Seasonal movement dynamics of the commercially important thornback ray (Raja clavata) in a coastal marine protected area
Kraft, S.; Winkler, A.C.; Abecasis, D. (2024). Seasonal movement dynamics of the commercially important thornback ray (Raja clavata) in a coastal marine protected area. Ocean Coast. Manag. 254: 107210. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107210
Elasmobranchs are a group of slow growing species whose populations are in decline mostly due to their susceptibility to overfishing. A common approach to protect marine species is to establish marine protected areas (MPAs). Data on the spatial ecology of species is key information for MPA implementation and management. However, this information is usually lacking, particularly for elasmobranchs. In this study, thornback rays were tagged with acoustic transmitters to track their movement patterns in a marine protected area in Portugal. Individuals were detected for up to 1323 days, and transient and resident behaviours were observed. Residents exhibited a seasonal pattern of presence, peaking during late winter and spring. Weekly occurrence range size reached its maximum from mid-summer to mid-autumn. Diel changes in movement, mainly as increases in activity, were detected during night and twilight. These findings highlight the seasonal and daily dynamics of thornback rays and how these can influence their protection in an MPA. The area where the LSMP is established appears to be dominated by males, indicating that most of the protection provided to this species is towards this sex. These results provide valuable insights for the conservation and adaptive management of this commercially relevant species.
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