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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 61(5)

Management implications of juvenile reef fish habitat preferences and coral susceptibility to stressors1

Edward E. DeMartini A F , Todd W. Anderson B , Jean C. Kenyon C , James P. Beets D and Alan M. Friedlander E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Aiea Heights Research Facility, 99–193 Aiea Heights Drive, Suite 417, Aiea, HI 96701, USA.

B Department of Biology and Coastal and Marine Institute, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, USA.

C Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research and NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 1125-B Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, USA.

D Department of Marine Science, University of Hawai'i – Hilo, 200 W. Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720-4091, USA.

E US Geological Survey, Hawai'i Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, 2538 McCarthy Mall, Edmundson 52, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.

F Corresponding author. Email: edward.demartini@noaa.gov

Marine and Freshwater Research 61(5) 532-540 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF09141
Submitted: 16 June 2009  Accepted: 15 October 2009   Published: 28 May 2010

Abstract

In the Hawaiian Archipelago, shelter-dependent juvenile stages of many reef fishes and their coral habitats are increasingly put at risk by multiple anthropogenic stressors (e.g. overfishing and habitat loss, coral bleaching and sedimentation, respectively). We assessed coral bleaching (to identify relative susceptibility among growth forms) and the use v. availability of structurally complex and simple corals by juvenile reef fishes in Hawai'i. We use these data in a model that identifies habitats and resource species for managing reef fisheries and conserving coral habitats. Many juvenile reef fishes preferentially inhabit rugose corals. The economic and ecological importance of these fishes varies from those with little value to others, such as highly prized parrotfishes that also serve as ecological engineers. Coral species also differ in their relative susceptibility to anthropogenic and natural stressors – more structurally complex corals tend to be more susceptible to stressors. Our model relates the economic and ecological valuations of fish resources with specific preferences of fish juveniles for corals of varying susceptibility, testing the prediction that risk should co-vary among species of corals and fishes. Managers should use such a model when prioritising habitats and resource species for conservation.

Additional keywords: coral bleaching and sedimentation, global warming, Hawai'i, nursery habitat loss, recruit reef fishes.


Acknowledgements

Funding for the NWHI coral monitoring study was provided by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program and the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve of NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program. E.E.D.'s financial support in 2006–08 was provided by a NOAA Fisheries, Office of Habitat Conservation, Coral Reef Conservation Program project. Funds for T.W.A. in 2007–08 were provided by a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant. Also gratefully acknowledged is the logistical support provided by Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures, Kamuela, Hawaii, and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service at Midway Atoll, North-western Hawaiian Islands Wildlife Refuge. We also thank D. Yamaguchi for assistance with figures, B. Bowen, D. Potts, and two anonymous reviewers for constructive criticisms of manuscript drafts. This paper is the result of research conducted under 2006–08 permits issued by the NOAA National Ocean Service, Papahānaumokuākea – Marine National Monument Office.


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1 Order of authorship reflects relative contribution to manuscript development.