| Quantifying relative diver effects in underwater visual censuses. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21533039 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Diver-based Underwater Visual Censuses (UVCs), particularly transect-based surveys, are key tools in the study of coral reef fish ecology. These techniques, however, have inherent problems that make it difficult to collect accurate numerical data. One of these problems is the diver effect (defined as the reaction of fish to a diver). Although widely recognised, its effects have yet to be quantified and the extent of taxonomic variation remains to be determined. We therefore examined relative diver effects on a reef fish assemblage on the Great Barrier Reef. Using common UVC methods, the recorded abundance of seven reef fish groups were significantly affected by the ongoing presence of SCUBA divers. Overall, the diver effect resulted in a 52% decrease in the mean number of individuals recorded, with declines of up to 70% in individual families. Although the diver effect appears to be a significant problem, UVCs remain a useful approach for quantifying spatial and temporal variation in relative fish abundances, especially if using methods that minimise the exposure of fishes to divers. Fixed distance transects using tapes or lines deployed by a second diver (or GPS-calibrated timed swims) would appear to maximise fish counts and minimise diver effects. |
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Authors:
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Luke C Dickens; Christopher H R Goatley; Jennifer K Tanner; David R Bellwood |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article Date: 2011-04-21 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: PloS one Volume: 6 ISSN: 1932-6203 ISO Abbreviation: PLoS ONE Publication Date: 2011 |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-05-02 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101285081 Medline TA: PLoS One Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: e18965 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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