Effects of local scale perturbations in the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) trap fishery of Sardinia (W. Mediterranean)

Time series (1825-1973) of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, landings from the trap fishery of Sardinia (W. Mediterranean) were analyzed to identify (i) patterns of catch variability in the historical traps of Isola Piana, Portoscuso and Porto Paglia, and (ii) effects of three local environmental variables: Mining, Run-off and Sea Surface Temperature. We applied different time series analysis techniques: auto-correlation functions, spectral analysis and Dynamic Factor Analysis (DFA). Moreover, an asymmetrical design using a Before/After and Control/Impact location approach was used to test the perturbations due to mining processes that have characterized the fishery area. A sharp decreasing trend of Porto Paglia trap landings beginning in 1880, coincided with mechanized mining. This result was confirmed by the ANOVAs contrasting Before vs. After (P < 0.01) and Controls vs. Impact location (P < 0.01). We found a slight cyclical behaviour in the same time series. Spectral analysis highlighted that pattern synchronized with the Run-off cycles with periods corresponding to 7 years. We hypothesized that the effect of Run-off from watershed mine tailing dams creates a pulsing boundary 'reflective' effect for tuna migration schools on the in-shore trap of Porto Paglia, resulting in a periodic oscillation of captures. We have identified (i) a reversal of trends in captures between Portoscuso and Isola Piana traps and (ii) significant differences of the monthly distribution of capture events and timing of landings (P < 0.01) with a higher proportion now in May, rather than in June as in the past. We assume there is a relationship with climatic changes because warmer waters can induce precocity in gonad maturation. DFA did not show any significant differences among environmental factors and landings probably because the cyclical component in Run-off is masked. We emphasize the importance of Mediterranean traditional traps as 'sentinels' of the homing reproductive behaviour of bluefin tuna and we argue the case for a plan to link the remaining traps in a common monitoring network.