ENDEMIC LIMPET (NERITINA GRANOSA SOWERBY) RESTOCKING IN DIVERTED HAWAIIAN STREAMS: SIX YEARS AND STILL GOING

M. E. Benbow¹, A. J. Burky¹, L. L. Orzetti², M. D. McIntosh³, T. M. Fernandes¹, and C. M. Way⁴. ¹Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469-2320, ²Department of Environmental Science and Public Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, ³School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, ⁴Barry A. Vittor & Associates, Inc. , 8060 Cottage Hill Rd. , Mobile, AL 36695

Tag-recapture studies determined growth, dispersion and migration of an amphidromous limpet endemic to Hawaii. In 1994, 424 limpets were tagged and released into a stream void of populations. In 1995, a 8.7% recapture resulted in average growth of 10.0 mm y^-1. In 2000, a 1994 individual was recaptured 60 m upstream and had grown 27 mm. A second six-year recapture was made 100 m upstream; however, the tag was not legible. These recoveries indicate that longevity is at least 6 y. In 1999 and 2000, studies confirmed that restocked limpets persist after release. In October 1999, 297 limpets were released and recaptured through December 1999, giving a mean migratory rate of 0.54 m d^-1. Of those released in 1999, 43% were recaptured between April - August 2000, at a maximum of 100 m and mean of 23 m. Additionally, 198 were released in July 2000 for daily and weekly monitoring of initial dispersion. One day after release, 36% were recaptured and had moved a maximum of 2.3 m upstream. After three weeks, 88% were recaptured with mean migration of 0.72 m d^-1. These data are pertinent to restoring and restocking efforts important for preserving and maintaining natural populations.