Journal article
Variation in cownose ray Rhinoptera neglecta abundance and group size on the central east coast of Australia
Journal of fish biology, Vol.96(2), pp.427-433
02/2020
PMID: 31769026
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Here, we provide baseline information about the relative abundance and group size of the Australian cownose ray Rhinoptera neglecta on the central east coast of Australia. Using drone monitoring over 2 years, we completed 293 transects, each 2 km in length, at four locations distributed along c.100 km of coast. In total, 5979 R. neglecta were observed with overall relative abundance (±SE) of, 20.4 (±3.3) individuals per transect. The numbers of R. neglecta varied among locations, with the highest density found off the beach adjacent to the river mouth at Evans Head. The number of rays observed also decreased with increasing wind speed. While some of this relationship was probably associated with visibility, R. neglecta may also move offshore during strong winds. We found no evidence that R. neglecta was under significant threat. Additionally, our cost-effective surveys demonstrate the utility of aerial drones in fisheries conservation biology.
Details
- Title
- Variation in cownose ray Rhinoptera neglecta abundance and group size on the central east coast of Australia
- Creators
- Alejandro Tagliafico - National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research CentreSouthern Cross University Coffs Harbour AustraliaPaul A Butcher - National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research CentreSouthern Cross University Coffs Harbour Australia, Department of Primary IndustriesNew South Wales Fisheries Coffs Harbour AustraliaAndrew P Colefax - National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research CentreSouthern Cross University Coffs Harbour AustraliaGraeme F Clark - School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South Wales Sydney AustraliaBrendan P Kelaher - National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research CentreSouthern Cross University Coffs Harbour Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of fish biology, Vol.96(2), pp.427-433
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Grant note
- Department of Primary Industries
- Identifiers
- 991012925580002368
- Copyright
- © 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article