In situ target strength measurement of the black triggerfish Melichthys niger and the ocean triggerfish Canthidermis sufflamen
Triggerfish are widely distributed in tropical waters where they play an important ecological role. The black triggerfish Melichthys niger may be the dominant species around oceanic tropical islands, whereas pelagic triggerfish, such as the ocean triggerfish Canthidermis sufflamen, can assemble around fish aggregating devices (FADs) where they are a common bycatch of tuna fisheries. In this study we combined acoustic and optical recordings to provide the first in situ target strength (TS) measurement of black and ocean triggerfish. Data were collected in the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha off north-east Brazil. The mean TS of a 27.8-cm-long black triggerfish at 70 and 200 kHz was –39.3 dB re 1 m2 (CV = 14.0%) and –38.9 dB re 1 m2 (CV = 14.4%) respectively. The mean TS values of ocean triggerfish (with a size range of 39–44 cm) at 70 and 200 kHz were –36.0 dB re 1 m2 (CV = 15.7%) and –33.3 dB re 1 m2 (CV = 14.0%) respectively. This work opens up the field for acoustic biomass estimates. In addition, we have shown that TS values for ocean triggerfish are within the same range as those of small tunas. Therefore, acoustic data transmitted from FADs equipped with echosounders can introduce a bias in tuna acoustic biomass estimation and lead to increased rates of bycatch.
History
Publication title
Marine and Freshwater ResearchVolume
71Issue
9Pagination
1118-1127ISSN
1323-1650Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
C S I R O PublishingPlace of publication
150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066Rights statement
Copyright 2020 CSIRORepository Status
- Restricted