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Partially Protected Areas (PPAs) are a widely-used management tool, yet comparatively little is known about their effectiveness compared to more commonly studied No-Take Marine Reserves (NTMRs). Here, we examine the efficacy of two kinds of PPAs (with and without spearfishing) within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) that are subject to a range of fishing limitations, and assess their utility as a marine park zoning and fisheries management tool. Fish abundance, size, and habitat composition were compared inside PPAs and NTMRs on inshore reefs of the central GBR. Fish abundances were lower inside PPAs relative to adjacent NTMRs for primary fishing targets, with no detectable effects for secondary targets and non-targets, or for species richness. Fish assemblages differed amongst zones, but these variations were minor compared to regional variations in species composition. Partially Protected Areas supported 46%–69% of the relative abundance of total primary targets compared to adjacent NTMRs, with no evident increase in abundance in zones where spearfishing was prohibited. There were no reductions in the size of two key target species: coral trout (Plectropomus spp.) and stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) inside PPAs, and only stripey snapper had significant reductions in abundance inside PPAs compared to NTMRS. Habitat and biophysical characteristics (especially topographic complexity) were strong drivers of fish abundance, but the relative influence of zone was greater for target species compared to non-targets. This study provides novel data on PPAs and highlights their utility as a spatial management tool in contributing to conservation and fisheries management goals.

Streptococcus iniae causes high mortality in cultured and wild fish stocks globally. Since the first report in captive Amazon river dolphins Inia geoffrensis in 1976, it has emerged in finfish across all continents except Antarctica. In March 2016, an estimated 17000 fish were observed dead and dying along a remote 70 km stretch of the Kimberley coastline north of Broome, Western Australia. Affected species included finfish (lionfish Pterois volitans, angelfish Pomacanthus sp., stripey snapper Lutjanus carponotatus, sand bass Psammoperca waigiensis, yellowtail grunter Amniataba caudavittata, damselfish Pomacentridae sp.), flatback sea turtles Natator depressus, and olive (Aipysurus laevis) and black-ringed (Hydrelaps darwiniensis) sea snakes. Moribund fish collected during the event exhibited exophthalmia and abnormal behaviour, such as spiralling on the surface or within the water column. Subsequent histopathological examination of 2 fish species revealed bacterial septicaemia with chains of Gram-positive cocci seen in multiple organs and within brain tissue. S. iniae was isolated and identified by bacterial culture, species-specific PCR, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-Of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) and biochemical testing. This is the first report of S. iniae associated with a major multi-species wild marine fish kill in Australia. Extreme weather events in the region including a marked decrease in water temperatures, followed by an extended period of above-average coastal water temperatures, were implicated as stressors potentially contributing to this outbreak.

After being caught and released by a fishery, some animals may be sufficiently impaired so as to be vulnerable to predators. The duration and severity of post-release impairments have rarely been studied under natural conditions; the vitality of animals is usually assessed aboard a vessel, prior to release, while examinations of post-release behaviour are usually restricted to what is within view of a vessel. In this study, we quantified the post-release behavior of the common coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus), two species of emperor (Lethrinus spp.), and the Spanish flag snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), each of which is actively fished throughout the Great Barrier Reef. SCUBA divers followed fish in the field and recorded their behavior with underwater video cameras after a simulated catch-and-release event. Relative to a low stress treatment (held in an aerated tank prior to release), fish exposed to forced exercise and 5 min of air exposure spent more time in vulnerable positions after release, including 5.8× more time immobile under the boat upon release, 1.6× more time to reach the reef floor, and 2.4× longer to reach the protection of the reef. The effects of the catch-and-release simulation on tailbeat frequency, ventilation rate, and the proportion of overall time spent immobile were not significant except in L. carponotatus, which spent significantly more time immobile when exposed to the high stress treatment. Indeed, there were some notable differences among species, with the magnitude of the behavioural impairments being lower and less variable in coral trout than in Lethrinus spp. or L. carponotatus. These findings provide support for the notion that minimizing air exposure time in hook-and-line fisheries should reduce post-release behavioural impairments and thus vulnerability to predators.

This study has employed an integrated statistical approach to determine the extents to which species richness and abundance (catch rate) of fishes over reefs along an extensive coastline were related to various factors. Fish were thus sampled by trapping over deep (~ 22 m) and shallow (~ 12 m) reefs along the ~ 1500 km tropical coast of north-western Australia (NWA). Fish were caught during day and night in both dry and wet seasons at two well-spaced locations in each of the Kimberley (13–16°S), Canning (16–19°S) and Pilbara (20–22°S) bioregions. Species richness and abundance were both typically less at the two locations at the lowest latitude than at the two at the highest latitudes. This trend, which contrasts with the paradigm regarding latitudinal trends for these biotic variables, is attributable to the far more extreme hydrological conditions in the Kimberley than Pilbara. Indeed, both biotic variables peaked in the Canning, presumably reflecting, inter alia, the better development of reef and suspension feeder habitats in that bioregion. The peak in abundance was attributable to particularly high numbers of the NWA endemic Lethrinus punctulatus. A greater species richness and abundance of fishes in deeper than shallow water during the wet season, and particularly in areas of greater cyclonic activity, reflect the movement of species such as Lethrinus laticaudis and Lutjanus carponotatus from shallow to calmer, deeper waters. These two biotic variables were greater during the day than night, with a greater number and abundance of diurnally-active species, e.g. lethrinids, feeding overall in the traps than is the case with nocturnal species, e.g. lutjanids. The results imply that the typical poleward latitudinal gradients in species richness and abundance are over-ridden along the NWA coast by environmental differences among bioregions.

Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson 1842) —Spanish flag snapper Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Ireland by Allen & Erdmann (2012: 447). Specimens observed by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005, and by Barry C. Russell during 7–28 June 2014; another photographed at St. KVG20 (east of Enuk Island, Kavieng District) by Serge Andréfouët on 20 Aug. 2014; a video of a specimen taken off Nubilus Island, off southeastern New Hanover, at 3–32 m depth, St. KR 88, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell). Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2.—General distribution: India east to Philippines and New Guinea, north to southern China, north to northern Australia. Solitary or in groups, in turbid coastal reefs, lagoons, or on seaward reef slopes, 1–35 m depth. Marine., Published as part of Andréfouët, Serge, Chen, Wei-Jen, Kinch, Jeff, Mana, Ralph, Russell, Barry C., Tully, Dean & White, William T., 2019, Checklist of the marine and estuarine fishes of New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, western Pacific Ocean, with 810 new records, pp. 1-360 in Zootaxa 4588 (1) on page 152, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4588.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/2988163, {"references":["Allen, G. R. & Erdmann, M. V. (2012) Reef fishes of the East Indies, volumes I-III. Tropical Reef Research, Perth [vol. I: x + 424 pp + end note; vol. II: 425 - 855; vol. III: preface, map, contents and 857 - 1260.]"]}

This study aims to identify and determine the composition of fish species. Sampling was carried out from July 2019 to January 2020 in Youtefa Bay. Fish sampling was conducted by using gill nets. Fishes were caught once in each month during the research period. The result showed of 562 individuals in 53 species of 26 families. Hypothermia barnesi (14,77%); Mugil sp. (12,46%); Acanthurus auranticavus (6,23%); Hemirhamphus far (6,05%); Lutjanus carponotatus (4,09%) and Gerres erythrourus (3,92%). The number and type of fish caught are influenced by seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. The number of fish in each site was affected by the substrate, brightness, and the percentage of seagrass bed coverage; the higher percentage of brightness and seagrass coverage, the higher number of fish found.

Most coral reef fishes have a pelagic larval stage before recruiting to reefs. The survival of larvae and their subsequent recruitment can drive the dynamics of reef populations. Here we show that the recruitment of the snapper Lutjanus carponotatus to One Tree Island in the Capricorn Bunker Group, in the southern Great Barrier Reef, was highly variable over 23 years. We predicted that the currents in the Capricorn Bunker Group, including their wind driven components and the Capricorn Eddy (a nearby transient oceanic eddy), would affect patterns of recruitment. A biophysical model was used to investigate this prediction. L. carponotatus were collected from One Tree Island and the dates when they were in the plankton as larvae were determined from their otoliths. The winds present during the pelagic phases of the fish were examined; they were found to have survived either longshore (SSE) winds that induced little cross shelf movement in the larval plume or cross shelf (ENE) winds that induced little longshore movement. The unidirectional transportation of the larval plume in these conditions was favourable for recruitment as it kept the plume concentrated in the Capricorn Bunker Group. These winds were more prevalent in the periods of peak L. carponotatus production that preceded high recruitment. Dispersal under average winds (6.2 m s-1 from the prevailing ESE) and strong winds (velocity 1.5 times average), with and without the Capricorn Eddy, was also modelled. Each of these combinations were less favourable for recruitment than the longshore and cross shelf winds larval L. carponotatus survived before reaching OTI. The larval plume was comparatively less concentrated in the Capricorn Bunker Group under average winds. Strong winds transported the larval plume far longshore, to the NW, away from the Capricorn Bunker Group, while the Capricorn Eddy transported larvae seaward into oceanic waters. Larval swimming could counteract these dispersive forces; however, significant dispersion had occurred before larvae developed strong swimming and orientation abilities. This study provides a physical proxy for the recruitment of snapper. Further, we have demonstrated that great insights into recruitment variability can be gained through determining the specific conditions experienced by survivors.

Understanding the drivers of dispersal among populations is a central topic in marine ecology and fundamental for spatially explicit management of marine resources. The extensive coast of Northwestern Australia provides an emerging frontier for implementing new genomic tools to comparatively identify patterns of dispersal across diverse and extreme environmental conditions. Here, we focused on the stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), which is important to recreational, charter-based and customary fishers throughout the Indo-West Pacific. We collected 1,016 L. carponotatus samples at 51 locations in the coastal waters of Northwestern Australia ranging from the Northern Territory to Shark Bay and adopted a genotype-by-sequencing approach to test whether realized connectivity (via larval dispersal) was related to extreme gradients in coastal hydrodynamics. Hydrodynamic simulations using CONNIE and a more detailed treatment in the Kimberley Bioregion provided null models for comparison. Based on 4,402 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism loci shared across all individuals, we demonstrated significant genetic subdivision between the Shark Bay Bioregion in the south and all locations within the remaining, more northern bioregions. More importantly, we identified a zone of admixture spanning a distance of 180 km at the border of the Kimberley and Canning bioregions, including the Buccaneer Archipelago and adjacent waters, which collectively experiences the largest tropical tidal range and some of the fastest tidal currents in the world. Further testing of the generality of this admixture zone in other shallow water species across broader geographic ranges will be critical for our understanding of the population dynamics and genetic structure of marine taxa in our tropical oceans.

Based on light and electron microscopical studies, two new gonad-infecting species of Philometra Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae) are described from the ovary of marine perciform fishes off the northern coast of Australia (near Darwin): Philometra carangis n. sp. from the bluespotted trevally Caranx bucculentus Alleyne & Macleay (Carangidae) and P. carponotati n. sp. from the Spanish flag snapper Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson) (Lutjanidae). Philometra carangis is mainly characterised by the length of the spicules (153–189 µm), the presence of a distinct dorsal protuberance consisting of two dorsolateral lamellar parts separated from each other by a smooth median field, a V-shaped mound on the male caudal extremity, a pair of large post-cloacal papillae and the body length of the males (3.22–4.15 mm). Philometra carponotati is distinguished from other congeneric species parasitising lutjanids by the length of the spicules and gubernaculum (225–252 and 99–117 µm, respectively), the absence of a dorsal protuberance on the distal lamellar part of the gubernaculum, the presence of a U-shaped mound on the male caudal extremity, a pair of large post-cloacal papillae and the body length of the male (3.74–4.31 mm). Besides the recently established Philometra zabidii Moravec & Diggles, 2014 (based on a single female), these two newly described nematodes are the only nominal gonad-infecting species of Philometra known to parasitise marine fishes in Australian waters.

Parentage analysis is an important tool for identifying connectivity patterns in coral reef fishes, but often requires numerous highly polymorphic markers. We isolated 21 polymorphic microsatellite markers from the stripey snapper, Lutjanus carponotatus and describe their integration into three multiplex PCRs. All markers were highly polymorphic with a mean of 24.9 ± 1.8 SE alleles per locus and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.797 ± 0.038 SE across 285 genotyped individuals. Using a simulated dataset, we conclude that the complete marker set provides sufficient resolution to resolve parent–offspring relationships in natural populations with 99.6 ± 0.1 % accuracy in parentage assignments. This multiplex assay provides an effective means of investigating larval dispersal and population connectivity in this fishery-targeted coral reef fish species and informing the design of marine protected area networks for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management.

