Curieuse Oct 14 Monthly Achievements

Achievement Report October 2014
Lemon shark tagging project kicks off on Curieuse

Project Objectives:
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Increase our knowledge of the different species on and surrounding Curieuse Island
Better understand the importance of the mangroves as a habitat for a wide range of
species and particularly as a nursery for marine animals, including sharks
Increase Curieuse Islands value as a protected area for important and unique wildlife, including several endemic and endangered species
Summary
Little is known about the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens), found in the waters
surrounding Curieuse. Negaprion acutidens pups are seen in both the mangroves and turtle
pond at Baie Laraie at certain times of the year, so it appears the mangroves act as a nursery
for this species. The project aim is to better understand their ecology and behavior, utilising
both population data (population size, sex, age, mortality) and behavioural data (range, site
fidelity).
Report
Introduction
In contrast to the lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris, which has been extensively studied,
little is known about the sicklefin lemon shark Negaprion acutidens. However, due to its tendency to utilize shallow coastal areas as nurseries for several years, it is vulnerable to habitat
loss caused by coastal development, and research suggests populations in India and South
East Asia have been negatively impacted[1]. Mangroves in particular are valuable nursery
habitats for many different species of fish, including sharks. The sicklefin lemon sharks seen
in the Curieuse mangroves have not yet been studied and present an opportunity to improve
our knowledge of this species in order to aid in conservation efforts and contribute to our pro
GVI.2014.2
ject objectives, particularly understanding the importance of the mangroves on Curieuse. GVI
is working alongside Seychelles National Parks Authority, our primary partner, to achieve
this objective.
Method
Study Site: The mangroves on Curieuse, consisting of six different species of tree, are unique;
it is thought that the attempt in 1910 to breed turtles in Baie Laraie, by building a wall between the headlands, encouraged the formation of the mangroves. However, with the partial
destruction of the wall by the 2004 tsunami, the mangroves show evidence of dying and receding, particularly at the front. This could potentially have negative effects on several species currently found in the Curieuse mangroves, including crustaceans, birds and fish. An
ongoing study currently gathers data in an attempt to measure changes to the mangroves and
understand how the destruction of the wall is affecting the mangroves.
Capture methods (in order of most captures to date):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Seine net 90m long with a top line of buoys and a weighted lead line
Gill net 10m long with a top line of buoys and a weighted lead line
Hook and line size 14 barbless circle hooks, fish used as bait
Cast net 3m in diameter
Dip nets
Tagging and data collection: Each new capture is tagged with

both a spaghetti tag (i.e. one that is visible from the outside) and a
PIT tag (injected into the muscle), on the right and left side of the
shark respectively. The PIT tag is injected directly whereas for the
spaghetti tag a small incision is first made using a scalpel before
using a gun to insert the tag. After this, the following measurements are taken: pre-caudal length (length from the nose to just
before the tail fins), fork length (length from the nose to where
the tail begins to fork) and total length. A DNA sample is then
taken using a punch from a fin, depending on the location the
shark was captured. These DNA samples will allow for extensive
genetic analysis of the overall population. Weight is also taken,
using a sling and hanging scale. Lastly, sex and state of umbilical
scar (closed/quarter open/half open/open), with photos taken, is
recorded before the shark pup is released at the same location it was captured. Additional data recorded includes capture method, GPS location of capture and details and photos of any
injuries present.
Training of staff and volunteers: Both staff members and volunteers are involved in the capturing and working up of the sharks. Training of volunteers includes safe practices while in
the turtle pond (e.g. stingray shuffle to prevent being barbed by sting rays), use of the nets,
use of the hook and lines, transporting sharks to the work-up area, data recording, release of
sharks after work-up and monitoring of sharks post-release. Staff are trained additionally in
removing sharks from the nets/hooks, handling during work-up and tagging/data collection.
Results
Sex: 31 males and 17 females
Total Length: 59.3cm 70.6cm, mean=64.2
Recapture rate: 9 recaptures vs. 49 new captures (15.5% recapture rate)
GVI.2014.2
Discussion
The seine net has thus far proved the most useful in capturing pups in both the mangroves
and the turtle pond, with 35 out of 58 captures. We have captured almost twice as many
males as females; whether or not this is representative of the overall population in the mangroves is yet unclear as it is thought we have thus far only captured a small proportion of the
total population. Recapture rate would suggest that the population is far larger than would be
expected of such an area, and that the breeding population is extremely healthy. This may be
due to the fact that Curieuse is a national park and is protected from fishing and habitat loss,
and that the surrounding reef system and mangroves are a diverse and productive environment. Ongoing capture and recapture data will continue to shed light on the value of the
mangroves as a nursery habitat, and allow for further research to better understand the ecology of this understudied species.
Filmalter, J.D. et al. (2013) Spatial behaviour and site fidelity of the sicklefin lemon shark
Negaprion acutidens in a remote Indian Ocean atoll Marine Biology 160:24252436.
GVI.2014.2

Curieuse Oct 14 Monthly Achievements

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Achievement Report October 2014

Lemon shark tagging project kicks off on Curieuse

Tagging and data collection: Each new capture is tagged with

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