Field Observations on Selective Tidal-Stream Transport for Postlarval and Juvenile Pink Shrimp in Florida Bay

• DOI: 10.1651/10-3291.1
• Publication Date: 2011-02-07T15:08:10Z
• Authors: Maria M. Criales; Hernando Cardenas; Joan A. Browder; Thomas L. Jackson; Michael B. Robblee
• Keywords: Full moon

Postlarvae and juveniles of pink shrimp were collected in the summers 2005 2006 at three stations northwestern Florida Bay, main nursery ground this species South Florida. Collections made one- or two-hour intervals during full moon nights two new depth water column. Results five collections consistent with assumption that postlarvae use a flood-tide transport (FTT) to advance into estuary by ascending column dark-flood tide resting near bottom ebb tide. Evidence FTT higher numbers per hour flood vs. large number highest velocity currents. ANOVA indicated significant differences between tidal stages phases, but not among depths. more abundant than moon. We also found different patterns postlarval distribution During moon, peak occurred coincident current speeds, whereas, one exception, second half period slack In contrast, exhibited behavior migratory pattern opposite postlarvae. captured depths, phases. Juveniles almost exclusively surface on Significantly larger dark-ebb rather both suggesting older leaving Bay