondrial genome assembly, we carried out bioinformatics analyses and PCR procedures. For phylogeography
and genetic structure analysis we amplified sequences from mitochondrial regions COI and D-loop. Both of the molecular markers assayed were useful to find population genetic structure and phylogeographical differences of M. spinosissimus populations from Colombian Caribbean islands. Finally, by using genetic databases and genome information from this
crab as a model for gene detection, we carried out a preliminary detection of genes from the Cytochrome P450 family
for future testing of crabs from polluted places. Our results could be important for the detection of genetic stocks of
this crustacean, and possibly too for future ecotoxicology studies. This work may be useful for management recommendations for marine protected areas and their conservation.
KEY WORDS: Colombian Caribbean, spider crab , genetics and phylogeography, ecology, management
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Climate Change and the Equatorial Atlantic:
Impacts on Fishery Important Habitat of the Inter-American Seas
El Cambio Climático y el Atlántico Ecuatorial:
Impactos en la Pesca del Hábitat Importante de los Mares Interamericano
Le Changement Climatique et L'atlantique Équatorial:
Impacts Sur la Pêche Habitat Important des Mers Interaméricaine
DONALD JOHNSON1*, HARRIET PERRY2, and GUILLERMO SANCHEZ2
University Southern Mississippi, 703 E. Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564 USA.
*[email protected].
2
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, USM, 703 E. Beach Blvd., Ocean Springs. Mississippi 39564 USA.
1
ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that rising earth temperatures are producing large swings in ocean/atmosphere dynamics,
often with unexpected results in the biosphere. The recent bloom‘ of pelagic sargassum in the Caribbean and off West
Africa is an example. Ocean waters which form the fishery important habitats of the Inter-American Seas come principally
from Atlantic equatorial currents together with currents associated with the north Atlantic gyre. Initially, it was expected
that large quantities of sargassum from the Sargasso Sea, where it is commonly found in large mats, were involved in
Caribbean and African stranding. However, it now seems clear that blooming took place in the Atlantic Equatorial
Current systems, where it is commonly found in smaller quantities, but where enhanced growth and consolidation is taking
place. Iron rich African dust and nutrients from West African and equatorial upwelling along with outflow of the
Congo, Amazon, Orinoco, and other rivers contribute significantly to marine plant growth in the equatorial Atlantic.
Adversely, however, African dust has also been linked to the decline of coral reefs through the introduction of anthropogenic pollutants as well as pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we examine the coupled dynamics of the north
Atlantic atmospheric/oceanic systems along with forcing mechanisms and climate indices which describe variations
over time. We examine some aspects of fisheries than can be affected by these variations.
KEY WORDS: Climate change, Inter-American Seas
Loss of Coastal Mangroves on the Island of New Providence, The Bahamas
La Pérdida De Los Manglares Costeros de la Isla de Nueva Providencia, Bahamas Disparition
Des Mangroves Côtières de l'Ïsle de New Providence, Bahamas
LINDY KNOWLES
Bahamas National Trust, Village Road, Nassau, NP N4105 The Bahamas. [email protected].
ABSTRACT
The mangrove forests, formerly called the swamp lands, of the Bahamian islands have been subjected to needs of a
growing population and have been lost in the face of unsustainable development. These areas are historically prime real
estate for development: filled in to create land, dredged for marinas and fragmented for roads. These areas are also
utilized for fishing. The functionality of these degraded mangroves is reduced and habitat for fish is diminished as well.
These mangroves function as a nursery habitat for the reef fish surrounding the islands of the Bahamas and protect the
investments of those who utilize these areas. A reduced fish habitat impacts the overall quality of the fishing industry.
Given the important nature of these habitats, each time the ecosystem is degraded the fishing industry feels the
impact; albeit long term. The island of New Providence is no different. The city of Nassau houses roughly 2/3’s of the
Bahamian population. The island of New Providence has seen many key mangrove habitats destroyed, fragmented, and
degraded during this time. The combination of habitat degradation, increased populations, and increased fishing pressure
over the last 50+ years has impacted the quality of the fish on the reefs surrounding New Providence. This presentation
aims to quantify the area of fisheries habitat lost on the island of New Providence as a result of unsustainable development
and show projects and programmes that aim to change the fate of these ecosystems.
KEY WORDS: Mangrove, habitat change
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An Ethnographic and Ecological Study of the Artisanal Fishery for Cittarium pica in Puerto Rico
Un Estudio Etnográfico y Ecológica de la Pesquería Artesanal de Cittarium pica en Puerto Rico
Une Étude Ethnographique et Écologique de la Pêche Artisanale
pour Cittarium pica à Puerto Rico
J.A. MACFARLAN*, ELIZABETH MCLEAN, GRAHAM FORRESTER, and CARLOS GARCIA-QUIJANO
University of Rhode Island, Department of Natural Resources Science, 1 Greenhouse Road,
Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 USA. *[email protected].
ABSTRACT
Cittarium pica, commonly known in Puerto Rico as Burgao, has been hand-collected in the Caribbean for thousands
of years and is considered an important artisanal fishery. Despite its importance and concerns about overfishing
there have been limited studies of its ecology or socio-economic value. C. pica is a slow moving and conspicuous
grazer with a limited intertidal habitat range which are likely factors contributing to the perception that the species is
being overfished. Via an interdisciplinary approach based on deep ethnography, structured open-ended interviews, and
classical intertidal field techniques, we focused on three areas in Puerto Rico to study the fishery. We interviewed a
total of 46 commercial fishers, 22 recreational fishers, and 8 restaurant owners. We sampled 19 intertidal sites as well
as legally landed and poached catches of C. pica. We recorded local ecological knowledge, fishing techniques, uses for
both shells and meat, as well as the cultural and economic value of the species within small fishing communities. We
found that the status of the population of C. pica, and the distribution networks are difficult to identify, C. pica
populations are patchily distributed in space, individual fishers are rare, and fishing effort is episodic. C. pica‘s value
fluctuates dependent on the size of the snail and the form in which it is sold. Fishers in general perceive that the species is
in decline and that regulations are not working.
KEY WORDS: Burgao, artisanal, livelihood, ethnography, ecology
Understanding the Social Dimensions of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Jamaica:
An Assessment of Fishers' Perceptions and Attitudes towards
Special Fishery Conservation Areas (SFCAs) Across the Island
Entender la Dimensiones Sociales de Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMPs) en Jamaica :
Una Evaluación de Percepciones y Actitudes Hacia los
Pescadores Especiales Áreas de Conservación de Pesca (SFCAs) a Traves de la Isla
Comprendre Les Dimensions Sociales des Aires Marines Protégéss (AMP) en Jamaïque:
Une Évaluation des Perceptions et des Attitudes Pêcheurs Vers les
Zones Spéciales de Conservation Pêche (SFCAs) à Travers l'Île
TASHANA MALCOLM1* and DONOVAN CAMPBELL2
1
University of the West Indies, Caribsave, 21/2 Kingsway unit 27, Devon House East, Kingston 10, Jamaica.
