GBR - Green zone contribution to the larval recruitment of three fish species in blue zones, 2007 - 2008 (MTSRF 4.8.1, JCU)

As part of MTSRF Project 4.8.1, this study aimed to assess the benefit of no-take (green) zones as a recruitment source. 1342 adult stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) from 3 green zones around the Keppel Islands were fin-clipped for genetic analysis and released. Microsatellite markers were used to assign juveniles to one or both parents. From the 483 juveniles collected from 16 sites in both green and blue zones, 140 (~30%) were assigned to one or both parents from the adult sample. Of the 140 juveniles, 16% had recruited into home green zones, 62% had dispersed into blue zones, and the remainder had dispersed among other green zones.

References:

Almany GR, Hamilton RJ, Williamson DH, Evans RD, Jones GP, Matawai M, Potuku T, Rhodes KL, Russ GR and Sawynok B. (in press) Research partnerships with local communities: two case studies from Papua New Guinea and Australia. Coral Reefs.

Williamson DH, Jones GP and Thorrold SR. (2009) An experimental evaluation of transgenerational isotope labeling in a coral reef grouper. Mar Biol (2009) 156:2517¿2525.

Williamson DH, Jones GP, Thorrold SR and Frisch AJ. (2009) Transgenerational marking of marine fish larvae: stable-isotope retention, physiological effects and health issues. Journal of Fish Biology 74: 891¿905.