Underwater video techniques for observing coastal marine biodiversity: A review of sixty years of publications (1952–2012)

Three underwater stereo-video techniques were used to sample the relative densities and species richness of temperate reef fish assemblages at three reef locations and two habitats (high- and low-relief reef) within Hamelin Bay, south-western Australia. The three techniques compared were diver-operated stereo-video strip transects, baited remote stereo-video and unbaited remote stereo-video. While unbaited remote stereo-video and diver-operated stereo-video transects recorded greater species richness at high compared to low-relief reefs, baited remote stereo-video recorded similar species richness at the two habitat types. The diver-operated stereo-video system was manoeuvred through caves and under overhangs recording small, cryptic, cave-dwelling species that were not recorded by either remote video techniques (Trachinops noarlungae, Trachinops brauni, Chromis klunzingeri, Trachichthys australis). Both remote video techniques recorded greater species richness and relative density of the most common species of Labridae, Ophthalmolepsis lineolatus. Baited remote video recorded the rarer, large predatory fish species (e.g. Seriola hippos, Glaucosoma hebraicum, Heterodontus portusjacksoni). None of the techniques sampled small cryptic fish families such as Gobiidae or Blenniidae. A combination of survey techniques is recommended for comprehensive fishery-independent studies that aim to sample broad components of fish assemblages.

/pdf/a-comparison-of-temperate-reef-fish-assemblages-recorded-by-2bin3fn4tp.pdf

A comparison of temperate reef fish assemblages recorded by three underwater stereo-video techniques

Estimates of the relative density of fishes form the basis of many marine ecological studies as well as the assessment of effects of fishing or pollution Plasticity in the behavioural response of large reef fishes to SCUBA divers means that commonly used underwater visual census (UVC) techniques do not always provide reliable estimates of relative density The paper describes the system configuration, deployment methods, testing and use of a remotely deployed baited underwater video (BUV) system for the survey of carnivorous reef fishes (snapper, Pagrus auratus and blue cod,Parapercis colias) in marine reserves of northern New Zealand Concurrent UVC and BUV surveys inside and outside a marine reserve showed that, whereas UVC detected few snapper in either area (resulting in little confidence in statistically significant results), BUV demonstrated significant differences in relative density Conversely, blue cod were found to occur at significantly higher densities within the reserve by UVC, but not by BUV The provision of accurate estimates of fish size (<20 mm error) from video footage also illustrated differences in size structure between protected and fished populations The data suggest that a combination of survey techniques is likely to be necessary where multispecies assemblages are being assessed

A baited underwater video system for the determination of relative density of carnivorous reef fish

A hierarchical sampling design, spanning five orders of magnitude (from 10s of metres to 100s of kilometres) was created in order to quantify the multi-scale spatial variability of visually censused rocky reef fish assemblages in the western Mediterranean Sea. Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that species abundance and the biomass of reef fish populations is higher within than outside marine reserves, and that a north-to-south geographical gradient of these variables exists. We also explored the relationship between the fish assemblage and habitat structure, as an environmental factor likely to account for an important part of the observed variability. The mixed analyses of variance revealed that total abundance and biomass, species richness and abundance and biomass of several target species reached higher average values within marine reserves. Nevertheless, some non-protected localities (e.g. Aguilas) harboured richer and more abundant fish assemblages than some marine reserves. In addition, regional variation, attributable to differences in local carrying capacity and hydroclimatic conditions, are also shown across the studied area. Moreover, the studied assemblage is patchy at small and/or intermediate spatial scales, considering both assemblage descriptors (total abundance and biomass, species richness), and the abundance and biomass of fish species and spatial categories. Detected patterns were different depending on the species and assemblage variables analysed. Differences in habitat structure account for a significant proportion of total variability of the studied variables, and are likely to be responsible for a large part of the observed differences, especially at small-to-intermediate spatial scales. Other factors—spatial variability in larval distribution, settlement and/or post-settlement survival–are discussed in order to explain the observed differences. We concluded that causes of the observed patchiness of Mediterranean reef fish assemblages are probably multiple. Long-term, multi-scale spatial and temporal monitoring actions, as well as process-oriented manipulative experiments are urgently needed in order to ascertain the relative importance of each factor.

