Bonefish (Albula spp) are common within the Bahamian Archipelago and play an important role in su... more Bonefish (Albula spp) are common within the Bahamian Archipelago and play an important role in supporting the regional economy. Despite their importance, little formal scientific information is available on the ecology or population dynamics of bonefish stocks relevant to their conservation and management in the Bahamian Archipelago. Although the popularity of bonefish as a recreational sportfish has generated ample anecdotes about the ecology of bonefish in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, lack of a holistic approach to understanding spatial and temporal variation in bonefish populations currently prevents the development of sound management plans to conserve the resource. Of the handful Ecology & Management of Bahamian Bonefish Page 2 of formal studies conducted on bonefish in the Bahamian Archipelago, most have focused on movements, habitat use, and feeding ecology. More recently, attention has also been paid to determining whether or not catch-and-release angling, a conservation measure voluntarily practiced by recreational anglers, is effective in helping to maintain local populations. Given the importance of tourism to the economies of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and that many tourists visiting these islands fish recreationally for bonefish, a better understanding of the basic ecology of bonefish, including the potential impacts of fishing and anthropogenic disturbances on populations, is essential for the formulation of viable management strategies.
Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species... more Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species and provide socio-economic benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, there are ecological concerns regarding this pastime, especially in developing economies such as India where little information is available concerning impacts on fish populations. An online survey targeting recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in India (n=200) revealed 25 states/union territories as prime angling locations, with Mahseer (Tor spp.) constituting the main target species group (53%). Angling season (28%) and pristine river surroundings (14%) were stated as major factors important for angling, while overfishing (31%) and the use of illegal fishing techniques were highlighted as chief threats to fish species. Respondents were in favour of strictly adhering to C&R guidelines (23%), controlling illegal fishing techniques and pollution (18%) and spreading awareness and education among lo...
Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct comm... more Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct commentary and opinion that addresses important areas in fish and fisheries science. Ghoti contributions will be innovative and have a perspective that may lead to fresh and productive insight of concepts, issues and research agendas. All Ghoti contributions will be selected by the editors and peer reviewed. Etymology of Ghoti George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), polymath, playwright, Nobel prize winner and the most prolific letter writer in history, was an advocate of English spelling reform. He was reportedly fond of pointing out its absurdities by proving that 'fish' could be spelt 'ghoti'. That is: 'gh' as in 'rough', 'o' as in 'women' and 'ti' as in palatial.
The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), an abundant coral-reef-associated apex predator, ... more The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), an abundant coral-reef-associated apex predator, is one of the most economically and ecologically important, yet least studied species of large shark in the greater Caribbean region. The relative abundance and population structure of C. perezi off Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas, was surveyed by standardised longline surveys from May 2008 to October 2011, which resulted in the capture of 331 sharks. Abundance peaked in the summer and was lowest during the winter. Females were 1.6 times more abundant than males and the assemblage was dominated by immature female sharks (45.5 %). The abundance of mature male and female sharks peaked a month apart in June and August, respectively. All 331 sharks were tagged and released with 15.4 % being recaptured after periods at liberty between 5 and 1,159 days (Mean = 333.4 ± 42.7 SE). The mean distance between tagging and recapture was 1.77 km for recaptures in excess of 6 months, indicating seasonally stratified philopatry in this species. C. perezi inhabiting Bahamian waters have developed complex habitat use patterns that are both spatiotemporally and demographically segregated, most probably in response to the large and diverse habitat mosaic available on the Bahamas Banks compared to contemporary study sites. This study represents an important step in understanding the spatiotemporal population structure of C. perezi and illustrates the potential for studies examining behavioural plasticity in response to environmental variation and anthropogenic disturbance.
Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species... more Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species and provide socioeconomic benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, there are ecological concerns regarding this pastime, especially in developing economies such as India where little information is available concerning impacts on fish populations. An online survey targeting recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in India (n=200) revealed 25 states/union territories as prime angling locations, with Mahseer (Tor spp.) constituting the main target species group (53%). Angling season (28%) and pristine river surroundings (14%) were stated as major factors important for angling, while overfishing (31%) and the use of illegal fishing techniques were highlighted as chief threats to fish species. Respondents were in favour of strictly adhering to C&R guidelines (23%), controlling illegal fishing techniques and pollution (18%) and spreading awareness and education among local stakeholders (18%) to protect fish. Over 75% of respondents were also willing to contribute both their time and money to conservation initiatives focusing on key sport fish. With anglers targeting multiple fishing locations throughout India, there is a need for consistent governance structures and policy instruments to support the development of sustainable recreational fisheries while minimising conflict with other stakeholder groups. The impacts of C&R fisheries interactions on individuals and populations (especially for threatened species) need to be studied in the Indian context. Direct participation by recreational anglers in C&R research could strengthen broader conservation and management initiatives throughout the country by increasing stewardship.
