LARVAL SUPPLY OF SHOREFISHES TO NURSERY HABITATS AROUND LEE-STOCKING ISLAND, BAHAMAS .2. LUNAR AND OCEANOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES

Plankton nets were moored in tidal channels around Lee Stocking Island to monitor larval supply of fishes to nursery habitats that fringe Ex uma Sound, Bahamas. Sampling was conducted continuously through two co nsecutive winters of 1990-1991 and 1991-1992. Meteorological and hydro graphic data were also recorded during these periods. Three of the six most abundant taxa (leptocephali, Bothidae and Ophidiidae) showed str ong lunar associations, with periodicities between 28 and 30 d. Labrid s were the only family to show evidence of any semi-lunar activity. Th e time series for the families Clupeidae and Tetraodontidae appeared t o be stochastic. Cross-correlation analyses were used to examine coupl ing of larval replenishment and physical processes. Four of six taxa e xamined showed significant relationships between larval supply and ons hore winds at short time lags during 1990-1991. In 1991-1992, however, taxa showed stronger associations with the northwest, long-shore wind component than with onshore winds. Coherency in larval supply among s everal taxa was remarkably strong. This implies either that the magnit ude of spawning is linked among taxa, or that planktonic processes are affecting a number of taxa in very similar ways. The similarities in the magnitude of supply events among taxa found here may be related to complex interactions between larval behavior and the physical environ ment.