Density and size of reef fishes in and around a temperate marine reserve

2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Kleczkowski ◽  
Russ C. Babcock ◽  
Geordie Clapin
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Relative Density ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Natural Predation ◽  
Density And Biomass ◽  
Labrid Species ◽  
Related Mortality

The effects of marine reserve protection on the density, size, biomass, sex-ratio and overall assemblage structure of reef fishes were investigated at Kingston Reef Sanctuary, Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Significant trends in response to reserve protection were found for two species of top predators and several serially protogynous labrid species. The relative density and biomass of the heavily targeted Glaucosoma hebraicum was 10 and five times greater within the sanctuary respectively. Similarly, the biomass of the serranid, Epinephelides armatus, was 3.2 times greater in the sanctuary, although this difference was owing to a greater mean length not relative density. The male : female sex ratio for the labrid, Ophthalmolepis lineolatus, was significantly different between sanctuary and non-sanctuary sites, with the density of male O. lineolatus significantly greater within the sanctuary. Rottnest Island waters are largely restricted to recreational fishing, therefore these results suggest that a range of fish species around Rottnest Island are affected by recreational fishing, and that these effects are found in taxa beyond the primary target species. The patterns in the effects on bycatch species suggest that fishing-related mortality may be exerting a greater control on these populations than that exerted by natural predation.

A baited underwater video system for the determination of relative density of carnivorous reef fish

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor J. Willis ◽  
Russell C. Babcock
Keyword(s):  
Relative Density ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Underwater Video ◽  
Underwater Visual Census ◽  
Video Footage ◽  
Survey Techniques ◽  
Scuba Divers

Estimates of the relative density of fishes form the basis of many marine ecological studies as well as the assessment of effects of fishing or pollution. Plasticity in the behavioural response of large reef fishes to SCUBA divers means that commonly used underwater visual census (UVC) techniques do not always provide reliable estimates of relative density. The paper describes the system configuration, deployment methods, testing and use of a remotely deployed baited underwater video (BUV) system for the survey of carnivorous reef fishes (snapper, Pagrus auratus and blue cod,Parapercis colias) in marine reserves of northern New Zealand. Concurrent UVC and BUV surveys inside and outside a marine reserve showed that, whereas UVC detected few snapper in either area (resulting in little confidence in statistically significant results), BUV demonstrated significant differences in relative density. Conversely, blue cod were found to occur at significantly higher densities within the reserve by UVC, but not by BUV. The provision of accurate estimates of fish size (<20 mm error) from video footage also illustrated differences in size structure between protected and fished populations. The data suggest that a combination of survey techniques is likely to be necessary where multispecies assemblages are being assessed.

Species-specific impacts of a small marine reserve on reef fish production and fishing productivity in the Turks and Caicos Islands

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Tupper ◽  
Murray A. Rudd
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Marine Reserves ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Fishing Pressure ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Turks And Caicos Islands ◽  
Nassau Grouper ◽  
Density And Biomass

Marine reserves are widely considered to potentially benefit reef fisheries through emigration, yet the empirical basis for predicting the extent of this for small reserves is weak. The effects of fishing pressure and habitat on biomass and catch per unit effort (CPUE) of three species of exploited reef fish were studied at South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. Distribution and abundance of hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) and white margate (Haemulon album) were inversely correlated with cover of fleshy macroalgae. Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) were positively associated with vertical relief, but were unaffected by algal cover. Mean size, density, and biomass of hogfish were higher in a small (4 km2) marine reserve than on fished reefs, as was biomass of white margate. CPUE of hogfish was inversely related to distance from the centre of the reserve, suggesting that spillover of this species from the reserve to adjacent reefs may enhance local yields, possibly providing economic incentives for fishers to comply with reserve regulations. Fishing pressure, however, had no apparent effect on Nassau grouper. Larger fishes and those that migrate to spawn, such as economically valuable Nassau grouper, may move over too large a range to be effectively protected by small marine reserves. Small reserves may not protect all fish, but they can increase the biomass of smaller or more sedentary reef fishes and may be a useful tool for the conservation or management of species such as hogfish. Other policy options, such as seasonal spawning closures or total allowable catches, need to be considered for larger, more mobile fishes in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

scholarly journals COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND TROPHIC STATUS OF REEF FISH IN NATUNA WATERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Isa Nagib Edrus ◽  
Pratiwi Lestari
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Community Structures ◽  
Underwater Visual Census ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Coral Health ◽  
Density And Biomass

