Fish Assemblages Associated with Natural and Anthropogenically-Modified Habitats in a Marine Embayment: Comparison of Baited Videos and Opera-House Traps

摘要: Marine embayments and estuaries play an important role in the ecology life history of many fish species. Cockburn Sound is one a relative paucity marine on west coast Australia. Its sheltered waters close proximity to capital city have resulted anthropogenic intrusion extensive seascape modification. This study aimed compare sampling efficiencies baited videos traps determining abundance diversity temperate demersal species associated with naturally occurring (seagrass, limestone outcrops soft sediment) modified (rockwall dredge channel) habitats Sound. Baited sampled greater range higher total mean abundances than traps. larger amount data collected by allowed for discrimination assemblages between habitats. The markedly seagrass outcrops, fact that these are very limited within Sound, suggests they this embayment. Fish comprised subset lower when compared natural similar physical characteristics. may not provided necessary resource requirements (e.g. shelter and/or diet) some species, resulting alterations trophic structure interspecific interactions. more efficient non-extractive method comparing habitat associations smaller bodied juveniles turbid environment.