*[email protected]. 2Caribsave, 21/2 Kingsway unit 27, Devon House East, Kingston 10, Jamaica.
ABSTRACT
With the most overfished waters in the English-speaking Caribbean, Jamaica is a classic case of a fishery and marine
biodiversity in crisis - a situation which prompted the establishment of a network of Special Fishery Conservation Areas
(SFCAs). This response strategy has received strong support from the Jamaican government and local environmental
NGOs. However, the SFCAs have also resulted in displacement and marginalization of many fishers across the island.
While the ecological benefits of SFCAs are well established, there is a paucity of research on its social dimensions in
Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. In this paper we utilize the knowledge, experience and perceptions of 240 fishers from 9
communities adjacent to SFCAs to document the implications of SFCAs for fisheries livelihoods. The results show that
most fishers understand the ecological benefits of SFCAs but are more concerned about the socio-economic challenges
arising from displacement. Fishers' perceptions vary according to socio- economic characteristics and fishing practices,
with spear, net, and older fishers experiencing the most serious livelihood challenges, and as such, are generally less
supportive of the SFCAs. The results show that relative awareness of the rules and of the ecological benefits of SFCAs
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have limited influence on the level of support for the SFCAs from displaced fishers. The overall analysis indicates an
urgent need to establish livelihood support programs for displaced groups of fishers across the island.
KEY WORDS: Marine Protected Areas, displacement, livelihoods, governance, management
Migration and Life Stage Size Progression through Tagging Data for Dolphinfish
(Coryphaena hippurus) in the Western Central Atlantic
Migración y Etapa de la Vida a Través de la Progresión del Tamaño de los Datos de Marcado
para el Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) en el Atlántico Central Occidental
Migration et le Stade de la Vie Progression de la Taille Grâce à des Données
de Marquage pour la Coryphène (Coryphaena hippurus) dans l'Atlantique Centre-Ouest
WESSLEY MERTEN1*, DONALD HAMMOND2, and RICHARD APPELDOORN1
1
Dolphinfish Research Program, 961 Anchor Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412 USA.*[email protected].
2
University of Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 9000, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00680 USA.
ABSTRACT
Since 2002, a conventional mark and recapture study operated by the Dolphinfish Research Program has begun to
significantly characterize the migration of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) throughout the Atlantic. Data show that
dolphinfish undergo a northward migration along the U.S. east coast, emigration away from the coast along south and midAtlantic bights, and appear to make annual circuits through the tropical Atlantic (north of Greater Antilles and Bahamian
archipelago) and Caribbean Sea. Evidence of the latter is further presented here with 17 mark-recapture displacements
from the U.S. east coast to the north central Atlantic (the Azores), tropical Atlantic, and Caribbean Sea. Mean days at
liberty were 259.7 ± 103.6 days (mean ± SD); one fish released in the Gulf of Mexcio was recaptured in the Bahamas
45 days later. Measured and estimated fork lengths suggest dolphinfish grew from juvenile (52.3 ± 7.9 cm) to adult
(106.1 ± 20.9 cm) life-stage while at liberty, with an observed growth rate of 2.14 mm/d. Growth estimates compiled from
tagging data can prove useful in establishing the progressive change in life-stage between locations, identifying spawning
locations, and defining fishing pressure on size classes necessary for implementing consistent regional management
measures.
KEY WORDS: Dolphinfish, regional connectivity, growth rates, migration
Length–Weight Relationship of Barbul de Piedra in the Cordoba´s Caribbean Sea
Relación Longitud-Peso del Barbul de Piedra en el Mar Caribe Cordobés
Le Rapport Poids-Longueur des Barbul de Piedra dans la Mer
des Caraïbes de Cordoba, Colombie
CHARLES W. OLAYA-NIETO*, ANGEL L. MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ, and FREDYS F. SEGURA-GUEVARA
Laboratorio de Investigación Biológico Pesquera, Universidad de Córdoba, Km 1, Carretera a Chinú,
Carrera 23 No 2A - 20, Piso 2 Lorica, Córdoba, Colombia. *[email protected].
ABSTRACT
The Barbul de Piedra is a catfish species almost endemic from Colombia's Caribbean coast, considered threatened
by the IUCN. 457 individuals were collected for this study and the length-weight relationship and condition factor were
estimated through TW = aTLb and Cf = TW/TLb, respectively. 330 females, 77 males and 50 undifferentiated were
found, with sexual proportion female: male 4.3:1, differently than expected. The sizes ranged between 18.0 and 50.0
cm TL, the total weight between 46.0 and 1529.0 g, and the mean length in the catch was 30.8 cm TL, and was
observed that 70.9% of individuals were caught below the length at first maturity estimated for the species. The length
–weight relationship for both sexes was TW = 0.006 (± 0.05) TL 3.16 (± 0.03), n = 457, r = 0.99, with positive allometric growth coefficient and high correlation. The growth coefficient ranged between 2.93 (May) and 3.35 (April), with
statistically significant differences and the condition factor ranged from 0,003 (April, August, and October) and 0.012
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(May), without statistically significant differences; confirming the premise of the inverse relationship between this
parameter and the growth coefficient of length-weight relationship of Barbul de Piedra.
KEY WORDS: Growth, population dynamic, condition factor, sexual proportion
Age and Growth of Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) from the Campeche Bank
Edad y Crecimiento de la Rabirrubia (Ocyurus chrysurus) del Banco de Campeche
Age et Croissance du Vivaneau Queuejaune (Ocyurus chrysurus) du Banc de Campeche
MARCO ANTONIO PASOS-MONTALVO, XIMENA RENÁN*, TERESA COLÁS- MARRUFO, and THIERRY BRULÉ
CINVESTAV-IPN Unidad Merida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso K. 6 Cordemex. Mérida, Yucatan 97310 Mexico.
*[email protected].
RESUMEN
La flota artesanal pesquera del estado de Yucatán explota principalmente al mero rojo (Epinephelus morio), pero
debido a su sobreexplotación y constante disminución en volúmenes pesqueros, la rabirrubia (Ocyurus chrysurus) es una
de las principales especies pesqueras alternativas. Muy apreciada por la alta calidad de su carne, la rabirrubia ha sido
explotada durante los últimos años de manera sostenida, incrementando sus volúmenes comerciales en 56 toneladas
anuales. A pesar de su importancia comercial, la falta de datos sobre su biología ponen en riesgo de sobreexplotación a
la especie. Por esta razón el objetivo del trabajo fue la determinación de la edad y parámetros de crecimiento de la misma.
