Small scale movements of Seriola dumerili under a FAD system in the gulf of Castellammare (NW Sicily)

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) are used world-wide to attract fish. A previous study revealed that FADs affect the distribution and dispersal patterns of juveniles of the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili. This occurs because FADs placed off-shore prevent juveniles from approaching the coast while those placed in-shore facilitate their recruitment in coastal areas. In order to obtain more information on the dynamic and movement patterns of the YOY S. dumerili associated with FADs, a tagging experiment was conducted in the Gulf of Castellammare. The 96 juveniles tagged and released under FADs placed at different distances from the coast showed a different movement patterns. The highest sighting rate and shortest distance traveled by fishes were recorded at the off shore FADs. These results reinforce those of previous studies on the same species.