Implications of substrate complexity and kelp variability for south-central Alaskan nearshore fish communities
J. Hamilton and B. Konar
- Price: Free
| Format | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hard copy | Free | Permanently out of stock |
Description
Understanding the interactions between kelp beds and nearshore fish is essential because human-caused changes and natural variability may affect fish habitat. Researchers studied fish communities in south-central Alaska kelp beds with varied substrate complexity and densities of both perennial understory kelps and annual canopy kelps. Canopy and understory kelp beds supported seasonal populations of adult and juvenile Pacific cod, rockfishes, and year-round greenlings. Kelp and fish communities changed seasonally, and the greatest densities of some species occurred at higher temperatures. This work illustrates the importance of structurally complex kelp beds with persistent understory kelp populations as important fish habitat for several commercially and recreationally important fishes.
Fisheries Bulletin 105:189-196.Item details
- Item number: RP-07-04
- Year: 2007
- Pages: 8
