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Marine reserve use by a migratory coastal shark, Carcharias taurus
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Marine reserve use by a migratory coastal shark, Carcharias taurus

Ross G. Dwyer, Michaela Rathbone, Deborah L. Foote, Mike Bennett, Paul A. Butcher, Nicholas M. Otway, Brett M. Louden, Fabrice R.A. Jaine, Craig E. Franklin and Carley Kilpatrick
Biological conservation, Vol.283, p.110099
07/2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110099

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Abstract

Acoustic telemetry Greynurse MPA connectivity Sand tiger Shark Threatened species
Networks of small no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) are a popular approach to protect mobile marine species at key sites along their migration routes. Understanding how individuals vary in their use of these sites is needed to ensure MPA networks are optimised to offer maximum protection benefits. Using diver-led surveys, coded acoustic tags and a continental-scale collaborative network of acoustic receivers, we investigated variation in the use of three Australian MPAs by aggregating grey nurse sharks, Carcharias taurus. The Wolf Rock MPA was used year-round by C. taurus and as a gestation site, with females spending up to 254 d at the site with 2.2–3.7 year absences between residencies. In contrast, Flat Rock and Cherubs Cave-Henderson Rock MPAs were used as a transitory aggregation site with males and females occurring at the site for 30 min–59 d intervals between June–January, only. Migratory movements ranged up to 1500 km along the coastline, intersected 18 MPAs and/or recognised C. taurus aggregation sites, and connected temperate waters at Montague Island (36.25° S) with that of the southern Great Barrier Reef (23.40° S). Our study demonstrates how local receiver arrays and national collaborative acoustic telemetry networks are powerful tools to reveal use, fidelity and connectivity of MPA networks by marine migratory species. As the east Australian C. taurus population is critically endangered and at particular risk of anthropogenic threats, ongoing monitoring of the species' movement behaviour and complementary management outside protected area boundaries is warranted to assist its protection. •High connectivity among a marine protected area network for a migratory shark.•Timing and residency of sharks at focal MPAs vary according to sex and maturity status.•Triennial migrations of mature females to a known C. taurus gestation site.•Fine scale use of aggregation sites informs the design of protected area boundaries.•Complementary management is needed outside protected area boundaries.

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