Abstract
Information on the distribution and habitat preferences of ecologically and commercially important species is essential for their management and protection. This is especially important as climate change, pollution, and overfishing change the structure and functioning of pelagic ecosystems. In this study, we used Bayesian hierarchical spatial-temporal models to map the Essential Fish Habitats of the Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the waters around Isla del Coco National Park, Pacific Costa Rica, based on independent underwater observations from 1993 to 2013. We assessed if observed changes in the distribution and abundance of this species are related with habitat characteristics, fishing intensity or more extreme climatic events, including the El Niño Southern Oscillation, and changes on the average sea surface temperature. Yellowfin tuna showed a decreasing abundance trend in the sampled period, whereas higher abundances were found in shallow and warmer waters, with high concentration of chlorophyll-a, and in surrounding seamounts. In addition, El Niño Southern Oscillation events did not seem to affect Yellowfin tuna distribution and abundance. Understanding the habitat preferences of this species, using approaches as the one developed here, may help design integrated programs for more efficient management of vulnerable species.
Highlights
Pelagic ecosystems are undergoing extreme changes in their structure and functioning due to climate change, pollution and overfishing [1]
We explored the distribution and abundance of the Yellowfin tuna within the
Underwater survey censuses of the Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) performed along 21 years were used to improve our understanding of habitat selection by this species and its changes in distribution and abundance over time in Isla del Coco National Park
Summary
Pelagic ecosystems are undergoing extreme changes in their structure and functioning due to climate change, pollution and overfishing [1]. For example, access and exploit remote areas, such as deep ocean habitats, as closer and more traditional fishing grounds get depleted [2]. Marine top predators, including marine mammals, sharks, large tuna and billfish, are declining worldwide at a rapid rate, which can largely be attributed to fisheries [3]. The loss of PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0168212. Distribution Patterns of Thunnus albacares through Predictive Habitat Suitability Models data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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