A field research on reef fish-community structures in Natuna waters was carried out in November 2015. This research aimed to obtain the trophic composition of reef fishes and its correlation to diversity, density, and biomass. Underwater visual census on several transect areas was used to collect data. Results show that the identified reef fishes were about 100 species of target-reef fish belonging to 18 families and 23 species of indicator-reef fish of the Chaetodontidae family. The mean species number of target reef fish and indicator reef fish were 42 and 7 species, respectively. The  mean density of the target reef fish and indicator reef fish were 0.4 and 0.05 individual per m2, respectively. The mean of the reef fish relative stock was 0.6 ton/ha. The composition of the herbivores mostly found in the resilient coral reefs r was 46.45 % and the omnivores and planktivores as marketable targeted fishes were 18.64 % and 14.28 %, respectively. The most predominant or major families were from herbivorous, carnivorous, planktivorous, and corallivorous fishes, including Scaridae (i.e. Scarus spp), Lutjanidae (i.e. Lutjanus spp.), Caesionidae (i,e. Caesio cuning and Pterocaesio caerulaurea), and Chaetodontidae (i.e. Chaetodon baronessa and Chaetodon octofasciatus). The results suggested that the community structures were quite prospectively implemented for fisheries; however, it may not be promising for coral resilience. Furthermore, the coral health status was at moderate level in regard to the high numbers of corallivorous butterflyfishes.

Influence of marine reserve size and boundary length on the initial response of exploited reef fishes in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, USA

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (S1) ◽  
pp. 55-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Bartholomew ◽  
James A. Bohnsack ◽  
Steven G. Smith ◽  
Jerald S. Ault ◽  
Douglas E. Harper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Florida Keys ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Boundary Length ◽  
Reserve Size

Evidence of a biomass hotspot for targeted fish species within Namena Marine Reserve, Fiji

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke T. Barrett ◽  
Arthur de Lima ◽  
Jordan S. Goetze
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Unexpected Finding ◽  
High Level ◽  
High Fish ◽  
Central Station ◽  
Video Transect ◽  
Very High ◽  
High Diversity

Namena is Fiji’s oldest and second largest no-take marine reserve, and has relatively high abundance and biomass of targeted fishes within its boundaries due to a high level of protection since its creation in 1997 (formalised in 2005). Following anecdotal reports of exceptionally high fish abundance at the Grand Central Station dive site within Namena, we conducted a 500-m meandering diver-operated video transect along the main reef formation, to obtain abundance, length and biomass estimates for fish species targeted by local fishers. Our census revealed extremely high diversity, abundance and biomass (11436kgha−1) of targeted fishes. While demersal reef fishes were present at higher densities than on typical fished reefs in the region, they were dwarfed by aggregations of reef-associated pelagics, namely the barracuda Sphyraena forsteri (5540kgha−1) and the trevally Caranx sexfasciatus (4448kgha−1). These estimates are comparable to those of historically unfished or ‘pristine’ locations, an unexpected finding given the historical fishing pressure within the reserve before its establishment and ongoing pressure in surrounding fished areas. This finding presents Grand Central Station as a useful reference site for ecologists and managers, and highlights the ability of protected coral reefs to support or attract very high densities of fish.

scholarly journals Marine reserve benefits and recreational fishing yields: The winners and the losers

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0237685
Author(s):  
Mohsen Kayal ◽  
Marine Cigala ◽  
Eléonore Cambra ◽  
Nelly Soulat ◽  
Manon Mercader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Unit Effort ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Social ◽  
Decadal Scale

