Influence of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) On Anti-Predator Behaviour Within Experimental Mesocosms
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Department
Coastal Sciences, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
School
Ocean Science and Engineering
Abstract
Commercial fishers have used fish aggregating devices throughout the Mediterranean Sea for over 40 years. These devices attract numerous predatory and forage species in both coastal and offshore environments. This study examined the influence of fish aggregating devices on schooling and aggregating behaviour by small forage fish in quasi-natural mesocosms. Anti-predator behaviour was evaluated for juvenile Caranx crysos under a variety of treatment conditions. Results suggest that, in the absence of physical structure, C. crysos first respond to a predatory threat by forming a school. When a physical structure is present, however, C. crysos show an occasional tendency to aggregate near the structure. These results suggest that a threatened prey species can change their defensive strategy against predatory behaviour. Further examination is required to explain if fish aggregating devices can increase survival rates of post-larval and juvenile prey species in the southern Mediterranean Sea. Management agencies should consider the relationship between the use of fish aggregating devices by commercial fisheries and the potential influence such devices possess on population dynamics of aggregating fish species.
Publication Title
Marine Environmental Research
Volume
112
First Page
152
Last Page
159
Recommended Citation
Sinopoli, M.,
Cattano, C.,
Andaloro, F.,
Sarà, G.,
Butler, C.,
Gristina, M.
(2015). Influence of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) On Anti-Predator Behaviour Within Experimental Mesocosms. Marine Environmental Research, 112, 152-159.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/18621