Journal article
Marine reserve use by a migratory coastal shark, Carcharias taurus
Biological Conservation, Vol.283, pp.1-13
2023
Abstract
Networks of small no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) are a popular approach to protect mobile marine species at key sites along their migration routes. Understanding how individuals vary in their use of these sites is needed to ensure MPA networks are optimised to offer maximum protection benefits. Using diver-led surveys, coded acoustic tags and a continental-scale collaborative network of acoustic receivers, we investigated variation in the use of three Australian MPAs by aggregating grey nurse sharks, Carcharias taurus. The Wolf Rock MPA was used year-round by C. taurus and as a gestation site, with females spending up to 254 d at the site with 2.2–3.7 year absences between residencies. In contrast, Flat Rock and Cherubs Cave-Henderson Rock MPAs were used as a transitory aggregation site with males and females occurring at the site for 30 min–59 d intervals between June–January, only. Migratory movements ranged up to 1500 km along the coastline, intersected 18 MPAs and/or recognised C. taurus aggregation sites, and connected temperate waters at Montague Island (36.25° S) with that of the southern Great Barrier Reef (23.40° S). Our study demonstrates how local receiver arrays and national collaborative acoustic telemetry networks are powerful tools to reveal use, fidelity and connectivity of MPA networks by marine migratory species. As the east Australian C. taurus population is critically endangered and at particular risk of anthropogenic threats, ongoing monitoring of the species' movement behaviour and complementary management outside protected area boundaries is warranted to assist its protection.
Details
- Title
- Marine reserve use by a migratory coastal shark, Carcharias taurus
- Authors
- Ross G. Dwyer (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringMichaela Rathbone (Author) - University of QueenslandDeborah L. Foote (Author) - University of QueenslandMike Bennett (Author) - University of QueenslandPaul A. Butcher (Author) - NSW Department of Primary Industries (Menangle, Australia)Nicholas M. Otway (Author) - NSW Department of Primary Industries (Menangle, Australia)Brett M. Louden (Author) - NSW Department of Primary Industries (Menangle, Australia)Fabrice R.A. Jaine (Author) - Integrated Marine Observing SystemCraig E. Franklin (Author) - Queensland Department of Environment and ScienceCarley Kilpatrick (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Biological Conservation, Vol.283, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110099
- ISSN
- 1873-2917
- Grant note
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service National Landcare Program Regional Investment
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99725896502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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