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Cruz-Castán R, Saber S, Meiners-Mandujano C, Gómez Vives MJ, Curiel-Ramirez S, Galindo-Cortes G, Macías D. Oocyte dynamics for Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the southern Gulf of Mexico: A comparative assessment of Mediterranean spawners using two stereological methods. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 103:1054-1072. [PMID: 37466346 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Although most research focused on the northern Gulf of Mexico for western Atlantic bluefin tuna, the histological records of reproductive activity of this species in the southern Gulf of Mexico (Mexican waters) have been presented for the first time. This work is the first to study oocyte dynamics in Atlantic bluefin tuna caught in the southern Gulf of Mexico by assessing and comparing them with Mediterranean stock (BFT-E) through stereology using two different methods. Regardless of Atlantic bluefin tuna females returning to their respective spawning grounds at different months in the southern Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, both stocks arrived reproductively inactive and remained in these zones during periods of similar length; they were reproductively active until March for the southern Gulf of Mexico and May for the Mediterranean females. The comparison of the size structure between the two stocks examined using kernel density estimators demonstrated a quite remarkable difference in mean fork lengths between stocks. The ovarian oocyte density, that is, the number of oocytes per gram of ovary, for each gonad stage predicted using the Weibel and Gomez and oocyte packing density (OPD) methods did not significantly differ between stocks and showed that advanced vitellogenic oocytes from spawning-capable females are an appropriate indicator to estimate potential fecundity, presenting values of c. 1273 and ~1355 eggs per gram for the southern Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean females, respectively. Females caught in Mexican waters (southern Gulf of Mexico) were larger than those caught in the Mediterranean; however, it was demonstrated that the length and weight of females did not affect ovarian oocyte density production. In addition, densities estimated for each gonad stage using W&G and OPD methods did not differ between stocks and presented equal patterns in their oocyte dynamics. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive biology of Atlantic bluefin tuna, especially in the southern Gulf of Mexico, due to the lack of information regarding this zone, and may allow to support strategies for proper assessment, management, and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cruz-Castán
- Posgrado en Ecología y Pesquerías, Universidad Veracruzana, Boca del Rio, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Sámar Saber
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure for the Bluefin Tuna Aquaculture (ICTS-ICAR), Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - María José Gómez Vives
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Fuengirola, Spain
| | - Sergio Curiel-Ramirez
- Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | | | - David Macías
- Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Fuengirola, Spain
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Maar K, Riisager-Simonsen C, MacKenzie BR, Skov C, Aarestrup K, Svendsen JC. Economic expenditures by recreational anglers in a recovering atlantic bluefin tuna fishery. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271823. [PMID: 35925974 PMCID: PMC9352073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent return of Atlantic bluefin tuna to northern Europe following the recovery of the east Atlantic stock has sparked substantial public and scientific interest. This is particularly true for recreational anglers in Denmark, who often consider Atlantic bluefin tuna to be the catch of a lifetime. This attitude has previously sustained a substantial recreational fishery for bluefin tuna with annual tournaments in Denmark, which peaked in the 1950s before the subsequent collapse of the stock during the 1960s. Several scientific tagging programs have recruited recreational anglers in recent years to help catch and release tagged bluefin tuna. The anglers’ investment of time and money in the scientific tagging projects indicate that the recreational fishery could recover in the future. However, the economic aspects of a potential future recreational bluefin tuna fishery remain unknown. We surveyed anglers participating in a scientific catch and release bluefin tuna fishery in Denmark across three years (2018–2020) and calculated the total annual expenditures associated with the activities. Additionally, we estimated the magnitude of the negative impact (i.e., incidental mortalities) on the bluefin tuna stock. Our results show that total annual expenditures by the recreational anglers approached 1,439,540€, totaling 4,318,620€ between 2018 and 2020. We found that recreational bluefin tuna anglers had mean annual expenditures directly related to the bluefin tuna fishing between 7,047€ and 2,176€ with an associated mortality impact on the stock of less than 1 tonne annually. By comparing the mortality impact to the expenditures, we estimate that each dead Atlantic bluefin tuna during the three study years generated 398,163€ in mean annual expenditures, equivalent to approximately 1636€ kg-1. Our study demonstrates significant economic expenditures among recreational anglers who target Atlantic bluefin tuna. This provides a clear example of how a recovery of marine natural capital and related ecosystem services can support development in the blue economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Maar
- Centre for Ocean Life, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Christian Riisager-Simonsen
- Section for Maritime Service, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Brian R. MacKenzie
- Section for Oceans and Arctic, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christian Skov
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Kim Aarestrup
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Jon C. Svendsen
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Silkeborg, Denmark
- Section for Coastal Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua), Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Bello G, Santamaria N, Corriero A. Multiple-Phase Biometric Relationships and Sexual Maturity in the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Osteichthyes: Scombridae). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020390. [PMID: 33546441 PMCID: PMC7913654 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Most fish undergo distinct growth phases during ontogenesis. An extremely important passage from the juvenile to adult phase occurs at the onset of sexual maturity, which shows in body proportion and/or growth rate changes. These can be detected as change-points in biometric relationships. In this paper, the Atlantic bluefin tuna was analyzed to verify whether its somatic proportions show any sign of discontinuity during growth, i.e., whether any change-points may be detected in its somatic proportions. This fish has never been examined in this respect, and single-phase models, which are indeed easier to both compute and apply, are used in stock analyses. The following somatic relationships were analyzed in Atlantic bluefin tuna captured in the Mediterranean Sea between 1998 and 2010: "fork length-weight" regression, the von Bertalanffy growth equation, and "first dorsal spine cross section surface-fork length" regression. All of the examined relationships were found to be best modelled by multiple-phase regression equations, and all of them showed a change-point within the range of 101-110 cm fork length, which corresponds to 3-4 years of age. The present results, based on reproductive state-independent analyses, corroborate the disputed hypothesis that Atlantic bluefin tuna from the eastern stock in fact reproduce for the first time at this age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicoletta Santamaria
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (N.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Aldo Corriero
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Veterinary Clinics and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; (N.S.); (A.C.)
