Links between the three-dimensional movements of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and the bio-physical environment off a coral reef.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Measuring coastal-pelagic prey fields at scales relevant to the movements of marine predators is challenging due to the dynamic and ephemeral nature of these environments. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are thought to aggregate in nearshore tropical waters due to seasonally enhanced foraging opportunities. This implies that the three-dimensional movements of these animals may be associated with bio-physical properties that enhance prey availability. To date, few studies have tested this hypothesis.

Methods

Here, we conducted ship-based acoustic surveys, net tows and water column profiling (salinity, temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence) to determine the volumetric density, distribution and community composition of mesozooplankton (predominantly euphausiids and co

SUBMITTER: D'Antonio B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10829290 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature