Ocean-estuarine connection for ichthyoplankton through the inlet channel of a temperate choked coastal lagoon (Argentina)

BRUNO, D.; DELPIANI, S. M.; COUSSEAU, MARÍA B; DÍAZ DE ASTARLOA, J. M.; BLASINA, G.E.; MABRAGAÑA E.; ACHA, E. M.

MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH

CSIRO PUBLISHING

Lugar: Collingwood; Año: 2014 p. 1 - 10

1323-1650

We examined fish larvae recruitment patterns to Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon 22 (Argentina) during summer 2009-2010. We hypothesized that in this microtidal 23 environment wind patterns could regulate the dynamics of fish larvae recruitment to the 24 lagoon. Ichthyoplankton samples were taken in marine waters, the surf zone and the 25 estuary. Previous studies show no reproduction by fishes with planktonic eggs inside the 26 lagoon, so recent eggs occurring throughout the study area were considered as spawned 27 at sea. Species richness and average larvae density were higher offshore than in the 28 lagoon. Within the lagoon, Brevoortia aurea larvae were dominant. The lowest larvae 29 density and diversity in the surf zone account for an area that is used only as a transient 30 corridor between the sea and the lagoon. Multivariate analysis showed that onshore 31 winds did the highest contribution in explaining data variability for most of the species, 32 while tides cannot explain larvae patterns. Our results show how winds, in addition to 33 pushing seawater into the lagoon, contribute to larvae recruitment into this estuary. 34 Finally, we discuss the role of small lagoons in the life-history of coastal fishes. Page 2 of 40 www.publish.csiro.au/journals/mfr Marine and Freshwater Research For Review Only 2 35 36 Additional keywords: Fish larvae, ocean-estuarine gradient, recruitment patterns, 37 choked coastal lagoon, surf zone, wind effect.