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Space utilisation, movement and behaviour of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias, in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 16:27 authored by David MorenoDavid Moreno, Bell, JD, Jeremy LyleJeremy Lyle, Jayson SemmensJayson Semmens
Movement and spatial use provide insights into the behaviour of marine organisms which, in turn, enables their effective management. The spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias, is a common, but vulnerable, shark inhabiting temperate continental shelves circumglobally, yet no information exists on the spatial dynamics of the species in Australia. Twenty-three S. acanthias were implanted with acoustic transmitters and monitored over 1.5 years using a passive acoustic array in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. Markov chains and Brownian bridge models were used to analyse the distribution of the species in the harbour. Both males and females displayed non-random site affinity, although the ranges of males changed seasonally. Social association indicated a varying degree of sexual segregation during winter, although patterns were not as clear as reported elsewhere. This represents the first example where the species displays phylopatric behaviour and does not undertake large scale movement. Both sexes are likely to be vulnerable to a variety of anthropogenic impacts within the Harbour and spatial management could be effectively implemented to nullify these impacts. The patterns of space use and behaviours observed in this study are unique for the species. By using random walk models and social networks, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the ways in which S. acanthias has adapted to a seemingly unfit environment.

History

Publication title

Program book for the Australian Society for Fish Biology - Oceania Chondrichthyan Society Joint Conference

Volume

abstract 9

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Event title

Australian Society for Fish Biology - Oceania Chondrichthyan Society Joint Conference

Event Venue

Hobart, Tasmania

Date of Event (Start Date)

2016-09-04

Date of Event (End Date)

2016-09-07

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Fisheries - wild caught not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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