| Thousands of juvenile yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) are captured annually in the state of Hawai‘i for the economically valuable aquarium trade (311,480 in 2010). Through the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) along the west coast of Hawai‘i, this highly targeted species has increased in abundance within these MPA boundaries. However, understanding the overall efficiency and fishery benefits (spillover) of these MPAs is important for management. Using visual surveys and tagging techniques, I investigated the survival and movement of juvenile yellow tang within discrete habitat patches along the northern boundary of the Wawaloli MPA. Juvenile yellow tang survival in habitat patches along the MPA boundary was found to be density-dependent and not related to protection (F = 115.61, P < 0.001, N = 2). Juvenile fish displayed minimal movement from habitat patches, no movement among patches, and no movement across the MPA boundary. Results of this study should be useful for resource managers considering habitat and reef fish demographics in MPA establishment, monitoring, and evaluation. |
