Fish populations of Port Foster, Deception Island, Antarctica and vicinity

Abstract

The fish populations of Port Foster, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, were investigated as part of the Erupt Antarctic ecosystem study. Surveys were conducted on five cruises between March 1999 and November 2000. Samples also were collected off Livingston Island and King George Island of the South Shetland Islands. Specimens were collected or observed using a multiple opening and closing net and environmental sampling system, otter trawls, benthic line-transect photography, and remotely operated vehicle video. Species composition, length, weight, reproductive condition, diet, habitat, and parasitic infestation were examined for the dominant fish species. Eleven species were collected, all in the suborder Notothenioidei. The fishes found in the survey are known to occur in the region and had diets similar to those found in other studies. Abundances of demersal fishes in Port Foster ranged from 0.05 to 0.10 individuals m−2 over the study period. Inshore shallow-water ( 30 m) habitats are identified in Port Foster and described. Port Foster may be a refuge for juvenile fishes such as Champsocephalus gunnari. Limited exchange with the surrounding waters also may limit the influence of recruitment and prey abundance fluctuations outside Port Foster. Trematomus scotti had heavy body cavity parasite infestation from Port Foster, possibly due in part to decreased benthic scour from large icebergs, allowing benthic parasites to persist.