Environmental Impact Research Program. Ecological Effects of Rubble Weir Jetty Construction at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Volume 3. Community Structure and Habitat Utilization of Fishes and Decapods Associated with the Jettie

摘要

Quarrystone jetties at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, were studied over a 1-year period to: (a) identify changes in the distribution, relative abundance, and composition of fish and crab assemblages, (b) characterize the food habits of most fish species collected, and (c) identify seasonal patterns in recreational fishing activities around the jetties. Fishes were assessed using gill nets, traps, and rotenone collections and by diver surveys; crabs were sampled using traps. Fish food habits were determined through stomach content analyses, and interview-count surveys were used to identify recreational fishing activities. The jetties generally attracted fish species that are normally associated with reef structures, species that are commonly found around estuarine inlets, and species that seasonally migrate along the coast. The jetties also appear to serve as nursery habitat for a variety of fish species. Stomach content analyses of 55 species identified three major trophic groups: fish that are mostly piscivorous, fish that feed primarily on sand bottom epifauna, and fish that feed primarily on jetty biota or zooplankton. Several of the recreationally important species feed directly on the jetty fauna, or on smaller fishes which consume jetty biota. Considerable recreational fishing was observed around both the north and south jetties, with most fishing activity observed on weekend days. Interviewed anglers primarily sought red drum, flounder, spot, bluefish, king mackerel, and sheepshead; however, black sea bass and smooth dogfish were the species most frequently caught. The numbers of fishes and fish species caught by fisherman were greatest during the summer, and more fish captured around the jetty structures than in nonjetty areas.