Effects of food provisioning on site use in the short-tail stingray Bathytoshia brevicaudata

Pini-Fitzsimmons, Joni; Knott, Nathan A.; Brown, Culum

doi:10.3354/meps12661

Cited by 18 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Provisioning is a common practice that entices rays to come close to boats and tourists (Corcoran et al., 2013; Gaspar, Chateau, & Galzin, 2008; Lewis & Newsome, 2003; Newsome, Lewis, & Moncrieff, 2004) and also occurs when fishers clean their catch (Pini‐Fitzsimmons, Knott, & Brown, 2018). Provisioning can lead to increased density at the feeding site (Corcoran et al., 2013), reverse normal diel stingray activity (Corcoran et al., 2013; Shackley, 1998), cause some individuals to exhibit anticipatory behaviour (Gaspar et al., 2008; Pini‐Fitzsimmons et al., 2018), lead to aggression between individuals (Newsome et al., 2004), increase parasite loads (Semeniuk & Rothley, 2008) and negatively influence body condition (Semeniuk, Bourgeon, Smith, & Rothley, 2009; Semeniuk & Rothley, 2008; Semeniuk, Speers‐Roesch, & Rothley, 2007). Higher boat traffic to tourism hotspots may also increase the chance of vessel strikes on rays (McGregor, Richardson, Armstrong, Armstrong, & Dudgeon, 2019).…”

Section: Anthropogenic Drivers Of Ray Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Buried in the sand: Uncovering the ecological roles and importance of rays

2020

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Section: Anthropogenic Drivers Of Ray Ecologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Buried in the sand: Uncovering the ecological roles and importance of rays

2020

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“…This pattern was observed in five independent sightings and occurred on four separate days; it was noteworthy that on one occasion two stingrays interacted simultaneously with humans within the bather area. Prior research has reported that these interactions are frequent in areas nearby fish-cleaning facilities [51,52]. Such facilities are built at many Australian harbours and beaches to support recreational fishing, resulting in fish scraps being thrown into the water on a daily basis, providing food to stingrays and other scavengers, potentially altering their normal foraging behaviours [52,53].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Prior research has reported that these interactions are frequent in areas nearby fish-cleaning facilities [51,52]. Such facilities are built at many Australian harbours and beaches to support recreational fishing, resulting in fish scraps being thrown into the water on a daily basis, providing food to stingrays and other scavengers, potentially altering their normal foraging behaviours [52,53]. There is evidence that both Bathytoshia brevicaudata and Bathytoshia lata frequent fish-cleaning stations, exhibiting grouping behaviours and altered patterns of movement, including a high dependence on fishers and human tolerance [51,52].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such facilities are built at many Australian harbours and beaches to support recreational fishing, resulting in fish scraps being thrown into the water on a daily basis, providing food to stingrays and other scavengers, potentially altering their normal foraging behaviours [52,53]. There is evidence that both Bathytoshia brevicaudata and Bathytoshia lata frequent fish-cleaning stations, exhibiting grouping behaviours and altered patterns of movement, including a high dependence on fishers and human tolerance [51,52]. A boat ramp in the nearby Kiama Harbour includes a fish-cleaning station approximately 1 km away from our study location, and large stingrays have been observed scavenging on fish scraps there [54].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Determining Stingray Movement Patterns in a Wave-Swept Coastal Zone Using a Blimp for Continuous Aerial Video Surveillance

Ruiz-García

Adams

Brown

et al. 2020

Fishes

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Stingrays play a key role in the regulation of nearshore ecosystems. However, their movement ecology in high-energy surf areas remains largely unknown due to the notorious difficulties in conducting research in these environments. Using a blimp as an aerial platform for video surveillance, we overcame some of the limitations of other tracking methods, such as the use of tags and drones. This novel technology offered near-continuous coverage to characterise the fine-scale movements of stingrays in a surf area in Kiama, Australia, without any invasive procedures. A total of 98 stingray tracks were recorded, providing 6 h 27 min of movement paths. The tracking data suggest that stingrays may use a depth gradient located in the sandflat area of the bay for orientating their movements and transiting between locations within their home range. Our research also indicates that stingray behaviour was influenced by diel periods and tidal states. We observed a higher stingray occurrence during the afternoon, potentially related to foraging and anti-predatory strategies. We also saw a reduced route fidelity during low tide, when the bathymetric reference was less accessible due to stranding risk. Considering the increasing threat of anthropogenic development to nearshore coastal environments, the identification of these patterns can better inform the management and mitigation of threats.

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“…This species is categorized as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List [68], though little is known about the population size and trends or its life history and ecology. Short-tail stingrays have been observed to descend into deeper waters in winter and exhibit strong diel vertical movements [34], while other populations appear predominantly to be year-round residents of estuaries [69].…”

Section: Focal Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drone-Based Tracking of the Fine-Scale Movement of a Coastal Stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata)

et al. 2020

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Coastal ecosystems are under threat from a range of anthropogenic impacts that disrupt habitat connectivity and the ability for animals to move within them. Understanding fine-scale animal movement provides insight into how animals are responding to these pressures, and underpins effective ecological management and conservation strategies. This study used drones to investigate the drivers of the fine-scale movement of rays in coastal estuaries using the short-tail stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata) as a model species. Smaller rays swam with more regular bursts of speed and greater sinuosity than larger individuals, indicating that rays of different sizes alter their fine-scale movement behavior to maintain energetic efficiency. Rays were less likely to spend time resting and swam faster on the high tide compared to the outgoing tide. They were also more likely to exhibit bursts of speed at noon (11 am to 1 pm) than at other times of day. Body size, tide and time of day all influenced ray movement. Understanding the ecological variables that influence the fine-scale movement of rays and the potential for human activities to alter natural behaviors is integral to the implementation of effective management strategies for this group of animals and their ecosystems.

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Effects of food provisioning on site use in the short-tail stingray Bathytoshia brevicaudata

Cited by 18 publications

References 51 publications

Buried in the sand: Uncovering the ecological roles and importance of rays

Buried in the sand: Uncovering the ecological roles and importance of rays

Determining Stingray Movement Patterns in a Wave-Swept Coastal Zone Using a Blimp for Continuous Aerial Video Surveillance

Drone-Based Tracking of the Fine-Scale Movement of a Coastal Stingray (Bathytoshia brevicaudata)

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