Environmental and benthic habitat factors structuring the spatial distribution of a summer infralittoral fish assemblage in the north-western Mediterranean Sea

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Letourneur ◽  
S. Ruitton ◽  
S. Sartoretto
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Species Distribution ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Fish Density ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
Sandy Bottom ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Significant Factors

Patterns of distribution of a Mediterranean fish assemblage, with special attention to juvenile labrids, were studied at different depths on the basis of their relationships with environmental and benthic habitat features on a rocky coast at Marseille, south-eastern France. Fish species were distributed according to depth, with juveniles and small individuals being found in shallow waters, whereas larger individuals were found in deeper waters. However, depth by itself was not a significant factor in explaining fish species pattern, whereas sandy bottom habitat was significant. The most significant factors explaining fish species distribution were small and large blocks, and rock cover. Juvenile labrids, such as the most abundant ones Coris julis and Symphodus ocellatus, were only rarely observed deeper than 10 m, and the distribution of these juveniles was mainly correlated with a cover of macroalgae, rubble and small blocks. Fish density and fish biomass were higher in shallow than in deeper waters, although some species displayed an opposite pattern, such as the adult of C. julis and Diplodus sargus. The most significant factors explaining the fish density pattern found were the presence of macroalgae, Posidonia oceanica sea grass and sand cover. Among environmental factors assessed in this study, exposure to dominant winds was never significant, either for the whole fish assemblage or for juvenile labrids, or for the communities at any of the depth strata investigated. Depth was a significant factor influencing the distribution of juvenile labrids, whereas its significance in explaining fish density was lower. Bottom slope was generally more significant than depth, and thus constituted the most significant environmental factor. Benthic habitat characteristics were all significant, except for rubble cover, in explaining both fish species and fish density distributions. However, the amplitude of the relationships between substrate variables and fish assemblages was dependent on the descriptor studied (i.e. species distribution, including considerations of fish sizes, and fish density), suggesting that extrapolation of a particular relationship to other components of a fish assemblage would most likely be unfounded. Our results as a whole indicate that benthic habitat use by fish on Mediterranean rocky infralittoral coast is clearly non-random, and suggest that differences in habitat and/or environmental characteristics have significant effects at a small spatial scale on these fish assemblages.

scholarly journals Demersal fish assemblages and habitat characteristics on the continental shelf and upper slope of the north-western Mediterranean

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 981-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montserrat Demestre ◽  
Pilar Sánchez ◽  
Pere Abelló
Keyword(s):  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Demersal Fish ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Species Assemblages ◽  
The North ◽  
Benthic Sediments ◽  
Upper Slope

Continental shelf and upper slope fish communities were studied along the Catalan coast based on 66 experimental bottom otter trawls. A total of 79 demersal fish species were studied by means of cluster analysis and multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) ordination for community structure. Analysis revealed the existence of five major location clusters. Similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) was determined by comparing the dissimilarity between two groups of samples using the discriminating species. Geomorphological characteristics, bottom substratum and depth showed direct influences on species assemblages. High correlation between the biotic data samples and depth was observed. The fish species assemblages identified five main demersal fish associations which corresponded with the five location clusters and with five benthic sediments (mud of the upper slope, sand and gravel, mud of the shelf, muddy-sand and sand with rocky outcrops).

Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems

2005 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Largemouth Bass ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Habitat Alterations ◽  
Intensity Index ◽  
Specialist Species

<em>Abstract.</em>—We examined fish assemblage responses to urban intensity gradients in two contrasting metropolitan areas: Birmingham, Alabama (BIR) and Boston, Massachusetts (BOS). Urbanization was quantified by using an urban intensity index (UII) that included multiple stream buffers and basin land uses, human population density, and road density variables. We evaluated fish assemblage responses by using species richness metrics and detrended correspondence analyses (DCA). Fish species richness metrics included total fish species richness, and percentages of endemic species richness, alien species, and fluvial specialist species. Fish species richness decreased significantly with increasing urbanization in BIR (<em>r </em>= –0.82, <EM>P </EM>= 0.001) and BOS (<em>r </em>= –0.48, <EM>P </EM>= 0.008). Percentages of endemic species richness decreased significantly with increasing urbanization only in BIR (<em>r </em>= – 0.71, <EM>P </EM>= 0.001), whereas percentages of fluvial specialist species decreased significantly with increasing urbanization only in BOS (<em>r </em>= –0.56, <EM>P </EM>= 0.002). Our DCA results for BIR indicate that highly urbanized fish assemblages are composed primarily of largescale stoneroller <em>Campostoma oligolepis</em>, largemouth bass <em>Micropterus salmoides</em>, and creek chub <em>Semotilus atromaculatus</em>, whereas the highly urbanized fish assemblages in BOS are dominated by yellow perch <em>Perca flavescens</em>, bluegill <em>Lepomis macrochirus</em>, yellow bullhead <em>Ameiurus natalis</em>, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed <em>L. gibbosus</em>, brown bullhead <em>A. nebulosus</em>, and redfin pickerel <em>Esox americanus</em>. Differences in fish assemblage responses to urbanization between the two areas appear to be related to differences in nutrient enrichment, habitat alterations, and invasive species. Because species richness can increase or decrease with increasing urbanization, a general response model is not applicable. Instead, response models based on species’ life histories, behavior, and autecologies offer greater potential for understanding fish assemblage responses to urbanization.

