Spatial variability in the nekton of a canal estate in southern New South Wales, Australia, and its implications for estuarine management

The nekton of a canal development in NSW, Australia, is described. Two sites each were sampled from the main canal and in end canals. The main canal had more species of fish than did the end canals, but the number of individuals was similar between locations. Abundance of particular species showed three patterns: species that were more abundant in either location, species that varied between locations and sites, and species that did not differ significantly in abundance. There was little evidence that the nekton from the end canals, which are presumably less well flushed, was depauperate compared with the main canal. Surveys of nekton in canal estates should incorporate spatial variability at two or more scales so that the effects of these human developments can be assessed properly.