Study sites
Most of this study was carried out during 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2007 at three sites around Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The 3 sites of study were rocky reef formations parallel to shore with presence of kelp Ecklonia radiata. Sites 1 and 2 were at Kurnell, Botany Bay. Site 3 was at North Bondi. Aditional occasional surveys were conducted at other sites around Sydney. In order to compare seadragon populations from different areas , fieldwork was also conducted in collaboration with Project Seahorse in 2003, 2004 and 2009 at Kingston Beach and Blackman's Bay, Tasmania (TAS).Sampling and tagging protocol
All tagging and observations were conducted using SCUBA. Waterproof data sheets with a standardised seadragon outline were taken underwater. Seadragons were tagged with VIFE injectors (Visual Implant Fluorescent Elastomer). The tagging was done in situ by gently restraining the animal with one hand and injecting the the tagging material with the other. No signs of adverse reaction to the tagging were observed with some fishes showing feeding behaviour immediately after tagging.
No comments:
Post a Comment