Fine -scale behaviour such as foraging is difficult to measure remotely, yet has important basic ... more Fine -scale behaviour such as foraging is difficult to measure remotely, yet has important basic and applied applications. Here, we used tri-axial accelerometry to determine accelerometric predictors of bonefish (Albula vulpes) behaviours (resting, swimming, bursting, drifting, and foraging) in an enclosed wetland in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. We also used a swim flume (n=9) to estimated the relationship between acceleration and swimming speed for bonefish using a swim flume (n=9). In the wetland study, five bonefish were tagged externally with accelerometer loggers and released into the wetland for a 5-day period during which visual behavioural observations were conducted for 4 consecutive hoursr. Classification tree models were used to identify accelerometric criteria for bonefish behaviours. Sway (tail beat axis) amplitudes were most effective at defining resting, swimming, and drifting behaviours, while body pitch metrics were used to identifiedy foraging. Using developed classific...
Recreational fishing is an established activity in developed countries across the world. Many eme... more Recreational fishing is an established activity in developed countries across the world. Many emerging economies have well-established recreational fisheries; however, in countries such as India there has been little discourse on what is needed to support this activity’s sustainable development. Here, we review the history of recreational fishing and the current status of recreational fisheries in India. The lack of scientific knowledge on the basic biology of sport fish species, targeting of threatened species, and the absence of region- or species-specific angling regulations for recreational fisheries are identified as some of the challenges associated with this sector in India. Moreover, governance structures are disorganized, with multiple agencies assuming some responsibility for recreational fishing but none tasked explicitly with its sustainable development and management. With improved legislative support and a clear policy framework, developing a responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries industry in India is possible.
Effective implementation of harvest regulations in recreational fisheries requires not only knowl... more Effective implementation of harvest regulations in recreational fisheries requires not only knowledge of fish population dynamics, but also concerted and coordinated efforts to inform stakeholders of regulations and ensure compliance via enforcement and the judiciary. There exist a number of alternatives to regulations imposed by natural resource agencies such as the use of angler education programs and voluntary changes in angler behaviour. These “softer” approaches can be developed in close cooperation with stakeholders and in some cases are actually initiated and led by stakeholders. Examples of such measures include voluntary sanctuaries, seasonal closures and development of entirely live-release fisheries. Education efforts that provide anglers with knowledge on best practices and empower them to modify their behaviour also have much promise. This presentation will highlight how angler education and voluntary changes in angler behaviour are increasingly being used as alternativ...
Targeting sharks with hook and line angling is becoming more prevalent within the recreational an... more Targeting sharks with hook and line angling is becoming more prevalent within the recreational angling community. Although catch-and-release is often advocated as a conservation measure for protecting these apex predators, little research has been conducted to quantify the effects of catch-and-release angling on sharks. Juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion bevirostris) are vulnerable targets of anglers that frequent tropical flats. As such, we measured the physical impacts, physiological response, and post-release behavior and mortality of juvenile lemon sharks caught near Eleuthera, The Bahamas. A total of 32 sharks ranging from 530-875 mm (TL) were caught and released using spinning rods, dead bait, and circle hooks (5/0). Following release, each shark was tracked for 20 min using a visual float. Hooking in the tongue was most prominent (59%), following by corner jaw (31%), face/eye (6%), and gut (3%). Two sharks (6.25%) hooked in the tongue died prior to release. Two sharks (6.25%) d...
General and comparative endocrinology, Jan 5, 2015
Individual variation in the endocrine stress response has been linked to survival and performance... more Individual variation in the endocrine stress response has been linked to survival and performance in a variety of species. Here, we evaluate the relationship between the endocrine stress response and anti-predator behaviors in wild checkered puffers (Sphoeroides testudineus) captured at Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. The checkered puffer has a unique and easily measurable predator avoidance strategy, which is to inflate or 'puff' to deter potential predators. In this study, we measured baseline and stress-induced circulating glucocorticoid levels, as well as bite force, a performance measure that is relevant to both feeding and predator defence, and 'puff' performance. We found that puff performance and bite force were consistent within individuals, but generally decreased following a standardized stressor. Larger puffers were able to generate a higher bite force, and larger puffers were able to maintain a more robust puff performance following a standardized stressor re...
