Locomotory activity and depth distribution of adult great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) in Bahamian coastal habitats determined using acceleration and pressure biotelemetry transmitters
A. C. O’Toole A B G , K. J. Murchie A B , C. Pullen A B , K. C. Hanson A C , C. D. Suski B D , A. J. Danylchuk B E and S. J. Cooke A B F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology,Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
B Flats Ecology and Conservation Program, Cape Eleuthera Institute, Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
C Abernathy Fish Technology Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1440 Abernathy Creek Road, Longview, WA 98632, USA.
D Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
E Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003-9285, USA.
F Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
G Corresponding author. Email: aotoole@connect.carleton.ca
Marine and Freshwater Research 61(12) 1446-1456 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10046
Submitted: 21 February 2010 Accepted: 18 September 2010 Published: 13 December 2010
Abstract
Documenting free-swimming fish in their natural environment using acoustic transmitters equipped with acceleration and pressure sensors may contribute to knowledge of locomotory behaviour for a variety of aquatic species. Previously, collection of acceleration data has been limited to archival loggers, necessitating retrieval of the devices; however, recent advances in biotelemetry have allowed for acceleration data to be transmitted to a remote receiver. To illustrate the application of this technology, relative locomotory activity and depth utilisation of adult great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) were monitored across habitat types and diel periods using acoustic transmitters equipped with tri-axial acceleration and pressure sensors within an acoustic telemetry array (n = 53 receivers) deployed in The Bahamas. Although there were no differences in acceleration or depth use across habitats or diel periods, there was evidence of movement into shelf habitat during mid-day where they occupied depths >10 m. Given both the method of calculating the accelerometer output, and that the transmitters were unable to store and transmit large quantities of data, we suggest choosing transmitter settings with a short average delay and high transmission frequency to optimise data quality and resolution. This paper represents one of the first reports of the use of telemetered acceleration values from free-swimming fish.
Additional keywords: accelerometer, acoustic biotelemetry, Bahamas, pressure sensor.
References
Austin, D., Bowen, W. D., McMillan, J. I., and Iverson, S. J. (2006). Linking movement, diving, and habitat to foraging success in a large marine predator. Ecology 87, 3095–3108.| Linking movement, diving, and habitat to foraging success in a large marine predator.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17249234PubMed |
Blaber, S. J. M. (1982). The ecology of Sphyraena barracuda (Osteichthyes : Perciformes) in the Kosi system with notes on the Sphyraenidae of other Natal estuaries. South African Journal of Zoology 17, 171–176..
Block, B. A., Booth, D. T., and Carey, F. G. (1992). Depth and temperature of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, observed by acoustic telemetry. Marine Biology 114, 175–183.
| Depth and temperature of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, observed by acoustic telemetry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Block, B. A., Costa, D. P., Boehlert, G. W., and Kochevar, R. E. (2002). Revealing pelagic habitat use: the tagging of Pacific pelagics program. Oceanologica Acta 25, 255–266.
| Revealing pelagic habitat use: the tagging of Pacific pelagics program.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Block, B. A., Teo, S. L. H., Walli, A., Boustany, A., Stokesbury, M. J. W., et al. (2005). Electronic tagging and population structure of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Nature 434, 1121–1127.
| Electronic tagging and population structure of Atlantic bluefin tuna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXjsF2ltLs%3D&md5=59cb62c72e25cffaac9864baacde08adCAS | 15858572PubMed |
Boisclair, D., and Leggett, W. C. (1989). The importance of activity in bioenergetics models applied to actively foraging fishes. Canadian Journal of Aquatic Science 46, 1859–1867.
| The importance of activity in bioenergetics models applied to actively foraging fishes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Brill, R. W., Block, B. A., Boggs, C. H., Bigelow, K. A., Freund, E. V., et al. (1999). Horizontal movements and depth distribution of large adult yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) near Hawaiian Islands, recorded using ultrasonic telemetry: implications for the physiological ecology of pelagic fishes. Marine Biology 133, 395–408.
| Horizontal movements and depth distribution of large adult yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) near Hawaiian Islands, recorded using ultrasonic telemetry: implications for the physiological ecology of pelagic fishes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Butler, P. J., Green, J. A., Boyd, I. L., and Speakman, J. R. (2004). Measuring metabolic rate in the field: the pros and cons of the doubly labelled water and heart rate methods. Functional Ecology 18, 168–183.
| Measuring metabolic rate in the field: the pros and cons of the doubly labelled water and heart rate methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cartamil, D. P., and Lowe, C. G. (2004). Diel movement patterns of ocean sunfish Mola mola off southern California. Marine Ecology Progress Series 266, 245–253.
