In this paper, we describe results from mapping studies conducted in 2001 and improvements to reef fish populations that have occurred in the last few years. We find that less than 10% of the area contains intact Oculina coral thickets, which we continue to attribute primarily to trawling. In addition, we find increased grouper density and male abundance inside the protected area, suggesting population recovery, and the appearance of juvenile speckled hind Epinephelus drummondhayi (family Serranidae), suggesting nursery function for this and possibly other commercially important species.
This article may be cited as: Koenig, C. C., Shepard, A. N., Reed, J. K., Coleman, F. C., Brooke, S. D., Brusher, J., & Scanlon, K. M. (2005). Habitat and fish populations in the deep-sea Oculina coral ecosystem of the Western Atlantic. In P. W. Barnes & J. P. Thomas (eds.), Benthic habitats and the effects of fishing: Proceedings of Symposium on Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats--Linking Geology, Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management, held in Tampa, Florida, USA, 12-14 November 2002. (pp. 795–805). Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society.
Florida Atlantic University. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute contribution #1608.