De enero a diciembre del 2008 en tres puertos pesqueros del estado de Yucatán (Dzilam, Celestún y Río lagartos) se
realizaron muestreos mensuales para la obtención de otolitos a partir de los cuales se contaron los annuli. Se obtuvieron
974 sagittae de individuos cuyo intervalo de tallas y pesos fue de 14.2 a 45.4 cm de longitud total (TL) y de 78 a
990 g de peso total (PT), respectivamente. Las edades registradas variaron entre 2 a 10 años siendo las edades más
frecuentes 2 (n = 281), 3 (n = 232) y 4 (n = 239) años, mientras que las edades menos comunes fueron 9 (n = 6) y 10 (n
= 3) años. El análisis del incremento marginal (IM) confirmó la formación de un annulus entre otoño y principios de
invierno, registrándose el menor valor en diciembre (IM= 0.43 mm). A partir de las edades, el modelo de crecimeinto de
Von Bertallanfy para la especie en el Banco de Campeche fue: LT = 63.7 [1- exp *(0.13(t +5.36)].
PALABRAS CLAVE: Ocyurus chrysurus, edad, otolitos, crecimiento
Propuesta de Implementación de un Geovisor para la Distribución de
Información Pesquera en el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina
Proposal for Implementing a Geovisor for the Distribution of Fisheries Information
in the Archipelago of San Andres, Providence and Santa Catalina
Proposition de Mise en Œuvre d'un Geovisor Pour la Distribution de
l'Information de la Pêche dans l'Archipel de San Andres, Providence et Santa Catalina
ANTHONY ROJAS* and HEINS BENT
Secretaria de Agricultura y Pesca, Av. Francisco Newball, Edif. Coral Palace, San Andres Isla, San Andres, Colombia
*[email protected].
RESUMEN
Los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG), son un sistema de Información que con el uso de Hardware,
Software y personal humano, permite la obtención, almacenamiento, procesamiento, análisis y visualización de información
geográfica espacial. En la isla de San Andrés la implementación de los SIG en las diferentes instituciones ha sido tediosa y
lenta, debido en gran medida a falta de importancia que se le ha dado a esta herramienta y en segundo lugar por los
costos que se necesitan para su construcción, implementación y mantenimiento. Aun así en la actualidad existe mucha
Información pesquera de la región, generada tanto por instituciones locales o nacionales, pero a la vez no divulgada por
los poseedores de la misma. Esta situación está generando gastos innecesarios de recursos (tanto en tiempo como
económicos) en la obtencion de Información ya existente; o generar diagnósticos equivocados por no poseer información
actualizada o por obtener fuentes de informaciones no verídicas, no oficiales. Aprovechando la información pesquera
espacial existen y la que se pueda generar a futuro, se pretende con la ayuda de Herramientas SIG Open Source el diseño
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e implementación de un Geovisor que permita: 1) la publicacion distribución y consulta de los datos existentes y los
que se generen, aumentado la información pesquera del Archipielago, 2) la facilidad para su oprecacion y acceso, 3)
que todos sus componentes sean gratuitos y que no le genere costos adicionales para su implementación a la institución.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Geovisor, pesquerias, San Andres, SEAFLOWER, SIG
Importance of Social Capital and Networks in the Maintenance of Small-scale Fishing
Communities: Case Studies from Florida and Puerto Rico
Importancia del Capital Social y Redes en el Mantenimiento de las Comunidades Pesqueras de
Pequeña Escala: Estudios de Caso de la Florida y Puerto Rico
Importance du Capital Social et des Réseaux dans le Maintien des Communautés de Pêche
å Petite Échelle: Études de Cas de la Floride et Puerto Rico
MANOJ SHIVLANI
Northern Taiga Ventures, Inc. (NTVI), 10600 SW 131 Court Miami, Florida 33186-3455 USA. [email protected].
ABSTRACT
Social capital, defined loosely as the ties between individuals and across groups that facilitate cooperation and
coordination, is an often understudied (and indeed, undervalued) aspect of fishing communities. While other forms of
capital, namely physical and human capital, are invariably utilized to determine the worth and resilience of fishing
communities, the social links and networks that bind these communities are either taken as tethered to other forms of
capital or an inchoate form of benefits that remain constant despite perturbations. My research in the Florida Keys and
Puerto Rico evaluates the importance of social capital in fishing communities in the respective regions. It determines the
role that bonding and bridging forms of social capital play in establishing and maintaining information networks and
reducing transactions costs. While there remains the need to implement and maintain a formal fishery management system,
my research evaulates the importance to nurture and sustain social capital in fishing communities to achieve resilient
fisheries.
KEY WORDS: Commercial fishing, social networks, social capital, Florida, Puerto Rico
Asociaciones Ambientales del Pulpo Rojo Octopus maya en la Costa de Yucatán, México
Red Octopus Octopus maya Environmental Associations in the Yucatan Coast, Mexico
Associations Environnementaux du Poulpe Rouge Octopus maya
sur la Côte de Yucatan, Mexique
IVÁN VELÁZQUEZ-ABUNADER1*, JORGE A. LOPEZ-ROCHA2,
MA. DE LOS ÁNGELES LICEAGA-CORREA3, and BETZABETH PALAFOX-JUÁREZ3
1
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Cordemex Mérida, Yucatan 97300 Mexico.
*[email protected].
2
Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,
Puerto de Abrigo s/n Sisal, Yucatán 97130 México. 3Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Instituto Politécnico
Nacional Cordemex Mérida, Yucatán 97300 Mexico.
RESUMEN
El pulpo rojo es considerado como un recurso importante tanto ecológica como económicamente, sin embargo
actualmente se desconocen los factores ambientales que podrían determinar su distribución en la región y por ende
comprender de mejor manera su comportamiento. El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de determinar las posibles
asociaciones ambientales del pulpo rojo en las costas de Yucatán, lo anterior con la finalidad de determinar cuáles
variables ambientales determinan su distribución y abundancia. Se realizaron capturas mensuales durante la época de
pesca del pulpo (julio – diciembre) frente a las costas de Yucatán, en los cuales se estimó la Captura por Unidad de
Esfuerzo (org./h) y se registró la posición geográfica del sitio de pesca. Se utilizó el modelo de árboles de regresión
impulsados (Boosted) para explorar las asociaciones entre la CPUE y la batimetría (modelo de interpolación de
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transectos), tipo de fondo (Landsat ETM), pendiente del fondo temperatura superficial del mar (Landsat) y clorofila
(MODIS). Las variables que mayormente se relacionaron con la distribución del pulpo fueron: la clorofila (67.6%
devianza explicada) y tipo de fondo (30.5% devianza explicada) mientras que la pendiente explicó solo el 1.9% de la
devianza. La tendencia de los datos sugiere que el pulpo rojo prefiere zonas con alta productividad biológica y fondos
compuestos de macroalgas y arena con pastos marinos.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Campeche Bank, red octopus, environmental variables, Boosted, model
Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable: Estrategias para el
Manejo del Recurso Pesquero Artesanal en Honduras
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Strategies for
Artisanal Marine Resources Management in Honduras
Code de Conduite pour la Pêche Responsable: Stratégies pour la
Gestion des Ressources de Pêche Artisanale au Honduras
1
MARIELA OCHOA1* and STEPHEN BOX2
Centro de Estudios Marinos, Edificio Florencia, Oficina 401- 403, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. *[email protected].
