Abstract

The western Gulf of Mexico (GOM) along the Texas coast is characterized by limited natural coral and hard struc-ture, where sand and mud bottom are prevalent. Due to the loss of numerous oil and gas platforms from the “idle iron” policy, placement of hard substrate in the form of concrete and steel structures has increased at a rapid pace. These artificial reef structures are predicted to increase available habitat for economically important fishes, such as red snapper Lutjanus campechanus, and other reef species. Monitoring the artificial reefs is an important step in determining the effectiveness of the configurations and constructions of reefs, such as culvert reefs. Few studies have report-ed any relationship between patchiness of culvert reefs and their assimilated reef fishes. To remedy this gap in research, an 18 month study monitoring three structurally distinct habitat types is being conducted at the South Padre Island culvert reef, TX. SCUBA divers are collecting data on species richness and abundance in bare areas, loosely scattered patches, and dense patches of culverts. Alongside the visual surveys, SCUBA divers are quantifying red snapper by size class to determine culvert patch size on snapper populations. Current analysis has shown the highest species richness and abundance on dense patches, yet the abundance of red snapper has been comparable in dense and loose patches, with hun-dreds of individuals observed per patch. From these findings, future reef deployments can be altered to meet specific structural guidelines determined through this research.

PDF Preview