Journal
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
Volume 31, Issue 3, Pages 277-287Publisher
NATL INQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE PTY LTD
DOI: 10.2989/AJMS.2009.31.3.1.989
Keywords
catch per unit effort; Chrysoblephus laticeps; fisheries management; instantaneous area point count; linefish; marine protected area; strip transect; variability
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Funding
- Rhodes University Henderson Postgraduate Scholarship
- Ocean Research Conservation Africa (ORCA) Foundation, Plettenberg Bay
- South African Environmental Observation Network
- Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (Rhodes University)
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Standardised sampling protocols for monitoring fish stocks are essential to assess changes in stock status and provide a means to evaluate the effectiveness of fisheries management measures, such as marine protected areas (MPAs). This study aimed to optimise two standard sampling methods, namely underwater visual census (UVC) and controlled angling, for assessing subtidal reef fish communities. In terms of efficiency, variability and bias, UVC transects were found to be superior to point counts. For controlled angling, an effort of two angler-hours per fishing station provided low catch variability, high catch per unit effort and a representative catch. Whereas UVC provided less variable estimates of relative density, controlled angling provided greater sampling efficiency. It is thus recommended that the two methods be used in conjunction. The optimal sampling protocols identified are suitable for rapid assessments or long-term monitoring of subtidal, temperate reef fish communities.
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