2
Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 USA.
RESUMEN
El Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable de la FAO, establece directrices generales, para asegurar la
sostenibilidad del recurso pesquero a nivel mundial. Sin embargo para lograr la aplicación en un ámbito local, la participación comunitaria desempeña el rol más importante, por ser usuarios y beneficiarios directos del recurso pesquero. En el
proceso se deben generar espacios de participación y dialogo, con el propósito de realizar un aprovechamiento del
conocimiento tradicional, identificar las necesidades prioritarias y conocer la visión de los actores locales. Considerando
los componentes culturales, sociales, económicos y ambientales, se elabora una herramienta metodológica novedosa.
Identificando y definiendo los principios, valores y normas de conducta de una organización de pescadores artesanales,
se obtiene como resultado el establecimiento de estrategias que garantizan el manejo sostenible de los recursos
pesqueros. Nuestro trabajo consistió en facilitar la elaboración de un Código de Conducta para la Pesca Responsable,
propia de una organización de pescadores artesanales, integrada por tres comunidades rurales de la Costa Caribeña de
Honduras. A través de este proceso se presenta un modelo replicable para la región, debido a que los resultados reflejan
un interés por parte de los pescadores por involucrarse en importantes componentes del manejo pesquero como ser los
monitoreos biológicos, vedas temporales, establecimiento de áreas de no pesca, definición de tallas mínimas y
máximas de capturas, cuotas de capturas, derechos de acceso, entre otras. La elaboración del código es un proceso
voluntario, pero con un compromiso formal, que forma parte de la etapa de fortalecimiento organizativo de las
asociaciones de pescadores artesanales de la costa norte de Honduras.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Participación comunitaria, Codigo de Pesca Responsable, modelo replicable, monitoreos biologicos,
zonas de no pesca
Diseño de Un Sistema de Monitoreo Pesquero Participativo
Designing a Participatory Fisheries Monitoring System
Conception d'un Systeme de Surveillance Participative ee Pêche
1
CRISTHIAN PEREZ*1 and STEPHEN BOX2
Centro de Estudios Marinos Residencial el Naranjal, Edif. Credia La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras.
*[email protected].
2
RESUMEN
El monitoreo pesquero participativo representa una oportunidad para involucrar de manera activa a los usuarios del
recurso marino en la generación del conocimiento sobre el cual han de basarse importantes decisiones de manejo a nivel
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local, y más aún facilita el entendimiento y el compromiso sobre el cual los pescadores respetan dichas decisiones. Una
asociación de tres comunidades pesqueras logró subscribir con las autoridades en el 2010, un acuerdo para el co-manejo
de sus recursos marinos, comprometiéndose desde entonces al desarrollo de un monitoreo pesquero participativo como una
actividad fundamental. No obstante, las limitaciones técnicas de las partes involucradas no permitió el avance esperado. A
pesar de haber iniciativas para monitoreo biológico en la zona, estas han sido esporádicas y realizado por personal externo.
Nuestro proyecto ha identificado a esta asociación de pescadores como una unidad piloto para el desarrollo de un sistema
de monitoreo pesquero participativo denominado CAPTURA, realizado por los mismos miembros de la asociación y
basado en tecnología web de uso fácil e intuitivo que permite a su vez la interpretación de datos en tiempo real. La
divulgación de los datos gráficos generados durante el primer año de prueba (noviembre 2013 / octubre 2014), han logrado
generar un involucramiento creciente entre la comunidad de pescadores. El desarrollo progresivo de esta iniciativa
permitirá que las comunidades pesqueras generen oportunamente y por si mismas el conocimiento necesario para tomar sus
propias decisiones de manejo y lograr así un aprovechamiento sostenible de sus recursos.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Monitoreo pesquero, participativo, comunidades pesqueras, recursos marinos
Using Ecosystem Valuation Tools to Establish Protected Areas, Enact Species Conservation,
and Implement Resilience Management Schemes on a Small Island Developing Nation
Uso de Herramientas de Valoración de los Ecosistemas para Establecer Áreas Protegidas,
Conservación de Especies Promulgar y Aplicar Planes de Gestión de la Resiliencia en una
Nación en Desarrollo Pequeños Estados Insulares
Utilisation Des Outils d'Évaluation des Écosystèmes pour Établir des Zones Protégées ,
Promulguer Conservation des Espèces et Mettre en Œuvre des Systèmes de Gestion
de la Résilience sur un Pays en Développement Insulaires
TADZIO BERVOETS
St. Maarten Nature Foundation/ Man of War Shoal, Welsburg Street Unit 1 Cole Bay, St. Maarten.
[email protected].
ABSTRACT
The government of St. Maarten recently established the country‘s first national park, protecting 1,500 hectares of
coral reef and sea grasses. An analysis quantifying the economic value of the proposed park, using WRI‘s coral reef
valuation method, played a key role in its establishment. Reef-related tourism is central to St. Maarten‘s economy.
Reefs and coralline beaches attract 2 million visitors yearly, and tourism employs 75 percent of the country‘s
population. Reefs and sea grass also nurture fisheries worth US$2 million per year, providing an important source of food
and livelihood for islanders. Despite their economic value, St. Maarten‘s reefs have degraded for decades due to
coastal development, climate change and overfishing. In 2010, the St. Maarten Nature Foundation began campaigning
for a protected park, using a WRI methodology to show that marine ecosystems contribute US$58 million a year to the
country‘s economy through tourism and fisheries. After a negotiation process, the government established Man of War
Shoal Marine Park, protecting the island‘s marine habitats from over-exploitation, setting a precedent for the wider
Caribbean region. Using the results of the Ecosystem Valuation Analysis, the Nature Foundation was also able to
implement and enforce management actions to reflect the importance of individual species. Values were placed on sharks
in particular, protecting them in territorial waters. Results of the study were also incorporated in Coral Reef Resiliency
programs, in particular the Nature Foundation‘s Coral Bleaching response Plan, which outlines management actions to
ensure coral reef resilience as it relates to climate change.
