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Geomorphic Characterization of Reef Fish Aggregation Sites in the Upper Florida Keys, USA, Using Single-Beam Acoustics

2011; Routledge; Volume: 63; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/00330124.2011.585075

1467-9272

Arthur C. R. Gleason, G. Todd Kellison, R. Pamela Reid,

Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if multiple reef fish aggregation sites in the upper Florida Keys share characteristic geomorphic features. A commercial single-beam acoustic seabed classification system was used to map the seabed in the vicinity of reported or observed black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), and yellowtail snapper (L. chrysurus) aggregation sites. Results showed that drowned, margin-parallel, rocky ridges, known locally as outlier reefs, were features found in proximity to all of the mapped aggregation sites. In particular, three geomorphic characteristics were observed at most sites: a steep slope of the landward boundary of the upper slope terrace, an exposed outlier reef forming the seaward boundary of the upper slope terrace, and at least one other exposed outlier reef on the upper slope terrace. The results suggest that the acoustic-mapping technologies used herein could be valuable when considering the placement of marine reserves. El objetivo de este estuio era determinar si los múltiples sitios de concentración de peces de arrecife en los Cayos de la Florida comparten rasgos geomórficos característicos. Se usó un sistema comercial de clasificación acústica del lecho marino para cartografiar el fondo del mar en los sitios reportados u observados de concentración del mero negro (Mycteroperca bonaci), pargo criollo (Lutjanus analis) y pargo rabirrubia (L. chrysurus). Los resultados indican que las crestas rocosas sumergidas, paralelas entre sí, localmente conocidas como outlier reefs (“arrecifes atípicos”), son rasgos corrientes hallados en las proximidades de todos los sitios de concentración cartografiados. Partticularmente se observaron tres características geomórficas en la mayoría de los sitios: una pendiente muy pronunciada del límite terrestre de la parte superior de la terraza, un “outlier reef” expuesto a manera de límite marino de la parte superior de la terraza, y por lo menos otro “outlier reef” expuesto sobre la parte superior de la terraza. Los resultados sugieren que las tecnologías de mapeo acústico utilizadas en este caso podrían ser valiosas cuando se vaya a considerar la ubicación de reservas marinas. Key Words: acoustic seabed classificationfish spawning aggregationsoutlier reefsQTC关键词: 声纳海底分类鱼类聚集产卵离群礁QTCPalabras clave: clasificación acústica del fondo marinoconcentraciones de desove de pecesarrecifes atípicosQTC Notes *Discussions with Roberto Torres were critical for this work. Funding was provided by grants from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program to Todd Kellison and Anne-Marie Eklund. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Biscayne National Park issued permits FKNMS-2007-008 and BISC-2007-SCI-0021. Heather Balchowsky, Neil Baertlein, Marilyn Brandt, Joe Contillo, Mike Feeley, Rick Gomez, Doug Harper, Jack Javech, Dave McClellan, Mark Miller, and Jen Schull assisted with data collection at Carysfort Reef. Comments from anonymous reviewers and Will Heyman improved the article and are greatly appreciated. 1. Mr. Roberto Torres, The Nature Conservancy, 2455 E. Sunrise Blvd. PHS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304.