Patterns in sightings of ocean sunfishes (Molidae) in the greater Dyer Island ecosystem, Western Cape, South Africa

IF 1.4 4区生物学 Q3 MARINE & FRESHWATER BIOLOGY

African Journal of Marine Science Pub Date : 2023-08-01 DOI:10.2989/1814232x.2023.2245854

RGA Watson, E Frey, S Hörbst

引用次数: 0

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to describe the distribution of ocean sunfishes (family Molidae) in the greater Dyer Island ecosystem off the southwest coast of South Africa. Between 2014 and 2022, local whale watching vessels operating under Dyer Island Cruises conducted 3 227 trips which resulted in 274 trips with Molidae sightings, with a total of 300 individuals sighted. Molidae sightings showed a significant correlation to sea surface temperature and a strong seasonal pattern. Sightings in the greater Dyer Island area increased significantly after 2016, suggesting a correlation with the decline of white shark Carcharodon carcharias sightings, with further increases in 2021. This suggests that the greater Dyer Island ecosystem has become a more favoured habitat for species of Molidae.Keywords: distributionmarine megafaunaMolaseasonalitysea surface temperature

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在南非西开普省大代尔岛生态系统中海洋翻车鱼(Molidae)的目击模式

摘要本研究旨在描述南非西南海岸大代尔岛生态系统中海洋太阳鱼(Molidae)的分布。在2014年至2022年期间，代尔岛邮轮旗下的当地观鲸船进行了3227次航行，其中274次航行中发现了Molidae，总共发现了300只。Molidae的发现与海面温度有显著的相关性和强烈的季节性。2016年之后，戴尔岛大区域的目击事件显著增加，这表明与白鲨Carcharodon carcharias目击事件的减少有关，2021年将进一步增加。这表明更大的戴尔岛生态系统已经成为Molidae物种更有利的栖息地。关键词:分布;海洋巨型动物;季节性

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来源期刊

African Journal of Marine Science 生物-海洋与淡水生物学

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

16.70%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The African (formerly South African) Journal of Marine Science provides an international forum for the publication of original scientific contributions or critical reviews, involving oceanic, shelf or estuarine waters, inclusive of oceanography, studies of organisms and their habitats, and aquaculture. Papers on the conservation and management of living resources, relevant social science and governance, or new techniques, are all welcomed, as are those that integrate different disciplines. Priority will be given to rigorous, question-driven research, rather than descriptive research. Contributions from African waters, including the Southern Ocean, are particularly encouraged, although not to the exclusion of those from elsewhere that have relevance to the African context. Submissions may take the form of a paper or a short communication. The journal aims to achieve a balanced representation of subject areas but also publishes proceedings of symposia in dedicated issues, as well as guest-edited suites on thematic topics in regular issues.