KEY WORDS: Ecosystem valuation, SIDS, coral reefs, resource management, species protection
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Public-Private Partnership Towards Management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
The Case of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Asociación Publica-Privada hacia una Gestión de Áreas Marinas Protegidas (AMPs):
El Caso de las Islas Turcas y Caicos
Partenariat Public-Privé pour la Gestion des Zones Marines Protégées (MPA):
Une Étude de Cas sur les Îles Turks and Caicos
ERIC SALAMANCA*, AMY AVENANT, KATHARINE HART, RODDY MCLEOD, and HENRY WILSON
Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, Lower Bight Road, Providenciales,
Providencale 12345 Turks and Caicos Islands. *[email protected].
ABSTRACT
The Turks and Caicos Islands are anchored in a tourism-based economy. The pristine and unspoiled white-sand
beaches and coral reefs are among the main tourist attractions that require management strategy where the support
of stakeholders is paramount. The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is the TCI government
agency mandated to manage the terrestrial and marine resources, including the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). With
limited government resources and huge obligation to maintain the environmental integrity of the MPAs, the DEMA entered
into several Memoranda of Agreements (MOA), under the Community Conservation Partnership Program (CCPP), with
non- government organization and private entities to ensure that basic management services are delivered. The DEMA
believes that private sector investment, innovation and skills play a significant role in the delivery and implementation of
basic MPA infrastructure and services. There are a number of ways in which the private sector delivers public infrastructure and services in TCI. The MOA allows the partner organization to raise funds that are necessary to procure the
needed supplies and services such as buoys, small and big vessel moorings, signage, vessel rentals, among others and
subsequently their installation and maintenance. The government provides letter of support to solicit and gather voluntary
contributions, issue request letters to Customs Department for duty-concession for imported materials needed for the
MPAs. This arrangement brings significant environmental benefits to the MPAs that contributed immensely to the
ecotourism business, watersports activities, sustainable fisheries, and most of all the proper management of the MPAs.
KEY WORDS: MPA, public-private partnership, Community Conservation Partnership Program, Turks and Caicos Islands
Aplicación de un Enfoque Regional al Manejo de las Áreas Marino-Costeras Protegidas
en la Región Archipiélagos del Sur de Cuba
Application of a Regional Approach to the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas
in Cuba’s Southern Archipelagos Region
L'Application d'une Approche Régionale dans le Cadre la Gestion des Aires Protégées Marines
et Côtières dans les Archipels de la Région Sud de Cuba
ENRIQUE HIGINIO HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ
Centro Nacional de Areas Protegidas, Calle 18 A, No. 4114, Miramar, Playa La Habana, La Habana 11300 CUBA.
[email protected].
RESUMEN
El Proyecto se ha ejecutado durante 5 años desde septiembre de 2009. La meta general es fortalecer las estrategias
de conservación de la biodiversidad marina de Cuba, incluyendo los recursos pesqueros y sus áreas de reproducción, de
gran importancia para toda la región caribeña, aumentando la cobertura de protección y mantenimiento de ecosistemas,
hábitats y valores naturales incluidos los de interés comercial; desarrollar productos turísticos que sean armónicos con
el medio ambiente, basado fundamentalmente en el turismo de naturaleza. La instrumentación del proyecto consiste en
crear capacidades para la gestión de áreas marinas protegidas (AMPs) y costeras en los archipiélagos del sur de Cuba,
como parte del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SNAP). Busca incrementar los territorios con estatus de área
protegida, para cubrir vacíos clave en cobertura de ecosistemas y promover conectividad y eficiencia de manejo. El
proyecto está estructurado en tres componentes técnicos principales y un componente administrativo En el primer componente se busca ―Incrementar con AMPs y áreas de manejo asociadas, la cobertura de ecosistemas prioritarios. El
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segundo componente tiene el propósito de ―Fortalecer las estructuras de coordinación regional ya creadas y aumentar
las capacidades dentro y entre las AMPs y otras entidades que inciden en los archipiélagos del sur‖. El tercer componente
se encamina a la propuesta de mecanismos de planificación financiera e incremento de la coordinación y asociación con
sectores sociales y productivos para aumentar los ingresos financieros y los beneficios en las AMPs mediante la identificación de alternativas productivas basadas en los servicios ecosistemicos.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Áreas marinas protegidas, manejo regional, Cuba
Un Nuevo Enfoque en el Manejo de las Pesquería de Pepino de Mar:
Reservas de No Pesca para Proteger de la Incertidumbre Ecológica en el Caribe de Honduras
A New Approach to Sea Cucumber Management:
No-Take Reserves to Protect Against Ecological Uncertainty in the Caribbean Honduras
Une Nouvelle Approche de la Gestion des Concombres de Mer:
Non-Prendre Réserves pour se Protéger Contre l'Incertitude Écologique le Honduras Caraïbes
MAYRA NUNEZ1* and STEPHEN BOX2
Centro de Ecologia Marina, Edificio Florencia Oficina 401-403, Tegucigalpa, FMO Honduras. *[email protected].
2
1
RESUMEN
La pesca de pepino de mar es unapesquería emergente con fuerte demanda en mercados asiáticos. Falta de gestión en
la región del Pacífico llevó al colapso de la pesquería haciendo que los comerciantes busquen nuevas especies del
Caribe. En Honduras la pesquería inició en 2010, la preocupación por la rápida expansión y regulación limitada
llevó al Gobierno a desarrollar estrategias de gestión proactiva. Para el 2014 se elaboróun decreto que se centra en la
gestión de los pepinos de mar, promoviendo prácticas de pesca seguras, sustentando el desarrollo de la pesca artesanal y
garantizando a largo plazo la viabilidad de las pesquerías de importancia comercial. Se prohíbe buceo por tanque o con
aire comprimido para la captura, estas técnicas han provocado accidentes dejando más de mil hombres paralizados en La
Moskitia. El decreto establece una red de áreas de no pesca, cubriendo 20% de arrecifes, protegiendo hábitats
importante para los pepino de mar y proporciona beneficios adicionales a la sostenibilidad de otros recursos
importantes. Está legislación implementará unprotocolo de monitoreo, que determinaráel estado de las poblaciones de
pepino de mar en el Caribe de Hondurasy controlará la presión pesquera a través de un monitoreo y control de las
capturas comerciales. El protocolo realizará un manejo sostenible usando las áreas de reserva como una piedra angular
para la gestión. Siendo la mayor red de reservas marinas en el Caribe, posiciona a Honduras como un líder regional en
el uso de las reservas como instrumento de gestión pesquera y conservación. Se espera que este enfoque pueda ser
adoptado por países que se enfrentan a problemas de explotación incontrolada de pepino de mar.