| Diel movement patterns of ocean sunfish Mola mola off southern California.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cooke, S. J. (2008). Biotelemetry and biologging in endangered species research and animal conservation: relevance to regional, national, and IUCN Red List threat assessments. Endangered Species Research 4, 165–185.
| Biotelemetry and biologging in endangered species research and animal conservation: relevance to regional, national, and IUCN Red List threat assessments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cooke, S. J., and Philipp, D. P. (2004). Behaviour and mortality of caught-and-released bonefish (Albula spp.) in Bahamian waters with implications for a sustainable recreational fishery. Biological Conservation 118, 599–607.
| Behaviour and mortality of caught-and-released bonefish (Albula spp.) in Bahamian waters with implications for a sustainable recreational fishery.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cooke, S. J., Graeb, B. D. S., Suski, D. C., and Ostrand, K. G. (2003). Effects of suture material on incision healing, growth and survival of juvenile largemouth bass implanted with miniature radio transmitters: case study of a novice and experienced fish surgeon. Journal of Fish Biology 62, 1366–1380.
| Effects of suture material on incision healing, growth and survival of juvenile largemouth bass implanted with miniature radio transmitters: case study of a novice and experienced fish surgeon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cooke, S. J., Hinch, S. G., Wikelski, M., Andrews, R. D., Kuchel, L. J., et al. (2004a). Biotelemetry: a mechanistic approach to ecology. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 19, 334–343.
| Biotelemetry: a mechanistic approach to ecology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16701280PubMed |
Cooke, S. J., Thorstad, E. B., and Hinch, S. G. (2004b). Activity and energetics of free-swimming fish: insights from electromyogram telemetry. Fish and Fisheries 5, 21–52.
| Activity and energetics of free-swimming fish: insights from electromyogram telemetry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
de Sylva, D. P. (1963). ‘Systematics and Life History of Great Barracuda Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum).’ (University of Miami Press: Coral Gables, FL.)
Ebner, B. C. (2009). Preface. Tagging for telemetry of freshwater fauna. Marine and Freshwater Research 60, 281–283.
| Preface. Tagging for telemetry of freshwater fauna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fahlman, A., Wilson, R., Svärd, C., Rosen, D. A. S., and Trites, A. W. (2008). Activity and diving metabolism correlate in Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus. Aquatic Biology 2, 75–84.
| Activity and diving metabolism correlate in Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Frith, H. R., and Blake, R. W. (1995). The mechanical power output and hydromechanical efficiency of northern pike (Esox lucius) fast-starts. The Journal of Experimental Biology 198, 1863–1873..
| 9319773PubMed |
Gero, D. R. (1952). The hydrodynamic aspects of fish propulsion. American Museum Novitates 1601, 1–32..
Gleiss, A. C., Gruber, S. H., and Wilson, R. P. (2009a). Multi-channel data-logging: towards determination of behaviour and metabolic rate in free-swimming sharks. In ‘Tagging and Tracking of Marine Animals with Electronic Devices’. (Eds J. L. Nielsen, H. Arrizabalaga, N. Fragoso, A. Hobday, M. Lutcavage and J. Sibert.) pp. 211–228. (Springer: Dordrecht.)
Gleiss, A. C., Norman, B., Liebsch, N., Francis, C., and Wilson, R. P. (2009b). A new prospect for tagging large free-swimming sharks with motion-sensitive data-loggers. Fisheries Research 97, 11–16.
| A new prospect for tagging large free-swimming sharks with motion-sensitive data-loggers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gleiss, A. C., Dale, J. J., Holland, K. N., and Wilson, R. P. (2010). Accelerating estimates of activity-specific metabolic rate in fishes: testing the applicability of acceleration data-loggers. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 385, 85–91.
| Accelerating estimates of activity-specific metabolic rate in fishes: testing the applicability of acceleration data-loggers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gleiss, A. C., Wilson, R. P., and Shepard, E. L. C. (in press). Making overall dynamic body acceleration work: on the theory of acceleration as a proxy for energy expenditure. Methods in Ecology and Evolution , .
| Making overall dynamic body acceleration work: on the theory of acceleration as a proxy for energy expenditure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gollock, M. J., Hunter, K. J., Syme, D. A., Freeman, M., McKinley, R. S., et al. (2009). Potential methods for measuring the activity patterns and energy use of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 66, 1095–1106.
| Potential methods for measuring the activity patterns and energy use of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
González-Sansón, G., Aguilar, C., Hernández, I., and Cabrera, Y. (2009). Effects of depth and bottom communities on the distribution of highly territorial reef fish in the northwestern region of Cuba. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 25, 652–660.