Based on light and scanning electron microscopical studies, the following nine species of Philometridae (Nemaoda: Dracunculoidea) are described from female worms parasitizing marine perciform fishes belonging to six families off the northern coast Australia (near Darwin): Philometra australiensis sp. n. from the swimbladder of the king threadfin Polydactylus macrochir (Gunther) (Polynemidae); P. epinepheli Dewi et Palm, 2013 from the operculum of the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton) (Serranidae); Philometra johnii Moravec et Ali, 2013 from the gonad of the croaker Johnius sp. (Sciaenidae); P. macrochiri sp. n. from the sensory fin of P. macrochir; P. zabidii sp. n. from the ovary of the ninespine batfish Zabidius novemaculatus (McCulloch) (Ephippidae); Philometra sp. 1 and Philometra sp. 2 from the ovary of the Spanish flag snapper Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson) (Lutjanidae) and the silver grunt Pomadasys argenteus (Forsskal) (Haemulidae), respectively; Philometroides eleutheronemae Moravec et Manoharan, 2013 from the ovary of the fourfinger threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw) (Polynemidae); and Spirophilometra endangae Dewi et Palm, 2013 from the pectoral fins of E. coioides. The new species P. australiensis is characterized mainly by the structure of the cephalic end, 14 minute cephalic papillae, absence of caudal projections and body length of gravid female (67 mm), P. macrochiri by the presence of a conspicuously large anterior oesophageal bulb, 14 very small cephalic papillae and the truncated posterior end of body without any caudal projections, whereas P. zabidii is characterized by the presence of distinct caudal projections, the number (14) and larger size and arrangement of cephalic papillae, a poorly developed anterior oesophageal inflation, the body length (114 mm) and the host family (Ephippidae). All above-mentioned species were recorded from Australian waters for the first time.

Fisheries and marine park management strategies for large predatory reef fish can mean that a large proportion of captured fish are released. Despite being released, these fish may experience high mortality while they traverse the water column to locate suitable refuge to avoid predators, all the while recovering from the stress of capture. The predatory reef fish Spanish flag snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) is frequently released because of a minimum-size or bag limit or by fishers targeting more desirable species. Using L. carponotatus as a model, we tested whether simulated fishing stress (exercise and air exposure) resulted in impairments in reflexes (e.g., response to stimuli) and the ability to identify and use refuge in a laboratory arena and whether any impairments were associated with blood physiology or metabolic recovery. Control fish were consistently responsive to reflex tests and rapidly located and entered refugia in the arena within seconds. Conversely, treatment fish (exhausted and air exposed) were unresponsive to stimuli, took longer to search for refugia, and were more apprehensive to enter the refuge once it was located. Consequently, treatment fish took more than 70 times longer than control fish to enter the coral refuge (26.12 vs. 0.36 min, respectively). The finding that fish exposed to stress were hesitant to use refugia suggests that there was likely cognitive, visual, and/or physiological impairment. Blood lactate, glucose, and hematocrit measures were perturbed at 15 and 30 min after the stressor, relative to controls. However, measurements of oxygen consumption rate revealed that about 50% of metabolic recovery occurred within 30 min after the stressor, coinciding with apparent cognitive/visual/physiological recovery. Recovering the treatment fish in aerated, flow-through chambers for 30 min before introduction to the behavioral arena restored reflexes, and "recovered" fish behaved more similarly to controls. Therefore, we suggest that temporarily holding coral reef fish that have undergone an exhaustive fishing interaction and an air exposure episode should enable significant recovery of cognitive and metabolic attributes that would enable fish to more rapidly locate and utilize refugia to avoid postrelease predation. However, after nonexhaustive fishing interactions (i.e., minimal reflex impairment), it is likely that immediate release would be most beneficial.

No-take marine reserves are widely advocated as a means to conserve biodiversity and sustain fisheries. Within adequately protected reserves, the abundance, mean size and age of targeted fish and invertebrate species are often increased. However, the magnitude and rate of recovery within reserves varies among locations and species, and increases in abundance in reserves are not universal. One potential contributing factor to variability in reserve performance is spatial variability in the supply of recruits. Many reef fish species exhibit disproportionate levels of recruitment in relatively small areas (so-called "recruitment hotspots"). Here we tested the hypothesis that the presence of recruitment hotspots enhances the effectiveness of reserves for two important fishery species, coral trout (Plectropomus maculatus) and stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus), on coral reefs of the Keppel Island group, Great Barrier Reef. To do this we compared fish densities in areas that did or did not contain previously identified recruitment hotspots, both inside and outside reserves. For both species, the mean densities of adult fish above the minimum legal size were approximately three times as high in reserves with hotspots than in reserves without hotspots. Furthermore, the mean densities in reserves without hotspots were similar to those in nearby areas that were open to fishing. In contrast, the densities of sub-legal size individuals of both species were primarily explained by the presence of recruitment hotspots, irrespective of reserve protection. Our results suggest that identifying and incorporating recruitment hotspots into the selection of sites for reserves could enhance both conservation and fisheries objectives. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Large predatory fishes are disproportionately targeted by reef fisheries, but little is known about their trophic ecology, which inhibits understanding of community dynamics and the potential effects of climate change. In this study, stable isotope analyses were used to infer trophic ecology of a guild of large predatory fishes that are targeted by fisheries on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Each of four focal predators (Plectropomus leopardus, Plectropomus maculatus, Lethrinus miniatus and Lutjanus carponotatus) was found to have a distinct isotopic signature in terms of δ13C and δ15N. A two-source mixing model (benthic reef-based versus pelagic) indicated that P. leopardus and L. miniatus derive the majority (72 and 62 %, respectively) of their production from planktonic sources, while P. maculatus and L. carponotatus derive the majority (89 and 74 %, respectively) of their production from benthic reef-based sources. This indicates that planktonic production is important for sustaining key species in reef fisheries and highlights the need for a whole-ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Unexpectedly, there was little isotopic niche overlap between three of four focal predators, suggesting that inter-specific competition for prey may be low or absent. δ15Nitrogen indicated that the closely related P. leopardus and P. maculatus are apex predators (trophic level > 4), while δ13C indicated that each species has a different diet and degree of trophic specialisation. In view of these divergent trophic ecologies, each of the four focal predators (and the associated fisheries) are anticipated to be differentially affected by climate-induced disturbances. Thus, the results presented herein provide a useful starting point for precautionary management of exploited predator populations in a changing climate.

