Movements of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) along the U.S. east coast as determined through mark and recapture data

Abstract

Conventional mark and recapture (n=306 recaptures) and satellite monitoring data (n=6 transmitters) were used to examine small and large scale dispersal and movement patterns of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) along the U.S. east coast. Movement rates were dependent upon region, latitude, and distance from shore released. Movements from Florida to the South-Atlantic Bight (SAB) (44.67±39.53km/d) and Florida to northeastern North Carolina (MAB) (44.62±15.31km/d) had the highest observed rates, while movements within the SAB were the slowest (11.80±27.94km/d). Regional movement headings varied with latitude, with dolphinfish released from Florida Keys to Central Florida displaying the most directional variability, with 3.5% conducting southerly movements. The majority of the southerly movements occurred during fall. The maximum straightline dispersal rate was 238.25km/d and the greatest displacement distance was 1915km observed in 51 days between the Florida Keys and Long Island, New York. Understanding the movements of dolphinfish along the U.S. east coast is the first step toward better predicting seasonal and annual stock abundances by state and elucidating state-to-state stock connectivity. On a larger scale, identifying movement patterns along the east coast is a pre-requisite to describing the spatial and temporal movement patterns to other regions such as the Bahamas and Caribbean Sea.