Abstract

Our ability to quantifY habitat use by a managed species improves our capabilities to discern the species biological needs, predict effects of environmental changes, test hypotheses concerning ecological relationships, or support protection ofkey habitats. The white grunt, Haemulon plumieri, is an important component of commercial, recreational and artisanal fisheries in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Broad scale surveys forwhite gruntin south western Puerto Rico, identified biotic and abiotic characteristics of coral reefs and reef associated habitats reflective of size-specific habitat requirements, producing a qualitative picture of habitat selections. Subsequent side sean sonar, transect sampling, and GIS mapping of the same area defined the full extent of positive and negative associations for the white grunt as well as other species. Comparisons of the qualitative and quantitative methods can define future directions for evaluating habitat use by coral reef species and selecting appropriate scales for ecological experimentation.

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