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Papers by Jose Antonio García-Charton

Research paper thumbnail of Quotas regulation is necessary but not sufficient to mitigate the impact of SCUBA diving in a highly visited marine protected area

Journal of Environmental Management, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the contribution to overfishing of small- and large-scale fisheries in two marine regions as determined by the weight of evidence approach

Ocean & Coastal Management, Nov 1, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Elysia timida (Risso, 1818) (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia): relationship and feeding deterrence to a potential predator on the south-western Mediterranean coast

Marine Biology, Dec 1, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the effectiveness of a Caribbean oceanic island no-take zone with an asymmetrical BACI approach

Fisheries Research, Feb 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A review of the biology, ecology, behavior and conservation status of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834)

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Oct 20, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Combined Effects of Levels of Protection and Environmental Variables at Different Spatial Resolutions on Fish Assemblages in a Marine Protected Area

Conservation Biology, Oct 21, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of An expeditious low-cost method for the acoustic characterization of seabeds in a Mediterranean coastal protected area

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Feb 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustic telemetry and accelerometers: a field comparison of different proxies for activity in the marine environment

ICES Journal of Marine Science

Different proxies for activity are used in the field of acoustic telemetry, a leading technology ... more Different proxies for activity are used in the field of acoustic telemetry, a leading technology for the study of behaviour in the aquatic environment. Acoustic telemetry poses some shortcomings that may condition data interpretation. Here, we assessed some approaches commonly used to infer activity from acoustic telemetry data using acceleration biologgers as a benchmark. Specifically, we assessed (1) the performance of internal acceleration transmitters, (2) the consequences of averaging acceleration data into increasing time bins, (3) the occurrence of sampling bias in telemetry data acquisition, and (4) the performance of the number of detections and the depth range as proxies for activity. Despite some constraints of acoustic telemetry, acceleration transmitters had a good performance. Conversely, the number of detections and the depth range did not match well the activity estimates provided by acceleration biologgers. Besides, our results pointed to some issues in models conce...

Research paper thumbnail of The Science of Marine Protected Areas (3rd edition, Mediterranean)

Research paper thumbnail of An integrative and participatory coastal habitat mapping framework for sustainable development actions in the United Arab Emirates

Research paper thumbnail of Social equity and marine protected areas: Perceptions of small-scale fishermen in the Mediterranean Sea

Biological Conservation, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Small-sized and well-enforced Marine Protected Areas provide ecological benefits for piscivorous fish populations worldwide

Marine Environmental Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical distribution of two sympatric labrid fishes in the Western Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic rocky subtidal: local shore topography does matter

Research paper thumbnail of Shifting baselines in a Mediterranean small-scale fishery

Ocean & Coastal Management, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Propagule dispersal and larval patch cohesiveness in a Mediterranean coastal fish

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Feb 18, 2016

The assessment of fish dispersal is fundamental for both conservation and management of fishery r... more The assessment of fish dispersal is fundamental for both conservation and management of fishery resources as it provides crucial information for the establishment of more effective marine protected areas (MPAs) and networks of MPAs. In this study, we investigated the elemental composition of otoliths in early life stages of the saddled sea bream Oblada melanura (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Sparidae) in order to obtain information on its propagule (egg and larva) dispersal in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea. Specifically, using pre-settlement individuals we investigated (1) larval patch cohesiveness during the last phase of larval life; and with early post-settlement individuals we investigated (2) the number of potential natal sources, and (3) propagule dispersal distances. Results indicated that different larval patches can merge in the pelagic environment after having travelled separately for some days. In total, 7 natal sources were found to replenish, with different proportions, almost all sampling sites along a stretch of coastline of ~180 km, suggesting that propagule dispersal can extend at least up to ~90 km. This information provides important insights for understanding fish dispersal processes and supports the appropriate establishment of spatially explicit conservation strategies such as MPAs and MPA networks in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea.

Research paper thumbnail of Temporal genetic variation in populations of Diplodus sargus from the SW Mediterranean Sea

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Mar 26, 2007

Population genetic studies on white sea bream Diplodus sargus have revealed different patterns in... more Population genetic studies on white sea bream Diplodus sargus have revealed different patterns in the subdivision of populations in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the stability of observed allele frequencies over time remains poorly tested. The aim of this study was to show that the genetic structure of D. sargus could significantly change over time by analysing temporal variations in allozymes. In order to determine temporal variation in the genetic structure of 5 natural D. sargus populations in the SW Mediterranean, we screened 14 allozyme loci. Our main finding was the significant genotypic differentiation among cohorts (year-classes) in the Guardamar (F ST = 0.012; p < 0.001) and Cape of Palos (F ST = 0.008; p < 0.001) populations. The differentiation observed in the present study when considering pair-wise comparisons between cohorts is similar to that of all populations throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Our results suggest that microgeographical variations, also known as 'chaotic genetic patchiness', could occur in D. sargus populations from the SW Mediterranean. The recruitment of genetically variable cohorts at 1 site each year may account for these variations. We also discussed alternative explanations for this genetic pattern. This study confirms the importance of understanding the ecology, behaviour and environment of fish populations when investigating population genetic structure. Our results also highlight the importance of incorporating temporal samples when conducting population structure studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Coral reefs at Sir Bu Nair Island: An offshore refuge of Acropora in the southern Arabian Gulf

