Can underwater refuges protect fish populations against cormorant predation? Evidence from a large‐scale multiple pond experiment

摘要: Artificial structures can protect fish against predation by cormorants (Phalacocorax spp.). However, their effectiveness in larger water bodies with different communities the presence of natural vegetation still needs to be explored. Using a large-scale field experiment 24 ponds stocked differently composed communities, present study investigates extent which effect artificial refuges on is species-specific and determined characteristics community. This provides strong experimental evidence for protecting from cormorants, even submerged vegetation. The was, however, highly depended composition Strong positive effects rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.), roach, Rutilus rutilus populations were observed, especially where these species dominated. Overall, total biomass young-of-the-year, 1-year-old adult rudd roach was average 500, 7 15 times lower without than refuges, respectively. No other found. indicates that facilitate coexistence vulnerable lakes ponds.