Project Description: This project is a continuation of research initiated in 2013. This research will continue to examine connectivity across habitat and jurisdictional boundaries by tracking movement patterns of fish species occupying different trophic levels. To achieve this objective, we will continue acoustic tagging of great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), horse-eye jacks (Caranx latus), remora (Echeneidae), and yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus) within Buck Island Reef National Monument. We will also continue to support critical field operations related to the deployment, download, and maintenance of the acoustic array.
This project’s public purpose is to provide information about how natural resources are connected and support an ecosystem-based approach for the effective management of natural resources. This research will identify important habitat use patterns, migratory corridors, and spawning aggregation sites for threatened and endangered species, ecologically important species, and species of commercial significance. In addition, this research will quantify the movement of specific resources (sea turtles, sharks, fish, conch) within and among Marine Protected Areas and areas open to fisheries. This information will be used determine the efficacy of the park, inform management action, increase environmental stewardship, engage aspiring young students, advance our scientific body of knowledge, and improves the public’s understanding of ecological conservation.
Potential for future research within the park for this study includes additional acoustic tags for the target species currently researched, the incorporation of more species of reef fish into the tagging program, and the collection of tissue and stomach content samples in order to supplement acoustic telemetry with stable isotope analyses and predation studies to examine energy flow across habitat boundaries.
Lead Principal Investigator: Dr. Adrian Jordaan, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Partner Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Federal Agency Technical Contact: Clayton Pollock
Project Type: Research
Project Discipline: Natural Resources
Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)
Start Year: 2016
End Year: 2020
Initial Funding Amount: $35,000.00
Federal Grant Number: P16AC01276
Amendments
- Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2019, Amount: $10,000.00
- Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2019, Amount: $0.00
Location: Buck Island Reef National Monument
Products Associated with this Project:
- No products found.