This study examined recruitment patterns and microhabitat associations for three carnivorous fishes, Plectropomus maculatus, Lutjanus carponotatus and Epinephelus quoyanus, at the Keppel Islands, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Habitat selectivity was highest for recruits that were found mostly with corymbose Acropora, predominantly on patches of live coral located over loose substrates (sand). Adults were more commonly associated with tabular Acropora. The proportion of P. maculatus (72 %) found with live corals was higher than for L. carponotatus (68 %) and E. quoyanus (44 %). Densities of recruits were highly variable among locations, but this was only partly related to availability of preferred microhabitats. Our findings demonstrate that at least some carnivorous reef fishes, especially during early life-history stages, strongly associate with live corals. Such species will be highly sensitive to increasing degradation of coral reef habitats.

Implementation of effective no-take marine reserves almost universally results in anincrease in the abundance of adult stages of exploited predatory fishes. However, the effects ofreserves on the ecology of the juvenile stages of predators are unknown. Increased predationpressure from adults in reserves may not only reduce juvenile recruitment directly, but as a resultof non-consumptive effects, may impact on critical aspects of their foraging behaviour, includingdiet and prey selection. In general, the feeding ecology of juvenile stages of large predators ispoorly understood due to their relatively low abundance and cryptic behaviour. Here, we exam-ined differences between reserves and fished areas in recruit abundance, diet, prey availability,and prey selection indices for recruits and juveniles of 3 predatory fishes: Plectropomus macula-tus , Lutjanus carponotatus and Epinephelus quoyanus . Recruit abundance was similar betweenreserves and open areas. The diets of the 3 study species did not differ between reserves and openareas, with variation in diets largely explained by fish species and body size. At small sizes, allspecies consumed high numbers of shrimp, but diets diverged with growth. Overall, our resultsprovide little evidence that more abundant predators inside reserves influence juvenile feedingecology.KEY WORDS: Coral reef · Predator–prey relationships · Non-consumptive effect · Marinereserves · Serranidae · Lutjanidae · Great Barrier Reef · Recruitment

Marine reserves, areas closed to all forms of fishing, continue to be advocated and implemented to supplement fisheries and conserve populations [ [1], [2], [3] and [4]]. However, although the reproductive potential of important fishery species can dramatically increase inside reserves [ [5], [6], [7] and [8]], the extent to which larval offspring are exported and the relative contribution of reserves to recruitment in fished and protected populations are unknown [ [4], [9], [10] and [11]]. Using genetic parentage analyses, we resolve patterns of larval dispersal for two species of exploited coral reef fish within a network of marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef. In a 1,000 km2 study area, populations resident in three reserves exported 83% (coral trout, Plectropomus maculatus) and 55% (stripey snapper, Lutjanus carponotatus) of assigned offspring to fished reefs, with the remainder having recruited to natal reserves or other reserves in the region. We estimate that reserves, which account for just 28% of the local reef area, produced approximately half of all juvenile recruitment to both reserve and fished reefs within 30 km. Our results provide compelling evidence that adequately protected reserve networks can make a significant contribution to the replenishment of populations on both reserve and fished reefs at a scale that benefits local stakeholders.

Larval behaviour is important to dispersal and settlement, but is seldom quantified. Behavioural capabilities of larval Lutjanus carponotatus in both offshore pelagic and reef environments at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef were observed in situ to determine if they were sufficient to influence dispersal. Offshore, larvae swam with higher directional precision and faster on the windward side of the island (28 cm.s−1) than on the leeward side (16 cm s−1). Most larvae swam directionally. Mean swimming directions were southerly in the windward area and northerly in the leeward area. Larvae avoided the surface and remained mostly between 3–15 m. Larvae released near reefs were 2–3 times faster swimming away from reefs (19 cm s−1) than swimming toward or over them (6–8 cm s−1). Speed swimming away was similar to that offshore. Of 41 larvae released near reefs, 73% reached the reef, 59% settled, and 13% of those reaching the reef were eaten. Larvae settled onto hard and soft coral (58%), topographic reef features (29%) and sand and rubble (13%). Settlement depth averaged 5.5 m (2–8 m). Before settling larvae spent up to 800 s over the reef (mean 231 s) and swam up to 53 m (mean 14 m). About half of the larvae interacted with reef residents including predatory attacks and aggressive approaches by residents and aggressive approaches by settling larvae. Settlement behaviour of L. carponotatus was more similar to a serranid than to pomacentrids. Settlement-stage larvae of L. carponotatus are behaviourally capable, and have a complex settlement behaviour.

This study tested the efficiency of an underwater biopsy probe designed to remove tissue samples for molecular analysis from small- to medium-sized (15 to 70 cm) marine teleost fish in the field. The probe was fired at lower and higher power from a 76 cm rubber-propelled spear gun. Two species were targeted: Plectropomus maculatus and Lutjanus carponotatus. The results were highly successful for P. maculatus, with >80% of hits at lower and higher power resulting in sufficient tissue extraction for molecular analysis. The results were less consistent for L. carponotatus at lower power (45%) due to the relatively large scales of the fish. At higher power the success rate increased to 73%. In 97% of cases, fish swam away rapidly with only minor lesions and showing no signs of incapacitation. Furthermore, aquarium trials showed no post-impact mortality after a 2 wk period. Therefore, the biopsy probe tested in this study is considered successful when the spear gun is fired at the correct power for the target species. This will allow for easier tissue sample collection from small- to medium-sized teleost fish for population and phylogenetic studies than previous methods of killing or capturing individuals.