The recreational fishing sector is growing rapidly in the developing world with the potential to ... more The recreational fishing sector is growing rapidly in the developing world with the potential to realize economic benefits estimated at tens of billions of dollars annually. These opportunities are accompanied by numerous ecological risks such as overfishing and habitat disturbance. To date, there has been little focus on sociological issues surrounding the growth of recreational fisheries in these areas. This chapter examines sources of potential conflict among small-scale fishing sectors in the developing world with particular attention paid to identification of key issues constraining stewardship of recreational fisheries. We identified conflicts related to fisher competition for access to resources, socio-demographic change, cultural differences, and governance as areas of concern among small-scale fisheries, and offer examples of successful and failed attempts to reduce, mitigate or solve these conflicts. The reality of limited resource availability will require that communication, proactive management strategies and cooperation be encouraged among sectors to maximize resiliency of the social-ecological system and to promote sustainability of fishing practices. We recommend stewardship initiatives that include avenues for stakeholder participation and establishing adaptive management strategies, particularly for emerging recreational fisheries in the developing world.
Although aquaculture provides an ever-increasing proportion of total fisheries production, develo... more Although aquaculture provides an ever-increasing proportion of total fisheries production, development largely occurs in areas remote to domestic U.S. consumers. Traditional culture strategies generally exploit the different economic and environmental conditions of the producer’s country. When combined with the transport of cultured fish products amongst global markets, the financial and environmental costs of aquaculture are high. As such, the development of alternative aquaculture systems positioned locally within a community and having little or no impact on the natural and human environment could prove an important step towards responsibly meeting the growing demand for fish protein. Moving beyond the historically popular single-species models of aquaculture to the use of multi-species and multi-trophic food production systems that capitalize on waste streams and diversify production could make aquaculture more desirable ecologically, economically, and socially. Building integra...
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing ... more Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing exploitation from the commercial and recreational fisheries sectors. However, the recreational fisheries sector has the potential to be compatible with no-take MPAs when catch- and-release angling is practiced because, in theory, no fish are actually harvested. This presumes that the effects of catch-and-release angling and related
Ciguatera in humans is typically caused by the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated Cig... more Ciguatera in humans is typically caused by the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated Ciguatoxins (CTXs) in their flesh. Over a six month period, we captured 38 wild adult great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), a species commonly associated with ciguatera in The Bahamas. We sampled three tissues (i.e., muscle, liver, and blood) and analysed them for the presence of ciguatoxins using a functional in vitro N2A bioassay. Detectable concentrations of ciguatoxins found in the three tissue types ranged from 2.51 to 211.74pg C-CTX-1 equivalents/g. Blood and liver toxin concentrations were positively correlated (ρ=0.86, P=0.003), indicating that, for the first time, blood sampling provides a non-lethal method of detecting ciguatoxin in wild fish. Non-lethal blood sampling also presents opportunities to couple this approach with biotelemetry and biologging techniques that enable the study of fish distribution and movement. To demonstrate the potential for linking ciguatoxin occurrence with barracuda spatial ecology, we also present a proof-of-concept case study where blood samples were obtained from 20 fish before releasing them with acoustic transmitters and tracking them in the coastal waters using a fixed acoustic telemetry array covering 44km(2). Fish that tested positive for CTX may have smaller home ranges than non-toxic fish (median distance travelled, U=2.21, P=0.03). Results presented from this study may help identify high risk areas and source-sink dynamics of toxins, potentially reducing the incidence and human health risk of ciguatera fish poisoning. Moreover, development of the non-lethal sampling approach and measurement of ciguatera from blood provide future opportunities to understand the mechanistic relationship between toxins and the spatial ecology of a broad range of marine fish species.
Bonefish (A. vulpes) are important components of tropical shallow-water systems throughout the We... more Bonefish (A. vulpes) are important components of tropical shallow-water systems throughout the Western Atlantic Ocean. Despite their value, efforts to manage and conserve bonefish stocks have been hindered by a lack of information on their early life history. Although several studies have examined the pelagic larval phase of bonefish during settlement to nearshore areas, the coastal habitats occupied by post-settlement juveniles before recruitment to the fishery remain largely unknown. Therefore, the goals of this study were to: (1) assess the abundance of juvenile bonefish across a range of coastal habitats in Eleuthera, The Bahamas; (2) evaluate the contributions of each habitat to adult populations; and (3) examine early life history characteristics including growth, diet, and the timing of ontogenetic shifts. Sampling efforts have collected 202 juvenile bonefish, and preliminary data suggest that A. vulpes juveniles inhabit shallow waters (<1m deep) over areas of fine sedimen...
