Characterization and comparison of the abundance and diversity of reef fish in different bays of the Arvoredo Island: Considerations on the “Marine Biological Reserve (MarBioRe) of the Arvoredo"

Abstract

A characterization and comparison of the abundance and diversity of reef fish species, visually accessible, in different bays of the Arvoredo Island (27° 17’S; 48° 22’W) was carried out. As the island does not belong entirely to the MarBioRe Arvoredo, the estimates were compared between protected and not protected areas. Relative abundance data, obtained through visual census, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results showed small differences between different sample stations. Most abundant and frequent species at the different sampling stations were Anisotremus virginicus, Chaetodon striatus, Epinephelus marginatus, Haemulon aurolineatum, Micteroperca acutirostris, Pseudopeneus maculatus, Stegastes and Sparisoma sp. The general abundance and diversity were more influenced by the presence of a coralline algae bank present at one of the sampling stations than by the protection ensured by the reserve. However, when dealing with the equitability and the comparison of fishery and sport target fishes (e.g. Epinephelus marginatus) we observed a possible influence of the MarBioRe Arvoredo.