Osborne, Felicity E., Gilby, Ben L., Barnett, Adam, Smith, Daniel J., Currey-Randall, Leanne M., Williams, Samuel M., and Dwyer, Ross G. (2025) Movement patterns and habitat associations of dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus with fish aggregation devices (FADs) on the east coast of Australia. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 770. pp. 155-170.

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Abstract

Understanding the movements of marine species is essential for predicting and addressing ecological responses to climate change and other human-driven impacts. This knowledge enhances our understanding of species ecology, informing discussions on fisheries interactions and management, and promoting sustainability measures for aquatic resources. Pelagic fish, like dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, are attracted to fish aggregation devices (FADs), intended to enhance fishing opportunities for fishers. However, factors influencing presence at FADs are complex due to various environmental and ecological influences, along with the high mobility of the focal species. We tracked the movements of 60 C. hippurus along a continent-wide array of acoustic receivers spanning 3000 km along the east coast of Australia. We aimed to quantify fish residency at FADs, determine the connectivity between FADs, and identify key oceanographic factors influencing C. hippurus movements. C. hippurus exhibited high mobility, travelling up to 1697 km from their release site, occupying regions between 25°S and 34°S. The average residency at FADs was 2.18 d (SD = 6.12 d). Strong connectivity was observed between FADs in Queensland and New South Wales, with fish moving north as temperatures cooled (~19°C) and south as temperatures warmed (~27°C). Movements predominantly occurred southward during southerly current velocities and when mixed layer depth increased (~50 m). Strategically placing FADs in areas with preferred oceanographic features and designing spatially connected networks can enhance the aggregation and connectivity of C. hippurus amid a changing climate.

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