Effect of foresting barren ground with Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh on the occurrence of coastal fishes off northern Chile

摘要: Macrocystis pyrifera kelp beds play a significant ecological role along the coast of Chile. Besides their importance as food, protection structures, substrata, microhabitats and nurseries, regularly occurring natural disturbances (e.g. extremes climate variability El Nino–Southern Oscillation) increased exploitation affect these habitats. The present study aimed to test dependence reef fishes on evaluate effect an enhanced habitat structure (experimental M. bed) abundance, composition spatial distribution rock, macroalgae, in water column sand fish community. Boulders colonised by were transported into three replicated experimental areas (9 m2 each) located barren ground area. Three without manipulation selected controls. recorded weekly scuba diving over period 3 months, between 15 February 2007 13 June (4 months). Results indicate significantly higher abundances (mean = 225%) forested compared controls (mean = 3.71 fishes/9 m2 1.14 fishes/9 m2, respectively). Scartichthys gigas/viridis, Chromis crusma, Cheilodactylus variegatus Isacia conceptionis numerically dominated assemblages patches. Each species revealed different distributions areas: gigas/viridis was more abundant rocks C. whereas crusma I. preferred above bed. During time, lost some blades plants became detached. overall number correlated with declining abundance (r = 0.964, p < 0.05). showed responses changes declined remained constant.