Abstract

To alleviate the problem of overfishing and habitat loss, the Jamaican government has implemented measures to assist coral reef associated fish populations rebound and expand. One of these measures was the creation of an artificial reef within Bluefields Bay Marine Sanctuary, a newly created no-take preserve. The purpose of the artificial reef is to provide protection and habitat for fish populations, with an ultimate goal of population expansion beyond the protected zone. This study‘s purpose was to monitor changes in abundance of fish populations associated with the artificial reef and nearby natural reefs. Two video fish surveys were carried out, approximately six months and twelve months after artificial reef placement. Surveys indicated increases in species richness, abundance, and diversity over the duration of the study at the artificial reef site and at natural reefs in the sanctuary. The increase in fish abundance was most substantial at the artificial reef, with the largest effects reflecting the increase in a single species, the French grunt Haemulon flavolineatum. Possible reason for increases included increased dispersal onto reef habitats with protection, seasonal effects, and variability in survey methodology. Further surveys are needed to document successful expansion of reef fish population in this marine protected area.

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