Stock enhancement of rock lobsters (Jasus edwardsii): timing of predation on naïve juvenile lobsters immediately after release

Abstract

The success of enhancement programmes hinges on the survival of released animals. One factor greatly influencing short‐term survival of reseeded lobsters is the timing and intensity of predation relative to the time of release. The activity and abundance of predators varies over daily, seasonal, and annual scales and knowing the best time to release juveniles will minimise mortality. We used chronographic tethering devices and remote video equipment at 10 sites near Wellington, New Zealand and Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, to assess the relative timing and intensity of predation for released lobsters. Our studies showed that predation was greatest within the first 2 h after release (χ 2 = 60.425, d.f. = 9, P < 0.001) suggesting that the disturbance associated with the release itself may draw the unwanted attention of predators. Relative predation rates also peaked on each of the following two mornings, possibly because of the emergence of daytime predators. The video footage obtained at the Tasmanian sites revealed that most predation was by fish (46%), but surprisingly, cannibalism comprised 16% of predation events. The limitations of tethering as a method are discussed in numerous reviews but proved useful as a relative measure for these highly mobile and cryptic animals. Further consideration needs to be given to methods of release that minimise mortality of recently seeded lobsters.