Publication Date:
2022-09-13
Description:
Ports are associated with negative impacts to the environment such as habitat loss, collisions with whales, noise pollution and chemical and physical pollution. Structures in ports such as jetties are known to attract a high diversity of fish. However, a large amount of recreational fishing pressure is also associated with these structures. The Port of Albany in Western Australia is situated in Princess Royal Harbour. A complete fishing restriction within the port’s boundaries was implemented in 2013. We aimed to assess the effect of the fishing restriction by comparing assemblages inside the port to outside. Some of the targeted species in the port are open water species as well. We also looked whether or not distance from the mouth of the harbour affected the abundance of open water species in the assemblage. Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems were used to estimate the relative abundance and richness of fish along two distance gradients: one in the port and the other one in a control site outside the port. Higher total abundance, targeted species and open water species abundance, and species richness were found in the port than in the open area. Open water species presented an abundance gradient in the port, with the highest abundance closer to the mouth of the harbour. Few species, including at least one targeted species, preferred the area outside the port. Habitat inconsistence between the port and the control site limited the interpretation of the results. Despite this problem, the results of this study suggest that the port is likely to have a positive effect on the abundance of fish in the harbour. Distance from the mouth of the harbour also had an effect on the assemblage, which is a advised to be considered in future studies carried out in harbours.
Type:
Conference or Workshop Item
,
NonPeerReviewed
Format:
text
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