PALABRAS CLAVES: Pepino de mar, áreas de no pesca, gestión, pesquería, sostenibilidad
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Genetic Population Structure of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) across the Mesoamerican Barrier
Reef, the Offshore Banks of Northern Honduras, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos
Estructura Genética de la Población de Caracol Reina (Strombus gigas) en Belice, Los Bancos
Offshore de Honduras, Bahamas, y Las Islas Turcas y Caicos
La Structure Génétique de la Population de Lambis (Strombus gigas) au Belize, au Honduras
Banques, Bahamas, y Les Ïles Turks et Caicos
NATHAN TRUELOVE1*, SARA ROSEWALL1, SARAH GRIFFITHS2, MARTHA DAVIS3,
ALLAN STONER3, RICHARD PREZIOSI2, and STEPHEN BOX1
1
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Marine Station, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945 USA. *[email protected].
2
University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
3
Community Conch, Waldorf, Oregon USA.
ABSTRACT
Understanding ecologically relevant patterns of connectivity is an important factor for improving the management
of commercially threatened marine species. We developed novel microsatellites using next generation DNA sequencing
technology to perform a comprehensive study of genetic connectivity in the queen conch, Strombus gigas. Paired-end
sequencing of DNA from a single queen conch individual was carried out in half a flow cell lane of the Illumina MiSeq
platform, yielding a total of 3,481,868 (2 x 1,740,934) 250bp length paired-end reads. Potentially amplifiable loci
containing microsatellites were identified with program PAL FINDER v0.02. We used quality filtering in a Galaxy
bioinformatics server to sort microsatellite loci by highest quality score. We then selected microsatellites with the
highest quality score to analyze genetic variation in 1,152 individuals from a total of 24 sites located in Belize, Honduras, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos. Genetic analyses provided evidence of population differentiation within
multiple sites in Honduras, as well as among populations from each respective Caribbean nation that we sampled.
Limited demographic connectivity may explain the significant levels of genetic structuring among the queen conch
populations that we studied. Additional research will be required to clarify the spatial and temporal levels of connectivity
among queen conch populations throughout the Caribbean.
KEY WORDS: Conservation, genetics, connectivity, microsatellite, spatial ecology
Estimación y Análisis de Abundancia de Caracol Rosado (Strombus gigas)
en dos Zonas del Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak, México
Estimation and Analysis of Abundance of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
in Two Areas of Xcalak Reefs National Park, México
Estimation et Analyse de l'Abondance des Lambis (Strombus gigas)
dans Deux Domaines De Xcalak Parc National des Récifs, México
ERIKA ALAMILLA1* and FELIPE FONSECA2
Instituto Tecnológico de Chetuma,l Insurgentes #445, Col. Magisterial Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77039 México.
[email protected]. 2Comisión Nacional de áreas Naturales, Protegidas Insurgentes #445, Col. Magisterial
Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77039 México.
1
RESUMEN
El caracol rosado ―Strombus gigas‖ en Quintana Roo ha disminuido drásticamente, en algunos lugares se percatan
poblaciones aisladas, principalmente juveniles, que no cumplen con las condiciones necesarias para sostener una
pesquería. En el Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak se realiza un programa de monitoreo poblacional en dos zonas
una al norte conocida como ―portillas‖ y otra al sur ―punta gavilán‖. En el trabajo de campo se colectaron los organismos
y se registraron datos biométricos longitud sifonal y grosor de labio. El principal objetivo es analizar la información
capturada y conocer en que estadío se encuentran las poblaciones (frecuencia de tallas, edad, crecimiento). El análisis de
datos durante marzo del 2013 en la zona conocida como ―Portillas‖ se obtuvo una abundancia de 798 organismos y en abril
del año 2014 se registra un incremento del 84.42 % con 5124 individuos, donde se puede reportar que hay una mayor
frecuencia de tallas con 2153 organismos que va de 103 a 113 mm y se le conoce como una población juvenil. En los
monitoreos del 2014 se percata que en Punta Gavilán se colectaron 620 organismos en enero que se toma como un 100
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% de la población y en abril solo se obtuvieron 49 que representa un 7.90%, esto indica que hubo una caída drástica de la
población, casi en su totalidad debido a la pesca ilegal. Uno de los aspectos importantes para la caracterización del hábitat
fue el análisis del tipo de sustrato para saber qué relación tiene con la presencia de poblaciones. Los resultados
obtenidos de sedimento que más predomina en las dos zonas es la arena mediana.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Poblaciones costeras, longitud sifonal, grosor de labio, Caracol rosado
Monitoring Densities of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas), through the Active Participation of
the Fishing Cooperatives in the Biosphere Reserve Banco Chinchorro, Mexico
Monitoreo de las Densidades de Caracol Rosado (Strombus gigas), Mediante la Participación
Activa del Sector Pesquero en la Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro, México
Suivi des Densités de Lambis (Strombus gigas), avec la Participation Active des Coopératives de
Pêche Dans la Réserve de Biosphère de Banco Chinchorro, Mexique
GABRIELA NAVA, MIGUEL GARCIA, EDGAR SAMOS, and MATEO SABIDO
Oceanus, A.C. Av. Machuxac Lote 07 Mza 235 Col. Proterritorio, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77086 Mexico.
*[email protected].
ABSTRACT
The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) was one of the most important fisheries and most traditional in Quintana
Roo. The only authorized site for capture in the Mexican Caribbean was The Reserve of Banco Chinchorro, however in
2012 the closure of this resource for five years was decreed. In order to follow up changes in the Queen Conch population
(densities and average sizes) during the closure period, a monitoring program was initiated selecting four sites inside the
Reserve and outside No Take Zones (NTZ), involving participation of the fishing cooperatives. These sites were frequented by legal fishermen and poachers before the closure; and one of them was used for extraction of conch for repopulation of
the NTZ during sampling. During the first evaluation (six months after the ban) densities ranged from 0.045 to 0.160 ind/
m2 (X ± SD = 0.083 ± 0.05 ind/m2) while at the second assessment (one year ban) densities increased near double from
0.127 to 0.270 m2 (X ± SD = 0.173 ± 0.03 ind/m2). Thanks to the data obtained in the last monitoring, it was posible
to demostrate an event of poaching in two of the sites. No effect was observed in the extraction site for the NTZ.
These first results showed that the ban and enforcement actions of the Reserve and Fishermen are working to recover
the population. To keep this monitoring with the participation of fishermen allow direct users to see the results of
protection and management, and simultaneously spread the effort of fishermen contribution in the conservation of its
resources.
KEY WORDS: Queen conch, density, closure, Mexico, Banco Chinchorro
No Evidence of Reduced Growth Rate Trade-off for Acropora cervicornis Harboring
Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) in Southern Belize
No Hay Evidencia de Compensacion Reducia de la Tasa de Crecimiento de Acropora cervicornis
Albergar Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) en el Sur de Belice
Aucune Preuve De Réduction de leur Taux de Croissance du Commerce de Acropora cervicornis
Abriter Symbiodinium trenchii (Clade D1a) dans le Sud du Belize
LISA CARNE1* and LEANDRA CHO-RICKETTS2
Fragments of Hope, Ltd., General Delivery - Placencia Village, N/A Belize. *[email protected].