scholarly journals Patterns of species richness and composition of fish assemblages in streams of the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná River

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yzel Rondon Súarez ◽  
Marcelo Maldonado de Souza ◽  
Fabiane Silva Ferreira ◽  
Maiane Jardim Pereira ◽  
Ediléia Amancio da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
River Mouth ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Assemblage Organization ◽  
Paraná Basin ◽  
Parana Basin

AIM: The present study analyzed the spatial variation in fish species richness and composition in streams of the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná basin, determining the relationship between local and regional descriptors of the fish assemblage organization; METHOD: From 2001 to 2011 we sampled 200 stream stretches, using different sampling methods. Local species richness and composition were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods to detect patterns of variation in the fish assemblage organization; RESULTS: We identified 111 fish species in the streams, and estimated the occurrence of 117 fish species (CIα0.05 = 111 to 123) with lower species richness in headwater streams compared to the lower parts of the basin. The fish species recorded were predominantly of small size, and the mean size increased from the headwaters to the river mouth. The four most common species are widely distributed in the basin. However, 24 species are allocthonous to the Upper Paraná basin, and two species (Chaetobranchopsis australis and Apistogramma commbrae) are recorded here for the first time in the Upper Paraná basin. Altitude was the main determinant of local fish species richness and composition, and a discontinuity in assemblage organization (richness, composition, fish size) was detected at approximately 430 m a.s.l.; CONCLUSION: Streams of the Ivinhema River basin are inhabited mainly by small-sized fishes; and longitudinal variation, interacting with local characteristics, determines the fish assemblage patterns.

scholarly journals Long-term study of reservoir cascade in south-eastern Brazil reveals spatio-temporal gradient in fish assemblages

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Coelho Loures ◽  
Paulo Santos Pompeu
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Fish Diversity ◽  
Fish Assemblage Structure ◽  
Long Term Study

In reservoir cascades, effects on fish assemblages are expected to strengthen over time and transfer from one reservoir to an adjacent one. To test this, fish-assemblage data from 23 years of monitoring in the Araguari reservoir cascade system, upper Paraná River basin, were analysed. The results showed a clear reduction in richness of native and migratory fish species and an increase of non-native species, following reservoir formation. Migratory species richness was higher in reservoirs that presented habitats similar to lotic stretches or tributaries upstream of the impounded area. There was a clear tendency for native species to decline and non-native fish species to increase, in a downstream direction. Fish assemblages became increasingly dissimilar as reservoirs became more distant from each other (longitudinal gradient) and were dominated by small and medium-sized species. Alongside longitudinal position, reservoir area, age and the presence of herbivorous non-native fish were found to be important predictors of variation in fish-assemblage structure. Results from the present study help clarify the potential accumulated impacts of reservoir cascades on fish diversity, which must be carefully considered in river-basin inventories for hydropower plants, and reinforce the importance of long-term monitoring, considering longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the basin.

