Spatial and temporal variation in fish assemblages exposed to sewage and implications for management

摘要: Abstract Underwater visual surveys, involving a Before/After/Control/Impact (BACI) experimental design, were used to investigate the abundance and species richness of temperate rocky reef fishes sea urchin following discharge sewage effluent from deepwater outfall. Multivariate analyses indicated that fish assemblages significantly different at outfall control locations, these differences largely attributed declines in relative several common, resident fish, such as eastern hulafish, Trachinops taeniatus yellowtail Trachurus novaezelandiae Centrostephanus rodgersii. Univariate analysis groups individual varied over times, periods locations. The location generally less than for We detected decreases 33% 50% rodgersii and, conversely, abundances some cryptic (small, cave dwelling or camoflagued) increased time This study indicates resulted an environmental impact affecting assemblages, urchin, it was concluded not complying with current pollution management guidelines.