2
University of Belize, Environmental Research Institute, Price Centre Road, Belmopan, Belize.
1
ABSTRACT
Active restoration began at Laughing Bird Caye National Park (LBCNP) in 2006 and six in-situ nurseries were
established in 2009 to scale up the effort. Host and symbiont genetics were analyzed on 23 acroporids. Corals housing
Symbiodinium Clade D spp. purportedly have high resistance to what are now semi-regular bleaching events. Because
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this thermal tolerance is thought to come with a trade-off of reduced growth rates, experiments in 2012 compared
growth rates between multiple Acropora cervicornis genets housing Clade A3 or S. trenchii (D1a) cultured on ropes in two
nurseries. The corals harboring S. trenchii (D1a) symbionts (n = 61) grew an averaged 2.8 cm/month +/- 0.08 cm/month;
corals harboring A3 symbionts (n = 61) averaged 2.4cm/month growth +/-0.07cm/month; t(60) = -3.15, p < 0.0025.
Growth rate experiments using Total Linear Extension (TLE) were repeated in 2013, using only two distinct genotypes of A. cervicornis harboring either symbionts A3 or S. trenchii, in two nursery locations. There were significant
differences in growth rates when the two host-symbiont combinations were compared. The corals housing S. trenchii (D1a)
(n = 60) averaged 19.3 cm/month +/- 1.2cm/month and the corals housing A3 (n = 55) averaged 13.9 cm/month +/- 1.0
cm/month; t(54) = -5.44, p < 0.0001. When growth rates between two nursery sites, one at 2m, one at 5m, were
compared independent of clade, there were also significant differences, with all corals growing faster at the shallow
nursery. These results suggest that there are few trade-offs in growth for colonies of A. cervicornis harboring populations
of stress-tolerant Symbiodinium trenchii, in these in-situ nursery conditions in southern Belize, and that here, shallow
nurseries promote faster growth than deeper sites.
KEY WORDS: Caribbean acroporids, climate change, reef restoration, thermal tolerance, Symbiodinium Clade D1a
Evaluation of Dried Sea Cucumber, Using the Traditional Method,
Solar Dryers, and Electric Dryer
Evaluación del Secado del Pepino de Mar, Mediante el Método Tradicional,
Secador Solar y Secador Électrico
Évaluation de Bêche-de-Mer, Selon la Méthode Traditionnelle,
Les Séchoirs Solaires et Sèche-Linge Électrique
CARLOS REYES-SOSA*, LUIS ALFONSO RODRÍGUEZ-GIL,
ENRIQUE EDUARDO PERAZA-GONZÁLEZ, and ÁNGEL ALFREDO VÁZQUEZ-MEDOZA
Instituto Tecnologico de Merida, Km 5 Carr. Mérida Progreso, Mérida, Yucatan 97118 Mexico.
*[email protected].
ABSTRACT
An analysis of three methods for drying sea cucumber was evaluated – traditional method, solar drying, and electric
drying – in order to find a method that allows us to obtain a product with low moisture content in the shortest
possible time to enable rapid commercialization. To this monitoring, weight loss of the samples was performed during
drying, and the environmental conditions for solar drying cases. Through traditional drying the final moisture of 3.19%
was obtained after 88 h of drying pass for 14 days. The overall solar drying time was 97h, it took 15 days, with a
record average temperature inside the drying chamber of 42.5°C, a peak of 62ºC the final moisture content was 7.16%.
Electric dryer temperature was constant at 70°C, a total time of 66 hours was required to obtain a product with an
average 3.9% of final moisture. Subsequently, a comparison of time and final moisture contents for each type of drying
concluding that using electric dryer drying gives a shorter drying operation is performed continuously.
KEY WORDS: Sea cucumber, solar drying, I. badionotus
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Nekton Community Structure at Standing Oil and Gas Platforms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Estructura de la Comunidad de Necton en Torres Petroleras Verticales
en el Norte del Golfo de México
Le Structure de la Communauté Nekton aux Plates-Formes Permanents des Pétrolières
et des Gazières dans le Nord du Golfe du Mexique
ALAYNA PETRE* and JAMES COWAN
Louisiana State University, School of the Coast and Environment, 1002-Q Energy, Coast & Environment Building,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 USA. *[email protected].
ABSTRACT
Over 2800 standing oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico make up the largest de facto artificial reef in the
world. Since the implementation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Program, 73 offshore artificial reefs have been created
in Louisiana state waters from cut-down platforms. Three standing platforms in the Eugene Island oil field have been
monitored since June 2013 using a 6-camera array composed of two stereo pairs and two single cameras. The footage
was processed to determine the degree of similarity between the nekton communities at three depth strata extending 50
m from the platforms per season. To date, 26 species of nekton have been identified. Among the platforms, the bottom
depths show a significant difference in species composition from the top and middle regions, which also show a high
level of similarity to one another. The results of the study, scheduled to conclude May 2015, will establish a baseline to
compare the effects of creating artificial reefs on nekton community composition and biomass. So far, there may be a
significant impact to the species that reside in the topmost portions of the standing platforms when they are cut down to
create artificial reefs.
KEY WORDS: Oil platforms, nekton, community, stereo cameras, artificial reefs
Interactions Trophiques dans les Herbiers à Thalassia testudinum :
Utilisation des Acides Gras en Tant aue Biomarqueurs et des Isotopes Stables
Trophic Interactions within Thalassia testudinum Seagrass Beds:
Using Fatty Acid Biomarkers and Stable Isotopes
Interacciones Tróficas en las Praderas de Thalassia testudinum :
Uso de Ácidos Grasos como Biomarcadores e Isótopos Estables
FRANÇOISE GAUTIER1*, TARIK MEZIANE2, YOLANDE BOUCHON-NAVARO1, and CLAUDE BOUCHON1
1
UMR BOREA ; Dynecar, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, B.P. 592 Pointe-à-Pitre, 97159 Guadeloupe.
*[email protected]. 2UMR, 7208-BOREA-USM 0401, 61 rue Buffon, Paris 75231 France.