Landscape Influences on Stream Habitats and Biological Assemblages

2006 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Classification Tree ◽  
Reference Conditions ◽  
State Agency ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

<em>Abstract.</em>—Conducting biological assessments at a national scale requires a classification scheme to report results, define reference conditions, and interpret data. We believe that such a classification should be based largely on biota. Analyzing stream biological assemblage data across the conterminous United States is difficult due to the lack of synoptic assemblage data. In the last 10 years, however, the number and scope of bioassessments has increased dramatically. We compiled a national-scale database of lotic fish assemblages containing 5,951 sample sites from available national and state agency data. Cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis distance) and indicator species analysis were used to cluster the data, identify clusters, and describe them. We developed 12 national clusters of fish assemblage groups that were well described by indicator fish species and predicted using both discriminant function analysis and classification tree analysis. We also examined the relationship of existing landscape classification schemes to fish assemblage similarity. Existing schemes captured about half the within-group similarity expressed in biologically derived clusters. Schemes based on ecoregion, physiography, hydrologic units, and geopolitical boundaries had very similar mean within-group fish assemblage similarities. Cluster and mean similarity analyses were not strongly influenced by using data subsets that removed nonnative fish species and disturbed sites. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms responsible for controlling fish assemblage patterns at the national scale are fairly robust to the effects of nonnative species and anthropogenic disturbances.

scholarly journals Similarity in benthic habitat and fish assemblages in the upper mesophotic and shallow water reefs in the West Philippine Sea

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (7) ◽  
pp. 1507-1517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Joseph R. Quimpo ◽  
Patrick C. Cabaitan ◽  
Kevin Thomas B. Go ◽  
Edwin E. Dumalagan ◽  
Cesar L. Villanoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
The West ◽  
Philippine Sea ◽  
West Philippine Sea ◽  
Benthic Composition

AbstractThe South China Sea (SCS) is a biodiversity hotspot, however, most biodiversity surveys in the region are confined to shallow water reefs. Here, we studied the benthic habitat and fish assemblages in the upper mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; 30–40 m) and SWRs (8–22 m) at three geographic locations (Luzon Strait; Palawan; and the Kalayaan Group of Islands) in the eastern SCS (also called the West Philippine Sea) using diver-based survey methods. Mean coral genera and fish species richness ranged from 17–25 (per 25 m2) and 11–17 (per 250 m2) in MCEs, respectively; although none of these were novel genera/species. Coral and fish assemblages were structured more strongly by location than by depth. Location differences were associated with the variability in benthic composition, wherein locations with higher hard coral cover had higher coral genera richness and abundance. Locations with higher algae and sand cover had higher diversity and density of fish herbivores and benthic invertivores. Fishing efforts may also have contributed to among-location differences as the highly exploited location had the lowest fish biomass. The low variation between depths may be attributed to the similar benthic composition at each location, the interconnectivity between depths due to hydrological conditions, fish motility, and the common fishing gears used in the Philippines that can likely extend beyond SWRs. Results imply that local-scale factors and anthropogenic disturbances probably dampen across-depth structuring in coral genera and fish species assemblages.

scholarly journals Influences of Multiscale Land Cover Characteristics and Specific Conductivity on Fish Assemblages in the Nolichucky River Watershed, Tennessee

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley S. Gotwald ◽  
J. Brian Alford
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Specific Conductivity ◽  
Fish Assemblage Structure ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
River Watershed

We evaluated the potential of using fish species and functional traits as indicators of land use impacts to fish assemblages. We used environmental data collected at multiple spatial scales (local, reach, and upstream catchment) for 19 tributary and main stem sites in the Nolichucky River watershed in Tennessee. Canonical correspondence analyses showed that temperature, elevation, specific conductivity, sediment yield, impervious surfaces, and row crop cover at the catchment scale were strongly associated with fish assemblage structure, as well as forest cover from all three spatial scales. Blocked indicator species analysis, with stream size as the block, showed that significantly strong indicators of the least-impacted riparian land use condition (&ge;60% forest cover) were Saffron Shiner (Notropis rubricroceus), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss), Longnose Dace (Rhynichthys cataractae), Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), and Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdi). Traits indicative of the least-impacted sites were the herbivorous trophic guild, mean female age-at-maturity, longevity, rock-gravel spawners, montane geology and pelagic swimmers. Specific conductivity was strongly related to multiple catchment-scale land use variables, and was a strong local-scale influence on fish assemblage structure. Our results show promise for using a relatively common but endemic southern Appalachian fish species, the Saffron Shiner, as an indicator for land-use related impacts to these streams.

