Effects of provisioning on shark behaviour: Reply to Brunnschweiler & McKenzie (2010)

Abstract

Brunnschweiler & McKenzie (2010; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 420:283-284) expressed reservations over the findings of Clua et al. (2010; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 414:257-266), mostly related to the lack of a reference site or a control group in the methodology. In our study, we distinguished between 39 individuals of sicklefin lemon sharks Negaprion acutidens, mainly based on photo- identification. Our study was based on the field-survey approach, with time (a continuous variable) as the source of variation, and thus a control group was not necessary. We provide here additional data that support the notion that abundance of lemon sharks on the provisioning site was increasing, both in their number and fidelity. We maintain our conclusion that sicklefin lemon shark provisioning off Moorea Island can continue, but should be more intensely controlled. © Inter-Research 2010.