Strategies for the capture and transport of bonefish,Albula vulpes, from tidal creeks to a marine research laboratory for long-term holding

Abstract

Throughout their circumtropical distribution, bone¢sh (Albula spp.) play a vital role in local economies as a highly prized sport ¢sh. Recent interest in stock enhancement to sustain bone¢sh ¢sheries has led to the recognition that there currently are no data on how to live capture large numbers of adults (potential broodstock), transport them to captive facilities and how to handle them to ensure high survival. The objective of this study was to develop strategies for the capture and relocation of wild bone¢sh to a marine research holding facility to enable basic research and explore the potential for culturing bone¢sh for stock enhancement. Bone¢sh Albula vulpes (Linnaeus,1758) were captured as they entered or left tidal creeks on Eleuthera, The Bahamas using seine nets and then transported by boat or truck to the laboratory. The relocation process evoked secondary stress responses at the metabolic, osmoregulatory and haematological levels as indicated by changes in blood glucose, lactate, haematocrit and ion values, relative to control ¢sh. Physical and behavioural disturbances were also observed in bone¢sh that were unable to acclimate to laboratory conditions. Successful laboratory acclimation and long-term holding of wild bone¢sh was achieved through an adaptive learning process, whereby we identi¢ed a series of strategies and handling techniques to facilitate the acclimation of wild adult bone¢sh to captivity. This knowledge will enable future laboratory research on bone¢sh and is a prerequisite to the culture of this highly prized sport ¢sh, and other sub-tropical and tropical marine species.