Patterns of abundance, age structure and recruitment of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) and snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) were described in different environments, which varied in benthic cover, in a 12-yr study at One Tree Island. It was hypothesized that both taxa would show strong preferences to different environments and benthic cover and that patterns would be consistent through time. Plectropomus leopardus were abundant on the reef slope and seaward edge of the lagoon, where live coral cover was high, and recruitment was generally low, in all environments. The population was sustained by a trickle of recruits, and total abundance varied little after 10 to 25 yr of protection in a no-take area, suggesting P. leopardus had reached an environment-related carrying capacity. Protogynous P. leopardus recruited to shallow environments at sites with 20% or more hard live coral and age data indicated the abundance of fish on the reef slope was from redistribution. Most recruits of gonochoristic L. carponotatus (

This study investigated body size to fecundity relationships of a reef fish species targeted by line fishing, and examines the potential benefits of increased batch fecundity in no-take reserves compared to fished areas around the Palm, Whitsunday and Keppel Island Groups, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Lutjanus carponotatus batch fecundity increased with fork length in a non-linear relationship that was best described by a power function. Batch fecundity differed by more than 100-fold among individuals, with a range from 7,074 to 748,957 eggs in fish ranging from 184 to 305 mm fork length. Furthermore, egg diameter increased with fish size. Based on underwater visual census, the potential batch fecundity per unit area in all three island groups ranged from 1.0 to 4.2 times greater in the no-take reserves than in the fished areas between 2001 and 2004. In 2002, a mean 2.3-fold difference in biomass between no-take reserves and fished areas converted to a mean 2.5-fold difference in batch fecundity per unit area. Greater batch fecundity, longer spawning seasons and potentially greater larval survival due to larger egg size from bigger individuals might significantly enhance the potential benefits of no-take marine reserves on the Great Barrier Reef.

Trap sampling over reefs in deep (mean = 20 m) and shallow (mean = 10 m) waters along c. 1500 km of coastline in tropical north-western Australia during both day and night and in wet and dry periods yielded 23 377 fishes, representing 32 families, 58 genera and 119 species. Individuals of the Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae and Carangidae contributed 88.9% to the total catch. The ichthyofaunal compositions of the Kimberley, Canning and Pilbara bioregions were relatively discrete. Species composition was influenced far more by location (latitude) than by water depth, period and time of day, and underwent a gradational change southwards. The latter change reflected differences in the trends exhibited by the relative abundances of certain species with increasing latitude and the confinement of other species largely to particular regions. The three most abundant species, i.e. Lethrinus sp. 3, Lutjanus carponotatus and Lethrinus laticaudis contributed 34.8, 20.8 and 11.6% to the total catch, respectively. The first species was rarely recorded in the two most northern locations and was abundant in the four most southern locations, whereas the last two species were relatively more abundant in northern than in southern locations. Lutjanus bitaeniatus and Lutjanus johnii were found exclusively at the two locations in the Kimberley region, whereas Abalistes stellatus, Pentapodus emeryii and Lethrinus nebulosus were not caught in this region but were found in both locations of the Canning and Pilbara regions. The species composition in deep and shallow waters at each location almost invariably differed significantly between day and night and between dry and wet periods, with species such as L. bitaeniatus, L. johnii, Lutjanus sebae and A. stellatus being more abundant over deep reefs, whereas L. carponotatus, L. laticaudis, Siganus fuscescens and Lethrinus lentjan were more numerous over shallow reefs. Species such as L. johnii and Lethrinus atkinsoni were relatively more important in night-time than daytime catches, whereas the reverse applied to Lethrinus lentjan, L. laticaudis and Choerodon cyanodus. Lethrinus sp. 3 and L. laticaudis were relatively more important in catches during the dry than wet period.

1. An expansion of no-take marine reserve zones of Australia's 348 000 km2 Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Marine Park from 4.6% to 33.4% of the park area is proposed in 2004. However, limited evidence currently exists that no-take marine reserves on the GBR have increased abundance of reef fish targeted by fisheries. This study provides such evidence for inshore reefs of the GBR. 2. Underwater visual surveys were used to estimate the effect of no-take reserves on abundance of species targeted by hook-and-line fisheries around the Palm, Whitsunday and Keppel Islands, spanning 600 km of the length of the GBR. The reserves had been zoned no fishing for 14 yr. 3. Densities of Plectropomus spp. and Lutjanus carponotatus, both targeted by fisheries, were much higher in protected zones than fished zones in two of the three island groups. Plectropomus spp. were 3.6 and 2.3 times more abundant in protected than fished zones of the Palm and Whitsunday island groups. L. carponotatus were 2.3 and 2.2 times more abundant in protected zones than fished zones of the Whitsunday and Keppel island groups. 4. The biomasses of Plectropomus spp. and L. carponotatus were significantly greater (3.9 and 2.6 times respectively) in the protected zones than fished zones at all three island groups. 5. Legal minimum sizes of Plectropomus spp. and L. carponotatus are 38 cm and 25 cm TL respectively. There were significantly higher densities and biomasses of Plectropomus spp. >35 cm TL (density: 3.8 times; biomass: 5.1 times) and L. carponotatus >25 cm TL (density: 4.2 times; biomass: 5.3 times) in protected zones than fished zones at all three island groups. 6. No significant difference in abundance between protected and fished zones was found for two species not captured by fisheries (Siganus doliatus and Chaetodon aureofasciatus), and there were no significant differences in benthic characteristics between protected and fished zones. 7. Results suggest that no-take marine reserves have increased stock biomass of targeted fish species on inshore GBR reefs.

The efficacy of the anthelmintic Praziquantel in removing monocotylid monogeneans (Platyhelminthes) from the branchial tissue (Neoheterocotyle rhinobatidis, N. rhynchobatis, and Troglocephalus rhinobatidis) and nasal tissue (Merizocotyle icopae) of juvenile giant shovelnose rays Rhinobatos typus from Heron Island, Australia, was studied. Although effective in removing monogeneans in vivo from the skin and gills of the teleost yellow stripey Lutjanus carponotatus from the same locality, two 2-h treatments using 20 mg/L Praziquantel was ineffective for the giant shovelnose ray. Adult monocotylids were removed, but many post-oncomiracidia and some juveniles remained attached. Juvenile and adult N. rhinobatidis and T. rhinobatidis reacted similarly when exposed to 20 mg/L Praziquantel during in vitro experiments, exhibiting muscle contractions and dying after 12 and 14 h, respectively. We attribute the failure to remove small monogenean stages in vivo to the structure of the branchial and nasal tissu...

It is hypothesised that the transport of oxygen to the retinal cells of fish with Root effect haemoglobins (Hb) is impaired by strenuous exercise due to a proton load that drastically reduces arterial haemoglobin–oxygen affinity. Routinely active reef fishes have enhanced oxygen transport and anaerobic (i.e. blood lactate loading) potentials relative to inactive species. Surprisingly, the development of the choroid rete mirabile (employed as an oxygen concentrating apparatus in the eye) is directly correlated with post-exercise lactate loads rather than with the magnitude of the Root effect and suggests that an increased development is adaptive for fish with high anaerobic potentials. The hypothesis that visual performance is reduced by strenuous exercise was tested in Lutjanus carponotatus using the optomotor response. Moderate blood lactate loads (2 mmol l−1 blood lactate) and red cell swelling responses were induced by exercise, but the optomotor response threshold (180 min of arc) was maintained. A moderate metabolic disturbance does not therefore appear to be a liability for the visual performance of a tropical fish in possession of Root effect haemoglobins.