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing ... more Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing exploitation from the commercial and recreational fisheries sectors. However, the recreational fisheries sector has the potential to be compatible with no-take MPAs when catchand-release angling is practiced because, in theory, no fish are actually harvested. This presumes that the effects of catch-and-release angling and related activities do not cause appreciable declines in fish populations as a result of direct mortality, sub-lethal effects, or indirect effects on fish habitats, or other problems contrary to the goal of a given MPA. Here, we explore the idea that recreational catch-and-release angling may be compatible with some no-take MPAs provided there are no substantive negative ecological consequences. We argue that it is not currently possible to answer definitively the question of whether recreational catch-and-release fisheries can be compatible with no-take MPAs. Mortality rates of released fish vary extensively (between zero and near 100%) and are influenced by a number of factors including environmental conditions, fishing gear, angler behavior, and species-specific characteristics. Nevertheless, research in the field of catch-and-release is beginning to show that certain handling techniques can significantly reduce post-release mortality in fish. With appropriate regulation and angler education, catch-and-release could help enhance conservation and management goals associated with MPAs while maintaining public support and providing alternative tourism-based revenues for displaced fishers. Until sufficient data are available, research should focus on contrasting the fish community characteristics in regions with no fishing and ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/ocecoaman 0964-5691/$ -see front matter r
Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) were implanted with acoustic telemetry transmitters (n = 42... more Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) were implanted with acoustic telemetry transmitters (n = 42) and monitored within a stationary acoustic receiver array (n = 53 receivers) in The Bahamas to examine residency, seasonal movements, and habitat use. Barracuda were monitored for up to 980 days and remained within the array area »33% (median value) of the time. Most tagged barracuda were transient and would often disappear from the array for months at a time, particularly in the summer where they were usually last detected on receivers located in deeper shelf habitats, and then return at other times in the year. Habitat use across the footprint of the array diVered, with most detections occurring in coastal areas and comparatively fewer in deeper mosaic or shelf habitats. Linear home range estimates revealed that some barracuda moved >12 km within a single day and are capable of migrating >100 km to other islands in the Bahamian Archipelago. Our results provide some of the Wrst telemetry data for this apex marine predatory Wsh and the Wrst reliable information on the residency and localized seasonal movements of adult great barracuda in the coastal waters of the Western Atlantic.
Sport fishing for sharks, including fishing with the intent to release, is becoming more prevalen... more Sport fishing for sharks, including fishing with the intent to release, is becoming more prevalent within the recreational angling community. Common targets of recreational anglers are juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) that frequent shallow tropical nearshore habitats. In this study, we captured 32 juvenile lemon sharks (530-875 mm total length) with conventional angling gear (i.e. spinning rods, dead fish bait and 5/0 barbed circle hooks) from the coastal waters of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, to determine the consequences of capture for individual sharks. Each shark was examined for hooking injuries, blood sampled to quantify physiological disturbance, assessed for reflex impairment and then monitored to assess postrelease behaviour and mortality. Four sharks (12.5%) died following release during the 15 min tracking period. Principal components (PC) analysis revealed four axes describing 66.5% of the variance for blood physiology parameters, total length and water temperature. The PC1 and PC3 scores, characterized by positive factor loadings for indicators of exercise-induced stress and blood ion concentrations, respectively, were significantly related to fight time but were not associated with short-term mortality. Short-term mortality was significantly related to factor scores for PC4 that loaded heavily for water temperature and total length. Ten sharks (31%) exhibited impaired reflexes, with loss of bite reflex being most prevalent. Sharks that died had the following characteristics: (i) they had two or more impaired reflexes; (ii) they were hooked in the basihyal; (iii) they exhibited no movement after the initial bout of directional swimming; and (iv) they experienced high water temperatures (i.e. >31°C). Collectively, these results indicate that for juvenile lemon sharks inhabiting tropical flats, fight time can influence the degree of physiological disturbance, while water temperature contributes to the likelihood of survival following release.
Bonefish (Albula spp) are common within the Bahamian Archipelago and play an important role in su... more Bonefish (Albula spp) are common within the Bahamian Archipelago and play an important role in supporting the regional economy. Despite their importance, little formal scientific information is available on the ecology or population dynamics of bonefish stocks relevant to their conservation and management in the Bahamian Archipelago. Although the popularity of bonefish as a recreational sportfish has generated ample anecdotes about the ecology of bonefish in The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, lack of a holistic approach to understanding spatial and temporal variation in bonefish populations currently prevents the development of sound management plans to conserve the resource. Of the handful Ecology & Management of Bahamian Bonefish Page 2 of formal studies conducted on bonefish in the Bahamian Archipelago, most have focused on movements, habitat use, and feeding ecology. More recently, attention has also been paid to determining whether or not catch-and-release angling, a conservation measure voluntarily practiced by recreational anglers, is effective in helping to maintain local populations. Given the importance of tourism to the economies of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and that many tourists visiting these islands fish recreationally for bonefish, a better understanding of the basic ecology of bonefish, including the potential impacts of fishing and anthropogenic disturbances on populations, is essential for the formulation of viable management strategies.
Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species... more Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species and provide socio-economic benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, there are ecological concerns regarding this pastime, especially in developing economies such as India where little information is available concerning impacts on fish populations. An online survey targeting recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in India (n=200) revealed 25 states/union territories as prime angling locations, with Mahseer (Tor spp.) constituting the main target species group (53%). Angling season (28%) and pristine river surroundings (14%) were stated as major factors important for angling, while overfishing (31%) and the use of illegal fishing techniques were highlighted as chief threats to fish species. Respondents were in favour of strictly adhering to C&R guidelines (23%), controlling illegal fishing techniques and pollution (18%) and spreading awareness and education among lo...
Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct comm... more Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct commentary and opinion that addresses important areas in fish and fisheries science. Ghoti contributions will be innovative and have a perspective that may lead to fresh and productive insight of concepts, issues and research agendas. All Ghoti contributions will be selected by the editors and peer reviewed. Etymology of Ghoti George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), polymath, playwright, Nobel prize winner and the most prolific letter writer in history, was an advocate of English spelling reform. He was reportedly fond of pointing out its absurdities by proving that 'fish' could be spelt 'ghoti'. That is: 'gh' as in 'rough', 'o' as in 'women' and 'ti' as in palatial.
The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), an abundant coral-reef-associated apex predator, ... more The Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), an abundant coral-reef-associated apex predator, is one of the most economically and ecologically important, yet least studied species of large shark in the greater Caribbean region. The relative abundance and population structure of C. perezi off Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas, was surveyed by standardised longline surveys from May 2008 to October 2011, which resulted in the capture of 331 sharks. Abundance peaked in the summer and was lowest during the winter. Females were 1.6 times more abundant than males and the assemblage was dominated by immature female sharks (45.5 %). The abundance of mature male and female sharks peaked a month apart in June and August, respectively. All 331 sharks were tagged and released with 15.4 % being recaptured after periods at liberty between 5 and 1,159 days (Mean = 333.4 ± 42.7 SE). The mean distance between tagging and recapture was 1.77 km for recaptures in excess of 6 months, indicating seasonally stratified philopatry in this species. C. perezi inhabiting Bahamian waters have developed complex habitat use patterns that are both spatiotemporally and demographically segregated, most probably in response to the large and diverse habitat mosaic available on the Bahamas Banks compared to contemporary study sites. This study represents an important step in understanding the spatiotemporal population structure of C. perezi and illustrates the potential for studies examining behavioural plasticity in response to environmental variation and anthropogenic disturbance.
Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species... more Recreational fishing, a popular leisure activity, can potentially support conservation of species and provide socioeconomic benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, there are ecological concerns regarding this pastime, especially in developing economies such as India where little information is available concerning impacts on fish populations. An online survey targeting recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in India (n=200) revealed 25 states/union territories as prime angling locations, with Mahseer (Tor spp.) constituting the main target species group (53%). Angling season (28%) and pristine river surroundings (14%) were stated as major factors important for angling, while overfishing (31%) and the use of illegal fishing techniques were highlighted as chief threats to fish species. Respondents were in favour of strictly adhering to C&R guidelines (23%), controlling illegal fishing techniques and pollution (18%) and spreading awareness and education among local stakeholders (18%) to protect fish. Over 75% of respondents were also willing to contribute both their time and money to conservation initiatives focusing on key sport fish. With anglers targeting multiple fishing locations throughout India, there is a need for consistent governance structures and policy instruments to support the development of sustainable recreational fisheries while minimising conflict with other stakeholder groups. The impacts of C&R fisheries interactions on individuals and populations (especially for threatened species) need to be studied in the Indian context. Direct participation by recreational anglers in C&R research could strengthen broader conservation and management initiatives throughout the country by increasing stewardship.
