Changes in the fish fauna associated with a sub-Antarctic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrocystis pyrifera</Emphasis> kelp forest in response to canopy removal |
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Authors: | Fabián A Vanella Daniel A Fernández M Carolina Romero Jorge Calvo |
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Institution: | (1) Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC), Bernardo Houssay 200, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, V9410CAB, Argentina |
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Abstract: | The fish fauna associated with a Macrocystis pyrifera forest and the effects of the canopy removal on this fauna were studied in the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego. Seasonal
changes and differences in the fish communities that inhabit the canopy and the holdfast were also studied. Two patches of
kelp forest separated by 200 m were selected. In one, the canopy was removed periodically while the other was used as a control.
Samples were collected seasonally, from autumn 1999 to 2001. Fish fauna in the water column was sampled using trammel nets
and holdfast fish fauna was sampled by removing the complete holdfast. Different assemblages of fish species were captured
in the water column (surface and bottom) and in the holdfast. In the former there were mainly pelagic and benthopelagic species
and the latter predominantly demersal species. The principal effect of the canopy removal was a drop in the abundance (and
total weight) of Paranotothenia magellanica (doradito), the species with the strongest relationship with the canopy, principally at the surface of the treated patch
probably due to a reduction in the availability of refuges. A high degree of seasonality was observed for fish species’ total
weight, abundance and diversity, with higher values in summer and autumn. Taking into account our data and available data
on kelp growth in the same locality, we suggest of cutting the kelp forest (preferably those farther away from the coast)
once a year in winter or early spring, in order to minimize impact on the fish community. |
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Keywords: | Kelp forest Macrocystis pyrifera Canopy removal Sub-Antarctic fish Notothenioids |
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