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Onshore-offshore distribution and abundance of tuna larvae (Pisces: Scombridae: Thunnini) in near-reef waters of the Coral Sea

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posted on 2023-05-18, 02:58 authored by Fowler, AM, Jeffrey LeisJeffrey Leis, Suthers, IM
The on-offshore distributions of tuna larvae in near-reef waters of the Coral Sea, near Lizard Island (14°30ʹS, 145°27ʹE), Australia, were investigated during four cruises from November 1984 to February 1985 to test the hypothesis that larvae of these oceanic fishes are found in highest abundance near coral reefs. Oblique bongo net tows were made in five on-offshore blocks in the Coral Sea, ranging from 0–18.5 km offshore of the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as inside the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The smallest individuals (<3.2 mm SL) of the genus Thunnus could not be identified to species, and are referred to as Thunnus spp. We found species-specific distributional patterns. Thunnus spp. and T. alalunga (albacore) larvae were most abundant (up to 68 larvae/100 m2) in near-reef (0–5.5 km offshore) waters, whereas Katsuwonus pelamis (skipjack tuna) larvae increased in abundance in the offshore direction (up to 228 larvae/100 m2, 11.1–18.5 km offshore). Larvae of T. albacares (yellowfin tuna) and Euthynnus affinis (kawakawa) were relatively rare throughout the study region, and the patterns of their distributions were inconclusive. Few larvae of any tuna species were found in the lagoon. Size-frequency distributions revealed a greater proportion of small larvae inshore compared to offshore for K. pelamis and T. albacares. The absence of significant differences in size-frequency distributions for other species and during the other cruises was most likely due to the low numbers of larvae. Larval distributions probably resulted from a combination of patterns of spawning and vertical distribution, combined with wind-driven onshore advection and downwelling on the seaward side of the outer reefs.

History

Publication title

Fishery Bulletin

Volume

106

Issue

4

Pagination

405-416

ISSN

0090-0656

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Natl Marine Fisheries Service Scientific Publ Office

Place of publication

7600 Sand Point Way Ne Bin C15700, Seattle, USA, Wa, 98115

Rights statement

Contents of the Fishery Bulletin have not been copyrighted and may be reprinted entirely, reference to source is appreciated. Please include a "Courtesy: NOAA Fisheries" notation.

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Marine biodiversity

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