Fine -scale behaviour such as foraging is difficult to measure remotely, yet has important basic ... more Fine -scale behaviour such as foraging is difficult to measure remotely, yet has important basic and applied applications. Here, we used tri-axial accelerometry to determine accelerometric predictors of bonefish (Albula vulpes) behaviours (resting, swimming, bursting, drifting, and foraging) in an enclosed wetland in Eleuthera, The Bahamas. We also used a swim flume (n=9) to estimated the relationship between acceleration and swimming speed for bonefish using a swim flume (n=9). In the wetland study, five bonefish were tagged externally with accelerometer loggers and released into the wetland for a 5-day period during which visual behavioural observations were conducted for 4 consecutive hoursr. Classification tree models were used to identify accelerometric criteria for bonefish behaviours. Sway (tail beat axis) amplitudes were most effective at defining resting, swimming, and drifting behaviours, while body pitch metrics were used to identifiedy foraging. Using developed classific...
Recreational fishing is an established activity in developed countries across the world. Many eme... more Recreational fishing is an established activity in developed countries across the world. Many emerging economies have well-established recreational fisheries; however, in countries such as India there has been little discourse on what is needed to support this activity’s sustainable development. Here, we review the history of recreational fishing and the current status of recreational fisheries in India. The lack of scientific knowledge on the basic biology of sport fish species, targeting of threatened species, and the absence of region- or species-specific angling regulations for recreational fisheries are identified as some of the challenges associated with this sector in India. Moreover, governance structures are disorganized, with multiple agencies assuming some responsibility for recreational fishing but none tasked explicitly with its sustainable development and management. With improved legislative support and a clear policy framework, developing a responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries industry in India is possible.
Effective implementation of harvest regulations in recreational fisheries requires not only knowl... more Effective implementation of harvest regulations in recreational fisheries requires not only knowledge of fish population dynamics, but also concerted and coordinated efforts to inform stakeholders of regulations and ensure compliance via enforcement and the judiciary. There exist a number of alternatives to regulations imposed by natural resource agencies such as the use of angler education programs and voluntary changes in angler behaviour. These “softer” approaches can be developed in close cooperation with stakeholders and in some cases are actually initiated and led by stakeholders. Examples of such measures include voluntary sanctuaries, seasonal closures and development of entirely live-release fisheries. Education efforts that provide anglers with knowledge on best practices and empower them to modify their behaviour also have much promise. This presentation will highlight how angler education and voluntary changes in angler behaviour are increasingly being used as alternativ...
Targeting sharks with hook and line angling is becoming more prevalent within the recreational an... more Targeting sharks with hook and line angling is becoming more prevalent within the recreational angling community. Although catch-and-release is often advocated as a conservation measure for protecting these apex predators, little research has been conducted to quantify the effects of catch-and-release angling on sharks. Juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion bevirostris) are vulnerable targets of anglers that frequent tropical flats. As such, we measured the physical impacts, physiological response, and post-release behavior and mortality of juvenile lemon sharks caught near Eleuthera, The Bahamas. A total of 32 sharks ranging from 530-875 mm (TL) were caught and released using spinning rods, dead bait, and circle hooks (5/0). Following release, each shark was tracked for 20 min using a visual float. Hooking in the tongue was most prominent (59%), following by corner jaw (31%), face/eye (6%), and gut (3%). Two sharks (6.25%) hooked in the tongue died prior to release. Two sharks (6.25%) d...
General and comparative endocrinology, Jan 5, 2015
Individual variation in the endocrine stress response has been linked to survival and performance... more Individual variation in the endocrine stress response has been linked to survival and performance in a variety of species. Here, we evaluate the relationship between the endocrine stress response and anti-predator behaviors in wild checkered puffers (Sphoeroides testudineus) captured at Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. The checkered puffer has a unique and easily measurable predator avoidance strategy, which is to inflate or 'puff' to deter potential predators. In this study, we measured baseline and stress-induced circulating glucocorticoid levels, as well as bite force, a performance measure that is relevant to both feeding and predator defence, and 'puff' performance. We found that puff performance and bite force were consistent within individuals, but generally decreased following a standardized stressor. Larger puffers were able to generate a higher bite force, and larger puffers were able to maintain a more robust puff performance following a standardized stressor re...
The recreational fishing sector is growing rapidly in the developing world with the potential to ... more The recreational fishing sector is growing rapidly in the developing world with the potential to realize economic benefits estimated at tens of billions of dollars annually. These opportunities are accompanied by numerous ecological risks such as overfishing and habitat disturbance. To date, there has been little focus on sociological issues surrounding the growth of recreational fisheries in these areas. This chapter examines sources of potential conflict among small-scale fishing sectors in the developing world with particular attention paid to identification of key issues constraining stewardship of recreational fisheries. We identified conflicts related to fisher competition for access to resources, socio-demographic change, cultural differences, and governance as areas of concern among small-scale fisheries, and offer examples of successful and failed attempts to reduce, mitigate or solve these conflicts. The reality of limited resource availability will require that communication, proactive management strategies and cooperation be encouraged among sectors to maximize resiliency of the social-ecological system and to promote sustainability of fishing practices. We recommend stewardship initiatives that include avenues for stakeholder participation and establishing adaptive management strategies, particularly for emerging recreational fisheries in the developing world.