The effect of shipwrecks on associated fish assemblages in the central Mediterranean Sea

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Consoli ◽  
Andrea Martino ◽  
Teresa Romeo ◽  
Mauro Sinopoli ◽  
Patrizia Perzia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Fish Assemblage ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Remotely Operated Vehicle ◽  
Soft Bottoms ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance ◽  
Over Exploitation

Understanding the role played by sunken vessels in Mediterranean marine ecosystems is acquiring increasing importance. The aim of this research was to study the fish communities associated with four shipwrecks, by means of underwater visual censuses performed by a remotely operated vehicle, and to test the differences in composition of fish assemblages between these shipwrecks and the adjacent soft bottoms, considered as control sites. Multivariate analysis on the total fish assemblage showed significant differences between wrecks and controls. Results also showed higher levels of species richness and abundance near all wrecks than at a short distance from them on soft bottoms, thus indicating that these sunken vessels, thanks to their higher habitat complexity, act as artificial reefs, attracting aggregations of fish species and leading to a greater diversification of the local fish assemblage. Nevertheless, shipwrecks, which are an ideal target for recreational fishermen, could contribute to the over-exploitation of some high-value fish species, such asMycteroperca rubra, Dentex dentexandDiplodusspp., attracted by the artificial hard substrate of the vessel-reefs. The recent European directives suggest an urgent need for a better understanding of the crucial role played by these potential sources of pollutants on marine environments and ecosystems. An ecosystem approach to study and monitor these pollutant sources is, therefore, mandatory for appropriate remediation and/or mitigation of the potential negative effects on a productive and healthy ocean.

SHALLOW WATER HABITAT MAPPING AND REEF FISH STOCK ESTIMATION USING HIGH RESOLUTION SATELLITE DATA

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincentius P. Siregar ◽  
Sam Wouthuyzen ◽  
Andriani Sunuddin ◽  
Ari Anggoro ◽  
Ade Ayu Mustika
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Density ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Stock Estimation

Shallow marine waters comprise diverse benthic types forming habitats for reef fish community, which important for the livelihood of coastal and small island inhabitants. Satellite imagery provide synoptic map of benthic habitat and further utilized to estimate reef fish stock. The objective of this research was to estimate reef fish stock in complex coral reef of Pulau Pari, by utilizing high resolution satellite imagery of the WorldView-2 in combination with field data such as visual census of reef fish. Field survey was conducted between May-August 2013 with 160 sampling points representing four sites (north, south, west, and east). The image was analy-zed and grouped into five classes of benthic habitats i.e., live coral (LC), dead coral (DC), sand (Sa), seagrass (Sg), and mix (Mx) (combination seagrass+coral and seagrass+sand). The overall accuracy of benthic habitat map was 78%. Field survey revealed that the highest live coral cover (58%) was found at the north site with fish density 3.69 and 1.50 ind/m2at 3 and 10 m depth, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest live coral cover (18%) was found at the south site with fish density 2.79 and 2.18  ind/m2 at 3 and 10 m depth, respectively. Interpolation on fish density data in each habitat class resulted in standing stock reef fish estimation:  LC (5,340,698 ind), DC (56,254,356 ind), Sa (13,370,154 ind), Sg (1,776,195 ind) and Mx (14,557,680 ind). Keywords: mapping, satellite imagery, benthic habitat, reef fish, stock estimation

Scale-dependent relationships between benthic habitat characteristics and abundances of blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra (Leach)

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (11) ◽  
pp. 1227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth M. A. Strain ◽  
Craig R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Red Algae ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
Sessile Invertebrates ◽  
Haliotis Rubra ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Biotic Characteristics

Habitat characteristics can influence marine herbivore densities at a range of spatial scales. We examined the relationship between benthic habitat characteristics and adult blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) densities across local scales (0.0625–16 m2), at 2 depths, 4 sites and 2 locations, in Tasmania, Australia. Biotic characteristics that were highly correlated with abalone densities included cover of non-calcareous encrusting red algae (NERA), non-geniculate coralline algae (NCA), a matrix of filamentous algae and sediment, sessile invertebrates, and foliose red algae. The precision of relationships varied with spatial scale. At smaller scales (0.0625–0.25 m2), there was a positive relationship between NERA and ERA, and negative relationships between sediment matrix, sessile invertebrates and abalone densities. At the largest scale (16 m2), there was a positive relationship between NERA and abalone densities. Thus, for some biotic characteristics, the relationship between NERA and abalone densities may be scalable. There was very little variability between depths and sites; however, the optimal spatial scale differed between locations. Our results suggest a dynamic interplay between the behavioural responses of H. rubra to microhabitat and/or to abalone maintaining NERA free of algae, sediment, and sessile invertebrates. This approach could be used to describe the relationship between habitat characteristics and species densities at the optimal spatial scales.

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