Abstract

Bathymetric highs punctuate the continental shelf of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, serving as important naturally occurring habitats for exploited fish species. Until recently, the reef fish assemblages, benthic communities, and fish recruitment patterns at these mid-shelf banks have been described only qualitatively. Consequently, data for monitoring ecological changes are limited. Since 2004, we have been addressing this gap at Sonnier Bank, designated an EFH Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC) by the GMFMC. Surveys with SCUBA and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) have characterized the snapper-grouper-grunt (SGG) complex as well as benthic composition. Between 2004 and 2005, the SGG complex was similar and dominated by Lutjanus griseus, Rhomboplites aurorubens, Epinephelus adscensionis, Paranthias furcifer, and Haemulon aurolineatum. In 2006, significant reductions in abundances of P. furcifer and H. aurolineatum and pronounced increases in L. griseus and R. aurorubens were observed. Also in 2006, we recorded newly recruited species that included juveniles of L. buccanella, Mycteroperca phenax, and E. guttatus. Though the benthos at Sonnier has been previously described as a Millepora-sponge community (>20 years ago), more than half of the benthic coverage was a mixture of algae species. Further, algal coverage increased in 2006. Recently, we have deployed artificial settlement structures to provide information on the composition of newly settled reef-fishes and the importance of predation

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