Preprint
Exploring long-term trends in dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus distribution on the east coast of Australia and Melanesia
Social Science Research Network (SSRN) , Vol.14 October 2024
Elsevier
2024
Abstract
Changes in ocean characteristics can cause shifts the geographical range of marine species as animals are forced to acclimate or move to maintain position in suitable conditions. Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus are a highly migratory epipelagic species, whose temporal and spatial movements have been linked to changes in ocean characteristics. Climate change is causing rapid changes to these ocean characteristics, so it is critical to understand how future shifts in ocean attributes might affect pelagic fish distributions. We Investigated shifts in net latitudinal capture records over time and the response to variation in ocean characteristics on the east coast of Australia and Melanesia. Which identified poleward shifts in captures occurred over time and were seasonal occurring particularly during the austral summer and autumn months. The largest dolphinfish were captured during the austral spring in locations with more negative sea level anomalies, more west geostrophic currents, greater surface current velocity, lower concentrations of net primary productivity and chlorophyll-a and in waters between 500 – 2200 m depth. There was a restricted thermal range of smaller dolphinfish (18 to 24°C) and broader thermal range of larger dolphinfish (13 to 33°C). The effects of climate change are likely contributing towards a poleward distribution shift of dolphinfish on the east coast of Australia. Incorporating oceanographic variables into climate adaptation for dolphinfish can help guide the establishment of sustainable fishing regulations, recreational fisheries enhancement programs and spatial management to ensure long-term sustainability of a species that may offset fishing pressure off more threatened species.
Details
- Title
- Exploring long-term trends in dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus distribution on the east coast of Australia and Melanesia
- Authors
- Felicity E Osborne (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringJulian G Pepperell - Pepperell Research and Consulting (Noosaville, Australia)Ross G Dwyer - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringDaniel P Smith - Department of Primary IndustriesSamuel Williams - The University of QueenslandAdam Barnett - James Cook UniversityBen Gilby - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Publication details
- Social Science Research Network (SSRN) , Vol.14 October 2024
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.2139/ssrn.4987079
- ISSN
- 1556-5068
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991079397802621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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