Abstract

Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, is an important sport fish species that dominates the fish community of the Boquerón Wildlife Refuge (BWR) at Cabo Rojo, western Puerto Rico. The BWR is an artificial water impoundment originally developed for waterfowl enhancement, yet provides important habitat for other fishes. The relative abundance of tarpon varies yearly and these populations require long-term monitoring along with an understanding of habitat use patterns in order to develop appropriate management strategies. This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns by tagging fish internally with passive internal transponder (PIT) tags combined with autonomous detection antennae. From November 2011 to August 2012, 310 tarpon were tagged throughout the BWR and two solar powered detection systems were installed. The antennas recorded a total of 71,501 detections and showed diel patterns of activity that were higher prior to sunrise (3:00 – 6:00AST). In addition, smaller tarpon appeared during the latter months of the ongoing study, which coincided with low water levels suggesting a relationship between water levels and fish movements that may be size dependent. Migration patterns of two tarpon were observed, although further data should provide more detail over the long-term. These data provide a new approach to studying tarpon movements in the BWR. Finally, this information will provide a better under-standing of the ontogenetic requirements of this population such as nursery habitat, migration corridors and spawning sites. This information is essential for the application of adaptive management strategies for the development of a sustainable fishery in the BWR.

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