A preliminary assessment of larval fish assemblages on artificial reefs in the nearshore Southern Brazil

Abstract

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been deployed on the inner shelf of Paraná, Southeast Brazil, as protection against destructive trawling activities, and to offer habitat for local fauna for recovery of biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary characterization of the ichthyoplankton community associated with both artificial and natural reefs in the Currais Archipelago, and perform a comparison of fish larvae composition between ARs and nearby unconsolidated substrate. Two sampling methods were used, light traps and a plankton net. A total of 12 families and 14 species were identified, expanding the total species list in the area by eight species and three families. Differences among assemblages on ARs and unconsolidated substrate indicate that ARs seem to be effective attractors to fish larvae. Particular attention is drawn in regard to the "attractor effect" for exotic species that do not naturally reside in the area, such as Omobranchus punctatus. The large abundance of fish eggs on ARs suggests that these artificial structures can improve local production. These results are the first step needed to better define guidelines for sustainable use and management of ARs and Currais Archipelago, a Marine National Park.

Descriptors:
Fish egg; Fish larvae; Light trap; Exotic species; Ecological succession