Distribution pattern and feeding habit of marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae at artificial reefs -Study of propagating function of fisheries facilities 2

• Published in: Fisheries engineering (Japan)/Suisan Kogaku (Japan) Vol. 45; no. 2; pp. 129 - 138
• Main Authors: Ito, Yasushi, Nakano, Yoshio, Fujisawa, Shinya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: 01.01.2008
• Subjects: Marine; Pleuronectes yokohamae; INW, Japan, Honshu, Okayama Prefect., Hinase; INW, Japan, Honshu, Ishikawa Prefect., Noto
• ISSN: 0916-7617

In 2005 and 2006, the study for fish propagation effects on artificial fishing ground was conducted to understand the reef effect for the marbled sole Pleuronectes yokohamae and its distribution pattern around artificial reefs. The study was undertaken in about 4 to 9 meter depth of two different coastal waters. In early spring, juvenile of marbled sole, 1.5 cm in average size, were observed in the artificial reef zone located in the coast of Hinase city in Okayama prefecture (Japan). The distribution density was particularly higher within 4 meters range of the artificial reef. In the coast of Noto city in Ishikawa prefecture, the densities of immature and adult individuals were higher in artificial reef zone as well. It is also observed that once marbled fish transits to the demersal stage, it mainly preys on organisms derived from artificial reefs. Small organisms aggregated around artificial reefs were main component of stomach contents from juvenile and over one year old marbled sole collected around artificial reefs. Artificial reef seems to function as a feeding ground for marbled sole of demersal stage. This study clarifies that artificial reef positively improves the survival rate of marbled sole by providing food organisms; hence it can enhance resource propagation of this species.