Author:
Caputi Nick,Chubb Chris,Pearce Alan
Abstract
The Leeuwin Current, which brings warm, nutrient-poor waters southward along
the edge of the West Australian continental shelf, is positively correlated
with western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) puerulus
settlement along the coast. Westerly winds, also positively correlated with
puerulus settlement, probably assist the transport of larvae to the coast
during settlement. We examined relationships between (a)
monthly sea-surface temperature where phyllosoma larvae occur – and
annual levels of puerulus settlement at locations throughout the fishery and
(b) monthly variation in Leeuwin Current strength (and
westerly winds) and annual puerulus settlement later in the year
(August–January). The Leeuwin Current, when it begins to strengthen
during February–April, was highly correlated with puerulus settlement;
sea-surface temperature during this period may have strongly influenced
puerulus settlement at many locations. Its influence on puerulus settlement
may have been due to improved larval survival and growth caused by higher
water temperatures associated with a stronger Leeuwin Current in April or to
increased retention of larvae close to the coast. In years when the
southward-flowing Leeuwin Current was very strong, settlement in the southern
locations was relatively higher than that farther north. In years of strong
puerulus settlement, settlement also occurred earlier in the season.
Subject
Ecology,Aquatic Science,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics,Oceanography
Cited by
72 articles.
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