Publication Details
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Feasibility of a Regionwide Probability Survey for Coral Reef Fish in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Author(s): David R. Bryan, Steven G. Smith, Jerald S. Ault, Michael W. Feeley & Charles W. Menza
NCCOS Center: CCMA
Center Team: Biogeography
Name of Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication Type: Journal Article
Journal Title: Marine and Coastal Fisheries Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science
Date of Publication: 2016
Reference Information:
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Keywords: Regionwide Probability Survey, Coral Reef Fish, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, coral reef , Regionwide Probability Survey for Coral Reef Fish
Abstract: Fishery-independent surveys can provide accurate and precise data for stock assessments and spatial management
to sustain fishery resources as a complementary or alternative source of information to fishery-dependent
sampling. Four years of underwater visual survey data collected in several local areas in the U.S. Caribbean were
used in conjunction with detailed bathymetric and habitat maps to develop a probability sampling design and
investigate the feasibility of conducting a regionwide coral reef fish survey. Stratification by depth and habitat
produced a more efficient survey design (i.e., one with increased precision at lower sample sizes) for estimating
mean fish density than simple random sampling for eight principal exploited and nontarget species. Species with
higher sample variance of density required larger sample sizes to improve survey precision. A somewhat counterintuitive
finding was that controlling survey precision over a large spatial scale (i.e., region) required less sampling
than controlling precision for multiple smaller areas within the larger survey frame. At regionwide spatial scales
relevant for fisheries management, the projected sample sizes for achieving moderately high levels of survey
precision were comparable to historical annual sampling efforts. However, controlling survey precision both inside
and outside spatial management zones would likely require sample sizes about twice the level of the historical
effort. Our findings stress the importance of clearly defining management objectives with respect to spatial scales
and target species as a prerequisite for developing precise, cost-effective fishery-independent surveys.
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