Although aquaculture provides an ever-increasing proportion of total fisheries production, develo... more Although aquaculture provides an ever-increasing proportion of total fisheries production, development largely occurs in areas remote to domestic U.S. consumers. Traditional culture strategies generally exploit the different economic and environmental conditions of the producer’s country. When combined with the transport of cultured fish products amongst global markets, the financial and environmental costs of aquaculture are high. As such, the development of alternative aquaculture systems positioned locally within a community and having little or no impact on the natural and human environment could prove an important step towards responsibly meeting the growing demand for fish protein. Moving beyond the historically popular single-species models of aquaculture to the use of multi-species and multi-trophic food production systems that capitalize on waste streams and diversify production could make aquaculture more desirable ecologically, economically, and socially. Building integra...
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing ... more Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing exploitation from the commercial and recreational fisheries sectors. However, the recreational fisheries sector has the potential to be compatible with no-take MPAs when catch- and-release angling is practiced because, in theory, no fish are actually harvested. This presumes that the effects of catch-and-release angling and related
Ciguatera in humans is typically caused by the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated Cig... more Ciguatera in humans is typically caused by the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated Ciguatoxins (CTXs) in their flesh. Over a six month period, we captured 38 wild adult great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), a species commonly associated with ciguatera in The Bahamas. We sampled three tissues (i.e., muscle, liver, and blood) and analysed them for the presence of ciguatoxins using a functional in vitro N2A bioassay. Detectable concentrations of ciguatoxins found in the three tissue types ranged from 2.51 to 211.74pg C-CTX-1 equivalents/g. Blood and liver toxin concentrations were positively correlated (ρ=0.86, P=0.003), indicating that, for the first time, blood sampling provides a non-lethal method of detecting ciguatoxin in wild fish. Non-lethal blood sampling also presents opportunities to couple this approach with biotelemetry and biologging techniques that enable the study of fish distribution and movement. To demonstrate the potential for linking ciguatoxin occurrence with barracuda spatial ecology, we also present a proof-of-concept case study where blood samples were obtained from 20 fish before releasing them with acoustic transmitters and tracking them in the coastal waters using a fixed acoustic telemetry array covering 44km(2). Fish that tested positive for CTX may have smaller home ranges than non-toxic fish (median distance travelled, U=2.21, P=0.03). Results presented from this study may help identify high risk areas and source-sink dynamics of toxins, potentially reducing the incidence and human health risk of ciguatera fish poisoning. Moreover, development of the non-lethal sampling approach and measurement of ciguatera from blood provide future opportunities to understand the mechanistic relationship between toxins and the spatial ecology of a broad range of marine fish species.
Bonefish (A. vulpes) are important components of tropical shallow-water systems throughout the We... more Bonefish (A. vulpes) are important components of tropical shallow-water systems throughout the Western Atlantic Ocean. Despite their value, efforts to manage and conserve bonefish stocks have been hindered by a lack of information on their early life history. Although several studies have examined the pelagic larval phase of bonefish during settlement to nearshore areas, the coastal habitats occupied by post-settlement juveniles before recruitment to the fishery remain largely unknown. Therefore, the goals of this study were to: (1) assess the abundance of juvenile bonefish across a range of coastal habitats in Eleuthera, The Bahamas; (2) evaluate the contributions of each habitat to adult populations; and (3) examine early life history characteristics including growth, diet, and the timing of ontogenetic shifts. Sampling efforts have collected 202 juvenile bonefish, and preliminary data suggest that A. vulpes juveniles inhabit shallow waters (<1m deep) over areas of fine sedimen...