| Effects of depth and bottom communities on the distribution of highly territorial reef fish in the northwestern region of Cuba.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Green, J. A., Halsey, L. G., Wilson, R. P., and Frappell, P. B. (2009). Estimating energy expenditure of animals using the accelerometry technique: activity, inactivity and comparison with heart-rate technique. The Journal of Experimental Biology 212, 471–482.
| Estimating energy expenditure of animals using the accelerometry technique: activity, inactivity and comparison with heart-rate technique.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1M7htVWkug%3D%3D&md5=5664712d04812c9a3243246293475559CAS | 19181894PubMed |
Grubich, J. R., Rice, A. N., and Westneat, M. W. (2008). Functional morphology of bite mechanics in the great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). Zoology (Jena, Germany) 111, 16–29.
| Functional morphology of bite mechanics in the great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18082386PubMed |
Halsey, L. G., and White, C. R. (2010). Measuring energetic and behaviour using accelerometry in cane toads Bufo marinus PLoS ONE 5, e10170.
| Measuring energetic and behaviour using accelerometry in cane toads Bufo marinusCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20422048PubMed |
Halsey, L. G., Green, J. A., Wilson, R. P., and Frappel, P. B. (2009). Accelerometry to estimate energy expenditure during activity: best practice with data loggers. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 82, 396–404.
| Accelerometry to estimate energy expenditure during activity: best practice with data loggers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1Mznt12isg%3D%3D&md5=98609c88e08eb16a9cc07625d9a7bed1CAS | 19018696PubMed |
Heithaus, M. R., Frid, A., Wirsing, A. J., and Worm, B. (2008). Predicting ecological consequences of marine top predator declines. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 23, 202–210.
| Predicting ecological consequences of marine top predator declines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18308421PubMed |
Heupel, M. R., Semmens, J. M., and Hobday, A. J. (2006). Automated acoustic tracking of aquatic animals: scales, design and deployment of listening station arrays. Marine and Freshwater Research 57, 1–13.
| Automated acoustic tracking of aquatic animals: scales, design and deployment of listening station arrays.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hofmann, G. E., and Gaines, S. D. (2008). New tools to meet new challenges: emerging technologies for managing marine ecosystems for resilience. BioScience 58, 43–52.
| New tools to meet new challenges: emerging technologies for managing marine ecosystems for resilience.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Holdsworth, J. C., Sippel, T. J., and Block, B. A. (2009). Near real time satellite tracking of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) movements in the Pacific Ocean. Marine Biology 156, 505–514.
| Near real time satellite tracking of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) movements in the Pacific Ocean.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hoolihan, J. P., and Luo, J. (2007). Determining summer residence status and vertical habitat use of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) in the Arabian Gulf. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64, 1791–1799.
| Determining summer residence status and vertical habitat use of sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) in the Arabian Gulf.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Houghton, J. D. R., Broderick, A. C., Godley, B. J., Metcalfe, J. D., and Hays, G. C. (2002). Diving behaviour during the internesting interval for loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta nesting in Cyprus. Marine Ecology Progress Series 227, 63–70.
| Diving behaviour during the internesting interval for loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta nesting in Cyprus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jellyman, D. (2009). A review of radio and acoustic telemetry studies of freshwater fish in New Zealand. Marine and Freshwater Research 60, 321–327.
| A review of radio and acoustic telemetry studies of freshwater fish in New Zealand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kohler, N. E., and Turner, P. A. (2001). Shark tagging: a review of conventional methods and studies. Environmental Biology of Fishes 60, 191–224.
| Shark tagging: a review of conventional methods and studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lucas, M. C., Johnstone, A. D. F., and Priede, I. G. (1993). Use of physiological telemetry as a method of estimating metabolism of fish in the natural environment. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 122, 822–833.
| Use of physiological telemetry as a method of estimating metabolism of fish in the natural environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Meyer, C. G., and Holland, K. N. (2005). Movement patterns, home range size and habitat utilization of the bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis (Acanthuridae) in a Hawaiian marine reserve. Environmental Biology of Fishes 73, 201–210.
| Movement patterns, home range size and habitat utilization of the bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis (Acanthuridae) in a Hawaiian marine reserve.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Meyer, C. G., Holland, K. N., and Papastamatiou, Y. P. (2007). Seasonal and diel movements of giant trevally Caranx ignobilis at remote Hawaiian atolls: implications for the design of marine protected areas. Marine Ecology Progress Series 333, 13–25.
| Seasonal and diel movements of giant trevally Caranx ignobilis at remote Hawaiian atolls: implications for the design of marine protected areas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Myers, R. A., and Worm, B. (2003). Rapid worldwide depletion of predatory fish communities. Nature 423, 280–283.
| Rapid worldwide depletion of predatory fish communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXjs1ynurw%3D&md5=7572e6c12104e8779337115eb24b57b8CAS | 12748640PubMed |
O’Toole, A. C., Danylchuk, A. J., Suski, C. D., and Cooke, S. J. (2010). Consequences of catch-and-release angling on the physiological status, injury, and immediate mortality of great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) in The Bahamas. ICES Journal of Marine Science 67, 1447–1457..