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Varela JL, Carrera I, Medina A. Seasonal feeding patterns of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Strait of Gibraltar. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 153:104811. [PMID: 31606142 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Strait of Gibraltar (SoG) houses a large diversity of marine species including large pelagic animals that use this area as permanent or temporary habitat. In particular, the SoG is home to a population of adult and sub-adult Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) that occurs there for most of the year. To gain further insight into the life history of this ABFT population, seasonal feeding patterns were investigated combining stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotopes analysis (SIA) of muscle and liver tissues. Our results reveal seasonal variations in feeding patterns, which are evidenced by a significant shift in the diet composition and the highest food consumption rates that take place in spring, prior to the spawning season. These changes in feeding habits are consistent with the varying energetic needs along the species' annual biological cycle. The present observations confirm the SoG as an important foraging ground for ABFT resident populations and may have further implications for the management of the resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Varela
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Irene Carrera
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Antonio Medina
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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Varela JL, Rojo-Nieto E, Sorell JM, Medina A. Using stable isotope analysis to assess trophic relationships between Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Strait of Gibraltar. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 139:57-63. [PMID: 29754735 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N from liver and muscle) was used to assess trophic relationships between Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) (Thunnus thynnus) and striped dolphin (SC) (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG). δ15N values from ABFT muscle and liver tissues were significantly different from those of dolphin samples, but no for δ13C values. Diet estimation by MixSIAR models from muscle and liver revealed that ABFT fed mainly on squids (Todaropsis eblanae and Illex coindetii). The shrimp Pasiphaea sp. was estimated to be the most important prey-species in the diet of SC. Trophic positions estimated from muscle and liver isotopic data suggested that ABFT occupy a higher trophic level than SC. Estimations of isotopic niche, as measured by the standard ellipse area, indicated that ABFT show a broader trophic niche than SC; furthermore, SEAc did not show trophic overlap between both predators. The results of this study suggest that resource partitioning occurs between ABFT and SC in the SoG ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Varela
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Av. República Saharaui s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
| | - Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Departamento de Tecnologías del Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Cádiz, Centro Andaluz de Ciencias y Tecnologías Marinas (CACYTMAR/INMAR), Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Marinas (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Av. República Saharaui s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Joan M Sorell
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Av. República Saharaui s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Antonio Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Cádiz, Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar (CEI·MAR), Av. República Saharaui s/n, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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Puig-Pons V, Estruch VD, Espinosa V, de la Gándara F, Melich B, Cort JL. Relationship between weight and linear dimensions of Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) following fattening on western Mediterranean farms. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200406. [PMID: 29990350 PMCID: PMC6039039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study presents various models based on formulae relating weight and dimensions (length, height and width) of Bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.), fattened in captivity. The main aim of establishing these expressions is to design tools for indirectly predicting the weight of a Bluefin tuna from measurements of one or more dimensions obtained using non-invasive methods such as stereoscopic cameras. Measurements of maximum length, height and width following slaughter were taken of fish fattened in captivity (n = 2078). Different relationships drawn from the dimensions of the tuna against their weight are fitted with part of the data collection and later checked against a reserved sample set. The resulting formulae are compared with the formulae most commonly used in the case of wild tuna. The results of this study confirm that, for tuna fattened in cages, the availability of more than one dimension to estimate weight improves the predictive power of the model and reduces error in the estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Puig-Pons
- Institut d’Investigació per a la Gestió Integrada de Zones Costaneres, Universitat Politècnica de València, Grau de Gandia (Valencia), Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Vicente Domingo Estruch
- Institut d’Investigació per a la Gestió Integrada de Zones Costaneres, Universitat Politècnica de València, Grau de Gandia (Valencia), Spain
| | - Víctor Espinosa
- Institut d’Investigació per a la Gestió Integrada de Zones Costaneres, Universitat Politècnica de València, Grau de Gandia (Valencia), Spain
| | - Fernando de la Gándara
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia. Planta de Cultivos Marinos, Puerto de Mazarrón (Murcia), Spain
| | | | - José Luis Cort
- Fisheries Area, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Santander, Santander (Cantabria), Spain
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Rodriguez-Marin E, Ortiz M, Ortiz de Urbina JM, Quelle P, Walter J, Abid N, Addis P, Alot E, Andrushchenko I, Deguara S, Di Natale A, Gatt M, Golet W, Karakulak S, Kimoto A, Macias D, Saber S, Santos MN, Zarrad R. Correction: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Biometrics and Condition. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157291. [PMID: 27271731 PMCID: PMC4894631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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