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    Effects of fishing on fish assemblages at the reefscape scale

    226991.pdf (1.053Mb)
    Access Status
    Open access
    Authors
    Fitzpatrick, B.
    Harvey, Euan
    Langlois, T.
    Babcock, R.
    Twiggs, Emily
    Date
    2015
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Fitzpatrick, B. and Harvey, E. and Langlois, T. and Babcock, R. and Twiggs, E. 2015. Effects of fishing on fish assemblages at the reefscape scale. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 524: pp. 241-253.
    Source Title
    Marine Ecology Progress Series
    DOI
    10.3354/meps11077
    ISSN
    0171-8630
    School
    School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS)
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/38927
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    We studied the persistence of fishing impacts on coral reef fish assemblages by sampling 2 protected and 2 fished locations, using random replicate stereo baited remote underwater video. At each location we sampled a variety of coral reef habitats on 4 separate occasions between 2006 and 2007. We tested for consistency in differences in the biomass of target and non-target species, trophic groups and overall assemblages. Generally, target species were more abundant and/or larger at protected locations. Many non-target species were either more abundant or depleted at protected sites, and some of these species were significantly larger or smaller. Trophic groups such as piscivores, piscivore invertivores, invertivores and planktivores were consistently more abundant within protected locations. Generally, greater numbers of species and individuals were found on protected reefs, though this was not consistent in all cases across all 4 sampling periods. These findings are consistent with the theory that protected areas can increase the abundance of not just target species but overall fish assemblages. These findings provide evidence for ecological mechanisms such as predator–prey interactions, competitive release, and benefits to invertivores, omnivores and other non-target groups from the presence of more abundant and larger target species within marine protected areas.

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