Size isn't everything: movements, home range, and habitat preferences of eastern blue gropers (Achoerodus viridis) demonstrate the efficacy of a small marine reserve

摘要: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important conservation tools, however, efficacy can, in part, be a function of their size relation to the home range target species. The eastern blue groper, Achoerodus viridis, is long-lived, protogynous hermaphrodite, and an ‘iconic’ marine species Australia, with several MPAs having been established specifically for protection. Site fidelity, habitat use, were assessed 29 adult gropers monitored up 374 days using passive acoustic telemetry within around small reserve. The fish exhibited long residency times no movement was recorded between adjacent reefs, suggesting sand acts as natural barrier movement. Core ranges calculated 50% kernel utilization distributions (KUD) estimated 0.005 0.092 km2. Males had larger core than females or indeterminate sex. There statistical difference breeding/non-breeding seasons. Home 95% KUD ranged 0.03 0.54 km2. Home largest males significantly all sexes breeding season. Fish tagged ‘no-take’ area MPA smaller where fishing permitted. This study indicates that even relatively can provide effective protection supporting proposition large reef dwellers used flagship gain public support designation MPAs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.