Marine Pollution Bulletin, May 1, 2022

Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensiv... more Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensive loss of formerly Acropora table corals, which are now functionally extinct in nearshore reefs. This study documents the coral community at Sir Bu Nair (SBN), an offshore island buffered by less extreme environmental conditions, which contains the last remaining large stands of Acropora in the southern Gulf. We found that Acropora is a major reef-building coral throughout SBN. Mean coral cover was 27% (range: 6%-49%) across all sites and depths, of which more than half was comprised by Acropora. This varied around the island, with the highest densities to the south and southwest in shallow waters. Our study provides essential information for the management and conservation of these highly valuable and vulnerable corals.

Research paper thumbnail of Intense Scuba Diving Does Not Alter Activity Patterns of Predatory Reef Fish: Evidence from a Protected Tourism Hotspot

Research paper thumbnail of Biology and Ecology of Groupers

Biology and Ecology of Groupers

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic connectivity and diversity as a tool to assess the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas

The design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA networks should take into acco... more The design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA networks should take into account the spatial distribution patterns and connectivity among populations of the target species, as a key element in biological conservation. Connectivity is the exchange of individuals among populations through the passive transport and/or active movement of individuals at whatever life stage. Well-connected and highly diverse populations are more resilient to natural and anthropogenic environmental impacts. In the context of MPA monitoring, genetic analyses are considered a powerful tool for assessing population diversity and connectivity patterns at different temporal and spatial scales. In this poster presentation the guidelines to apply genetic analyses as a monitoring tool for MPAs are presented. Two case studies in which genetics tools were used to assess connectivity patterns between protected and unprotected areas in the Western Mediterranean Sea were provided. In these case studies, two widely distributed intertidal limpets, Patella rustica and Patella caerulea, and a commercially renowned coastal fish, the saddled sea bream Oblada melanura, were considered. The results of these studies provide MPA managers with good examples on how to apply these guidelines and obtain the information needed to address specific species conservation issues

Research paper thumbnail of Quotas regulation is necessary but not sufficient to mitigate the impact of SCUBA diving in a highly visited marine protected area

Journal of Environmental Management, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the contribution to overfishing of small- and large-scale fisheries in two marine regions as determined by the weight of evidence approach

Ocean & Coastal Management, Nov 1, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Elysia timida (Risso, 1818) (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia): relationship and feeding deterrence to a potential predator on the south-western Mediterranean coast

Marine Biology, Dec 1, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the effectiveness of a Caribbean oceanic island no-take zone with an asymmetrical BACI approach

Fisheries Research, Feb 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of A review of the biology, ecology, behavior and conservation status of the dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe 1834)

Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, Oct 20, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Combined Effects of Levels of Protection and Environmental Variables at Different Spatial Resolutions on Fish Assemblages in a Marine Protected Area

Conservation Biology, Oct 21, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of An expeditious low-cost method for the acoustic characterization of seabeds in a Mediterranean coastal protected area

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Feb 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Acoustic telemetry and accelerometers: a field comparison of different proxies for activity in the marine environment

ICES Journal of Marine Science

Different proxies for activity are used in the field of acoustic telemetry, a leading technology ... more Different proxies for activity are used in the field of acoustic telemetry, a leading technology for the study of behaviour in the aquatic environment. Acoustic telemetry poses some shortcomings that may condition data interpretation. Here, we assessed some approaches commonly used to infer activity from acoustic telemetry data using acceleration biologgers as a benchmark. Specifically, we assessed (1) the performance of internal acceleration transmitters, (2) the consequences of averaging acceleration data into increasing time bins, (3) the occurrence of sampling bias in telemetry data acquisition, and (4) the performance of the number of detections and the depth range as proxies for activity. Despite some constraints of acoustic telemetry, acceleration transmitters had a good performance. Conversely, the number of detections and the depth range did not match well the activity estimates provided by acceleration biologgers. Besides, our results pointed to some issues in models conce...