Paterson, S. E. (1998). Group occurrence of great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bulletin of Marine Science 63, 633–638..
Randall, J. E. (1967). ‘Food Habits of Reef Fishes of the West Indies.’ (University of Miami Press: Coral Gables, FL.)
Ropert-Coudert, Y., and Wilson, R. P. (2005). Trends and perspectives in animal-attached remote sensing. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 3, 437–444.
| Trends and perspectives in animal-attached remote sensing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sadovy, Y. (2005). Trouble on the reef: the imperative for managing vulnerable and valuable fisheries. Fish and Fisheries 6, 167–185.
| Trouble on the reef: the imperative for managing vulnerable and valuable fisheries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Springer, V. G., and McErlean, A. J. (1961). Tagging of great barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum). Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 90, 497–500.
| Tagging of great barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda (Walbaum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tsuda, Y., Kawabe, R., Tanada, H., Mitsunaga, Y., Hiraishi, T., et al. (2006). Monitoring the spawning behaviour of chum salmon with an acceleration data logger. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 15, 264–274.
| Monitoring the spawning behaviour of chum salmon with an acceleration data logger.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Villareal, T. A., Hanson, S., Qualia, S., Jester, E. L. E., Granade, H. R., et al. (2007). Petroleum production platforms as sites for the expansion of ciguatera in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Harmful Algae 6, 253–259.
| Petroleum production platforms as sites for the expansion of ciguatera in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Watanuki, Y., Niizuma, Y., Gabrielsen, G. W., Sato, K., and Naito, Y. (2003). Stroke and glide of wing-propelled divers: deep diving seabirds adjust surge frequency to buoyancy change with depth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological Sciences 270, 483–488.
| Stroke and glide of wing-propelled divers: deep diving seabirds adjust surge frequency to buoyancy change with depth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wearmouth, V. J., and Sims, D. W. (2009). Movement and behaviour patterns of the critically endangered common skate Dipturus batis revealed by electronic tagging. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 380, 77–87.
| Movement and behaviour patterns of the critically endangered common skate Dipturus batis revealed by electronic tagging.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Webber, D. M., Boutilier, R. G., and Kerr, S. R. (1998). Cardiac output as a predictor of metabolic rate in cod Gadus morhua. The Journal of Experimental Biology 201, 2779–2789..
| 9732332PubMed |
Whitney, N. M., Papastamatiou, Y. P., Holland, K. N., and Lowe, C. G. (2007). Use of an acceleration data logger to measure diel activity patterns in captive whitetip reef sharks, Triaenodon obesus. Aquatic Living Resources 20, 299–305.
| Use of an acceleration data logger to measure diel activity patterns in captive whitetip reef sharks, Triaenodon obesus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wilson, R. P., White, C. R., Quintana, F., Halsey, L. G., Liebsch, N., et al. (2006a). Moving towards acceleration for estimates of activity-specific metabolic rate in free-living animals: the case of the cormorant. Journal of Animal Ecology 75, 1081–1090.
| Moving towards acceleration for estimates of activity-specific metabolic rate in free-living animals: the case of the cormorant.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 16922843PubMed |
Wilson, S. K., Wilson, D. T., Lamont, C., and Evans, M. (2006b). Identifying individual great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda using natural body marks. Journal of Fish Biology 69, 928–932.
| Identifying individual great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda using natural body marks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wilson, R. P., Shepard, E. L. C., and Liebsch, N. (2008). Prying into the intimate details of animal lives: use of a daily diary on animals. Endangered Species Research 4, 123–137.
| Prying into the intimate details of animal lives: use of a daily diary on animals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zimmer, I., Wilson, R. P., Gilbert, C., Beaulieu, M., Ancel, A., et al. (2008). Foraging movements of emperor penguins at Point Géologie, Antarctica. Polar Biology 31, 229–243.
| Foraging movements of emperor penguins at Point Géologie, Antarctica.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
