Data from: Sea urchin gonad index, quality and kelp assimilation decrease with increasing distance from kelp and depth
Description
We investigated how urchin size, gonad index, roe quality, δ^15N and δ^13C vary with distance from kelp and depth across sites in northern (~30oS), central (~33oS) and southern (~35oC) regions in southeastern Australia, spanning 700 km. Further, δ^15N and δ^13C stable isotope analyses were used to identify the contributions of different diet sources in the central (Sydney) region. Urchin size, gonad index and gonad quality declined with increasing distance from kelp across all regions. Urchin size and gonad index also declined with increasing depth. δ^15N increased in urchins further from kelp, suggesting greater animal tissue consumption. Stable isotope analysis indicated that the kelp Ecklonia radiata was widely consumed across regions and had the highest contribution to the isotopic signal in urchins from central Sydney sites. These findings improve our understanding of spatial variation in urchin roe quality and can inform targeted harvesting strategies, contributing to effective urchin management and sustainable fishery development.
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Institutions
- UNSW SydneyNew South Wales, Sydney