Fish population size estimates from a small intermittently open estuary in South Africa, based on mark-recapture techniques

Abstract

Population sizes of the migratory marine-spawning fishes in the small intermittently open East Kleinemonde Estuary (33º32′S, 27º03′E) were estimated during two independent mark–recapture studies between 1994 and 1996. Seines were used to sample fishes during the closed-mouth phase of the estuary. All individuals above a stipulated minimum size were marked by fin-clipping. Population estimates were obtained by use of two mark–recapture models (Schnabel and a maximum-likelihood estimator) and a derived method. The total population size was estimated at ~18 000 and ~133 000 individuals during the two study periods respectively. The large temporal (interannual) variability was ascribed to both abiotic (estuary mouth conditions) and biotic-conditions. The dominant species during both periods was Rhabdosargus holubi, which accounted for ~75% and ~80%of the total population of marine fishes in the estuary. The success of this species is attributed to an extended breeding season and the ability to recruit during mouth overwash events.