RESUMÉ
Les interactions trophiques entre les sources primaires et les principaux Invertébrés composant l‘épifaune vagile des
herbiers à Thalassia testudinum de Guadeloupe (Petites Antilles) ont été étudiées en analysant les signatures isotopiques
du carbone et de l‘azote, ainsi que les compositions en acides gras, utilisés comme biomarqueurs. Cette étude a été
menée dans deux herbiers de Magnoliophytes marins : l‘un situé en bordure de mangrove et l‘autre, plus au large, à
proximité d‘un récif corallien. Les contributions des différentes sources à la base du réseau trophique : matière
organique en suspension (MES), biofilm recouvrant les sédiments, macroalgues, Magnoliophytes marins, ainsi que les
organismes épiphytes de leurs feuilles et la litière de feuilles mortes, ont été pris en compte dans les analyses. Les
communautés d‘Invertébrés présentent des caractéristiques différentes dans les deux types d‘herbiers : la faune
d‘Invertébrés des herbiers côtiers est dominée par des Crustacés Péracarides et Décapodes, alors que celle des herbiers du
large est dominée par des Gastéropodes. Les Péracarides côtiers ont une alimentation basée sur le biofilm et les
Diatomées et Dinoflagellés entrant dans la composition des épiphytes des feuilles de Thalassia. Les crevettes décapodes consomment principalement des Diatomées épiphytes des feuilles de Thalassia près de la côte et plus de biofilm
dans les herbiers du large où les Diatomées sont plus rares. Les Gastéropodes, semblent brouter des Rhodophycées
encroûtantes épiphytes des feuilles de Thalassia près de la côte, ainsi que les feuilles elles-mêmes et les macroalgues
Brunes du genre Dictyota dans les herbiers du large. L‘approche couplée des acides gras et des signatures isotopiques
permet de caractériser les ressources trophiques exploitées par la communauté de l‘épifaune vagile des herbiers à
Thalassia testudinum.
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MOTS CLÉS: Caribbean, seagrass bed, food web, stable isotopes, fatty acid biomarkers
An Effective Grass-Roots Lionfish Control Program in the British Virgin Islands
Un Programa de Control de Pez León Popular Efectiva en las Islas Vírgenes Británicas
Un Local Programme de Contrôle de La Rascasse Volante Efficace
dans les Îles Vierges Britanniques
GRAHAM FORRESTER
University of Rhode Island, 1 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881 USA. [email protected].
ABSTRACT
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Atlantic, and by consuming small fishes severely impact fish biodiversity
on coral reefs. Efforts to control lionfish by using divers to spear them have been developed, usually by local government
agencies. We explored the operation of a grass-roots lionfish removal program in the British Virgin Islands, Reef
Guardians BVI. Local volunteer divers spear lionfish in their spare time and use a Facebook group to record and
coordinate their activity. We first compiled 654 activity reports from Facebook, dating from the start of group activity
in 2012 until present. Volunteers concentrate most of their efforts on a few dive sites of economic interest, while visiting
other sites just a few times each year. Most removals are done by a core group of locals when weather conditions are best
for diving (spring), whereas a much larger group of visitors to the islands contribute primarily by reporting lionfish
sightings, sitings are effectively communicated to those actively removing lionfish. We surveyed lionfish densities and
behavior at sites with varying levels of visitation to assess how frequently volunteers must visit sites to suppress lionfish
populations, and whether frequent spearing visits makes lionfish more evasive.
KEY WORDS: Lionfish, volunteer, control, grass-roots
Hacia la Creación de una Estrategia para el Control de Pez León en el Arrecife Mesoamericano
Towards the Creation of a Strategy for the Control of Lionfish in the Mesoamerican Reef
Vers une Stratégie de Lutte Contre la Rascasse Volante dans le Récif Méso-Américain
CLAUDIO GONZALEZ
MAR Fund, Vista Hermosa, Zona 15, Guatemala, Guatemala 01015 Guatemala. [email protected].
RESUMEN
En mayo del presente, se llevó a cabo en Guatemala el taller inicial para desarrollar la estrategia regional para el
control del pez león en el Arrecife Mesoamericano. El taller permitió un intercambio de experiencias entre los países del
Caribe y el SAM, para definir acciones concretas de control y manejo de esta especie invasora. Durante estos dos días,
un total de 42 personas, entre administradores de áreas protegidas, autoridades de pesca y medio ambiente y expertos
de los países de la región del SAM se reunieron para conocer la estrategia que los países del Caribe han adoptado
como respuesta a esta amenaza y cuyas acciones han estado orientadas principalmente a la educación y sensibilización
en los diversos actores y sectores, el control asociado a fortalecer la capacidad en la captura del pez león y las técnicas
para manejarlo, así como incentivos y el mercadeo y publicidad para promover el consumo humano de la especie.
Entre los resultados más relevantes se encuentran: a) la integración del Comité Regional y personas contacto en cada
país para la Elaboración de la Estrategia del Pez león para el SAM, y b) la definición de las líneas estratégicas y
acciones abordando cinco temas clave: Colaboración, Investigación y monitoreo, Legislación, Métodos de control,
Educación y comunicación. Posterior al taller, se desarrolló un esfuerzo regional para obtener el documento final,
intercambiando información, puntos de vista y criterios para tener un producto que sea aplicable y brinde soporte y
orientación para el control de esta especie invasora.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Estrategia, pez león, control, manejo, mesoamericano
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Conservation of Endangered Caribbean Hawksbills: Making a Proposed Marine Protected Area
a Reality Along the Multi-use South Coast of Barbados
Conservación de la Tortuga Carey del Caribe en Peligro de Extinción : Hacer un Área Marina
Protegida Propuesta en una Realidad a lo Largo de La Multi- Uso Costa sur de Barbados
Conservation des Tortues Imbriquées Caribéennes, Espèce en Danger : Faire une Réalité d'une
Aire Marine Protégée Proposée le Long de la Cote Sud Multi-Usages de la Barbade
JULIAN WALCOTT1* and JULIA HORROCKS2
Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, St. Michael, Barbados.
*[email protected].
2
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, St. Michael BB11000 Barbados.
1
ABSTRACT
As a Party to RAMSAR and the Cartagena Convention, including the SPAW Protocol, Barbados has agreed to
protect endangered species and their habitats. The establishment of a protected area for endangered hawksbills
nesting at one of the most important rookeries in the Wider Caribbean is an important step in this regard. A
scientific study of at-sea hawksbill behaviours observed during the nesting season and documentation of the
overlapping use of the same marine areas by stakeholders, has resulted in the drafting of protected area boundaries
and area-specific regulations along the south coast of Barbados. Regulations for fishing gear and practices, anchoring
practices, allowed vessel types, vessel speeds and disturbance of sea turtles by SCUBA divers have been developed. Consultations are now needed with Government policy makers and scientists, regulatory and enforcement agencies,
key stakeholders and the general public, to review the proposed boundaries and regulations, pass legislation and
support the development and implementation of a management plan. This consultation process would enhance
public awareness, increase support for the proposed marine protected area and nurture potential co-management opportunities.
KEY WORDS: Hawksbill sea turtles, marine protected area, Caribbean, Barbados

Reproductive Parameters of Coastal Pelagic Fishes

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