What is it about?
We analysed a historical database of commercial fishing records to map where large fish like tunas and marlins are likely to be found in the vast ocean surrounding the state of Western Australia. We show for the first time that submarine canyons are important habitats for these animals on a continental scale.
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Why is it important?
Knowing where animals are located in the ocean is critical to support effective species management. Our analysis shows that submarine canyons are important habitats for large fishes, and that the vast majority of fish hotspots fall outside the national network of Australian Marine Parks, therefore receiving little protection from human threats. Our study provides a template for improving and targeting marine wildlife conservation efforts in Australia.
Perspectives
We hope this article will challenge established views that commercial catch records are of limited value for understanding the distribution of wildlife.
Dr Phil J Bouchet
University of Western Australia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Continental-scale hotspots of pelagic fish abundance inferred from commercial catch records, Global Ecology and Biogeography, August 2017, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/geb.12619.
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