Cross and long-shore variations in reef fish assemblage structure and implications for biodiversity management

Bach, L. L. , Saunders, B. J., Newman, S. J., Holmes, T. H. and Harvey, E. S. (2019) Cross and long-shore variations in reef fish assemblage structure and implications for biodiversity management. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 218, pp. 246-257. (doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2018.12.023)

Abstract

Fish communities are an important cultural, recreational and commercial resource that also have an important role in the functioning of marine ecosystems. Around the world fish assemblages are experiencing pressures from anthropogenic activities, and marine spatial planning is being established to mitigate these impacts and assist with biodiversity conservation. Information about how fish assemblages are structured across a range of spatial scales which encompass variations in physical, biotic and environmental parameters will assist marine spatial planning and management. We investigated differences in reef fish assemblage composition over three reef lines across an inshore to offshore gradient (3–23 m depth) at two marine reserves (70 km apart) in the Perth metropolitan region, Western Australia. There were significant increases in the number of individuals, species richness, and relative abundance of fish species across the shallow shelf depth gradient in the two locations. There were distinct fish assemblages associated with each reef line, correlated to depth and distance from shore. The differences across the shelf gradient, even over this small depth range, were greater than the differences between the two locations. These findings have implications for marine spatial management and the design of marine reserves that aim to conserve biodiversity. It may be most appropriate for such marine reserves to encompass a wide depth gradient, rather than a large longshore area. At the very least, cross and longshore patterns in fish assemblages should be taken into consideration and used to guide spatial management plans for biodiversity conservation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by a grant from the WA Department of Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions to B. S. while at the University of Western Australia.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bach, Dr Lydia
• Authors: Bach, L. L., Saunders, B. J., Newman, S. J., Holmes, T. H., and Harvey, E. S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0272-7714
• ISSN (Online): 1096-0015
• Published Online: 30 December 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 218: 246-257
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy