Examination of an Estuarine Fish Assemblage Over an Inshore ArtificialReef

摘要

The perceived value of oyster reefs as fish habitat has led to many restoration projects in areas of historicallyhigh oyster populations. This study evaluated fish usage of a limestone cobble mimic oyster reef in Barataria Bay, Louisiana,as compared to a mud-bottom reference site. Emphasis was given to species of economic and ecological importance,including spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), and bay anchovy (Anchoamitchilli). There were no observed differences in community structure or catch per unit effort (CPUE) between habitats,likely due to high variability in the data, though seasonal differences were observed. CPUE of spotted seatrout, Atlanticcroaker, and bay anchovy did not differ between habitats. Seasonal differences in abundance were detected, with significantlyhigher CPUE of spotted seatrout in summer, of Atlantic croaker in spring and summer, and of bay anchovy in winter.Spotted seatrout and Atlantic croaker were both significantly larger over the artificial reef, while bay anchovy weresignificantly larger over the mud bottom. Spotted seatrout, a prized recreational fishing species in Louisiana, appeared tobe the only species that showed higher biomass, determined by numbers and size, at the the artificial reef. This is importantin the context of managing habitat enhancement projects. While the reef did not increase numbers or species richnessof the overall fish community, it did have an effect on one recreationally important species. Therefore, the success of suchprojects is based as much on the intended purpose, as its affect on the overall community.