Density, population structure, mortality and growth of Lutjanus carponotatus on the Great Barrier Reef were compared on 2 spatial scales: between the Lizard and Palm Island groups and among 4 locations within the Palm group. The mean density at the Palm group was approximately 7 times that of the Lizard group. There were 2-fold differences in density within the Palm group, but strong statistical signals were not detected due to high variability in the data. Differences in size structures and asymptotic body sizes between the island groups were pronounced, and smaller differences were also evident within the Palm group. While age structures were similar among Palm group locations and lacked anomalous peaks, a series of strong cohorts at older age classes at the Lizard group suggests greater recruitment variability there during the past 2 decades. Variability in mortality did not increase with scale, as larger differences existed within the Palm group than between it and the Lizard group. The population traits estimated in this study were used in conjunction with reef area data to generate estimates of abundance and biomass, the values of which illustrate how multiple population traits interact to ultimately determine population size and reproductive potential. Multi-scale studies that examine a variety of aspects of population biology are rare for large reef fish, but are needed to identify which traits are likely to exhibit variation on which spatial scales.

The age, growth and mortality of Lutjanus carponotatus and L. vitta were determined from sectioned otoliths of fishes from the central Great Barrier Reef. The periodicity of annulus formation was validated by oxytetracycline labelling of tagged fishes in a separate study. Growth in length was variable between sexes for both species, males tending to grow larger than females. The von Bertalanffy growth function (fork length-at-age) for L. carponotatus was Lt=313.0 (1−exp {−0.449[t+0.016]}), and Lt=245.3 (1−exp {−0.853[t+0.179]}) for L. vitta. The oldest individuals found were an L. carponotatus individual of unknown sex, 20 years of age (FL=335 mm) and a female L. vitta 12 years of age (FL=257 mm). Otolith weight was strongly correlated with age for both species. The annual instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M) was estimated to be 0.199 for L. carponotatus and 0.342 for L. vitta, representing an annual survivorship of approximately 82 and 71%, respectively. The longer life span and lower rate of natural mortality for L. carponotatus indicates that this species will be more vulnerable to overfishing than L. vitta.

Samples of Lutjanus carponotatus(Lutjanidae) from reef flat (shallow) and reef slope (deep) sites around Heron and Wistari reefs on the southern Great Barrier Reef were examined for Pomphorhynchus heronensis(Acanthocephala). Individual fish from the reef slope had 0–9 (2.6) worms as compared with 1–122 (39.6) worms for individuals from the reef flat (P < 0.0001). Other variables (year, season, size of fish) made little contribution to the variation. Reef flat and reef slope sites were separated by as little as 300 m. These results imply both that the fish have very limited local movement and that transmission of the parasite is concentrated locally.

Spontaneous hatching of eggs of Benedenia lutjani and B. rohdei occurred after incubation for 4–6 days and 6–10 days, respectively, at a constant temperature in the range 22–28°C when exposed to natural illumination or to alternating 12-h periods of light and darkness (LD12:12; light on, 06.00 h; light off, 18.00 h). Under these conditions, hatching of the eggs of both species was rhythmical, all larvae emerging only during periods of illumination. Hatching was not confined to particular times within the illuminated period. Evidence for an endogenous component to the rhythm was revealed by transfer of eggs from LD12:12 to continuous darkness (DD) near the end of the incubation period. Hatching also occurred only during periods of illumination when eggs of each species were incubated under a DL12:12 regime (i.e. period of illumination 18.00 h to 06.00 h; period of darkness 06.00 h to 18.00 h). When the eggs of B. lutjani and B. rohdei were laid and incubated in DD or continuous illumination (LL), some degree of rhythmicity persisted, raising the possibility that the eggs inherit circadian rhythmicity from their parent. The hatching patterns of these 2 species of monogeneans are discussed in relation to host finding, host behaviour and limited observations on the behaviour of the oncomiracidia after hatching.

Parasites are commonly infectious and can infest other fish living in the same water body. A fish infested with parasites may act medium of the invasion of the latter into humans and other animals. Therefore, it is very important that infested fish to be identified and treated well. This study was conducted from the fish landing centre of Cuddalore and Kattumavadi coastal regions of Coramandal coast of Tamil Nadu. The ectoparasite and endoparasite infection in gills, gut, skin and operculum of commercially important fishes were observed in both the areas. Among the 69 species recorded in Cuddalore station, 21 species namely, Atule mate, Auxis rochei, Lutjanus carponotatus, Chaetodon decussates, Beryx splendens, Terapon jarbua, Pterocaesio chrysozona, Trachinocephalus myops, Lutjanus vita, Upeneus indicus, Lagocephalus lunaris, Monopterus eapeni, Scolopsis bimaculata, Ichthyscopus lebeck, Gnathanodon specious, Photopectosclis bindus, Upeneus tragula, Chaetodon collare, Chelonodon patoca, Epinephelus bleekeri, and Ctenochaetus strigosus, were observed parasites infections. Hemiramphus archipelagicus is the commonly available species in Kattumavadi station which is severely affected by Cymotha spinipalpa parasites. The parasites grow and reproduce fast under ideal living conditions. When the population of the fish parasites grows beyond a certain limit, it can be life threatening. Total of three species of parasites viz. Camllanus sp., Lepeophtherius salmonis, Caligus centrodonti are found in fishes collected from Cuddalore coast. Among the three parasites, L. salmonis was observed more number in gill region of 17 species and another two parasites were observed in remaining species in gut region. In Kattumavadi station, the species like Hemiramphus far, Tylosurus corocodilus, and H. archipelagicus are mostly infected by the parasites.

A benedeniine monogenean, Benedenia rohdei n. sp., is reported from the gills of the stripey Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson, 1842) (Lutjanidae) from Heron Island and Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia. The oncomiracidium of the new species is also illustrated. B. rohdei n. sp. differs from all known species of the genus in the possession of a sclerite at the tip of the penis. Examination of type-specimens of B. jaliscana Bravo-Hollis, 1952 has shown that the three penis ‘hooks’ described by Bravo-Hollis are unsclerotised conical papillae.

