Abstract

Where Have All the Big Fish Gone?
Track: Ocean, Coastal, and Marine Resources
Author(s): Emily Lundblad, Benjamin Richards, Robert Schroeder, Marc Nadon, Brian Zgliczynski, Russell Brainard

This study represents one of the first and most comprehensive efforts using GIS to investigate habitat preference of large reef fishes (e.g. Carcharhinidea, Carangidea, Lutjanidea, Scaridea >50cmTL) in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Using a towed-diver method, we conducted approximately 700 surveys biennially (2000-2006) covering approximately 12 km2. Biomass and numeric density distributions were analyzed with respect to depth, slope, rugosity and habitat type using ArcGIS 9.2. Bathymetric data were derived from multi-beam sonar, IKONOS and LIDAR surveys. Habitat type was determined using published benthic habitat maps. Initial analysis reveals significant correlation between overall biomass of large reef fishes and average depth and slope along each transect. These results provide the scientific basis for efficient and targeted habitat-based management strategies for large reef fish, begin to define essential fish habitat for these species and lay the foundation for similar investigations in the wider Pacific Region.

Emily Lundblad
NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1680 East-West Road
POST 833
Honolulu , Hawaii 96822
United States
Phone: 808-956-2698
E-mail: Emily.Lundblad@noaa.gov

Benjamin Richards
Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research
1125B Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , Hawaii 96814
United States
Phone: 808-983-3741
E-mail: Benjamin.Richards@noaa.gov

Robert Schroeder
Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research
1125B Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , Hawaii 96814
United States
Phone: 808-983-3727
E-mail: Robert.Schroeder@noaa.gov

Marc Nadon
Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research
1125B Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , Hawaii 96814
United States
Phone: 808-983-3741
E-mail: Marc.Nadon@noaa.gov

Brian Zgliczynski
NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1125B Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , Hawaii 96814
United States
Phone: 808-983-3738
E-mail: Brian.Zgliczynski@noaa.gov

Russell Brainard
NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1125B Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu , Hawaii 96814
United States
Phone: 808-983-3737
E-mail: Rusty.Brainard@noaa.gov