Marine reserves constitute effective tools for preserving fish stocks and associated human benefits. However, not all reserves perform equally, and predicting the response of marine communities to management actions in the long run is challenging. Our decadal-scale survey of recreational fishing yields at France’s 45-year old Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve indicated significant protection benefits, with 40–50% higher fishing yields per unit effort in the partial-protection zone of the reserve (where fishing is permitted but at a lower level) than in surrounding non-reserve areas. Over the period 2005–2014, catch per unit effort (CPUE) declined both inside and outside the reserve, while weight per unit effort (WPUE) increased by 131% inside and decreased by 60% outside. Different CPUE and WPUE trajectories among fish families indicated changing catch assemblages, with yields increasing for the family most valued by fisheries, Sparidae (the ecological winners). However, reserve benefits were restricted to off-shore fishermen (the social winners), as on-shore yields were ~4 times lower and declining, even inside the reserve. Our study illustrates how surveys of recreational fishing yields can help evaluate the effectiveness of marine protected areas for key social and ecological protagonists. We show that, more than four decades after its establishment, fishing efficiencies at the historical Cerbère-Banyuls marine reserve are still changing, but benefits in terms of catch abundance, weight, and composition remain predominantly restricted to off-shore fishermen. Further regulations appear necessary to guarantee that conservation strategies equitably benefit societal groups.

scholarly journals The marine fishes of St Eustatius Island, northeastern Caribbean: an annotated, photographic catalog

ZooKeys ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1007 ◽  
pp. 145-180
Author(s):  
David Ross Robertson ◽  
Carlos J. Estapé ◽  
Allison M. Estapé ◽  
Ernesto Peña ◽  
Luke Tornabene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Fish ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Fish Fauna ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Species List ◽  
Deep Reef ◽  
Marine Habitats

Sint Eustatius (Statia) is a 21 km2 island situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The most recent published sources of information on that island’s marine fish fauna is in two non-governmental organization reports from 2015–17 related to the formation of a marine reserve. The species-list in the 2017 report was based on field research in 2013–15 using SCUBA diving surveys, shallow “baited underwater video surveys” (BRUVs), and data from fishery surveys and scientific collections over the preceding century. That checklist comprised 304 species of shallow (mostly) and deep-water fishes. In 2017 the Smithsonian Deep Reef Observation Project surveyed deep-reef fishes at Statia using the crewed submersible Curasub. That effort recorded 120 species, including 59 new occurrences records. In March-May 2020, two experienced citizen scientists completed 62 SCUBA dives there and recorded 244 shallow species, 40 of them new records for Statia. The 2017–2020 research effort increased the number of species known from the island by 33.6% to 406. Here we present an updated catalog of that marine fish fauna, including voucher photographs of 280 species recorded there in 2017 and 2020. The Statia reef-fish fauna likely is incompletely documented as it has few small, shallow, cryptobenthic species, which are a major component of the regional fauna. A lack of targeted sampling is probably the major factor explaining that deficit, although a limited range of benthic marine habitats may also be contributing.

scholarly journals Largest global shark biomass found in the northern Galápagos Islands of Darwin and Wolf

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pelayo Salinas de León ◽  
David Acuña-Marrero ◽  
Etienne Rastoin ◽  
Alan M Friedlander ◽  
Mary K Donovan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Marine Reserve ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Economic Importance ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Quantitative Estimates ◽  
Predatory Fishes ◽  
Dive Tourism ◽  
Galapagos Marine Reserve

Overfishing has dramatically depleted sharks and other large predatory fishes worldwide except for a few remote and/or well-protected areas. The islands of Darwin and Wolf in the far north of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) are known for their large shark abundance, making them a global scuba diving and conservation hotspot. Here we report quantitative estimates of fish abundance at Darwin and Wolf over two consecutive years using stereo-video surveys, which reveal the largest reef fish biomass ever reported (17.5 t ha-1 on average), consisting largely of sharks. Despite this, the abundance of reef fishes around the GMR, such as groupers, has been severely reduced because of unsustainable fishing practices. Although Darwin and Wolf are within the GMR, they were not fully protected from fishing until March 2016. Given the ecological value and the economic importance of Darwin and Wolf for the dive tourism industry, the current protection should ensure the long-term conservation of this hotspot of unique global value.

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