Abstract

Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) movements relative to the Greater Antilles and northern Lesser Antilles were examined using conventional (n=540) plastic dart tags and pop-up satellite archival tags (n = 6) from 2002 - 2013. The overall recapture rate for fish released (73 - 130 cm FL) within the NE Caribbean was 2.7% (n = 15) with days at liberty (DAL) and movement rates ranging from 1-557 d, and 2.2-29.1 km/d, respectively. Regional movements were westward (274.42o ± 21.06o; mean ± SD) and the maximum distance recorded was 1,917 km between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Charleston, South Carolina. Six fish were recaptured in the Caribbean Sea after being released off of Florida (n = 5) and South Carolina (310 ± 127 d). Fish movements were compared to surface drifter tracks (n = 196) in the region. Both dolphinfish and drifter movement rates were faster in the Caribbean Sea than in the tropical Atlantic (north of Greater Antilles). Entry of drifters into the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean occurred through the northern Lesser Antilles, the Anegada Passage, and the Mona Passage; the latter exclusively appears to be both an entry and exit. These features are likely movement corridors for dolphinfish. Results suggest return migrations towards the Loop Current (south of the Greater Antilles) or Straits of Florida (north) and the Gulf Stream. Understanding dolphinfish movements and population connectivity among exclusive economic zones of northern Caribbean islands and the United States is critical for accurate assessments of fishing mortality, spawning biomass and stock health, and management must be viewed within a regional context.

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