South Atlantic proposed MPA: three years of preclosure data on habitat and closure data on habitat and fish assemblages

High resolution (sub-meter) bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data revealed the location of different habitat types

Strata were delineated based upon habitat similarity and geographic proximity.

Sample sites selected randomly within each stratum

Sampled in 2004, 2006, & 2007

Targeted Targeted hardbottom hardbottom reef habitat

– Local knowledge

– Split beam acoustic bathymetry on ship in 2004

– 2006 & 2007: used information from 2006 & 2007: used information from

previous cruises. previous cruises.

„ Sampled sites inside and outside Sampled sites inside and outside

the preferred MPA alternatives the preferred MPA alternatives

trying to hit as many of the trying to hit as many of the

habitats as possible

To Obtain estimates of reef fish reef fish density and species composition density associated with bottom features within and outside the preferred proposed MPAs.

To describe habitat features habitat features within and outside the preferred and proposed proposed MPAs.

Document the relationship relationship between habitat and species assemblages.

Open to everytone

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