The Effects of Human Presence on Fish Behavior at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaiʻi During and Immediately Following the COVID-19 Pandemic Closure
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2024
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Abstract
Flight Initiation Distance (FID) data can provide valuable information on the behavioral patterns of fishes. This data can be coupled with other quantitative data such as the direct minimum approach distance (dMAD), start distance, and body size measurements of marine fishes to provide a better understanding of how fishes respond to perceived threats. Diver-operated stereo video cameras were used to collect flight response data at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (HBNP) which is the oldest and most popular Marine Life Conservation District in the State of Hawaiʻi. In March 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic suspended travel and tourism due to health concerns leading to a complete halt in visitor numbers at the Bay. This unprecedented change provided the unique opportunity to assess the crowding effects of humans on fish behavior in the Bay. Surveys were divided into two time points: during the closure when visitor populations were zero, and immediately following the reopening of the Bay when visitor populations were approximately 750 people/day. A total of 1,114 flight responses were recorded across eight species. FIDs were significantly affected by fish size, species, and starting distance. Similarly, dMADs were significantly affected by fish size, species, starting distance, rugosity, and the number of people in the water. The greater number of significant variables observed for the dMAD suggests that fishes are comparatively less wary during an initial approach than a continuous follow.
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Biology, Fish Behavior, Flight Initiation Distance, Hanauma Bay
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43 pages
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