A survey of the myxosporean fauna of Australian marine fishes revealed the presence of a number of putative species of Kudoidae (Multivalvulida) forming pseudocysts between the outer meningeal layer and the outer surface of the brains of the lutjanids Caesio cuning, Lutjanus carponotatus, Lutjanus ehrenbergii and Lutjanus fulviflamma and the mugilid Liza vaigiensis from Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Lutjanus lemniscatus off Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Morphometric data combined with Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was used for species identification and to explore relationships among these taxa. The brain-infecting taxa examined here formed a well-supported clade to the exclusion of non-brain infecting species in the phylogenetic analyses. The combined diagnostic approach identified an undescribed taxon, Kudoa lemniscati n. sp., from the brain of L. lemniscatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) off Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, which we describe and characterise here. K. lemniscati n. sp. can be distinguished from all other species of Kudoa based on the combination of the distinct tropism for forming pseudocysts in the brain tissue, spores with 7 or 8 equal shell valves and 7 or 8 polar capsules, spore size and the differences in the SSU and LSU rDNA sequence data relative to other kudoids. Kudoa chaetodoni was found in the lutjanids C. cuning and L. carponotatus, expanding the known host range for this species to include chaetodontids and lutjanids. L. ehrenbergii and L. fulviflamma were infected with Kudoa lethrini off Lizard Island, a parasite previously known only from lethrinids. Specimens putatively identified as Kudoa yasunagai from Liza vaigiensis and Lutjanus ehrenbergii were morphologically similar and genetically identical over the SSU rDNA dataset to previously reported specimens, but differed by 4 to 11 nucleotides over the LSU dataset from the remaining isolates examined here. While these data are not definitive, they suggest the presence of a K. yasunagai complex.

In most demersal marine teleost fishes, lar- vae develop in the pelagic environment, but must locate appropriate settlement habitats. One potential cue for lo- cating settlement habitats that has received recent inter- est is acoustic cues from reef habitats. Although it is clear that settlement-stage fish larvae can hear, it is less clear how hearing ability develops during the larval phase, or how auditory abilities vary among species and families. Auditory-evoked potentials were used to investigate hearing in larvae of 5 fishes (Epinephelus coioides, E. fuscoguttatus, Serranidae; Eleutheronema tetradacty- lum, Polynemidae; Caranx ignobilis, Carangidae; and Macquaria novemaculeata, Percichthyidae) over a range of sizes (9 to 28 mm). Ontogenetic improvement in hear- ing of up to 25 dB was found in 4 species. We also as- sessed hearing ability within and between 4 families (Serranidae, Lutjanidae, Pomacentridae and Carangi- dae) using larger larvae of 11 species from tropical and warm temperate habitats (the serranids and carangid above plus Epinephelus malabaricus, Plectropomus leopardus, Lutjanus carponotatus, L. sebae, Pomacen- trus nagasakiensis, P. amboinensis, Gnathanodon spe- ciosus and Elagatis bipinnulata). Within pomacentrids, carangids and lutjanids, hearing sensitivity differences among species were found. This high within-family vari- ance results in no difference in hearing ability among the 4 families. A key component of modelling reef connectiv- ity is the estimation of larval attraction distances. The data provided herein clearly demonstrate that attraction varies both ontogenetically and among species. Both developmental stage and species must be taken into account when estimating distances over which sound cues emanating from settlement habitats can be detected.

There is paucity of data regarding hydrocarbon exposure of tropical fish species inhabiting the waters near oil and gas platforms on the Northwest Shelf of Australia. A comprehensive field study assessed the exposure and potential effects associated with the produced water (PW) plume from the Harriet A production platform on the northwest shelf in a local reef species, Stripey seaperch (Lutjanus carponotatus). This field study was a continuation of an earlier pilot study which concluded that there were “warning signs” of potential biological effects on fish populations exposed to PW. A 10-day field caging study was conducted deploying 15 individual fish into 6 separate steel cages set 1-m subsurface at 3 stations in a concentration gradient moving away from the platform. A battery of biomarkers were evaluated including hepatosomatic index (HSI), total cytochrome P450, bile metabolites, CYP1A-, CYP2K- and CYP2M-like proteins, cholinesterase (ChE) activity, and histopathology of liver and gill tissues. Water column and PW effluent samples was also collected. Results confirmed that PAH metabolites in bile, CYP1A-, CYP2K-, and CYP2M-like proteins and liver histopathology provided evidence of significant exposure and effects after 10 days at the near-field site (~200 m off the Harriet A platform). Hepatosomatic index, total cytochrome P450, and ChE did not provide site-specific differences by day 10 of exposure to PW. CYP proteins were shown by principal component analysis (PCA) to be the best diagnostic tool for determining exposure and associated biological effects of PW on L. carponotatus. Using a suite of biomarkers has been widely advocated as a vital component in environmental risk assessments worldwide. This study demonstrates the usefulness of biomarkers for assessing the Harriet A PW discharge into Australian waters with broader applications for other PW discharges. This approach has merit as a valuable addition to environmental management strategies for protecting Australia’s tropical environment and its rich biodiversity.

Benedenia lutjani sp. nov. is described from the body surfaces and fins of the marine teleost, Lutjanus carponotatus (Richardson 1842) from Heron Island and Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia. The vaginal pore of the parasite opens on the dorsal surface anterior to the common genital aperture. There is a pair of lobes associated with the common genital aperture and a single lobe close to the vaginal opening. The diagnoses of the following taxa are amended: Benedeniinae and Benedenia. This is the first record of a species of Benedenia from the Lutjanidae. The oncomiracidium of B. lutjani is described. Evidence from freshly caught fishes and from a heavily infected aquarium-held host indicates that adult specimens of B. lutjani have a preference for the pelvic fins of L. carponotatus.

Lobosorchis tibaldiae n. gen. and n. sp. (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae) is described from the intestine, pyloric ceca, and rectum of 2 species of Lutjanus (Pisces: Lutjanidae), Lutjanus carponotatus and Lutjanus fulviflamma, from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, and New Caledonia. The genus is tentatively placed in the Neochasminae and is distinguished within the Cryptogonimidae by the combination of follicular testes, oral spines, and vitelline follicles restricted to the anterior region of the body not extending posteriorly to the ventral sucker.

