Oceanographic preferences of Atlantic bluefin tuna, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus thynnus</Emphasis>, on their Gulf of Mexico breeding grounds |
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Authors: | Steven L H Teo Andre M Boustany Barbara A Block |
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Institution: | (1) Tuna Research and Conservation Center, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA |
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Abstract: | Electronic tagging and remotely sensed oceanographic data were used to determine the oceanographic habitat use and preferences
of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) exhibiting behaviors associated with breeding in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Oceanographic habitats used by 28 Atlantic
bluefin tuna exhibiting breeding behavior (259 days) were compared with available habitats in the GOM, using Monte Carlo tests
and discrete choice models. Habitat utilization and preference patterns for ten environmental parameters were quantified:
bathymetry, bathymetric gradient, SST, SST gradient, surface chlorophyll concentration, surface chlorophyll gradient, sea
surface height anomaly, eddy kinetic energy, surface wind speed, and surface current speed. Atlantic bluefin tuna exhibited
breeding behavior in the western GOM and the frontal zone of the Loop Current. Breeding areas used by the bluefin tuna were
significantly associated with bathymetry, SST, eddy kinetic energy, surface chlorophyll concentration, and surface wind speed,
with SST being the most important parameter. The bluefin tuna exhibited significant preference for areas with continental
slope waters (2,800–3,400 m), moderate SSTs (24–25 and 26–27°C), moderate eddy kinetic energy (251–355 cm2 s−2), low surface chlorophyll concentrations (0.10–0.16 mg m−3), and moderate wind speeds (6–7 and 9–9.5 m s−1). A resource selection function of the bluefin tuna in the GOM was estimated using a discrete choice model and was found
to be highly sensitive to SST. These habitat utilization and preference patterns exhibited by breeding bluefin tuna can be
used to develop habitat models and estimate the probable breeding areas of bluefin tuna in a dynamic environment. |
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