Resiliency of reef fish communities in the Florida Keys following a January 1977 hypothermal fish kill

Abstract

In January 1977, a record breaking cold spell caused fish kills at Big Pine Key, Florida. Census data collected before and after the cold spell from a series of model reefs constructed in 1975 showed a significant drop in mean number of reef fish species and individuals. Following this disturbance, high recruitment of juveniles occurred, presumably due to reduced competition, predation, or a combination of these. Model and natural patch reef communities examined the summer following the cold spell (1977) were significantly different from those examined the summer before (1976) and the second summer following the cold spell (1978). During the summer of 1977, a significantly smaller mean fish size and a significantly greater mean number of species and individuals were observed. Increased species richness following the cold spell is consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Contrary to some theoretical predictions, results suggest reef fish communities are highly resilient to some regional disturbance.