Optimisation of underwater visual census and controlled angling methods for monitoring subtidal temperate reef fish communities

摘要: Standardised sampling protocols for monitoring fish stocks are essential to assess changes in stock status and provide a means evaluate the effectiveness of fisheries management measures, such as marine protected areas (MPAs). This study aimed optimise two standard methods, namely underwater visual census (UVC) controlled angling, assessing subtidal reef communities. In terms efficiency, variability bias, UVC transects were found be superior point counts. For an effort angler-hours per fishing station provided low catch variability, high unit representative catch. Whereas less variable estimates relative density, angling greater efficiency. It is thus recommended that methods used conjunction. The optimal identified suitable rapid assessments or long-term subtidal, temperate