Exploring the trophic strategies of two large pelagic species inhabiting the Galapagos Marine Reserve

IF 2.3 2区农林科学 Q2 FISHERIES

Fisheries Research Pub Date : 2025-06-16 DOI:10.1016/j.fishres.2025.107442

Andrés Moreira-Mendieta , Marjorie Riofrío-Lazo , Jenifer Suarez-Moncada , Diego Páez-Rosas

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

We explored the trophic strategies of the broadbill swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) within the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), using stable isotope analysis to infer habitat use and their trophic interactions. Muscle tissue samples were collected after the seizure of an illegal fishing boat in 2018. We observed interspecific differences in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N signatures, suggesting different feeding patterns between species. X. gladius exhibited a broader isotopic niche and higher trophic position, which could be associated with greater trophic flexibility and consumption of demersal and mesopelagic prey. In contrast, C. hippurus displayed a narrower isotopic niche and a lower trophic level, suggesting a more restricted diet focused on small epipelagic prey. Trophic niche partitioning between these two species would be an ecological mechanism aimed at reducing competition and facilitating their coexistence in the region. Our findings highlight the importance of the GMR as a buffer area and feeding ground for large commercially pelagic species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

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探索居住在加拉帕戈斯海洋保护区的两个大型远洋物种的营养策略

研究了加拉帕戈斯海洋保护区（GMR）内阔嘴剑鱼（Xiphias gladius）和海豚（Coryphaena hippurus）的营养策略，利用稳定同位素分析推断了栖息地的利用及其营养相互作用。在2018年扣押一艘非法渔船后，收集了肌肉组织样本。我们观察到δ¹³C和δ¹5 N特征的种间差异，表明物种之间存在不同的摄食模式。剑兰具有更宽的同位素生态位和更高的营养地位，这可能与更大的营养灵活性和对底层和中层猎物的消耗有关。相比之下，C. hippurus显示出更窄的同位素生态位和更低的营养水平，这表明它们的饮食更局限于小型的上层猎物。这两个物种之间的营养生态位划分可能是一种旨在减少竞争和促进它们在该地区共存的生态机制。我们的研究结果强调了GMR作为热带太平洋东部大型商业远洋物种的缓冲区和觅食地的重要性。

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来源期刊

Fisheries Research 农林科学-渔业

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

16.70%

发文量

294

审稿时长

15 weeks

期刊介绍： This journal provides an international forum for the publication of papers in the areas of fisheries science, fishing technology, fisheries management and relevant socio-economics. The scope covers fisheries in salt, brackish and freshwater systems, and all aspects of associated ecology, environmental aspects of fisheries, and economics. Both theoretical and practical papers are acceptable, including laboratory and field experimental studies relevant to fisheries. Papers on the conservation of exploitable living resources are welcome. Review and Viewpoint articles are also published. As the specified areas inevitably impinge on and interrelate with each other, the approach of the journal is multidisciplinary, and authors are encouraged to emphasise the relevance of their own work to that of other disciplines. The journal is intended for fisheries scientists, biological oceanographers, gear technologists, economists, managers, administrators, policy makers and legislators.