Abstract

The application of global positioning system (GPS). along with satellite or airborne imagery and digital mapping, is of increasing importance in the understanding of fishing behavior. This paper presents the preliminary results of an interdisciplinary project (fisheries biology, anthropology and popular knowledge) tracking the patterns of spatial and seasonal utilization of fishing resources in the insular shelf of southwestern Puerto Rico. In this particular case traps were used as indicators of overall spatial and seasonal use. Researchers employed GPS receivers (Trimble GeoExplorer) to rapidly record trap coordinates that were latter differentially corrected. Three observations (February. May, and October) were recorded. In each observation, the location of all fish traps in the area were logged. Each survey comprises from three to five outings to observe the location of the gears. Recorded data was posted in the SURFER mapping program using a bathymetric data set for the area. This paper analyzes the patterns of space use and territoriality. This project is funded by the University of Puerto Rico Sea Grant College Program under its Research Initiative for Marine Fisheries Reserves.

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