Tidal–diel patterns of movement, activity and habitat use by juvenile mangrove whiprays using towed-float GPS telemetry
A. P. B. Martins
A B C , M. R. Heupel B , S. L. Bierwagen A B , A. Chin A and C. A. Simpfendorfer A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, and College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.
B Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: ana.barbosamartins@my.jcu.edu.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 72(4) 534-541 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF20078
Submitted: 19 March 2020 Accepted: 17 August 2020 Published: 15 October 2020
Abstract
Stingrays are a diverse and widespread group of elasmobranchs. Despite their ecological and economical importance, many aspects of stingray ecology remain poorly understood. Few studies have examined fine-scale movements of juvenile stingrays within nursery areas. This study aimed to examine diel movement patterns in juvenile mangrove whiprays (Urogymnus granulatus) by using towed-float GPS telemetry within a reef flat habitat of the Great Barrier Reef. Juvenile mangrove whiprays travelled distances from 394 to 2189 m, moving at a rate (mean ± s.e.) of 3.97 m min–1 ± 2.5 during tracking periods ranging from 1.35 to 9 h. Movements of juvenile mangrove whiprays were influenced by tidal height and diel period. Individuals chose more direct paths during outgoing and incoming tides and their activity space was significantly larger during the day than at night-time. Individuals showed preference for mangrove areas during high tides, which was likely to reduce predation risk. Our findings have established the use of the towed-float GPS telemetry as an effective tool to assess short-term movement patterns and habitat use of juvenile stingrays, as well as highlighted how juvenile mangrove whiprays use reef-flat environments.
Keywords: biotelemetry, elasmobranch, Urogymnus granulatus
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