Is scuba sampling a relevant method to study fish microhabitat in lakes? Examples and comparisons for three European species

TL;DR: A new direct and non-destructive sampling technique is able to provide an accurate microhabitat estimation of a fish community and is assumed to be more suitable than PASE for fish habitat studies.

Abstract: We compared fish microhabitat use patterns in the littoral zone of a lake using a new direct method (ie Point Abundance Sampling by Scuba, PASS) and the widely used Point Abundance Sampling by Electrofishing technique (PASE) We collected microhabitat data for age 0+ roach (Rutilus rutilus L), perch (Perca fluviatilis L), and pike (Esox lucius L) The two methods yelded different results for fish assemblage structure and microhabitat patterns Using PASE, fish were mainly found in "shelter habitats" such as shallow waters and dense vegetation It is likely that this behaviour is caused by the disturbance of the observer stamping around Using PASS, fish escapement behaviour was rarely observed Therefore, we concluded that this direct and non-destructive sampling technique is able to provide an accurate microhabitat estimation of a fish community and is assumed to be more suitable than PASE for fish habitat studies