Locascio, J. V., Burton, M. L.

A passive acoustic survey of fish sound production at Riley's Hump within Tortugas South Ecological Reserve; implications regarding spawning and habitat use

2015

Mote Marine Laboratory; NOAA/NMFS/Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Fishery Bulletin

114

1

103-116

"Passive acoustic recorders were used to monitor sound production indicative of the use of spawning habitat by groupers (Serranidae) at Rileys Hump, which is located in the Tortugas South Ecological Reserve (TSER), part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sound production by black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), red grouper (Epinephelus morio), and red hind (E. guttatus) was recorded yearround and at all times of day but occurred more often in the evening during the winterspring spawning period than during other times of the day and year. This pattern for these species is consistent with results of previous studies that documented the association of sound production with reproductive behavior at spawning sites. Distinct diel and seasonal patterns of sound production by the longspine squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) and bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus) also were recorded. Rileys Hump is a documented spawning site for mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), and recordings of black grouper, red grouper, and red hind indicate that it is used for reproductive purposes by these species as well. These results showed the importance of the TSER and the need for continued research to understand its role in the recovery and sustainability of managed fish populations."

FY2010 CRCP Project 20205; Project Title: Coupling of Passive and Active Acoustics to Assess Grouper Aggregations in the TER; Principal Investigator: Michael Burton ~ FY2011 CRCP Project 20655; Project Title: F103 Coupling Passive and Active Acoustics to Assess Grouper Aggregations in the TER; Principal Investigator: Michael Burton