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The nature of ichthyoplankton distribution within the Tsitsikamma National Park marine reserve was investigated in an attempt to evaluate the potential for export of larvae of commercially and recreationally important reef species to adjacent, exploited areas. Monthly, inshore ichthyoplankton samples were taken using Bongo nets over an 18-month period. Sampling sites were located over areas of high-profile reef and sand, Currentmeter measurements of the area were used to determine current velocity, direction and reversal periodicity. Statistical analysis of the data was performed independently for larvae from four families: Blenniidae, Gobiesocidae, Sparidae and Engraulidae. Results suggested that blenniid and gobiesocid larvae practised active position retention throughout their pelagic phase, while this feature was less defined in sparid and engraulid larval distribution. Using larval distribution and current-meter information, projected dispersal distances for spa rid larvae, the family containing the most target commercial and recreational angling species, were estimated. The results suggest that sparid larvae are exported from the reserve to adjacent, exploited areas.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Research Group:	Fisheries Sciences
Research Field:	Fisheries Sciences not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding Knowledge in the Environmental Sciences
UTAS Author:	Buxton, CD (Professor Colin Buxton)
ID Code:	48466
Year Published:	1996
Web of Science® Times Cited:	34
Deposited By:	TAFI - Marine Research Laboratory
Deposited On:	2007-08-01
Last Modified:	2010-01-20
Downloads:	6 View Download Statistics