Evidence for dynamic resource partitioning between two sympatric reef shark species within the British Indian Ocean Territory. Issue 4 (11th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Curnick, David J.; Carlisle, Aaron B.; Gollock, Matthew J.; Schallert, Robert J.; Hussey, Nigel E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 94:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 680
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2019-04-11
• Subjects: British Indian Ocean Territory -- reef shark -- resource partitioning -- stable isotope -- δ13C -- δ15N -- δ34S; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13938
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract : Stable‐isotope analyses (δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 34 S) of multiple tissues (fin, muscle, red blood cells and plasma), revealed ontogenetic shifts in resource use by grey reef sharks Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos and resource partitioning with silvertip sharks Carcharhinus albimarginatus within the British Indian Ocean Territory marine protected area (MPA). Resource partitioning varied temporally, with C. albimarginatus feeding on more pelagic prey during October to January, potentially attributable to an influx of pelagic prey from outside the MPA at that time. Reef sharks may therefore be affected by processes outside an MPA, even if the sharks do not leave the MPA.