Scientific bases for the management of fisheries resources of common interest – 2nd Fase - 2004-2007. Projecto INTERREG III (GESTPESCA II)

This INTERREG III project, co-ordinated by the Centro Regional de Investigação Pesqueira do Sul of IPIMAR, involves the CFRG (CCMAR), and the Centros de Investigación y Cultivo de Especies Marinas de Agua del Pino (Huelva) y “El Toruño” (Cádiz) of the Consejería de Agricultura y Pesca (Junta de Andalucía, Spain). The CFRG is responsible for studies focusing on understanding the spatial and temporal scale of fish movements and habitat use, with emphasis on several species of sea breams (Diplodus sargus, Sparus aurata) and the artificial reefs located on the Algarve continental shelf. Long-term automated monitoring of fish tagged with pingers will be carried out using Ultrasonic Receiver/monitors fixed on the bottom. Short-term (daily movements) will be studied by tracking tagged fish from a small vessel with a directional hydrophone and ultrasonic receiver. The acoustic telemetry data will provide important information on the spatial and temporal dynamics of these species. In particular, it will be possible to obtain data on habitat preferences, habitat use, daily activity patterns, home ranges and long-term movement patterns. The results of this project will contribute to better conservation and management of the fisheries of the Algarve, where sea breams and bass are an important component of the demersal fish community and of the fisheries landings and where artificial reefs and stock enhancement (sea breams and other species) are important elements of the longterm management strategy.