Research paper thumbnail of The Science of Marine Protected Areas (3rd edition, Mediterranean)

Research paper thumbnail of An integrative and participatory coastal habitat mapping framework for sustainable development actions in the United Arab Emirates

Research paper thumbnail of Social equity and marine protected areas: Perceptions of small-scale fishermen in the Mediterranean Sea

Biological Conservation, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Small-sized and well-enforced Marine Protected Areas provide ecological benefits for piscivorous fish populations worldwide

Marine Environmental Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Vertical distribution of two sympatric labrid fishes in the Western Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic rocky subtidal: local shore topography does matter

Research paper thumbnail of Shifting baselines in a Mediterranean small-scale fishery

Ocean & Coastal Management, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Propagule dispersal and larval patch cohesiveness in a Mediterranean coastal fish

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Feb 18, 2016

The assessment of fish dispersal is fundamental for both conservation and management of fishery r... more The assessment of fish dispersal is fundamental for both conservation and management of fishery resources as it provides crucial information for the establishment of more effective marine protected areas (MPAs) and networks of MPAs. In this study, we investigated the elemental composition of otoliths in early life stages of the saddled sea bream Oblada melanura (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes: Sparidae) in order to obtain information on its propagule (egg and larva) dispersal in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea. Specifically, using pre-settlement individuals we investigated (1) larval patch cohesiveness during the last phase of larval life; and with early post-settlement individuals we investigated (2) the number of potential natal sources, and (3) propagule dispersal distances. Results indicated that different larval patches can merge in the pelagic environment after having travelled separately for some days. In total, 7 natal sources were found to replenish, with different proportions, almost all sampling sites along a stretch of coastline of ~180 km, suggesting that propagule dispersal can extend at least up to ~90 km. This information provides important insights for understanding fish dispersal processes and supports the appropriate establishment of spatially explicit conservation strategies such as MPAs and MPA networks in the southwestern Mediterranean Sea.

Research paper thumbnail of Temporal genetic variation in populations of Diplodus sargus from the SW Mediterranean Sea

Marine Ecology Progress Series, Mar 26, 2007

Population genetic studies on white sea bream Diplodus sargus have revealed different patterns in... more Population genetic studies on white sea bream Diplodus sargus have revealed different patterns in the subdivision of populations in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the stability of observed allele frequencies over time remains poorly tested. The aim of this study was to show that the genetic structure of D. sargus could significantly change over time by analysing temporal variations in allozymes. In order to determine temporal variation in the genetic structure of 5 natural D. sargus populations in the SW Mediterranean, we screened 14 allozyme loci. Our main finding was the significant genotypic differentiation among cohorts (year-classes) in the Guardamar (F ST = 0.012; p < 0.001) and Cape of Palos (F ST = 0.008; p < 0.001) populations. The differentiation observed in the present study when considering pair-wise comparisons between cohorts is similar to that of all populations throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Our results suggest that microgeographical variations, also known as 'chaotic genetic patchiness', could occur in D. sargus populations from the SW Mediterranean. The recruitment of genetically variable cohorts at 1 site each year may account for these variations. We also discussed alternative explanations for this genetic pattern. This study confirms the importance of understanding the ecology, behaviour and environment of fish populations when investigating population genetic structure. Our results also highlight the importance of incorporating temporal samples when conducting population structure studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Coral reefs at Sir Bu Nair Island: An offshore refuge of Acropora in the southern Arabian Gulf

Marine Pollution Bulletin, May 1, 2022

Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensiv... more Coral reefs across the southern Arabian Gulf have declined in the past two decades, with extensive loss of formerly Acropora table corals, which are now functionally extinct in nearshore reefs. This study documents the coral community at Sir Bu Nair (SBN), an offshore island buffered by less extreme environmental conditions, which contains the last remaining large stands of Acropora in the southern Gulf. We found that Acropora is a major reef-building coral throughout SBN. Mean coral cover was 27% (range: 6%-49%) across all sites and depths, of which more than half was comprised by Acropora. This varied around the island, with the highest densities to the south and southwest in shallow waters. Our study provides essential information for the management and conservation of these highly valuable and vulnerable corals.

Research paper thumbnail of Intense Scuba Diving Does Not Alter Activity Patterns of Predatory Reef Fish: Evidence from a Protected Tourism Hotspot

Research paper thumbnail of Biology and Ecology of Groupers

Biology and Ecology of Groupers

Research paper thumbnail of Genetic connectivity and diversity as a tool to assess the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas

The design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA networks should take into acco... more The design and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and MPA networks should take into account the spatial distribution patterns and connectivity among populations of the target species, as a key element in biological conservation. Connectivity is the exchange of individuals among populations through the passive transport and/or active movement of individuals at whatever life stage. Well-connected and highly diverse populations are more resilient to natural and anthropogenic environmental impacts. In the context of MPA monitoring, genetic analyses are considered a powerful tool for assessing population diversity and connectivity patterns at different temporal and spatial scales. In this poster presentation the guidelines to apply genetic analyses as a monitoring tool for MPAs are presented. Two case studies in which genetics tools were used to assess connectivity patterns between protected and unprotected areas in the Western Mediterranean Sea were provided. In these case studies, two widely distributed intertidal limpets, Patella rustica and Patella caerulea, and a commercially renowned coastal fish, the saddled sea bream Oblada melanura, were considered. The results of these studies provide MPA managers with good examples on how to apply these guidelines and obtain the information needed to address specific species conservation issues