Abundance, size structure, and diver-oriented behaviour of three large benthic carnivorous fishes in a marine reserve in Northeastern New Zealand

Abstract

Spatial patterns in densities and population size structures of three large benthic carnivorous fishes, and behaviour of one of these species, were compared in different parts of the Cape Rodney to Okakari Point Marine Reserce, northeastern New Zealand. As human activity is focussed in the central area of the marine reserve, perceptions of the effects of marine reserve protection may be biased if this area is not representative of the entire marine reserve. Abundances of Cheilodactylus spectabilis and Pagrus auratus showed great variation among sites, while those of Parapercis colias were lower and less variable. During summer and winter, large Pagrus auratus were more abundant in the mid section of the marine reserve. Pagrus auratus of all sizes were attracted to divers and allowed them to approach more closely in the mid section of the marine reserve. Consequences of protection from harvesting are confounded with human-oriented behaviour for Pagrus auratus. Feeding of fish by divers may have altered the behaviour of this species.