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

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

MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH

CSIRO PUBLISHING

Lugar: Collingwood; Año: 2014 vol. 65 p. 1116 - 1130

1323-1650

We examined fish larvae recruitment patterns to Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (Argentina) during summer 2009-2010. We hypothesized that in this microtidal environment wind patterns could regulate the dynamics of fish larvae recruitment to the lagoon. Ichthyoplankton samples were taken in marine waters, the surf zone and the estuary. Previous studies show no reproduction by fishes with planktonic eggs inside the lagoon, so recent eggs occurring throughout the study area were considered as spawned at sea. Species richness and average larvae density were higher offshore than in the lagoon. Within the lagoon, Brevoortia aurea, Micropogonias furnieri and Engraulidae larvae were dominant. The lowest larvae density and diversity in the surf zone account for an area that is used only as a transient corridor between the sea and the lagoon. Multivariate analysis showed that onshore winds did the highest contribution in explaining data variability for most of the species, while tides cannot explain larvae patterns. Our results show how winds, in addition to pushing seawater into the lagoon, contribute to larvae recruitment into this estuary. Finally, we discuss the role of small lagoons in the life-history of coastal fishes.