Using artificial illumination to survey nocturnal reef fish - new paper

[Dianne McLean]

Hi everyone,

Here is a new paper by Conor, Euan and myself. We compare fish assemblages surveyed using three different light wavelengths (blue, red, white). The study was conducted at night at the Abrolhos Islands, WA.

The results are pretty cool with marked differences for some species. e.g. pink snapper (Pagrus auratus) were much more abundant on blue and white lights, but only in areas closed to fishing. This was likely a response to the large swarms of baitfish observed under these lighting conditions at these locations. There are also some cool results for non-target species (Pempherids, Apogonids) which were more abundant on red lights.

If you are considering using BRUVs in conditions that require lights then have a read :)

Oh and Tim - thanks for your awesome stereo-BRUV pic.

Cheers,

Di McLean