Multi-scale spatial heterogeneity, habitat structure, and the effect of marine reserves on Western Mediterranean rocky reef fish assemblages

Management areas are used in marine spatial planning to conserve biodiversity of marine ecosystems and to protect fish from fishing pressure. To evaluate the effectiveness of these protected areas, observational techniques are used to determine densities, sizes, biomass, habitat types and distribution of fish species in and around management areas. Two types of observational techniques are used in spatial monitoring: (1) fishery-independent techniques, which include underwater visual census (UVC), underwater video, remote sensing, acoustics, and experimental catch and effort data; and (2) fishery-dependent techniques, which include catch, effort and catch per unit effort data from commercial and recreational fisheries. This review summarises the applications, advantages, disadvantages and biases of each of these observational categories and highlights emerging technologies. The main finding from this review was that a combination of observational techniques, rather than a single method, was the most effective approach to marine spatial monitoring. For example, a combination of hydroacoustics for habitat mapping and UVC or video for fish surveys was one of the most cost-effective and efficient means of obtaining fish-habitat linkages and fish assemblage data. There are also emerging technologies that could increase the precision and efficiency of monitoring surveys. There is a need for continued development of non-intrusive technology for marine monitoring studies.

Observational methods used in marine spatial monitoring of fishes and associated habitats: a review

Effect on estimates of fish abundance of speed at which an observer swlms an underwater transect was studied for a temperate rocky reef fish community in eastern Australia. Observer speed had a cntical though differential effect upon sample counts. Small or cryptic fishes were severely underestimated at relatively fast observer speeds because not enough time was available to search thoroughly for them. Some highly mobile species, however, were overestimated at slow speeds, due to their movement across the transect during counting penods, or to inadvertent double counting. Rotenone samples confirmed that, regardless of observer speed, highly cryptic species are largely overlooked by visual census It is suggested that observer speed should be standardzed in survey designs. Other suggestions for improving precision and accuracy of visual surveys are discussed.

/pdf/effects-of-observer-swimming-speed-on-sample-counts-of-4lrxnmfz2k.pdf

Effects of observer swimming speed on sample counts of temperate rocky reef fish assemblages

/pdf/sieve-mesh-size-and-taxonomic-resolution-needed-to-describe-1jo0wrdvbd.pdf

Sieve mesh-size and taxonomic resolution needed to describe natural spatial variation of marine macrofauna

Spatial variation in abundance of recently settled fish was assessed uslng replicated visual census during 3 surveys of rocky reefs < 12 m deep in New South Wales Two surveys compared abundances on reefs up to 29 km apart. The third, larger-scale survey compared abundances at 3 levels: regions (100 to 200 km) locations (5 to 12 km) and reefs (1 to 3 km). There were differences in abundance of recently settled individuals among reefs for many species, but these differences were masked by great variability in abundance within reefs. A realistic increase in replication would have greatly increased the chance of detecting significant dfferences in abundance among reefs for some species. In the larger-scale survey, 9 species settled. Most of the variability in abundance occurred among or within reefs, rather than among locations and regions. The great vanabhty in abundance within reefs at all spatial scales has consequences for assessment of environmental impact on settlement of rocky reef fish. We propose several ways of collecting data that should increase the likelihood of detecting such impact, including selection of control reefs with similar habitats to the impacted reef(s), and counting fish within habitats rather than from transects crossing habitats.

/pdf/spatial-variation-in-abundance-of-recently-settled-rocky-48llm19zis.pdf

Spatial variation in abundance of recently settled rocky reef fish in southeastern Australia: implications for detecting change

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Papers

Effects of observer swimming speed on sample counts of temperate rocky reef fish assemblages

Sieve mesh-size and taxonomic resolution needed to describe natural spatial variation of marine macrofauna

Spatial variation in abundance of recently settled rocky reef fish in southeastern Australia: implications for detecting change