Normal operation of oil well platforms results in the discharge of "produced formation water" (PFW). The expression of CYP1A, CYP2M1- and 2K1-like proteins was examined for use as possible biomarkers of PFW exposure. A pilot study at the Harriet A production platform, on the Northwest Shelf of Australia, had indicated that PFW contamination possibly contributes to induction of CYP1A- and 2K1/2M1-like proteins in Gold-Spotted Trevally (Carangoides fulvoguttatus). In a subsequent caged fish study in the same location, Stripey seaperch (Lutjanus carponotatus) were caught at a clean site, then distributed to three caging sites: A (near-field), B (far-field) and C (a non-impacted reference site). Fish were sampled at time T = 0, 3 and 10 days. Significant increases of CYP1A, one CYP2K1- and two CYP2M1-like proteins were noted at Site A at T = 10. For another CYP2K1-like protein, a significant increase was observed at Site A only at T = 3. Prevailing winds changed between days 6 and 8 of sampling, moving the surface water plume directly west, possibly impacting in situ PFW exposure. The results indicate that tropical fish CYP1A protein is sensitive to PFW exposure. Importantly, statistically significant environmental induction of both CYP2M1- and CYP2K1-like proteins in tropical fish due to PFW exposure had not previously been described and CYP2 family induction may represent possible new biomarkers (other than CYP1A) of PFW exposure. In addition, the novel fraction-specific response of CYP2K-like proteins requires further verification but offers promise for improved monitoring of sub-lethal responses in marine organisms. (Supported by Australian Institute of Marine Science, Apache Energy Ltd. and the Environmental Toxicology Research Program at The University of Mississippi).

Normal operation of oil well platforms results in the discharge of produced formation water (PFW). The expression of CYP1A, CYP2M1- and 2K1-like proteins was examined for use as possible biomarkers of PFW exposure. A pilot study on the Northwest Shelf of Australia had indicated that PFW contamination possibly contributes to induction of CYP1A-like proteins in Gold-Spotted Trevally (Carangoides fulvoguttatus). The pilot study samples were re-examined for CYP1A, and, in addition, CYP2K1/2M1-like proteins. In a subsequent caged fish study in the same location a second species, Stripey seaperch (Lutjanus carponotatus), caught at a clean site, were distributed to three caging sites in a PFW gradient from the Harriet A production platform: A (near-field), B (far-field) and C (a non-impacted reference site). Fish were sampled at time (T) T = 0, T = 3 and T = 10 days. Significant increases of CYP1A, one CYP2K1- and two CYP2M1-like proteins were noted at Site A at T = 10d. For another CYP2K1-like protein, a significant increase was observed at Site A only at T = 3d. These results support a previous study indicating that CYP1A protein is sensitive to PFW exposure. Importantly, statistically significant environmental induction of both CYP2M1- and CYP2K1-like proteins in tropical fish due to PFW exposure had not previously been described and induction of enzymes in the CYP2 family suggest new biomarkers for PFW. In addition, the novel response of one CYP2K-like protein requires further verification, but offers promise for improved monitoring of sub-lethal responses in marine organisms.

Life-history attributes of the capsalid monogenean Benedenia lutjani, a parasite of Lutjanus carponotatus from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia, were investigated from experimental infections. Oncomiracidia of B. lutjani invaded and attached at any site on the fish, but more commonly invaded body surfaces. Immature specimens then migrated to the pelvic fins. Development of the reproductive organs of B. lutjani corresponded with migratory movements on the host. Parasite aggregation on the pelvic fins coincided with the development of functional male reproductive organs and some protandrous worms that possessed a vagina appeared to be inseminated. Migration to, and aggregation on, the branchiostegal membranes (membranous folds posterior to the opercula) coincided with the onset of sexual maturity and commencement of egg production by parasites. The rate of parasite development and the timing of migratory events on the host were influenced by water temperature. All specimens of B. lutjani reached sexual maturity between 12 and 14 days p.i. at 24 °C and between 8 and 10 days p.i. at 27 °C. Anterior hamuli grew continually during a 16-day experiment at 27 °C and 25-day experiment at 23 °C and their length appeared to provide a suitable index to estimate parasite age. The possible adaptive significance of the migratory behaviour, site-specificity and its link with changes in parasite development are discussed.

Radio-acoustic positioning telemetry (RAPT) continuously triangulates positions of up to eight acoustic transmitters by relaying sound arrival times to a shore-based computer via autonomous, moored radio-sonobuoys. As transmitters on animals or people telemeter information via RAPT, it records their position with an accuracy of as little as one meter in as much as a cubic kilometer of water from a range of up to ten kilometres—scales appropriate to many marine protected areas (MPAs). RAPT studies in Lizard Island, Australia; Exuma Cay Park, Bahamas; Moriye Bay, Japan, and Leigh Laboratory Reserve, New Zealand, four significant MPAs, are reviewed showing the power of the technology for understanding and managing many aspects of a range of biological reserve types. Most studies to date have focused on monitoring fish (Lutjanus carponotatus, Lutjanidae; Plectropomus leopardus, Serranidae; Epinephelus striatus, Serranidae; Pagrus auratus, Sparidae) home ranges and migrations, but breeding and feeding behaviours of larger invertebrates such as horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tridentatus, Limulidae) and squids (Sepioteuthis lessonianna and Loligo vulgaris, Loliginidae) have also been examined. RAPT systems can also record environmental changes in real-time directly to the computer on shore for such variables as temperature, salinity, tide height, current direction and current speed from fixed-position transmitters; these are easily compared to animal activities. Tracking tagged divers or ROVs while they are videotaping provides an accurate and reproducible way of documenting long-term changes in the sessile organisms that make up benthic habitats; only the buoy moorings need remain in the water between surveys. Finally, the location and condition of diving tourists can be monitored, to protect both them and the environment!

The anterior adhesive areas of Benedenia rohdei from the gills and B. lutjani from the pelvic fins of Lutjanus carponotatus at Heron Island, Australia, were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. All specimens were fixed when detached from host tissue. Both monogenean species have two disc-like anteroventral attachment organs, each of which has an anterolateral adhesive area divided into three adjacent zones by tegument from the ventral surface of the attachment organ. A rod-shaped secretion and a smaller, roughly spherical secretion are associated with the anterior adhesive areas in both species; a third type of secretion occurs anteriorly but outside these adhesive areas. The electron-dense spherical secretory bodies released onto the anterior adhesive zones in these Benedenia spp. are of a single type and differ ultrastructurally from those previously reported in monogeneans living on teleost hosts. A correlation, therefore, between secretion morphology and host type is not supported. No relationship was found between parasite microhabitat and secretion morphology.