Comparing the Performance of Three Sampling Tools for Assessing Fish Communities in Oregon's Marine Reserves

Comparing sampling tools allows selection of the best method to study a target fish community. We analyzed the structure of the nearshore fish community by comparing three tools: underwater visual census, video lander, and hook and line. Comparisons of these sampling techniques are rare in temperate nearshore systems. Yet, these tools are currently used to monitor the performance of the marine protected areas in California and Oregon. Hence, managers need to compare the strengths and limitations of these approaches to sample fish communities in nearshore environments. This pilot study aims to compare estimates of fish (1) abundance, (2) length, and (3) community composition between these three monitoring techniques by simultaneously sampling within 250000m² cells in shallow environments (10-20m). Species inventories and size ranges per tool will be compared. Likewise, frequency of occurrence for all observed taxa and the return of non-zero data will be compared. Further data analysis will emphasize how abundances of highly mobile, highly abundant, and cryptic species vary by sampling tool.  As Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife currently uses these tools to monitor Oregon’s marine reserves, these results will help select the most appropriate technique for generating precise and accurate data on specific fish populations.