Long term residence, diel patterns and site preferences of Carcharhinus falciformis, Carcharhinus limbatus, Carcharhinus galapagensis, Sphyrna lewini and Galeocerdo cuvier in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, Ecuador

Abstract

Over 14 years the MigraMar scientific network has obtained valuable information on the movement of five species of sharks of high scientific interest in the Eastern Tropical Pacific through acoustic biotelemetry. This technology has allowed long-term monitoring of 56 individuals with external and internal acoustic transmitters inside and outside the Galapagos Marine Reserve. This study demonstrates their long-term residence in the reserve and the connectivity between Darwin, Wolf, Roca Redonda and Central southeastern, and external connectivity between Malpelo, Cocos, Revillagigedo and Clipperton islands, showing their diurnal/nocturnal activity and site preferences throughout the GMR.