Short CommunicationFirst tracking of white stumpnose Rhabdosargus globiceps (Sparidae) in a South African marine protected area

Abstract

There is a growing recreational fishery for white stumpnose Rhabdosargus globiceps (Sparidae) in Langebaan Lagoon, part of South Africa's West Coast National Park. The upper reaches of the lagoon are protected from fishing, but the extent to which the closure protects the white stumpnose population is uncertain. In a controlled aquarium experiment we found that VEMCO V8 transmitters could be implanted into white stumpnose without expulsion or any measurable effects on survival and growth. Four fish captured in the protected zone were fitted with transmitters and tracked over a 12-day period in the field. The fish moved along deep channels, occasionally penetrating the fishing zone. Net distances covered were between 9km and 15km per fish during the study period. Movement was mostly at night and at twilight.

Keywords: acoustic telemetry; fish movement; Langebaan Lagoon; marine protected area; Rhabdosargus globiceps;
transmitter implants

African Journal of Marine Science 2007, 29(1): 147–151