Spatial Distribution of Nearshore Foraging Seabirds In Relation to a Coastal Marine Reserve
The Vandenberg State Marine Reserve (VSMR) was established in 1994 with the primary goal of protecting fishes and invertebrates targeted by fisheries. However, studies of other reserves have shown that effects cascade and benefit species at several trophic levels. We tested the hypothesis that the V...
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Veröffentlicht in: | Marine ornithology 2012-10, Vol.40 (2), p.111-116 |
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Format: | Artikel |
Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | The Vandenberg State Marine Reserve (VSMR) was established in 1994 with the primary goal of protecting fishes and invertebrates targeted by fisheries. However, studies of other reserves have shown that effects cascade and benefit species at several trophic levels. We tested the hypothesis that the VSMR would provide benefits to nearshore foraging seabirds. We measured the foraging rates (mean number of individuals observed per hour) of seabirds at four plots (two inside and two outside the VSMR) over six years to test the hypothesis that foraging rates are greater inside the reserve than outside. The VSMR spans a coastal promontory, and we controlled for promontory effects by selecting plots at windward and leeward sites. All species showed either no difference or higher rates outside the reserve than inside. The consistency of our results over the six-year period illustrates predictable foraging behavior in these species. Piscivorous species foraged more in leeward plots than windward plots, while the benthic invertebrate specialist foraged more in windward plots. Our results reflect reported differences in community structure around coastal promontories; namely, windward habitats enhance biomass of suspension-feeding invertebrates while leeward habitats provide refuge for fish recruitment. Our results suggest that the VSMR is not protecting significant foraging habitat for nearshore foraging seabirds and that coastal geography should be considered when designing marine reserves to protect these species. |
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ISSN: | 1018-3337 |