IMIS - Marine Onderzoeksgroepen

Marine protected areas (MPAs) effectiveness depends on its spatial configuration and the ability to encompass the range of movements and habitats used by the target species. Therefore, better understanding the spatial behavior and ecology of the target species would benefit to the enhancement of the protection offered by the MPA. In this work we got interest in the spatial behavior, dial activity pattern, homing behavior and site fidelity of the white seabream (Diplodus sargus), a key ecological species and of economic values for small local fisheries, in the MPA of Torre Guaceto in the Adriatic Sea using acoustic telemetry. In this study, we overall report that among-individuals differences in both spatial behavior and site fidelity of white seabreams in the MPA of Torre Guaceto. Concerning spatial behavior, fish are both located within and out of the MPA over the monitoring period. Within the MPA, the majority of fish over time were, however, detected in a specific area of the Zone A which is composed of matte of Posidonia oceanica, highlighting a clear habitat preference. Also, majority of detection in this area were found during daytime, suggesting feeding activities in this habitat, while fish detections at crepuscule and during nights were lower (and/or detected in rock type habitat) which is probably associated to resting or sheltering phase, using the crevices and holes as a nocturnal refuge. In addition, we found that some individuals showing more fidelity to the site than others during the reproduction while all fish leaving site at the end of July, overall suggesting a seasonal fidelity related to the spawning season. Such results are very promising to better understand spatial behavior and ecology of white seabreams in order to enhance the positive effects of management practices and governance strategies of the MPA, but further studies are needed including higher number of receivers to cover all the MPA and near areas, great number of individuals monitored (including with different size, age, sex) to better understand among-individuals variations, and finally over a longer time period to better highlight the seasonal patterns of individuals