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing ... more Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a common conservation and management tool for reducing exploitation from the commercial and recreational fisheries sectors. However, the recreational fisheries sector has the potential to be compatible with no-take MPAs when catchand-release angling is practiced because, in theory, no fish are actually harvested. This presumes that the effects of catch-and-release angling and related activities do not cause appreciable declines in fish populations as a result of direct mortality, sub-lethal effects, or indirect effects on fish habitats, or other problems contrary to the goal of a given MPA. Here, we explore the idea that recreational catch-and-release angling may be compatible with some no-take MPAs provided there are no substantive negative ecological consequences. We argue that it is not currently possible to answer definitively the question of whether recreational catch-and-release fisheries can be compatible with no-take MPAs. Mortality rates of released fish vary extensively (between zero and near 100%) and are influenced by a number of factors including environmental conditions, fishing gear, angler behavior, and species-specific characteristics. Nevertheless, research in the field of catch-and-release is beginning to show that certain handling techniques can significantly reduce post-release mortality in fish. With appropriate regulation and angler education, catch-and-release could help enhance conservation and management goals associated with MPAs while maintaining public support and providing alternative tourism-based revenues for displaced fishers. Until sufficient data are available, research should focus on contrasting the fish community characteristics in regions with no fishing and ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/ocecoaman 0964-5691/$ -see front matter r
Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) were implanted with acoustic telemetry transmitters (n = 42... more Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) were implanted with acoustic telemetry transmitters (n = 42) and monitored within a stationary acoustic receiver array (n = 53 receivers) in The Bahamas to examine residency, seasonal movements, and habitat use. Barracuda were monitored for up to 980 days and remained within the array area »33% (median value) of the time. Most tagged barracuda were transient and would often disappear from the array for months at a time, particularly in the summer where they were usually last detected on receivers located in deeper shelf habitats, and then return at other times in the year. Habitat use across the footprint of the array diVered, with most detections occurring in coastal areas and comparatively fewer in deeper mosaic or shelf habitats. Linear home range estimates revealed that some barracuda moved >12 km within a single day and are capable of migrating >100 km to other islands in the Bahamian Archipelago. Our results provide some of the Wrst telemetry data for this apex marine predatory Wsh and the Wrst reliable information on the residency and localized seasonal movements of adult great barracuda in the coastal waters of the Western Atlantic.
Sport fishing for sharks, including fishing with the intent to release, is becoming more prevalen... more Sport fishing for sharks, including fishing with the intent to release, is becoming more prevalent within the recreational angling community. Common targets of recreational anglers are juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) that frequent shallow tropical nearshore habitats. In this study, we captured 32 juvenile lemon sharks (530-875 mm total length) with conventional angling gear (i.e. spinning rods, dead fish bait and 5/0 barbed circle hooks) from the coastal waters of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, to determine the consequences of capture for individual sharks. Each shark was examined for hooking injuries, blood sampled to quantify physiological disturbance, assessed for reflex impairment and then monitored to assess postrelease behaviour and mortality. Four sharks (12.5%) died following release during the 15 min tracking period. Principal components (PC) analysis revealed four axes describing 66.5% of the variance for blood physiology parameters, total length and water temperature. The PC1 and PC3 scores, characterized by positive factor loadings for indicators of exercise-induced stress and blood ion concentrations, respectively, were significantly related to fight time but were not associated with short-term mortality. Short-term mortality was significantly related to factor scores for PC4 that loaded heavily for water temperature and total length. Ten sharks (31%) exhibited impaired reflexes, with loss of bite reflex being most prevalent. Sharks that died had the following characteristics: (i) they had two or more impaired reflexes; (ii) they were hooked in the basihyal; (iii) they exhibited no movement after the initial bout of directional swimming; and (iv) they experienced high water temperatures (i.e. >31°C). Collectively, these results indicate that for juvenile lemon sharks inhabiting tropical flats, fight time can influence the degree of physiological disturbance, while water temperature contributes to the likelihood of survival following release.
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Papers by Andy Danylchuk
well-established recreational fisheries; however, in countries such as India there has been little discourse on what is
needed to support this activity’s sustainable development. Here, we review the history of recreational fishing and the
current status of recreational fisheries in India. The lack of scientific knowledge on the basic biology of sport fish species,
targeting of threatened species, and the absence of region- or species-specific angling regulations for recreational
fisheries are identified as some of the challenges associated with this sector in India. Moreover, governance structures are
disorganized, with multiple agencies assuming some responsibility for recreational fishing but none tasked explicitly with
its sustainable development and management. With improved legislative support and a clear policy framework, developing
a responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries industry in India is possible.
well-established recreational fisheries; however, in countries such as India there has been little discourse on what is
needed to support this activity’s sustainable development. Here, we review the history of recreational fishing and the
current status of recreational fisheries in India. The lack of scientific knowledge on the basic biology of sport fish species,
targeting of threatened species, and the absence of region- or species-specific angling regulations for recreational
fisheries are identified as some of the challenges associated with this sector in India. Moreover, governance structures are
disorganized, with multiple agencies assuming some responsibility for recreational fishing but none tasked explicitly with
its sustainable development and management. With improved legislative support and a clear policy framework, developing
a responsible and sustainable recreational fisheries industry in India is possible.